Monday
Save Your Dog
I spoil my dogs. That's just what I do. They're my family, my friends and I love them beyond verbal description. I read this report and was shocked, horrified and felt terribly guilty about the type of food I was feeding my furry babies. I don't buy generic dog food, but after reading the research done by a man who lost his dog when he was poisoned by dog food, I got picky. Real picky. I also learned how to be an even bigger hero for my canine friends with special homemade treats.
Click here for more information
Tuesday
The Importance of a Dog House
Having a pet at home has over the years has become a tradition. People enjoy having pets and most people keep their pets within the home environment. There have been several different surveys and pieces of research that have shown that the most common pet is a dog. . If you are going to have a pet dog it is very important that he has a dog house and this is part of the basic care of a pet dog.
Every animal has basic needs and one of these basics is a house. People like to keep their dogs within their own apartment but it is important to remember that dogs have feeling to therefore it is very important that the dog has its own house either in the garden or within the owners home. Animals like to have a place where they can get away from everything, sleep and eat and this is one reason why a dog house is very important.
It's a very good idea to give your dog a house that is the correct size and the size will vary depending on the size of the individual dog. It is very important to make sure you get a house that is suitable for your own specific dog as all dogs are individual just like humans.
Prior to either making or purchasing a dog house it is very important to measure your dog to find out what size he is. It is very important to measure both the height and the length of the dog. It is very important to ensure that the house that you build for your dog has the proper level of ventilation and that the ventilation is at floor level. It is also important that the house is designed so that it is able to keep the dog warm during the winter months.
The Author is an expert in article writing and has done a lot of research online and offline. Come visit his latest websites on Igloo Dog House and Purses And Handbags
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Nabila
Common Dog Health Problems - Symptoms and Answers
Dog owners should know a bit about the various common dog health problems that their pet could get over the course of their lives. An old time belief, still held onto by many people, is that if their dog has a cold and damp nose, the dog is healthy. The truth is that there is no basis in science whatsoever that when a dog has a cold, wet nose, that they are healthy and have no problems such as heart problems, worms, mange mites or any other canine health condition.
Responsible owners should disregard such beliefs without scientific basis and focus on looking at the overall condition of the dog including scheduled physical checks of the eyes, teeth, ears, mouth and skin for any abnormalities that could be signs and symptoms of a particular disease. The dog owner should also be responsible to make sure their dog eats well, gets regular checkups and is groomed on a regular basis so that their dog will stay healthy for a long time to come.
In particular, there are certain dog health symptoms that mean your canine friend has particular diseases or health challenges. Dog owners should be familiarized with these likely signs of abnormalities in their pets so quick and specific action can be done directly to avoid any complications later on.
The dog's coat should be shining, soft and full. With wiry coated dogs, like Australian terriers, you need to be sure that the coat is springy and has thick strands of fur. Types of dogs that have double coats need to show zero indication of thinning in the undercoats.
Redness or inflammation, open sores, scabs, flakes, lumps or cyst like growths on the skin can be signs of health issues. Your dog's skin and fur should be free of parasitic infestation like ticks, fleas or mange mites. If your dog is itching or biting him or herself a lot this could mean they have skin parasites.
Just like us, bright, shining eyes in your dog means good health. In dogs, there is an area in the eyes particularly in the perimeter of the eyeballs that should always have a health pink color. This spot is called the conjunctiva and a pale color may mean some health problems. There should also be no abnormal discharges from the eyes, particular yellow or green colored fluids.
Bad odors and/or bloody discharge from the ears is good symptom that something is wrong. Your dog's ears need to be kept clean and free of signs of parasites.
Dog gums that maintain a healthy rosy pink color and which might have a bit of black color as well is a pretty good indication of good health. wan colored gums can be a sign or symptom of anemia. Sore looking red gums that bleed could be sending you the signal that you dog has a periodontal problem while emphasizing that your dog has some health issues with really bad breath.
Going back to the age-old belief on the dog's nose, a healthy dog normally has a cold and wet nose but this should be caused only by clear and watery discharges that are common in dogs. If your dog has a bad smelling discharge coming from the nose, this could be trouble and you need to get your dog examined. These kinds of discharges in young puppies could indicate canine distemper and may turn out to be fatal.
A few other things that indicate a healthy dog are the weight - normal for the breed, body temperature - dogs get fevers just like children, and how the urine and feces look and smell. Its very important to know and understand these health signals and symptoms so that you can help your dog right away if you see that something is wrong.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mason_Joseph
Monday
"Reggie" the Labrador
"They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. the shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.
But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.
But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.
For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.
I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cellphone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."
Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me.
Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.
But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".........
_______________________________________
To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.
First, he loves tennis balls. the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.
Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.
I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.
Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.
He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knkows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.
Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.
Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.
And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....
His name's not Reggie.
I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. but I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.
His real name is Tank.
Because that is what I drive.
Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the the shelter... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.
Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.
That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.
All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.
Thank you, Paul Mallory
_____________________
I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.
I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.
"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.
The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.
"C'mere boy."
He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.
"Tank," I whispered.
His tail swished.
I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.
"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.
And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth."
"Just A Dog"
"From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand.""
Author: Anonymous
Saturday
Fireman Held Accountable
This is David Santuomo. You may not know the face, but you might have heard about the Fireman who killed 2 dogs and then dumped them like yesterdays ash from a fire he just put out.
He was fired. He's going to jail for 90 days and has to pay a fine of $4,650. Evidently David has a history of unconscious and grossly inappropriate behavior. He has not only disgraced his fire station, the Fireman's Oath but himself. Was it worth it David?
This is tragic. Not only for the dogs he killed, but for our planet as a whole. We truly need to reprogram ourselves and end this type of violence. The only place to start is with you.
What will it take for you to begin? How much more violence and atrocity must you know about, see or maybe experience first hand before you stand up and say, "No more"? When will you start?
If you want more on the story, click here.
Sunday
Dog Tips for Summer Safety
We're fully into Summer and your furry family member depends on you to take care of them. I've already posted 12 Rules of Hot Weather Dog Safety so you're an expert. If you're not sure about the "rules" check them out. Here are a few more tips to keep your dog healthy, happy and oh so cool.
Mosquitos not only bite humans but they bite your dog. Some mosquitos carry heartworm disease. This is a killer and so easily preventable. If you live in Alaska then no worries, but nearly every one of the Lower 48 states has heartworm carrying mosquitos. The warmer and moister the climate, the more likely these blood sucking bugs will bite and possibly hurt your furry baby. Talk with your Veterinarian about a heartworm test (around $15) and what can be done to prevent this killer.
Fleas and ticks love warm weather. They thrive just like the weeds in your garden. Fleas are blood sucking vampires that carry parasites like worms and can make your dog very sick. This is in conjunction with the misery caused by constant itching. Fleas bite people too. Any warm blooded animal is food for a flea.
Ticks are bad news all around. Ever heard of Lyme's disease? Rocky Mountain spotted fever? Ticks are the carriers. They dig into you or your dog with their corkscrew tongue and get fat. Meanwhile they transfer all the parasites and diseases they have to their host which is you or your dog.
Prevent fleas and ticks with a proven product. Buying something off the shelf at a discount store probably won't work and may harm your dog. There are also many ways to naturally ward off fleas and ticks. Talk with your Veterinarian about the options. I use Advantix. It takes care of fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. If you decide to purchase this type of item, be sure it's the right one. Dosage is based on weight.
During the summer there are all kinds of bugs buzzing. From bees to hornets and flies. They're around all day and sometimes your dog will eat them just because they can. The only problem is eating a bee or hornet is going to cause a problem. Just like a human, when a bee or hornet stinger goes in, poison is released and swelling occurs. My dog ate a bee last summer and was so swollen he could hardly open his little eyes.
If this happens, you'll know by looking at them. Get them to a Vet pronto. Swelling can cause breathing problems and your dog could die. It's typically a simple shot of prednisone and you're done. About $20. Don't just give your dog a Benadryl. Call your Veterinarian or Animal Emergency Center and follow their advice.
Our dogs depend on us to take care of them. Give them Love, a bath, a clean cool place to sleep, keep the bugs off of them and you'll never have a regret. Dogs are often our best friends. How far will you go for your most loyal companion?
Dogs and Soldiers Help Each Other
Once again our canine pals are helping us and we're giving them a whole new lease on life. A new VA program is adopting shelter dogs and training them to assist our wounded soldiers coming home from Iraq.
Some soldiers need help with the laundry, taking off their socks, getting out of bed or just some unconditional love. It's been shown time and time again how our canine companions help us with stress (petting a dog lowers blood pressure), protect us from would be attackers and lead us down the street when we can't see. My hat is off, once again, to our beloved dogs.
It costs about $23,000 to train a service dog, but if they can help a wounded soldier heal from their battle scars, this is simply a drop in the bucket. What would you pay to help someone you love get back to themselves?
Too many of our soldiers are arriving back in the States disabled physically and psychologically. I've personally experienced what battle stress does to someone. They become a different person. A shell of what they were once upon a time. Even if you don't believe in or support the war, believe in the soldiers who have been in the desert that's laden with fleas, has giant sci-fi type sand spiders and people who live to kill you.
If you would like to donate $1, $5 or $100, visit Freedom Service Dogs. You can also visit this MSNBC site for more information. Everything makes a difference.
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