SECRETS TO HELP A SCARED DOG BECOME A BRAVE ONE – A PERSONAL JOURNEY

In October of 2008, I brought a scared dog home from the shelter to join our family. What follows is our story in the evolution from a shy, terrified creature, to the almost self-assured dog we have today. I say almost, because she still has her moments. But, for the most part she’s confident and happy. Will the methods I used work for every scared dog? No, all dogs are different. I’m hoping that some of them, however, will guide you towards calming your frightened pet. THE DOGS I MET ON MY FIRST DAY OF VOLUNTEERING After having signed up with a local shelter to volunteer (Briggs Animal Adoption Center), I decided to work with dogs of all different personalities that first day to see where my talents and interest would be best used. I don’t remember all of the dogs I interacted with that day, but here are the three that stood out. Winnie, an energetic terrier mix, large, hairy, slobbery, with a joyful, rambunctious personality, Dino, a Jack Russell terrier with a Napoleon complex, known for toy possessiveness…

Post author:abbey
Post published:May 28, 2019

BEST CAT NAMES

WHAT SHOULD I NAME MY CAT? It's time for a list of the best cat names. Why? Because it’s kitten season, which means lots of litters coming into shelters. And all those litters need names. Mom cat also needs a name. And, when you adopt one of these furry bundles of activity, you might not like the name the shelter gave them. Need some ideas for a name for your new pet? Keep reading! Recent scientific research shows that cats do recognize their names, even when similar sounding words are used. That they don’t necessarily respond, except by a slight tilt of the head or tail swishing, has more to do with attitude than capability. Pet names, like children’s names, are heavily influenced by popular culture. I have included some of these under the TV/MOVIES category. If you want your cat’s name to be unique (or at least unusual), you’ll have to move beyond the popular names. Your feline friend is not a child – no need to abide by the “normal” names. Do some brainstorming. In this post you’ll…

Post author:abbey
Post published:May 14, 2019

WHAT IS A PUPPY MILL?

HOW TO FIND AN ETHICAL BREEDER WHAT DEFINES A PUPPY MILL? What is a puppy mill? You’ve seen countless references to puppy mills, I’m sure, in the ASPCA’s overly long TV commercial, in print, and on Facebook. But, what’s the difference between a puppy mill and a legitimate breeder? And, if you’ve decided a purebred puppy is what you want and can’t find one to adopt, how can you know your breeder isn’t a mill? Unlike many champions in the animal rescue area, I am not 100% anti-breeder. Yes, I would prefer that everyone adopt and save a life, but I have worked with a few good breeders. Having been employed many years ago by a veterinarian who was a reproductive specialist, I know that there are excellent breeders out there. They care for their dogs as household pets and are careful with their health and temperament. They spend whatever money is necessary to ensure that they turn over a healthy, genetically sound pup to their customers. That having been said, there are thousands of unethical dog breeders out there. Here…

Post author:abbey
Post published:May 7, 2019

VOLUNTEERING AT AN ANIMAL SHELTER – 14 THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFORE I STARTED

There's nothing more enjoyable to a person who loves animals than volunteering at an animal shelter. You get to meet lots of different cats and dogs and watch them settle into the shelter. Then you get the joy of seeing them find their forever humans. There can also be heartbreak along the way - the kitten who doesn't make it, the dog who turns out to have a terminal illness. But for the most part, being a volunteer at an animal shelter is something you look forward to each week. It's still the highlight of my week when I can get a dog out of the kennel and take it for a walk. You care about each and every one of their stories and cheer when they go home. Below are fourteen things I wish I'd known before I started volunteering at the animal shelter. If you're already a volunteer, is there anything you would add? THE SHELTER STAFF ISN’T BEING RUDE OR IGNORING YOU. It takes quite a while for you to become a regular in the eyes of the…

Post author:abbey
Post published:April 30, 2019

DOG BREEDS FROM MEXICO

Below are four dog breeds from Mexico as part of a continuing series on differing breeds throughout the world. I think you'll find some surprises! XOLOITZCUINTLI (MEXICAN HAIRLESS) With archaeological finds and records spanning over 3500 years, the Mexican hairless is Mexico’s oldest breed. Bred originally as hunting dogs and protectors, the Xoloitzcuintli is now a protective and loving family member. They were among the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Association. The first Xolo was registered by the AKC in 1887. They come in three sizes – Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Weights vary, with the Standard Xoloitzcuintli weighing in between 30 and 55 pounds, and the Toy between 10 and 15. PERSONALITY AND CARE Mexican Hairless Dogs are loyal, attention-loving family members. Xolos need plenty of time with their human owners, and may become destructive or ill if they’re neglected. Some have even called the Xolo (pronounced “show-low”) needy. He loves to cuddle up on the sofa with his people and expects to be included in every family activity. Good with other pets, the Xolo is also a star…

Post author:abbey
Post published:April 23, 2019

FOSTERING KITTENS – HELPING OUT AT THE SHELTER

You've read about fostering kittens on Facebook. Maybe your local shelter has asked for volunteers to foster. Perhaps you have a friend who has fostered multiple litters. It's that time of year again - kitten season! Every shelter and rescue in the country is desperately hunting for people who are willing to foster these little ones, or "bottle babies". And every rescue has had the heart-rending task of turning down abandoned kittens because of a lack of fosters. As an Etsy Affiliate, I earn from qualified purchases WHAT IS KITTEN SEASON? Because female cats go into heat according to the amount of daylight, fertility increases by mid-January. The gestation period of cats is 58 to 67 days, and kitten season stretches from early spring until late fall. Although the words “kitten season” can conjure up visions of happy little fur balls, the reality is often quite different. There are feral colonies of cats throughout the United States. Estimates of the number of ferals in the United States are upwards of 50 million. Figuring a 50% mix of males and females, and…

Post author:abbey
Post published:April 15, 2019