Cat vs Puppy

Mean ole cat wins

Dog Neglect - The sad tale of Pickles

I will never understand why people simply abandon their pets. Why would anyone put their puppy out on the streets to fend for himself?

This story is an example of what happens to one Pomeranian puppy that is so cruelly discarded.

Sally Anderson tells us the story of Pickles and his physical and emotional trauma. He was also suffering from box dog syndrome.
But stay tuned and be sure to watch the second video.

Dog injured by shock collar at Kennel

Just a reminder to be sure you check ALL your kennels policies before you drop your beloved pet off for a stay. Pet owners need to be just as cautious with their dogs babysitter as they would with their baby’s babysitter.

Dog and Pet Doors

The variety of pet doors available has certainly increased over the past few years. I’m amazed at not only the quantity but also the quality of these dog doors.

Security has always been an issue with dog doors. Many pet owners are concerned about stray animals coming into their homes through a pet door, however with the new magnetic dog doors, and the special collars used by your pet, these issues are now a thing of the past.

Most pet owners can train their pets to use a dog door within minutes using all natural dog treats as an enticement to come through the door. A smart dog will immediately come through for a bully stick.

Pet Food Exposed

This is the documentary that every pet owner needs to watch. What really happened during that Spring 2007 Pet food recall?

What have we learned since then? Do we need more regulation?

Do you know what your dog is eating? You’ll be shocked when you learn what is in pet food.

How can we insure that our pet’s are getting quality pet food, all natural dog treats and dog bones?

View the video here: “A Dogs Breakfast” CBC Doc Zone

Finding your lost dog…

It’s late and your dog still hasn’t returned from his afternoon romp, or you come home only to find your beloved Rover has managed to get out.

What do you do?  What is the best strategy for finding a lost pet?

Follow these steps for the best chance of retrieving your dog.

1. Call all Animal Shelters within a 60 mile radius of where your pet was last seen.
2. Check with local Police Departments for reports of stray pets
3. Check with all local Veterinarians for reports of stray animal injuries
4. Make fliers using a recent picture of your pet.. be sure to point out any special features
5. Post fliers EVERYWHERE… including schools, churches, grocery stores, parks
6. Check local schools, parks and playgrounds anywhere your dog might go to hang out with other dogs and kids
7. Check with neighbors especially those with pets of their own
8. Check Gas Stations and Convenience stores
9. Check with your local radio station… many will do community service bulletins reporting your missing pet
10. Drive the neighborhood using a dog whistle or shake a bag of dog bones, anything that will be a familiar sound to Rover.
11. With the popularity of the New Social media online, it’s also worth posting to sites like Twitter, facebook, Myspace.
12. Start a Find Rover Website

The best thing to do is to remain calm and hopeful and to act quickly.

2008 Pet Comedy Challenge Winner

Purina’s 2008 Pet Comedy Challenge Winner is….. Chris Coccia

Congrats Chris!

I wonder if he’ll get a lifetime supply of dog bones for his effort?

Small Dog Breeds - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Intelligent, affectionate and fun-loving the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is said to be naturally well-behaved.  Always eager to please, with an easy going manner and a small but hearty size the Cavalier is a favorite of apartment dwellers.

Size:  Weight: 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg)          Height: 12-13 inches (30-33cm)

Exercise Requirements:  They are moderately active and suited for apartment living or areas with a small yard, however Cavaliers are descendants of hunting dogs and will require a daily walk, they will also enjoy a good chase.  They should not be left alone all day, but should it be necessary … be sure to take them for a brisk walk before leaving.

Health:  There a number of health issues with the King Charles including eye and ear problems, some cases of hip dysplasia , and hereditary heart disease.  Dislocation of knees is another problem to consider.

Life Expectancy:  9 - 14 years

Grooming:  Requires frequent brushing and combing to avoid matting.  Ears should be kept clean to avoid infection and hair between toes kept trimmed.   Average shedding

Children and Other Pets:  Cavaliers are very social and get along well with older children and other pets, however like many small dogs they can attempt to be “pack leader”  when  treated in a spoiled manner.

Diet:  Feed a good quality dry dog feed along with all natural dog treats like bully sticks that promote good dental health.

 Rex - President Ronald Reagan’s King Charles Spaniel

Mortgage Meltdown causes Dog Crisis…

The US Mortgage Meltdown and subsequent financial fallout is causing another crisis and it’s victims are left out in the cold, hungry and scared.  As more and more families lose their homes and are forced to move to rental units, more pets are being abandoned.

Many apartments  do not allow pets or require high premiums on pet units, leaving families forced to find alternate homes for their four-legged friends.  The lucky ones find new homes with owners that are willing to help the animals through a difficult and stressful adjustment.

The not so lucky ones find themselves in overcrowded Animal Shelters.  The worst cases are those pets left behind to starve locked in foreclosure homes.  The numbers are rising as Animal Control officers continue to get ever increasing number of calls of abandoned animals.

I can’t imagine any situation that would cause me to leave my dog or cat in such cruel jeopardy.

My advice to anyone facing the possibility of foreclosure and not being able to take your pets to a new residence is to first do everything you can to find a good home with family and friends for your pet.  If that fails, seek out a “No-kill” or rescue shelter.

For those who are finding it difficult to pay for food or medical services for their pets, contact the Humane Society of America.  Most shelters offer Spay/Neutering, Vaccinations and medical care at a fraction of the cost of your local Veterinarian.

Some large Pet Centers will donate their “scratch and dent” food and torn bags of dog bones.

Remember …. Your pet is relying on you for their well-being.

Presidential Pooch - Grits, the Impeached First Dog

After all these years, it still remains a mystery.  Why was First Dog, Grits Carter impeached and replace by of all things a Siamese cat named, Misty Malarki Ying Yang.

The dog had been a gift to young Amy Carter from her teacher, but soon after a meeting recorded in the Presidential diary on June 8th, 1977, the dog was abruptly returned to Amy’s teacher.  What happened in that meeting?  In attendance were, President Jimmy Carter, his daughter Amy, Mr Herbert Ford, a respected dog handler, Mrs. Herbert Ford and the infamous Grits.  All we know is that soon after this meeting, Grits was impeached.

Did he chew the President’s shoes instead of his dog chews, or did he just stink up the place?  Seems unfair…. We’ve all see more “stink” in the White House from the Presidents that should have caused impeachment then this cute pooch could ever produce.