Happy National Dog Day

Adopt a dog.

Spoil your dog.

Volunteer at a animal shelter.

Walk a dog(s).

Play with your dog.

Give your dog some treats.

Donate to a shelter.

Bathe a dog.

Take your dog to a doggy spa.

Take your dog to doggy daycare.

Take your dog to a off leash dog park.

Toss your dog a ball.

Buy some new toys or diy some toys for your dog.

Kitten and Puppy Pictures

Play Outside or Cuddle Inside

If it's a nice day in your area of residence take your dog outside and play!

Take your dog to the dog park.

Go for a hike.

Go for a run/walk.

Play with your dog in the backyard/front yard.

Go to the beach with your pet.

Go to the lake with your canine.

Go fishing your pup.

Go swimming with your pet.

Exercise with your pet.

Stay inside and cuddle if the weather is not so good.

Take a nap with your pet.

Cook for your pet.

Watch T.V with your pet.

Wrestle with your pet.

Read a book to your pet.

Exercise with your pet.

Not just today but spend time with your pet everyday ^_^

A well-exercised dog is a happy and calm dog.

Unconditional love~



The Five Freedoms For Pets

The Five Freedoms

1. Freedom from hunger, malnutrition and thirst.

2. Freedom from pain, injury and disease.

3. Freedom  from discomfort.

4. Freedom from fear and distress.

5. Freedom to express normal behavior.

Pets and ALL animals owned and looked after by humans deserve ALL of these five freedoms.

Life On a Chain

What is the point of having a dog when all you are going to do is chain it up outside?

A dog is not a object or a piece of property. It is a living and breathing being.

For protection? How is a chained dog going to physically protect you? 

A chained barking dog is far from being intimidating....

A chain dog is a dead dog. It's impossible for a chained dog to get out of dangerous situations or escape from a aggressive animal or human. You basically are giving your dog a death sentence....

I don't want my house dirty from the dog. 

Don't have a dog if material positions are more important to you then a life.

My dog is my pride and joy. I want to show how tough he/she is on a big heavy chain.

Really? Would you want to haul around a big heavy chain to prove how tough you are?

My kids play with the dog sometimes.

What about any other time? 

So many reasons that are beyond me and my reasonable way of thinking why anyone would just throw a dog on a chain outside, maybe throw it some food and water once in a while and if that dog is really lucky have a decent form of shelter and call that pet ownership.

A dog is a pack animal. It needs it's pack. It needs family.

A Rescue Dog's Christmas Poem

‘Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Every shelter is full – we are lost but not found.

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
We hope every minute that someone will care.

They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie – come fetch your new ball!”

But now we sit here and think of the days…
We were treated so fondly – we had cute, baby ways.

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew
Now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
They reacted so quickly – why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children,” “don’t come when they call,”
We “bark when they leave us,” “climb over the wall.”

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
Now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.

If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
We’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse – let to roam -
Now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye…
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”

So now here we are, all confused and alone…
In a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
With so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat.

They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer…
We know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads…
Of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears-
Our friends filled with emptiness, worry and fear.

If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the Inn-
Could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year-
Can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat…
And help get us something special to eat.

The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
And more of us will, if more people will give.

Author – Anonymous

This Christmas, donate to your local shelter and make a shelter dog’s dreams come true.

Twas the Night Before Christmas: Chained Dog Version

'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Chained Dog Version

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With no thought of the dog filling their head. And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the luster of midday to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears. He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick, Last years Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick. More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name. And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain; "Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! On CUPID! On, DONNER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all" I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year, For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear, The gift of a dog is not just for the season, We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons. In our haste to think of getting the kids a gift There was one important thing that we missed. A dog should be family, and cared for the same You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain. And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight, "You weren't given a gift! You were given a life!" —Author Unknown

The Top Ten Best Dog Food Brands

Ever wonder what food is best for your canine friend?

After all the phrase "you are what you eat" applies to your puppy pal as well ^_^

Here is a article to give you some idea of the healthiest premium dog foods to feed your dog.

http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/10-best-dog-food-brands-77104

Always talk to your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet especially if they have food allergies or sensitive  tummies.

A veterinarian will be able to recommend the best food to feed your special dog.

What Does it Mean When Your Dog is AKC Registered?

So I happened upon a couple interesting articles.....

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/buying/articles/AKC-registered-puppies.html

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2013/01/akc-national-championship-puppy-mills-013013.html#.UrEShtJDuSo

Please read before ever even considering buying a AKC registered dog.
Frankly it seems like the AKC only cares about the profits it makes from it's members and could care less how breeders care for their dogs.
All you are going to get from a AKC registered dog is a piece of paper with a number saying the animal  is registered with the AKC. 
Nothing more and nothing less.
Shame on you AKC!
Enough is enough stop covering for these puppy mills!

Please consider adopting a purebred dog or mixed breed dog from a shelter or rescue first!

DON'T SHOP! ADOPT.

Beware of Puppy Flippers and Scammers on Craigslist!

So lately here I have been lurking on the Seattle Craigslist community pets classified ads and have found nonstop comments about puppy flippers and scammers. Unfortunately I have noticed the "trend" as well, personally spotting several ads that are suspicious and obviously not following the craigslist rules.

Craigslist rules specifically state pet sales, sale of animal parts and stud service are prohibited! A small re-homing fee is allowed. The norm for a small re-homing fee is set at $150 or less. Anything more can be and in my opinion is considered a pet sale. In which case I see a lot of re-homing fees placed at $300 and that's for a unpapered, unfixed, unvaccinated puppy  maybe given some OTC de-wormer and no proof of proper veterinary care. That is completely unsafe and unreasonable. You are better off paying a $300 adoption fee to a shelter at least the puppy would be vaccinated, fixed and have a full health check-up. I'm sorry but if you have a litter of puppies and are trying to "find them homes"with a re-homing fee over $150 (or even at that specific amount if your trying to comply with craigslist rules) you can be considered a backyard breeder.

There is no such thing as a "accidental litter". You are responsible for your dog. It is irresponsible to knowingly let your unfixed dog run around in the vicinity of another dog that is not fixed and assume you will find good homes for a unwanted litter or you are just one of those greedy people wanting to make a profit without considering the well-being of each individual puppy . You are simply adding to the overpopulation of homeless animals. There is no excuse that's that.

Now onto more heartbreaking matters. It seems like every where I look I keep hearing stories about people buying puppies off craigslist, taking them home and coming to find out there pup has Parvo or some other life-threatening illness and dying a few days later. I feel for the devastated families whom have to deal with this. I don't blame them I blame the uncaring people whom sold them the dog. These puppies often come from backyard breeders or puppy mill operations whom in which only care about making profits and could care less about the health and well-being of each individual dog.

Here are some tips from PAWS you need to know:

Animals in puppy mills are treated like cash crops

• They are confined to squalid, overcrowded cages with minimal shelter from extreme weather and no choice but to sit and sleep in their own excrement.
• Animals suffer from malnutrition or starvation due to inadequate or unsanitary food and water.
• Sick or dying animals receive little or no veterinary care.
• Adult animals are continuously bred until they can no longer produce, then destroyed or discarded.
• Kittens and puppies are taken from their mothers at such an early age; many suffer from serious behavior problems.

Look for these red flags:

• The seller has many types of purebreds or "designer" hybrid breeds being sold at less than six weeks old.
• Breeders who are reluctant to show potential customers the entire premises on which animals are being bred and kept.
• Breeders who don't ask a lot of questions of potential buyers.
• No guarantees-responsible breeders make a commitment to take back the pet at anytime during the animal's life, no matter the reason.

Help stop the suffering by taking these steps:

1. Be a responsible, informed consumer-if you do buy from a breeder, go to a reputable one who: 
• Will show you where the dogs spend their time and introduces you to the puppy's parents.
• Explains the puppy's medical history, including vaccines, and gives you their veterinarian's contact info.
• Doesn't have puppies available year-round, yet may keep a waiting list for interested people.
• Asks about your family's lifestyle, why you want a dog, and your care and training plans for the puppy.
• Doesn't use pressure sales tactics.

For more information check out: http://www.paws.org/puppy-mills.html

If you even think or question a pet ad is a scam or looks suspicious it more then likely is one. Most scammers take images from the internet and give very little information about the dog they are trying to sale. Never give out any personal information no matter how much you may want a specific animal the scammer is trying to advertise it is a ploy to scam you. Simply ignore and report immediately.

Report all suspected puppy flippers and scammers to Craiglist immediately so the ad can be removed. Simply click the suspected as and then click prohibited or spam.

All and all be careful when buying a pet on Craigslist.  There is always that small chance you get tricked into buying a sick puppy or kitten and regret it later when that puppy dies or you end up spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars in veterinary care. All I can say is you are better off adopting a puppy or kitten at a shelter. Not only will you be saving a life but you will be getting a healthy, spayed/neutered and possibly micro-chipped pet. As the saying goes "DON'T SHOP, ADOPT."

Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet

Why spay or neuter your pet?

Reduce the number of homeless pets euthanized.

Improve your pet's health.

Reduce unruly behavior.

Save on the cost of pet care.

When can I spay or neuter my pet?

The procedure can be performed safely as early as 8 weeks of age. No excuse about waiting.

But fixing my animal cost to much!

Most towns have animal shelters/rescues that provide low-cost under $100 maybe even free spay and neuter clinics. No excuse.

Can't I allow my purebred or mixed breed have at least one litter? My pet has a wonderful personality or a lovely  appearance! 

No. There simply are not enough homes for the puppies or kittens you produce. Even if you have homes planned there is no guarantee those puppies or kittens will keep those homes after all people can change their minds because the puppy/kitten is too much work or peoples's lifestyle or financial situation changes. You and your pet will be much happier not producing litters and adding to the problem of homeless pet overpopulation.

I don't have a pet. So not my problem!

It is your problem ."All of us are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to shelter and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to euthanize these animals when homes cannot be found. Human health is threatened by the danger of transmittable diseases (including rabies), animal bites and attacks. Property may be damaged and livestock killed when pets roam in search of food. Animal waste is proving to be a serious environment hazard, fouling yards and parks. It is only when all of us assume the responsibility for pet overpopulation that we will see any decrease in the problem." -American Humane Association

So do yourself, the world and your pet a favor SPAY OR NEUTER . Thank You.

Pet Toy Ideas

All pets need some sort of toy to keep them occupied and stimulated when no one is home. The more stuff they have to play with the less likely the furniture, your clothing items, your home in all its entirety becomes their personal chew toys or playground. Toys can be homemade or bought at any store that sells pet products.

Where to find store bought pet toys?

Petsmart

Petco

Pet Stores

Farm and Feed Stores

Walmart

Kmart

Target

Amazon

Ebay

Craigslist

Local grocery stores

What types of toys are there?

Kongs

Rubber bones

Stuffed animals

Balls

Tug toys

Catnip toys

Rubber tires (pet safe!)

Toy on a stick/string

Motorized toy

Squeaky toys

Chew toys

What to make homemade toys out of?
Cardboard, sticks/wood, stuffed animals, blankets, ropes, etc. You can pretty much use anything and make anything as long as you make sure your pet can't swallow or choke on the homemade toy or get tangled up in it. Always think safety first!

So make your pet happy today and go buy some toys or make some homemade ones =) Your pet will thank you.

Are No-Kill Shelters a Good Thing?

List of no-kill shelters. http://www.nokillnetwork.org/

Now I for one believe no pet should be euthanized unless they are sick and dying or have severe behavioral problems i.e aggression toward humans (especially children) and animals that can not be controlled no matter how much professional training and socializing you put that animal through.

However unfortunately the overpopulation of shelter animals far outnumbers people actually willing to give them homes. Not to mention what seems to be high instances of former shelter animals being returned to shelter environments do to unforeseen behavioral issues or people having problems in their life and are unable to commit to there pets.

I wish every single good-hearted responsible pet owner could give all these homeless pets homes but it's not happening now and I'm sorry but it never will.

People will continue to breed animals purebred and mutts alike for profit. People will continue to not spay and neuter their pets. People will continue to abandon their pets. People will continue to re-home their pets again and again. People will continue to abuse and leave animals for dead. When it comes to pets there are always going to be irresponsible, uneducated, money grubbing or just don't give a damn about a animal's life kind of people.

No amount of no-kill shelters will be able to save every single suffering animal in the world let alone the United States as a whole. Unfortunately thousands upon thousands of healthy, well behave pets will be put to sleep because a home could not be found due to shelters just being so overcrowded and not enough people.

Please. If you decide to get a pet it is a commitment for life. No matter what problems you have in your life you will always be responsible for the well being of that animal.

*Just because it's a no kill shelter does not mean a animal will necessarily remain at that specific shelter! Animals can be and are moved from shelter to shelter based on shelter capacities or just not enough donations to care for that specific animal. So if your thinking about dropping your pet off at a no-kill shelter there is no guarantee your pet will be safe from euthanasia. Sorry that is the reality.

Responsible and Courteous Dog Owner Behavior

1. Clean up after your dog if he poo's in a public place. Yes even at the dog park! That is why they provide poop baggies otherwise bring your own for the sake of the people who like walking in the grass without stepping in yucky dog doo 0_o

2. Don't let your dog jump on strangers. It's dangerous for the elderly and children getting knocked over.

3. Pay attention to your dog at the dog park. If your pup is misbehaving or being overly aggressive in any way remove your dog immediately. Safer for you, your dog and everyone else around.  Nobody likes a dog fight =(

4. Don't let your dog bark constantly especially late at night -_- In which case usually this happens if a dog is left outside for hours on end without getting any attention or just maybe you have a talkative dog. Either way be courteous and respect your neighbors. Train your dog not to bark or bring your pet inside please. There is no excuse for a noisy, obnoxious pet!

5. Never hit your dog in the face or body period. This will just create a fearful dog and it is also animal abuse. If you must scold your dog do it in a fashion where your dog actually understands. If he has a accident in the house take him outside immediately. If you don't want your dog to get into something put it up or doggy proof it.  Use the word "No!" in a firm voice. Please don't yell at your dog he won't understand why your being loud.

6. Don't let your dog run lose in public areas excluding dog parks. A lose dog is a accident waiting to happen. Not to mention there are leash laws and you can get ticketed.

7. If your dog is sick take him/her to the veterinarian. No one likes seeing a animal suffer. If you can't afford it you should not have a pet. Sorry but that is the harsh reality. A animal is a commitment and so are the expenses that come with them. If you love animal so much you would care for them properly. Improper care for a animal is animal abuse Nuff' said.

8. Spay and neuter you pets please! There are to many shelter animals in need of homes. Why add to the overpopulation explosion? Not to mention do you really want issues with a roaming male dog  or a female in heat attracting every un-neutered male dog in a 5-10 mile radius?

9. If your going to breed your pet please breed responsibly. Breed only registered, full-blooded, healthy animals. Have good breeding practices i.e. please breed and produce a litter maybe once every other year if not just only a one time affair would be even better and make sure both parents get a full health checkup to make sure there will be no hereditary health issues. Always have good homes pre-planned before you even produce a litter! There is no such thing as a "designer" dog breed. These dogs are mutts plain and simple. I don't care if both parents are registered, purebred whatever once you mix to different breeds they are just that mixed breeds...mutts.

10. License and keep your dog's shots up to date. In other words keep your dog legal. Microchip, ear tattoo or name tag on the collar are important in case your pet ever gets lost or stolen.

Basic Commands Every Dog And Owner Should Know

So there are five commands which I think every dog and owner should know and practice routinely.

Sit

 This is one of the most easiest commands and even a puppy can catch on to it rather quickly. Tell your dog to "Sit". Hold a treat or hover your hand over his head and usually the dog will automatically sit from looking up. If not push his butt down gently till he is in sitting position. Praise your dog and tell him/her "Good Dog!" excitedly.

Lay Down

Yet another command that is easily taught. Tell your dog to "Lay Down" Use your hand to signal down or use a treat lowered to the ground until he is in laying position. You can also physically put him in the laying position gently. Praise your dog.

Drop It/Leave it/Give It

This command is a bit more difficult especially if you have a alpha dog. Play with your dog with a favorite toy of his. Avoid food or bones as they are highly prized items and your dog will be less likely to follow the command and these things can often create food/possession aggression . Hold out your hand and say the command of your choosing. If your dog immediately drops the toy on the floor or in your hand praise him. If he refuses to drop it take the toy from him gently and say the command and give it back to him repeat till he gets it. If you have a alpha dog on your hands your going to have to be a bit more careful but firmer with your command as well. Don't ever allow your dog to growl or snap at you! If this type of behavior starts tread carefully. If at anytime this occurs, as soon as you dog drops the toy pick up and tell him "No!" firmly.

If possession/guarding aggression behavior continues or worsens seek help from a professional dog trainer.

Come To Me/Bring It To Me

This command is a hit and miss. If you have a puppy this should be pretty easy since they follow you around and trip you over whenever they get a chance. If your inside your home/your fenced backyard just tell your dog to "Come, (dog's name!)". Every time your dog comes to you when called praise him/her excitedly or with a food reward. If you are outside at a park or something or other always have your dog on a leash. A lunge leash (super long leash) works great for recall. Never scold you dog when he comes to you! Never chase your dog he will just think your playing! If your pup is coming to you with no problems and knows the command "Drop it" you can kick it up a notch and add a ball or stick and teach him "Fetch."

Heel

All dogs should be taught how to properly walk on a leash. I gringe every time I see a dog dragging a person behind them from excessive pulling. A dog should be taught to walk beside you or slightly behind you for safety reasons. Never allow your dog to pull you around! Only use a retractable leash if you know how to use it properly, do not just let your dog wonder wherever he/she wants. They can get tangled or th leash can even snap if you don't have the right weight tension. It can be dangerous so I suggest sticking with a normal length nylon leash.When you go for a walk if your dog begins to pull you slightly tug the leash then release and say "Heel!" firmly. If your dog stops and looks at you praise him and continue to walk. Repeat as necessary till he learns to walk at a slower pace and in the position of being beside you or behind you. If you have a shy/fearful dog that refuses to walk on a leash please never drag the dog or scold the dog. Take things slower even if the dog walks a few steps praise and reward.

Raising Children with Pets

So I have a beautiful 3-year old little girl whom I have come to find loves her pets. Bandit was the first to meet my daughter when she was born. He was  a little hesitant at first but surprisingly for being such a hyper, slightly neurotic dog he did wonderfully with her. Even when she started walking he never bumped her over. In fact he stayed clear from her unless my daughter was sitting in my lap and he was allowed to give kisses or she wanted to pet him. 

Now Milo with him being a little rambunctious puppy is still learning not to be so jumpy and hyper around my daughter. Luckily my little girl is was already three years old when we got Milo so she has some sense of what dogs do. She tries to plays with him whenever she gets a chance and even gets on all fours and acts like a puppy to get his attention. She likes giving the puppy snacks both human and dog treats. 

I do have my limits though between the interactions of my daughter and Milo. If either of them get to hyper and start bouncing off the walls they have to be separated. Also trying to get across to my daughter not to feed Milo table scraps. Milo also likes to be a little mouthy. I have to pretty much nip that in the bud. Whenever he tried to use his mouth I grab him by the muzzle firmly and tell him "No!" He is slowly but surely getting the picture.

Scratches and bumping into your children are to be expected if you have a super hyper, jumpy dog. All you can do is train your dog properly how to act around children and teach your child how to react around hyperactive pets.  

All children of all ages should be taught to treat animals with respect and how to be responsible when caring for and interacting with any type of pet. Never allow your child to go up to strange dogs and try to pet them! Tell your child to always ask the owner if you can pet the dog first. As for stray dogs/cats tell your kids to stear clear from them no matter how friendly they may seem. Do not allow your child to ever hit or pull on fur/body parts of your family pet. Have your child interact quietly (no yelling around) with pets if your pet is prone to shyness or extreme  hyper-ness. Otherwise these things can create fear even possible dominance issues  in your dog.

All children of all ages should be instructed to NEVER:

-approach a strange dog

-run away from a dog they are afraid of

-hit, kick or poke a dog

-tease a dog by withholding food

-chase a dog

-pull a dog's tail or ears

-reach through a fence to pet a dog

-try to help a injured dog (get a adult instead) 

-take a toy, food or treat away from a dog

-wake up a sleeping dog

-tease a crated dog

*A child needs to know a dog can feel pain, can feel scared and to some extent has feelings in some sense.

*Pets need food and water daily.

*Pet's living areas and the yard need to be cleaned daily.

*Pets need to be loved not abused in anyway.

*Teach your child the right things about pets and you and your child will always have a *happy, healthy relationship with the family pet/s.