Peggy's Pet Place

The Best Welcome Home

2009-11-13T16:14:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite things about my dog Kelly is how she greets me when I come home. If my husband Mike happens to walk in the door first, she pushes past him to get to me, and jumps and whines as if my return is the happiest moment of her life. It feels good to be so adored.

Recently I was away for a weekend. Kelly did fine at home with the rest of the family, but when I returned she gave me a welcome of epic proportions. She jumped and rubbed her head against me and made noises that can only be described as cries of joy. Then she sniffed me all over, even my hair. I wondered what kind of information she was picking up from the smells. Could she somehow discern where I'd been? When she was done gathering her olfactory data, she snuggled up beside me, and followed me around the rest of the day.

Here is a touching video of a golden retriever greeting her soldier Dad when he came home. Grab the tissues!

You can see more of these touching videos here at mentalfloss.

How does your dog react when you return home? Is it the same if you've been away for 15 minutes as when you've been away for a week, or do you detect degrees of differences? Does she have a funny little routine when you come home? I'd love to hear your stories.

Eat This Not That for Your Pet

2009-11-11T10:54:00.003-05:00

Please welcome our special guest blogger, Adrienne Carlson from over at Veterinarian Technician Schools Online. Her blog is full of informative, thorough information for pet owners, and I encourage you to check it out. Today she helps us become aware of foods that may not be healthy for our pets.

Adrienne, take it away...!

25 Common Foods That Can Be Toxic for Your Pet

Your pet’s health is fragile. Sure, pets were once wild animals, but don’t forget that your pet isn’t the same as a human. Although it may think otherwise.

Knowing what can harm your pet is the first step in illness and disease prevention. By avoiding harmful substances and foods, your pet will live a longer, healthier life, and your wallet will thank you too for avoiding veterinary bills that could have been prevented with a little caution and care. These 25 common household foods can be lethal to your furry or feathered buddy. Many of these examples are foods that a typical pet owner would never think twice about giving their dog, cat, hamster or bird, but your pets can suffer greatly from things we humans love to eat on a regular basis. As a pet owner, your best bet is to stick with veterinary approved foods specifically made for your pet.

1. Fatty Meats like Ham - Fatty and greasy meats that people eat like ham or beef can seriously damage a dog’s pancreas and cause pancreatitis. Actually a high fat diet of anything is very bad for dogs and can lead to this serious and costly illness. Most dogs will recover from severe pancreatitis, but other complications can develop like diabetes. Avoid giving your pooch table scraps no matter how sad their eyes may be.

2. Walnuts - Walnuts and their hulls are particularly poisonous to dogs and horses. Even laying on black walnuts can cause respiratory distress, stomach upset and laminitis, or the inability to move around. Dogs are more susceptible to black walnut poisoning after ingesting the hulls or shells of the nut. Dogs poisoned by walnuts will often vomit and have diarrhea.

3. Coffee and Espresso Beans - Coffee and espresso beans, as well as the grounds of both, can have strong side effects on dogs if ingested because of the caffeine in the beans. Dogs can experience excessive hyperactivity, restlessness, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, seizures and tremors. Too much caffeine can also be fatal. If you suspect that your dog has eaten coffee beans or coffee grounds, look for signs of vomiting or diarrhea.

4. Teas and Sodas - Teas and sodas are also bad for dogs because of the caffeine in them. Don’t let your dog eat the tea leaves either.

5. Salt - Salt can seriously dehydrate dogs and cause gastrointestinal irritation. Depending on how much salt a dog ingests, the symptoms may be more or less severe. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, excessive thirst, sluggishness and disorientation.

6. Potato, Tomato and Rhubarb Leaves, Vines and Stems - The leaves, stems and other green parts of these roots and vegetables are highly toxic to most pets including birds. The leaves, stems and vines of these plants contain oxalates, which can harm the digestive, nervous and urinary tract. Symptoms of oxalate toxicity are dilated pupils, heart arrhythmias, irregular heart beat and tremors.

7. Liver - A diet of too much liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity. Liver flavored pet food and treats are fine to give to your furry friends though.

8. Peaches - Peach pits contain small amounts of cyanide that can be toxic to all pets.

9. Pears - Pear cores also contain trace amounts of cyanide. Avoid giving your pets pears, peaches and plums.

10. Plums - Another pit that contains trace amounts of cyanide. These revelations may almost makes you want to give up the fruits yourself, but the cyanide levels contained in plums, peaches and pears are not harmful to humans.

11. Fruit Pits like Cherry Pits or Apricot Pits and Apple Cores - Other fruit pits and cores like the kinds from cherries, apricots and apples also contain cyanide which is harmful to pets of all kinds. The fruit of apples are fine to give to pets, but be sure to core the fruit thoroughly first.

12. Broccoli - In large amounts, broccoli can possibly be bad for pets. Gastrointestinal upset is common in livestock that are fed broccoli in excess of 10 to 25 percent of the animal’s diet. The same could be true for pets like dogs and cats, but since most people do not give their pets a diet consisting of 25 percent broccoli, the same conditions have not been recorded in great detail. Broccoli contains isothiocyanate, the tummy upset culprit. To be on the safe side, don’t give your pets the green stuff.

13. Milk or Dairy Products - Just like humans, pets especially dogs can be lactose intolerant. Some cats and dogs will be able to digest dairy products with no problem, while others will get bad stomach aches. The ability to digest dairy products depends on a person or pet’s ability to produce an enzyme called lactase, which is used in the break down of lactose. Giving your pet a lick of your ice cream cone won’t kill it, but if your pet happens to be lactose intolerant you may be responsible for your pet’s tummy ache later.

14. Tuna - Tuna seems like a natural choice to give your feline friend, but it can be toxic. Feeding a cat too much canned tuna can result in Steatitis or yellow fat disease, a painful inflammatory condition caused by a diet high in unsaturated fatty acids. Feeding your cat excessive amounts of canned or packaged tuna can also lead to mercury poisoning.

There are others foods on the list, such as chocolate, chicken bones and raisins. For the complete list of 25 foods, please visit Veterinary Technician Schools Online.

For more information on pet health and toxicity, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center .

How to help a stray dog

2009-11-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday I saw a beautiful golden retriever on the side of a busy street, lined with businesses and homes. She was at the end of a long driveway, and it was possible that she lived in the house up the drive and had been trained to go no further than she was. But one more step and she would have been in trouble.

For as long as I could see, I watched her standing, not moving, looking at the cars whizzing by. I was so worried for her, but I didn't know what to do. Should I turn around, find a place to pull over, and approach her to search for ID tags? What if approaching her caused her to dart out into the road? If she had no tags, would I then take her into my car and drive off with her? What if the owner was nearby, claiming I was stealing his dog? Or watching from out the window of a house? No, I don't think it's responsible to let your dog loose around a busy street, but maybe the dog was on it's own property. Should I have gone up to the house, rung the bell, and asked if that was their dog standing at the end of the driveway?

I certainly didn't want this dog to get hit by a car, but couldn't decide about the right thing to do.
Have you ever been in this position? What did you do?

Happy Birthday Bo Obama

2009-11-04T13:55:00.004-05:00

In honor of Election Day, I'd like to share some information on Bo, the presidential pooch, who just turned 1 year old this fall. The First Dog has made the Portuguese Water Dog a popular breed. The official portrait of Bo Obama. Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

On Tuesday, April 14, First Pooch Bo made his official debut, met the press, and became a new pal for Malia and Sasha Obama. No wonder we all want one now! According to Stu Freemen, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America, the PWD is “a wonderful family pet,” but also encourages those considering adopting one to "do the proper research to ensure that this breed fits their lifestyle." Here are five things you should know about Portuguese Water Dogs:

1. PWD are very active.
These dogs are classified as Working Dogs, and they love to be on the go. Breeders recommend a minimum of two 20-minute sessions of free running in a fenced yard each day. Puppies that aren’t kept busy can be destructive, trying to work off all that built-up energy.

2. PWD are intelligent and curious.
The breed’s intelligence helps them to respond well to training. Bo has already been through obedience classes and learned to be a Canine Good Citizen. Bored puppies, however, will find some way to entertain themselves!

3. PWD are generally good with children.
As family dogs, Portuguese water dogs are gentle and loyal. Most love kids, but it’s always best to supervise children and dogs whenever they’re together.

4. PWD are hypoallergenic.
According to the American Kennel Club, this dog is considered non-shedding, and his fur is non-allergenic--good news for families with allergies. However, the thick curly coat requires regular brushing and clipping.
5. PWD like the water.
As the name implies, Portuguese water dogs love to swim. With their webbed feet, they were bred to assist fishermen in Portugal. Most PWD will do anything to get to water, so families with pools and ponds need to take this into consideration. One owner even reported their PWD learned how to turn on the Jacuzzi and jump into the tub!

For the right families, Portuguese water dogs make wonderful, loving pets. For more information about this breed, visit the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America.

This column first ran on Guideposts.com, March 2009.

Does your pet do costumes?

2009-10-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

Howl-oween is almost here, and the big question is: does your pet wear a costume, or not?

** Pet costume photos from Costume Craze.

After years of struggling with my infant daughter to stop ripping off her bonnet (Can you believe I made a child wear bonnets? What was I thinking, we were in Little House on the Prairie?) I'm not endeared to the idea of forcing anything small and cute into an outfit against their will. But, if the dog is into it, then why not? Extra attention for a pooch is always a good thing.

I'm guessing that those who are into dressing up for Halloweeen are also those who enjoy dressing their pets up for Halloween. I'm not big on costumes myself, so I rarely put a costume on my dog. I don't think Kelly would go for it anyway. But I must admit, I did just see the cutest reindeer costume in Target's bargain bins for $2.50, and at that price, I figured why not give it a try? But when I got it home and held it up to 28-lb Kelly, it was too small. Oh darn.

Numerous parades and parties for your canine trick or treaters abound. This Halloween pet event in the St. Louis area benefits humane shelters.

Buzzfeed posts some amusing pictures of creative dog costumes. Some of the dogs, such as Orange Juice Dog and Eaten by an Anaconda Dog seem to be enjoying their outfits. Others, such as Milipede Dog and Pot Roast Dog, not so much.

If you want to help your pet feel comfortable while on display, ArkAnimals offers these tips to train your pet to wear a Halloween costume.

Finally, in addition to costumes, there is also "creative grooming." Woman's Day offers these photos of painted poodles and otherwise wackily-groomed pooches. As Woman's Day reports, "we don't condone it, we just report it."

Training Tips from a New Dog Mom- part 2

2009-10-28T06:00:00.002-04:00

Last week we shared one dog owner's experience with training her adorable new puppy, Bailey. This week she joins us again to share some of her challenges in training this spunky terrier, and what they've both learned.

What is Bailey's most unusual training quirk? How are you handling it?

Bailey repeatedly has a quirky problem with barking at things. By things I mean if there is something new in the neighborhood or inside the house, she immediately begins to bark uncontrollably at it. The only way I have found to get her to stop barking is to take her to the object and show it to her, let her sniff it, and then the barking stops. I have talked with other terrier owners who have explained the same scenario with their dogs. I hope that as she grows into an adult dog, this will stop. I think she is still getting more aware of her environment and what is in it.

We also had a unique situation when Bailey became afraid of the dark – outside only. Her trainer guessed that Bailey must have heard or seen a raccoon or fox at night which scared her. The trainer suggested that I go outside with her at night and talk her through her fear. I felt rather silly but I took her on night walks and said, “good Bailey” or “Brave Bailey” to assure her that night time was okay. When letting her outside in the backyard now, I turn on the outside light and the seems to alleviate any of her fears or scare away any critters.

What is the next step in training for Bailey?

Bailey has learned most of the basic commands like come, off, no, sit, lay down, and eat. Bailey is beginning intermediate training classes where she will learn more fun activities, in my opinion, such as play dead, agility courses, and other tricks to entertain people. Because Bailey learns quickly, I am considering training her to be a therapy dog. She is very social – loves people and dogs. If we could share her love with others in hospitals or kids who need a reading buddy, that would be a wonderful opportunity. We will see how she progresses. Therapy dogs must be at least one year old and Bailey is currently six months. Right now I am looking forward to learning more techniques that will keep both of us on our toes.

Thank you Linda for sharing your training experiences with Bailey! They've already given me a few ideas of what I can do with Kelly. And good luck- I'm sure Bailey will make a wonderful therapy dog.

Monday Rufferences and Mews

2009-10-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Monday Rufferences and Mews, with the latest news and information on the pets we love.
If you're looking for a dog-friendly car that is also fuel-efficient, here's good news. The Petconnection blog reports on the Environmental Protection Agency's fuel economy guide for 2010 vehicles, which includes four hybrids containing desirable features for dog owners, such as space for dog crates and other design pluses.
"The Ford hybrid triplets of the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner all rate multiple paws in reviews on DogCars.com, our website that puts dog-lovers in the driver's seat when shopping for a new canine carrier."

My friend is in the middle of relocating, and wonders how to make the situation easier on her Golden Retriever. Moving can be stressful on a pet, but Pawluxury blog offers these tips on ways to ease the transition. Some suggestions are walking your dog through the neighborhood to get him acquainted with the smells, and waiting to move your dog in until your furniture and familiar possessions are in place.

I've heard this advice before, and even though my neighborhood is full of outdoor cats, never really thought about it until now: be sure there isn't a cat snuggled up under the hood of your car before you start your engine! The problem is created when cats attempt to get out of the chilly weather by squeezing under the hood of a car to get close to the engine's warmth. As reported in the New York Daily News, this white and orange tabby survived a two-mile ride under the hood of an SUV. The driver investigated after hearing strange noises, and the cat was soon freed and found to be in good shape. According to Petfinders blog, always bang on the hood before getting in your car, and then honk the horn before turning the key.

Training Tips from a New Pet Owner

2009-10-23T06:00:00.002-04:00

When it comes to training dogs, maybe you've heard that it's the owner who really needs to be trained. New dog mom Linda, from upstate New York, is quick to agree. She's mom to pup Bailey, a 6 month old wheaten Cairn Terrier. Linda's learned about training her dog from research and talking to experts, and Bailey's caught on very quickly. After teaching the basics like crate training and house breaking, Linda and Bailey began puppy classes together.

How did you find a good puppy class for Bailey? What should an owner look for in a class?

I found a good puppy training class for Bailey by first talking with other dog owners then making phone calls to dog trainers. I knew what was important for Bailey and me, so I asked questions based on my goals of having a dog who listens and is obedient to my commands.

One of the first situations I discovered in contacting trainers is that many appeared to be largely money driven. How did I learn that? They didn’t care about the age of my dog or the number of animals in a class. There were also the trainers who were too busy to talk to me but happy to have me enroll without knowledge of what we would be doing in class.

A class should be age appropriate. Puppies are learning to socialize and it is much easier with other puppies in the same situation. Older dogs often have not had the opportunity to play around puppies so being with other older dogs may be challenging.

Size can be an important factor. This depends on the trainer and how much room in available for a class but I have learned that 8 to 10 dogs in a class is quite large.

I wanted a trainer that took an interest in our specific goals and needs, who would be interested in us as individuals. Fortunately by calling and meeting ahead of time, I found a trainer who is great. She asks what the class wants to work on, and is available in between classes if we have any problems or issues we need guidance on.

As Bailey grew and responded to commands like sitting or barking by the door when she needed to go outside, I grew to trust her and allowed larger areas of the house for her to explore. She earned her way into being free to run around our home as time went on. For us that meant no mistakes on the carpet. If that happened, more gates went back into place until another week went by without an accident.

Some people don’t want puppies on furniture or they prefer to keep them within certain rooms of the house. Those boundaries and guidelines need to be considered and taught in each situation.

What training styles work for Bailey? What do you notice that doesn't work well with dogs?

All breeds are very unique but each breeds looks to a leader. Consistent training is the key with all dogs. Some require much more time and patience than others. Bailey follows commands easily once I learn what to do and say according to the trainers expertise.

I have observed that some dogs struggle with simple commands such as sitting because the owner is not consistent. Different owners have discussed problems in class which shows that they either are very lenient because they have young kids at home and think it’s cute when the dog eats food off the counter and don’t stop the behavior or they work and are tired at the end of the day and simply want to play with the puppy rather than give commands.

Check in next Wednesday where Linda will share some of Bailey's challenges (like barking at shrubs!) and how she's learned to handle them. We'd love to hear your training tips and experiences too!

Dogs in School a Neccessity for Some

2009-10-21T06:00:00.003-04:00

You may take your dog to school. For some children, those words have a profound impact.

Earlier this fall I read about Carter, a 5-year old autistic boy in Illinois who has responded well to his shaggy gray therapy dog. When the time came to enter Kindergarten, however, the dog, who had become so vital to Carter, was denied. Lawsuits soon resulted, with the parents aiming to get the dog recognized as a "service dog" and therefor allowed in school.

Nancy Freedman-Smith, a certified pet dog trainer, comments in her blog A Dog's Life,

You may have seen the news stories from around the country where Autism Assist dogs are being denied access to schools and many lawsuits are resulting. At the core of this controversy is the definition of what an Autism Assist dog does or doesn't do.

Freedman-Smith, who has trained a dog to work with a middle school boy, recently announced on her blog that the dog has been approved to accompany the boy to school.

Before the dog enters the school, we have a lot of work to do. On my part, I have been working with the dog to polish her skills and be sure that she is prepared for her new job. I will be meeting with the school to help set everyone up for success and we will most likely make a short movie or two to show to staff and kids as well an inservice about the dog. The boy and dog have two aids that also need to train with me. The aids will be the dog's primary handlers. She will have a crate in the room for chill time if needed and to get to school, she will be taking the bus!

This is wonderful news. As for young Carter in Illinois, although his family won their case, all has not been smooth. Even in the face of the court order, the school declined to allow the dog. The boy--and his dog--are now attending a special school 30 miles from their home.

Monday Rufferences and Mews

2009-10-19T06:00:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Monday's Rufferences and Mews!

Could your dog be the next National Spokesdog for Cesar Millan? Why not enter your lovable pooch today? The grand prize winner will appear with Cesar Millan in a public service campaign to educate on spaying and neutering. In addition, they'll win an autographed pair of Landroller skates and $1000 shopping spree at Petco. Finalists will also be eligible to compete for Best Pack, Most Outrageous Feat, Best Camera Face and Most Hilarious Costume.

It sounds like a Halloween murder mystery: Toxic-choc, or chocolate poisoning. But for dogs, it's all too real. While we might indulge in a few mini-Hersheys bars or bite size Snickers, it's important to keep these candies away from our dogs. Years ago, I was given a giant Hersheys kiss--you know, one of those gifts the size of a grapefruit but not as healthy? I placed it safely on a table, but my agile dalmatian found a way to get at it and eat the whole thing. He became extremely sick, but fortunately survived. So remember to hide the treats this Halloween.
The headmaster of my kids' school brings his dog to work. The auto dealership where we bought our van features several dogs in the office. What's with this trend for bringing dogs to work? For one thing, dogs are good for our morale. They have a calming effect on people. They also might open up communication. According to an article in K9 magazine, a dog in the office can help your business. The article offers tips on how to implement a dog friendly workplace, and guidelines for proper dog-owner behavior. Maybe it's time you considered bringing your dog to work!

What category would your dog best win in Cesar Millan's contest? And why is he offering roller skates for a prize anyway? How do you and your pet celebrate Halloween? And do you bring your dog to work? I'm looking forward to your comments. And check back next Monday for more Rufferences and Mews!

Is a Digital Dog Mag for You?

2009-10-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

Is it time to change our definition of "magazine"? I like to think of a magazine as pages of print bound with a glossy cover, able to be stacked in a pile, stuffed in a tote bag, folded or spindled. Read while sprawled across couch, in the passenger seat of a car or on crowded commuter train. Held in one hand while the other hand remains free for turning pages, folding down corners or ripping out recipes and interesting articles.

Recently, however, I discovered a fully digital version of K-9 magazine. You can get a free issue too. I found it easy to navigate, user-friendly and quick responding. The two-page spread on my monitor revealed an image similar to the type of magazine with which we are all familiar. With the click of a button I could turn the pages, with a satisfying page flipping sound effect.

A recent issue covered a wide variety of helpful dog-related topics such as Pet-friendly hotels, canine CPR, dogs for adoption, and healthy food and play ideas. Audio, video and interactive features added to the content.

One negative: I was distracted by the background music, which (at the risk of sounding old) was too loud with an annoying techno beat. There must be a way to turn it off, I'll have to check.

There are many benefits to the digital magazine. It's handy, it won't clutter up my coffee table or take up room in the landfill when I'm done. It's easy to enter contests or search additional information. It's bright and attractive. I'm just still trying to get used to the new concept. Since I work in front of a computer all day, I don't know if I want to spend my leisure time there too.

What are your thoughts?

God and dog

2009-10-14T10:50:00.004-04:00

This video has been going around like crazy, but I couldn't resist posting it here because every time I watch it, I smile. To me, the simple words are sweet and true. I just love the message. And when, at the end, the dog smiles. It's a nice way to start my day, to think about how my dog loves me, and also how God loves me.

Written, recorded and animated
By Wendy Francisco
www.WendyFrancisco.com

Monday Rufferences and Mews

2009-10-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

Monday Rufferences and Mews

Twitter is a great social networking tool, but can it really help pets? Absolutely! And Romeo and Dougal would tell you how, but I guess it's up to their owners to explain. It has something to do with a Twitter event called a Pawpawty, or all day messaging events where tweeple can pledge money to support specific pet causes. You can follow Romeo on @Romeothecat and maybe join in on a Pawpawty soon!

Does the total on your pet's veterinarian bill look more like a month's rent? I'm always shocked at how much every little item adds up for my dog Kelly's routine visits--usually between $100-$200 if immunizations are included. No, I don't begrudge a single penny spent on her care. But, I'm also searching for ways to economize. One tip is to spend more money on quality pet food. By providing the healthiest, high quality options, you may prevent certain health issues--which means fewer visits to the vet's. Find out more ways to save here. Although geared for cats, many of the tips apply to dogs also.

Guiness Book of World Records wannabe Boomer (Photo: Associated Press) is hoping to land the record for world's tallest dog. At 36 inches tall at the shoulder, he just might win. Boomer, a Newfoundland dog, is 180 pounds and 7 feet long. The previous record was held by a Great Dane.

Kelly and I would love to hear from you! What causes would you like to see supported in a pawpawty? And, what are your tips for saving money on pet care?

Teeny tiny micro piglets

2009-10-09T08:00:00.002-04:00

Teeny tiny piggies! Dubbed teacup pigs or micro pigs, these little oinkers are adorable. Just check out this image, from the Today Show (left)

They're the latest pet craze in the UK. But do they make good pets?

Seen yesterday on the Today Show, Englander Jane Croft showed off her miniature porcine pals to Meredith Vieira and Ann Curry.

At birth, the piglets weigh about 9 ounces. Full grown, they are only 65 lbs, about the size of a Border Collie or English Bulldog.

Here are some reasons why these tiny piggies make good pets.

Teacup Pigs are:

1. Intelligent

2. Clean

3. Love attention

4. Can be litter box trained

5. non-allergenic

Keep in mind these drawbacks:

Teacup Pigs are:

1. Expensive ($1,000 or more)

2. Happiest with company. Croft only sells her piglets in pairs.

3. Considered livestock. In England, owners must be licensed to keep livestock.

4. Not currently available in the United States. But, never fear, it's only a matter of time!
I'd like to get one, but first I need to know if they get along well with dogs. After seeing this adorable video, I think yes!

Can you Help Presents 4 Pets?

2009-10-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

Now until November 7th, there is something you can do. Whether you're a pet owner, looking to adopt, or just love animals. We can all help.

Do you have old towels, blankets or rugs you could donate to provide comfortable bedding for a shelter pet? Leashes, collars, toys, treats are also welcome. In addition, newspapers, bleach and pet food coupons are among the items requested by shelters for the "Presents 4 Pets" program.

Sponsored by The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) “Presents 4 Pets” collection drive will benefit animal shelters for the fourth year now. According to the organizations' website, the goal is "To benefit local animal shelters and foster organizations by collecting and donating pet supplies to ease the financial strain these organizations and their volunteer’s experience. Additional goals include improving the quality of life for shelter animals, increasing their opportunities for adoption and recruiting foster homes for local needy pets."

To donate, contact a NAPPS pet sitter in your area. Or, by making a purchase online at FetchDog.com, a percentage of your purchase will be contributed to the campaign.

Other items on the wish list are:
crates
crate fans
dog and cat food
cat travel carriers
dog beds
kitty igloos
scratching posts
kitty litter, scoops, etc.
pee pads
pet shampoos

Monday Rufferences and Mews

2009-10-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hi and Welcome to Monday Rufferences and Mews.

10 feet? 12 feet? 20 feet? How long should a dog's chain be, if you're chaining out your dog? Or, is it ethical to even chain out a dog at all? A new law passed in Reno, NV states that chains should be at least 14 feet, and dogs should not be left out for more than 12 hours. Seriously, if you're going to chain your dog outside all day, what is the point of having a dog? I put my dog outside in the fenced-in yard several times a day, usually for 10-30 minutes, take her on 1 or 2 walks a day, and the rest of the time she's inside with me. Dog trainer Victoria Stilwell claims that chaining dogs can make them mean. Pet owners spoke up. What do you think is right?

Should non-farm areas allow chickens as pets? My vote is yes, if the proper space, housing and food is provided, why shouldn't suburban and city-dwellers raise chickens? As for the noise issue, they couldn't be any noisier than many of the dogs in my neighborhood.

Speaking of neighborhood dogs that bark, here is a great site with tips on how to deal with your neighbor's barking dog. It deals with lazy dog owners as well as difficult and "total nut jobs. The article thoroughly covers how, when and what to say to handle the situation nicely. One suggestion, if talking nicely fails, is to post a video of your neighbor's barking dog on YouTube. (wow!)

What would happen to your pet if you decide it's time to move to an independent or assisted living facility? For many, it's devastating to consider having to give up our pets. The good news, some retirement communities allow pets, especially cats or small dogs. This is wise, because research supports pets as contributing to health and long life.

My friend recently found a stray dog. Luckily, she was able to give it proper veterinary care and, even though the dog was 8-9 years old, decided to provide her with a loving home. What should you do if you find a stray? First, determine if it's a stray/abandoned pet, or a lost pet. Look for a tag or other form of ID. Even if the cat or dog is not wearing a collar, it could have slipped off. You may notice a ring of thin hair around the neck where the collar once was. Does the animal appear well-fed and groomed? Or is it skinny, ravenous, caked in dirt?
This booklet contains sound advice on how to help frightened, injured, pregnant, and other stray animals.

Our kids' school used to have a day for Blessing of the Animals. Students were encouraged to bring their dog, cat, hamster, turtle or other pet, to be blessed. We all gathered around the fountain in the front yard, and took turns presenting our furry friends for their special moment and thanking God for all creatures, great and small. This went on every year until, inevitably, one time a dog bit a student. That was the last Blessing of the Animals. But the tradition is still carried on many places, to coincide with the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Francis of Asisi. This year it is October 4th.

An arrest has been made in the case of Sticky the cat, found in a Philly suburb abandoned and wrapped in duct tape. A 19-year old is said to be the abuser. I hope the young man is dealt with severely and receives some sort of counseling, as it's well documented that people who abuse animals have a greater potential to commit violent crimes against people. Sticky is recovering well.

Find out: Do dogs get mosquito bites?

Join us next Monday for more Rufferences and Mews. I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts and comments.

And your little dog, too.

2009-10-01T22:50:00.004-04:00

If The Wizard of Oz was one of your favorite childhood movies (and maybe adult, too) you may be aware that this week marks its release in Blu Ray DVD. It seems an appropriate time, therefore, to celebrate one of the most famous cinema dogs--Toto.

I've seen The Wizard of Oz so many times I don't need to concentrate on the plot, so I focus on Toto, played by canine actor Terry. I try to see if I can figure out where her trainer may be hiding, and what tricks were used to get the little terrier to tag along at Dorothy's heels or jump up in just the right place. The dog never fails to bring a smile to my face, she's so cute and happy, portraying that loyal pet who follows Dorothy all the way to Oz.

In the book The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum describes Toto as "a little black dog, with long, silky hair and small black eyes that twinkled merrily on either side of his funny, wee nose." The 1939 movie Toto, actually a Cairn Terrier, fits the bill. According to IMDb (Internet Movie Database) here are 5 facts about Terry.

1. Terry was born in 1933.

2. She broke her foot during the filming of the movie

3. She was afraid of the powerful wind machines used in the tornado scenes.

4. Her first film was Bright Eyes with Shirley Temple

5. She earned $125/week in the making of The Wizard of Oz.

Could it be? Look Who's Running Agility!

2009-09-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

I've been considering taking Kelly to agility training. She loves to jump, she's quick on her furry little feet, and I think she'd love the challenge. The main hurdle (pun intended!) for us to get over would be her disagreeable attitude toward some other dogs. There is a golden retriever up the street who she adores, though, so maybe there's hope.

Anyway, as I was contemplating Kelly's ability to perform in agility, I discovered this video. Okay, seriously. If THIS animal can run the agility course, then maybe there's hope for Kelly!

Monday Rufferences and Mews

2009-09-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Monday Rufferences and Mews. (Formerly Rufferences and Resources.)
Here's what's going on this week.

Should you have your pet microchipped? I keep wondering about this with Kelly. Home Again website recommends this procedure. If Kelly should ever get loose, this would aid in her being safely returned. But for some reason I balk. Why? I'm not sure. It's inexpensive, and the chip is only the size of grain of rice. Are your pets microchipped? What are your thoughts?

Here's a new concept in finding lost pets: some dogs are trained to do the job! If you check out this book, you can learn how to train your pet to be a Dog Detective too.

Most of us have read the popular book, Dewey the small town library cat who touched the world. Did you know that there are more than 700 identified library cats in the world? And the story of Dewey is soon coming your way in the form of a new movie, starring Merryl Streep.

Was it practical or irresponsible for Reality TV parents Jon and Kate Gosling to add two German Shepherd pups to the family of 8 children? Well, now that Jon and Kate have separated, apparently the dogs are not working out. Shoka and Nala are being shipped away to a trainer for an "indefinite" amount of time.

Interested in celeb pets? Check out this site from People magazine.

Okay, the pictures of this are too cute. Three abandoned baby ducks. And their surrogate mom? A feather duster!

A new magazine, Cesar's Way, debuts with advice from Cesar Millan, Tips & Whispers, True Tails, and more.

Georgia is getting tough on the feral cat problem. New rules stipulate that all outdoor cats must be neutered and must have one ear clipped for ID. Regulations also state that if you feed a stray cat on your property for more than 3 days, you are the owner.

A five-year-old autistic boy in Columbia, Illinois just wants to take his service dog to school. The school district opposes. The battle is upsetting, and costing the family in legal fees. Do you think he should be allowed to bring the dog to school?

Dogs Just Want to Have Fun

2009-09-25T11:29:00.003-04:00

Kelly flings it around. She bangs it on the ground. She runs from room to room, swinging it into furniture and the walls. This is Kelly's new toy--The Tug-a-Jug. A large, hard plastic bottle with a stopper and rope coming out of the top. The idea is to put some small bits of kibble inside, and the dog will have to figure out how to get them out. This is made more confounding because when the dog pulls the rope at the top, it closes up the stopper and no food comes out. Similarly tipping the bottle upside down to try to dump out the contents results in the stopped closing up the opening. So getting out the food involves trial and error, a little intelligence, a little luck.

I bought this toy because I wanted something stimulating for Kelly, a toy that would engage her in more than just chewing, one that would get her active and excited, and okay, one that didn't involve my constant involvement in throwing or tugging. I love to play with Kelly, and we do so every day. But when I'm working, wouldn't it be nice if she could be playing and having fun too.

Kelly is very active when playing with this toy, but I wonder if she ends up burning as many calories as she consumes. Kelly always finds the bottle toy exciting, and the process of extracting the treats challenging and rewarding. Since she needs to watch her girlish figure, I just have to be careful that the amount of food I put in the toy is part of her normal daily amount.

One non-food related toy Kelly still enjoys playing with is her "dumpling" an organic canvas chew toy with mesmerizing appeal. The toy's designer, Purrfectplay, recently announced a new initiative where they're teamed up with 3 other green companies to provide a green school fund raising option.

What a great idea to encourage awareness of earth friendly and sustainable products to our young people. If your school is looking for a responsible, green fundraising, please consider EcoSimpleFundraising. Manufactured by women-owned green businesses, the products offer a variety of useful items you will love integrating into your every day life.

The Best Training Tips from Joel Silverman

2009-09-22T11:23:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago I blogged about a cool touring bus decorated with dog pictures, which I spotted in my local mall parking lot. I've since learned that the bus is traveling across the country, not only promoting an awesome new book, What Color Is Your Dog? but also providing dog training tips from celebrity dog trainer Joel Silverman, host of Animal Planet's Good Dog U. Kelly and I could certainly use some tips!

In honor of National Dog Week, Joel Silverman answers the most frequent dog training and nutrition questions:

National Dog Week is September 22-28. Bil-Jac and celebrity dog trainer Joel Silverman have teamed up to help pet owners and pet lovers, looking to adopt, celebrate this special week with their furry friends.

On tour for his new book What Color is Your Dog? Silverman has traveled more than 5,000 miles cross country giving free training seminars at humane societies and animal shelters.
Through his travels, he has been asked almost every question imaginable about man’s best friend and here, he shares some of the most common and important questions to consider when training your best friend, or thinking of adopting a new addition to the family.

Q: What steps should a family take to pick the right pet for their family, and also to prepare for the arrival of the new pup?

A: Realize that with this decision comes a 15-year commitment to love and care for this pet. Really ask yourself if your family is ready. If you have two children in diapers and both parents are working, now may not be the best time for a new addition. Wait a few years.
The chemistry between the family and the pet is very important. Spend some time interacting with the animal and determine if it is a good fit for your family.

Q: After adopting a new pup, when should the owner begin training him?

A: Build a positive relationship with your dog prior to training. The mistake people make is that they try to build this relationship as they’re training their dog. That’s one thing that I really disagree with. I think it’s important to build a relationship prior, and become the animal’s friend.
You should take 4-7 days just to get to know the dog.

Q: How should dog lovers utilize treats and other rewards in their training process?

A: Treats are a great way to train good behavior in your pet. I would train a puppy using both treats and praise, but slowly decrease the treats and add more praise. This way you are going from 75 percent treats and 25 percent praise to eventually 90 percent praise and 10 percent treats. Treats are the greatest tool to use. I use Bil-Jac treats as they offer a variety of sizes and flavors perfect for training purposes. I have used Bil-Jac treats for 20 years and they fully support my mission to decrease the number of animals in animal shelters through adoption.

Q: How long does it take for a dog to develop a level of trust and understanding with their owners?

A: It just takes time. Some dogs may take 2-4 weeks to have a noticeable change. The first step in training any animal is to establish a friendship with them. Find out what they like and don’t like. Then, spend the next few weeks really developing a relationship with him and making sure that he understands you are there to help and nurture him. Through this step you will establish trust with the dog. This trust lets him know that you are there to protect and guide him.You do not want to establish a dominate leader role right from the start as this could set you up to fail with any dog. If you have a truly aggressive dog that will bite, then I recommend getting a professional to help you train him.

Q: Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?

A: Of course you can! All dogs have the ability and desire to learn, whether they are a pure bred dog or a mutt.

Q: Dogs have a tendency to beg for people food. How can pet lovers keep their dogs begging at bay?

A: You should never reward your dog for begging. Feeding your dog scraps from the table is rewarding the begging behavior and your dog is more inclined to do it in the future, because he thinks it's alright to beg. As an added precaution, both chocolate and onions are toxic and you should avoid giving your dog anything with one of these two ingredients in it.

Q: What are some of the benefits of kids having pets?

A: It is absolutely essential for a child to grow up with a pet. It gives children the opportunity to care for something. All the responsibility of feeding, walking and loving a pet translates into children being caring with other children. It also teaches them to treat the animal how they want to be treated. Ask your kids to put themselves in the place of their pet. Ask them how they feel when they are loved; how they feel when they are disrespected. Your dog feels all these things
too. This becomes a very real way of teaching children the golden rule.

Q: What is your favorite breed?

A: I think a good family pet is a mutt, I really do. There are lots of wonderful pure bred options as well. There are so many puppies and adult pets looking for a home. I think every person looking to adopt should visit a shelter first.

Joel Silverman is the author of predicted best-seller What Color is Your Dog? and host of Animal Planet’s Good Dog U. For over 25 years, Silverman has worked behind the scenes training animals for movies, TV shows and commercials. He has appeared on national programs such as Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, CNN, MSNBC and FOX News, along with hundreds of local morning news programs. Silverman has offered advice on pet care and training based on his lifetime commitment to the welfare of animals and their special place in our lives. Silverman is currently on a 100 city book tour for What Color is Your Dog? For more information about Bil-Jac and tips from Joel Silverman, visit www.bil-jac.com or http://www.companionsforlife.net/. Share stories and pics of you and your best friend at Facebook.com/BilJacDogFood.

What Kind of Pet Would You Want?

2009-09-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

I've had many different pets: purebred dogs, mixed-breeds, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, fish, hermit crabs. But I always seem to want just one more... another dog to keep Kelly company. An aquarium. A bird, maybe. I've never had a bird. And I must admit, I've always wanted a pet duck. Sure that would require a pond. But I can dream, right?

Here are some other cool pet ideas:

Shetland Pony- Who wouldn't love a tiny horse? They range from 21 inches to 42 inches tall. According to Wikipedia they are gentle, strong and brave but can be "cheeky" or stubborn.

Parrot- The concept of a pet that can talk to you is delightful. My Mom owned a parrot that enjoyed making siren noises and imitating a baby crying. Although they're not the easiest pet in the world, for the right home they can bring years of companionship and enjoyment.

Chimpanzee- Because they seem so much like a human, many people idealize the thought of owning a pet chimpanzee. I always wanted one instead of another brother or sister. I dreamed of dressing it up and taking it by the hand to school. Of course, recent news stories help us to understand that, for most people, chimps are not suitable pet material.

I'd love to know, have you had an unusual pet? What pet have you always dreamed of owning?

Monday Rufferences and Resources

2009-09-14T00:17:00.004-04:00

Thanks for coming back to another Monday Rufferences and Resources.

So it's September, back to school time for the kids and even some moms and dads. Now ol' Bowser or playful Casey's schedule is in for some changes too. After a summer of having family members close at hand during the day (maybe even going on vacation or camping with the family too), many dogs and cats now return to waiting by the front door for that school bus to come down the road. Here's some suggestions to help when separation anxiety in pets is a problem.

Image from stock xchg (tatertot10)
Think reading is just for the two-legged members of your family? In many communities dogs are getting into the act, as reading buddies for kids.

When you're away, a home pet sitter seems like an ideal solution. But how do you know they are doing their job? A new business PETZCheckIn lets you know. The service sends you an email, text or phone call to let you know when the pet sitter arrives and leaves. If the sitter doesn't arrive as scheduled, the service activates your back up plan. What do you think?

Proud you own a rescued pet? Then show it off with these special collars and leashes.
Here are some more designs.

Get your vote in now for the Monroe LA News-Star's 2009 Pet Idol contest. You can choose from more than 170 cats, dogs and a few other pets. Voting ends September 25. View pets here.

Ragdoll. Bombay. American Curl. These are not hairstyles, but breeds of cats. Which one is best for your family?

While you're at it, why not take this quiz: What kind of cat are you?

Is a hamster a good pet for you? Oh My Apartment blogs about hamsters as apartment pets. One point to keep in mind: they're nocturnal. (ie: squeak, squeak, scratch, scamper all night!)

Please check back next Monday for more Rufferences and Rescources!

Woofminster

2009-09-08T21:32:00.008-04:00

You've heard of the Westminster dog show? Well, discover the Woofminster 2009!

Woofminster is an amateur dog show and cover dog challenge, held in Scarborough, Maine. The grand prize of the day's event is a professional photo shoot of your dog.

The Woofminster show is held annually in Scarborough, Maine. The event raises money for Planet Dog Foundation (PDF), Planet Dog’s non-profit grant-making organization.
The fun includes raffles, vendors, service dog puppies, food, flyball and agility demonstrations and more.

If you thinking of being in the area, Woofminster is held Saturday, September 19, 2009 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm (registration begins at 12:30).
Tickets are available in advance for $12 for adults, $5 for dogs and $5 for kids ages 7- 18
There's no competing for Best in Breed here. Woofminster categories are:

Best Trick

Most Ear-Resistible Ears

Best Vocal

Best Mystery Mutt

Best Smile

Most Ball Crazy

Best 2-Legged Beggar

Best Kisser

Kelly could probably compete in Mystery Mutt, Most Ball Crazy, or Best 2-Legged Beggar. What category could your dog compete in? Leave a comment and let us know!

Monday Rufferences & Resources

2009-09-07T08:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Monday Rufferences and Resources, a round-up of pet news and tips this week.

My daughter Kate brought this to my attention, and I must admit I'm having fun feeding and watching Googley, my new pet "hamster." Try out this fun new google app!

Looking for a good read? Here are some more new dog (and other pet!) books:
Soul of a Dog: Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz (Villard Books) This inspiring book joins the others books by Jon Katz, including Izzy and Lenore, Dog Days, A Dog Year, and A Good Dog.

A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog by Dean Koontz (Hyperion Books) about his 3 yr old golden retriever Trixie, a retired service dog.

Horses With a Mission: Extraordinary True Stories of Equine Service by Allen and Linda Anderson (New Orld Library) collection of true stories.

Guardians of Being by Eckhart Tolle and Patrick McDonnell (New World Library). McDonnell is the creator of Mutts comic strip. books shows you how interaction with animals can make us better people.

Read this article for more comments about favorite dog books.

Most people have certain preconceptions about different breeds of dogs. But these biases don't hold true for every dog. Many good, sweet dogs are left out of a loving home because their breed has a reputation. Are you worried that pitbulls are aggressive? Greyhounds need too much exercise? Find out more facts here .

Looking for a new dog blog to read? Check out dexter speaks. Dexter is a 4 yr old golden doodle. Maybe he has something to say to you!

Here's a way you can help. Donations of pet food are being sought to help California fire victims.

There's still time to travel, and you might want to visit these pet-themed fall festivals, including the dachshund races in Findlay OH, and dog-owner look alike contest in silver spring MD.

Have a great week. And please check back next Monday for more Rufferences & Resources. And let us know what's going on with your pets this week! We'd love to hear!