Pet owners see doctors 25% fewer times than people who don’t have pets. What does that tell ya folks?

I didnt do it

What a cool looking feline. The American Curl is known for the shape of their ears. This breed loves to play, loves children and can be taught to fetch. The American Curl has a m oderate activity level that likes to talk. They are average in size, dont mind other pets and loves humans. They can be found resting on shoulders or smashing their face into yours.

You want some of this Pal?

Dont let this dazzler fool you, it is quite the hunter, herder and even guard dog. Afghan Hounds are independant and sensitive pups that need lots of grooming. Afghan Hounds are on the bigger side so they require alittle more living space, have average energy  and can be a little more difficult to train but what a sight to see.

Most pet owners (94%) say their pet makes them smile more than once    a day.

long leg mcGraw here

Horrible fact about the saying “Raining cats and dogs”. It is said that in seventh-century England when, because of poor drainage systems, heavy rains would drown dogs and cats and their bodies could be seen floating down the streets. Aweful, horrible, gross, unimaginable, but true.

The Abyssinian has the reputation as being the clown of the cat world. These cats hang out on shoulders or laps purring like maniacs before darting off to swat at fake moving targets or leaping off the tallest landing. A medium cat, there activity level is high, not to chatty, love humans and get along okay with other pets.

Hunting on a whole new level

Also known as the Monkey Dog. Small dog. Ratter. One of the oldest Toy breeds. Tough little dogs that prefer warmer weather and human attention. These little pups need a fair amount of activity and training.

EL PASO- New research says that 55% of dogs and 54% of cats in the U.S. are obese or overweight according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
It seems like we might be giving our pets too many treats and not enough exercise. Bottom line is pets are battling excess weight and it can lead to serious health problems.
So how can you as a pet owner get your pet to lose that weight and eat better? Pet owners might treat cats and dogs like part of the family. According to the American Pet Products Association, we spend on our pets just as if they were a member of the family too.
Pet experts say obesity is one of the biggest reasons for those rising vet bills. So how can you tell if you pet needs to lose a few? ” I usually tell my clients it really doesn’t matter what the number is it matters whether they meet these three criteria in my mind, so as long as you can feel the ribs without having to dig into em, um you can have an hour glass figure from the last rib to the hip when you’re looking down on em and tucked in tummy,” says Vet Annette Davis.

Many owners think that by overfeeding and giving treats, they’re showing their pet love. But experts say the truth is you could be shortening their lives. Pets are susceptible to diseases just like we are.”Pets can get Diabetes and Pancreatic and Liver Disease and Kidney Disease and Heart Disease and all of those are made worse or brought on because of obesity.”

Starting a healthy lifestyle when the pets are young is so important. “Think that’s a perfect way to start your puppy so whenever they get older they’re already stronger and know what to do,” said Abraham Rocha. Abraham and his mom just got their puppy Bella a month ago. They say they only feed the dog twice a day and walk her twice a week.

Doctor Davis says everything in moderation is key. ” Maintain a good diet, you know food that is dog food, not table food, not a whole lotta treats, a good exercise program.”

Doctor Davis is a vet at Northeast Veterinary Clinic.

Released from the Disney vault for a limited time only, the classic tale of the
pampered Cocker Spaniel and the mutt
from across the tracks will be available starting Feb. 7.

A classic love story unfolds as a young, and well loved Cocker
Spaniel named Lady finds herself falling for Tramp, a street-smart pooch who
introduces her to life beyond the picket fences.

Once doted on by her family, Lady feels forgotten when a new baby arrives.
Trying to find her place in the family, she finds herself muzzled after trying
to protect the baby from a pair of devious Siamese cats.

In her bid for freedom, Lady meets and is charmed by Tramp, a mixed
breed who has learned to live life on the streets. Together with friends
Jock, a Scottish Terrier; Trusty,
a Bloodhound; Peg, a Lhasa Apso
and several other canine companions Lady learns what it means to be
footloose and leash-free.

Generations have fallen in love with this Disney classic. With voices by
Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, Peggy Lee and Bill Thompson, Lady and the Tramp is
an irresistible dog- and song-filled adventure for the whole family.

If ever a story validated the phrase ‘punish the deed, not the breed’, it’s this one: an Atlanta pitbull has won the “Neigbor of the Year” award after saving its owner’s life this past summer.

One morning last July, John Benton was leaving for work when his pitbull began acting out of character – running in circles, barking loudly, blocking the front door, and refusing to let him leave, reports CBS Atlanta.

“He’d run up a few flights of steps and run back down just to keep me from going, to let me know something was wrong. And that’s when I followed him up the stairs to see what he was trying to tell me,” said Benton.

Benton followed Titan to his wife Gloria, who had suffered a brain aneurysm and fractured her skull after falling down the stairs.

Doctors later told the Benson’s that had it not been for Titan’s heroics, Gloria most likely would not have made it.

One animal expert says that pitbulls’ reputation as a mean, aggressive breed is, simply, wrong.

“These are not dangerous dogs,” said Virginia Weaver, owner of Maui Pitbull Rescue, to The Maui News. “They need to be socialized, and it’s the dog owner that needs to be responsible for the raising of the dog properly… I’m their voice. I’m fighting for them.”

From PSI

Q: My husband and I recently took over ownership
of a 6-year-old Doberman. She is very well trained and loves to play, but she is
very protective of her toys. We have found that we have to play fetch with 2
balls or 2 Frisbees because she is unwilling to drop the toy unless there is
another one to go after. At the end of the game she absolutely will NOT give up
the ball or Frisbee and she ends up chewing it to pieces. This is becoming a
major annoyance. We love to play with her, but hate the struggle of getting the
toy back. It would be so helpful if you could give us some tips on what we can
do to solve this problem.

A: You need to
teach your Doberman the skill of releasing any object when you ask her for it.
Playing the training game “Thank you/ Take it” is a good way to do
that.

This game teaches your dog to take an object gently and then
release it when asked. This game should be “required study” for all puppies, but
it can also be taught to a mature dog.

What to do: Start
with a toy the dog can hold one end of while you hold the other. A plush toy or
braided fleece rope works well.

First liven up the toy by shaking it and
pulling it away to entice her interest. Then say “Take It” and let your Doberman
grab an end. Continue holding the toy while she mouths and plays with
it.

To teach her to release the toy, say “Thank you” and offer a treat in
trade for the toy. Keep hold of your end of the toy and show your dog a yummy
treat in your other hand, held about six inches away from the corner of her
mouth. Most dogs will opt for the treat and let go of the toy. Don’t jerk the
toy away when your dog lets go; just hold it right where it was so she doesn’t
think she’s lost his toy by giving it up to you. (If your dog is more
toy-oriented than food-oriented, offer another toy instead of a treat.) When
your dog lets go, praise “Good Thank You” and give the reward. Then immediately
offer the original toy back, saying “Take It!” Praise, “Good Take it!” when she
grabs on, and let her play with the toy while you keep hold of it
too.

Repeat this several times, ending with “Take it,” and allowing your
dog to keep the toy. Once she learns this skill, you can apply it to your fetch
games. Instead of just “trading” by throwing a second ball or disk, wait for her
to release the one she has. If she teases you with it instead of giving it up to
you, simply sit down, start reading a magazine, and ignore her. Rest one hand on
your lap, palm up in a receiving gesture, and don’t look up from your magazine
until she touches your hand with the toy, trying to give it to you. At first,
this might take a while, since she’s used to “winning” the game of “keep away.”
But after a bit, she will realize you’re not interested in playing keep away. At
that point, if she actually enjoys playing the fetch game, she will give you the
ball (or at least drop it where you can reach it).

If she tries to make
this game a competition with you, quit playing and read your magazine again. The
only way you can “win” is to refuse to play by her rules. This may mean you’ll
be throwing fewer balls or discs for her in the beginning, but once she catches
on to the New Rules of the fetch game – you don’t throw until she gives you what
you ask for – she’ll play the game your way. Be patient – it will pay off.
Meanwhile, enjoy your Doberman’s wonderful qualities – those are far more
important than fetch games in the long run.

You might remember Polo, the husky fitted with a prosthetic paw after being hit by a car, or Midnite, the miniature horse who took off running when first fitted with a prosthetic leg, but this red heeler pup takes being a bionic animal to a whole new level.

Naki’o is the world’s first dog to be fitted with a complete set of four prosthetic paws, according to incrediblefeatures.com.  Naki’o was barely 5 weeks old when he and his brothers and sisters were abandoned by a family fleeing their foreclosed home.  Having barely survived the Nebraskan winter, all four of the dog’s paws were deformed into rounded stumps after being stuck in an icy puddle.

Incrediblefeatures.com reports that Veterinary technician Christie Tomlinson “organized a fundraiser to pay for Naki’o to have his two back

legs fitted with prosthetics.

watch?v=6z_LZWk34xI&feature=player_embeddedWorlds first bionic dog

He took to these so enthusiastically, that Orthopets decided to complete the process free of charge. It was the first time they’d fitted an animal with a complete set of new legs.

Now, Naki’o is able to run, jump and play just like other dogs, thanks to the second chance his new set of legs have given him.

Three Common Canine Cancers

Cancer is a debilitating disease affecting millions of
Americans daily and can affect your furry friend too.

Approximately 50 percent of all dogs over
the age of 10 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. Being aware of the
possibility of cancer in your canine and having your veterinarian perform
regular checkups can help to ensure that you are doing the best for your
dog.

Different Cat Breeds, Different Grooming Needs

It takes different strokes to groom longhaired and shorthaired cat breeds. See where the comb comes down on these cat coats.

If your pets are anything like my dogs, they get very excited when they get to go for a ride. I open up the car door and they jump right in without any prompting, tails wagging happily and smiles on their faces. But if we’re headed out for a trip that’s going to last longer than an hour, I inevitably get the “Are we there yet?” whines and whimpers and panting. I realized early on that I needed to find something to keep them more comfortable and occupied when we’re ramming the roads.

So if the story of my dogs is familiar to you or if your pets aren’t road warriors right from the get-go, here are some great toys to bring along with you on your next car ride to keep the boredom at bay and pet travel more enjoyable:

Chew Bones: If your dogs gravitate toward chew bones at home, bringing a few with you on your trip will provide them with a sense of comfort (as well as give them something to do). There are a ton of great bones out there to pick from, especially from Nylabone. Some are strictly for play and others are edible. If your dog doesn’t get carsick, an edible bone that he has to work on for awhile may be a nice distraction (for you) and a yummy treat (for him).

Ropes: Got more than one furbaby? Something that the two of them can play with together (depending on whether they’re in a carrier or in a restraint) are some rope toys. Rope toys are way better than just boring old rope. You can get them in the shape of animals, you can get them with dental chews on both ends, and you can even get rope rings! Nothing passes the time on a road trip like some tug-of-war.

Kongs: Kongs have been around for awhile but they’ve really grown in popularity and are the hot toys “on the block” – they’re a huge hit among the four-legged crowd (dogs and cats, too!). There are dozens of different types of Kongs but the Classic Kong will really do the trick in the car. Dogs love the chewable red exterior and the added bonus is the middle where you can stash some tasty treats. What dog doesn’t want a chew toy that also dispenses food? And here’s a pro tip: put all-natural peanut butter in the middle of the Kong and freeze it until you’re ready to leave. This will provide hours of enjoyment in the car as she works on her frozen Kong.

Cat Toys: We’ve been giving a lot of love to our canine friends, but what about our dear felines? Although cats are a bit more restricted from moving around while being in a carrier (versus buckled into seat restraints without the need of a carrier like some dogs), they can still play with some fun toys in there. There are plenty of funky cat ball toys to bat around, and they can come filled with catnip. Some cats might like their toys in the shape of a mouse. Others might just like the comfort of a plush toy. Toys like this can provide something that cats can divert their attention to during the long drive and calm them down if they tend to get stressed out.

Most of us enjoy a good road trip every now and again and it’s even more fun when you bring your pets. But it’s important to make sure that they’re having as good of a time as we are. Bringing along a few toys to keep them occupied and help them feel less anxiety-ridden will help pass the time and make traveling with your pet a real pleasure. You never know – a pet that doesn’t normally like car rides might be more inclined to jump in that car at the site of a treat to play with. It works for my dogs!

—————————————————-
Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Kim is a veteran of the travel industry – formerly serving as Director of Internet Marketing for Certified Vacations. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy,and safe in their travels. Visit http://www.tripswithpets.com

Petsmart Increases Quarterly Dividend 12% Suffolk County, N.Y., Considers Limitations on Retail Sale of Puppies California Seeks to Ban Roadside Pet Sales Quaker Parrots Legal To Own & Sell In New Hampshire ‘Real Housewives’ Pooch Puts Out Call for Pet Product Inventions

Top 10 Most Dangerous Days for Pets

EPA Moves to Ban Poisons to Protect Cats

‘Most toxic’ rodent poisons would be safer to cause less harm to cats, dogs, children and wildlife.

EPA will require rodent poisons to be enclosed  in bait stations that don’t allow cats to reach the poison.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans in June to ban the sale of “the most toxic” rat and mouse poisons, as well as most loose bait and pellet products to residential customers. The goal is to better protect cats, dogs, children and wildlife.

“These changes are essential to reduce the thousands of accidental exposures of children that occur every year from rat and mouse control products and also to protect household pets,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

EPA is prohibiting rat and mouse poisons that come in pellet formulations, opting instead for block or paste bait, and requiring those products to be enclosed in bait stations that don’t allow children and cats and dogs to reach the poison.

In addition, EPA intends to ban the sale and distribution of rodenticide products containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone and difenacoum directly to residential consumers because of their toxicity and the secondary poisoning hazards to wildlife.

A ban on the non-compliant rodent control products will go into effect once EPA has concluded a cancellation process, which the agency expects will be later this year. Rodenticides containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone and difenacoum will still be available for use in residential settings, but only by professional pest control applicators. The compounds will also be allowed for use in agricultural settings. However, bait stations will be required for all outdoor, above-ground uses to minimize exposure to cats, dogs, children and wildlife.

In 2008, EPA gave producers of rat and mouse poisons until June 4, 2011, to research, develop and register new products that would be safer for cats, dogs, children and wildlife. Since then, the agency has worked with a number of companies to achieve that goal. There are now new products on the market with new bait delivery systems and less toxic baits that are safer for cats, dogs, children and wildlife and still prove effective, according to EPA.

Any rodenticide manufacturers still distributing or selling rodenticide products that do not meet the new risk mitigation goals will face EPA actions to remove those products from the market.

EPA urges consumers to keep the following tips in mind whenever using rodenticides in their homes:
• Always place traps and baits in places where children and cats and dogs cannot reach them;
• Use all products according to label directions and precautions;
• Be sure to select traps that are appropriate to the type and size of rodent (e.g., rat vs. mouse).

For more information on rat and mouse products that meet EPA’s safety standards, visit its website.

Here are some fun and interesting dog facts. See how much trivia you know about man’s best friend. Did you Know…

ADOPT-A-CAT MONTH®

Brought to you in June by American Humane Association

Spring … season of tulips, lilies, daffodils – and cat adoptions!

Each spring during “kitten season,” thousands of newborn kittens join the millions of cats already in shelters across the country. That means your local shelter has tons of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between. And the shelter staff are ready to help you adopt your very first cat — or to bring home a friend for another beloved cat!

Thinking of adopting a cat? First, check out these helpful tips, gathered by five well-respected animal organizations: American Humane Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), CATalyst Council and Petfinder.

1.If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two. Cats require exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Two cats can provide this for each other. Plus they’ll provide more benefits to you. Cats’ purring has been shown to soothe humans as well as themselves – and they have an uncanny ability to just make you smile. A great place to start your search is online. Sites like petfinder.com let you search numerous shelters in your area simultaneously to help narrow your search and more quickly find the match that’s right for you and your new feline friend.

2.Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours. Just as we each have our own personality, so do cats. In general, cats with long hair and round heads and bodies are more easygoing than lean cats with narrow heads and short hair, who are typically more active. Adoption counselors can offer advice to help you match the cat’s personality with your own.

3.Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption. You’ll want to take any medical records you received from the adoption center on your first visit. Kittens in particular should accompany you to make the appointment – even before the exam itself – so staff can pet the cat and tell you that you’ve chosen the most beautiful one ever.

4.Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home. Visiting the shelter or animal control facility should be a family affair. When adopting a new cat with existing pets at home, discuss with the adoption facility how to make a proper introduction.

5.Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat. Understand any pet is a responsibility and there’s a cost associated with that. A cat adopted from a shelter is a bargain; many facilities will have already provided spaying or neutering, initial vaccines, and a microchip for permanent identification.

6.Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives. Be prepared so your new cat can start feeling at home right away. Your cat will need a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe and stimulating toys, a cushy bed, a brush for grooming, a toothbrush and nail clippers.

7.Cat-proof your home. A new cat will quickly teach you not to leave things lying out. Food left on the kitchen counter will serve to teach your new friend to jump on counters for a possible lunch. Get rid of loose items your cat might chew on, watch to ensure the kitten isn’t chewing on electric cords, and pick up random items like paper clips (which kittens may swallow).

8.Go slowly when introducing your cat to new friends and family. It can take several weeks for a cat to relax in a new environment. It’s a great idea to keep the new addition secluded to a single room (with a litter box, food and water, toys, and the cat carrier left out and open with bedding inside) until the cat is used to the new surroundings; this is particularly important if you have other pets. If you’ve adopted a kitten, socialization is very important. But remember – take it slow.

9.Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan. You probably have a plan in place for getting your family to safety in case of an emergency. Adjust this plan to include your pets. Add phone numbers for your veterinarian and closest 24-hour animal hospital to your “in-case-of-emergency” call list.

10.If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process. Though well-meaning, the surprise kitty gift doesn’t allow for a “get-to know-one-another” period. Remember, adopting a cat isn’t like purchasing a household appliance or a piece of jewelry – this is a real living, breathing, and emotional being.

Meet sisters Maggie and Daisy!

New Cat Condos – Support Your Local Shelter With Every Purchase

May 25, 2011, Boston – The MSPCA-Angell  today announced that Bella, the 9-year-old Shih Tzu stolen from its Adoption Center over the weekend, has been returned.  Despite her fearful ordeal she is now safe and back under the care of the organization’s Adoption Center staff. 

After the MSPCA-Angell reported Bella was stolen the public showed an outpouring of concern and ultimately information about the theft that led to her safe recovery.  Boston Police Department Detective Mo Shaw and Malden Police Department Detective Trent Hadley immediately acted on the leads provided to the organization’s Adoption Center staff.

“We are extremely grateful to the Boston and Malden Police Departments for their fast and thorough investigative work. We also extend our gratitude to the public who alerted us with the imperative information after seeing media coverage of Bella’s ordeal,” said Amanda Kennedy, Director of MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Care and Adoption Center.  “We will now concentrate our energy on providing Bella with the much needed veterinary care so that we may find her the perfect home.”

If you would like to make a donation to Spike’s Fund to help the MSPCA-Boston’s Adoption Center care for Bella and animals like her, click here.