How to Train a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Do you want a strong, dependable dog? Have you considered the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers?

The breed was developed in the United States Chesapeake Bay area during the 1800's. They are very alert dogs with an eager-to-please attitude. They have natural instincts to hunt and they are strong and agile creatures.

Nicknamed as 'Chessie', they are regarded as more serious and more powerful among other retrievers. Their appearance is almost similar to Labrador retrievers. They are large with a powerful and muscular build. Primarily, they are good hunting companions but they also make nice family pets.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are superb hunting dogs very capable of retrieving animals especially game fowls in icy waters. These retrievers are oozing with machismo that it is viewed as the man's man of retrievers.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not for just anyone. They are very strong-willed and independent. A Chessie owner must establish its dominance over the dog. As a master, there must be a strong presence of natural authority over the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. If not, the dog will develop dominance problems if it senses the owners are passive, meek, or timid and they will be very difficult to handle. Handlers need to be confident and must assert a pack leadership over Chessies.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are very discriminating to strangers and they are not as happy-go-lucky as other breeds of retrievers. Chessies are very territorial and can be very aggressive when they feel that their territory is threatened. They will make good guard dogs with this innate characteristic. They are alert and very protective!

Chessies are trainable although they are quite slow to learn. They can adapt easily to basic obedience training but are poor trick dogs. They can be easily distracted and that can make training even more difficult. If you want to train them, be consistent and train Chessies in short durations, about 4-7 minutes a few times a day. Later you can go longer as the dog improves and matures.

They need regular physical and mental stimulation. Exercises are a must for this breed. Chessies need to vent their energy through play and working out. Otherwise, they will become rambunctious and bored. It is good for their well-being if they are able to use their muscles frequently.

Also, they are very good swimmers and they love the water very much. It is great training for retrieving to have them to retrieve objects from the water. They are fun to play with and their energy seems inexhaustible. An ideal dog for a large family with a lot of kids, they are rugged and will do just about anything to have fun.

Surprisingly, even with their strong temperament, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are usually slow to mature. And unfortunately, they are prone to health problems. They are likely to suffer from skin, and joint diseases.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may have varying temperaments and can be very mild or almost overly protective of their family, it largely depends on their hereditary traits and the way they are trained.

by T Brown

House Rabbit Care

Rabbits do make wonderful pets, they are very social animals, and love human interaction. However, they do require a lot of maintenance. They look very cuddly and cute, but rabbits do have a set of claws on them that can really cause some damage is used against you, all because they do not want to be cuddled.

A well trained and raised rabbit can really be a wonderful addition to your family. However, it does pay to do your research properly and even invest in a guide that will give you everything you will ever need to know about owning your own rabbit.

Before owning your rabbit, you need to decide weither or not they are going to live outside or if they can spend most of their time indoors with the family. If you are planning for them to live mainly outdoors, it pays to invest in a good cage. A good cage will provide them with protection from the elements and from other animals outside.

As a rabbit owner you need to ensure that your rabbit has plenty of food available, not only rabbit pallets, but they require a mixture or vegetables like carrots, lettuce and similar vegetables. This provides then with the roughage they require, along with the nutrients. Rabbits also require hay in their diets, they also need hay to sleep on.

If you are planning on getting a rabbit as a pet for your child to teach them about responsibility, it would pay to consider the age of your child. Very young child will not know how to handle the rabbit gently, and will not know how to care for them. For older children it can teach then responsibilities and how to handle an animal.

If you have young children and are planning on getting a rabbit as a pet for them, then it would pay to seriously consider another animal. Rabbits are fragile and often do not do well when around little children. Little ones tend to be loud, and usually not know how to handle the rabbit with care. For older children it can be a wonderful lesson in responsibility.

Libby Gerald is a avid rabbit owner and lover, she is sharing all her knowledge on House Rabbit Care. Get all the information you need about owning, training, and caring for your Rabbit Pets. Visit:House Rabbit Care. by Libby Gerald

Bunny Rabbit Care

Rabbits do make wonderful pets, they are very social animals, and love human interaction. However, they do require a lot of maintenance. They look very cuddly and cute, but rabbits do have a set of claws on them that can really cause some damage is used against you, all because they do not want to be cuddled.

If you are considering owning a pet rabbit then you need to do your research. Rabbits do take a lot of maintenance and care. However, if you have a well behaved rabbit it can be a wonderful addition to your family.

Before owning your rabbit, you need to decide weither or not they are going to live outside or if they can spend most of their time indoors with the family. If you are planning for them to live mainly outdoors, it pays to invest in a good cage. A good cage will provide them with protection from the elements and from other animals outside.

Rabbits can happily live indoors as part of the family, or they can live outdoors. If you are planning for them to live outdoors, then you need to make sure that your rabbits cage has adequate protection from the elements. Also, you need to make sure that the cage can protect your rabbit from other animals. The cage for your rabbit ideally has to be as big as possible to let them have enough room to move around.

Rabbits require a mixture of foods in their diets. As much as pallets will give them a lot of what your rabbit will require, they do require roughage from vegetables such as lettuce, carrots and similar vegetables. As well as sleeping on hay, rabbits also require hay as part of their diets.

If you are seriously considering owning a rabbit of any type, it really does pay to your research, to have a well adjusted rabbit in your family, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right type of rabbit for your family. A guide will also teach you how to train them from a early age, and get the best out of your rabbit pet.

Libby Gerald is a avid rabbit owner and lover, she is sharing all her knowledge on Bunny Rabbit Care. Get all the information you need about owning, training, and caring for your Rabbit Pets. Visit:Bunny Rabbit Care. by Libby Gerald

How to Take Care of A Rabbit

Rabbits do look very cute and cuddly, but rabbits are equipped with very strong back legs and very sharp claws that can really inflict some damage if you were to cuddle them when they really did not want to be. Rabbits are very social animals, and love and crave human attention, but they do require a lot of maintenance and care.

If you are considering owning a pet rabbit then you need to do your research. Rabbits do take a lot of maintenance and care. However, if you have a well behaved rabbit it can be a wonderful addition to your family.

Rabbits are high maintenance, but if trained correctly can be a wonderful addition to your family. It really pays to do your research before you consider the adoption of your first rabbit. As a rabbit owner you really need to know what you can expect from your rabbit, and how to train them well.

Rabbits need a varied diet, they can not live on rabbit pallets alone. They need vegetables like lettuce, carrots and any other similar vegetables. This provides them with nutrients that they need. They also need lots of hay not only to sleep in but to eat. So you have to ensure that they have everything their diets require.

Rabbits require a mixture of foods in their diets. As much as pallets will give them a lot of what your rabbit will require, they do require roughage from vegetables such as lettuce, carrots and similar vegetables. As well as sleeping on hay, rabbits also require hay as part of their diets.

Doing your research is the key to having well behaved rabbits. They really do need training and handling care. A full guide is the best way to make sure you are well informed about your rabbit before you bring him home. Getting all the information you need will ensure that your new rabbit will get the home that it deserves.

Libby Gerald is a avid rabbit owner and lover, she is sharing all her knowledge on How to Take Care of a Rabbit. Get all the information you need about owning, training, and caring for your Rabbit Pets. Visit:How to Take Care of a Rabbit. by Libby Gerald

Care of a Rabbit

Rabbits do make wonderful pets, they are very social animals, and love human interaction. However, they do require a lot of maintenance. They look very cuddly and cute, but rabbits do have a set of claws on them that can really cause some damage is used against you, all because they do not want to be cuddled.

If you are considering owning a pet rabbit then you need to do your research. Rabbits do take a lot of maintenance and care. However, if you have a well behaved rabbit it can be a wonderful addition to your family.

Before owning your rabbit, you need to decide weither or not they are going to live outside or if they can spend most of their time indoors with the family. If you are planning for them to live mainly outdoors, it pays to invest in a good cage. A good cage will provide them with protection from the elements and from other animals outside.

Rabbits need a varied diet, they can not live on rabbit pallets alone. They need vegetables like lettuce, carrots and any other similar vegetables. This provides them with nutrients that they need. They also need lots of hay not only to sleep in but to eat. So you have to ensure that they have everything their diets require.

If your rabbit is going to be a pet for your child, it may pay to access the age and maturity of your child. Owning a pet, can be a wonder experience in responsibility. However, if your child is too young, they may not know how to handle the rabbit gently, and the rabbit could seriously damage to your young child. For an older child, it can really be a great experience for them.

Doing your research is the key to having well behaved rabbits. They really do need training and handling care. A full guide is the best way to make sure you are well informed about your rabbit before you bring him home. Getting all the information you need will ensure that your new rabbit will get the home that it deserves.

Libby Gerald is a avid rabbit owner and lover, she is sharing all her knowledge on Care of a Rabbit. Get all the information you need about owning, training, and caring for your Rabbit Pets. Visit:Care of a Rabbit. by Libby Gerald

To Care for A Rabbit

Rabbits make wonderful pets for any family. However, there are many things that you need to know before you commit to the 12-18 years that your rabbit may live. Rabbits are not low maintenance and do require training, exercise, attention and human interaction on a daily basis. Rabbits are social animals and really do well when a part of your family.

If you are considering adopting a rabbit for your children, it pays to consider the age of your children. Young children and rabbits generally do not go well together. Young children are loud and generally unpredictable. This can cause the rabbit stress and can cause the bunny stress and can cause the rabbit to have a heart attack.

Older kids do really benefit from the responsibility of owing a pet, they know how to care and understand easily how to handle your rabbit. Parents beware though, often children lose interest and the parents do get lumped with the rabbits care.

Research is key before you are thinking of adopting a rabbit as a new pet. Rabbits are not low maintenance they do require daily care. However, they do form great bonds with their owners so the work does pay off. Getting a good information guide is the best way to ensure you have all the knowledge you need.

Checking out the parents of the rabbits, and the breeders is the best way to check out how your rabbit will act when he or she is older. Some rabbits have aggressive streaks and are misbehaved. So doing your research is the best way to ensure your bunny will be a great addition to your family.

Libby Gerald is an expert in her field and she wants to share her advice with others. To Care for A Rabbit has all the information your need to avoid an Early Death visit: To Care for A Rabbit. by Libby Gerald

What Exactly is a Siamese Cat?

Siamese cats were originally from Siam and have gained popularity in the past one hundred years or so as house pets. They were typically bred only for the wealthy, but these days anyone who wishes to can own a Siamese cat can do so with ease.

For those who are not familiar with the Siamese cat breeds, there may be some confusion when choosing these types of cats as a pet. Most people do not even know that there are sub types in the category of Siamese cats. While most Siamese cats will be light tan in color with darker brown points on their ears, tail and legs, they will also have a darker mask around their eyes, which are always blue. There are some rarer types that will have a more blue tint to the darker brown coloring. All Siamese cats have hind legs that are longer than their front legs are.

They are different from typical house cats in that they can not sheathe their back claws. There are two main types of Siamese cats that you can own, the first is called an Apple Head Siamese cat and the other is called a Wedge Head Siamese cat.

How to Differentiate Between the Apple Head Siamese and Wedge Head Siamese Cats

There are two basic types of Siamese cats; the classic, which is also know as an apple head, and the extreme type which is known as a wedge head Siamese cat.

The Apple Head Siamese Cats

The Apple Head or classic Siamese cat will be a sturdy cat which is larger and has a fuller body than the Wedge Head. This type of Siamese cat will be larger than the Wedge Head as well and will have brilliant blue eyes. Many feel that the Apple Head is more like the Siamese cats of old in that these properties were bred out of the Wedge Head Siamese cats.

The Wedge Head Siamese Cats

The Wedge Head Siamese cat is much thinner than the Apple Head is and has a more tapered or pointed face. This type of Siamese cat is typically what you will see at cat shows and are bred mostly for this purpose. Their eyes have more of slant to them and are the shape of almonds. The ears are much bigger than the Apple Head Siamese cat have.

Pros and Cons to Owning a Siamese Cat

Pros

Siamese cats of any type are typically very playful cats. They are highly intelligent and make great pets. They can be taught many of the same "tricks" that you can teach a dog. I have a friend whose Siamese cat will fetch, rollover, sit and lay down to hand commands. They do not require much grooming as they have short coats, which makes them a good pet for those who are allergic to long haired breeds.

You will still need to brush them to keep them looking nice, and not mention that brushing your cat will help build a bond between you. When you get a Siamese cat, you want to play with it as much as possible as they are very social animals and will revel in your time with them. These cats have garnered a reputation for being stand offish, but the opposite is true; Siamese cats are actually quite affectionate and love attention.

Cons

While these are very playful cats, they can also be big climbers, if you have areas where you do not want your cat to climb, you may want to keep them out of that room as you may find that your Siamese cat has climbed there just because they can. You may want to get a nice scratching post that has towers on it for them to climb instead.

Siamese cats are very vocal and will chatter with you when they are feeling anything at all. If you are looking for a quiet cat, the Siamese may not fit your needs. You will need to be careful when you purchase a Siamese cat as there are many breeders who are not legitimate and you may end up with a cat that has been inbred to the point that they are no longer fit for pets. by Susan Miler

Looking For a Good Family Dog?

Looking For a Good Family Dog?

If you are looking for a good family dog, consider one of the hunting breeds. If you already own one you don't need to read this! My husband and son hunt using our Vizsla pointers, Abby and Peaches. The intelligence and loyalty astounds me.. They even achieved couch status in the living room, much to my chagrin.

As an all-round good family dog, the hunting breeds are hard to beat.

The Sporting dog breeds have tremendous popularity as family pets; just think Golden Retriever or Labrador. For the most part, all hunting dogs have similar qualities that fit well with family life:

wonderful loving nature, great for active families love outdoor activities okay with children energy and endurance devoted and loyal good family watch dog

Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle.

The breed is often chosen on impulse, because of its appearance, reputation, or as the current fad, and not for the particular characteristics that will make it a good pet that fits the family's lifestyle and activity level.

Families or individuals who are outdoorsy and active should consider choosing a dog from the sporting group.

Also known as gun dogs, or bird dogs, they have natural hunting abilities, pointing retrieving or both.

As a hunter you have a dog that fits with your sport. My husband hunts upland game , quail, pheasant, so our pointer vizslas fit the bill.

These dogs also fit well with our home life.

Sporting dogs are energetic. They love to run and are better off not being confined.

They are not suited for apartment life! The best scenario is a large fenced-in yard

For physical activity, walking your dog 2 or 3 times a day is just not enough... these dogs love to flat out run!

Sporting dogs can enjoy swimming if they are easily introduced to water as puppies. Gentle rivers or lakes are good, even the backyard pool works! Never throw the puppy in. This could teach him to fear water. Find a shallow spot for him to get in with your encouragement. Bring him in and allow to feel his stride swimming. Don't hold or force him to stay in the waster, as panic will turn to fear of the water.

Labrador Retrievers and Golden retrievers have become one of the most popular family dogs in the sporting group. They are happiest when they are with their people, and are too friendly to be good guard dogs! Labs are gentle with children...

Golden Retrievers are also extremely popular. A well-mannered, charming breed that loves people and other animals, Golden Retrievers are wonderful family dogs that are gentle and patient with children......

English Springer Spaniels are intelligent, cheerful, and playful dogs who love everyone. They have high energy levels which make them a great pet for families with active children. English Springers can cover rough terrain with speed, agility and endurance.......

Weimaraners are proud and aristocratic dogs. Fearless but not overly aggressive, they are protective of their families. Intelligent and eager to please, Weimaraners need lots of attention and respond well to obedience training.....

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are the ideal pets for families who love winter sports. Bred to hunt fowl on the icy New England coast, their thick waterproof coats allow them to tolerate adverse weather conditions. Brave, powerful and assertive, they are excellent watchdogs....

Irish Setters are outgoing dogs with even temperaments. They are great with children and like to play with other dogs. Sweet-natured and playful, Irish Setters love plenty of attention and affection. They are not "stupider" than other breeds as some people believe....

German Shorthair Pointers are intelligent and eager to please but can be stubborn and willful. They are loyal and affectionate with their families but often standoffish to strangers.....

Cocker Spaniels have been popular family pets for decades. Their small size and sweet, cheerful dispositions make them wonderful companions for children....

Many other sporting breeds are quickly gaining popularity as family pets. When choosing a sporting breed be sure you can fulfill the dog's need for the great deal of physical exercise and attention that they need to be happy........

Buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who knows good specimens of the breed they produce. Puppies from pet store "puppy mills" or backyard breeders may not have the gentle, friendly nature that is so characteristic of a well-bred sporting dog.

Sporting dogs are not for everybody, but you don't need to be a hunter to own one! by Lizzie Novotny

Promotional T-shirts and the pet industry

If you are organizing promotional and awareness-building pet-related campaigns, you will find that there is a wide range of promotional items you can use for your cause. You will also realize that you do not need to limit yourself to pet-specific giveaways for pet use, such as toys, treats, or accessories. Certainly giving out these items will get you on the good side of these pet owners (not to mention you will most probably get a warm lick on the cheek from these furry creatures). There are other giveaways, however, that will help you bring your cause before pet owners and individuals who have a soft spot for pets.

Custom apparel like promotional T-shirts, when imprinted with a marketing message or a call to action, can help boost awareness for your advocacy. Animal shelters, pet rescue groups, animal rights activists, and animal hospitals can educate the general public on the right treatment of animals by imprinting promotional T-shirts with their organization's logo and tagline.

Pet rescue groups wanting to spread the word about pet adoption or seeking donations to continue operations will find that promotional T-shirts are one of the best tools there are to build up visibility for their group. These promotional T-shirts can be used as daily uniforms by volunteers or during special community events, such as when doing presentations in schools and churches or going house to house. As uniforms, these promotional T-shirts not only draw attention to the cause but also lend a sense of legitimacy to individuals wearing them. Prospective donors and supporters are more likely to trust someone who knocks at their door wearing a shirt sporting the organization's emblem.

Nongovernmental organizations and advocacy groups wanting to raise funds to care for rescued cats and dogs might want to consider selling promotional T-shirts as merchandise. To make these tops marketable, it is best to come up with unique designs and have these printed as limited-edition items. Interested buyers would be happy to know that their purchase of these promotional T-shirts will help a good cause. By wearing this imprinted apparel, they will also help spread your group's advocacy and reach out to more people. by Rachael Starks

3 Ways to Classify Saltwater Fish Tanks

Modern saltwater fish tanks have evolved into a broad range of distinct systems. Single fish tanks can differ in size from a little bowl big enough for a particular tiny fish to the gigantic public aquaria that can imitate the whole marine environment.

However, there are several classes of saltwater fish tanks. These fish tanks may classify into three different categories: classification according to salinity, classification according to temperature and classification according to species of water-living animals.

Classification according to Salinity

Salinity is one way in classifying fish tanks. It is the measurement of saltiness of water, depending on how much salt is dissolved inside. For saltwater, there is only a specific percentage of salinity that makes it a livable habitat for marine life. Excessive saltiness or lack of it makes the living conditions under the sea unsuitable already.

Fresh water is generally very low in salinity. It is almost bland when tasted. There are only certain kinds of fish who can live on fresh water. These are also known as tropical fish.

Classification According to Temperature

The fish tank may also be classified with their temperature range. Many fish tank keepers take good care of a tropical fish tank so that these fish would be more attractive. On the other hand, the cold water fish tank is also known. Water-living animal like goldfish is included here.

When creating a fish tank, the basic idea is to imitate the actual atmosphere inside the ocean or the sea. Generally, marine fish live in a very cold climate many feet under the waters. Therefore when creating a fish tank, it is very important to control the temperature, keeping it cold enough for the fish to live.

Marine tanks are generally more delicate to temperature changes compared to fresh water tanks.

Classification According to Species

The saltwater fish tanks may also be classified according to their species selection. The most common fish tank today is the community tank. This is where numerous non-aggressive groups are accommodated peacefully together. The fish tank, invertebrates and water plants seemingly do not born originally from similar geographic area, but they abide the same water conditions.

There is also what is referred to as the aggressive fish tanks. It houses together the more aggressive fishes, that when put with other more tamed fishes, might be harmed. This kind of tank may not be filled with many fish as it may stir the peacefulness of the water when the fish aggravate each other.

Species or specimen fish tanks only accommodate one fish species together with plants. They were found in the natural surroundings of the fish and decorations portraying a real ecosystem. This kind of fish tank is useful for fish that cannot be accommodated securely with other fish. One example is electric eel. Furthermore, some aquariums are used to inhabit adults for breeding.

Another kind of fish tanks according to species classification is the ecotype, ecotope, or biotope fish tanks. The fish tank caretakers try to create a particular ecosystem located in the real world. They keep together the invertebrate species, fish, and water-living plants seen only in that ecosystem in an aquarium with water conditions and decorations made to create their natural surroundings.

In addition, these ecotype saltwater fish tanks may also be considered as the most urbane hobby fish tanks. Other than that, these ecotype fish tanks were also chosen for public saltwater fish tanks to their exhibits. This type serves as the best simulation in terms of experience and observing fish tanks. Fitting the fish tank to the surroundings at the source of fish often takes as the well-balanced aquariums.

Knowing the three ways of classifying tanks is very helpful in being able to create the most adaptive artificial habitat for the fish you wish to take care as pets. by David Urmann

Abused Animals: Not Bulls-eye Targets

Growing up on a farm, I witnessed a great deal of animal abuse. The farm always seemed to attract a lot of attention from passersby. The pens of the animals nestled up against the Salt Lake canal bank which had a small dirt road that ran the whole length of the canal. You could look down into our pens of cattle, horses, sheep and pigs and take in the normal scents of a working farm. Below is a sampling of some of the events on our farm:

* ROCKING THROWING. Rock throwing was a popular sport of the youngest visitors. The point of the game was to see who could hit one of the animals first. The cows made the best targets because of their size and lumbering movements.

* ANIMALS AND BB GUNS. Christmas was another joyous time when teens received their first BB guns. An aim and a hit was the same as shooting a paper target to most boys. Their squeals of joy were heard across the farm. My dad spent many hours trying to heal the bleeding holes in the animals - many BBs never recovered, infections ensuing. I often wished these senseless boys could have been forced to witness the pain they had caused, not only with the animals but in my family's hearts.

* GARBAGE IS A TREAT. Children weren't the only ones who wreaked havoc on the farm. Even the simplest, careless act would lead to harming an animal. In the later years, our farm was surrounded on three sides by sub-divisions. Although garbage pick-up was available, neighbors bordering us saw our farm as a dumping ground and a place to tromp our hay down for their baseball games. I never understood as our family drove along the fence lines throwing our neighbor's garbage into the back of our pickup truck why they weren't humiliated by their deeds. It has never stopped to amaze me looking back at this time, how they thought they benefited by their acts. They could still see the garage over the chain-link fence. Why not gaze upon the beauty of a green field instead?

As the cows and horses grazed the pastures during different seasons of the year, an interesting morsel of nails, plastic bottle caps, or the remnants of a ham sandwich in a plastic baggie would catch an animal's eye or be eaten with a mouthful of tasty alfalfa. I remember helping my father inject magnets down the cow's throats with a bolus to collect as much iron and steel as possible. This was to prevent punctures in their stomachs. The iron and steel caused Hardware Disease or peritonitis. The magnets would hold the metal in place and cellulous would wrap around it much like a pearl in an oyster.

* ROCKS LOVE TO BREAK THINGS. This garbage practice over the fence did nothing to help the flow of farming. Despite regular collections by my family, garbage magically appeared continuously, including rocks which couldn't always be seen in a stand of alfalfa. These "gifts" from our neighbors damaged and broke our farming equipment of bailers, rakes and plows - costing valuable time and loss of crops for the animals.

* PETS ARE LIKE FAMILY. Being a dog lover, the episodes we suffered with the dogs caused my heart to ache the most. One of my favorite dogs in my youth was Duke, a blue heeler. Despite the name, Duke was a female. She was a protective dog even to us kids and she worked the sheep and cattle like a pro.

One summer day, Duke crawled to the back porch door, whimpering. We found her on the steps, a bullet in the top of her head. My father was an excellent veterinarian without ever having had any formal training. Somehow, he miraculously managed to save Duke's life. She was never the same after that. There had definitely been some kind of brain damage.

One day my dad and I, along with Duke, hauled a load of our neighbor's garbage to the dump. Duke rode in the truck by my feet. When my dad left to rake out the back of the truck, I reached down to pet her head. She lunged at me, knocked the glasses from my face, and bit my cheek and eyelid. The blood poured profusely from the bite. I was shocked by the act of my once protective, loyal friend. But as young as I was, I still understood. The love for this dog was strong in me and I didn't want her to get into trouble with my dad. I searched the glove compartment for tissues or towels to cover my injured face but to no avail. I wiped the blood on my jeans and on the Naugahyde roof of our old 1964 Ford pick-up truck.

I turned my bleeding face to the door window as my father stepped up into the truck. It took him only a few seconds to notice the blood-stains. He turned my face toward him and stared at me in disbelief. My words were soft, "Please don't be mad at Duke".

* DOGS LOVE TO CHASE CARS. Over the years we had many dogs on the farm. Some were shot, some were poisoned, and some were cruelly and purposefully ran over by speeders along the canal road.

All of these acts proved painful and senseless over the years. I am happy that most of the states have passed the law that animal abuse is a federal offense. Alaska, Idaho, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota have still not passed this law. If you live in these states, please contact your senators and representatives today.

I always include at least one dog in my books and deal often with the subject of animal abuse. It is an issue close to my heart. I hope through this article and my books people will come to understand that animals are not targets. by Cindy A. Christiansen

How to Rent With Pets

If you're a pet owner looking for a new apartment, you've likely been frustrated with the number of landlords who won't allow your companion in the building. Before you consider smuggling in your furry friend under your landlord's nose, here are some tips for renting with pets out in the open.
First, check out the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in your area. The organization typically has a list of landlords who do allow pets, which can save you a lot of legwork. They may even have information about the latest apartments for rent in your area with the landlord's contact phone number.
If you fall in love with an apartment building and there's a "no pets allowed" rule, you could try pleading your case to the landlord. Though you're not guaranteed to get anywhere, you could gain some ground if you market yourself as a responsible pet owner. Offer to keep your pet out of common areas, for example, and stress your plans for handling your pet when you're not at home.
You should narrow down your search to smaller apartment complexes. If the building is not managed by a management company, you're likely to encounter more lenient rules.
Also, you can offer to put down a "pet deposit" that would pay for any damages made by your pet during the terms of the lease. You can also present your landlord with letters of reference from previous landlords who can attest that you are a responsible pet owner.
Why not offer your landlord a chance to meet your pet before you move in? This is a great way to establish your responsibility in person, and can even give the landlord a chance to bond with your pet.
Check out Move.com's How-to Rental Guide for more information. by Jill Kipnis

Finding a New Home For Your Pet in the Event of a Foreclosure

Facing foreclosure on your home can be frightening; typically, the initial response is to panic as your basic instincts will dominate your senses and override your reason. In times of crisis, most people will do anything to save themselves to the point of abandoning their pets. However, when you've lost your home, you don't need to leave your pets behind; there are ways to still keeping your pets during hard times.

The importance of keeping pets

Pets do a lot to bring us comfort when we are sad or stressed. They have therapeutic benefits to our psychology and emotions. The more that we have them, the more they become attached to us and us to them that they become part of the family.

Pets that are left behind

Some pet owners who are forced to abandon their homes end up leaving their pets behind or leaving their pets somewhere in the hopes that someone will find and care for them. However, most of these pets end up dead due to lack of water or food. Domestic pets are used to being cared for by humans and to abandon them for even a few days can make them utterly helpless and defenseless. Unlike street or wild animals, they have not developed the same instincts for survival and won't be able to live on their own. Out in the streets or in the wild, they have to compete with fiercer and more experienced animals, and more often than not, they easily become prey. Dogs and cats last only three to four weeks without food and only a few days without water, even less in extreme cold or heat. When they are left in the backyard or in the house, they are forced to eat anything they find including furniture. Abandoning pets is a cruel thing to do and may even be illegal. Those who abandon their pets may be faced with criminal charges or criminal investigations for neglect.

Options for a new home

If you can't bring your pets with you after you vacate your home, you can find a safe place where your pets can stay temporarily until you find a new residence or permanently if they have to. You can ask people that you know starting with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues, if they can take care of your pet for you while you relocate or if they are willing to adopt your pet. You can also ask local breeders if they know any willing foster parents who can take care of your pet. Another possible place for your pet to stay is with your veterinarian in urbane scrubs or a boarding kennel. In most cases, these places will charge you for boarding costs. If you still can't find a safe place for your pet, you can contact reputable animal rescue organizations or animal shelters where your pet can be cared for temporarily or permanently. Make sure that you placing your pet in a "No Kill" shelter where your pet will not be sold to laboratories, put to death, or exploited. by Brent McNutt

Guard Dog Vs Protection Dog

In today's world, people feel a need for security, for themselves and their families. Some people want to keep their property or business secure from intruders. Although alarm systems can do the job, many people choose to get a dog instead. In certain breeds, this guarding and protecting is a natural instinct and dogs have been doing this job for hundreds of years. So, once you decide to get a dog for security, should you get a guard dog or a protection dog? Is there a difference?

The answer is, yes, there is a difference between a guard dog and protection dog. It is important for you to know the difference before you make a decision and buy a puppy. Think of it this way, a guard dog will guard your property and a protection dog will protect you and your family.

A guard dog is trained specifically to be a working dog, not a pet. They are used as police dogs or military dogs and cannot "turn off" their training. Guard dogs can be trained to work at 3 distinct levels of security.

Alarm Dog- This is a large breed with a deep, threatening bark. He will sound the alarm when someone approaches, but will take no action. In many cases, the alarm dogs bark is enough to deter unwanted visitors.

Sentry Dog- A guard dog used as a sentry is most often used to guard the outside of a large property, such as a warehouse or shipyard. The dog is free to roam on his own without instruction from his owner. Because they are trained to attack anyone who trespasses, they are the best possible protection for this type of situation.

Attack Dog- An attack trained guard dog is trained to attack and even kill if given the command by his handler. These dogs meant to be used as police K-9 or military service dogs. Dogs trained at this level are not sociable at any level and are not suitable as pets.

Protection dogs are family dogs that will protect and defend their family in any situation they feel is threatening. Some of the most popular breeds for protection are, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Giant Schnauzers. The Doberman is the only working dog bred specifically as a protection dog. These breeds are extremely loyal and become true family members. They can be socialized with children and other pets, as well as other family, friends and neighbors. These dogs should never be trained specially to do what comes naturally to them. They should be bred with special consideration for their natural instinct to protect. These breeds do however, need to be obedience trained and need to know their position in the family. They can be dominant, so it is important to establish your alpha role. Exercise is extremely important if you want to have a well behaved, well adjusted protection dog. These dogs need plenty of activity because they are big, physical animals with lots of energy.

The main distinction between a guard dog and a protection dogs is ultimately in the training. It is always best to seek a professional when you have determined what you need from your working companion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_M_Sabol by Joseph M. Sabol

Is A Dog The Right Pet For You?

Americans sure do love to own pets! Choosing what kind of pet you will have in your home is an important one, since it will affect not only your life but the one of a defenseless animal as well. Many well-intentioned people think that a dog is right for them without giving it much thought. Is a dog right for you?

Millions of dogs are dropped off at shelters and humane societies throughout the world each year. Why? There are legitimate reasons for not being able to keep a dog, of course, but the main reason most animals are given up is that their owners didn't consider all of the angles and all of the responsibilities of dog ownership before taking that cute little puppy home.

If you are considering adopting a dog for your household, please do it with your eyes wide open and educate yourself about the upbringing of and ongoing care of this potential new member of the family so that your dog owning experience doesn't end in frustration and heartbreak for everyone. Here's what to expect.

-- Dogs live a long time! Small breeds will live between 15 and 20 years, while the largest breeds top off at 8 years. Whatever type of dog you choose, you will be looking at a long term commitment. If you don't think you can handle that kind of a commitment for the long haul, how about choosing a hamster or parakeet instead?

-- Dogs need a lot of daily care. Besides the basics of food and water, dogs have specific needs which must be met each and every day. Unlike cats that use a litter box and require very little human interaction, dogs need to go out and crave the company of their people. Dogs need to be exercised in order to stay healthy: this means being walked at least three times a day. They also need to be outside to relieve themselves. Dogs must be played with and talked to and allowed to be a part of the family. -- Dogs may be left outdoors in a fenced yard during the day when you are at work, but as social creatures, they should be brought in at night. Dogs that are left outside continuously are often neglected and become bored and destructive.

-- Dogs are not a good way to teach kids responsibility. Children are great at taking care of a new puppy, but when the novelty wears off after a few weeks, the onus usually falls back on a parent to take care of the dog. Are you prepared to deal with this eventuality?

-- Dogs shed. Beagles and Dalmatians are the most prolific shedders despite having short hair. There are breeds that don't shed at all, but most do. Those that don't shed require frequent and costly grooming. There are no self-cleaning dogs. Unlike cats, dogs must be regularly bathed by their adoring humans.

A dog should be a welcome and loved addition to any home: please think twice about adopting one if you don't think your lifestyle suits the needs of these sweet and adoring animals. by Art Gib

Adopting A Pet

There are three main ways to adopt a pet for your family. The location of the pet really depends on what type of breed you are looking for. In this article we will discuss mostly dogs and cats, how to adopt them, and where to adopt them.

The three main ways to adopt a pet include a breeder, private owner, or retail location. The retail location can be a pet store or humane society. First let's discuss a breeder. If you are going to adopt a dog or cat of a specific mix, you are going to want to find a breeder that offers that particular combination. Most often you can find a breeder through an online internet source that gives you a description of the breed. You will want to check out a few breeders to compare the cost of that pet, as well as the facilities. You should never exchange money until you have seen the dog or can be guaranteed the breeder has the animal's best interests at heart. Most often, adopting through a breeder is going to be expensive, and they do not pay for vet costs once you have adopted the pet. In other words, if you have exchanged the money but haven't picked up the dog, any vet visits will be for you to take care of, even neutering or spaying will be out of your pocket.

With a humane society, you will find any pet is going to be neutered or spayed before the animal will be released. This type of location offers rescued animals, pre-owned, and occasionally new pets. The retail stores will be the same depending on what city you are located in. Although some retail stores will just have specific breeds directly from the breeders. In these places you cannot adopt a dog or cat until it has all of the proper shots and has been neutered or spayed. They will also be looking into your background.

In fact, both the breeders and retail shops are going to want your history. They will ask why you are adopting a pet, perhaps even stop by your home or ask where it is located, as well as call some references. Most places will not allow a pet to be adopted until they are satisfied that it is going to a good, "forever home".

With private owners you will experience something a little different. Private owners are not breeders, but someone who can no longer take care of their pet or has had a litter of kittens or dogs. It is very easy to adopt from most private owners as they have the pets up for free or a small fee. You will be responsible for the neutering or spaying. Also, the fee is usually less than the humane societies and breeders. The conditions may be less than stellar for some homes. It will depend on where you have found your pet. You always want to make sure the cat or dog is healthy and has had at least one visit to the vet before private adoption.

http://www.helpyourpets.com by Help Your Pets

Are We Like Animals?

While we can't compare ourselves with animals we can begin to understand eating habits and the reason why humans become over weight.

Consider how many animals you will see that are over weight. In the wild you wouldn't find any and it is not because of a lack of food - although that certainly will cause a wild animal to be under weight.

No; even where there is abundance of food animals in the wild don't get obese like humans do and it is not because of their metabolism or digestive systems.

It is because they are eating the correct foods that nature designed their systems to eat to ensure that they are getting the correct nutrition to maintain good health, and obesity certainly isn't a good healthy state to be in.

I doubt you will find any animals that are obese other than those that we keep as pets and that is because humans not only eat the wrong foods themselves but they also feed their pets the wrong foods.

We feed our pet's processed pet food that has all sorts of colors, additives and other rubbish that they were never designed to have. And the result of feeding them a poor diet is the high and ever increasing incidence of diabetes in domestic animals.

We are not only making ourselves sick with poor food choices but we are also reducing the chances our pets have of living long and healthy lives. Just like the food we buy for ourselves, the food we buy for our pets is often determined by the quality of the marketing campaigns that promote those foods.

So the only living beings that seem to make the wrong choices in food consumption are humans and we are supposed to be the most intelligent! And the only other living beings that are affected by poor food consumption are pets because they have to rely on the poor decisions that are made by humans. by Jacob

Pet Insurance Reviews - Is Cheap Pet Insurance the Best?

Health insurance is something almost everyone has, or strives to have. In addition, many people also get pet health insurance as well. Animals are a very important part of most families just like the rest of the family members and sometimes even more. Most people don't realize that there are now many options out there for pet health insurance and most are much more reasonable and affordable than what we have available for ourselves.

Most pet health insurance policies cover all basic needed services such as spaying and neutering, de-worming, shots, and basic tests such as leukemia testing. Most of these pet health insurance policies offer different tiers to choose from depending on the age and specific needs of the pet. Rather than having to pay outright and break your pocket book for needed vet visits these policies enable you to make low monthly payments, and not owe anything at the time of the visit.

When checking out pet insurance reviews, going for the cheap pet insurance may or may not be the best idea depending on your pets needs. The cheapest pet insurance usually only covers the basic needs of the pet for example; vaccinations, de-worming, etc. When going through a pet insurance review make sure you get the level of coverage that is most accomodating to your needs as well.

Below is a list of the different kinds of coverage pet health insurance usually offers to aid in finding and selecting the best pet health insurance plan for your animals needs. Unfortunately pets just like people get health issues, and it's just heart breaking when this happens and you're not prepared or able to get your pet the help they need. Similar to our health insurance depending on the type of visit there may be added expenses that may need to be paid, but those can normally be taken care of at a later date in easier to pay monthly installments along with your pet insurance costs. This makes properly caring for your animals a lot more feasible.

When Does an Individual Not Need Pet Insurance?

This is a tricky question. For some, the cost of caring for a pet may be unjustified if the finances are above the individuals needs. In addition, some may feel that smaller pets, ie; rats, mice, frogs, etc. may not be the best canditates for pet insurance and the pet insurance cost may not be justified. This is also determined on an owner-by-owner basis and is strictly up to the pet owners discretion.

Another time when pet insurance is not needed is when a pet owner is completely capable of paying the vet bills without strain at any given moment. Many people have very healthy pets and only want to pay when the pet is sick or in need of treatment. This is completely o.k. for plenty of individuals. In general, pet insurance is for those who don't want to pay a lump sum, but find it more affordable to pay ahead of time and be covered when the time is right.

Unfortunately there are many individuals that don't take their pets to the vet at all. This can lead to undiagnosed illnesses, and a lower quality of health. For example, it's very important to take your cats in for leukemia testing as it has become a common fatality among the feline society. Most kittens also require de-worming and de-fleeing which is very important to their health and development. We are offering here resources to some of the cheapest pet health insurance so that everyone can find a plan that can work for them and their pet. The benefits for having pet insurance are abundant though unfortunately it may not be financially feasable for everyone at least it is to most. Below is an example of what a tiered plan may offer;

-Leukemia testing and shots -de-worming -de-fleeing -spaying and neutering -rabies vaccination -heartworm testing -fecal exam -coronavirus vaccinations -canine and feline distemper vaccinations -Treatment and medication for illness -Treatment and medication for injury -Annual physical exam *A plan like this would normally run you anywhere from $25 to $35 a month per pet.

This is an example of a well rounded option for a plan that includes wellness as well as continuing care and accidents which could be most important as they account for the larger bills and can never be planned for. There are also plans lower than the above. one such as this that is just strictly accidental coverage, which may be a good option for some as well that are not so much concerned with the costs of routine visits but are with the possibility of accidents. There are also of course plans higher than this as well that offer additional services to the plan, but for most this would be sufficient.

Find the best and Cheapest Pet Insurance Reviews and to find the perfect pet insurance for your needs - Visit www.CheapestPetInsuranceReviews.com to get the right plan at the right price! by Gabriel Killian

Emergency Preparedness Is A Family That Is Prepared

This old world of ours is full of uncertainties these days is it not? Yes, I am sure that you agree! Disasters abound all over the world. Some of them are natures way of easing stress and some of them are man made. No matter what, an emergency is an emergency and that is a fact. Emergencies and disasters can strike at anytime and these events do not give much warning. Emergencies can cause you and your family to have to hunker down in the home and let the emergency "blow over" Or the event can cause you and your family to have to evacuate your home and quite possibly your neighborhood. This is not a pleasant thought is it? Do you know how you would react if life's most basic of services such as electricity, water, gas and phones were all out of service and non-functional? How would you react if you were "cut off" off from the "rest of the world?" In the event of an emergency/disaster the fact of the matter is that emergency relief will get to you!............eventually! You need to understand that they cannot get to everyone at once. You can deal with and be prepared for any emergency or disaster by preparing in advance of these situations by obtaining the necessary supplies and equipment and creating an emergency action plan that you and your family can stick to. being prepared for a crisis and having an emergency preparedness plan will help keep you protected and is a matter personal responsibility for you and your families safety!

One of the first things one should do is to contact entities such as the American Red Cross and any other offices that deal with emergencies and disasters in your area to get educated as to the type of natural and/or man made disasters that can possibly occur in your area of the country. Ask for any and all printed material that you can obtain to educate yourself. Educate yourself as to what if any warning systems are in place in your town and what is it that you need to do when those warning signal go off? What are you supposed to do with your family pets if you have any? Where are they supposed to go if anywhere? There is a distinct possibility that animals may not be allowed in emergency shelters for the health concerns of others! What if there are elderly in your household? How are you going to care for and transport them if an emergency occurs? Do you have ample medicines and supplies for them? Again call the school district in your area to find out what emergency preparedness plan of action they have. Find out if your workplace has an Emergency Action Plan in place. All of these things will help to make you more prepared and capable of timely reaction in the event of a crisis. by Richard Blaine

How to Raise Kittens without a Momma

Pets, what a joy and love they bring to our lives. I want to tell you a true story avout how my wife hand raised four abandoned kittens.

These kittens were found in the window well of our home, mama cat was not to be found, nor did she return. Being the animal lover that my wife is, she could not just leave them there to die or be killed by a predator.

These kittens were 4 to 6 weeks old, we were able to determine this by the fact that they were just opening there eyes. God only knows how long they had gone without food. When she discovered them they were cold and hungry. We had an old horse tank we moved into the garage, lined it with nespaper and old towels for warmth and bedding, thus there new home.

Now what do we do? The first step she took was to call our veterinarian to get some guidance. So the process began. She was to feed them milk replacement (which you can get where ever they sell pet supplies) with an eye dropper, the veterinarian recommended an eye dropper full every 2 hrs to start then gradually increase the amount and lengthen the feeding as they grew stronger. This was done by her until they learned to eat from a bowl. This process takes a lot of dedication, devotion and love for animals to do.

Since their ages were 4 to 6 weeks old when she started this process it took some time to do. The kittens started to eat a little at about 10 weeks. Even after after the kittens started eating from there bowl it was still a lot of work.

Do not forget the litter box, my wife used a beer box flat to make a litter box, the sides were short enough that they could climb over them. Litter box was no problem, they took to using it right away.

Eventually as they got bigger and needed more space we moved them to the basement of our home. So now in our home there was 4 cats and a dog. The dog was not happy about giving up his space, but eventually he did except them.

Knowing that we could not keep 4 kittens and a dog, we put an adoption flyer up at our local pet store. Two of them were adopted by the same family and we kept 2 our selves.

Our veterinarian told my wife that usually baby kittens that are hand feed do not survive. They all survived and are very loving and ornery. Yes and they think of my wife (Elaine) as their mama.

So if you have a chance to rescue an animal, please do so. They will enhance your life and bring you great satifaction and rewards. by James Horn

Common Natural Supplements and Vitamins for Pets

People have been using vitamins and natural supplements for years to help maintain a health body. Natural supplements and vitamins can also help treat a variety of conditions. Your pets can benefit from vitamins and supplements as well.

One thing to keep in mind is that our metabolism and animals are different. There are some supplements that are fine for a human but can cause damage to a cat or dog. Always consult your vet before giving vitamins or supplements to your dog or cat.

Remember, vitamins and supplements for your pets shouldn't be used to replace seeing a vet. Your cats and dogs should have regular checkups and be taken to a vet if they appear to be ill. You should make sure you always inform your vet of any type of vitamins or supplements you are giving your pet.

This is especially true if you cat or dog is being treated for a condition which requires medication. This is because some medications will act adversely when taken with other types of medication or supplements. Always consult your veterinarian and ask for their recommendations before starting your pets on vitamins or herbal supplements.

Listed below are some of the common vitamins and supplements that are being given to pets to promote health and treat ailments.

Glucosamine and Chondroitan- These are well known and are commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat pets who are suffering from arthritis and joint pain. They are known to help rebuild cartilage and thicken joint fluid which cushions and protects the joints.

Milk Thistle- This has been used for pets with liver problems such as hepatitis. It is suppose to protect liver cells from toxins.

Ginger- This has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and also for stomach problems. It has been known to help animals with car sickness and with digestive problems, including diarrhea and gas.

Vitamin C- This vitamin is a powerful anti-oxidant which is said to help combat the aging process and cancer. It has also can be used for hip dysphasia, arthritis and urinary tract problems.

Echinacea- This supplement is said to improve the immune system and helps to fight off infections and diseases.

Slippery Elm- The bark of this tree is used to help the digestive system in pets who suffer from upset stomachs and constipation. It has also been known to be used as a cough suppressant.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids- The oils from cold water fish have been known to be beneficial to pets. They have been used to aid in treatment of heart disease, cancer, allergies, arthritis and kidney disease.

Choline- This supplement can be helpful to pets that have cognitive disorders and seizures.

There are certain vitamins that seem to help different parts of your pet's body. For example Vitamin A is used for healthy skin and coat. Vitamin E helps to ease the discomfort of arthritis and cancer. Vitamin D is essential for bone development, and nerve and muscle functions. Vitamin B helps with growth and metabolism.

Make sure you read the directions thoroughly and always give the recommended dosage to your pet. You might want to consult with your vet on the dosage for your particular pet. Remember, even though a vitamin or supplement is considered natural that doesn't necessarily mean it is safe. Always closely monitor your pet after you have given them any new type of vitamin or supplement to watch for signs of an allergic reaction. The items listed above are just a few of the different varieties of supplements available for use on pets. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on which type of product will work best for your four-legged companion.

To make sure your pets stays healthy and will enjoy a long life, you might want to consider getting pet insurance incase their will be unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you might want to get pet insurance on your four-legged companions. by Raphael Cooper

From small animals to huge ones, weigh them all on Veterinary Scales

Keeping a tab on the weight of your pet is as important as keeping a tab on yours. A whole range of digital veterinary scales is available in the market today just for this purpose. Veterinary platform scales have a higher capacity of more than 550 pounds (250 kilograms) and are usually meant for veterinary clinics and hospitals. But general purpose electronic weighing scales are also available. With these you can check the weight of your pets at your home. Digital veterinary scales are known for their accuracy and will help you know their exact weight in no time at all. These are generally floor scales with low profile platforms, so that animals and livestock can easily step on them.

Electronic weighing scales are powered by batteries and most of them come with the auto-off feature to help conserve battery power. With Seca 606 Electronic veterinary scales, you can weigh up to 16,000 times without having to worry about replacing your battery. If you don't want to be bothered with batteries and battery replacements at all, you can go for an adapter for powering these scales. It might be hard to make animals stand still on the scales for weighing. But even if they step down before you could note the reading it's not a problem. The auto-hold function will continue to display the animal's weight even after it has left the scale. You can also store the weight and compare between the current and previous readings.

The large LCD displays of digital veterinary scales help in easy viewing. Some models have long cables so that you can place the indicator at a convenient location away from the scale base. Considering that veterinary platform scales will be put to frequent and rough usage, they are designed to last long even in damp conditions. With so many weighing sessions, the platform is bound to get soiled. But the rubber mat, meant for providing stability, can be easily removed for cleaning.

I personally would recommend the HealthOMeter 2842KL model to anyone who is on the lookout for electronic weighing scales. They use advanced microprocessor technology for high precision weighing purposes and can be used not just for animals but for humans too. You can choose to read the weight in pounds or in kilograms. by alina

Cats Can Impact How We Treat Each Other

Are you a cat owner? Was there something about your cat when you picked her out that drew you to her? I own a cat named Pepper that I picked out of a litter when she wasn't even a full day old. I know, what can you tell about a little kitten who doesn't even have her eyes open. I'm not really sure, but whatever it was that made me pick Pepper, it worked correctly.

There are several studies that have been done to test if there's a relationship between cats and their owners' interactions with other humans. Specifically, does owning a cat ellicit compassion towards animals and then translate into being more compassionate toward fellow humans. An Australian study conducted at Central Queensland University proved such a link does exist.

Another study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania looked at whether having a pet as a child would make one more compassionate towards both animals and humans as adults. The study concluded that children who had strong relationships with their cats or dogs as a child had more humane attitudes toward animals and humans as adults. It also showed children who had pets growing up and had strong relationships with them, developed more positive relationships with people in adulthood.

Why is it that cats, in particular, that brings out our compassion? I know as a cat owner, that I understand what Pepper is trying to say by the tone of her voice, her facial expressions and her posture. It's like having an infant that can't speak, but as you get to know her, you start to understand her moods and needs. Developing this sense of your pet's needs and moods could very well allow you to better "read" others as adults.

There's something about cats and puppies that makes us want to nurture them. They're soft, small, cuddly and provide love. They bring forth compassion in us naturally. Studies have proven this is true more for women, maybe because of the innate maternal instinct inside. Although men who had strong relationships with their dogs or cats as children were more empathetic in future relationships than those who didn't have pets. Whatever it is, the compassion shown towards animals does translate into showing more empathy toward our fellow human beings, which can only be a good thing in my book.

Most of the studies were directed towards cats because they don't grow to a size that they can't still be picked up and held. So, if you're one of those who doesn't believe cats bring anything beneficial to the table, think again. They may just be helping us to treat each other a little better. by Debbie Foster

Reiki for Family, Friends and Pets.

Traditional remedies or 'Old Wives Tales' are found to be effective in many ways. Enthusiasm for herbal preparations led to a brisk trade in vitamins and minerals sold in 'Health Shops'

Media interest encouraged this trend, helping to create the next development - an interest in 'Remedial Therapies' rather than just traditional medicines - 'Pills For Everything'!

These practices differ from western Medical Treatments in two very specific ways.

1. Practitioners have a holistic approach - they treat the whole person not just one symptom. 2.These therapies are natural healing arts that may have evolved over thousands of years and do not include the use of drugs.

Typical of these methods is 'The Ancient Healing Art of Reiki' which originated centuries ago in Tibet and India. Reiki awakens you body and spirit to a more relaxed lifestyle. You can introduce it to family and friends, and use it for your pets.

There is no need for you to believe in Reiki - or, for that matter, in any other holistic healing system: It will still work! Reiki is not a religion, though many people have discovered that the 'Five Precepts of Dr Mikao Usui' can have a profound effect on their lives.

1. Just for today, do not worry. 2. Just for today, do not anger. 3. Honour your parents, teachers and elders. 4. Earn your living honestly. 5. Show gratitude to every living thing.

The point that the Reiki principles make is the life force relies on the views and judgments that we practice and make known, In other words, if we think in a positive manner and try to feel only good feelings, such as caring or closeness, and dedicate out life to discipline and perseverance (as best we can:-) the life energy is profuse.

We are strong, because our spirit is powerful. Never-the-less, if we only have negative thoughts about ourselves and about people around us, the life energy weakens. The outcome is poor health of the mind body and spirit.

Reiki is used hand-in hand with orthodox medicine more and more all over the world. It has been useful with therapies such radiotherapy chemotherapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, vitamin and nutritional therapy, and general medical drug therapy.

Reiki helps friends, family, pets. (Animals love Reiki) It helps everyone including our pets to relax their stress levels, detoxify their systems ans heal their injuries or illnesses more rapidly.

The side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be greatly eased, including nausea, anxiety, exhaustion and the tension in scar tissue Recovery from surgery can be quite surprising, for us and for our pets especially when the treatments begin some weeks previous to the surgery.

Then you carry on the Reiki after medical treatment and it all comes together to help and improve after-affects and recovery time. You can also arrange some distance healing, which will also add to the recovery time.

The health benefits mean you can cope better with all worries to do with, work, relationships and money. Reiki experience varies from person to person, but it never ceases to amaze. A simple thing - Laying on of Hands' Reiki can produce such a profound effect that not only heals the physical wounds but changes peoples lives. by Margaret Ann Jones

The Pet Safe Kitchen

Do you know what dangers lie under your kitchen sink? Many of us are unaware that we have a virtual toxic waste dump in our kitchen. So many of the soaps, detergents and cleaners that we use on a day-to-day basis present a serious danger to our dogs, cats and other furry friends (not to mention yourself).

Common Kitchen Dangers

• Chlorine Bleach is the chemical most frequently involved in household poisonings in the U.S.;
• De-greasers may contain petroleum distillates, which can damage lung tissues and dissolve fatty tissue around nerve cells;
• Glass Cleaners may contain ammonia. Ammonia fumes can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system;
• Oven Cleaners can be one of the most dangerous cleaning products, which can cause severe damage to eyes, skin, mouth, and throat;
• Toilet Bowl Cleaners can be extremely dangerous cleaning products, which can be harmful just by breathing the fumes - and fatal if swallowed.

Eighty-one Thousand (81,000) chemicals have been registered with the EPA in the last 30 years, and fewer than 20% have been tested for toxicity! EPA studies indicate that elevated concentration of household chemicals persist in the air. Long-term exposure to chemicals inside our homes may be harmful to our families and our pets.

Has your dog ever tried to lick the dishes after you've rinsed them with liquid soap and water? Does your cat peak into the washing machine while your loading it or curl up on the wash fresh out of the dryer? Several years ago we had a cat that loved to jump into the tub right after we cleaned it and he would try to drink the water left in the tub (we would always shoo him out before he got the chance). The behavior of our furry friends, while often cute and endearing, can very often be dangerous to their well being. Many common household cleaning products contain chemicals which are dangerous to you, your family and your pet. Some things you can easily watch out for:

1. To protect your pet you should avoid sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye. Found in dish-washing liquids, laundry products, oven cleaner, scouring products, and tub & tile cleaners, sodium hydroxide is immediately irritating to the respiratory tract if inhaled. Contact can cause severe damage to the eyes, skin, mouth, and throat. It can cause liver and kidney damage as well.

2. Have you ever sprayed air freshener around the litter box or caught your pet drinking from the toilet bowl? Both can be dangerous to your pet. Hydrochloric acid is often found in odor eliminators and toilet bowl cleaners. Hydrochloric acid can cause severe damage to skin. It can be harmful to health, just by breathing the fumes. If swallowed hydrochloric acid can be fatal.

3. Many all-purpose cleaners, cleaning wipes, de-greasers, floor polish, rug shampoos, toilet bowl cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, and window cleaners contain butyl cellosolve. It can cause irritation and tissue damage from inhalation. Butyl cellosolve is so hazardous a person who spends just 15 minutes cleaning scale off shower walls could inhale three times the acute exposure limit. Imagine what harm it can do to your beloved pet.

According to The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care by C. J. Puotinen, accidental exposure to toxic chemicals is the leading cause of death for America's dogs, cats and other pets (pg 323).

The Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) recommends you keep pets away from cleaning products. Shut them out of the room while spraying bathroom cleansers, etc. They also suggest you close toilet lids to keep pets from drinking the water. This is very important if you choose to use automatic chemical tank or bowl treatments.

To protect your pet you may wish to start using "Green" products. Sloan Barnett, in her book Green Goes With Everything, suggests that "A green product is one that won't harm you, your children, your pets, or the environment inside the house or outside where your waste goes. And it won't hang around like an unwanted guest after you use it - on floors, carpets, counters, clothes, and so forth."

One of the most effective and well known "Green" product lines is Shaklee's Get Clean. It has been featured on the Oprah Show and on Rachel Rae. Get Clean products are nontoxic, natural and never tested on animals. According to Rachel Rae the products in the Get Clean starter kit "provide you with a combination of really great cleaning power but also they're non-toxic, they are economic, and they are safe for you, your home, and most importantly, the planet."

No matter how hard you try, it is still possible that your beloved pet comes in contact with something dangerous to her health. That is why the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends pet owners keep a "Pet First Aid Kit" that includes:

- Fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
- Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
- Mild grease-cutting dish-washing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)
- Forceps (to remove stingers)
- Muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
- Can of your pet's favorite wet food
- Pet carrier

The ASPCA recommends you always consult a veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item. We also suggest that you keep the telephone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center--(888) 426-4435--as well as that of your local veterinarian in a prominent location. More information is available on the ASPCA web site, www.aspca.org.

The Pet Poison Helpline handles some 100,000 cases of pet poisoning each year. They have compiled a "Poison Proof Your Home" list. It includes items like:

• Identify your plants. Are they toxic to pets?
• Keep medications safely locked up behind cupboard doors. Do not leave them on counter tops or tables. This includes inhalers, dietary aids, dietary supplements or neutraceuticals!
• Keep home fragrance products beyond their reach.
• Keep rodenticides far away from a pet's access. Keep in mind that rodents can transfer the toxins to accessible locations. Certain rodenticide products do not have treatment antidotes.
• Know what a product's active ingredient is and potential toxicity for pets.
• Do not spray aerosols or use any heavily fragranced products (including plug-in products) around caged birds or other caged pets.
• Never medicate your pets with human products without first speaking to a veterinary professional!
• Keep open dishes of potpourri (liquid or dry form) out of reach.
• Do not use insecticides around your pet without knowing their toxicological profile. Read labels and use products only as recommended.
• Keep garbage behind closed doors.
• Do not allow batteries of any type lying around. Dogs enjoy chewing on them which can result in serious harm if ingested.

(The complete list may be found at www.petpoisonhelpline.com).

Finally, remember there are a number of food products that are toxic to your pet. Products such as chocolate, chewing gum, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, or garlic should never be left somewhere that your pet may be tempted to take a taste test. Often kitchens may contain many toxins to pets such as cigarette and other nicotine products, coffee grounds, alcoholic beverages, moldy dairy products, & chicken bones. Keep these items in closed cabinets, closed refrigerators or in closed trash containers, away from the reach of our curious little friends.

Have the phone number for your veterinarian easily accessible. It's also a good idea to keep the local pet poison control hot-line with your emergency phone numbers.

Our pets can provide years of affection and companionship. Take a few minutes today to make your home environment one that is safer for your pet. In the long run you will benefit in so many ways. by Wendy Re Boyd

Minimise False Alarms to Maximise Protection

What is a false alarm?
A false alarm is an alarm that has been activated accidentally. It is not an alarm that has been caused by a genuine emergency situation such as a break in, attempted break in or fire (if you have smoke alarms fitted).

Why do we need to prevent them?

Recurring false alarms could lead to:

* The emergency services attendance to your home being delayed
* Neighbours ignoring your security alarm or smoke alarm when it activates
* You and your family becoming reluctant to use the security system which leaves your home and family exposed.

How are false alarms caused?

Accidental movement can activate sensors and cause possible false alarms. Possible causes of false alarms include:

* An open window or external door can cause draughts which in turn move curtains and plants.
* Pets not being confined to designated rooms.
* Insects and cobwebs.
* Electrical or electronic items which can change temperature quickly.
* Users who are unfamiliar with your system.

What can you do to help minimize false alarms?

Ensure correct operation by:

* Making sure your alarm system is only operated by people who have been properly instructed.
* Reporting to your security company all accidental damage to the system.

Clear obstructions

* Check that all movement detectors are not obstructed.
* Ensure your motion detectors are free from dust or cobwebs.
* Do not allow sources of heat, moving objects or animals in the range of your motion detectors, when the system is active.

Follow procedure

* Close and lock all doors and windows before setting the alarm.
* Know the specified entry/exit route and keep to it when disarming or arming the system. Do not enter protected areas until the system has been disarmed.
* Check that all keys and keyfobs are readily available and that code numbers are known before entry.

Regular maintenance

* Have your Security company inspect and test your alarm system on an annual basis to ensure it is operating to its optimum performance.

What to do if you experience a false alarm

If your alarm goes off accidentally:

* Don't panic.
* If it is safe and appropriate and no harm exists, disarm or turn off the alarm using your keyfob or system code to cancel the alarm.

If you have cancelled the alarm within 60 seconds of activation, your security company will recognise this as a false alarm and will not contact you. If you have not cancelled the alarm, the Response Centre will contact you, where you will need to provide your password. by Chelsi Woolz