Gifts for Pet-Lovers

Clooney, an Irish Setter,
Captures Best in Show
at 2010 National Dog Show
Linda Cole - Yahoo.com



Best in Show Winner, Clooney. (Steven Donahue / See Spot Run Photography)


In Thursday’s National Dog Show competition, a Boxer named Scarlett had impressive credentials, but it was Clooney, an Irish Setter, who won Best in Show.

Clooney and his handler, Peter Kubacz, summed up the day's events with an interview at the end of the dog show. When Kubacz was asked if Clooney knew he was the top dog, Clooney nodded yes with the enthusiasm of a true winner.

Clooney was one of more than 2,000 dogs representing 179 different breeds that took to the ring on Thanksgiving Day to compete in The National Dog Show presented by Purina. Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the show is one of the oldest benched conformation dog shows in the country and has been held annually since 1933. A conformation dog show shows off breeding stock and a benched show allows those attending to mingle with the dogs behind the scenes.

To pick the winning dog, the judge has to know the breed standard of each dog.

Six new dog breeds were among the breeds showcased in this year's National Dog Show. New breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club when the breed has a good following spread across the country with a parent club to oversee them. The six new breeds introduced this year were the Boykin Spaniel in the sporting group, the Cane Corso and the Leonberger in the working group, the Bluetick Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound in the hound group and the Icelandic Sheepdog in the herding group.

This year's National Dog Show was a wide open field with no particular favorite. The breeds competing in the finals for the coveted title of Best in Show were:

* in the sporting group, Clooney, a 3-year-old male Irish Setter;

* in the working group, Scarlett, a 3-year-old female Boxer with 52 all-breed Best in Show victories under her collar;

* in the herding group, Beyonce, a 3-year-old female Australian Shepherd;

* in the hound group, Hickory, a 4-year-old female Scottish Deerhound;

* in the terrier group, Maddy, a 2-year-old female American Staffordshire Terrier with nine Best in Show wins to her credit;

* in the non-sporting group, a 6-year-old male Schipperke, Johnny Be Good, who was aptly named because, as a puppy, he wasn't good;

* and in the toy group, Joe, a 3-year-old male Affenpinscher.

Interesting facts and bits of trivia learned the National Dog Show:

* The Chinese Crest is a breed that, unlike other dog breeds, has sweat glands on its body.

* Responsible breeders do recognize that some dogs are smaller than their breed standard, but there is no such thing as a teacup dog and they will not breed any dog for a smaller size.

* A conformation dog show is meant to show off breeding stock and a dog is disqualified if they have been altered.

* Redbone Coonhounds can bark 125 times in one minute.

* The Doberman Pincher was named after the man who first bred them for man's protection. He apparently had good reason for wanting protection: His last name was Doberman and he was a tax collector.

* Most of the breeds from the terrier group evolved in Britain.

* Helen Keller brought the first Akitas to the United States in the 1930s.

* The Rottweiler was bred to be a drover dog for butchers. Once the railroads became popular and the butchers no longer needed the Rottweiler as a drover, the dog was used to protect the butcher's coin purse. They hung their purse around the dog's neck.

* The Boxer got its name from standing on back legs and boxing to get attention.

* The Schipperke has no tail.



The Dachshund & Pink the Pig
Thanks to Kathy in BHC, Az






This Dachshund is fostering this little guy for another mom who couldn't take care of him.

He had his eyes closed, but now they are open. He is just a little bigger than her other pups.

She loves this little guy as much as the other puppies and she is nursing him back to health.

He is the cleanest pig-uppy ever because she licks him all the time.
HIS NAME IS PINK....









Famous Fat Cat Dies from Heart Disease
By Tom Ayres - DigitalSpy.com


Celebrity cat Prince Chunk has reportedly died after being diagnosed with heart disease.

The pet rose to fame two years ago after being found wandering the streets by an animal shelter at the incredible weight of 44 pounds.

According to the AP, owner Vince Damiani has now confirmed that Prince Chunk died in his sleep on Sunday.

Chunk became a nationwide sensation in the US following his discovery, appearing on a number of popular shows including Live With Regis And Kelly and Good Morning America.

The story of Prince Chunk inspired his owner to set up the Prince Chunk Foundation, which aims to prevent owners leaving their animals on the streets when they become unable to care for them.



Belly Dancing Helping Homeless Cats
By Krystal Allan – wlox.com


OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) - Dancers at Gulf Coast Belly Dance aren't just dancing to the beat of the music. They're moving to the beat of their hearts.

The studio is organizing an effort to help homeless cats this holiday season.

"With the way the economy is, a lot of people are hurting, that means animals are hurting even more," says Alyssa Springs, Gulf Coast Belly Dance owner.

Springs, says it's an issue very close to her heart after taking in a stray cat.

"We took her in and fixed her up. A few months later we realized she had cancer, and we had to put her down. It really made me sad to think that she could have died outside without a family," says Springs.

Gulf Coast Belly Dance will show off its moves during a Holiday Halfa. Hafla is Arabic for party... a party where all the proceeds go toward the pets.

The dancers hope to help stray and feral cats that end up in places like the Humane Society of South Mississippi. The show will also benefit the Animal Protection and Education Association Incorporated or AEPA out of Vancleave. It's an outdoor shelter in dire need of help right now.

The Hafla is something Humane Society director Jode Braxton-Hignight sees as a unique way to give back.

"When community members' passions tie in with our mission and they're willing to help us raise money for what they love or enjoy doing, it is always appreciated," says Braxton-Hignight.

People can also bring items or pay a dollar for raffle ticket prizes. Some of the prizes include an overnight stay and dinner at the IP and spa certificates.

The Holiday Hafla is next Saturday, December 4th. It kicks off at 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Dance Clubs Ballroom in Gulfport.



Pet-Sitter Hiring Checklist
NYDailyNews.com


Heading out of town? Whether you're looking to book Buster a room at the nearest pet hotel or to find a sitter who makes house calls, follow these steps.

2 Months Before Your Vacation

Research boarding options or sitters. Sites such as campbowwowusa.com can help you locate a kennel or pet hotel near you. Find sitters in your area at petsitters.sittercity.com or through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (petsitters.org). .If you plan to board your pet, visit your top two or three choices. Tour the grounds and the sleeping accommodations. Ask: What will my pet’s day be like, hour by hour? How much interaction with other animals will my pet receive? Is there an extra charge for individual playtime? How many people will my pet interact with during the day? What will you do if he gets sick? Do you supply food and treats for my pet? Which local veterinarians refer clients to you?

One Month Before Your Vacation

If hiring a sitter, interview candidates. Ask whether he or she knows pet CPR (offered at many Red Cross branches), has commercial liability insurance (for accident and negligence coverage), and is bonded (to protect against theft). .Discuss a schedule and payment with sitter candidates. Overnight sitting rates generally range from $40 to $80 per night, while daily visits cost about $10 to $20 per visit. If the sitter will also water plants and take in mail, expect to pay extra. .If boarding, drop by the kennel unexpectedly with your pet. You want to make sure the kennel wasn’t putting on a show during your scheduled visit, and you want to see how your pet responds to the caregivers. Call references. Speak with at least two former clients of the sitter and ask about the family’s experience. Ask the kennel for names of a few clients to call. .Make a boarding reservation or hire the sitter. Although some kennels offer short notice—or even same-day—sign-ups, reserving now ensures your pet won’t get turned down. ..

One Week Before Your Vacation

Get a copy of your pet’s vaccination record. Visit your veterinarian and get a copy of documents showing your pet has had shots for rabies and bordetella, as well as a distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parovirus (DHLPP) shot. .Double-check the arrangements. Confirm with either the kennel or the sitter. .With a sitter, arrange a home visit. Give the sitter a tour of your house. Point out where cleaning supplies are kept, and how to clean the litter box, if necessary. Show the sitter how to work your alarm system and where the circuit breaker is located, in case of emergency. Have a copy of your house key ready to hand over. ..

The Day You Leave for Vacation

Make an emergency list for the sitter or kennel. Write down your travel itinerary, phone numbers at which you can be reached, and your local veterinarian’s information. It’s also a good idea to leave the number of a neighbor or friend in case of emergency. Include details of your pet’s allergies or medication needs. .Create a detailed schedule for the sitter, if you hired one. Write down feeding instructions (how many times a day, how much food, where food is located), walking instructions (how many times a day and for how long), and grooming expectations. You might want to prepare your pet’s food portions to avoid any overeating. .Pet-proof your home, if necessary. Close doors to rooms you want to keep your pets out of while you’re away, and let the sitter know. .Display supplies for the sitter. Arrange leashes, toys, food, and grooming essentials in easy reach. .If you’re boarding your pet, drop off him or her at the kennel. And then hit the road. ...



Ask the Pet Expert:
Should You Be Giving Your Cat Tuna Fish?
by Scott Craven - The Arizona Republic


Question: My cat loves tuna. I give him 1 tablespoon portion a day, plus his dry cat food. Is this harmful due to the supposedly high content of mercury in tuna? He is healthy and has been on this diet for 2 years. Please advise.

Answer: When it comes to putting stuff in our mouths, we generally go by this rule: If it's not in a Hot Pocket, we don't eat it (which says a lot more about us than our diet). And as tuna Hot Pockets do not yet exist, we've never had to worry about that little mercury problem.

But animals tend to be more free-range when it comes to dining. If it's free and within range, they're eating it.

As far as your cat's tablespoon-a-day tuna habit, there is little to be concerned about, says Judy Karnia, a veterinarian at the Scottsdale Cat Clinic (scottsdalecat clinic.com).

She has seen no incidents of mercury poisoning in cats due to tuna (now if your cat were eating certain thermometers, odds of mercury poisoning go way up).

However, Karnia suggests feeding your cat a good-quality canned food rather than tuna. Cat-food scientists have toiled for years to make sure their products have all the essential vitamins and nutrients felines need for healthy, active lives. By feeding your cat tuna, you are spitting on decades of food science. Sort of.



How To Get Your Pet To Strike The Pose:
Tips For Photographing Your Pet
by Ian White - ThePetWorld.us


If you have ever tried to take a picture of your dog, you will realize how hard it is to capture the pups full personality and beauty in a photograph. Dogs aren’t human, and they don’t understand what we are doing when we try to take their photo. They may think that the camera is a toy and charge at you, instead of striking a pose.

If you accept anytime approved to yield a account of your dog, you will apprehend how harder it is to abduction the pups abounding personality and adorableness in a photograph. Dogs aren’t human, and they don’t accept what we are accomplishing if we try to yield their photo. They may anticipate that the camera is a toy and allegation at you, instead of arresting a pose. If you chase these tips, and yield your cues from your pet, you can be assured of abundant photos of your pet.Pets arise in all colors.

If your dog is dark, you will charge to accomplish abiding that he doesn’t get absent in your photo due to a aphotic background. Aphotic animals photograph best with ablaze atramentous or aloof backgrounds. You can use white, grey, or buttery biscuit backdrops. You should never yield a photo of a Atramentous Lab, or a German Shepherd, adjoin a aphotic background. It conceals the accurate blush of your dog, and the aphotic accomplishments can aswell burrow the accurate size, actualization and accommodation of your pet.

The aforementioned rules administer with pets that accept ablaze coats. If you accept an apricot or white puppy, you would not abode her in foreground of a white bank for a picture. Photographs of animals charge to abduction the blush, pet, and arrangement of their coats. If you accept a white toy poodle, you would wish to abode her on, or in foreground of, a black, dejected or amber backdrop. This will assure that the poodle’s adaptable white curls are the focus of the picture. It is important that you accept a accomplishments that adulation your dog, and doesn’t adumbrate its beauty.

The hardest affair to do is to get your pet to sit still for a photo. The best time to align a photo affair with your pet is if they are tired, or sleepy. One ambush is to lay the actual blush of area or absolute over your couch or chair. Acquiesce your pet to lie there afterwards he has had a acceptable bisected hour of active play. Once your dog appears to alpha comatose off, get its absorption by a low whistle, a cheep from a squeaky toy, or the afterimage of a treat. The beastly will advantage up anon and arise to be advanced awake.

It is important that you are accessible to breeze the shots immediately. For a beyond dog you can array its bed with the actual blush of area or blanket. It is aswell best to yield your pet’s account if they are able-bodied fed. That way they are not absent by absent aliment while they are modelling for you. The treats you authority up will be added a concern account to them, instead of a hopeful dinner.In able beastly pictures, usually the abounding physique of the beastly is shown. This allows the eyewitness to get a accepted abstraction of the admeasurement and accommodation of the animal.

It aswell will acquiesce the eyewitness to get an abstraction of the animal’s accepted bloom and appearance. You wouldn’t wish to accept just a arch attempt of your pet if it had different colorings that fabricated it cute. Some animals arise to be cutting little white socks on their paws, or the ends of their cape may arise to accept been biconcave in a acrylic bucket. Be abiding that your account captures all of the different things about your absolute dog. However, if your dog just has an alluring face, you can yield arch shots.

Some pets will arise to smile if they are actual happy. Nothing says “love me” like an innocent puppy face. You charge to be acquainted of the background. Even if the blush is right, if it’s chaotic it will be confusing and yield abroad from the pet. It is aswell important to accomplish abiding that your pet is in the centermost of the shot, and that it is not circumscribed off just afore the tip of the ears, or tail.When you are demography photos of your pets, it is important that you are at atomic at the animals eye level, or below.

This gives the account the faculty of accepting from the dog’s viewpoint. You can accomplish this by adorning your dog to a college position, like the staircase, or furniture. Or, you can lie on your abdomen to accomplish the aforementioned results. You charge to zoom in as abutting as possible, while still capturing the absolute physique of your dog. You can adapt out any red eye, later.It is best to use a agenda camera if you are photographing animals. With agenda cameras you are not out any added money for the photos that didn’t yield because Spot looked away.

With a agenda camera you are chargeless to yield as abounding pictures of your beastly as you like, so breeze away. You can accept the best ones later, and annul the rest. You accept added abandon with a agenda camera. You are not accountable to just a set amount of pictures, and you do not accept to sit and admiration if they formed while they are accepting developed.If you plan to yield pictures of your pet outside, it is best to do this aboriginal in the morning, or backward in the evening.

The accustomed lighting is bigger for photographs during these periods of the day. You still charge to accumulate in apperception the blush choices of your background. You can yield a account of your atramentous puppy sitting on a white patio, or in foreground of your home if you accept ablaze atramentous siding, or brick. You can yield a account of your white dog in a annual bed that has atramentous mulch, or sitting in foreground of a aphotic brick wall. A lot of animals can obey the command of sitting.

Some animals will even sit if they accept a bridle on, even if it is not accepting held. Outdoor, accustomed lighting works the best if you wish to appearance the arrangement of your animal’s coat.The announcement of your dog is one of the a lot of important things you charge to accumulate in apperception if you are photographing your animal. If your beastly is ill, or accepting a bad day, you may wish to reschedule your photo affair to a after time. A wet and clammy searching adenoids is a accept to in all pet photos.

If your pet is activity unwell, they apparently aren’t up for their photo accepting taken. If your brand of pet should accept active ears, and they are laying down because the pet is not as animated as usual, you should adjourn your account taking, as well. You should never yield a account of your pet if they accept aqueous eyes due to an infection. Wait until your pet is adapted and activity added like their cheery, upbeat self.You can yield activity shots of your pet. Does your pet like to bolt frisbee’s or assemblage sheep?

To abduction your pet in activity you accept to apprentice what photographer’s appellation “panning.” The key to animadversion is to chase forth with your pet as they are moving. You charge to bang abroad capturing them throughout their activity. You can accept a blur that is fabricated for activity shots to get acceptable results.You apperceive your pet and what excites them. Does your pet like to angle on two anxiety and beg for a assertive toy, or treat? If so, again get anyone to abetment you during this photo.

They can collaborate with the dog while you breeze the pictures. These shots are abundant means of assuming the personality of your dog. Does your dog like to angle its arch if it hears a assertive noise? Again be accessible to abduction their photo while your abettor provides the noise. Does your dog like to adumbrate in the shrubs, or get antic with a ball? You can aswell abduction these types of photos if you are acquainted in and accessible with your camera.Photographs are a abundant way of attention the adorableness and personality of an animal.

Just accumulate in apperception accomplishments color, and try to photograph your pet for still shots if they are able-bodied fed and somewhat sleepy. If you photograph outside, try to align your photo time in the morning or backward atramentous hours, and don’t yield their pictures anon adverse the sun. Accomplish abiding your pet is activity physically able-bodied so that their personality can be captured, and if you use a agenda camera you will not accept to anguish about crumbling film. If you yield activity shots, convenance the animadversion technique.

If your pet performs tricks, admit the aid of a abettor and photograph your beastly performing. Photographs will be about forever, and if you do them accurately they can acknowledge a lot about your pet. Yield your cues from your beastly and you will accept admirable photographs every time.

Author Ian White is architect of http://www.pet-sitters.biz Pet-Sitters.biz specializes in allowance pet sitters and pet owners affix to anniversary other. Your pet will absence you, but their ambiance charcoal intact.



Giving Pets as Gifts:
Tips on Doing the Right Thing
USAToday.com



Think twice before giving someone a pet for the holidays, says Los Angeles dog trainer and behaviorist Jonathan Klein. He's a praise/reward-based trainer who runs the dog school I said Sit! Most of us in the Paw Print Post community know to be careful before giving anyone a pet, but sometimes we can get carried away during the holidays. Here's Klein's advice:

1) Make sure the person wants a pet: A pet should never be given as an "unexpected" gift. Also, consider a different time of year: People are generally far too busy to properly introduce a new pet into their home while trying to keep up with all the demands of the season.

2) A pet should not be an impulse purchase: Do not buy a pet from a shopping mall pet store. They may look adorable and in need of a home, but unfortunately, these pets are usually stressed, immune suppressed and often come from puppy mills with questionable breeding practices. Find a responsible breeder, shelter or a rescue group.

3) Consider fostering or getting pets other than dogs and cats: Animal rescues are always looking for responsible people to provide foster pet homes on a short-term or long-term basis until they can find them a "forever home." There are also lots of choices other than dogs and cats, especially if the pet is for a child. Fish, turtles, mice and guinea pigs are all excellent, easy and economical choices that kids can enjoy and love without creating much of an impact to your daily routine.

4) Prepare your home: Lock away all household chemicals, keep any potentially poisonous houseplants or breakables out of reach, tie back any electrical cords and keep doors closed. Many holiday decorations like tinsel, mistletoe, wrapping paper and table decorations can be problematic, while certain foods, including chocolate and raisins can be lethal to your pet. Establish an area in the house where your pet can peacefully relax and sleep.

5) You need more than just food and bowls: Stock up at the pet store before your new addition arrives. Choose a vet, and also locate the nearest emergency veterinary hospital that is open 24/7. All new puppies and kittens need a series of vaccinations. Make sure you get any records containing your pet's history -- this will help a veterinarian determine exactly which vaccinations are needed.



Pet-Lover Outrage Halts
Pet Exhumations in Montana
The Washington Post


HELENA, Mont. -- Officials responsible for a Montana pet cemetery are backing off a proposal to exhume and cremate its occupants after some of the pet owners threatened to chain themselves to the front gates.

The 1.3-acre Arley Burt Pet Cemetery in Helena is the final resting place for some 1,200 dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters buried between 1972 and 1993.

Gina Wiest of the Lewis and Clark Humane Society says the organization considered exhuming the pets in the cemetery adjacent to its shelter because of a new hotel going up nearby.

But the hotel owner tells the Independent Record that she's OK with the land's current use. And the Helena city attorney says the Humane Society leases the land from the city, and the town has no plans to disturb the grounds.



The American Christmas Tree Association
Thinks Pets Should Have a Safe
and Merry Christmas, Too
SFGate.com


Although beautiful and cheerful in the home, a decorated Christmas tree is a potential hazard for domestic pets both big and small, according to the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA). Items such as sparkly tinsel, dangly garlands, sharp glass ornaments and artificial snow, while lovely to admire, can be dangerous gateways for pet accidents. "Make sure to place larger and less 'tempting' ornaments near your tree base, while the smaller, more fragile items are a safe bet at the top," said Jami Warner, ACTA Executive Director. If ingested, christmas ornaments and holiday decorations can choke cats or dogs, causing air flow blockage and suffocation. It's important to pay special attention to the smallest of pets when around hanging and delicate tree decor.

Lights also pose a threat as well, as they can attract the eye of a curious cat or daring dog, leaving pets with a bad burn. To ensure light safety with animals present, make sure to unplug twinkling lights when not in use in conjunction with the use of pet proof electrical cords. Animals can be injured by cords from chewing, so practice turning lights off and using appropriate wiring to avoid burned mouths and electric shock.

For maximum safety, always make sure pets are not chewing on branches or eating any fallen needles or leaves.

Other safety precautions for keeping pets safe around Christmas trees and Christmas ornaments are simple and effective. Covering the Christmas tree base with a tree skirt, avoiding food based decorations and ensuring the tree is on a stable stand are all excellent measures to take when pets are running about the home. Always make sure pets are supervised when in the same room as the Christmas tree, to ensure that everyone, including the family pets, have a safe and wonderful holiday.

www.christmastreeassociation.org



Pet Owners Who are Struggling Financially
Face Difficult Decisions
Clayton A. Culp - Knoxville News Sentinel





Carol Tuft, veterinary assistant at University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Medical Center, applies a thermal treatment to Tanker, a Dalmatian that suffered a neck injury. Photo by Clayton A. Culp


People aren't the only ones affected by the slumping economy. Pets are suffering, too.

People going through a financial hardship, like the loss of a job, may feel a range of emotions - anger, sadness or even shame. But many pet owners, especially those with sick pets, are burdened with an additional choice: make big financial sacrifices or lose their beloved pet.

Elizabeth Strand, director of veterinary social work services at the University of Tennessee's Veterinary Medical Center, operates a help line for people who need counsel about their pets and says she's been getting more calls from people who can't afford their pets.

"We get calls from people who don't identify their name, and they say things like 'I just lost my job; my husband just lost his job,' " says Strand, who earned her Ph.D. from UT. " 'The kids are completely attached to the dog, and the dog has been hit by a car, and there's no possible way that we can pay for this treatment, and you're a social work service, what can you do for me?' "

Unlike in human medicine, there are very few subsidized pet-care options, and that leaves pet owners especially vulnerable, Strand says.

"I think people are really at risk when they have to not provide for that animal because of financial constraints," says Strand. "They're at risk for feeling doubly wounded."

The unconditional love of a pet provides a sense of self-esteem in difficult times, and the inability to return that love in the form of medical care is a profound blow for pet owners, Strand says.

"It also makes sense why people would go to extraordinary amounts to maintain that relationship because it's one of the relationships where they feel 100 (percent) accepted," she says.

While Strand says she does love animals, she says her client is always the person, not the pet. To help her clients, Strand refers eligible people to organizations committed to helping humans struggling to make ends meet, like the Community Action Committee in Knoxville.

At Young-Williams Animal Shelter, where the pets are the primary concern, executive director Tim Adams says animal surrenders have begun to level off but are still "up a little bit" after peaking last year. Specific numbers were not available.

"Most common is that they can't afford the animal right now and that could be anything from vet care to food, just a variety of things, vaccinations, that kind of stuff," Adams says.

"We hear a lot from people who are moving or lost their homes or moving into apartment homes and can't keep their pets because they're not allowed. That type of thing we do hear more frequently than we did in the past."

Doing what it takes

More than 42 million U.S. households owned a dog in 2007, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. More than 32 million owned a cat. Many of those households are doing whatever it takes to keep their pets.

Carrie Reed, a graduate student in school counseling at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., says she has spent an estimated $2,000 in medical costs in the first year of her dog's life, a black lab, golden retriever mix she calls Joe Frazier.

At six months, he was undersized at just 20 pounds. After many failed diagnoses, vets finally detected megaesophagus, a birth defect that created a large pouch in the dog's esophagus. The condition makes it hard for the dog to keep anything down.




Young-Williams Animal Center employees say owner surrenders have been up slightly. Photo by Clayton A. Culp


In order to feed him, Reed and her boyfriend, A.J. Dugger, sit Frazier upright in a stroller, giving him a little food at a time. The entire procedure takes as long as an hour and 15 minutes.

"We've made sacrifices because both the money and the time constraints," Reed says of her and her boyfriend, who is a journalist. "We've given up trips that we wanted to take because we spent the money on him instead of being able to spend it on the trip."

Giving up on their pet wasn't an option, despite knowing he'll live a normal lifespan that includes visits to the vet at least every month ($30-$40) and frequent pneumonia treatments ($150 each).

"Our vet told us that having him put to sleep was an option, but it wasn't one that we were going to make because other than having megaesophagus and having to take the time to feed him that way, he's a perfectly normal, happy, healthy puppy," Reed says.

"He is very much a part of our family. I consider him my child right now because I don't have children of my own."

Their story is representative of the sentiment many pet owners feel toward their animals.

Through her work at UT, Strand says she's seen clients with high levels of disposable income spend as much as $18,000 on a pet. She says a second category of people, with less money, may spend as much as $6,000 and use Care Credit, a payment plan system.

Still, a third group of people can't pay.

"Then there are clients that come in and they're deeply saddened, I mean horribly saddened, and they make a decision to let an animal go," Strand says. "The guilt is horrible."

Love your pet, love yourself

Four times a year, the Pet Loss Support Group meets at UT Veterinary Medical Center, part of a free system to help people through their loss.

Strand counsels pet owners from a multi-purpose "family room" at the medical center. There she serves as a sounding board for distressed owners.

For example, Strand says, "If somebody says to me, 'I just can't bear to be without Barney, I would rather eat cat food then have Barney not get his care that he needs,'what I say is, 'OK, so what you're saying is you're willing to eat cat food so that you can pay for Barney's care?' "

"A lot of times when people hear that, they're like 'Oh, am I really willing to eat cat food?' "

Ultimately though, as a social worker, Strand says she must recognize the self-determination of the owner.

The job oath of the vet is to protect animal life and reduce animal suffering, but Strand notes that vets are extremely compassionate and people often wind up in her office because a vet is concerned about their well-being.

Strand has a clear message for pet owners. Love your pet, but love yourself, too.

"Your pet loves you unconditionally," Strand says. "What you owe to that pet is to learn how to love yourself unconditionally. And so if you cannot care for the medical needs of your animal then you have to deal with your life as it is.

"If you do deal with your life as it is and you respond to yourself by being harmful to yourself, by being guilty, by talking trash about yourself, then you're not honoring what your animal has given to you because your animal has loved you unconditionally and you should do the same."

There are a few things owners in a financial bind can do to help their pets.

Strand recommends the Brown Dog Foundation, a nonprofit charity that offers temporary financial support as an alternative to euthanasia.

The American Animal Hospital Association also has a Helping Pets fund. Veterinarians can apply for grants to help pets that meet eligibility requirements.

In addition, Tennessee's Social Work Help Line operates 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and can be reached at 865-755-8839.

Clayton A. Culp is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.



Five Fantastic Gift Ideas For Pet Lovers
PetSiteHQ.com


With the holidays simply around the corner, it is time to start thinking of gifts to give your friends and loved ones. Finding unique gifts can indicate a challenge, and the majority of people never think about giving pet-related presents. Since the chances are good that a lot more than one person on your holiday gift list includes a pet that he or she adores, why don’t you give a distinctive gift that your recipient will cherish? Listed here are five fantastic gift ideas to get you started:

1. Fine Art Animal Prints

Dogs may come in many shapes and sizes, but each has a personality all its own. One of the most delightful presents you can give to a pet lover is a fine art print of his or her breed. One of the most notable artists offering fine art animal prints is Lorena Pugh. Her print, “Princess,” for example, depicts a white toy poodle laying atop a stack of 12 colorful pillows, whereas “Angel Face” displays a beautiful pug who has just snagged a cluster of grapes off of a dining room table. In “Chocolate Craving,” she realistically captures the yearning of a chocolate lab as he reaches for a tennis ball against a stunning background of blue sky. These limited edition animal prints are sure to be treasured, as each includes a consecutively numbered dog tag to match the tag in the print.

2. Crystal Animal Statues

Regardless of whether your gift recipient has a dog, cat, horse, or rabbit, she or he is certain to delight in an elegant crystal animal statue. Usually made from 24 percent lead crystal, hand-finished animal statues are beautiful yet whimsical. Crystal animal statues can depict a wide variety of pets, from a sitting cat to a dog with a bone; from a turtle to a frog; from a horse to a mouse; and from a duck to a dove.

3. Stone Animal Statues

Who wouldn’t enjoy a playful stone animal statue showing their beloved pet? Animal garden statues are excellent presents, much like stone animal statues for the home and office. While a few statues – like a sleeping spaniel puppy or an eager dachshund – make you feel warm inside, others – like a cat holding a pair of binoculars up to his eyes, ever watchful for a bird – make you have a good laugh. Stone animal statues are available for virtually any kind of pet, and are sure to be cherished.

4. Animal Posters

If you have ever owned a pet, you know how funny they can be. Animal posters depict pets in a variety of extravagant situations (remember the cat in “Hang in There”?), and are eminently affordable. An animal poster is sure to bring a smile to your recipient’s face.

5. Entertainment

When it comes to gifts for pet lovers, there’s nothing more unique that pet-related entertainment. There is actually a music company that creates music for animals, so consider giving a gift of music about and for cats, dogs, or birds. One more great gift idea is to buy a DVD or video that’s created to amuse your recipient’s dog or cat. Your friend or loved one can play the DVD or video while he or she is at work or out running errands – guilt free!

It’s both original and thoughtful to give a present that acknowledges your recipient’s pet as a fundamental part of his or her life. Pet lovers will value and treasure your gift, regardless of whether it’s a fine art animal print or an entertaining DVD.



Me-Ouch!
Oxford Says Dogs Are Smarter Than Cats
Ben Muessig - AOLNews.com


AOL News -- Who would have thought that years of growling and sniffing rear ends would make you smarter?

Researchers say that over many generations, dogs' brains have grown at a faster rate than cats' brains because canines are more social than felines.

Oxford University scientists tracked the evolution of the size of animal brains over millions of years and determined that social species, like monkeys, dolphins and dogs, developed larger brains relative to the size of their bodies than more solitary animals, like deer and cats, The Telegraph reports.

The findings buck earlier theories that brain size developed uniformly among species.






A bulldog and a cat are face to face in a standoff. Getty Images


"This study overturns the long-held belief that brain size has increased across all mammals," Dr. Susanne Shultz, who led the research, told the paper. "Instead, groups of highly social species have undergone much more rapid increases than more solitary species."

Having descended from pack animals like wolves, dogs needed to develop larger brains to handle the challenges of constant social interaction, according to the researchers.

"Dogs have always been regarded as the more social animals, while cats like to get on with their own thing alone. But it appears that interaction is good for the brain and extends to other species, like ourselves," Shultz said. "We are even more social than monkeys and apes, and it is this ability to get on with each other that has helped us dominate the planet."

But cat lovers shouldn't get hissing mad about the study -- a pet writer at the same publication that broke the story says the truth about cats and dogs is that each is smart in its own way.

Instead, he argues, "perhaps the folk who issue press releases on behalf of researchers are the ones who are lacking in intelligence."

Pet Safety in Winter

The Thrill of a Lifetime


This is the Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria , Australia and only the hood of the car is inside the glass cage with lions.


The rest of the car is on the outside. Very interesting way of interacting with the lions.



A Thanksgiving Miracle:
New Book Highlights Inspiring Disabled Pet Stories
vsnl.us


When author Mary Shafer adopted a rescued kitten, she had no idea it would change her career…and her whole life. But that’s just what happened, and she writes about the experience in “A Thanksgiving Miracle,” her essay in “Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.”

The book is newly released from Enspirio House, an imprint of Bucks County, Pa., publisher Word Forge Books. The softcover book, an anthology of thought-provoking and inspirational stories by eleven writers from three countries, retails for .95. Contributors hail from American hometowns such as San Francisco, the Boston area, metro Baltimore and suburban Denver, as well as two Canadian provinces and a Greek island. Shafer also edited the collection, which she calls a pioneering title. “As far as I know,” she says, “it’s the only book on the market that’s solely devoted to stories of disabled pets.”

Shafer’s contribution is about Idgie, a tiny kitten born without eyes and left to die on a city sidewalk. Its title derives from the story’s improbable ending. “It’s a true story, as are all the pieces in this anthology,” Shafer says. “And it really did happen just days before Thanksgiving.”

“It” is the process by which Idgie beat the mean streets of Philadelphia to become the author’s constant companion and official mascot of Word Forge Books. “It’s the kind of story you almost can’t believe, yet you’re so very glad it’s true,” admits Shafer. It was the hope and inspiration embodied by Idgie’s story that led the author to invite other writers to submit their own stories to join hers in an anthology.

“As the owner of several disabled pets, I realized the innate courage these creatures display in simply living their everyday lives. I find it tremendously inspiring and wanted to share that with our readers. Having searched unsuccessfully for a book like this myself, I thought it was time we created one. We’re pleased to offer such a well-written and heartwarming collection in a time when hopeful messages are so needed.”

Readers of “Almost Perfect” will follow the lives of nearly a dozen amazing animals who–through birth or injury–have been rendered “less than perfect,” and of the humans who love and welcome them into their hearts and homes. These engaging stories pull readers in, allowing them to share the immeasurable rewards their subjects have found.

The book shares the courage of Colbi, a blind Alaskan Husky mix, who trades a hellish life in a puppy mill for the challenges of life on a wide-open farm. Inspiration comes from Ruby, the irrepressible Labrador-Doberman mix who adapts to a devastating muscle-eating disease by learning to literally roll with the punches. Cagney, a paraplegic rat, provides companionship and plays the muse to his human “mom” while she struggles through her Master’s thesis. Joyous and graceful Tux, a handsome black-and-white cat, navigates a life of almost complete paralysis, while showing his human friend what it means to be truly alive.

“‘Almost Perfect’ is the ideal book to remind us of the meaning of Thanksgiving,” Shafer says. “Readers can’t help but look at their own lives in contrast to those of the animals in these stories, and see how very much they have to be thankful for.” The book offers a hopeful look at relations between the species through true, uplifting stories of animals who have overcome physical handicaps to inspire their human companions.

Interested readers can learn more about the book at its website, www.almostperfectbook.com. Shafer blogs on the subject at http://www.almostperfectpets.blogspot.com. The book is available from booksellers and through the publisher’s website at www,wordforgebooks.com.

High-resolution, print-ready photos of the book’s cover, the editor and other contributors are downloadable at http://www.wordforgebooks.com/almostperfect/pressroom.html.



Dog Training Advice:
Here’s Some Holiday Advice
DogTrainingAdviceExtra.com



The Foster.com site recently carried an item on holiday safety tips for pets, given the upcoming Thanksgiving and Hannukkah and Christmas seasons and all the ‘to-do’ that goes on with looking after your pets. The item raised issues raised by the American Kennel Club about keeping your dogs safe. For instance, don’t feed your dog turkey bones, and remember that poulty bones are hazardous to your pets’ health. Ensure your uneaten food is removed from the table and placed somewhere safely away from them.
As the article said: “Be sure pets have no access to kitchen garbage. — Resist the temptation to share holiday foods with your pets. Pies, stuffing, turkey, pastry or fancy hors d’oeuvres are not meant for pets, and eating them can lead to illness or to gastrointestinal upsets — having your pet vomit on your guest’s best shoes is not considered good hospitality. — If you like to eat by candlelight, be sure candles are located so that they cannot be knocked over by a jumping cat or a dog’s wagging tail. — Alcohol is toxic for dogs and cats, even in very small amounts. — If your are host or hostess this year, you might want to keep your pets out from underfoot, for their safety and the enjoyment of your guests. Even the best trained and socialized dog or cat may be overwhelmed by lots of guests, especially if children are present.”

Remember that even a dog that is well trained and highly socialized will often find it difficult to be around a great number of guests who may upset him or her. Keep them safely looked after during the party time.


Making Antifreeze Unpalatable  to Cats
by Michael - opednews.com


Making antifreeze unpalatable to cats would save many thousands of cat's lives and prevent hundreds of crimes. News on the subject of cats contain on at least a weekly basis one incident of antifreeze poisoning.

These poisoning are either accidental or deliberate and they most often kill the cat, period. It is the most common cause of poisoning of cats and dogs in the USA (source).

It is the major component of car antifreeze, ethylene glycol, that kills cats. A small sip is enough. The chemical is used in engine coolant and other products such as brake fluids and hydraulic fluids.

The problem is simple. Cats like the taste of antifreeze. And it is being left lying around or it leaks out of cars. Or as mentioned, it is put down deliberately judging by the comments on my blogger site (see Cat Poison).

Ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed by the cat and within 30 minutes the cat shows signs of poisoning (as if drunk). There is a period of what seems like remission but it is not. The cat converts the ethylene glycol into other chemicals that damage its body (kidneys and central nervous system) permanently.

Other symptoms are:

--Vomiting
--Drinking excessively
--Urinate excessively
--Depression
--Weakness
--Diarrhea
--Dehydration

Symptoms are similar to a cat with kidney disease a not uncommon disease in modern cats (due to dry cat food it is claimed).

Treatment should be rapid and includes:

--Making the cat drunk (alcohol apparently reduces the effects)
--Flushing the chemical from the stomach
--Flushing the chemical from the cat's body by inducing increased urination

OK enough....The point I want to make is that all this would be unnecessary if the manufacturers of antifreeze and other car products made it unpalatable by adding a small amount of another chemical that made the taste bitter. The chemical that has been used successfully is Denatonium Benzoate (DB). Sounds simple to me. But is it simple to get the manufacturers to do it? No - afraid not.

I have just learned that Humane Society of the United States is working with an organization called CSPA (Consumer Specialty Products Association) to develop legislation for adoption by state legislators. Why can't the car part manufacturers just do it rather than be forced to do it?

At Feb 2010, as far as I know the following states have enacted such laws: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington State (source).

I wonder if we can some how push this along a bit? A petition? Some angry voices! It is time that making antifreeze unpalatable to cats was made obligatory. The trouble is the cat is well down the list of priorities in a stretched government agenda.


Cat Owners Follow Similar Careers
CatChannell.com

Survey reveals what pet choice says about career selection.


We’ve all heard people claim to be either a dog person or a cat person, and this pet preference is supposed to provide insight into their personality. But does the type of animal you own say anything about your career path? According to nationwide survey released last week by Careerbuilder.com, it does.

The online survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, looked at dog, cat and other pet ownership in relation to a person’s chosen profession, compensation and job satisfaction. More than 2,300 U.S. workers with cats, dogs and other pets were polled for the survey.

It found that workers with dogs were more likely to hold senior management positions, such as a CEO or senior vice president. Workers with snakes or other reptiles were more likely to earn six figures, and bird owners were more likely to be satisfied with their jobs, according to the survey.

In terms of career paths, the survey found that owners of certain pets were more likely to report being drawn to certain professions. Specifically:

• Dog owners were more likely to be professors, nurses, information technology professionals, military professionals and entertainers;

• Cat owners were more likely to be physicians, real estate agents, lab technicians, machine operators and personal caretakers;

• Fish owners were more likely to be human resources professionals, financial professionals, hotel and leisure professionals, farming/fishing/forestry professionals and transportation professionals;

• Bird owners were more likely to be advertising professionals, sales reps, construction workers and administrative professionals; and

• Reptile owners were more likely to be engineers, social workers, marketing and public relations professionals, editors or writers and police officers.



Pet Photography:
Q &A with Izumi Tanaka
ModernCat.com


Izumi Tanaka worked in documentary television and film for years. During that time, she was always photographing various subjects, but when she realized her passion for photographing animals, she started to focus on what she enjoys most. Here are her thoughts on pet photography.


How long have you been photographing pets and how did you get started?
I’ve been shooting for 30 years and have always been shooting my own cats. Since I began to shoot professionally in the last few years, my focus was commercial but it was taking a long time for me to establish myself. Meanwhile, I was posting photos of my cats on my blog and Facebook often, and some my friends overwhelmingly supported me to do pet photography as well. First, I went to a couple of friends to see if I can photograph their cats and dogs as well as I can with my own cats. This was earlier this year (2010), and I’ve been having a blast! I am based in Santa Monica, California.

What kind of pet photography do you do? Do you have a specialty?
I do cats and dogs, but by far, I have a very special connection with cats! And my specialty is that I shoot them in their own natural environment where they’re in their element. I don’t create the scenes, and I just let them show me how they want me to capture them by allowing them to just be who they are.

Do you do anything special to prepare for a photo shoot with a cat?
Usually, I take a few minutes to get to know the cats or hang out in their environment without pointing the camera so they get used to my presence in their space. Once they trust me, there is a synergy between the cat and myself.

What was the most challenging cat photo shoot you have done? Any funny stories?
The only one that I was challenged was with a kitty who kept going behind a chair where I couldn’t shoot, not because he was shy but because that’s where he loved to hang out. Also, when the rooms are dark, it can be challenging because I only use natural and available light.

Do you have any tips for readers about how to take great photos of their cats?
Cats are definitely harder to shoot than dogs because they are more independent. I would never try to make them pose for you or do something they’re not in the mood for. If you can connect with them at the soul level, they tend to show off their essence to you.

For the more technically inclined readers, can you please tell us what equipment you use? (camera, lens, lighting, filters, etc.)
I don’t use any fancy equipment. I have my Canon (I use the Rebel for pet shoot as it’s small and light) with 17~40 mm Zoom. The simpler the better for me to give me the mobility and flexibility.



Do's and Don'ts for Keeping
 Your Dog Safe This Winter
SunHerald.com


Responsible dog owners need to take special precautions to keep their dogs safe and warm as the temperatures drop. The American Kennel Club offers the following tips to have a safe winter season with your pup.

-Don't let your pup outside by herself during the winter. Always accompany her to warm her ear flaps between your hands and check her paws to make sure snow and ice do not collect between her toes. Snow and ice can cause cuts and cracked pads. A small amount of petroleum jelly may help soften and soothe paw pads. You can even use booties to help keep your dog's paws warm and dry.

-Do limit time outside during the cold weather. Dogs can get frostbite or hypothermia when the temperatures drop.

-Don't leave your pup alone in the car on cold days. Just as the car gets extremely hot in the summer, it gets extremely cold in the winter.

-Do rinse and dry your dog's paws after a walk. Rock salt that is used to melt ice on sidewalks can irritate paw pads.

-Do watch out for spilled antifreeze on driveways. While it smells and tastes good to dogs, it is actually lethal to them.

For more tips on responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.



The Frugal Traveler: Extreme Pet Travel
By SHARON HARVEY ROSENBERG AND MYSCHA THERIAULT - McClatchy-Tribune


Hammock in Paradise blogger Lisa Overman made a cross-country drive with a 120-pound dog and two elderly cats. Challenges included feline medication, a vehicle breakdown and mid-summer heat. As the only human in the car, her solo strategy included the creative use of drive-up windows. When her carsick cat blew through used the remaining paper towels and baby wipes, Overman pulled up to the prescription drive-through of a national pharmacy chain. Supplies were purchased through the window to avoid leaving three animals in a heated car.

Here are other creative solutions for handling or avoiding challenging situations when you are traveling with pets:

Research: Not every border is pet-friendly. Track down the rules before you hit the road. England, for example, immediately welcomes properly documented dogs, cats or ferrets from a list of approved countries. Otherwise, there's a six-month quarantine. Petsonthego.com has additional information about international pet travel, including documentation and detailed questions to ask your airline.

Turnkey: Petrelocation.com will move any pet to and from any location in the world. The service coordinates pet hotels and potty breaks for long flight layovers and handles paperwork. Additionally, Pet Relocation will serve as your liaison with customs officials in your destination country, and arrange shuttle pickup for your animal's departure flight. You want to move a poisonous dart frog from Zurich to Houston? No problem. Pet Relocation even managed a move from Seattle to Amsterdam for Francesco, a Siamese fighting fish with adoring owners.

Resources: Pawsengers on Pet Airways enjoy air-conditioned flights for as low as $99, with comfort checks every 15 minutes by cabin staff. Dogparkusa.com has listings of pet-friendly parks in all 50 states and abroad, including Australia, Israel and England. Pettravel.com lists pet-friendly hotels in cities around the world, including Amman, Jordan and Bolzano, Italy.

Gear: The term "creature comforts" takes on new meaning when you're traveling with pets. Toys, portable treats, lightweight blankets and extra leashes are vital for long-distance trips. Familiar equipment provides layers of comfort and avoids unnecessary replacement costs. And don't forget your pet's medical records. Depending on the destination, you may need proof that your pet is current on vaccinations. One affordable pet daycare center in Miami, for instance, requires medical records before accepting new customers. Clearly labeling Max's crate with his name will enable flight crew to call him by name during the journey, reducing the stress of being among strangers.

Rosenberg and Theriault are co-authors of the best-selling book "10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget," and founders of PoshFrugalityNetwork.com. Theriault is founder of TrekHound.com, a travel website, and TheLessonMachine.com, a website for teachers. Rosenberg is the author of "The Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save Money."



'Music My Pet' Soothes Stressed Cats and Dogs
PeoplePets.com


"If you're listening to something and it's calming you, it'll probably be calming to your pet," says Tom Nazziola. "Pets respond similarly to humans in terms of music." That thinking is the basis for Music My Pet, a series of two CDs curated by Nazziola that take the most soothing parts of classical songs and spin them into easy listening for cats and dogs.

"Being a composer, I know what music to look for," Nazziola tells PEOPLEPets.com. "I chose pieces that would achieve the [calming] effect, then edited them. There's some classical music out there that can be agitating. So it's not just a matter of throwing some classical music on for your pet, but [choosing] something relaxing."

Nazziola, a pet lover who performed on Disney's Baby Einstein series, tested his first CD, Classic Cuts ($13.99), on some furry listeners. "We gave copies out to people, and our engineer had his dog by his side the whole time he was mixing, so he could gage his reaction," Nazziola says. "We tried to keep pets involved the whole way through."

So far, the composer has received positive feedback from many pet owners, who've noticed the calming effects of Classic Cuts when taking their anxious animals for rides in the car, or before leaving them for work in the morning. He has distributed several to New York City shelters, too, to help soothe animals waiting for adoption.

The latest CD in the series, Holiday Treats ($11.99, visit musicmypet.com to order both titles), was just released, and features quiet arrangements of favorites like We Wish You a Merry Christmas and O Holy Night. "It was a long process," Nazziola says. "But it's a nice departure from the classical thing. And something different for the owner to listen to, too."



Peach the Chihuahua, Japan’s Newest Police Dog
MumbaiMirror.com Meet Japan’s newest police dog - all 3 kg (6.6 lb) of her.


In what is a first for Japan and perhaps the world, a long-haired Chihuahua named Momo - Peach - passed exams to become a police dog in the western Japanese prefecture of Nara.




Momo was one of 32 successful candidates out of 70 dogs


The brown-and-white, perky Momo was one of 32 successful candidates out of 70 dogs, passing a search and rescue test by finding a person in five minutes after merely sniffing their cap.

“Any breed of dog can be entered to become a police dog in the search and rescue division,” said a Nara police spokesman.

But he admitted that news a Chihuahua had been entered may still come as a surprise to many.

“It’s quite unusual,” he said. Television footage showed the seven-year-old Momo bounding across grass or sitting proudly, long hair blowing in the breeze.

Momo will be used for rescue operations in case of disasters, in the hope that she may be able to squeeze her tiny frame into places too narrow for more usual rescue dogs, which tend to be German Shepherds.

Pet Oxygen Masks (Photos)

Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a Cat!
by Pete Chianca - WickedLocal.com


If you think I'm coming down for that slop, you've got another think coming.


I’ve always wondered, how does a cat get stuck in a tree? If they can get up, why can’t they get down? My guess is they’re seeking attention. And if you don’t think cats like attention, you don’t have one.

Regardless, they had to call the cavalry out to get the latest victim of cats-traphobia off of a limb in Beverly. Disappointingly, the cat was snared by the Animal Rescue League rather than the Beverly Fire Department in full gear with sirens blaring. That would be so much more fun.

Top 5 Pet Tips for Happy Holidays
prweb.com

Sonya Fitzpatrick helps make the holidays happier and safer with some simple pet tips.


In the rush of holiday cheer and chores, it's easy to forget our pets are animals, not four-legged people. Here are five things to remember as we head into the holiday season:

1. Food
Pets cannot discern foods that are good for them and aren't. Remember to keep chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated food and drinks away from them. These items can cause seizures, coma, and even death. Just as with humans, dogs should not have excessive sugar in their diets. You may offer your dogs these human goodies: vegetables, lettuce, yams and carrots. Cooked turkey, chicken, lamb, beef and white fish are okay, but never raw products. To avoid the temptation of human food, make sure your pet has his or her own food.

2. Decorations
Make sure foil decorations are high enough that your pet can't reach them. Ornaments with wires or hooks also should be placed away from your pet's reach. Mistletoe, poinsettias, holly berries and ivy can be poisonous. Ribbons, yarns, strings, and other supplies used in gift wrapping should be off limits, too. If it makes you feel better, give your pet a holiday toy to keep it distracted.

3. Guests
A home full of loving and noisy guests, particularly young ones, can be frightening to a pet. Create a quiet area for your pets to be away from all the hustle and bustle, particularly if your pet normally spends all day home alone. You might want to move the pet bed from the living room or kitchen to an out-of-the-way bathroom or bedroom (not the one with all the guests' coats thrown over the bed). Even if your pet is guest-friendly, your guests may not be. A sudden screech or the pull of a tail could lead to unwanted results.

4. Travel
Traveling, particularly long distances in a car, can be very stressful to you and your pets. Make sure your pet is secure in a purpose-built well-ventilated cage or a pet safety harness. You can also bring along a blanket that has the scent from home on it for added comfort. Bring bottled water from home so your pet doesn't have to deal with strange water that might result in an intestinal upset. And last, make sure your pets have up-to-date identification with your cell phone numbers on the tags in case they wander away in unfamiliar territory.

5. Memories
If you have lost a beloved pet in the past year, it is helpful to hang a stocking for them or buy them a gift so you can honor their memory. You can also create a special place for their things if it is especially difficult to get through the holidays without your best friend.

The Top 5 Pet Tips for Happy Holidays are courtesy of Sonya Fitzpatrick, one of the most widely recognized and respected animal communicators in the world. For more information, go to http://www.sonyafitzpatrick.com.

Advice To Pet Owners On Cleaning Carpet
by Brian Summers - iarticle.org


Pet owners have got their work cut out for them. The task associated with having a pet is nearly a full time job. You have to keep them fed, sheltered, cleaned, as well as loved. However, together with looking after man’s best friend or your finicky feline companion you also need to deal with your house.

By no fault of their own, pets can wreak havoc on your carpet. They don’t mean to. They just don’t know any better. So here are some tips on how to keep your carpet looking great even with pets in your home.

The very first thing you should do is to be sure to vacuum routinely. For non-pet owners it is strongly recommended to vacuum at least once a week. When you’ve got a cat or dog you might like to bump that up to 2-3 times a week. This will get all that pet hair up from the carpet. Always go over your furniture and tile also. Vacuuming is definitely the easiest and most effective task that can be done to regulate how much pet dander and hair your home can certainly acquire.

If your pet ends up having an accident you need to deal with the spot as quickly as you are able to. The earlier you deal with the area the greater possibility you have of getting it entirely clean. If your pet does a number two then be sure you pick it up with a paper towel first. In the event that urine is the problem then you need to start by extracting as much of the liquid as you possibly can. You can do this with a shop vac or a few towels. If you are using towels be sure to put a weight on top and allow the urine some time to soak up into the towels.

When you’ve finished extracting then you’ll want to work with a cleaning agent to clean the rest of the spot. There are a selection of over the counter spot removers which you can use or perhaps you may want to mix your own. Three parts warm water to one part white vinegar is a wonderful home solution for pet urine. Simply apply it on the stain and blot with a clean towel.

Blotting is essential. You do not want to rub at a stain in your carpet, ever. After cleaning with your solution remember to rinse the area with some clean water and extract again with the shop vac or some clean towels.

If there’s still some odor after the area has dried up simply put a bit of baking soda on it and then leave it there for some time to soak up the smell. Afterward simply vacuum up the baking soda and you should be all set.

These basic steps can go a long way to keeping your carpet looking good and neat even when you have pets.

Dog Offers Help With National
Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
Today is National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day and I'm offering my canine services. Anyone?



Your Time: Passing the Pet Test
Dr Karen Budd - Herald Sun
You're ready to bring a new cat or dog into your life. Where do you start?



The first step is to do your homework. You might have a particular breed in mind, but consider how much time, energy and space you have, your family situation and your future plans.

These all need to suit the type of pet you choose.

Resist that impulse buy and research all your options.

Purebred, designer pet or mixed breed?

There are options to suit just about everyone.

Purebred pets are usually predictable in size, coat type and colour. However, it's important to learn about inherited health issues common to the breed and ensure the breeder has tested the parents where possible.

"Designer pets" are intentional crosses of two (or more) breeds. There are many designer dog breeds and designer cats are emerging, too.

Coat type, size and appearance can vary even within one litter, so ensure you like the qualities of the parent breeds. Designer pets can often cost similar amounts to purebred animals.

Mixed breeds, including the standard domestic cat, are often the result of unintentional breeding. They can be variable, but some of the hardiest and best-loved family pets are mixed breeds.

Choosing a puppy or a kitten: meet the parents

Temperament is inherited along with appearance. Your best insight into what that little ball of fluff will grow into is to visit the home where it was born and meet the mother (and the father, if possible). This gives you an opportunity to talk to the breeder and observe the conditions the puppy or kitten was raised in.

Look for:

Healthy environment: Puppies and kittens should be raised from birth in a clean environment where they are handled regularly and they are exposed to the day-to-day events that occur in a home.

A knowledgeable breeder: The breeder should be familiar with the breed and be willing to discuss with you not just the good points, but any potential problems in their breed.

A fussy breeder: A responsible breeder's goal is to place their pets in caring, long-term homes. The process involves questioning potential owners to ensure that the pet's needs are met. The breeder should know the personalities of individuals in the litter and help match you with a suitable puppy or kitten.

A supportive breeder: Discuss arrangements for the provision of ongoing advice and assistance, particularly if you have any problems with your new pet.

Health care records: Ask for details of health checks, vaccination, worming, flea treatment and microchipping, and expect to receive certification for these.

A new home: adopting an adult pet

Animal shelters around Australia have thousands of healthy dogs and cats waiting for a new home. You can reduce this number by taking one into your life.

With an older pet, what you see is what you get in looks, size and personality. Pets from shelters are ready to go: health-checked, vaccinated, wormed, microchipped and desexed.

Because each pet is an individual, look for a shelter that performs behaviour assessments on their dogs and cats, and ask the shelter staff to guide you in selecting a pet that matches you and your lifestyle.

It’s Out of the Bag:
Scientists Figure Out How Cats Drink
technabob.com



Fellow humans, mark this month of November, 2010. For it is on this month that our great science peoples have solved one of our centuries old mysteries, a question that have kept many a stoned person up at night. Last Thursday, November 11, the combined brain power of American researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Princeton University discovered, to their great astonishment, how domestic cats drink – they use their mouths. Seriously though, these scientists found out that when drinking, a cat moves its tongue very fast to form a column of liquid.

You see, unlike humans, cats can’t suck liquid. Dogs have the same dilemma, but they have a simpler and less elegant solution – they just scoop up the liquid, using the tip of their tongues as ladles.

The cat way of drinking is more awesome because a) this involves balancing gravity and inertia, which means cats know their physics, and b) it prevents their chins from getting wet. And no one likes wet chins. Except dogs. And toddlers.

An article detailing the research is included in the November 2010 issue of Science.

5 Insider Tips for Picking Pet Insurance
by Laura Bennett - PawCurious.com


Squiggy the cat was hit by a car. We paid out a $10,000 for his injury claim


People ask me about pet insurance all the time. And I honestly don’t always know what to tell them. From my perspective, it’s fantastic: I don’t have to do anything, except maybe fill out a short form, and in return I see more pets getting the care they need.

People who actually have pet insurance, however, tell different stories. Some companies rival human insurance companies when it comes to red tape navigation; others reimburse pennies on the dollar spent. Still others are actually very good. I asked Laura Bennett, CEO and co-founder of Embrace Pet Insurance (one I recommend regularly, by the way) to give a bit more informed perspective about the pet insurance industry:

If you’d asked me 10 years ago what I knew about pet insurance, I would have snorted my coffee through my nose and said “is that like alien abduction insurance?!”

Times have changed since then! Now there are over 12 companies offering pet insurance in the US with all manner of products and service. The question I get now is what should one look for in a pet insurance company and their products; a much more interesting question to answer.

So, to help you answer that question, here are my top 5 pointers on choosing a pet insurance company and its policies:

1.What does the policy cover?
No pet insurer covers something that’s already shown symptoms before you buy your policy so that one is easy to answer. But what about hereditary conditions (many purebred dogs get these and they can be darn expensive), ongoing chronic conditions (some insurers stop coverage when you renew), and wellness care (it may be something you want included or not)? These can make or break a pet insurance policy when you come to a claim for one of these conditions.

2.How does the pet insurance pay its claims?
With a check – ha ha ha! (sorry, couldn’t help myself there)
Actually, this is more about what does the insurer base the claim payout on. For example, it could be a benefit schedule (a list by diagnosis), “usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) charges” (a list by procedure that varies by region) or the vet bill you actually paid. There’s no right or wrong answer because a policy with a benefit schedule or UCR payouts often have lower premiums since their payouts are lower than if the payout is based on the bill you paid. But you should know what to expect come claim time to avoid disappointment.

3.How will your premiums and benefits change over time?
Your premiums may go up as your pet ages, with veterinarian inflation (currently about 5% a year but until recently, it was 7%), or with the insurer’s overall book of business changes. In addition, coverage may be automatically reduce over time to offset increasing costs. Be sure to read the fine print and ask a lot of questions on this one – no insurer guarantees their current premium or benefit levels. If they say so, get them to write it down for you.

4.What do existing customers think of their experience?
Every pet insurer is going to tell you its products and service are the best – of course they are! What you really want to know is what their customers really say. The most popular review website is Pet Insurance Review. Don’t focus on the actual scores the companies are getting. After all, the pet insurer could just be asking the people who got large payouts to go review them on the site and skew the result. I’d focus on the negative reviews; every pet insurer has them. What are the themes of the complaints? How are people treated? Is the complaint about something very specific to that person or common among other complainants? The answers to those questions will help you get a flavor of what you can expect as a policyholder of that company.

5.How financially sound is the insurance company behind the pet insurance product?
Features and service are great but if the company isn’t around in 10 years just when you need your policy, then it’s a moot point what you bought. Ask who is underwriting the insurance and what their AM Best rating is. There is no guarantee that a highly rated company will be around in 10 years but it is more likely than a lower rated company.

I could go on but that covers the main points to get you started on your research to find the best pet insurance policy for you.

Woman Raising Money for Pet Oxygen Masks
ctvottawa.ca


An Ottawa woman is raising money to equip fire crews with oxygen masks for pets.


An Ottawa woman is spearheading a campaign to equip the city's fire stations with oxygen masks for pets.

"If we can do anything to help them out in a fire I thought there was no reason why we shouldn't," said Andrea Cormack-Akeson.

Cormack-Akeson is currently raising money to purchase one pet mask for every fire station in the city. She hopes to prevent further pets from dying in home fires, such as the family dog that was trapped in a blaze in Arnprior Friday morning.

Currently, no fire crew in Ottawa has access to pet oxygen masks, which cost about $55 dollars. Fire services spokesman Marc Messier said they would be a welcome addition to the city's life-saving arsenal.

"We want to have these things on our trucks," he said. "It's another piece of equipment to help homeowners and their pets."

Donations for pet oxygen mask kits can be made at the Dirty Dog Gourmet Bakery display at the Carp Christmas Market (Dec. 3 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Critter Jungle, the Ottawa Veterinary Hospital and online at responsibledogowners.ca.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Carol Anne Meehan

What a Scaredy Cat:
How a Jack Russel Chased a
Terrified Mountain LION Up a Tree
By Daily Mail Reporter


It was a David and Goliath style battle that few would have thought possible.

But with the odds stacked against him, Jack the plucky Jack Russel chased a deadly mountain lion high into a tree.

The cornered lion remained trapped above the ground before the Jack Russel was able to pounce a few minutes later.

Hound dog: A Jack Russel, like the one pictured, chased a terrified mountain lion up a tree before it was knocked down and caught


Jack's owner, Chad Strenge, witnessed the astonishing scenes while he was walking Jack on farmland in South Dakota.

The pair had been hunting when Mr Strenge heard Jack barking frantically several hundred yards away.

Thinking that his heel-biting Jack Russel - a breed known for their high energy levels- might have caught a squirrel, Mr Strenge raced to a patch of dense woodland.

Incredibly, the 150lb mountain lion was trapped high in the branches while 17lb Jack bayed for his blood below.

'He trees cats all the time. I suppose he figured it was just a cat,' said Mr Strenge.

'The lion very well could have lost a territory and decided to take off from the Black Hills and head this way.'

Brave: Jack, a 15lb orange-and-white cat, chased a black bear up a tree in a backyard in New Jersey in June 2006.


Mr Strenge shot at the lion which knocked it from the tree. Jack then chased the lion over a short distance before Mr Strenge killed it with his gun.

Professor Jonathan Jenks, an expert on cougar migration, said hunters usually needed two or three hounds to chase a lion up a tree.

He said: 'The cougar was probably not hungry enough to attack Jack.
'It very well could have lost a territory and decided to take off from the Black Hills and head this way.'

Arden Petersen, of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks department, said that no charges would be filed for shooting the animal.

People in South Dakota have the right to kill mountain lions which they feel are a threat to themselves, their livestock or their pets.
The lion was taken to South Dakota State University, where it will be studied.

It is not the first time a potentially dangerous north American wild animal has been brought to heel by a family pet.

In 2006, a ginger cat - also called Jack - chased a black bear up a tree in West Milford, New Jersey.

When the bear eventually climbed down, Jack the cat chased it up another tree.

The bear only escaped when Jack's owner called him into the house.

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