Hero Dog

Hero Dog - Watch this amazing video about one dog rescuing another dog that was hit by a car on the highway. See it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofpYRITtLSg or just click on the title - Hero Dog

Dangers To Your Dog

If you have a dog ... PLEASE read

this and send it on. If you don't have a dog, please pass along to friends who do.

Written by:
Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville , OH

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my
emergency service until 7AM .

I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure but
hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately.
In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me -
had heard something about it, but . Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National
Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 & 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.

The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and
creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney
function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids.
Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with
no urine production after a liter of fluids. At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal
failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output
overnight as well as overnight care.

He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was
on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN
was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood
pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220 ... He continued to
vomit and the owners elected to Euthanize.

This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a
toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk.

Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know
give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure
should give rise to immediate concern.

Onions, chocolate, cocoa and macadamia nuts can be fatal, too.

Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing
on to them.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass

Written by Pet Library Editor

Nearly every dog eats grass sometimes, and some dogs eat it all the time. You would think that veterinarians would have a pretty good idea by now of why they do it. But they don't, mainly because no one has figured out how to ask dogs two important questions: "Do you like the taste?" and "If it tastes so good, why do you throw it up?" If only dog's could talk! But if you are like many dog owners who live in a grassy area you would swear sometimes that your dog is an Angus. Dogs just lay out in the yard and graze just like a cow. Dogs explore their worlds with their noses and mouths. And there's the grass, attractive, sweet-smelling, with an appealing texture; and it's ever-so-accessible on the ground. Why not eat it? Dogs May Have A Craving For Greens Dogs are remarkably flexible in their tastes. They'll polish off a bowl of dried dog food, then walk over to see if there's anything good in the trash. If they're still hungry, they'll wander upstairs to see what's in the cat's box. Basically, they'll eat, or at least sample, whatever they find in front of them. There's a good reason for their liberal tastes. Unlike cats, who evolved solely as hunters, dogs survived by scavenging. When they couldn't catch live prey, which was a lot of the time, they'd eat the ancient equivalent of roadkill. They didn't care too much if had been lying in the sun for a week or was half-buried under old leaves. It was food, and they weren't going to pass it up. When meat wasn't on the table, they'd root around for tender leafy stalks, or roots, or an old polished bone. They simply weren't fussy, and dogs today haven't gotten any fussier. They're predisposed to like just about everything. In addition, there's some evidence that dogs get cravings for certain foods. It's possible that dogs occasionally get a hankering for greens, just as people sometimes go to bed dreaming about mashed potatoes and meat loaf. It's not as strange as it may sound. Grass was part of their ancestors' regular diets. Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat meat as well as plants. They don't need grassy nutrients any more because most commercial dog foods are nutritionally complete. But dogs aren't nutritionists. They don't know or care that they've already gotten their vitamin or mineral quotients from a bowl of kibble. Their instincts tell them that grass is good, so they eat it. Besides, there's a world of difference between satisfying the minimal nutritional requirements and having a great meal. And for many dogs, a mouthful of grass clearly tastes great. It's like a salad - they eat some, then want more. Even dogs who usually don't eat grass will head straight for the nearest patch when they're feeling sick. They'll gobble a few mouthfuls, retch, and then throw up, or at least try to. Veterinarians still aren't sure if dogs eat grass because their stomachs are upset or if their stomachs get upset after they eat grass. However, many vets suspect it's the former, because dogs who are energetic and perky seem to be able to eat grass without getting sick afterward. It seems likely that there's something in grass that does stimulate the urge to vomit. The stomach has all kinds of neuro-receptors that respond to what dogs ingest. They react to acidity, chemical content, and textures. The texture of the grass has something like a tickle effect on the stomach, which may induce vomiting. This tummy tickle may explain why healthy dogs can eat grass without getting sick. They take a mouthful, chew it thoroughly and swallow, then reach down for some more. Dogs who are sick, however, appear almost desperate for the grass. They don't chew it carefully or savor the taste. They gobble it. Without the chewing, those prickly little stalks hit their stomachs all at once. This may be what stimulates the urge to throw it all back up - along with whatever was irritating their stomachs in the first place. They can't stick their fingers down their throats or ask for syrup of ipecac like people can, so eating grass is something that works. And once dogs find something that works, they tend to stick with it. Watch Out What Grass Your Dog Is Eating Unless your dog is in the habit of regurgitating grass on the dining room floor, there's no reason to worry about it. Dogs have been eating grass for thousands or tens of thousands of years, and there's no evidence at all that it's bad for them. That isn't the case, however, when grass has been treated with insecticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. Most products say on the label whether they're dangerous for pets. In any event, you should certainly keep dogs away from grass soon after chemicals have been applied. Most products break down fairly quickly, but they can be quite dangerous if your dog eats them while they're fresh. Serve Sparky Some Broccoli It's just a theory at this point, but some veterinarians believe that dogs eat grass because they're not getting enough fiber in their diets. You may want to buy a higher-fiber food - pet foods for "seniors" generally have the most. These foods can be expensive, however, so you may want to look for other ways to supplement your dog's diet. Most dogs don't care for raw vegetables, but you can run some broccoli or green beans through the blender, adding chicken or beef broth for flavor. Or add a sprinkling of bran to their food.

THE TALKING PARROTS

A lady approaches her priest and tells him "Father, I have a problem. I have two female talking parrots, but they only know how to say one thing."

"What do they say?" the priest inquired.

"They only know how to say, 'Hi, we're prostitutes. Want to have some fun?'"

"That's terrible!" the priest exclaimed, "but I have a solution to your problem. Bring your two female parrots over to my house and I will put them with my two male talking parrots whom I taught to pray and read the bible. My parrots will teach your parrots to stop saying that terrible phrase and your female parrots will learn the joys of praise and worship."

"Thank you!" the woman responded.

The next day the woman brings her female parrots to the priest's house. His two male parrots are holding the rosary beads and praying in their cage. The lady puts her two female parrots in with the male parrots and the female parrots say "Hi we're prostitutes, want to have some fun?"

One male parrot looks over at the other male parrot and exclaims, "Put the beads away, brother. Our prayers have been answered!"

President Term - President's Pets

George W. Bush

2001-2008
Mss Beazley, Scottish Terrier

Spot, dog

Barney, Scottish Terrier

India, cat

Ofelia, Longhorn

Bill Clinton
1993-2001
Socks the cat who did not get along with Buddy, the chocolate Labrador Retriever .

George Bush

1989-1993
Millie, Springer Spaniel and Ranger, one of Millie's puppies


Ronald Reagan
1981-1989
Lucky, Bouvier Des Flandres who had natural ears and was sent to the ranch as she grew too big, and who was replaced by Rex, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

Also: dogs and horses at ranch

Jimmy Carter

1977-1981
Grits, dog given to Amy by her teacher that was later returned and Misty Malarky Ying Yang, Amy Carter's Siamese cat

Gerald Ford

1974-1977
Liberty, Golden Retriever who had a litter of pups while at the White House, and there was also Shan, Susan Ford's Siamese cat.

Richard Nixon

1969-1974
Checkers, Richard Nixon's dog while vice president, and while he was at the White House there were Vicky, the Poodle,Pasha, Terrier and King Timahoe, an Irish Setter

Lyndon B. Johnson

1963-1969
Beagle and Little Beagle and Him and Her, also beagles. Blanco, a white Collie and the famous Yuki, mongrel dog.

There were also Hamsters and lovebirds

John F. Kennedy

1961-1963
Charlie, Caroline Kennedy's Welsh terrier Tom Kitten, a cat and Robin, a canary. Bluebell and Marybelle, parakeets and Macaroni, Caroline Kennedy's pony. Tex and Leprechaun, ponies, and Debbie and Billie, hamsters. Pushinka, Shannon, Wolf, and Clipper– dogs Butterfly, White Tips, Blackie and Streaker– Pushinka and Charlie's pups. Also Zsa Zsa, a rabbit, and Sardar, Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy's horse

Dwight D. Eisenhower
Heidi, Weimaraner dog
Harry S. Truman

Best books about Harry S. Truman
1945-1953
Feller, the unwanted dog

Mike,Margaret Truman's Irish Setter

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

1933-1945
Major, German Shepherd, Meggie, Scotch Terrier, Winks, Llewellyn Setter, Tiny, English Sheepdog, President, Great Dane, and his faithful and loyal famous companion, Fa la, the Scottish Terrier. There was also Blaze, Elliot Roosevelt's Mastiff

Herbert Hoover

1929-1933
King Tut, police dog, Big Ben and Sonnie, Fox Terriers.Glen, Scotch Collie, Yukon, Eskimo dog, Patrick, Wolfhound, Eaglehurst Gillette, Setter Weejie, an Elkhound, and Pat, police dog.

Calvin Coolidge

1923-1929
Calvin and Grace Coolidge literally had a zoo at the White House. Most famous and beloved was the white collie, purchased from Thomas and Olive shover who owned "Shomont White Collies". They also entertained and cared for: Peter Pan, a Terrier, Paul Pry, an Airedale, that was originally named Laddie Buck. And Rob Roy, a white Collie, originally named Oshkosh. Also popular was Calamity Jane, a Shetland Sheepdog. Tiny Tim, a Chow, Blackberry, also a Chow, and Ruby Rough, a brown Collie. They also had Boston Beans, a bulldog, King Kole, a police dog, Bessie, a yellow collie, Palo Alto, a bird dog, and Nip and Tuck, canaries. Snowflake, was also a white canary and Old Bill was a thrush. Enoch, was a goose and they had a Mockingbird belonging to Mrs. Grace Coolidge. Finally there was Tiger, an alley cat, Blacky, another cat and Rebecca and Horace, raccoons. We must not forget Ebenezer, the donkey and Smokey, a bobcat. Given to them by dignitaries from other countries there was also: lion cubs, wallaby,a pigmy hippo, and a bear

Warren Harding

1921-1923
Laddie Boy, an Airedale was a famous pet of Warren Harding and he also had Old Boy, an English Bulldog and there were Canaries belonging to Mrs. Florence Harding.

Woodrow Wilson

1913-1921
Old Ike, the tobacco-chewing ram and Sheep that grazed on the White House lawn during Wilson's administration.

William Taft

1909-1913
Pauline Wayne, last cow at the White House

Theodore Roosevelt
1901-1909
Bleistein, Roosevelt's favorite horse: Renown, Roswell, Rusty, Jocko, Root, Grey, Dawn, Wyoming, and Yangenka, were all horses. General and Judge, were carriage horses, Algonquian, was Archie Roosevelt's calico pony and Pete, a bull terrier was a favorite pet. There was also Sailor Boy, a Chesapeake Retriever, Jack, Kermit Roosevelt's terrier, Skip, a mongrel, Manchu, Alice Roosevelt's spaniel, Emily Spinach, Alice Roosevelt's snake; snakes belonging to Quentin Roosevelt, Eli Yale a Macaw also belonging to Quentin Roosevelt, Tom Quartz, cat, Slippers, cat, Josiah, badger, Dewey Senior, Dewey Junior, Bob Evans, Bishop Doan, and Father O'Grady, all guinea pigs

Also: lion, hyena, wildcat, coyote, five bears, two parrots, zebra, barn owl, snakes, lizards, rats, roosters, raccoon

William McKinley

1897-1901
Mexican double-yellow-headed parrot

Benjamin Harrison

1889

Harry S. Truman

1945-1953
Feller, the unwanted dog

Mike,Margaret Truman's Irish Setter

Franklin Delano Roosevelt
1933-1945
Major, German Shepherd, Meggie, Scotch Terrier, Winks, Llewellyn Setter, Tiny, English Sheepdog, President, Great Dane, and his faithful and loyal famous companion, Fa la, the Scottish Terrier. There was also Blaze, Elliot Roosevelt's Mastiff

Herbert Hoover
1929-1933
King Tut, police dog, Big Ben and Sonnie, Fox Terriers.Glen, Scotch Collie, Yukon, Eskimo dog, Patrick, Wolfhound, Eaglehurst Gillette, Setter Weejie, an Elkhound, and Pat, police dog.

Calvin Coolidge

1923-1929
Calvin and Grace Coolidge literally had a zoo at the White House. Most famous and beloved was the white collie, purchased from Thomas and Olive shover who owned "Shomont White Collies". They also entertained and cared for: Peter Pan, a Terrier, Paul Pry, an Airedale, that was originally named Laddie Buck. and Rob Roy, a white Collie, originally named Oshkosh. Also popular was Calamity Jane, a Shetland Sheepdog. Tiny Tim, a Chow, Blackberry, also a Chow, and Ruby Rough, a brown Collie. They also had Boston Beans, a bulldog, King Kole, a police dog, Bessie, a yellow collie, Palo Alto, a bird dog, and Nip and Tuck, canaries. Snowflake, was also a white canary and Old Bill was a thrush. Enoch, was a goose and they had a Mockingbird belonging to Mrs. Grace Coolidge. Finally there was Tiger, an alley cat, Blacky, another cat and Rebecca and Horace, raccoons. We must not forget Ebenezer, the donkey and Smokey, a bobcat. Given to them by dignitaries from other countries there was also: lion cubs, wallaby,a pigmy hippo, and a bear

Warren Harding

1921-1923
Laddie Boy, an Airedale was a famous pet of Warren Harding and he also had Old Boy, an English Bulldog and there were Canaries belonging to Mrs. Florence Harding.

Woodrow Wilson

1913-1921
Old Ike, the tobacco-chewing ram and Sheep that grazed on the White House lawn during Wilson's administration.

William Taft

1909-1913
Pauline Wayne, last cow at the White House

Theodore Roosevelt

1901-1909
Bleistein, Roosevelt's favorite horse: Renown, Roswell, Rusty, Jocko, Root, Grey, Dawn, Wyoming, and Yangenka, were all horses. General and Judge, were carriage horses, Algonquian, was Archie Roosevelt's calico pony and Pete, a bull terrier was a favorite pet. There was also Sailor Boy, a Chesapeake Retriever, Jack, Kermit Roosevelt's terrier, Skip, a mongrel, Manchu, Alice Roosevelt's spaniel, Emily Spinach, Alice Roosevelt's snake; snakes belonging to Quentin Roosevelt, Eli Yale a Macaw also belonging to Quentin Roosevelt, Tom Quartz, cat, Slippers, cat, Josiah, badger, Dewey Senior, Dewey Junior, Bob Evans, Bishop Doan, and Father O'Grady, all guinea pigs

Also: lion, hyena, wildcat, coyote, five bears, two parrots, zebra, barn owl, snakes, lizards, rats, roosters, raccoon

William McKinley

1897-1901
Mexican double-yellow-headed parrot

Benjamin Harrison
Dogs and billy goat belonging to grandchildren
Grover Cleveland

1885-1889

1893-1897
Canaries and mockingbirds belonging to Mrs. Frances Cleveland and her Japanese poodle.

Chester A. Arthur

1881-1885
No trace of any pets with Chester A. Arthur nor little information remains regarding his administration.

James Garfield

1881-1885
Kit, Molly Garfield's mare and a dog named Veto.

Rutherford Hayes

1877-1881
Pedigreed Jersey cows, the first Siamese Kitten to reach America, Hector and Nellie, Shepherd dogs, one goat, four canaries, two hunting pups, and one spaniel type dog named Duke. Also four kittens, one Mockingbird, and several Carriage horses.

Ulysses S. Grant

1869-1877
Jeff Davis, wartime mount, Cincinnatus, saddle horse, Egypt and St. Louis, carriage horses,Julia, a racing horse, Reb and Billy Button, Shetland ponies, Jennie and Mary, Nellie Grant's mares, Butcher Boy, a horse and a Parrot and Gamecocks belonging to Jesse Grant, and Faithful, Jesse Grant's Newfoundland.

Andrew Johnson

1865-1869
It is known that President Johnson left flour out at night for a family of mice playing in his room during his dark days of impeachment.

Abraham Lincoln

1861-1865
A Pig, Their beloved childhood pet, Fido, and Ponies belonging to Tad and Willy Lincoln. A white rabbit and Nanny and Nanko, Tad Lincoln's goats. Jack, Tad Lincoln's turkey, Jip, Lincoln's' dog and also cats and dogs.

James Buchanan
Zachary Taylor

1849-1850
Old Whitey, a wartime mount and Also a shortlived canary that they called Johnny Ty who died shortly after they tried to pair him with a mate only to discover it too was a male. Zachary Taylor provided a home on the White House grounds for Old Whitey. There was a serious problem for Whitey, however. Many of the visitors to the White House pulled a hair or two from Whitey’s tail for a souvenir.

James K. Polk

1845-1849
It is said Polk learned to ride before he could walk and had a great love of horses, but no Presidential Pets are discovered to date.

John Tyler

1841-1845
The General, a horse, and a pair of Italian Wolfhounds that he imported for his wife, Julia. The grey hound named Le Beau came from the consul of Naples "to grace the White House lawn". When The General died, Tyler had a grave dug on his estate, Sherwood. Over the grave, he had a headstone placed with the following inscription: “Here lies the body of my good horse ‘The General.’ For twenty years he bore me around the circuit of my practice, and in all that time he never made a blunder. Would that his master could say the same! John Tyler.”

William Henry Harrison

1841
Billy goat and a new Durham cow for the White House.

Martin Van Buren

1837-1841
A pair of Tiger cubs given to him by the Sultan of Oman which Congress bade him to send to the zoo.

Andrew Jackson

1829-1837
Sam Patches, his wartime mount, and Emily, Lady Nashville and Bolivia, racing fillies. Truxton,a champion race horse and other ponies.

John Quincy Adams

1825-1829
An Alligator given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette and Silkworms belonging to Mrs. Louisa Adams

James Monroe

1817-1825
Spaniel belonging to Maria Monroe

James Madison

1809-1817
Green parrot belonging to Mrs. Dolley Madison

Thomas Jefferson

1801-1809
Mockingbird and two Briards, a gift from General Lafayette.

John Adams

1797-1801
Favorite Horse, Cleopatra. He built the first White House Stables and had Juno and Satan, Abigails two dogs.

George Washington

1789-1797
Samson, Steady, Leonidas, Traveller, Magnolia and other stallions. Nelson and Blueskin, horses used during the Revolution, and a Horse given to Washington by Gen. Braddock. Drunkard, Mopsey, Taster, Cloe, Tipsy, Tipler, Forester, Captain, Lady Rover, Vulcan, Sweetlips, and Searcher, all hounds; and five French hounds. Rozinante, Nellie Custis' horse, and a Parrot belonged to Mrs. Martha Washington

1857-1861
A herd of Elephants from the King of Siam and a pair of Bald Eagles, and a Newfoundland named Lara.

Franklin Pierce

1853-1857
No animals were known to have resided at the White house during his tenure.

Millard Fillmore

1850-1853

Fillmore was a founding member and president of the Buffalo chapter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

God's Response

SOME PEOPLE ARE REALLY NICE!
This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month.The day after she died, my
4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she
missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that
when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,

Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith , ' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.'
Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:


Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven.

Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.

Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially f or you.

I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.

Love,
God

Joke

Little Tim was in the garden filling in a hole when his
neighbor peered over the fence. Interested in what the
rosy-cheeked youngster was up to, he politely asked, “What
are you up to there, Tim?”

“My goldfish died,” replied Tim tearfully, without looking
up, “and I’ve just buried him.”

The neighbor was concerned, “That’s an awfully big hole for
a goldfish, isn’t it?”

Tim patted down the last heap of earth then replied, “That’s
because he’s inside your cat!”

Keep Your Pets Safe During The Holidays

With the holidays rapidly approaching, now is the ideal time to remind your customers that the holiday season can be treacherous for pets who are tempted by baubles, baked goods, and bright lights. But keeping them safe is easier than you think.

The Christmas tree

Christmas trees can be nearly impossible for curious pets to resist, but they are loaded with dangerous enticements. Strands of tinsel, if swallowed, can result in intestinal blockages. Glass ornaments can be broken into dangerous shards. Christmas lights and wiring may be chewed, pulled and stripped. Wrapped gifts--especially food-- can present additional risks; and the water under your tree may look drinkable to your pet but it could contain harmful bacteria.

To minimize the threat of these temptations, designate the tree ‘off limits’ to pets by placing ScatMat® pet training mats around the base, or at the entrance to the room. The ScatMat responds to your pet’s touch with a mild static sensation. After a few encounters, pets quickly learn to stay away from the area. Shelves, Tables or Counters

Pets that can reach tables, shelves, or counters face a whole range of hazards. Glass ornaments or displays are easily broken, candles can be knocked over, and kitchen counters, while often full of yummy tidbits, can be loaded with knives and sharp instruments, bacteria, or other dangers.

Some foods can be a real hazard for cats and dogs. Chocolate can be quickly gobbled up, but is also quite toxic to pets. Poinsettias, holly, amaryllis, mistletoe, or pine needles can be harmful if ingested.



To protect tabletops, shelves, and counters, the StayAway™ pet deterrent is a versatile solution. Small and portable, the StayAway can be placed at the approach to the area you want to protect. When a cat or dog gets within three feet, the StayAway responds with a gentle warning beep, followed by a startling blast of compressed air. The StayAway is non-flammable, so it is ideal for keeping pets away from candlelit displays and it is portable, so it can be moved around as needed.

Scat Mat

If you have resolved to keep pets off the furniture once and for all during this season of entertaining.

Answer To A Dumb Question

The next time someone asks you a dumb question wouldn't you like to
Respond like this?

Yesterday I was at PetsMart buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for
My loyal pet Angel the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when the
Woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had, an
Elephant? So on impulse I told her, "No, I don't have a dog. I am starting
the Purina Diet again."

I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital
Last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive
Care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both
Arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet, and that the way it
Works is to load your pockets with Purina nuggets. Then you simply eat
One or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally
Complete so it works well, and I was going to try it again.

I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now
Enthralled with my story.

Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog
Food poisoned me. I told her no, that I stepped off a curb to sniff an
Irish Setter's butt and a car hit us both.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was
Laughing so hard. PetsMart won't let me shop there anymore.

I prefer Flint River Ranch Pet Food Myself located at http://www.fancypaws.com/dogfood.html

Vets have different vaccination schedules.

Vets have different vaccination schedules. This is a example of a common

Innoculation chart for a new puppy.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Age Vaccination

5 weeks Parvovirus: for puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Check with your veterinarian.

6 & 9 weeks Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.

12 weeks or older Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law).

12 & 15 weeks** Combination vaccine
Leptospirosis: include leptosporosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Adult (boosters)§ Combination vaccine
Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to local law).

*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred.
**Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your local veterinarian.

§ According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit.

Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac II ADT. For dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six months with Intra-Trac II ADT.

Cat Vaccination Schedule

INFORMATION PURPOSE ONLY AND NOT PROVIDED BY A LICENSED
VET *** THIS IS FOR INDOOR CATS RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE

Age Vaccination

7 weeks Combination Vaccine*

10 weeks Combination vaccine Chlamydia (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern. Feline Leukemia (FeLV): for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus.

12 weeks or older Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law).

13 weeks Combination vaccine Chlamydia (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern. FeLV: for kittens at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus.

16 & 19 weeks Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): for kittens at risk of exposure to feline infectious peritonitis. Adult (boosters)** Combination vaccine
Chlamydia (Pneumonitis): include in combination vaccine where it is a concern.
FeLV: for cats at risk of exposure to feline leukemia virus.
FIP: for cats at risk of exposure to feline infectious peritonitis.
Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to law).

*A combination vaccine includes feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. Some may also include chlamydia.

**According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats at low risk of disease exposure may not need to be boostered yearly for most diseases. Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat. Remember, recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the cat, the potential of the cat to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the cat is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the cat lives or may visit.

PLEASE PLEASE HELP THIS STOP IF YOU LOVE PETS

This artist is torturing pets for his 'ART' IT IS LEGAL IN HIS COUNTRY BUT MANY ARE SIGNING A PETITION TO MAKE IT STOP. YOU CAN HELP Dear all, just received this and you bet I'll be signing the petition - - Dear friends, this is very cruel and sad. An "artist" from Costa Rica, named Guillermo Habacuc Vargas, put a starved dog as a work of art, the poor dog died there, he did not want anyone give him food or water. This monster asked some children to chase the dog and he paid them for their dirty work to give him the dog. In that event, (in which the dog died) he was chosen to represent his country in the "Bienal Centroamericana Honduras 2008", the petition site is to sign to boycott him , so he won't can participate in the event: SIGN HERE

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Starving-A-Dog-is-Wrong

I just learned about this and it makes me sick.

Flea And Ticks

During the weeks before vacation, fleas feeding and breeding on the pets deposited unborn offspring all over the homestead. And during the vacation, fleas at various life stages evolved, nourished by dried-blood flea excrement, "flea dirt," in the carpet and elsewhere. The result: A population explosion of fleas ravenous for fresh blood.
The scenario is fictional. But it depicts this fact: Left uncontrolled, bloodsucking pests can infest not just your cat or dog, but your entire house--and you!
Common household fleas don't usually transmit diseases to pets and people. The tiny insects are mainly "just a nuisance," says Marcia Larkins, D.V.M., chief of the companion and wildlife drugs branch in the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine. "They generally cause a lot of itching and scratching. They may also cause some discomfort due to possible allergic flea bite dermatitis."
Ticks, those other dreaded bloodsuckers, pose greater risk, annually giving pets and thousands of people illnesses such as Lyme disease.
Fortunately, a wide array of pest control products are available. We reccomend Frontline Plus or K9 Advantix. You can get them at http://www.fancypaws.com/petmedications.html for less than most other places.
While there are more than 200 species of fleas in this country, the main troublemaker for pets is the cat flea. Happy to feed on anyone in the household--cat, dog or human--these wingless insects will most likely choose a pet, whose fur provides warm camouflage for their breeding ground.
The flea life cycle, has four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Female fleas lay as many as 50 eggs a day, starting a life cycle that can be completed in as little as three weeks, depending on temperature and humidity. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on "flea dirt," excrement of partially digested blood. Larvae grow and molt twice, then spin cocoons, where they grow to pupae and then adults. The adult remains in the cocoon until vibrations indicate a host is nearby. This waiting can extend the life cycle. It also explains why large numbers of fleas often are seen when an empty building is reoccupied. Six-legged adults emerge and attach to a host to feed and breed, beginnning the cycle all over again.
Even when fleas elude detection on a pet, their black poppyseed-like excrement gives them away.
The main problem with fleas--itching--is due not only to their bites, but also to their crawling over the skin.

Poem

The sun is filled with shining light
It blazes far and wide
The moon reflects the sun's light back
But has no light inside.

I think I'd rather be the sun
That shines so bold and bright
Than be the moon that only glows
Through someone else's light.....

Roberta Flack "Free to Be You and Me"

How to Photograph a New Puppy

1. Remove film from box and load camera

2. Remove film box from puppy's mouth and throw in trash

3. Remove puppy from trash and brush coffee grounds
From muzzle

4. Choose a suitable background for photo

5. Mount camera on tripod and focus

6. Find puppy and take dirty sock from mouth

7. Place puppy in pre-focused spot and return to camera

8. Forget about spot and crawl after puppy on knees

9. Focus with one hand and fend off puppy with other hand

10. Get tissue and clean nose print from lens

11. Take flash cube from puppy's mouth and throw in trash

12. Put cat outside and put peroxide on the scratch on
Puppy's' nose

13. Put magazines back on coffee table

14. Try to get puppy's attention by squeaking toy over your head.

15. Replace your glasses and check camera for damage

16. Jump up in time to grab puppy by scruff of neck and say "No outside! No outside!"

17. Call spouse to clean up mess

18. Fix a drink

19. Sit back in Lazy Boy with drink and resolve to teach puppy
"sit/stand" and "stay" the first thing in the morning

20. Consider buying "oldertrained" dog

Things to learn from a dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in
Your face to be pure ecstasy.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit, get close
by and nuzzle them gently.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire
Body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the
Guilt thing and pout... Run right back and make friends.

Bond with your pack.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Dog Rules

1. The dog is not allowed in the house.

2. OK, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

3. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.

4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.

5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed
To sleep with the humans on the bed.

6. OK, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.

7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not
Under the covers.

8. The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation only.

9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night.

10.Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers
With the dog.

Advice To Dogs

1 After your humans give you a bath, don't let them towel dry you!
Instead, run to their bed, jump up and dry yourself on the sheets.
This is especially good if it's right before your humans' bedtime.

2 Act like a convicted criminal. When the humans come home, put your ears back, tail between your legs, chin down and act as if you have done something really bad. Then watch as the Humans frantically search the house for the damage they think
You have caused.

3 Hide from your humans. When your humans come home, don't greet them at the door. Instead, hide from them.
And make them think something terrible has happened to you.
(Don't reappear until one of your humans is panic-stricken
And close to tears).

4 Wake up 20 minutes before the alarm clock is set to go
Off and make the humans take you out. As soon as you get
Back inside, fall asleep. (Humans can rarely fall back asleep
After going outside, this will drive them nuts!)

A Dog's Soul

Every dog must have a soul
Somewhere deep inside
Where all his hurts and grievances
Are buried with his pride.

Where he decides the good and bad
The wrong way from the right
And where his judgement carefully
Is hidden from our sight.

A dog must have a secret place
Where every thought abides
A sort of close acquaintance that
He trusts in and confides.

And when accused unjustly for Himself
He cannot speak
Rebuked He finds within his soul
The comfort he must seek.

He'll love tho'he is unloved
And he'll serve tho'badly used
And one kind word will wipe away
The times when he's abused.

Altho' his heart may break in two
His love will still be whole
Because God gave to every dog
An understanding Soul!

Excerpts from Jimmy Stewart's poem "Beau."

He recited from the poem during a 1981 appearance on
"The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.

He never came to me when I would call
Unless I had a tennis ballOr he felt like it.
But mostly he didn't come at all.
He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on.
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were outThey created a bit of a stir.
And now he's dead.

And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between usAnd I pat his head.
And there are nights when I think
I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair.
But he's not there.
Ohhow I wish that wasn't so.
I'll always love a dog named Beau.

The spirit of German Shepherd Dog

I was standing on a hillside
In a field of blowing wheat
And the spirit of a German Shepherd Dog
Was lying at my feet.

He looked at me with kind dark eyes
An ancient wisdom shining through
And in the essence of his being
I saw love there too.

His mind did lock upon my heart
As I stood there on that day
And he told me of this story
About a place so far away.

I stood upon that hillside
In a field of blowing wheat
And in a twinkling of a second
His spirit left my feet.

His tale did put my heart at ease
My fears did fade away
About what lay ahead of me
On another distant day.

“I live among God’s creatures now
In the heavens of your mind
So do not grieve for memy friend
As I am with my kind.

My collar is a rainbow’s hue
My leash a shooting star
My boundaries are the Milky Way
Where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here
For I am not confined
But free to roam God’s heavens
Among my Shepherd kind.

I nap the day on a snowy cloud
Gentle breezes rocking me
And dream the dreams of earthlings
And how it used to be.

The trees are full of liver treats
And tennis balls abound
And Milkbones line the walkways
Just waiting to be found.

There even is a ring set up
The grass all lush and green
And everyone who gaits around
Becomes the Best of Breed.

For we’re all winners in this place
We have no faultsyou see
And God passes out those ribbons
To each oneeven me.

I drink from waters laced with gold
My world a beauty to behold
And wise old dogs do form my pride
To amble at my very side.

At night I sleep in an angel’s arms
Her wings protecting me
And moonbeams dance about us
As stardust falls on thee.

So when your life on earth is spent
And you stand at Heaven’s gate
Have no fear of loneliness
For hereyou know I wait.

Post your pets memorial at http://www.fancypaws.com/petmemorials.html