A blog with helpful tips, practical information, and fun facts for you and your four legged friends!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Adopt a Dog Month

October is a wonderful time of the year. The leaves turn color, the air is crisp, and it's a great time to find your new best friend! That's because October is Adopt a Dog Month - a whole month dedicated to the joys of rescuing an animal in need. If you're looking to add a four legged friend to your family, please consider adoption. Below are just a few of the reasons why adopting your next dog is a wonderful idea.

  • You'll save a life. Whether you adopt from a shelter or a rescue group, you'll be saving the life of not just one, but two dogs! Your pet will get its furever home and a spot will open up for another animal in need.

  • Rescued pets are grateful. A rescued dog knows that it's been saved and they'll show it! You'll be rewarded with tail waggin' and face lickin' for the rest of your days.

  • You can have your pick. Shelters and rescues have a wide variety of animals available for adoption, from purebreds to mutts, and puppies to adults. There are even breed specific rescues out there if you're looking for a particular type of dogs.

  • You may have a head start. A lot of animals in shelters and rescues already know commands and have at least started on their housetraining. Adopting means that you may get a dog that already has manners and knows that pottying is for outside.

  • You'll help curb the pet overpopulation problem. Adopting a dog means that you aren't encouraging and supporting mass, uncontrolled breeding. And many shelters and rescue organizations spay and neuter their pets before adoption, so you won't have to worry about contributing to the overpopulation problem yourself.

  • Love, love, and love. Adopting a dog means bringing lots of snuggly, furry love into your heart and home.




Thursday, September 16, 2010

Fun Facts!

Here are a couple of fun facts about your canine and feline companions.

1. The U.S. has the highest dog population in the world.
2. 87% of dog owners say their dog curls up beside them or at their feet while they watch T.V.
3. Newfoundlands are great swimmers because of their webbed feet.
4. Basset Hounds cannot swim.
5. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on earth, with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
6. Three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic – a Newfoundland, a Pomeranian, and a Pekingese.
7. An estimated 1,000,000 dogs in the U.S. have been named as the primary beneficiaries in their owner’s will.
8. An American Animal Hospital Assoc. poll found that 33% of dog owners admit to talking to their dogs on the phone and leaving answering machine messages for them while away.
9. Humans have kept dogs as pets for over 12,000 years.
10. The largest breed of dog is the Irish Wolfhound.
11. The world’s smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua.
12. The St. Bernard is the heaviest.
13. It has been scientifically proven that owning cats is good for our health and can decrease the occurrence of high blood pressure and other illnesses.
14. Stroking a cat can help to relieve stress, and the feel of a purring cat on your lap conveys a strong sense of security and comfort.
15. The ancient Egyptians were the first civilisation to realise the cat's potential as a vermin hunter and tamed cats to protect the corn supplies on which their lives depended.
16. Cats see six times better in the dark and at night than humans.
17. Purring does not always indicate that a cat is happy. Cats will also purr loudly when they are distressed or in pain.
18. A domestic cat can run at speeds of 30 mph.
19. On average, a cat will sleep for 16 hours a day.
20. Ailurophile is the word cat lovers are officially called.



*Dog facts from http://www.animalsneedhelp.com/2008/04/20/102-interesting-facts-about-dogs/
* Cat facts from http://www.catsinfo.com/catfacts.html

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Fall Safety Tips

Fall is nearing, and with cooler nights, sunny days, and falling leaves, it is certainly a beautiful time of year. There are pumpkin festivals, the trees change color, and toasty fires are lit. While it is a wonderful time of year, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind when it comes to your four legged friends.

1) Wild Mushrooms – If you like to go walking on the trail or hiking through the woods with your pup, be sure your dog isn’t grazing on any mushrooms during the outing. While most mushrooms are non-toxic, the ones that are toxic are extremely toxic! Better yet, it’s a good idea to not allow your pet to munch on anything they may find while out on a walk - there are lots of things they may come across that can make them sick or may even poison them.

2) Decorative Gourds – Lots of folks decorate their home with squashes and pumpkins during the fall. While these gourds aren’t poisonous for dogs, they can definitely cause a stomach upset or even an intestinal blockage if consumed. Make sure all gourds and pumpkins are out of reach of your pooch for their safety.

3) Fires – Fall is a wonderful time to have a roaring fire, whether it’s in your living room fire place or in a backyard fire pit. Wagging tails and burning logs don’t exactly mix, though, so be sure to keep an eye on your pooch anytime they’re around a fire. Also be sure to never leave your pet unattended when there is a fire lit, mo matter how fire savvy they may be.

4) Fallen Leaves – Piles of fallen leaves are a picturesque part of the season, but be sure to watch your four legged friends around them. Your pet may be tempted to chew on the crunchy leaves, but that can be dangerous for them. Oak leaves are poisonous, and other leaves can cause a blockage. As cute as it may be, discourage your pet from snacking on fall foliage.

5) Halloween – Though it still seems a ways off, Halloween will be upon us in no time. No matter how friendly and easy going your pet may be, Halloween can be a stressful event for them. Doorbells ringing, kids yelling, and strange costumes can put your dog or cat on edge. Do them a favor and let them hang out with a favorite toy or special treat in another room if you expect trick or treaters. That will also ensure that they don’t bolt out the door when it opens for groups of costumed kids. And be sure to keep that candy well out of reach. Not only is chocolate bad for them, but artificial sweeteners and wrappers can make them sick as well.