“Sawyer’s just the best little buddy. He means the world to me.” – Peter, Tom&Sawyer Co-Founder and Sawyer’s Paw-rent

Our pets are a part of our family and everyone that has a dog, a cat, or any pet can understand that the bond between a pet and a paw-rent is one of the most fulfilling feelings! We are very lucky to be living in a time where our pets have become one of our family members that we take care of just like we would a human child. Similar to parenting a human child, caring for a fur baby also involves different parental roles and delights. 

In this blog, we asked Peter, Sawyer’s Dad and Tom&Sawyer Co-Founder, some questions to better understand not only what it’s like to be a dog dad, but what it’s like to be Sawyer’s fur-dad! 

What is your fondest moment or favourite memory of Sawyer to date?

As many paw-rents can relate, Peter said, “This keeps changing!” and that there are so many moments that he thinks about, often to bring a smile to his face when he’s travelling or away from Sawyer. There were 5 specific memories or moments that Peter shared with us that highlight different sides of Sawyer’s personality and the experiences they share. 

First was, “How he greets people!” 

Yes, you read that right, Sawyer has a contagious smile that brightens your day whenever he walks into a room! Peter said he loves, “how he just throws so much excitement, love and enthusiasm into when he greets me (and many others) with his smiling, excited head movements, and how his tail wagging makes his entire body shake with excitement. It just absolutely melts my heart every time I see it – it never gets old.” 

Peter notes that when they were first training Sawyer to stay at home alone they would make such a big deal saying hi when they came back, “that over time he learned to do the same thing back to us – smiling, snorting, all excited!”

Playing is one of the major experiences that is shared between a pup and their paw-rent and is one of Peter’s favourite moments with Sawyer. Sawyer is a lucky pup that has many different toys to play with and loves going through all of them one by one (making sure they are all there!). Peter said, “While he likes playing with his toys on his own, his favourite (and mine) is when he gets a toy in his mouth (usually with a squeaker) and he lays on his side and holds the toy with his front paws while chewing it, when he tosses it away aggressively, waiting for me to put it back into his mouth and paws, only for him to toss it away again….this cycle will be repeated so many times, each time with him flicking the toy away with a power and straightening of his front legs! It’s hilarious to watch, and over time he gets more into it, squeaking the toy and making groaning sounds, and after a while he gets too amped up and starts getting agitated, groaning more and showing his teeth like he’s getting annoyed, but he doesn’t want you to stop.”

Peter also mentioned his love for Sawyer’s protective instincts as a 10 pound yorkie-poo and mentioned how, “he thinks he’s over 100lbs if he feels that he has to protect either me, Kristin or our home. We would so love to know what he is thinking!”

Even though he’s a pretty tiny pup, Sawyer has so much energy that one of their shared hobbies is going on long hikes! One of his favourite hiking spots is the Ganaraska that is an amazing outdoor wilderness space in Ontario with about 11,000 acres of woods and trails. Peter said, “Sawyer just loves hiking the trails here, all times of the year. Some days we will do the Orange loop that overall is about 12 km of hiking, which is a long way for a 10 lb yorkie-poo, but the entire time he pulls in excitement and with each hill climb he goes faster and is stronger….until he sees the parking lot and gets ready to get his treats and rest in his bed on the ride home!”

Most of our pets have a favourite word they learn to get excited by when they hear it like “walk”, “treat”, or “park”, but to Sawyer, everything said in a “cookie voice” will be considered a treat! Peter said, “I cannot do it very well, but Kristin can do a higher pitched cookie voice where basically Sawyer will do anything when that voice is used…like when he has to take a pill and with that voice he thinks it’s a candy!”

How does Sawyer make you feel?

We all know that having a pet in our lives makes us all feel soft and fuzzy inside and make us forget any troubles we might have experienced during the day the second we get back home and see them! Peter said that although Sawyer is a bundle of energy when he wants to play, he also loves to relax and cuddle. “He exudes a love and caring that just makes me feel so wonderful.” 

Sawyer also knows how to match his fur-dad Peter’s energy, “The odd day when I don’t feel great and I’m resting in bed, he wants to be right by my side and stay with me. Other days when I’ve got lots of energy, he wants to go outside for walks, play in the backyard or throw around his toys with me” A dog is truly man’s best friend and as Peter also mentions, “He’s just the best little buddy. He means the world to me.”

Dogs, just like human children and adults alike, like routines. They know when they usually go for their walks, when they get food, and when they are tired and ready for bed. Peter mentioned how Sawyer is very routine-oriented and one of his favourite parts of their daily routine is when Sawyer starts to feel tired and is ready for bed! Peter said, “We go up to bed together, and he whacks with his paw at the sheets which is my signal to lift them so he can snuggle underneath them right up alongside me (always on my right side). After a while he gets a bit hot and needs to come out and rest with his head above the covers next to me.”

Our dogs can also help us maintain our own routines in times we may not even realise we are outside of our regular schedule. They will remind us it’s time to take a short break to go on a walk, or that it’s time for a post-dinner treat and that we may also feel snackish since they are definitely ‘so hungry’ even though they just had their dinner. Peter mentioned that as someone who never went to bed at a regular time or really looked forward to sleep, “Sawyer has created a routine where I cannot wait to get into bed and settle down for the night – and it’s almost exactly the same time every night when he is tired. I love that he has instilled a very healthy habit in me!”

What does being a dog dad mean to you?

Being a dog dad can mean many different things to different people and everyone has a unique bond with their pup that brings out different emotions. These relationships and emotions may also differ depending on the time our pups enter our lives. Peter mentioned how he grew up on a farm and has always been around dogs except for the time he was in university but that Sawyer is the smallest and “the first humanised dog” he’s ever had! Peter said, “Sawyer truly is one of the family in our house, in our travels and in our bed. This is the first time I’ve had this level of love for a dog – he truly is my little buddy.”

Peter and Sawyer have a great relationship. “I am so proud to be Sawyer’s dad.” Peter mentioned that even though Sawyer is particular with picking his dog friends, he loves to meet people and to introduce his human friends to Peter by bringing him over as if saying “Hey dad, meet my new friend!” 

He also mentioned how having Sawyer has offered him a new perspective on pets and said, “Since getting Sawyer I truly understand the deep emotional connection you can have with a family dog or cat. While walking or driving I now notice every dog and cat around, and take a moment to admire how cute they are and how they interact with their humans.”

Peter also commented that a dog dad can take on many different forms of relationship. He shared, “I have friends who are amazing dog dads to larger hunting dogs who likely think I’m a little over the top giving Sawyer the best life I can. Heck, we started a pet food company just for Sawyer so he would have the healthiest food imaginable for him – and so we could do something to help all pet parents who feel the way about their family dog or cat as we do with Sawyer.”

After talking about Sawyer’s inclusion in most family activities, Peter had to mention Sawyer’s love for the summer which comes with “lots of walks in the warmth, seeing his ‘people’ friends, and he doesn’t have to wear the ridiculous number of jackets we have for him in the winter!”

But the one thing he is not able to join in on is…golfing. As mentioned earlier, Sawyer has many toys and loves to play but has developed a bit of an obsession with balls, including golf balls! Peter finished off the interview and explained by saying “He would really get over-stimulated to the point where we no longer have any balls around him, and have to dodge kids with balls when we are out walking.” Thus, he can no longer join them at the golf club….booo!

Peter and co-founder Kristin love Sawyer so much that they started Tom&Sawyer just for him (and named the business after Sawyer, too!). Check out Tom&Sawyer’s healthy, gently-cooked meals that have helped Sawyer, and other dogs and cats across Canada, thrive. 

As our furry friends grow older, they often begin to experience a range of physical and behavioural changes that can be challenging to navigate. As pet parents, it’s important for us to understand and embrace these changes so we can help our aging canine companions live their best lives. 

From adapting to changes in energy levels and appetite to managing unexpected bursts of activity (also known as „zoomies“), adjusting to an aging dog requires patience, compassion, and dedication. In this article, we’ll explore some common challenges that arise when caring for an older dog and provide tips for successfully navigating this new phase in your pup’s life – all while maintaining a strong connection built on love and care. 

                                                                                     Photo by Reba Spike

Navigating the „Zoomies“: Understanding and Managing Sudden Bursts of Activity in Your Aging Dog 

As dogs get older, their habits change, and their activity levels will be one of the most noticeable signals of a different lifestyle. You’ll start to notice more sleeping, less games of fetch and less excitable moments. When you start to see this, taking a look at their nutrition could be key to helping them keep their energy levels up. Watching an older dog get the zoomies again always brings a smile to our faces – you can definitely help them find their puppy moments by adjusting what you feed them.

By thoughtfully adapting our care strategies to match changes in our furry friends‘ lifestyles over time, we’re building precious memories together while ensuring they receive all necessary support. 

Providing adequate nutrition balanced with physical activity is key; nutritious food options may become more important than ever before since aging dogs have different dietary requirements than younger ones. 

                                                                              Photo by Ruby Schmank

If you need more information on how to feed your aging dog, check out this article: Senior Dog Food: A Guide to the Healthiest Food for Your Senior Pup

Keeping up-to-date with regular check-ups at the veterinarian allows early detection of potential health risks like arthritis so that we can work proactively where possible rather than reactively when issues arise suddenly. 

We can’t escape aging – not as humans or dogs, but there are ways to keep up a healthy balance to provide for lots of youthful moments! Keeping our  four-legged friends happy and healthy helps them face challenges unique from their youthful days: there’s no doubt that experiencing life’s joys alongside them offers priceless rewards! 

Appetite Changes: How to Adapt Your Canine Companion’s Diet to Support Their Health and Well-being 

One of the most common challenges faced by aging dogs is changes in appetite. As our furry friends slow down with age, they naturally require fewer calories to maintain their weight. Additionally, many older dogs experience digestive issues or may no longer tolerate certain types of foods. It’s important for pet owners to pay close attention to their dog’s eating habits and make necessary adjustments to their diet accordingly. 

                                                                              Photo by Erda Estremera

To support your aging canine companion’s health and well-being, consider switching them to a high-quality senior dog food that provides balanced nutrition without overloading them with excess calories. You may also need to adjust portion sizes or offer several small meals throughout the day instead of one big meal.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s appetite changes. They can help identify underlying health issues that may be causing changes in dietary needs and provide guidance on appropriate feeding strategies for your specific pup. Focusing on proper nutritional support will help your senior canine companion thrive through their golden years. 

Energy Levels: Embracing Your Aging Dog’s Limitations and Finding New Ways to Keep Them Active and Engaged 

As our beloved pets age, it’s important for us to understand and respect their changing energy levels. Just like humans, dogs experience a natural decrease in energy as they grow older. This means that those long hikes and vigorous games of fetch might be too much for them now. It’s our job as responsible pet owners to find new ways to keep our aging companions active and engaged. 

                                                                              Photo by Jeremy Perkins

One way to do this is by transitioning from high-impact exercises to more low-impact activities such as gentle walks or swimming sessions. These types of exercises can provide the same amount of physical activity while being gentler on your dog’s joints, which may become weaker over time. 

As your dog gets older, it’s also crucial to pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain during exercise and adjust accordingly. It’s also essential to remember that mental stimulation is just as crucial for an aging dog as physical activity. Puzzle toys or slow-feeding bowls can help keep your furry friend mentally engaged without requiring too much physical exertion. 

With thoughtful care and intentional adjustments, we can ensure that every stage of our companion’s lives is filled with love, adventure, and joy – even if it looks different than before!

At Tom&Sawyer, we love talking to our customers, and we always jump at the chance to learn more about how someone came to learn about our meals – and more importantly, how our meals are impacting their fur-baby’s life.

We were so excited when long-time Tom&Sawyer customer Neha (the co-founder of SwitchGrocery), and her 14 year old pup Lucy, sat down with us to chat. 

Click the video to watch the interview!

In this blog post, we summarize our interview with Neha, her senior pup Lucy, and our amazing customer experience extraordinaire, Derin. 

After all, we all want the very best we can provide for our fur babies, and the question “How can I make my senior pup as happy as I can?”, is a big one that keeps Neha up at night! 

Read on for Neha’s answers to Derin’s questions about the 3 things she does to take care of her 14 year old Maltese Yorkie mix, the scariest moment of Lucy’s life, best food to feed a dog with pancreatitis, and more!

About the Interview:

• The interviewer is Derin, Tom&Sawyer’s customer experience extraordinaire. Tom&Sawyer is Canada’s leading gently cooked pet food company with the mission of helping your fur baby (dogs and cats) live a longer, happier and healthier life!
  
  
• Lucy is a maltese yorkie mix, who is 14 years old!

• Lucy’s mom is Neha, the co-founder of SwitchGrocery, an online grocery store that brings low carb foods to Canadians that you can’t find in your regular grocery store.

The Questions:

Q: Tell us about Lucy! How did Lucy come into your life?

A: Lucy came to Neha’s life around 10 years ago when she was 3 years old through her then partner, now husband, Bryan. As someone that grew up with many dogs, she knew just how important the bond between pups and their paw-rents are and was very nervous to meet Lucy. She mentioned how anxious she was and thought “What if she (Lucy) doesn’t like me?”. 

Although Neha knew and worried about the responsibility that would come with having a pup from having many dogs in her family growing up, Lucy was a huge part of Bryan’s life and became a shared part of both of their lives when they moved in together. 

Q: How were you introduced to the world of gently-cooked meals? How did you find Tom&Sawyer for Lucy? 

A: Neha always fed Lucy cooked food that we would prepare ourselves. They worried about the palatability of kibble and wanted to feed Lucy something tastier which is usually something most pet parents have thought about at least once before. They could not imagine their own meals coming in kibble form and did not want this for Lucy. Overtime cooking for their pup became harder and harder since they were not sure of the correct ratio of protein, vegetables, or grains to add, and they started to notice that Lucy was getting bored of her meals. This is when Lucy’s fur-dad Bryan started researching gently-cooked pet meals and came across an article that mentioned Tom&Sawyer!  

 Neha mentioned that there were three main things she noticed and really liked about Tom&Sawyer when she went on the website. First, was that Tom&Sawyer “was actually designed for a dog, Sawyer” and mentioned the fact that Tom&Sawyer was a company that was born out of necessity.

The second point she made, that stuck with her, was that the owners have a dog themselves and have invested so much time and resources to animal nutritionists and are feeding this to their own dog.

And the third and final reason for them was the convenience of not having to prepare Lucy’s meals themselves and having her meals ready in the freezer. She also mentioned how easy it has been to have a subscription where they could set it and forget it while having their pup’s meals show up at their doorstep every month!

Q: How have you prioritized your senior pup’s health and wellbeing over time as she got older?

A: Neha has always prioritized Lucy’s happiness as any pet parent would but said she focuses on three main parts: Food, Experiences, Socialization.

Although experiences and socialization have evolved over time to adjust to her senior pups energy and comfort levels, Tom&Sawyer has been a constant in their lives. She said that as a family, they have always tried to include Lucy in their day to day activities such as finding pet friendly hotels while traveling, going to family events, and prioritizing her socialization with other furry friends. She said “Lucy has even come on the bus with me (when she was younger)”, but as she got older, she adapted to what Lucy was comfortable with and only continued including her in activities she was comfortable with.

Their latest trip was to a cottage where Lucy fell in love with being on the beach and enjoying the wind in her face! 

Q: How have you adapted to changes in the pet industry over the last 14 years? How do you know what to try and what to ignore when it comes to “trends”? 

A: It’s always important to try new things with our pets while being cautious about our pets’ needs, but sometimes it can be hard not to follow certain trends when we all want one thing: to make our pets happy. Neha often asks Lucy, “How do I keep you happy? What else can I do for you? These are questions that keep me up at night but she can’t tell me”. 

This was a question that really hit close to home for Neha and although it brought up a story that was one of the worst moments of Lucy’s life, she thought that it would be a helpful story to share with other people that may also be thinking similarly to her. 

She began by explaining how in 2019, Lucy had been on Tom&Sawyer meals for 3 years, but they noticed that raw dog food was starting to trend on Instagram. When they started to see a lot of trending videos about raw feeding, although they were hesitant about the bacteria in raw food and Lucy licking them after, they decided to give it a try. Lucy was eating her new raw food without a fuss but on the third night of raw feeding, they noticed Lucy starting to throw up. She continued throwing up throughout the night and as Neha cleaned up, Lucy would continue throwing up. 

She mentioned how they tend to be a “rush to the vet kind of family” so this time they tried to not do that and assess if going to the vet was necessary. Lucy was getting more and more lethargic by every second and Neha remembered that if a dog stops responding to you, they need to be rushed to the vet. When they realized that Lucy was not able to walk and was not responding to them, they rushed her to her vet who immediately told them to go to the emergency room because this is a very serious situation and may be lethal if they don’t rush. 

Lucy was in such bad shape that the emergency vet hospital had gotten a call about their arrival from their vet and had been expecting them. They rushed Lucy in without signing her in at the front desk and immediately started treatment. Neha explains the moment the veterinarian that was leading Lucy’s case came out to speak with them, and the first thing he asked was “What did Lucy eat?” and “What did you feed her?”. 

After they explained the trend of raw food they decided to try out, the emergency vet told them about the dangers of raw food and that not every dog, especially one that has not been on raw food ever before, can tolerate raw food and that he can not recommend raw feeding due to many reasons. This is when they were informed that Lucy had suffered a pancreatitis attack due to the raw food that could still be lethal. She had to spend 4 nights at the emergency hospital and fortunately made a full recovery! 

After Lucy’s recovery, Neha called Kristin, one of the owners of Tom&Sawyer, and asked for help after explaining everything. Although Neha and her husband Bryan have to be really careful with Lucy’s food, she is a lucky pup that can eat any one of the 5 low-fat Tom&Sawyer meals: Rosemary Venison, Coconut Chicken, Beef & Broccoli, Kangaroo, Fisherman’s Best Friend. When asked about her faviourite meal, Neha said that that was a really tough question because she loves them all so much!

Neha mentions this being one of the worst moments of her life, but she is very grateful to all the vets that helped treat her and also to Kristin for helping her through understanding which meals were best to manage Lucy’s pancreatitis. 

Q: Tell us about your best memory with Lucy!

A: Neha’s favourite memory was the most recent beach trip she mentioned earlier in the interview. It was amazing to Neha and her family to watch Lucy enjoy the beach and be really happy. Neha said that you can tell her senior pup is very happy when she has her tongue out, and Lucy’s tongue was out the whole time they were on the beach! She enjoyed the wind in her face and loved spending time with her family. It was such a great memory for them that they are planning another beach trip with Lucy soon!

Another great memory she continues to cherish often is watching her almost 5 year old son interact with Lucy and take her on walks without needing any assistance. They have learned to respect each other’s boundaries and are each other’s best friend!

Watch the interview here! 

Want to learn more about caring for your senior dog? Read our blog posts here:

Senior Dog Food: A Guide to the Healthiest Food for Your Senior Pup
Adjusting to your Aging Canine Companion
Understanding Arthritis in Dogs: Prevention and Nutrition