Losing a Pet is Like Losing a Member of the Family [1-1-18]

Losing a Pet is Like Losing a Member of the Family

When put in the situation of losing a beloved pet, many people might wonder whether it is something wrong to have such intense feelings of grief and pain. Most of them are even taken by surprise to see that they feel worse than if they had lost a friend or relative.

The explanation is simple, as most pet owners in the United States regard their pets as members of the family. Furthermore, more people have pets than children, so it should all be clear by now.

Depending on the part a family member has played in our daily lives, the significance of our relationships with him or her and also on the strength of our attachments to that person, we may react differently when a sudden death occurs. This is the same for people and animals.

Pets are the picture of devotion and availability and are our best source of unconditional love, becoming for many of us the ideal child, parent, mate or friend. No matter how much change we must endure in our lives, our pets are always there for us. They can listen without judgment or reproach. The bad thing about it is that they never give advice. They just accept us exactly as we are, no matter of how we look or feel or behave. They forgive us at once and never hold anything against us. Nowadays even the word pet, which implies ownership of one creature by another, is used less often in the professional literature than the term companion animal, which implies mutual friendship.

Pets are a constant presence in our daily life. We share with them happiness and sadness all the same. They are there when we drink our coffee in the morning, and need our help to toilet, feed, water, exercise and groom. They want us to play with them and even greet us joyfully when we come home to them and may even sleep with us in our beds at night. There is nothing we cannot do with our pets. We can touch them, stroke them, pet them, hug them, even kiss them, and tell them our troubles. People often share their deepest secrets with them.

So, the way people get attached to their pets may differ from individual to individual, but the result is still the same. We just love them and there is nothing that can be done to change that. Sometimes our love for pets even goes beyond their death, causing us to grief and feel an enormous pain in our hearts.

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Cute dog image [19-12-17]

Dogs - Images Christmas 24-12-14

Cute dog image [7-12-17]

Pet Parade: Pets at home for the holidays

Pet Parade: Pets at home for the holidays

CHICAGO (UPI) — Assuming most pets cheerfully survived the gut-busting Thanksgiving holiday, it’s again time to warn of holiday dangers from table scraps to decorations.

Most dogs probably successfully begged for a piece of turkey or ham, but hopefully did not get hold of any bird bones, which can splinter and catch in their throats. Also, you should have skipped handing out chunks of dressing.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns sage and other herbs and spices can upset a dog or cat’s gastrointestinal system and, in large amounts, depress their central nervous system.

Bones and fat may be just what your four-legged friends crave, but it’s best to keep the table scraps to a minimum since too much food can cause diarrhea and even pancreatitis.

My older dog, normally not a forager, camped out next to the garbage can after dinner but he didn’t stand a chance of getting in the self-closing, stainless steel trash repository.

A favorite dog snack is better than table scraps as most people seek to include their pets in the holiday fun. Speaking of fun: What dog owning household doesn’t have cloth antlers or a small Santa hat in the Christmas decoration box for the dog or cat?

A poll of more than 7,000 pet owners about their travel plans commissioned by PetRelocation.com found 63 percent of respondents travel at least 50 miles with their pets during the holidays, and 85 percent said their pets influenced where they stayed during holiday travel.

Asked why they brought the pets along, 71 percent said it was “because pets are part of the family and should be with the rest of the family during holiday occasions.”

Many pet owners include their pets in gift-giving, Florida Today said.

“They’re part of our Christmas tradition,” said a woman surveying the selection of pet presents at a pet store in Melbourne, Fla. “They open presents when we open presents.”

Some pet stores even had “Black Friday” specials the day after Thanksgiving. A PetSmart survey found most pet gifts cost $3 to $15 and 72 percent of respondents planned to include pets in their holiday celebrations.

Although 1.3 million homeless pets were adopted during the holidays last year, experts warn it may not be the best time to add new members to your household.

Los Angeles dog trainer Jonathan Klein tells Paw Print people should think twice before giving anyone a pet as a gift, especially during the hectic holiday period.

He recommends people avoid making an impulse purchase of a cute little kitten or puppy and consider providing a foster home for a rescue animal, waiting to see how things work out.

One of my neighbors has fostered homeless cats from animal shelters for years. It’s a better alternative than a “surprise gift” puppy or kitten ending up in an animal shelter when the holidays are over.

“Millions of pets are given up to shelters because of behavioral issues, so consider investing in professional animal training to prevent problems,” advises Lorraine Corriveau, a wellness veterinarian at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in West Lafayette, Ind. “Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks, so obedience training can be beneficial for dogs of all ages.”

Petfinder.com assists both shelters and rescue groups in placing pets in foster homes.

Also, pet-proof your home by removing household chemicals, potentially poisonous houseplants (like poinsettias, mistletoe, amaryllis lilies, red azaleas, paper whites and even Christmas trees that contain fir oil), and keep electrical cords, Christmas lights, tinsel, liquid potpourri, chocolate, sugar-free snacks and fruitcake out of reach.

Glass ornaments can be munched on, tinsel, ribbon and icicles can cause intestinal blockages in pets and tree preservatives can be toxic.

“You’ll want to make sure your Christmas tree is well anchored so that the pets can’t get into it and knock it down,” veterinary technician Tiffany Conner, told WHSV-TV, Verona, Va.

If a cat or dog swallows a wad of ribbon don’t try to pull it out; call the vet or head for a veterinary emergency room.

Watch the packages and especially presents containing food. My brother’s two Labrador retrievers once wolfed downed a holiday package of biscotti wrapping and all.

Holidays can be stressful times for both pets and their owners as some animals are left alone for longer periods than usual and others are exposed to a lot more excitement than normal at family gatherings and parties.

If small children are running around the situation can become even more chaotic. Pets may have to be restricted if too many strangers are around, especially if alcohol beverages are being served.

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Funny dog image [12-11-17]

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Dogs - Images [25-10-17]

Easy Way to Wash Your Dog [22-10-17]

Easy Way to Wash Your Dog

Put your pooch into your children’s plastic wading pool. This will contain it while you use the hose to clean off and the feet will be soaked while standing during the cleaning.

Dogs and Gardens - Enjoy Them Both! [18-10-17]

Dogs and Gardens - Enjoy Them Both! 

Our Newfoundland lived to be eighteen and was never a problem for our plants even though we gardened intensively; therefore, it was shocking to see a friend's garden wrecked by her tiny basset hound. We practiced organic gardening and our dog was innately sensitive to what was approved of him, but not all gardening practices are the same and neither are the behavior patterns of the pets.

Despite the beauty of the gardens and the docility of our dogs, we may sometimes find them to clash and make our lives bitter. Dogs have certain needs, their own personalities, and their instinctive curiosity for exploring and experiencing the things their owners do.

An unruly dog may need a fenced area away from a tended garden, whereas a tame dog will fit in the garden very well, not only enjoying it with his owners but also protecting it from harm. If the garden is not large enough for a separate playground for the dog, then the plant beds could be fenced off.

Raised beds for flowers also work well for curious dogs who like to become familiar with plants by chewing them. Quite a few plants are harmful to pets. If you have ever caught your dog chewing a plant, then do not plant harmful plants like crocus, yew, castor beans, hellebore, oleander, lily-of-the-valley or foxglove, and dig and eliminate the wild mushrooms if they appear.

Preferring trees and large bushes and pet-friendly plants is an option. In addition, staying away from thorny plants is a good idea, because they can cause eye injuries to the dogs. Before planting anything, you might consider referring to ASPCA's list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

Even with an obedient dog, you have to consider the dog's instinctual needs and take precautions accordingly. If you use mulch, choose mulch with pieces large enough that will not cling to the dog's hair. If you have a small yard, find and design a separate space with a marking post as a spot for the dog to relieve himself. Give the dog some space like a deck, an open porch, or a piece of lawn to sunbathe on and a shelter or some room in the shade to rest.

If your dog likes to dig, he needs his own digging area with soft uncovered sand or soil. If you find it difficult to restrain your dog's digging to his space, then mulch heavily around your prized plants and do not leave any open soil.

An important point to remember is to avoid leaving toxic chemicals and fertilizers around in places where your dog can gain entry easily. Put the toxic chemicals and sharp garden tools in a shed with a locked door or a container impossible for the dog to open. A healthy choice can be to practice organic gardening, which is beneficial to people and pets alike.

Not only the gardens can be made fit for dogs, but also, the dogs can be trained to fit the gardens. Spending time to train your dog will enhance your enjoyment of your garden and will strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Learn the difference between unwanted behavior and instinct, so you can have a splendid garden and a happy dog.

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Dog Talk: We Had a Great Ride [9-10-17]

Dog Talk: We Had a Great Ride

Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis

One of my dear friends recently lost their beloved dog. I encouraged her to share her experience in words, and she did:

It's been three weeks since my dog died. When I realized that just now, I made a quick and quiet wish that time would stop. Or better, reverse. I don't want to be any further from the time when he was still breathing, still working that sniffer, still soft and warm in my arms. I don't want it to be real.

Some call it self-indulgence. I call it grief.

I resent the clock and its relentless ticking. Time moving on. The earth spinning. The sun setting. The moon smiling, taunting. The only thing that feels good is the rain. Seems right. Some acknowledgment from the world that mine has forever changed. A nod from Mother Nature.

He was just a dog.

And I am just a woman. Why is the death of a person more important, more profound? Why is it supposed to be felt deeper? Is it because we put a man on the moon? Because we invented the wheel and took flight, tamed fire and electricity, created a new universe of sorts with the Internet and kept 33 men alive half a mile underground for 69 days?

That's the anger talking.

It's all very impressive, the accomplishments, the developments. But impressive doesn't make you feel like skipping.

That's the truth.

Percy Burtch was born on March 1, 1996, the smallest of a litter of six dachshund/beagle/Chihuahua pups. My roommate at the time plucked him from the bed of a pickup truck somewhere on the outskirts of Austin, Texas. On a college-girl whim, she brought Percy home to our apartment that didn't allow dogs.

On that very ordinary day, everything changed.

It was clear from the beginning that Percy was, in a word, unusual. He was alternately standoffish and playful. Shy and bossy. Sweet and sour. Jekyll and Hyde. Even as a puppy, he gave the impression of having deeply entrenched opinions on the life he should be living, the company he should be keeping, the things he should be doing, eating, playing with, gnawing on. My roommate decided she couldn't hack it and put an ad in the paper: "Adorable puppy -- free!"

He was adorable. But I feared she and the ad would mislead Percy's next owner, making it likely he'd end up being passed off to yet another home or dumped at a shelter. As the voice mails came in responding to the ad, I deleted them. All of them. There was no way this handsome pup with the deep brown eyes was going to suffer that fate. I was in love.

I learned so much trying to figure that dog out. The two of us being of German stock, we were stubborn and butted heads. I was young, impatient and still indulging my desires for instant gratification and anything that felt good. He was food-aggressive, hyper-territorial, resistant to my amateur attempts at training -- a total Alpha nightmare.

But the good trumped the bad, and I smelled potential. He was remarkably smart and curious, not to mention exceedingly loyal and protective. He chased away more than a handful of unsavory characters. He prevented a break-in while I was home alone. He made me feel safe when my peace of mind had been assaulted. He made me feel like skipping.

Over the next 14 years, Percy and I reached an understanding. And I learned three very important things: 1) A good walk has the power to erase bad will. 2) It's vital to stop and sniff. Often. 3) There's nothing like a road trip to cure what ails you.

I've done two things in the past two months of which I'm very proud:

When it became clear that Percy's time would be shorter than expected, I cleared my calendar as best I could and we hit the road. I will never forget the toothy, tongue-dangling grin on his face as we crossed the Continental Divide together for the umpteenth time.

And two weeks later, when it was obvious that Percy's kidneys would not rebound, that his quality of life was not what he deserved, was not what I wanted for him or would want for myself, I asked his vet, an exceptionally kind and compassionate man, to come to the house to administer an injection that would end my little guy's suffering. And he did.

Rest in peace, sweet Percy. We had a great ride.

Dog Talk: Old Dog, New Trick

Dog Talk: Old Dog, New Trick

A lady called me a few weeks ago and said, “Matty, can you help me? I have a dog that’s 12 and needs to be housebroken.”

“Twelve weeks?” I asked.

She shook her head.

“Months?”

“Years,” she said.

That’s right — years.

My question, naturally: Why did you live with this problem for so long?

Her answer: I thought nothing could be done. I just accepted it as a way of life until one day I thought, no harm in asking.

As for the answer to her question, “Matty, can you help me?” I had her dog fully housebroken in one visit. It’s the easiest thing in the world to do if you know what you’re doing. You don’t have to live with this kind of stress and chaos. Education is the way out.

I wanted to share this story with you to illustrate only one point: You can teach an old dog new tricks.

So many people give up on older dogs without ever giving them a chance. A trained — a.k.a. educated — dog is a joy at any age. But sadly, shelters are full of 9- and 10-year-old dogs abandoned by their families because of behavioral problems that are entirely solvable! It’s one of the saddest and most frustrating realities of my line of work.

There are two myths about older dogs. One is that once they reach a certain age, if they don’t already know something, they’re never going to. As we learned from this woman’s experience: Wrong.

The other is that you can avoid “puppy problems” if you adopt an older dog. Maybe, maybe not. If an 8-year-old dog has never been educated, he won’t know anything more in terms of human expectations than an 8-week-old dog. Dogs don’t know what “come here” means unless we teach them. How could they? They’re dogs.

That simple statement sometimes feels like the biggest hurdle of all — getting people to understand that their dog is, indeed, a dog. He’s not a person. He’s not a plant from Home Depot. He’s a dog, and he comes with his own set of challenges and his own many rewards. But the great part is, when tackled from the get-go in the right way, your relationship with your dog can become one of the great friendships of a lifetime.

Not long after that woman’s call, a man called me and grumbled, “I got this dog, and there’s something wrong with him.”

I asked, “What’s wrong with him?”

“He won’t come.”

“Why not?”

“Not sure.”

“Is he trained?”

I’ll let you guess the answer.

Then there’s the woman with the blind, 11-month-old Yorkie that’s driving her nuts. The dog barks. She yells. The dog barks some more. … If yelling worked, I’d be in the yelling business. Very little overhead in the yelling business.

All of the people I’ve mentioned so far were living with unnecessary frustrations and missing out on the good stuff! A dog at any age is trainable. It’s best to teach them while they’re young, but it’s never too late. Please believe me when I say 95 percent of behavioral problems are entirely manageable, if not completely erasable. The solution is education. Love him, yes. But teach him! Train him! Love can’t be the only ingredient when trying to build a long-lasting, healthy, functional relationship with your pooch. You have to teach him how you want him to behave, show him what you want him to do, guide him through the motions and reward him for a job well done. Love, praise and affection are all part of a good education.

So this holiday season, if you’re thinking about adopting an older dog, that’s wonderful because there are so many in need of and deserving of good homes. But if you’re thinking about adopting an older dog because you think he won’t come with all those nasty “puppy problems,” don’t sign on the dotted line too quickly. Do your homework. Get to know your potential pup. Animals are the single greatest impulse purchases in the world — which is understandable, but can nevertheless lead to problems for both of you down the line.

My holiday wish is that people wouldn’t take animals home with them without a true commitment. If I could have two wishes, the second would be that getting the pooch trained would become as natural an inclination as sending the kid to school. For more information on dog training or solving behavioral problems, visit unclematty.com.

Woof!

Simple Steps for a Happier, Healthier Dog

Simple Steps for a Happier, Healthier Dog

For some time now there have been various health trends that people follow. Some are good, while many are not. Many of these trends are simply a good way for someone to make some really good money off of peoples desperation to be healthy. There are always new diets to follow, new artificial sweeteners, and new methods for a achieving a healthy lifestyle.

While all this is taking place, a similar trend is beginning to take place with dogs. It seems nowadays that everyone has a new doggie diet to put your faithful canine companion on.

Again, not everything people recommend is good. I have found in my years studying health that it is usually very simple things that you can do that have the greatest results. The same applies to your dog.

Let us go through some simple ideas that will have a great impact on your dogs health, and should grant them a long them a longer healthier life. These things may seem rudimentary, but as I said the simple things that people most often overlook are the things that work best.

Lets start with their diet. If you are feeding your dog table scraps stop it. For one thing, a lot of the common foods we eat on a daily basis are not good for dogs. For instance, studies have been done that prove grapes can make some dogs sick causing potential kidney failure, vomiting or diarrhea.

Dogs need to eat a healthy diet full of protein and healthy meats. They are carnivores aren't they. Some vegetables are OK in moderation, but you need to research before you feed your dog these things. Under no circumstances give them junk food. We shouldn't be eating it either. Peanut butter, carob, and yogurt are OK in moderation as well.

The occasional dog treat is OK, but make sure they are made from all natural ingredients. You also want to make sure your dog drinks filtered water, and takes an all natural supplement to support healthy function. There are some really good ones out there if you research. You can find supplements and vitamins that help with dog obesity, joint problems, and general supplementation for better health

Next, you want to make sure your dog gets plenty of good quality rest. This can start by spending a little bit more money and getting them a nice bed to sleep on. There is a great variety of nice dog beds to choose from if you know where to look. You can find everything from simple mats, to gorgeous masterpieces that will even rival your bed in terms of elegance and quality.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Give your pooch some good quality dog toys to play with. Give them some variety and see which king of toys keep them busy the longest. I have found that the hard rubber ones with the hollow spot for treats will keep them busy for a long time, especially if you put a couple of small treats inside.

Try some good fetch toys, and take a few minutes each day with them playing and interacting with them. A few minutes a day means a great deal to your loyal four legged companion. Simply put, make sure to spend some time loving on them each day. Following these simple tips will do wonders for the health of your dog.

Dog Air Travel Tips – Take your Dog Anywhere

Dog Air Travel Tips – Take your Dog Anywhere

Luckily for dog owners, these animals travel by air better than cats. If the dog is accustomed to car travel, then air travel shouldn’t be a problem at all. Use the following dog air travel tips for safe and pleasant airpline travel with your best furry friend.

Certify Your Dogs Health before Air Travel - Not only is dog air travel better for your dog if the dog is healthy, but it’s actually the law. Federal law requires that a dog has been certified within 10 days of the trip to be healthy, vaccinated, and free from contagious diseases. This is a very important for any pet travel, large or small.

Avoid Excessive Temperatures – Ensure the safety of your dog during air travel by never flying with your dog while temperatures are over 85 degrees or under 35 degrees, on either end of the flight. Many airliners put “heat embargos” and/or “cold embargos” on dog air travel during the summer and winter months respectively. This means that the airliners prohibit dog air travel during these times. This shouldn’t be seen as a problem, because the airlines do it to prevent disease or death, and guarantee a safe flight for your dog.

Overseas Dog Air Travel May Involve Quarantine – For international dog air travel, keep in mind that some isolated countries, such as New Zealand and England, quarantine animals arriving by air. Before traveling and booking reservations, familiarize yourself with the laws, requirements, and procedures of your particular destination. Unless your flight is non-stop, remember that you may have to deal with regulations in multiple places.

Don’t Tranquilize Your Dog During Air Travel - Although tranquilization may seem like a good idea during canine air travel, it isn’t. Tranquilizers are the leading cause of death or sickness of dogs during air travel. A dog can’t receive immediate or professional medical care during air travel, so unnecessary medications do more harm than good. In fact, many airliners reject tranquilized pets as a safety precaution.

Obedience During Dog Air Travel - Training your dog before airline travel is the best way to ensure a good flight. Unfortunately, even short air travel means hours of separation between owners and their dogs (except for service dogs). Your medium to large size dog will be confined to a shipping crate for the entire flight.

You can help relinquish the strain and discomfort on your dog by preparing him for dog air travel beforehand. Do this by getting your dog used to being inside a travel crate for extended periods of time. Also, make sure your dog works well with strangers, namely in busy, frantic, or uncomfortable environments. This will do wonders for traveling with your large furry companion.

Using Tags During Dog Air Travel - Thanks to horror stories of lost or misplaced dogs during dog air travel, airlines have improved their handling of dogs. Nonetheless, on both the dog’s collar tags and the crate, place your dogs name, your name, your phone-number, and a special emergency number of someone not traveling with you. This is extremely important.

Professional Pet Air Transporters – Consider using a professional pet transporter for your dog air travel needs. These professional companies ship many pets to many different locations. Thus, they are knowledgeable about the specific regulations that will affect you. Professional pet transporters can offer much help for your dog air travel needs. In fact, many airliners have stopped allowing the general public to book dog air flights. Some top rated professional pet transporters can be found at Iata.org or uShip.com. These airliners will only deal with professional companies.

Whether you have help or are going at it yourself, keep all these dog air travel tips in mind when considering and preparing for flight. Keep your dog’s air travel safe, humane, and pleasurable. They will thank you for it.

Dog image having fun [22-7-17]

Cute puppies images [19-7-17]