Its Saturday Night Fever... for Beagels

One of my favorite dog breeds is the all-American Beagle. Its good-natured charm and loving personality make it a great family pet. Its stubborn personality also make it a unique animal with a need for training.



Beagles were originally developed for hunters in 16th century England. The breed proved to be a fantastic hunting companion, catching rabbits and other small prey for their owners. Over time, the breed was refined in England and America making it one of the most popular breeds available. Although many are still used in hunting packs, they also function exceptionally well as a loving family member.



As with all breeds, Beagles are predisposed to have certain health issues. Problems associated with Beagles include epilepsy, hypothyroidism, invertebral disk disease and Progressive Retinal Atrophy(PRA).

In my personal experience, Beagles are fun loving dogs who are always up for adventure. My old beagle, Buck, had the typical persona of beagles: stubborn and excitable. A favorite story of my parents about Buck was the time he escaped from his leash at the park. He took off and ran until he decided to stop, never waiting for either of my parents to catch him. He did allow them to get within arm's reach and then shoot of in the other direction. His antics were always playful and exciting, even if they were somewhat troublesome for us! He was a great family dog. I would definitely recommend beagles to anyone in search of a loving and amazing companion.

Look out girls...I'm in charge now!

I, like many dog owners, have always believed that I had reasonably trained pets that would obey most of my commands unconditionally. After comparing my three very unique females to my step-grandmother's champion Mach papillion though, I feel somewhat embarrassed at my own feeble attempts to claim control over my pets. After spending time with Jazz the wonderdog (she really is amazing, as is Karen), I began to wonder why my animals were unable to follow the same commands. Were they not as bright as her? Perhaps they're just rebellious and anti-authoritarian.

Undoubtedly, the answer to my question doesn't lie in their personalities or predispositions, but in my own competence as an owner. I'm fully aware and able to admit that I thoroughly spoil my pets. Not only do I spoil them to the worst degree (they eat what I eat, when I eat), but I also have failed to properly train them to behave according to my direction. I am a firm believer in the statement, "there are no bad dogs, just irresponsible owners".

I'm just now realizing that I myself, the dog lover and fanatic, am included in the irresponsible owner category, and its a tiny bit difficult to accept. I don't accept failure well; actually I don't accept it at all. So perhaps now is the time to change my irresponsible ways and retrain myself and my pets. I do want to make it absolutely clear that I don't own the wrecking-ball destructive dogs that are usually the case on It's Me or the Dog, but I do want to increase the number of commands my dogs will respond to and also their consistency to respond according to those commands.

Its a difficult thing, considering how to go about retraining three dogs ranging from around two years old to over twelve. I'm worried about how the oldest, Rozalyn, will do. She's developed slight cataracts and I'm positive she has difficulty seeing and possibly hearing in her old age. However, she's definitely got the heart to be trained; she loves to please and human approval and affection. I think Ruby and Athena will do just fine. Luckily Ruby is small enough, that if she wasn't doing what I wanted her to do, I could pick her up and literally remove her from her trouble making. Athena is a different story altogether. She's a 105 lb Akita belonging to my boyfriend. There is no moving her out of trouble. Countless times we've had to share a bed with a huge furry panda bear because there isn't a way to get her to stay down. It sure would be nice to just be able to command her to stop being so stubborn though.

So now I'm stuck with the decision of how to train these three girls. Clicker training makes me a little uncomfortable because I favor positive reinforcements such as treats and praise for good behavior. Honestly, the biggest obstacle right now is finding time to begin training. With classes, a job, the holidays and finals, its hard to find time for myself, let alone to train my rebellious dogs. Hopefully, I can take the first step soon and commit myself to training these girls into imitation champions because they deserve it!!

Chocoholics beware!

Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time to sit back and realize all the blessings we have in our lives. Personally, I am extremely thankful for all my family members, especially the furry ones. However, I am most thankful for my dog's iron stomach.

I received a pound and a half bag of Fannie May dark chocolate truffles from a friend as a gift last week. Of course I immediately scarfed down a couple. I had an engagement and had to leave quickly after receiving them. So I set them on my desk, where I always keep my Ande's mints, assuming they would be safe from curious noses. But when I returned, the bag was on the ground, scattered into tiny chocolate covered pieces. Rozalyn had eaten the entire bag. That's over a pound of dark chocolate ingested by a forty pound mutt.

I have never been so worried for one of my own animals' life. She vomited and such for over a day but I knew calling the vet would most likely not wield any help since she was already vomiting. She gradually improved and finally stopped regurgitating. She had made it through a near fatal chocolate overdose. This dog has a steel stomach...she once swallowed a sewing needle, but that's another story.

The point of this story is to remind everyone that the holidays are filled with delicious goodies that are poisonous for our furry friends. My dog was lucky, others may not have such indestructible digestive systems. Watch out for your pets and always store possible sickness causing food well out of harm's way. The holidays should be a happy time, not time for a vet visit or worse.

Puppies Behind Bars

Solutions to inmate redirection and contributions after release have always been a concern of communities all over America. It is an extremely serious issue that many towns currently face. How can we help prepare our current inmates for purposeful and successful lives outside of prison? I discovered a foundation that's doing just that while also helping to provide people with the companions or coworkers they need.

Puppies Behind Bars trains inmates to raise puppies to become service dogs for the disabled and explosive detection canines for law enforcement. Some are also given to returning soldiers from Iraq or Afghanistan through the Dog Tags program. The puppies arrive in prison when they are eight weeks old and live there until they are anywhere from twelve to twenty months of age. Those being trained to be explosive detection canines tend to leave when they turn one year old; those in training to become service dogs for the disabled, stay until they are almost two years old.

The dogs are first assigned to an inmate who will be their primary caregiver and trainer; some of these inmates have even committed murder. They are trusted with the dog's life. For many, it is the first time they have succeeded in a career like position. The dog and trainer develop a bond that could never be created by another prison program. Many of the inmates involved in this program say that they dogs have helped train them as well. They have become more compassionate, caring and responsible. Puppies Behind Bars is a program that actually rehabilitates prisoners.

I think this may be one of the greatest solutions to inmate rehabilitation ever. Not only does it provide the inmates with a job, it also gives them a sense of compassion, responsibility and worth. However, it doesn't only improve the inmates lives. the dogs are properly trained and are either sent to work detecting explosives for the police force or are given to a veteran in need. The cost of training these dogs in this environment is significantly less than it would be to have them trained in other facilities.

I'm sure some would argue that dogs trained by prisoners would not be as reliable as dogs trained by professional trainers. However, I disagree. I believe that the relationship the dogs develop with their inmate-trainers is just as strong, if not more intense than the traditional trainer and his dogs. Also, the trainers and animals are constantly supervised by trained professionals.

So how can I help this organization? They have several opportunities available to volunteers such as puppy socializers, Paws and Reflect volunteers and advocates of the organization's work. Puppy socializers are needed to aid in the socialization of the puppies. You are required to take a puppy on at least two socialization trips per month, or for one weekend each month. Examples of socialization include: going into stores and restaurants, walking on different streets, and attending events like softball or soccer games. The dogs need the self-confidence to handle varied environments and stress levels. In order to develop this confidence, they must be exposed to as many positive experiences as possible. Paws and Reflect volunteers take puppies to visit home bound elderly citizens in New York City to provide additional socialization for the puppies and extra love and company for seniors who rarely leave their apartments. For those who are unable to do either of these, there are always chances to advocate the work of PBB. Providing more information to people interested in the program is a great way to help the success of PBB.

For more information,visit http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/index.asp.

What's with the wrinkles

An interesting report that appeared in the journal of Veterinary Dermatology and Journal of Heredity has discovered the source of the Shar-pei's characteristic wrinkles. It states that a genetic alteration multiplies the activity of a certain enzyme responsible for excessive production of hyaluronic acid, a substance which gathers under the skin and produces wrinkles. This genetic alteration came to be because of breeders in the United States. The breed was originated in South China and was primary used as guard dogs and shepards by the Han dynasty. However, after the communist revolution of Mao Tse-Tung the breed almost disappeared. Then, in the early 1970s a breeder from Hong Kong sent a number of Shar Peis to the United States which began the process of recovering the breed. Today, Shar-pei's are considered to be the rarest breed in the world.

During the recovery process, the characteristic wrinkles of the Shar Pei were enhanced and the offspring of the original dogs appeared with thicker skin and more wrinkles. The increase in thickness and the formation of excessive wrinkles are the cause of the inherited skin disorder cutaneous mucinosis, defined by a build-up of mucin in the layers of the skin. The source of the build-up of mucin was unknown until this research was complete.

The results of this research have many practical applications such as that the knowledge of the genetic and hereditary bases of mucinosis will be used to design reproduction programs aimed at improving the health of Shar-pei's, which suffer from many hereditary disorders due to massive inbreeding. The dogs have been a valuable model for the study of human disorders such as FMF or hereditary mucinosis and results could lead to cures for these disorders.

Who knew those cute wrinkles could be so informative?

Best friends...again?

Most dedicated pet owners have had their share of animals and will agree with me that the hardest part about having pets, is grieving over them when they pass on. It would be amazing if our best friend could stay with us throughout our entire lifetime; unfortunately their life spans are just too short to be able to offer us unconditional companionship.

But what if there was a way to keep your best friend with you your entire life? BioArts International has developed techniques to clone and produce replicas of beloved past pets. The project started in 1998 and was intended to reproduce a beloved family dog, Missy. (Its title the "Missyplicity Project" in her honor). After millions of dollars were spent and years of research were conducted, the company was able to produce three Missy clones. However, coming to this point was not easy; no attempts were successful until 2006, when Dr. Woo Suk Hwang and his team of scientists created the first cloned dog, which they named Snuppy. Dr. Hwang was then successful at producing three Missy clones, named Mira (after a Korean myth of an all-powerful benevolent dragon), Chingu ("friend" in Korean) and Sarang ("love" in Korean). These puppies are now living happily at home with Missy's owners.

Not only was this scientific miracle possible for one lucky family, but also for five other online bidders. Currently four of the spots have been filled, but one remains. If you're contemplating this as an option, consider the price tag: $180,000. Yes, you read correctly, one hundred eighty-thousand dollars. That's a pretty big fee for a puppy. However, there are those dedicated (and wealthy) enough to shell out that amount of cash for the chance of a lifetime.

How does this work? The cloning process is divided into stages or steps, which result in the birth of a cloned puppy. The sequence is as follows: The first step is to take cells from the animal to be cloned in a process called gene banking. These are normal body cells which contains the animal's full set of genes. Then an egg is obtained from a female of the same species and is enucleated (its nucleus is removed and thrown away). Then the genes obtained during the banking process are inserted into the egg, a process called recombination. Then electricity is used to fuse the donor cell nucleus and egg together and chemicals are used to activate the embryo which will then begin to divide like a normal single-cell embryo(zygote). Finally, the embryo is transferred into the oviduct of a surrogate female and develops as a traditionally conceived embryo would. The surrogate then gives birth to her genetically unrelated cloned puppy.

Honestly, I'm a little torn on this issue. I, like all pet owners, have had animals that I wish I had been able to spend more time with. It would be amazing to have your best friend recreated to his exact personality and be able to share your entire life with the 'same' dog. However, this opens up the possibility for disaster among shelter dogs. Not only would they have to compete with pure bred dogs for adoption and loving homes, but now owners would be able to literally create their pets. I also feel that dog's lives are shorter than ours for a reason. That reason is its our job to touch (and be touched) by multiple dogs. I find the uniqueness of each dog to be its greatest attribute.

Personally I would never buy a dog from a breeder. Not only do I prefer the uniqueness of shelter dogs, but I also feel like I, as only a dog lover and owner, have no need (or the financial ability) to buy a dog with a perfect past. I have nothing against those who value the pureness of a dog, and I completely understand the desire. A relative of mine has a Mach 3 agility Papillion at home. She also trains puppies from breeders to be sold to a prospective owner interested in performing in dog competitions. The desire for breeder-sourced dogs is apparent and understandable. Yes, I know that was a little off-topic. But I just wanted to stress how important it is to be a shelter adopter.

The number of dogs euthanized in shelters each year is astronomical. A dog is euthanized every 9 seconds in America. Every nine seconds. I don't need to do the math for you. Just think about how many could be saved if more people adopted from there and didn't spend the time or money worrying about their pets papers. I'm a mutt and I'm proud of it. I'm also proud of my mutts and would never change anything about them. I worry that if this dog cloning somehow goes mainstream within my lifetime, there will be no hope for the shelter dogs. Perhaps it might eliminate the number of dogs abandoned or abused, but I highly doubt that. Designer dogs, breeders and now the possibility of clones are ruining it for the original mutts that I love so much.

I think the advance in science is amazing. However, I think instead of creating more dogs and spending millions of dollars in the process. We should be concentrating on the millions of dogs and millions of dollars we don't have paying for their care.

What do you think about it??

Itchy and Scratchy

Many dogs suffer from extremely dry skin during the colder, drier winter months. My adopted baby, Athena, has an issue with this to a horrible degree. Her skin becomes so dry and uncomfortable for her, she licks and chews certain areas to the point of drawing blood. I feel absolutely horrible for her- I remember how bad it was to have chicken pox or poison ivy and how much of a relief it was when my conditions could be soothed.

I've been investigating the best ways to help dry skinned pups deal with and overcome their itchy conditions and this is what I found:

First, do not bathe your pet too often. Their coats should be clean, but over washing will only irritate their sensitive skin more. Water and winter don't mix very well for dogs, as is the same for humans. However, when your dog does need a bath, only use shampoos formulated for dogs. Humans and dogs have different pH levels and so human shampoos can be harsh on their skin, only worsening the issue. Look for formulas that offer extra moisturizing elements to help add moisture to their dry skin. Also shampoos with flea killing ingredients may also help fight itching due to fleas.

Brushing daily will also help to remove dead skin and hair, soothing your pet. Daily brushing can help control itchy dry skin immensely.

Finally, healthy skin reflects an overall healthy lifestyle. To help give your pet itch relief and a shiny, healthy coat, use high quality food and add fatty supplements such as oil to their food.

If these steps don't help soothe your pet, the dry skin may be a byproduct of a larger condition. Allergies, infections and parasites maybe why your pet is scratching constantly. If their condition doesn't improve with dry skin treatment, contact your vet and schedule an appointment to look for an overlying issue. My cat, Purdue had had issues with biting and scratching. We treated her for dry skin as stated above but her symptoms didn't improve. We took her to the vet and found that she had an allergy to fleas. Not only did she need to be treated for fleas, but also required special medicine to help fight the allergy when she was bitten by fleas.

All of us want our pets to be happy and healthy. Little steps like using a moisturizing shampoo or adding oil to food can help us insure that our furry friends will be comfortable and happy all winter long.

Proposition Yes!

It has officially been proven that Americans, specifically Californians, have fully functionally and compassionate hearts. Proposition 2 has been passed and will be in effect in January 2015. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, Proposition 2 is a new development in the legal system protecting the rights of animals raised for slaughter in California. The law "requires that factory farms provide enough space for animals to stand up, turn around and extend their limbs. It applies to breeding pigs, egg laying hens and veal calves."

Not only was Proposition 2 passed, but it also won the majority vote, demonstrating the true humanity of our California voters. Personally, I am absolutely enthralled by voters enthusiasm and turnout. Proposition 2 is a huge leap in the fight for the proper treatment of animals. I personally would be willing to pay more for eggs, meat and/or dairy products if I was certain that the animals contributing to my diet were well raised and able to live a normal, healthy life. All animals should be treated with dignity and respect, even those raised for human consumption.

The opposition to the law felt that it would be costly to farmers to change their factories to suit the newly required housing of animals. However, I found that it would only cost a penny extra per egg to change these living conditions. One cent. I am willing to pay one, two, even five cents more to help provide innocent animals with the respect they deserve. Another benefit to the new law is the decrease in the likelihood of diseases spreading amongst animals and then passing on to humans during consumption. Diseases such as salmonella are less likely to spread when animals have space and are not forced to be crammed together in their own excrement.

It is truly refreshing to see a law passed benefiting animals. I believe that the worth of people isn't defined by how they treat their equals, but how they treat those under their care. It is easy to treat humans equally, but it is more difficult to treat animals as though they are undeserving of rights or humane treatment. This law signifies what I hope is a change in America. Perhaps Mr. Obama will bring about more animal rights laws with the adoption of his shelter dog. The time of change really is now; it is up to us to enforce and and continue the changes.

The Aggressive Dog List

Did you know that most apartment communities and even a few cities ban "aggressive breeds" from their premises? I wonder, what are the aggressive breeds? After learning a few breeds on the list, I had to reconsider people's positions on this. I happen to own a so-called aggressive breed, an Akita, and I do not see her as aggressive in any way. She is one of the sweetest, most loving and dedicated dogs I have ever met. Everyday she greets me with happy whines, a wagging tail and plenty of kisses. I've never seen her even hint that she would attack a human or other animal.

I'm sick of people giving certain dog breeds a bad reputation. Dogs are NOT born aggressive, nor is any one breed more inclined to behave aggressively. It is owners that determine the aggressiveness of their pets, not the dogs themselves. For example, many people fear pit bulls because of their larger size and reputation as fighting dogs or even attack dogs. However, every pit I've ever met is probably more loving and gentle than your average Yorkshire Terrier.

Also, I googled "aggressive dog breeds" and this is what I found. Now this website, may not be credible, but its on the first page of google search results, meaning it is easily accessible to many curious people. This may be giving the wrong impression about dog aggression. This is a list of dog breeds that are considered "potentially aggressive":

• Chow Chows are one-person dogs that tend to bite without any warning. They are also a bit ferocious around strangers, and can be quite a tenacious fighter. So make sure to discipline this dog and set right from wrong, immediately.
  
• The Papillon is fiercely loyal of their owners - to a fault. They can be quite possessive and standoffish to strangers.


• Old English Sheepdogs are very protective of their owners so they might be aggressive if anybody tends to be too close to its owners.


• A Llasa Apso often gets cranky around kids.


• Rottweilers are extremely protective of their masters.


• Chihuahuas aren't too fond of kids. They'd rather be with adults than play around with tots.


• Toy Poodles bite people and other animals out of self defense. Unfortunately, 'playing' according to you may be perceived as a form of 'attack' to them.


• Dachshunds aren't known for their patience.
  
• Jack Russell Terriers are feisty creatures who require early training to prevent long-term biting and digging problems.


• Giant Schnauzers are very dominant. They often challenge adults, particularly strangers.
  
• Cocker Spaniels often suffer from a dangerous genetic disease known as "rage syndrome." This syndrome causes spontaneous violent action against not strangers, but actual family members. Many Spaniels have been put down because of this unwanted behavior. Check with the breeder to ensure your Spaniel is free from this dangerous dog disease.


• The Pekingese isn't all that tolerant of strangers.


• Miniature Pinschers usually have aggression issues because they've got this "big dog-little body" mind set going on.

Now really, my Min Pin is just as sweet as affectionate as can be. She's never had aggression issues, in fact she is absolutely terrified of other dogs, strangers and anything else unknown to her. Maybe she just missed out on the "big dog-little body" thing, but I'm positive she understands her place as a little dog in a little body. Also, this don't sound like aggression to me, but just personality flaws.

Here is their list of dogs with unfair reputations. I totally agree with this list.

• Boxers are pretty good with kids. They are good watchdogs, but will only become aggressive


• Bulldogs are very playful and gentle.
  
• Great Danes, while considerable in size, happen to be kind and affectionate.


• Mastiffs are especially quiet and docile.


• German Shepherds are great with kids too. These are courageous, fiercely loyal dogs who, if trained properly, will be extremely gentle to family and guests.


• Rottweilers are also capable of tenderness and affection. They have a bad rep, but if they trust you, you'll never have to worry.

Personally, I would like to add something to this aggressive dog drama. Owners today are getting more and more irresponsible. If you raise a dog with cruelty and aggression, the dog will also be aggressive and dangerous. Its up to people to report bad owners, especially those who are raising their animals to fight or to be aggressive. This is not only potentially harmful towards humans, but also towards the dogs themselves. It isn't fair to abuse a dog and determine their fate. Most aggressive dogs who are removed from these types of homes will be put down because they can never function in a real loving home. They were bred to fight or attack at all costs, and it ended up costing them their lives. Every dog has the right to a happy home, proper care and the love they deserve. So lets help give them that.

I wish being naïve could last a lifetime

Unfortunately, I have recently discovered something I have feared all along. The dog meat market actually exists. Perhaps it was my upbringing, 10 years in a conservative Catholic school, that led me to believe that people didn't consume dog flesh. Or perhaps I had know the entire time, just forcing the facts out of my brain. I didn't want to believe that somewhere, a poor dog was about to be mercilessly slaughtered to feed a human.

It may be the cultural clash, but I don't feel like America is the only place where dogs are treated as companions. Even in Asian countries, families own and love their pet dogs. However, in these same countries, people abuse, murder, sell and consume their "beloved" pets. Could you even image feeding your pet table scraps of roast dog? The entire idea sickens me to no end.

When preparing for another blog, I searched, "caged dogs" to find a suitable picture for a shelter dog article. However, I didn't find what I had intended. Instead, I was delving deeper into my inner fears with each photograph and web link. Several broke my heart, showing dogs awaiting their unjust murder. I remember making an uncontrollable audible cry when I saw this photo.

Now, I understand that this image is shocking, appalling and downright sickening. I hate to see it, but its been permanently burned into my mind, reappearing when my mind wanders to the cruelties of this world. However, I feel like this image finally verified this horrible outrage in my life. I now have a much stronger appreciation for the animals in my life and a drive to stomp out this horrible treatment.

The treatment of these animals prior to slaughter is more despicable than can be imagined. Most are crammed into tiny cages or forced to share larger cages with multiple other dogs. They are also not provided proper food, water or any other necessity for that matter. Sadly, Koreans believe that dogs who die painfully will release more adrenaline into their flesh, creating a more potent and flavorful meat. This results in tortured and unbelievable cruel methods of slaughter. I believe that if the market cannot be destroyed, the dogs have a right to proper treatment and a painless death. The least one could do for an animal destined for death is to have the compassion to treat it with dignity and respect until its final moments. I find it absolutely disturbing that a human being could even do the things the butchers do to a live, helpless animal. The screams and struggles would haunt me my entire life and probably drive me into madness. However, this doesn't seem to affect the market supplies.

For a more detailed description of a dog meat market, consider this passage, describing the Xi Chang Market (Xi Chang, China) in December of 1997, taken from a Modern China website.

At the front there are puppies and kittens for sale as pets and further back are about 100 dogs waiting to be selected by customers. When selected the vendor puts the dog in a sack and weighs it. After a price is agreed the purchaser kills his dog and butchers it (sometimes in that order, more often in the reverse order). Business was brisk with a dog being killed about ever 5 minutes. There seemed to be two techniques. The one man technique was to hit the dog twice on the head with a wooden plank which dazed it sufficiently to make it safe for him to plunge his knife into its jugular without getting bitten. He then held the dog up by the tail until it bled into unconsciousness - he would then proceed to butcher it with the dog coming in and out of consciousness. With the two man technique, one man held the dog up by her tail while the other pulled the neck back with a wire round the dog's neck. The first man was then able to reach down, again without fear of being bitten, to sever the jugular vein. Since the dog was in no way stunned, she struggled and howled and urinated until passing out. The watching dogs were also shaking and howling. The dog was flung onto her back and the butchering began - consciousness returned on lying flat but she was too weak then to struggle much. One of the men laid down his knife and put his mouth to the inside of the dog's hind leg.

Now while reading this, I cannot deny that my eyes welled with tears for the poor animals. No animal deserves to be treated this way. Ever. Period. I hope that by reading this entry, you will consider how lucky our animals in our homes are and also help to put a stop to these barbaric customs. There are many petitions to sign or donations to be made to stop this abominable treatment of innocent, helpless animals.

When to go to the vet

One of the most frustrating aspects of being a pet owner is the inability to properly communicate with our pets. When we sense there is something wrong, we are left helpless, guessing at what the issue may be; your beloved pooch can't open his mouth and tell you he ate half a pound of chocolate. So what do you do when you're not sure if something is medically wrong with your dog? Many websites can help you to decipher your dog's symptoms and form a basic idea of what could be ailing them. However, there are certain times when information just isn't enough. Even a healthy dog may need an emergency veterinarian visit once in a while.

So how do you know if the condition is serious enough to take your pet to the vet? Some owners fear that if they do not take them in, they will be seriously harmed or die. However, other owners fear the sometimes expensive vet bill, even if nothing is wrong with their dog. There are some signs your dog will signal you in case of an emergency or medical issue.

If you notice any of the following, you should call your vet or go to an emergency vet clinic immediately(These are not the only signs! If you witness your pet acting very strangely, call your vet then too!):

• Blue, white or very pale gums
• Labored breathing
• Collapse / loss of consciousness
• Dizziness, imbalance, or circling
• Extremely bloated abdomen
• Seizures
• Signs of acute severe pain (such as crying out excessively)

Sometimes the symptoms may be less severe, but last for a few days. If your pet has any of the following symptoms lasting more than two or three days, contact your vet:

• Poor Appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lameness
• Weakness
• Excessive salivation
• Frequent and/or inappropriate urination
• Constipation
• Excessive scratching or dull, dry, or flaky hair coat
• Wheezing or frequent panting
• Nasal discharge or congestion
• Displays of mild to moderate pain (such as crying when a specific area is touched or action is taken)

As a general rule, you should contact your vet anytime you notice unusual signs for your pet. It is always better to be cautious than to wait too long to provide adequate care for your pet. In my personal pet ownership, I had a cat named Kitty who woke up one morning with a sour attitude. Thinking nothing of it, we let him be and moved on with our day. As the days went by, he kept seeming more and more upset, even moaning from time to time. He wouldn't let any of us touch him or pick him up. Finally, one night the poor dear collapsed near his food bowl and signaled that something was seriously wrong. When we would touch his stomach, he would meow louder but didn't put up much of a fight. At 4 in the morning, we took him to our local vet clinic where they looked him over and told us he needed surgery right away. He had a bladder infection that was near bursting. The lesson of this story is to always take care to notice any signs that may signal your animal is in trouble. If we would have paid more attention to his unusual actions, we would have been able to take him to the vet before he was in so much pain.

Taking an animal to the vet is never fun, but sometimes it is necessary. Don't put off calling for another day; think about how you would feel if your parents would have waited to take you to the doctor until you'd had the flu for a week or more. Love your pets!

A petition for love

Recently, I discovered an article online titled, Soldier Pleas For Pup to Leave Iraq. Naturally, the words pup and plea grabbed my attention. It touched me greatly and I feel it will you as well. So here's the story:

"Five months ago, Sgt. Gwen Beberg and a fellow soldier saved a little black and white puppy from a pile of burning trash in Baghdad. Soon, Beberg will return home to Minnesota and she requested that her beloved dog, Ratchet, return with her. The Army said no, according to Defense Department rules. Worried that Ratchet would not survive the streets of Iraq, or worse yet be decreed a "nuisance" by locals and killed, Beberg's supporters started an online petition urging the Army to reconsider. The petition has already garnered more than 12,000 signatures. Donations to help Ratchet and other Iraqi pups return home with their U.S. soldiers are gratefully accepted at Operation Baghdad Pups."

Being an animal lover and a supporter of our soldiers, I find this extremely disturbing. This soldier saved the animal and cared for him. He was her best friend and a light of hope in a horrible war that seemed endless. Now he is being taken from her, like her freedom was. I also discovered that Sgt. Beberg was forced to stay in Iraq 15 months after fulfilling her commitment due to a stop-loss. She had been forced to stay in that hell hole for over a year longer than she committed to, facing danger and unthinkable events every day. When she found Ratchet, she found a glimpse of hope for herself, her fellow soldiers and perhaps even the rest of the world. To abandon him now is to abandon everything else too.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/clemency-for-ratchet

Please take the time to visit the website and sign this petition and bring Ratchet home to his rightful owner. Five minutes of your day will help to save an animal destined for death in Iraq and bring joy back to a deserving veteran's heart.

Dog Astrology

Yes, as crazy as it may sound, Animal Planet offers horoscopes for your pets. At first, I was sceptical, but Dogs have feelings too, and are possibly more in tune with natural forces than we are as humans. Why do you think animals freak out before a natural disaster or run inland before a tidal wave? They are more sensitive to things that we could never be as humans. So why shouldn't celestial forces have just as much impact on their lives? Most of the symbols of astrology are even based on animals (Leo, Scorpio, Taurus, Aries, etc).

If you are unbelieving, just note your dog's behavior around the full moon. They often are more sensitive to it than humans. Using the principles of astrology, dogscopes can help bring you and your dog closer together. This month's feature is Libra (my sign too). It says of Libra dogs, "Libran pooches are the peacemakers of the zodiac, blessed with an innate sense of balance."

If you get a chance, go check out this site to find out more about your furry best friend. You might have more in common that you'd think!

http://animal.discovery.com/pet-planet/dog-horoscopes/index.html

The loss of a great friend

The absolute worst part of being a pet owner, is losing a pet. It is a crushing experience, not unlike losing a human loved one. However horrible this event is, it will never cease. It is difficult to accept losing your beloved pets, but every pet owner will face this grief time and time again. I personally have just lost a cat.

Oliver was my first childhood cat. He showed up on our doorstep, frozen and starving in the middle of a frosty January. My 8 year old heart felt so much compassion for this poor animal, helpless and without a home. My parents agreed to feed him and bring him inside to take the chill off. However, his loving personality touched all of us. Oliver stayed with us, a friendly and vocal cat, until last week. It would have been almost 11 years since we were blessed by his presence.

When Oliver came to us, he was already full grown, somewhere between 3 and 5 years old. By the time he disappeared, he would have been an elderly 15 plus year old cat. However, he never showed any signs of sickness, pain or other indicators of his age. He never once was taken to the vet for anything other than checkups. He was a strong, proud cat and one of my first best friends.

Now that he's gone, I feel abandoned, but also content that he lived a good life. He was happy, healthy and always loved. I feel like I was able to save him and provide him with a better life. All I wanted to do for him, was help him. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to have him as a pet for so many years. I also think the most important thing is that he left and decided on his own to leave this world, as most cats do. I wouldn't have been able to see him suffer like he did when we first met in that wintry morning. I'm also thankful that he was able to go on his own time and not by the hand of another means. Oliver was very independent and I think this plan was important to him.

As a pet owner and lover, it is very difficult for me to let him go. He will always be a part of my life. This loss has taught me to appreciate the animals (and people) in my life, no matter how troublesome they may be. Oliver had a habit of jumping onto my head in the middle of the night for attention. This usually annoyed me, but now I see that it was just him showing his love. I have an older dog, Roz, and she barks all the time, which really gets annoying, but now I accept it, and pay more attention to her. She won't be here forever, so I need to love her now while I still can.

Animals teach us things that no human ever could. They love unconditionally, without worrying about social status, appearance, wealth or anything else humans hold important. They show us that we are capable of being loved and giving love. The provide companionship when there is no one else. Above all, they reach out to our hearts and teach us to be a little more like them. To spend less worrying about the material aspects of life, but to be more concerned with love and friendship. Everyday is one day less you have with those you hold dearest. I've learned that the only way to live is to live like you'll die tomorrow. Any day could be the last for you or someone you hold dear. Take time to show those you love that you care about them. Don't wait for tomorrow; do it today because tomorrow could never come.

Dog Park Etiquette for You

When going to a dog park, there are several unspoken rules concerning owner etiquette. Yes, that's right, your pet isn't the only one expected to behave. However, if you follow these rules, you and your pup will always be welcomed back with open arms.


1. Scoop that poop!
If your pet decides to squat down near a bush and do her business, it is up to you to clean it up. This is the most important rule to follow at a dog park. Not only does this keep bacteria from spreading, it also confirms your responsible pet-owner status.

2. Keep flying toys at home.
Most parks welcome squeaky or tug toys, however flying toys like Frisbees are not a good idea. Flying toys can start fights between dogs or owners and may also cause unnecessary behavior issues. Treats may also cause competition or other unwanted behaviors.

3. Stay...stay...stay (in the park).
If you bring your dog to the park, you need to stay in the park with her. It is acceptable to read a book or engage in another activity. Unattended dogs make other dog park guests feel uneasy and you run the chance of your dog being injured without your presence or even taken unwillingly from the park. Always stay with your dog.


4. Take care of your dog
Avoid disciplining someone else's dog. If you end up resorting to force to break up a fight, so be it, but never attempt to punish another dog once the conflict has ended. If you find another dog’s behavior unacceptable, leave the park or politely discuss it with the dog's owner. Always maintain a positive outlook and solve conflicts constructively.

By following these simple rules, you and your pooch will be welcome to return to the park whenever you wish. Remember, owner behavior is just as important as pet behavior! Now go out and watch your dog have a great time while you impress your fellow dog-parkers with your conscientious mentality.

The Dog Park: a Place for Fido and You

Image your pooch running wild on a large span of soft grass, leashless and free. See him in his own habitat, running and frolicking with other dogs, while you sit and chat with other fellow dog fanatics. No, this isn't your fantasy of throwing a party at your 100 acre dream home. This is the reality of a dog park (aka bark park). Taking your pet to a park has many benefits, not only for your dog, but also for you as well.

Your dog will get plenty of needed exercise and will interact with other dogs. Interaction is vital for a well-rounded friendly dog. I'm sure you're asking yourself, "what benefits will I reap from this experience?" Well, not only will you be able to provide your pet with the required exercise easily, but you will gain an immense amount of pride and confidence in your pet in the process. There isn't a better place to receive compliments about your beautiful dog in the world. My boyfriend's dog (a 110 lb Akita), Athena gets more compliments than a newborn baby whenever we take her. Dog lovers appreciate the beauty and personalities of dogs just as you do, unlike the rest of the world.


Even more importantly, you will be surrounded by fellow dog owners, who can offer advice on everything from house training to local vets or supply stores. Knowledge is gained through sharing and there isn't a more fun place to share dog knowledge than while watching your pets befriend each other. One time, a fellow member informed me of signs of joint trouble in my aging Border Collie. She had been babying her back left leg for about a week, but he helped convince me to take her to the vet. She had actually torn a ligament. Without his help, I might not have taken her to the vet quickly enough for a successful surgery. Veteran dog owners offer valuable advice and support to other dog park members.


One of the most exciting parts of taking your dog to the park, is watching them interact with other dogs. For example, Athena is a single-child. She doesn't get to play with other dogs very often except for the occasional trip to my house. But when we take her to the dog park...look out! She is a playing machine; a chasing, jumping, butt-sniffing pro. Many characteristics you never thought possible for your pet will come alive at the dog park.

You and your pet are not the only ones benefiting from a local dog park; many parks donate part of their fees to shelters and/or animal protection agencies to help better the lives of all dogs. Your minimal fees for being a member of a dog park and nothing compared to the joy you will receive from experiencing a dog park. Also, if a membership isn't right for you, many parks offer daily passes at a lesser cost.

Shoo flea! Get off of me! (and my dog...and my home)

Being a pet owner has its responsibilities and not-so-enjoyable tasks such as poop scooping and teeth brushing. However, none of these ever seem to compare to the disastrous issue of flea control. Fleas are a huge concern for pet owner for many reasons. First, they may carry disease and harm your pet. They also make your pet and your home uncomfortable for everyone. If you've never had a flea issue, it might be hard for you to understand the burden of sharing your life with these uncontrollable jumping pests. Don't let their minuscule size fool you-these guys are about as troublesome as having a rabid possum living under your kitchen sink.

Thankfully, several options exist to help you win the war on fleas. First, you must rid your beloved pet of the fleas living on him. This can be done in several ways including, shampoos, collars or powders containing flea killing chemicals. Always read and follow the directions exactly as they are printed on the instructions. After ridding your pet of fleas, its time to take care of the real business.

Did you know that only about 10% of the flea population in your home lives on your pet? Well where are the other 90%? Unfortunately the flea eggs, larvae, pupa, and a few adults reside in carpeting and bedding. These must be eliminated or the problem will never subside or vanish. To rid your home of the remaining fleas, wash all bedding, clothing and removable furniture covers. Also, insert a flea collar into the bag of your vacuum. Then, vacuum and dispose of contents each time. If not, the remaining larvae will be left to reinfest your carpets. Finally, apply an insecticide or have it professionally done. Take extra care not to poison any food for your pet or your family.

By carefully following these steps, you will be able to finally rid your home of these pesky losers. Once you have eliminated them from your home and pet, don't forget to regularly check your pet for fleas and keep the problem from reoccurring.

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Dog Proofing Your Home

A house can hold many mysteries and adventures for a dog. There are countless smells, tastes and sounds for a canine to explore inside your home. While most are harmless, some items your pooch could investigate, could be harmful. The following is a room by room summary of what to be aware of and what to avoid when getting a dog.

Kitchen

Look out for: Sharp cooking and/or cleaning utensils may cut dogs' mouths if chewed. Many detergents, soaps and cleaning liquids are poisonous and may be deadly if ingested. Sharp aluminum cans and broken glass can cut paws and mouths of curious pups. Many choking hazards exists in the kitchen: discarded chicken bones and plastic bags may suffocate an inquisitive dog. To prevent any harm, keep cabinets containing hazardous materials locked, store garbage bags out of sight and keep cutlery and dishes out of reach. As an owner, it is your responsibility to always clean up messes immediately and to train your pet to stay out of the kitchen (or any room) at your command.

Bedroom, Family Room, Dining Room

Look out for: Any cord or wiring, such as electrical, or curtain and blind cords can choke a dog. Electrical cords also provide the danger of shock. Be very careful to keep these out of your dog's reach. As a rule of thumb, anything kept away from children should also be hidden from your god. To train your dog to stay off of furniture, use cayenne pepper or another bitter-tasting spray available at pet stores to make those areas less tempting. If chewing is a problem, provide a teething puppy with a nylon chew toy or wet, knotted towel left overnight in the freezer. Also, never buy toys or treats resembling shoes or clothing or let your pet play with shoes or clothing. Toys and bones should only be made or latex, nylon, hard plastic or rawhide.

Bathroom

Look out for: Medicines, airfresheners and personal-care products can all be poisonous to a dog. All of these items should be store out of reach to prevent ingestion. The toilet lid should also be kept down as smaller dogs could fall inside. Also, many toilet tank refresheners are poisonous and could harm your pet if swallowed.

Garage

Look out for: Paints, chemicals and motor oil are all poisonous. Check your vehicle for leaks as well. Antifreeze, a sweet liquid, will kill animals when ingested. Also sharp tools could puncture a dog so keep them away from your pet.

Many common household items are poisonous to your pet. All of the following are poisons: chocolate, crayons, ibuprofen, laxatives, onions, road salt, suntan lotion with cocoa butter. If you believe your dog has ingested some toxin, call a veternarin immediately. Also, many plants are toxic for dogs. Chrysanthemum, iris, mushrooms, nutmeg, potatoes and tulips are all toxic if ingested. Side affects may include, fairly mild, or the dog may become dehydrated, suffer from diarrhea or even die. If you suspect your dog has eaten a strange or poisonous plant, seek help immediately.

Dog proofing a home may require alot of diligence and preparation, but a happy healthy pet is always worth it. For more imformation, visit Animal Planet's website concerning this topic, Dog Proofing Your Home.

A Second Chance

Still thinking about getting a dog? Please consider an alternative to pure bred adoption: shelter dogs. The dogs found in shelters are waiting for their second chance at life. Many of them were abandoned, abused or neglected by former "owners". These dogs especially need your love and compassion. They may have been physically and/or mentally abused in some way, making their lives even more tragic than we could even begin to comprehend. They are reaching out and crying for help, although frequently their cries go unheard.

You can make a difference in the life of a scared lonely animal in need of help. The pure bred dogs will always be taken care of and have homes, the shelter dogs however, will not. Each animal is only allowed so much time before they are euthanized due to overcrowding in our local shelters. Has anyone ever provided you with salvation when you needed it? So be an angel, as Sara Mclaughlin says in the ASPCA's commercial, and give an animal in need a second chance at life.

Which dog is right for me?

Thinking about getting a new family member? Before rushing out and buying the first wide-eyed furry creature you find, consider the information in this blog. Choosing a dog isn’t just about how cute and cuddly your new pet will be. There are many factors to consider in determining your next addition. Before even researching breeds, you should be able to describe what you want out of the relationship. Ask yourself the following: Do I want a jogging/walking partner? Is low-maintenance important to me? Does it matter how much food my dog will eat? Do I want a dog I can carry without effort? How much room in my home do I have to offer my future pet? The answers to these questions will help to determine what breed is right for you.

Exercise

If a dog that is more than willing to exercise with you is important, consider one of the working breeds such as Akitas, Boxers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands or Samoyeds. Many of these breeds are employed as police dogs, guard dogs, sled dogs and rescue dogs today. These breeds are extremely intelligent, but independent and sometimes difficult to manage. They might not be the best choice for first time pet owners and should also be professionally trained before adoption. However, for those seeking a companion for their career fields, the working breeds are best suited to help assist in demanding tasks and rescue missions.

Grooming
If low maintenance grooming is a priority, consider breeds with a short and smooth coat. For example, Doberman Pinschers, Dachshunds and Saint Bernards all require minimal grooming. Breeds requiring moderate grooming include Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels, and American Eskimo Dogs. If grooming is not an issue for you whatsoever, breeds such as the Poodle, Sheepdog and Maltese require daily brushing and frequent hair trimmings.

Size

Size is also a very important factor to consider when choosing a dog. Will you be able to provide enough space and food for your large breed to live comfortably? Or do you prefer a smaller breed, whom you can easily tote around and doesn’t require as much living space? If larger breeds are of interest, some of the largest are Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, and Old English Mastiffs, all included in 120 pounds and higher club. If you desire a larger, but not massive dog, Rottweiler’s, German Shepards and Bernese Mountain Dogs will suffice. Medium sized dogs include Border Collies (one of my personal favorites), Huskies, Labradors, Bulldogs and some larger terriers and spaniels.

If you live in a smaller home, consider one of the small or toy breeds. They can range from four to twenty pounds full grown. They require less living space and food. However, most are more energetic and will need a lot of exercise and attention. (My Min Pin is trying to jump on my lap as I type this.) Some breeds are: Dachshunds, Beagles, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Papillions, and Miniature Pinschers.

Finally, the absolute most important thing to consider when choosing a pet is your own capabilities. Are you financially, emotionally and physically capable of caring for an animal? Being a pet owner is a huge responsibility. One must be completely positive that they will be able to afford food and medical costs for the animal, provide a plentiful amount of living space and exercise, and above all else, attention and love. Dogs deserve your love and affection. If you are unable to provide any of these basic necessities, consider waiting until you are completely able to support yourself and a pet.

Hopefully this information will help lead you to your newest, and most compatible best friend!

Go Pet Your Pooch!

Hello and welcome to the first post in a series of blogs dedicated to man, or in this case, woman’s best friend. I will persistently be answering questions and concerns prospective or current canine owners face as well as promoting ways to support those fury friends that didn’t get as lucky as our pampered pooches.

I’ve had a passion for dogs my entire life-I’ve never lived even a week without a dog or two by my side. I hope to help answer readers questions and also to create an understanding of the responsibility of being a pet owner.

I believe I am fully capable of this for several reasons. First, as previously stated I am a lifetime dog owner and currently have three amazing girls: Rozalyn, Ruby and my “step-dog” Athena. Also, I have resided less than four blocks from the local Humane Society’s animal shelter, where I spent countless hours just wandering and visiting with the dogs and employees alike. I am also a member of our local Dog Park. Finally, I am a new member of Helping Paws, an organization at my college dedicated to caring for and supporting animals in need through volunteer work and fundraising.


I hope that by reading my blog, you will walk away from you monitor with your canine confusions solved. I also hope that you take an interest in some of the dog-benefitting ideas and help make a difference in the life of an unfortunate pup.

By the way...all of the dogs featured on this page are available at the Almost Home Humane Society RIGHT NOW!

Almost Home Humane Society's YouTube video

Until next time... go pet your pooch!