February was a tough month for myself and my employees. Not only did we have to deal with the death of Tom, my father, but we also lost our beloved Izzy – who most of you have been following in our office and blog for years.

As much as you prepare for this moment, the experience left us reeling with the seven stages of grief: shock and denial, pain and guilt, anger and bargaining, depression, upward turn, reconstruction and acceptance. And grief does not follow a straight line – it bounces between all the stages.

Strategies for coping with grief are varied – my sisters and I dealt with his death with wine, cheese, chips and togetherness. Bill and Dory cuddled Izzy for weeks to let her know how much she was loved.

Bill and Dory’s Izzy

Izzy Izzy

It helps to know that you won’t feel like this forever. Take care of yourself and allow it to go.

You can handle this, even when you feel like you can’t. Don’t try to stifle or avoid your feelings, make space to experience painful emotions and ask for help if you need it. You’re not alone.

Be gentle with yourself. I found grief to be exhausting so I carved out time for lots of rest. Your feelings are normal – the process makes it more difficult if other people around you tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. Allow yourself to feel whatever the heck you want, that’s your normal.

Grief comes in cycles, not a straight line. You reach a point where you feel good, only to feel bad again. Grief has been described as a series of loops.

Bill told me this week that he still thinks about Izzy every day, even though they have a new addition to the family (more to come on that later). Ride the wave.

Kat’s Father Tom

Kat with Dad and Fam Kat's Notes from Dad Kat's Notes from Dad

I will miss my father, but I also celebrate his fascinating 93 years of life. He had four daughters who adored him, three wives that he outlasted, was a world traveler and visionary. He delighted in regaling family and friends with his many stories and THAT we will miss most of all.

Izzy Barking at Mo

Hi guys. It’s Izzy. And this month I have some sad news to share.

My friend Monkey (we called her Mo) passed away a few weeks ago. She was the best cat friend a dog could ask for. I terrorized her daily, but I loved her so much. I still run around the house searching for her every day.

The last few days, Monkey couldn’t walk, so I stayed on the couch and cuddled with her all day and night till she passed.

My parents got some advice on how to deal with my grief.

  1. They talk to me in a calm and upbeat voice, even though it’s hard for them to cope with their own loss.
  2. We’re engaging in new activities. This helps me focus on something new and distract me from the loss of Mo and the uncertainty surrounding it.
  3. We’ve been doing some fun and enjoyable things, like going to the park. It helps me emotionally and makes my parents feel better too.
  4. The vet told them if I show signs of separation anxiety or depression that they should bring me in for a checkup (I HATE going to the vet).
  5. And the best thing of all – I get to go to the office to see my friends every day!!

Izzy and Mo - Best Friends Izzy and Mo - Best Friends Izzy and Mo - Best Friends

One thing that hasn’t changed is my appetite.

Izzy Eats Too Much PizzaI still scour the office every day for any unsupervised snacks. I think I’m getting a little extra because they know I’m sad. I even got some pizza last Friday!

Monkey lived for 20 years, which is a long time for my best friend.

I will miss her so much!

-Iz

izzy paw

Izzy head shotI’m so glad it’s warming up, aren’t you? I’m just going to throw this out there that some dogs love warm weather, and some dogs love cold weather.

Me? I’m a warm weather dog for sure. Just look at me! I’m small, have very thin hair, and I’m super vulnerable to hypothermia. I absolutely have to wear a jacket and booties when I go out in the snow.

Do I like the booties, absolutely not! My humans captured it all in a video. I look ridiculous.

I prefer Spring and Fall to be completely honest.

The temps during these seasons make me feel happiest.

Some dogs adapt really well to the cold, like the ones with all the fur. I heard that during the cold spell, they actually go outside and just lay in the snow. What? Not me. I’m in and out, quicker than you can say, “Izzy”.

It’s always good to monitor your loving pets when they’re out in the elements. Especially as summer is coming up and it get really hot. I know I get hot in the summer. Did you know a dog’s temperature should never be over 104 degrees?

Did you know that temperature plays a part in our moods?

Izzy's Friend

When the weather gets hot, certain breeds are less heat tolerant than others and bronchial issues can become more pronounced (I had to have help with some of those words…) Some dogs might get a bit snappish in very hot weather and may need more space and less interaction.

I know a dog that freaks out during storms. He pants, shakes and goes in circles. He knows the storm is coming way before it arrives. His humans give him a treat with a calming agent in it and he seems to do much better.

So a word of advice from a dog’s point of view… If your super cool pet gets grumpy in the heat, don’t worry.

Here are some things you can do to make them feel better.

  • Don’t let your human take you for walks during the hottest part of the day
  • Make sure you have plenty of fresh water and shade at all times
  • Get a cooling mat – or kiddie pool to swim in
  • Lay yourself in front of a fan or the ac vent
  • Never have your owner leave you in an enclosed vehicle
  • Watch your paws on the sidewalks, street, sand or hot surfaces

Happy Spring and Summer you guys! Stay safe and cool!

Love, Iz
izzy paw

Happy Holidays from IzzyHi friends! It’s Izzy again with a Happy Holidays message for you.

I sure hope you have a virtual holiday party to go to. I found the perfect ensemble and I’m so ready for mine. What do you think? Is it too much? I’m lovin the pearls… not sure about the fur?

Virtual parties anyone?

This holiday season is surely different from the rest, but we can totally make the best of it don’t you think? I think it would be wonderful if we all get all gussied up and invited each other to virtual parties.

We can have toilet water, then some greenies, eat some fruitable skinny minis, or drink from the kitty bowl. Then to top it off, we can have a few freeze-dried raw chicken hearts.  Sounds so delish! I need to make sure I don’t overdo it.

Happy Holidays from IzzyI just love the holiday season and snoopin around all the packages.

Sometimes, I untie the bows and drag them around the house. Then the cat chases the ribbon, and knocks things down, and then she gets in trouble. HA HA!

Barking of presents, I sure hope I get a baby brother or sister pup to play with this year. Do you think I will??? Oh boy!!!

Let’s not forget about the shelters!

I would like to take a minute to put in a big growl out to all the Shelters in Kansas City. They need all the support we can give them this time of year! Some that take in animals include KC Pet Project, Unleased Rescue and Great Plains SPCA. And there are plenty that help humans as well, like City Union Mission, Restart and Sheffield Place.

This time of year is tough on us all, even tougher due to the pandemic. So please think about all the shelters. If you can go adopt a pet, or give to one of these great organizations, it really makes a difference during the holidays.

Here’s to you this holiday season!  Wishing you and yours all the best! I will drool on you in 2021.

Love, Iz

izzy paw

MEDiAHEAD - Happy Halloween!

Hi everybody. It’s Izzy!

IzzyBOOOOO!!! And Happy Halloween!

Did you know the custom of trick-or-treating on Halloween comes from the belief that supernatural beings, or dead pups roamed the earth at this time, and they wanted treats? YIKES that scares me. But the good thing is we give them treats… that way they’re happy (and then I think they go away.)

I love treats, don’t you?

I wanted to check in to see how everyone was doing and see how creative you’re going to get this year when it’s time to hand out treats. I sure hope you’re handing out treats!

Anyway, I’m super excited and have lots of treat delivery system ideas I thought I would share with you. These might be safe alternatives for you to be able to hand out treats.

Here are some initial plans I drew up for you!

MEDiAHEAD Treat Delivery Systems: Pulley MEDiAHEAD Treat Delivery Systems: Candy Sticks

MEDiAHEAD Treat Delivery Systems: Tube Slide

MEDiAHEAD - Happy Halloween - IzzyI love Halloween, I love seeing all the costumes and I particularly love the treats. I usually grab a treat to give out, and then grab one for myself. Repeat. Do you do this?

So, I know you can’t wait to see my outfit… I took a pic just for you, this is what I am going as this year. What are you going to be?

I love it… what do you think?

Happy Haunting!

izzy paw
– Iz

Izzy - Fav Blue ToyHowdy! It’s Izzy.

Just wanted to check in and see how everyone was doing.

If you’re wondering, I am doing fine but had a bit of a scare this last month. I sounded like a goose when I barked. That was just not right! I thought I might have caught the (you know what). Luckily that wasn’t it.

What I had was really bad though… turns out I had a collapsed trachea. Holy Chew Toy! Have you ever heard of that? I guess it’s kind of common for pups like me.

It was caused by pulling a bit too hard on my collar when I go out for my walks. What can I say? I get a bit too excited to see and sniff.

Needless to say, I had to go on some medicine for a while. But guess what? I got a new collar! It’s called a harness. So now when I pull with all my might, the puppy power is distributed to my shoulders! I guess I didn’t know my own strength.

While I was sick, I couldn’t play ball, or run, or get too excited and it was extremely boring. Trying to keep a dog down, or keep a dog from playing with their most favorite toy, it’s pure torture. I know, I lived it.

Here I am with my new digs and my favorite toy. I’m taking it easy now, but still have to make sure the presses at MEDiAHEAD are rolling along. I just checked, and everything is flying along so I’m going to take a much deserved nap. Being the plant manager is hard work!

Until next time.
– Iz izzy paw

HELLLOOOOOO! It’s Izzy.

I am so happy to be writing this blog. I’ve missed you so much! This quarantine thing has me down in the dumps. I haven’t been able to be around the office as much. But every once in a while, I get to go into the office with Kat and run like the wind. Let’s catch up!

I have to tell you about my new friend Bull. He is a Great Dane; he belongs to Danny, the Digital Press Technician. Here are our Zoom Pictures…

Izzy and Bull

I’ve never really met Bull in person, but we recently had a Zoom meeting and I got to interview him. We talked about several things. I was most interested in the fact that he ate 3 couches, is scared to death of the Roomba and I wanted to know why he loved Danny so much.

Here’s how our conversation went on our Zoom call!

ME: So, Bull I heard you’ve torn up 3 couches? Can you tell me why?

BULL: I absolutely love to tear things up, and I’m extremely bored during the day. I really don’t know why I do it. I just do.

ME: But OMGosh a COUCH? You are just so incredible. I can’t even imagine. I tear up toys and bones, and I’ve chewed on the corner of a table… maybe only once when no one was looking. I heard you’re a bit frightened of the new Roomba that Danny bought. How come?

Izzy's New Zoom Friend Named BullBULL: Well when I was a wee little pup, I got scratched on the nose by something that looks a bit similar. It was really a cat. I’m scared of cats too.

ME: Oh dear, that’s not good. So, it frightens you quite a bit?

BULL: Yes, it scares the livin’ daylights out of me. And he runs the darn thing every day. I just sit on the couch and wait for it to stop. Then I stop shaking and everything is okay.

ME: Why do you love Danny so much?

BULL: Well, its always been us guys you know, just hanging out. He feeds me well and does anything for me. It’s a guy thing, a kind of bond you have with your owner that only good owners and their pets have.

ME: Yeah, I understand, I have my owners wrapped around my finger. I love that.

I can’t wait to meet you someday Bull! I really look up to you, literally, emotionally and just in general.

Great Zoom meeting!

Until next time… Iz and Bull

izzy paw

COVID-19 Update from Izzy

COVID-19 Update from Izzy

Hi friends, it’s me Izzy.

I just wanted to let you know that I’m getting pretty hungry down here at MEDiAHEAD. With most of the employees working at home, there is not an abundance of food for me to steal and Fun Friday Lunch has been cancelled till further notice. Sad doggy face.

Yesterday, I stole a lime from Kat’s wastebasket and it didn’t turn out well.

My dad, Bill, took this picture of me in my new office – I had my choice of any of our offices, but I picked this one with no windows so I can sleep all day. I also wish I didn’t snore so much during the Zoom meetings when I’m sitting on Bill’s lap – it makes it look like he’s not paying attention.

Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe out there – I’m looking forward to seeing you in June, or maybe on a Zoom!

Love, Izzy

Happy St. Patty's from IzzyHello. It’s Iz!

I love holidays, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception! Yeah, green eggs and ham, green beer and just all-around green fun! (I really don’t drink beer.)

So why do we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? People believed that by wearing green it made you invisible to leprechauns. If you didn’t have green on you would get pinched to remind you there might be a leprechaun lurking around. Please don’t get pinched this year, wear your green.

Just a couple facts I would like to point out that you might not know about St. Patty’s day:

St. Patrick was not even Irish….. He was actually born in Great Britain.

The Irish flag is very symbolic – the green represents the Irish Catholics; the orange represents the Protestants and the white represents peace between the two.  The green is called “shamrock green”

One of the national symbols of Ireland is the Shamrock. St. Patrick himself used the green, three leaf clover to teach the Irish about the Holy Trinity, one for the father, the son and the Holy Spirit.

The four-leaf clover is just a simple symbol of good luck.

Did you know that March 17 precedes the first official day of spring, the first day of spring is March 20th this year. YEAH!

Ireland is the Emerald Isle and is known for its lush green landscapes.  I would love to go there with my mom and dad someday. I wonder if a dog has ever flown that far?

Luck of the Irish to you!

Well, that’s about all for now, my head is so full of good facts! I’m really looking forward to green food and watching all the people show up in their green. If they don’t have on green, I think I might give them a little bite on their ankles. That would be like a little pinch… right?

Til next time. Iz.

Izzy on Office Chair

Hello there! It’s me, Iz. I haven’t written in quite some time. And I’m writing this blog from my office (this is a huge chair!)

Anyway, I wanted to share a little history about Valentine’s Day with you and send you all a BIG KISS from me just in case you needed one. (Who doesn’t need a wet dog kiss?)

Valentine's Penguins

Valentine’s Day

I am sure you know that Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, romance and kissy face greeting cards. Just look at the penguins. I love that pic.

The day is actually named from a famous Saint. St. Valentine was a priest from Rome in the third century AD. The story goes that another emperor (named Claudius II) had banned marriage because he thought men were bad soldiers. Valentine thought that this wasn’t fair, so he broke all the rules and married people in secret. It was not a good ending for Valentine because he went to jail and was sentenced to death. That’s ruff.

However, while in jail he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. When he was taken to be killed on (guess what day) the 14th of February, he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine.” Hence Valentine’s Day!

So, I love Valentine’s Day because of all the great food. In case you didn’t know, I’m a foodie. Not only do I love food, I beg for it all the time. Sometimes, when I don’t get food, I go on scavenger hunts looking around just to see what I can come up with. It’s actually very entertaining. You wouldn’t believe some of the things I find.

Just the other day someone threw away some popcorn and a couple of pieces missed the trash can. Guess what? I found them! It was a struggle getting between the trash can and the water cooler, but I did it!

Another trick I learned is to make a sad face while people are eating their lunch. They will sometimes give me something to cheer me up! Little snacks here and there can really fill me up.

Well, back to Valentines…

I sure hope you have someone to spend the season of love with. If not, don’t forget your pets. And if you don’t have a pet, maybe you need to adopt one. Always remember your pets! We love Valentine’s Day just as much as you do and love to give Great Big Kisses!

Til next time… Iz