Posts from — May 2006

“For a major emergency – like a blackout or severe storm – you need to be prepared. Ready for at least 72 hours while emergency workers help those in urgent need.” So reads the initial words of advice being offered on one government website. Other organizations, when speaking of emergency preparedness, have much the same to say.

There is a reason for this. Experience with past disasters and the threats of disasters yet to come, have made it clear that being prepared for quick and unexpected evacuations should be given serious consideration in every home. It is commonly suggested that each family member should have close at hand and easily accessible a backpack filled with those commodities that would be necessary during a 72 hour absence. Most lists would include dried foods, small containers of water, flashlights, first aid supplies, prescription medications and other such necessities. That way there is no last minute packing and hunting for missing articles. Simply grab that backpack and load it and yourself into the awaiting vehicle, and off you go.

Yet, what about man’s best friend? Most people, if the possibility exists to do so, want to see their pets whisked to safety as well. Should they too not have access to some sort of a 72 hour emergency kit? In the case of dogs, they can, with a little help, even carry their own.

There are, in fact, commercially available backpacks that are made specifically for our canine friends, although it is certainly possible to produce your own. With a little bit of sewing skill, a basic design idea, and enough material to do the job, Fido can very soon have his very own backpack. For the less adventuresome but still skilled, patterns can be obtained.

One of the important things to remember when designing a backpack for our four-legged friend is that the weight needs to be placed over the animal’s shoulder blades rather than the middle of the back, for a dog’s shoulders are built to carry weight, not the spine. As well, the best idea for the backpack is a saddlebag type design. This will be much more comfortable for him. Ideally, the end result should also be something that will not restrict movement, while still remaining in place without the need of frequent adjustments. That requires attention to harnessing methods and placement of straps, and probably would be helped by a little on-line research.

Of course, a retail product would automatically eliminate many of these worries, as long as it was a quality product that was being considered for purchase.

A dog does not likely have need of a change of clothes, but dried dog food, water, collapsible bowl, pick-up bags, and a leash would be ideal candidates for items to be included amongst its contents.

Once you have the dog’s kit ready, it would be wise to make it an attractive piece of apparel for him. Have him wear it on walks, or as an even more healthful choice, on hikes. It won’t take the animal long to associate it with fun activities, and to look forward to those times when it can be worn. Thus, when it is really needed, there is not likely to be any balking at being so attired.

If you and your companion do go hiking together, consider water resistant material in the construction of the saddlebags. Vacuum sealing the dog food will seal in odors as well, and not draw the attention of wild animals. A brightly colored backpack will stand out in the woods, and help prevent some hunter from thinking your beloved pet is some sort of a game animal. Realize, too, that not all trails welcome dogs, so that needs to be taken into consideration. And one more note. If you think that your dog will be ideal protection if you suddenly chance upon some bear or other large form of wildlife, think again. An untrained dog is just as likely to cower behind you so that you can protect if from the beast, as to rush forward to protect you from it.

Finally, don’t forget the emergency preparedness aspect of the backpack. In other words, keep it stocked, and keep it handy.

As I begin writing this month’s article, my cat Dani sits perched on the ledge of my office window. She is fascinated by the jumbo fluffy snowflakes descending ever so lightly from the sky. Her internal motor chugs along with a steady beat as she watches life go by from the inside, out.

Many cats have come and gone in my life. Each one of them had a distinct personality. While dogs will do all they can to please you, a cat tends to make the rules and you must abide by them. I have not yet figured out how they have trained me to do that, but I go with the flow so I don’t ruffle any fur.

Before Dani, I had a cat that started life with me with an amusing tale. This kitty was the little girl I had been longing for. I named her Ms. Elle. Three days after getting her, my husband John and I were lazily laying in bed on a Saturday morning. Ms. Elle was lying on her back, stretching and relishing in the warmth of her new home. As I glanced down, I thought I saw something that should not be there. I looked to John and I asked him, “Are “those” what I think “they” are?” Sure enough, Ms. Elle was really a boy. I shrieked, “Oh no! I wanted a little girl!” John always seems to have a clever answer and this time proved to be no different as he said, “You will now have to call her Mr. Ed.” The next day “Mr. Ed” had a scheduled appointment at the vet for a checkup. Still not believing she could be a he, I asked the vet for confirmation. The vet lifted the kitty in the air and stated most clearly, “Yes, those are testicles.” I had wanted a female so bad that I said, “Are you sure?” The look the vet gave me made me realize I was not dealing with reality. As I headed back home I grieved the loss of Ms. Elle.

The next task at hand was to come up with a new name. This cat would be permanently scarred if I continued to call him by a dainty name. A few days later, waking up to this spunky pistol of a fur ball, standing bow-legged in front of me, the name Tucker popped into my head.

Tucker grew into a strikingly handsome chap with his shiny coat of striped black and tan. He went with the flow of life while living with a gentle Chocolate Labrador and a boisterous Dachshund. Tucker spent most mornings peering out the patio door watching the birds hop along the top of the deck railing. His ears would lay flat against his head as he chattered away as if telling those birds to move along for the day. After a few hours he would saunter to a cozy sun spot, curl up and sleep the rest of the afternoon away. Ah yes, the rough life of a cat.

While vacationing on the tropical island of Key West a few years ago, John and I pondered the question: “What does Tucker do while we are away?” As we sipped our Mai Tai’s, basking in the warmth of the Florida sun, we began creating a story.

We imagined Tucker was absolutely thrilled to have the whole house to himself. He would not have to contend with the dogs because they were staying at a nearby kennel. Because Tucker was so laid back, we knew he probably had a wild side to him, which only came out while we were away. We envisioned Tucker calling up his alley cat buddies the moment our tires rolled out of the driveway. He called to let them know the folks just left and it is time (to) for a party!

One by one, cats would slink to the back patio door of the little yellow house. Three taps of their paw and a meow would allow them entrance in. Once inside it was dark and smoky. Small round tables were set up everywhere with Tom cats sitting on chairs, smoking cigars and playing poker. Young scantily dressed female cats were making the rounds with trays of drinks. Screeches of meows could be heard when a poker round was won. Tucker was known in the neighborhood as the King of poker! Our imaginations were probably a bit tainted from the Mai Tai’s, but none the less, we enjoyed weaving a tale of Tucker’s darker side.

As we arrived home after our relaxing time away and opened the front door we walked in to find our serene cat curled up sleeping in his favorite spot. As I began unpacking, I laughed to myself about the absurdity of Tucker playing poker and chuffing on a cigar. I then made my way into the living room, and noticed there on the floor, peeking out from under the sofa, something most peculiar. Was that an Ace of spades and a poker chip?

COPYRIGHT © 2006, Barbara Techel. All rights reserved.

Some people believe that it is downright foolish to mourn the death of a pet. However, people who have experienced the joy of animals in their lives and the opportunity to share the bond of unconditional love feel that it is the perfectly right thing to do.

Whether it is a human being or an animal, coming to terms with separation due to death is difficult. Creating a memorial for a pet can be an important source of reminder about the good times. Most people like to enshrine their pet’s memories in a simple photograph whereas certain pet-lovers prefer a more elaborate setting through a personalized pet memorial. As most local authorities do not permit burial of animals, cremation remains the best option.

Most veterinary care facilities in the US make arrangements for the cremation of pets. After cremation, the animal’s ashes are handed over to the pet owner, who may choose to make it a part of a pet memorial. The location of the pet memorial depends on the pet-lover, but many people choose to keep the remains within the house or at the pet’s favorite spot. The ashes can be kept in a box or urn, which are available in wood, stone and metal. Most memorial container makers can include the pet’s picture or its likeness as part of the design and engrave the name and date as well.

Personalizing a pet memorial is all about immortalizing the uniqueness of the pet and releasing the pain associated with its death. Pet-lovers can design the memorial as they choose, adding articles they consider necessary. For instance, some pet owners include their pet’s collar, leash, feeding and watering bowls and even its beloved rag, in the memorial. A few pictures of the people that loved the pet or small articles belonging to them can also be arranged at the personalized pet memorial.

Some pet lovers preserve all the cutest moments in their pet’s life in photographs and videos, which is used as a part of the memorial. Each member of the pet’s family would typically have at least one special moment with the pet, whether it was the time the pup ran off with their shoe or the time the iguana bit their finger. These moments can be written down and added to the personalized memorial.

While creating personalized pet memorials, pet-lovers should let the love for their pets guide them in deciding on ways to personalize and thus immortalize the pet’s memory.

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The Shih Tzu is a very cute dog that only weighs between eight and eleven pounds. The average height of a Shih Tzu is around eight inches. A Shih Tzu is considered to be a small but very sturdy dog. The Shih Tzu is often compared to the Lhasa Apso. A Shih Tzu has a beautiful long-haired coat. Oftentimes the Shih Tzu is described as having a “chrysanthemum” face.

The Shih Tzu first originated in China in the early seventeenth century. The Shih Tzu is a cross between the Pekingese and Tibetan Mountain Dog. During World War II the Shih Tzu immigrated to the United States. The Shih Tzu came to the United States with the military officers who brought the adorable toy dogs’ home as a present.

There are many benefits to owning a Shih Tzu. A Shih Tzu is very good around children and around other pets. This type of dog is happiest when kept indoors. The life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is around twelve to fourteen years.

Some Shih Tzu’s have been known to have a genetic kidney disorder. Usually a Veterinarian can determine the health of your new Shih Tzu puppy.

The Shih Tzu is considered to be the twelfth most popular dog of the AKC’s 139 dog breeds. This is because the Shih Tzu is very intelligent and is easily trained for obedience competition.

The Shih Tzu has gone from being an Emperor’s companion to a companion to millions of individuals around the world. A Shih Tzu is a dog who is known for having good manners and a big heart.

A Shih Tzu is a great dog. The owner of a Shih Tzu must make sure that the dog coat is kept neat and untangled. This will ensure a healthy coat. When owner a Shih Tzu the owner is constantly amused and warmed by this charming dog’s personality.

Written by Carl Johannsen. Find

Sniffing, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes – no, it’s not a commercial for your favorite cold medication – it’s your life – if you’re allergic to cats, that is. But just because you’re allergic to those fluffy little felines doesn’t mean you can’t have one of your own. You just have to find ways to deal.

For starters, you can find a breed that sheds less and produces less dander, like the Sphynx (a “hairless” cat with a fine, downy fuzz for hair), Cornish Rex or Devon Rex. They’ve all got hair, but according to The Cat Fancier’s Association, many people who are typically allergic to cats can tolerate these breeds better than others.

If you’re not lucky enough to find one of these purebreds, there are still some steps you can take to become a loving, although allergic, cat owner.

According to PETCO.com, you can alleviate your symptoms by doing the following:

• Washing your hands after play time – and NEVER touching your face after touching your cat.

• Don’t allow your cat in your bedroom – if you do, he’ll surely nap on your bed, spreading allergy-inducing hair and dander.

• Use HEPA air filters and a vacuum with a HEPA filter, as well.

• Leave your cat’s weekly (or daily) grooming to a non-allergic family member. And if the cat will allow it, have him bathed once a week.

• Two or more cats might sound like a nice little pride for your house, but more cats mean more allergens, so make yours a one-feline family.

Until you become less allergic or find the best way for you and your cat to peacefully – and healthily – coexist, be sure to keep treatments on hand to help you through the rough patches. If over-the-counter medications or all-natural treatments don’t work, just ask your doctor – I’m sure he’ll have something up his sleeve that will help alleviate the sniffling, sneezing, coughing…

Jed Yorkshire is a retired teacher and pet enthusiast who writes about canine health topics, specialty breeds, animal training and grooming. An avid pet lover and breeder, he owns four beautiful Giant Schnauzers. Yorkshire also works as a private pet behavior consultant.

Cats are predictable creatures and follow a fairly identifiable routine. All cats are different in their personalities but all follow a fairly recognisable pattern and lifestyle:

Sleep: cats like to preserve their energy for when it is time to use it to the full. Consequently, cats spend up to two thirds of their life either resting or asleep. They will sleep almost anywhere – on a cushion, on a shelf, a floor, in a box. You may have bought a cat bed or specific piece of cat furniture for your cat to sleep in – whether he uses it will be up to the cat alone. Cats do not like to be “told” what to do!

It is useful to provide you cat with some comfortable bedding. A small blanket or soft towel will be appreciated. Even your old (or best) sweater will be a valuable resource for your cat. Allowing your cat to sleep where he wants means that he can find the place that he is most comfortable in – away from the cold and away from draughts.

Kittens, especially, will sleep for most of the day and when they awake, they will play wildly. Their sleep is necessary for regeneration of energy, growth and well being. Kittens undergo rapid growth spurts and their sleep is as vital as their nutrition during this important time.

If you have young children, tell them that their cats or kittens must be allowed time to rest – just like they, themselves, need. Children are fascinated by pets, especially a new cat or kitten in the home. This can lead to the animals being pestered for lengthy periods of the day which is not good for them. Explain to your children that the cats need rest sometimes – when they have done so, they will be ready to play again! Cats are not toys, and should be shown the respect they need in order for them to life comfortably and safely.

Sleep is a vital part of a cat’s life. Proper attention to the sleeping needs of your cat will ensure that he grows, develops and matures in a satisfactory manner.

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Dog owners must put attention to dogs behavior problem and understand why dogs behave differently. Dogs behavior problem includes growling, non stop or unnecessary barking, snarling and other threatening behavior like physical attack to people or other dogs. Does your dog display these behavior problems? You have to recognize your dog’s behavior problem before it became a serious behavior and aggression problem.

Do you feel you want to give up on your dog and you feel it’s hopeless to solve your dog’s behavior problem? Understanding dogs behavior and how to handle the situation correctly will solve dogs behavior problem. Dogs behavior problem and aggression maybe a result of fear. Aggression is an automatic defense of dogs when they are afraid either from human or another animal’s presence. Age and maturity has something to do with dogs behavior problem too, there are dogs that are friendly as puppies but start to display aggressive behaviors on the 2nd or 3rd year. Pain and injury may also lead to dogs behavior problem. These things and a lot of factors leading to dogs behavior problem must be recognized by dog owners.

Dogs behavior problem is a serious problem that requires immediate action before it could get worst. Seeking professional help is important to evaluate your dog’s medical and behavior condition. You can also keep records of the occurrences of your dog’s behavior problem. Record how it happened and the possible triggers of the bad behavior.

Building an effective communication with your dog is the first step to solve the behavior problem of your dog. There are many ways to communicate with your dog when your dog is misbehaving. Obedience training is one way to communicate with your dog. It will give you techniques on how to make your dog listen to you and behave properly.

A well behaved dog is a pleasure to be with. Transform your dog’s behavior problem immediately. Dog obedience training will reveal proven strategies how to make your dog understand what you are communicating to him.

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Getting a new puppy is an exciting time in a family’s life. If you have young kids, though, it is important to get them ready for life with a puppy. If you teach them the right way to treat a dog from the beginning, the entire experience will be rewarding. This article will give you some how-to tips on preparing for your new addition.

Picking Up The Puppy


Many kids want to constantly pick a new puppy up, but they should be taught never to do this alone. Puppies are wiggly little things and a child could easily drop and injure them.

A child should always be seated with an adult present. Put the puppy in the child’s lap and have your child offer the puppy a chew toy. Because young puppies are usually teething, they tend to chew on everything around them. This includes young arms and hands, but you can prevent this by offering an alternative.

Teaching your child to be careful and gentle when holding the puppy will help both of them adjust beautifully.

Kids Helping To Care For Puppy


Kids should be given some responsibility for the family dog’s care, although you should not expect it to be their sole responsibility. Kids are not mature enough to be trusted with a pet’s welfare, so you should always supervise to make sure it is being done.

Young kids can be given simple tasks like feeding the puppy at certain times with Mom or Dad’s help. Older kids can be more involved in caring for the puppy, just make sure you check to be sure it is done.

Make a fun chart where your kids can put a sticker every time they complete their assigned task. This makes it amusing and you can easily see whether their job has been done for that day.

A Puppies Development


There are seven stages of puppy development. But if you obtained your puppy from a breeder or some other source you probably skipped stages one through three.

Stage four lasts from 8 weeks to 3 months and is characterized as the “I’m Afraid Of Everything Stage”. Unfortunately, this is when most families get their new pet, and is why your puppy may seem to be terrified of normal things. Do not use loud voices or rough discipline. This is also a time of great learning, so begin teaching simple commands.

Stage five is the Juvenile Stage and lasts from 3 to 4 months. During this time the puppy is like a toddler. He is testing the limits and asserting his independence, so be firm. Keep playing with him, but avoid tug-of-war and wrestling games that can teach him that it is OK to fight with you.

Stage 6, or the Brat Stage, is from 4 to 6 months. This is the pre- adolescent stage and is the best time to neuter or spay your puppy. Keep up the obedience training, but don’t expect too much.

The last stage of puppyhood is stage 7, the Young Adult Stage from 6 to 18 months. This is a great time in your dog’s life. He is energetic and fun to be around as he learns to be an adult dog. Slowly increase your training and introduce him to other friendly dogs and people. Now is a good time to begin advanced training like agility or herding.

Good vs Bad Games For Puppies


Everyone loves to play with a puppy, and it can be great fun. But be careful what you are teaching him through your games. Kids and adults alike should never play tug-of-war or wrestle with a puppy. This produces feelings of competition and aggression and can lead to dangerous situations later on.

Playing ‘chase’ will also teach your puppy that it is OK to chase and jump on people. Good games like fetch and teaching simple tricks are fun and stimulating to your puppy. It also teaches him to obey you and your children and reinforces good behavior.

A new puppy is a great addition to any family. If you follow these few tips and general guidelines, your puppy and your kids will get along famously.

This article is part of a chapter in Edie MacKenzie’s ebook “Your Doodle Puppy’s First Year Made Easy.” For more great tips on how to raise a healthy, fun loving, well-behaved dog, go to

For all too many, the process of choosing a puppy or puppies is based purely on how cute the puppy is or how playful its personality seems at the pet store or kennel.

Granted, playful and cute puppies can really tug at your heart strings and urge you to make an impulsive and expensive decision regarding this very important addition to your family, but without proper thought and research into the type of breed you are purchasing, your family and your cute, adorable puppy could be in for a long road of pain and frustration ahead.

Purebred puppy breeds have inherent characteristics that are particular to their breed, and these characteristics usually get more pronounced with age. While different breed characteristics will be appropriate for different families, matching the wrong breed with the wrong family can have devastating consequences.

It has been estimated that the number one reason why competent pet owners relinquish ownership of their puppy or puppies to one of the many county humane services to be found all across the country is because they have become frustrated with certain characteristics of the dog.

No matter whether the problem is big, such as aggression to children or other pets, or small, such as a tendency to chew everything in sight, as the puppy grows and its cuteness wears off, the frustration experienced from having a poorly matched puppy will increase. And the consequences can be heart wrenching for the both the family and the dog.

But by simply taking a little time to research the breed you are considering purchasing, you can guarantee that your new puppy will be a well-loved addition to your family unit. While I’m not saying that you should discount a breed entirely based on one troublesome characteristic, I’m saying that you should be prepared and able to deal with any problems, behavioral or health related, that is associated with the breed.

In order to obtain accurate information when choosing the right breed of puppy for your family, stay away from sources that have an interest in selling the puppy. I learned this one the hard way. After my children and family fell in love with a puppy at a local, reputable pet store, I had many questions for the sales clerk about how easily the puppy could be house broken. A puppy making messes all over the house is just not something that I can deal with a few times let alone for months of house breaking.
I was assured by the clerk that the breed was very intelligent and able to be crate trained in a matter of three days. To make a long story short, $1,500 and 9 months later the puppy still requires constant supervision and cannot be a complete part of the family due to our inability to house break him. Research conducted after the purchase revealed that the breed was inherently stubborn and in some cases unable to be house broken despite all attempts.

So, instead of relying on biased sources, turn to the library and people who own that particular breed of puppy or have owned one in the past. If you know someone who has relinquished a purebred puppy of the breed that you are considering for a fraction of the cost that they paid for it or for free, you need to ask them some serious and pointed questions before deciding to invest in that particular breed of puppy.

Here are the most important questions that you need answered before purchasing a puppy or puppies:

1. What is the temperament like?
2. What is the mature size and weight?

3. Are they good with children?
4. What are their indigenous health problems?
5. How long do they live?
6. How much do they shed?
7. How much do they eat?
8. How trainable are they?
9. Can they be easily house broken?
10. Do they require a lot of grooming?
11. How noisy are they?
12. How protective are they?
13. Do they require any special care or management?
14. Are they good with other dogs and animals?

Now all you need to do is match the answers of these questions with your family’s needs. Choose wisely, and you will have chosen a best friend of a lifetime, a dog that will truly be a joy to have and a treasured member of the family.

By Randy Myers
Find more puppy articles, tips and tricks at my website:
WisePuppy.com Wise Puppy
WisePuppy.com WisePuppy.com

Pomeranian adoption homes provide a safe, reliable place for owners to take their dogs to in order to find a home as well as provide medical care. They carefully screen the homes and select new families for the dogs to ensure they are being adopted into families that are willing and able to care for them properly. Pomeranian adoption homes give these little furry puppies a new lease on life as some dog owners are not very kind and leave these poor, helpless pups generally in a frightful state.

The Benefits of Pomeranian Adoption Homes

The abandoned or mistreated dogs are not the only lucky ones in the Pomeranian adoption homes however, as the owners are generally in for a nice surprise also because they are usually not puppies and are house trained as well as they are typically out of any bad puppy habits by the time they reach the Pomeranian adoption homes. The dogs that come in to these adoption homes also have their personality set and disposition so it’s a real treat in figuring out each one’s different personality.

Pomeranians are very intelligent breed of dogs and by the time they reach any Pomeranian adoption homes, they also are set in the way they look and the features that they carry. Due to the high intelligence and the maturity of these rescued animals, they are usually very excited to have someone care for them properly and lovingly and return the love and affection ten fold. The Pomeranian bonds with his or her new owner almost immediately and are a very loyal dog to have.

Reasons Why to Adopt From Pomeranian Adoption Homes

There are many just simple humane reasons for adopting a dog from Pomeranian adoption homes however, there are many very excellent reasons. For example, if you are the busy type and don’t have a lot of time to train and house break a puppy, the Pomeranian adoption homes are for you because the dogs are already housebroken in most cases. You might be thinking that they are sick or something is terribly wrong with them but that isn’t the case and if the dogs are ill, medical treatment is provided for them at the adoption home.

You can tell if a Pomeranian is sick because they are generally a hyper active dog and have a lot of energy. If the dog you are inquiring about seems lethargic and really lacking energy, best to talk to the home about it because it likely doesn’t know of the latest symptoms the dog might be displaying although it is extremely rare that this will happen at a rescue shelter for the Pomeranians.

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