Saturday, July 9, 2011

Choosing a Pet for Your Family--Mixed Breed or Purebred?

Trying to choose between a mixed breed and a purebred dog as your pet can be very difficult.  Here is some information that may help you decide which would be best for you and your family.

Mixed Breed Dogs

Unfortunately, there is a huge selection of mixed breed dogs at your local animal shelter.  You may be able to give a dog a good home and give him his only chance of being adopted.  There are adult dogs, puppies, and older dogs in all sizes and variations of breeds.  The advantage of a shelter dog is that they have already have been wormed, received their shots, have had a general health exam, and most shelters have already had the dog neutered.  You can usually adopt one of these dogs for free to $100, depending on the shelter.

With some of the dogs that were left at the shelter by their owners, you may be able to get some information about the dog, such as their health history, temperament, and habits before you take it home.  Some people may prefer an adult dog or older dog to avoid the puppy “chewing” stage, and many of these dogs are already house trained.

Many people like the individuality of a mixed breed, as they may be part shepherd and lab, and have some characteristics of both, which results in their own unique look and disposition.  In each mixed breed dog there can be two or even more purebreds.

Purebred Dogs

The main reason for choosing a purebred dog is the expectation of specific characteristics of a certain breed.  Most purebred dogs have certain attributes that some pet owners may be looking for.  As an example, Border Collies are known for their herding skills, Labs are known to love the water and have a sociable nature.

In purebred dogs, their ancestors are members of the same breed, and usually conform to a specific breed standard, meaning you will have a good idea of their size and what general physical and behavioral characteristics they will have. They are generally very predictable in terms of what you can expect as they are growing up.

Many purebred dogs may cost from $200 to $1500, depending on the breed.  Be sure to find a responsible breeder.  Many puppies for sale in pet stores are obtained from inhumane puppy mills.

There are also dogs at the animal shelter that have been left because someone moved and could not take them, or they were unable to handle the responsibilities of owning a dog.  Many shelters do have purebred dogs due to these reasons.  Always check your local shelter before purchasing a purebred, because there may be a dog at the shelter that is the breed you are looking for, and they need a good, loving home.

In Conclusion

Some breeds of dogs, such as Labs, are prone to health problems such as hip dysphasia, but this can also be true in mixed breeds.  Even though purebreds are bred to have certain characteristics, the dog you choose may not inherit these traits.

Both mixed breed and purebred dogs can have different health problems, different temperaments, and characteristics.  It is recommended to take a trip to the animal shelter before choosing your new best friend to see what they have to offer.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Dog Playing Dead

Did you see this on Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks a while back?  Funny!

http://youtu.be/DalB-CvO7Qc

Annoying Dog Toy

Did you ever get your dog a toy only to find out it made the most annoying sound you ever heard?  That's what happened here!


http://youtu.be/kbB7ZjLbzr4

Monday, May 23, 2011

Dog Quote by Gene Hill

"I can't think of anything that brings me closer to tears than when my old dog -- completely exhausted after a hard day in the field -- limps away from her nice spot in front of the fire and comes over to where I'm sitting and puts her head in my lap, a paw over my knee, and closes her eyes and goes back to sleep. I don't know what I've done to deserve that kind of friend."
-- dog quote by Gene Hill

Bulldog Likes His New Pool

This bulldog got all excited about his new pool.

Watch:

http://youtu.be/C93LkrHzzrM 

Monday, April 25, 2011

Joint Pain in Dogs

By:  B. Mueller

Many dogs, regardless of their breed, will develop some form of joint pain.  Some may also develop dog arthritis as they advance in years, just as people do when they get older.  There are some common signs of joint pain your can look for in your dog:

1)  Hesitating or having trouble climbing stairs
2)  Joints that are swollen
3)  Limping
4)  Having problems getting up

There are many 10 classifications of causes of joint pain in dogs:

 1)  Fractures that involve the joint
 2)  Dietary and hormonal disease
 3)  Muscle, tendon or ligament diseases
 4)  Degenerative joint disease
 5)  Developmental disorders
 6)  Metabolic disorders
 7)  Cancer
 8)  Degenerative spinal joint disease
 9)  Congenital disorders
10) Inflammatory joint disease

The two most common causes for joint pain in dogs is hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is genetic and can effect even young dogs. It is an inherited disorder that results in abnormal formation of the hip socket.  It is more common in medium to large pure bred dogs, such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or Rottweilers, but there are some small breeds such as the spaniels and pugs that are prone to this disorder.  If the symptoms are mild, there are medications that can help.  If it is a severe case, surgery is an option to consider.

Dog Arthritis

Dog Arthritis, or referred to as Canine Arthritis, causes the loss of the smooth cartilage that covers and protects the ends of the bones in a movable joint.  When the cartilage wears away with age, the bone is exposed and rubs against the other bones, which causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation. 
 
Tips to Help Your Dog’s Joint Pain

 Keep your dog at a healthy weight.  This may be the most important thing that you as an owner can do for your pet.  Up to half of pets in the US are overweight, and this extra weight just aggravates a joint condition your dog may have.  Just by getting rid of a few pounds can decrease the pain.

Your pet needs exercise, just as you do.  It will provide a good range of motion and muscle building, in addition to helping them lose weight.  It is important to exercise every day to get their bodies built up.  If they go for several days without exercising, this can cause even more soreness in their joints when they are active again.
or
Make sure your dog has a comfortable dog bed that will support him.  There are many othopedic dog beds on the market now.  This can help your dog get a good night’s sleep.

Make changes to their diet that includes nutrients.  There are vitamin and mineral supplements you can purchase for your dog.  You can also get him special treats that are filled with vitamins.

Before making any changes, make an appointment with your veterinarian to get your dog properly diagnosed.  He will be able to offer additional suggestions that will help control your dog’s pain.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Little Lost Pup

by:  Arthur Guiterman


He was lost!-not a shade of doubt of that;
For he never barked at a slinking cat,
But stood in the square where the wind blew raw
With a drooping ear and a trembling paw
And a mournful look in his pleading eye
And a plaintive sniff at the passer-by
That begged as plain as a tongue could sue,
"O Mister! please may I follow you?"

A lorn wee waif of a tawny brown
Adrift in the roar of a heedless town.
Oh, the saddest of sights in a world of sin
Is a little lost pup with his tail tucked in!
He won my heart, for I set great store,
on my own Red Beaut, who is here no more.
So I whistled clear, and he trotted up,
and who so glad, as that small lost pup.

Now he shares my board and he owns my bed,
And he fairly shouts when he hears my tread;
Then, if things go wrong, as they sometimes do,
and the world is cold, and I'm feeling blue
He asserts his right to assuage my woes
With a warm, red tongue and a nice, cold nose
And a silky head on my arm or knee
And a paw as soft as a paw can be.

When we rove the woods for a league about
He's as full of pranks as a school let out;
For he romps and frisks like a three months' colt,
And he runs me down like a thunderbolt.
Oh, the blithest of sights in the world so fair
Is a gay little pup with his tail in the air!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Tip to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Keeping your dog at a good weight is essential to good general health and can help reduce the stress on their joints. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, and watch their diet with the correct levels of fat and protein from lean, fresh protein like turkey and chicken.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Four Legged Friend-Author Unknown

You come to me a blessing I know
Lent to me from above
To teach me to soft a kind
And giving of all mankind
How I look in those bright brown eyes
my hearts melts or so sweet and kind
I treasure you know
But your job so big
and mine so small
For I know nothing of forgives
to some of mankind
and you only in return ask for
a pat or game of fletch , meal and water
I will do this with out a problem
for you touch my heart and soul
but my four legged friend
If you teach me the
unconditional love as you have
I know the world can be a better place
this written by a friend as a Welcome gift to Cigale
my new puppy friend



Author Unknown

Monday, March 28, 2011

An Eco Friendly Alternative for Pet Beds

Today more and more people are conscious about recycling and doing their part to save the planet for future generations.  They look for recycled products and safer alternatives in everyday consumer goods such as cleaning products, paper products, and other household supplies.  An option that some may not have considered is eco friendly pet products.  This is an alternative to keep in mind when shopping for pet beds and other pet needs.

There are some manufacturers of pet products that use eco friendly materials, but West Paw Designs in Montana, USA, uses IntelliLoft Fiber Fill in the pet beds, dog toys, and cat toys they manufacture.  What is Intelliloft?  It is made exclusively for West Paw Design and it is created from 100% recycled PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles.

The process is:
Post consumer recycled bottles are used.
The labels and caps are removed and then the bottles are cleaned and disinfected.
The plastic bottles are chopped up into flakes, melted, liquefied, and re-engineered into soft Intelliloft fibers.

This very soft, fluffy material is used in manufacturing pet beds and pet toys by West Paw Design.  By using this process, West Paw has diverted over 4 million plastic bottles from land fills.  Not only are these products eco friendly, the recycled materials used create a pet bed that is durable, soft, comfortable, and high quality.  In addition, the pet beds are not only machine washable, they wash very well, getting rid of unwelcome pet odors.

To insure the safety of their products for you and your pet, West Paw Design uses a third party international testing organization, Oko-Tex Association, which was founded in 1992 by the Austrian Textile Research Institute and the German Hohenstein Research Institutes.  They test every element to prove the safety of their pet products.  This means the products are free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers.  All of this is good news for both your pet and the environment.

By purchasing a dog bed or cat bed that utilizes this eco friendly material, you are helping to keep some of the plastic bottles out of our land fills.  Choosing pet products with eco friendly materials really can make a difference, and you don’t have to compromise the style, quality, or durability that is so important to your pet’s comfort.  After all, your pet is your best friend and you want them to have a comfortable pet bed to rest on.  Both you and your pet can sleep better knowing their bed is eco friendly and safe.

PetBedsPlusMore.com cares about the environment and providing pets with high quality durable pet products by West Paw Design.  Visit www.petbedsplusmore.com and view our many dog beds and cat beds manufactured by West Paw Design that come in many different styles, colors, and sizes to choose from.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The Benefits and Advantages of Owning a Dog

It is estimated that nearly half of US households have a dog living under their roof.   The reason for their popularity is because your dog is always there waiting for you when you get home, with their tails wagging, jumping up and down, and they are genuinely glad to see you.  They are loyal, provide unconditional love and affection, and protect you and your family.   They are your best friends, and just seeing them can improve your mental wellness considerably, especially after a hard day at work. Who knew your pet can help you have a better life!

Research from many different sources have shown that dog owners live healthier, happier, and fuller lives than people who do not own dogs.  Your pet can help extend your life, improve your stress level, and decrease the number of visits to the doctor.  It has been established that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than people who do not own dogs.  It is therapeutic to dog owners just by petting or talking to their pet.

Dog owners can improve their cardiovascular health by walking or running with their dog.  Since you have to take your dog out anyway, you are having at least a good walk or run, which in turn leads to your better health.  Some dog owners have even stopped smoking because they are worried the second hand smoke will effect their pet’s health, which in turn helps their own health.

Dogs also give their owners a purpose in life.  This is particularly true of older dog owners.  They know their pets are depending on them to feed them, walk them, groom them, and let them outside.  Just knowing they are needed by their best buddy give them a stronger will to live.  Dogs also offer friendship and affection, and just knowing they are there keeps their owner from being lonesome.  It has also been proven dog owners have a better survival rate from a serious illness, just knowing they have to survive to take care of their beloved pet.

Children that grow up in a household that has dogs are less likely to develop allergies to animals.  Another benefit is children are less likely to develop asthma symptoms than children living in non-pet households.  Just by caring for a dog helps children have higher self esteem and compassion as they grow up.

Some dog owners receive great joy from pampering their pets by buying them special treats, dog toys, dog clothes, a dog bed, and other dog accessories.  They are a member of the family and their owners want them to be happy, and this, in turn, makes the owner happy, too.

There are many advantages to owning a dog, not only by improving your health and life, they can bring you great joy and happiness as an added benefit.  Just by owning a dog, your quality of life can be greatly enhanced!

Friday, March 4, 2011

The Odd Animal Couple

Watch the below video.  It is about a dog and an elephant, named Tara and Bella, that are best friends.  It's a great story!

Click here:
http://youtu.be/cBtFTF2ii7U

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Loyal Dog

This is so sad!  A dog's owner, Wayne, was killed in a car wreck last June in Lone Oak, Texas, and his dog, Spot, is still waiting for him to come home.  This dog really is man's best friend.

Click on the link to view.

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2010/11/05/dnt.dog.defines.loyalty.wfaa.html

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Border Collies-What You Can Expect As a Pet Owner

In recent times, the Border Collie has become one of the most popular pet choices.  Some argue they do not make good pets, that they are working dogs and need more attention than most people are willing to give them.  Others say they are one of the best breeds for a pet because of their loyalty, obedience, and devotion to the family.  Unfortunately, sometimes these beautiful dogs end up in a shelter because the owner was not prepared for their unique behavior.

There is a wide variety in the appearance of the Border Collie, but most are black and white.  Some that are black and white will have tan markings on their legs, ears, or face.  Although most Border Collies fit this description, others are a brown, sable or merle color, but all usually have white markings.  The average size is 23-60 pounds, and can have a smooth, medium, or rough coat.  Their tails are usually as long as their body.  Some Border Collies will have fully erect ears, partially erect ears, while others will have fully dropped ears.  Their eye color can be dark brown, amber or blue, and occasionally they may have eyes with different colors.
The history of the Border Collie goes back to the end of the 19th century to the British Isles where they were born. They were used for gathering sheep, by listening to the shepherd’s commands.  They have a bond with their shepherd.  The Border Collie is one of the few breeds today that are still being used for their original purpose of herding livestock.  Many breeds have been used for this purpose, but most agree the Border Collie is the most suited.  A good reason for this is they have a trait that is commonly referred to as the “Eye”.  They will get into a crouched position with an intimidating gaze to their herd that drives the herd to go where the dog guides them.


It has been stated that Border Collies have the intelligence of a 4 year old child, while most other dogs have the equivalent of a 2 year old child.  With that comes the need for constant mental, emotional and physical stimulation and exercise, even more than the average dog.   They were bred to work and are extremely high-energy.  If not given a job to do they may create their own jobs, such as digging holes, chewing up their dog bed, biting at running water, chasing your broom when you try to sweep, or herding children, cats, or other dogs.  They try to stop movement.

On the other hand, Border Collies are loyal, obedient, and a good watchdog for their family.  They are affectionate to their family and friends, and since they are very intelligent, can be trained easily.


Having a Border Collie is not for everyone.   You must be willing to give them your time and attention, and in return you will gain a loyal, obedient friend that will give you hours of enjoyment.  In my experience, I have had 4 Border Collies over the last 17 years.  They have brought me a lot of joy and entertainment, some aggravation, but most important they are the most loving and loyal dogs I have ever owned.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Snow!!

I'm sure a lot you are were in the same boat as I was last week, with 21 inches of snow!  We were stuck at the house for 4 days, trying to dig out.  The snow was way higher than my boots, so whenever I came in, I had both boots full of snow.  Poor Ruby and Elsie, it was hard on them, too.  In order to get around outside, they couldn't walk through the snow, they had to hop to get anywhere.  Ruby doesn't like the snow much, but Elsie loves it.  She sticks her head in the snow and eats it, then she rolls around in it.

It was a week ago it snowed, but there is still plenty on the ground.  I am still having trouble getting out of the driveway with my car.  I just really can't wait until Spring!!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Hero Dog

Did you hear about the autistic child that was missing 6 hours and the family dog, a Jack Russell terrier, lead the police to him?  The child was out playing and wondered off, and the dog had gone with him.  After about 6 hours of searching,  the police spotted the dog and searched the area and found the little boy.  He was not injured, but was taken to the hospital to make sure he was OK, and was released.  I hate to think of what might have happened to the little boy if it wasn't for his dog. I'm sure the family is very grateful, and I'm glad this story had a happy ending! 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A New Eco-Friendly Website That Offers A Green Alternative

We all want to do our part in helping the environment, and this is an option to consider that includes our pets:  eco-friendly pet beds, dog toys, and cat toys that are made with recycled materials, without sacrificing quality.

Today more and more people are conscious about recycling and doing their part to save the planet for future generations.  They look for recycled products and safer alternatives in everyday consumer goods such as cleaning products, paper products, and other household supplies.  Why not take it a step further and include pet products?

By purchasing a dog bed or cat bed that utilizes eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed cotton, eco fabric and stuffing made with recycled fibers, and recycled fabric, this is one way to help get some of the plastic bottles out of the landfills.  Recycled material is used in manufacturing all of the pet beds and toys.  The fabric is made from 85% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and the stuffing is made of premium 100% recycled long-staple fill.  The cat toys with catnip are made with USDA approved organic catnip, which is a much healthier choice. Style, durability, and quality are not compromised in the manufacturing of these products.   In addition, all of the products are made in the USA.
 
PetBedsPlusMore.com cares about the environment and providing pets with high quality, durable pet products.  Choosing pet products with eco-friendly materials really can make a difference.  Visit http://www.PetBedsPlusMore.com for more information. 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Ruby and Elsie, the Crazy Girls

We have two border collies, Ruby and Elsie.  They are sisters, but from different litters.  We have had border collies for 17 years, but none like these two.  They like to bite the broom when you sweep, they grab it out of your hands and start shaking it.  Needless to say, you cannot sweep if they are in the room.  When Ruby wants to go out, she will go to the door, I open the door, and she stands there and barks and barks at you and won't go out.  Ruby also likes to drag her dog bed around the basement and grab it and shake it around.  She can't have a cheap one, because she will destroy it in a matter of days.

If the water hose is running, look out, because they will grab it out of your hand and start biting the water coming out.  If I try to push mow the front lawn, there's another fight.  Ruby and Elsie like to bite the tires on the front, making it impossible to mow the grass.  They also like to bite the tires on the tiller, 4-wheeler, pretty much any wheels that move, except for the car and truck.

Oh, they also like to bite the hose to the air compressor when my husband tries to air up a tire.  Ruby and Elsie also love to play fetch with the tennis ball.  They get so excited when you bounce it in front of them, they bark and bark, and foam at the mouth.   

I have to say, I never had dogs that acted like this before, but you know, it is rather entertaining.  Sometimes it's a real pain, but really worth it in the end.  Life would be pretty boring without Ruby and Elsie.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Pet Beds-Tips on Choosing the Right Bed for Your Dog or Cat

As a pet owner, one of the best investments you can make is a pet bed.  It will provide your pet with protection in the winter from the cold floor, and give them the proper support they need to get a good night's sleep.  Some older pets need the right bed to help them with arthritis or joint pain.  Choosing the right pet bed is very important to both you and your pet.  These tips will help you choose the right dog bed or cat bed for your furry friend.

There are some things to consider when choosing the right pet bed, as there are many different types and styles to consider.  To begin, you will need to observe how your pet sleeps.  This will help you decide on the best bed for your pet.

Some dogs and cats like to sleep in a stretched out position, either legs out to the side or laying on their belly, with their legs out in front.  Most larger dogs like the stretched out position.  Other dogs and cats like to curl up in a ball, snuggled up and cozy. Determine which way your pet sleeps, and measure your pet in that position.  Be sure to consider if they sleep in different positions, and measure in their largest sleeping position.

If your pet likes to stretch out, you may want to go with the square or rectangular pillow bed, slumber bed, or one of the cushioned mat-type beds.  Be sure to add five to six inches for more comfort.

If your pet likes to curl up in a ball, consider a bumper bed, round pillow bed, or a type of nesting bed.  Some pets like the security of being surrounded on all sides and have a place to snuggle up.  If the bed has sides, be sure and get the inside measurements, and add three to four inches for comfort.

Another consideration is to make sure the pet bed is easy to clean and machine washable.  When purchasing a bed, you may want to consider getting an additional cover to use while you are washing the other cover.  Pick out a color and print that you like and you can choose one that goes with your home decor.

In conclusion, all dogs and cats need their own little space, a comfortable place to retreat, where they can go when they want to rest and relax.  It will be a benefit for you by keeping your pet off the furniture, and your pet will benefit by having a healthy, safe, and secure place of their own that they will love.