Dogs

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…

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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…

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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…

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DIY PET PROJECTS

  It's only natural that we lavish love on our furry companions -sometimes in the form of DIY pet projects.  It’s great to watch your pet enjoy something you’ve made.  And you’ll never hear them say that it’s the wrong color, or it’s lame, or the other pets will make fun of them. We all love our pets, and, sometimes, part of that love is making a hand-crafted pet project just for them.  Some crafters sew blankets.  Other, more ambitious ones, make complete dog or cat beds.  Toys play an important role in preparing kittens and puppies for adulthood.  These little ones learn social interaction and hunting skills (for cats) from playing with toys.  Dogs learn how to play safely within a group. There are Halloween costumes for your pets, toys filled with catnip, doggie diapers for pets with medical issues, and the list goes on.  Some have even made a good living doing nothing but making fun things for dogs and cats.  Check out Etsy - there are 64 PAGES of crafts-people making items for your pets. There are 89.7…

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EASTER SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS – ENJOY THE HOLIDAY!

It’s finally spring – and with that comes Easter.  Warm breezes are replacing the chilly winds of winter, and we’re getting ready for the Easter holiday.  Below are some Easter safety tips for your pets that will allow you to enjoy the season while keeping your furry companions safe. NOTE:  Dietary comments below are meant for healthy animals only.  If your dog or cat suffers from a medical condition, please check with your vet before offering treats. CATS - SOME EASTER SAFETY TIPS LILIES These traditional Easter flowers are poisonous to cats – even in very small doses. Merely licking the pollen from a lily off its fur can cause vomiting, lack of appetite, and lethargy.  Kidney damage can occur rapidly if not promptly treated.  So, please, leave the Easter lilies in the store and bring in some of the plastic or silk variety to brighten your home. HARD-BOILED EGGS Cats CAN eat hard-boiled eggs, peeled, of course. As long as the eggs are completely cooked, an occasional hard-boiled egg adds protein and variety to your cat’s diet.  Be aware, though, that…

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY TRIVIA – WHICH SIX PET BREEDS ORIGINATED IN IRELAND?

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, here are six pet breeds from Ireland.  Some are better known than others.  All are Irish through and through.  Happy Saint Patrick's Day! KERRY BLUE TERRIER HISTORY Although no one knows when this breed was first created, Kerry Blue Terriers were highly prized in rural Ireland as early as the 1700s, and perhaps much earlier.  Bred as vermin catchers, they helped keep mice and rats from consuming the grain of the farmer's who prized them.  Multi-talented, Kerry Blues can also retrieve game and herd sheep and cattle.   They are, today, occasionally used as police dogs. First recognized as a distinct breed in 1924, although it was shown in 1922 at the Westminster Dog Show, a Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded in the United States in 1926.  This breed is quite uncommon today. PERSONALITY Kerry Blue’s have the typical terrier tenacity.  They are not known for friendliness with other dogs, and, unless socialized at an early age, do best as an only pet.  You will find, however, that the Kerry is often child friendly.  Terriers…

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