All American Dog.

Shima 0 comments 27.06.2016

Did you know more dogs get lost on July 4th than any other day of the year?

Because of this, shelters see a dramatic increase in lost dogs which results in them having to put many dogs to sleep to make room for more.

As the 4^th of July week of festivities comes close, keep your dog safe by following these simple tips.

Check that your dog’s collar is on a securely. The collar shouldn’t feel too tight, but also snug enough that it cannot fall off if caught.

Ensure that the information on your dog’s tag is up to date with a name, address and phone number so you can be reached easily if your dog gets curious and runs out to find the sound.

In addition to having a collar, microchip your dog. A microchip is a tiny transponder that carries your pet’s information which can be retrieved when scanned using radio frequency waves. This is the most secure form of assuring your dog is protected if lost, so they can quickly retain information and reunite you with your best friend again.

Take your dog for a nice walk, run, hike or play time prior.

Burning excess energy will eliminate any pent up stress, anxiety or nerves.

Do not fuel the anxiety. If your dog begins to panic due to the fireworks, do not carry more attention to the fear. Instead, turn on calming music or the TV to stimulate the mind and distract him from the alarming sounds and lights. Relaxmydog on iTunes will help put your pup to a deep sleep.

Hire a sitter or consider boarding. If you have plans to host or will be away from home, it may be best to leave your dog with a trusting friend or pet boarding center. Most boarding facilities, like Mission Underdog Group, keeps dogs secure in a warehouse where sounds are not as loud. This keeps your dog calm and less anxious all-around.

Plus, they will be playing with their fur-friends and will be too distracted to care about the fireworks.

Take a current photo of your dog in case he goes missing. 

Comfort your dog, if necessary. Although they say you shouldn't baby a dog who is afraid, sometimes all they need is love. 

Have a safe 4th of July week ahead and remember to take time out to prepare for your dog's needs as well.

Competing for change.

Shima 0 comments 27.06.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Jose Figueroa, who uses his passion for competitions and fitness to empower others to change their lives too.

Jose grew up in Sacramento and later moved to Long Beach, CA. He says, “I came for the beaches and help promote a healthy and an active lifestyle, in my own way.” Today, Jose is a trainer and physique competitor.

He loves to compete in everything he does, from video games to competing in physique with others on stage. “I train hard every day and with luck, I have not had major injuries,” he says.

Like anyone, he faces the challenges of staying motivated through the years. He has found that setting short term goals, such as eating healthy for two weeks, is key to keep pushing forward. “Not only do I do this for my health, but for the competing aspect,” he says.

He constantly asks himself, “How well do I stack up against some of the most fit people out there? How far am I willing to push to obtain what I desire?”

He was inspired to compete at an early age of six when he read a brief story about the history of Arnold Schwarzenegger and was intrigued. “I could not stop thinking about how massive of a man he was and how he looked like a superhero with all of those muscles. I was hooked,” he says.

When Jose is not competing, he trains people to obtain their fitness healthy lifestyle goals. Whether it's to lose weight, gain muscle, help an athlete reach their goal, or a diabetic person with a special diet, he says it brings great joy in helping others.

The goals of his clients soon become his goals and he says, “I personally hold myself accountable in making sure they strive and push through any barriers in order to reach a goal.”

He’d tell anyone who is hesitant of making a lifestyle change to make sure they are healthy enough to start a rigorous activity such as running or weight training. After cleared, he says he’d tell them talk to a trainer or read about the activity they want to take up. “If it's weights, personal trainers are willing to give you free sessions. Ask questions and prepare for a rewarding journey,” he says.

Jose pays it forward by offering free group training classes to simply promote health. In five years, he sees himself owning multiple gyms and expanding his philosophy.

He says that he loves his dogs sometimes more than people only because during moments of failure, they pick him up and still see him as the same as when he is conquering the world. “They see no color or religion. I have grown to respect their loyalty, therefore, I'm forever grateful that some of my best friends have been my dogs,” he says.

Jose loves the South Bay for the weather, the abundance of great motivated people, and the beaches.

Thank you, Jose, for sharing your love of fitness with others and promoting a healthy lifestyle for those who need a change!

You can contact Jose directly to learn more about training here: 530-312-3696