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Your Beloved Pet is Hurting: 7 Qualities to Consider

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment
older cat

If you’re considering euthanasia, the HHHHHMM scale can help with the final decision.

Pets offer a lifetime of love and companionship, but they also age faster than we do. Perhaps  your beloved pet has slowed down and gotten gray around the muzzle. You realize sadly that the end is near, your buddy’s journey will soon be over.  But if it comes down to choosing euthanasia  are you prepared to do so?  How do you make a good decision with such a bad ending? How can you be sure that it’s “time”? There are a few things to remember if facing that difficult choice. ... Continue Reading

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The Senior Years: For Your Feline Friends Too

April 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
older cat

Cats experience growing older too. Here are some common ailments and ways to help your senior feline friends.

One undeniable truth is that we all get a bit older each day. The same is true of our pets. Sadly, their life expectancy isn't nearly as long as ours and we lose them to the inevitable. Cats seemingly never age - they always appear athletic, always seem able to leap onto the counter - but don't let appearances fool you. Cats do indeed get older, and as they enter their senior years they suffer various declines including: Arthritis: Senior cats, like humans frequently suffer from the pain and ... Continue Reading

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Pet Owner or Animal Hoarder? Numbers Don’t Define

April 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Cheerful kids and their domestic animals at home.

Looking at the difference between a pet owner and a pet hoarder.

You know you've seen them ... shirts, mugs, bumper stickers ... all with a cute picture and the term Crazy Cat Lady (or Crazy Dog Lady). Cute indeed, and many of us are indeed “crazy” about our pets.  We may even have more than one, or more that one type. The big question is this – what is the exact number of pets that switches you from an avid pet lover into the dark realm of pet hoarder?  And is there a difference? Pet Owner vs Animal Hoarder There is indeed a difference. Pet ... Continue Reading

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Declawing Your Cat – The Realities and Alternatives

August 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
girl cat kitten

Let’s take a peek into the realities and alternatives behind declawing.

Many people get a kitten and while having it spayed/neutered, decide to declaw to avoid problems such things as shredding furniture and curtains. The kitten undergoes a surgery, and problem solved.  Or is it?  Let's take a peek into the truth behind declawing. Realities of Declawing Declawing your cat is a major surgery and is extremely painful. Declawing isn't just removing the nail - it is an amputation of the tips of the cat's foot. The procedure is like having each of your fingers ... Continue Reading

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Shelter Animals: You Don’t Have to Adopt to Help

July 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Cheerful kids and their domestic animals at home.

There are many homeless pets in this country. Even if you can’t afford to own one,here are some ways you can help.

So you love animals, want to help a homeless pet, but you can't provide a home by adopting one right now. How else can you help?  There are actually many ways and not all involve money. Donate Your Time Shelters need help - lots of help.Volunteer to walk dogs for your local shelter. The dogs reap the benefit of getting out of the kennel, enjoying a walk and seeing new sights, as well as getting some exercise of both mind and body. You benefit too, with exercise, sunshine, and gaining the ... Continue Reading

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4 Ways to Make Your Yard Escape-Proof

July 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Curious Puppy

Here are 4 things you can do to escape proof your yard for your dog.

If I were to ever lose one of my dogs, I would be devastated. For me, it would be like losing a family member, and I am sure most pet parents feel the same. You may not be able to prevent the death of a beloved dog, but you can certainly take steps to stop your dog from getting out of your fenced-in yard. You can do this by making your yard secure so they are unable to find a way out. Here are 4 things you can do to escape proof your yard for your dog: 1) Landscape the Area Along the ... Continue Reading

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Children As Responsible Pet Owners

May 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Cheerful kids and their domestic animals at home.

Caring for the family pet is a great way to teach your children responsibility.

As a parent, responsibility is one of the most important character traits you can ever teach your child. It seems that every parent has a different method of instilling responsible living in their children, many of which are effective. One approach to teaching responsibility, though, is as close as the family pet. Daily Needs: There are several ways that having to take care of a pet can improve the responsibility of children. One of the most important aspects is simply having something ... Continue Reading

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Mix It Up: 3 Steps to a Harmonious “Mixed Pet” Home

April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Cheerful kids and their domestic animals at home.

Cats and dogs can live in harmony in your home, with these three key steps at the initial introduction.

As a parent, if your children love animals, it’s probably only a matter of time before you're faced with the decision of having more than one type of pet in the house. One child will want a kitten, one will want a puppy, and one will want a bird. What to do? Having cats and dogs living in the same house is easier to achieve than most people are led to believe. The key to harmony in the home (as far as pets are concerned) is to be in control of the household, and avoid unwanted behavior. ... Continue Reading

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Green Pet Choices

December 19, 2011 By 2 Comments
mom cat dog child

Tips for staying green when it comes to your pet.

Almost every family has a pet. They have many benefits: they’re loyal, loveable, and a great way to teach children responsibility. But what is your pet’s carbon footprint? Is there a way to make it smaller? Here are some tips on staying green while having pets. Get your pets from a shelter.There are so many animals out there that need loving homes; there is no need to get a pet from a breeder or pet store. Your local shelter will have tons of dogs and cats in need of good homes. ... Continue Reading

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Holiday Food Safety For Pets

December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
holiday dog pet

Holiday food safety for pets is something not to be taken lightly. Here’s a list of guidelines to follow.

The holidays are right around the corner.  This means it’s crunch time for many of us.  Cleaning, cooking, preparing, travelling, etc. Most people don’t realize the dangers posed to pets by many of the yummy treats that will be circulating around for the next month or so.  As hard as it may be to resist that sweet face, whines, and whimpers … it’s really best to ignore the pleas and not give in.  Holiday food safety for pets is something not to be taken lightly. I am going to make ... Continue Reading

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