Canine recipes

Canine Cookies
A healthy treat for a happy dog.
2 1/2 cups flour, plus additional flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup salad oil
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup flour
Mix together 1 cup flour, baking powder, wheat germ, peanut butter, salad oil, honey and water until blended. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour a little at a time. Knead until dough holds together, adding more flour if necessary. Roll out and cut with dog-bone cutter. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn off oven but keep them inside for 1 hour. Makes 18 biscuits. Per serving: 187 calories; 14 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 67 percent calories from fat); 14 g carbohydrates; 0 mg cholesterol; 39 mg sodium; 2.5 g protein; 1 g fiber.
30 minutes
10 minutes to make
20 minutes to bake


Frosted Canine Confections
1 (16-ounce) container plain or vanilla yogurt (low-fat or regular)
1-2 bananas
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons peanut butter
Put ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour in small muffin pans or miniature bundt pans and place in freezer. Makes 12 treats. Per serving : 53 calories; 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat; 34 percent calories from fat); 7 g carbohydrates; 2 mg cholesterol; 39 mg sodium; 3 g protein; 0.5 g fiber.
5 minutes
5 minutes to make


Hound Dog Hash
Recipe from "Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way" by Mark Beckloff and Dan Dye (Broadway Books, $14). This is excellent for dogs who need a temporary bland diet.
4 cups long-grain rice
1 pound ground chicken or turkey
2 carrots, finely diced
1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli or green beans (optional)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Pour 6 cups water into a large pot and add the rice. Crumble in ground chicken and mix well. Stir in the carrots, finely chopped broccoli or green beans. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Turn the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture rest for 15 minutes. (The meat and vegetables will continue to cool with the rice.) Sprinkle parsley on top. Fluff the rice with a fork to mix the contents thoroughly.
Cool to room temperature before serving.
Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Makes approximately three days of food for a medium-sized dog.
Per serving: 576 calories; 8 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 6 percent calories from fat); 101 g carbohydrates; 45 mg cholesterol; 54 mg sodium; 21.5 g protein; 2.5 g fiber.
20 minutes
5 minutes to make
15 minutes to cook


Pawsta Salad
Recipe from "Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way." Bring this dish to your next block party. It's fit for pooches, but people will love it too.
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup macaroni, shell, elbow or bow-tie pasta
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced green beans
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup diced fresh tomatoes
In a small bowl, mix together the basil, oil and buttermilk for the dressing. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the tooth or fang, as the case may be). Drain the pasta, place it in a large bowl and toss with the cheese while still warm. Stir in the chicken, carrots, green beans, parsley and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently.
Cool to room temperature before serving. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Makes 6 servings.
Per serving: 165 calories; 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 33 percent calories from fat); 16 g carbohydrates; 26 mg cholesterol; 76 mg sodium; 12 g protein; 1 g fiber.
25 minutes
15 minutes to make
10 minutes to cook

10 tips on cooking for your dog

1. Check with your vet first.
2. Understand that dogs need a diet that consists of 40 percent meat, 30 percent vegetables and 30 percent starch. Follow this formula to ensure that your dog has a well-balanced diet.
3. Always cook meat before feeding it to your dog.
4. Organ meat (such as liver, kidneys, etc.) and eggs are good for your dog.
5. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrots for your own dog food. Meals made of ground beef, brown rice, brewer's yeast and carrots are also popular.
6. Rotate the foods you feed your dog so that your pet gets a variety of foods.
7. Add garlic to your dog food. Dogs enjoy the flavor, and garlic is a natural flea repellent.
8. Use oatmeal, pasta, rice or potatoes for your dog's starch requirement.
9. Grind eggshells and add them to your dog's meal. They have a lot of nutrients.
10. Keep cooked dog food in the refrigerator no longer than three days.

Marine Protects An Underdog, Literally

(CBS) Almost any Marine who fought in a place like Fallujah will admit it is a life-changing experience. But chances are no one's life there changed the way Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman's did about two years ago, CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports.

Kopelman is retired now and every day he sees a reminder of his time in combat. But it's a pleasant memory.

Lava was a 5 month-old puppy - part German Shepherd, part who knows what - when Kopelman met him in Fallujah and before long, he fell in love.

"Lava wouldn't take no for an answer, and still doesn't. Lava just wormed his way in," Kopelman says.

Rescuing Lava became Kopelman's secret mission. It was a secret because regulations say clearly, no pets are allowed. But Kopelman was just months from going home and could not leave Lava behind.

"The plan was to put him in a crate, put him on a plane and he would come home to the United States. But it wasn't as simple as that, in practice," Kopelamn says.

Kopelman had to organize a secret cadre of Marines, reporters, and Iraqi civilians who tried repeatedly to smuggle Lava to safety. Once they considered driving him to Kuwait, but that didn't work. Neither did a plan to sneak him across the border into Jordan.

Meanwhile, he had to hide the dog. At one point, Lava was stashed with the Marines guarding the Commanding General himself. Kopelman says he doesn't think the General even knew about this.

"To the best of my knowledge he didn't," Kopelman says.

Kopelman was running out of time, searching for anyone who could help, anyone who understood the bond between a soldier and a puppy.

"Lava adopted Jay just as much as Jay adopted Lava," Ken Licklider says.

Licklider trains dogs for the military and, more importantly, transports them into and out of Iraq.

"We understood what that dog meant to that GI. It was not even a question," Licklider says.

So after five months of work, Lava, the stray mutt, was hidden among some of the most elite dogs in Iraq, flown out of Baghdad and re-united with Kopelman.

"I may not have saved a child. I may not have saved an adult, but at least I saved something," Kopelman says.

Kopelman has just written a book about the mission that changed his life, a mission he says is not that different from what Marines always do. He says it's about protecting the underdog, and he doesn't mean that as a pun.

A little animal rescue humor

All cats are descendants of one type of cat

All cats are descendants of one type of cat
Whether your kitty meows or roars, it is a descendant of the Felis silvestris species, which is divided into the African wildcat, European wildcat and Steppe wildcat.
The smallest of the descendants is the rusty-spotted cat found in Sri Lanka. It is about half the size of the domestic cat. The largest is the tiger. The male Siberian or Amur Tiger has a total body length in excess of 3m (10 ft) and weighs up to 300kg (660 lb).
The lion is the king of the cats. It stands out from the other cats, not just in its distinctive appearance but also in being the only felid that lives in organized social groups. Adult male lions weigh up to 225kg (500 lb) and grow up to 3m (10 ft) in body length.
The fastest cat, the cheetah, is also the fastest land animal. It can reach 95 km/h (60 mph) over short distances. Unlike other big cats it does not roar - it makes high pitched yelps, barks and chirruping sounds. And like your kitty, it does purr.
Meow!Domestic cats purr at about 26 cycles per second, the same frequency as an idling diesel engine. A domestic cat hears frequencies up to about 65 kHz, humans up to 20 kHz. Its sense of smell is about 14 times stronger than that of humans.
In the rear of a cat’s eye is a light-reflecting layer called the tapetum lucidum, which causes cats’ eyes to glow at night. This reflecting layer absorbs light 6 times more effectively than human eyes do, allowing a cat to see better than humans at night.
There are more than 3000 types of domestic cats, but only 8% are pedigree. And, unlike other cats, they are found all over the world... in abundance. In the US, there are more cats than dogs, and people annually spend more on cat food than on baby food.
Domestic cats - or any other cats - do not have nine lives. They also do not always land on their feet. It is said that a cat that falls out of a 20-story building has a better chance of surviving than when falling out of a 7-story building because it takes a cat at least 7 stories to co-ordinate itself to land on its feet.
Cats step with both left legs, then both right legs when they walk or run. The only other animals to do this are the giraffe, camel and the maned wolf.
The tails of wild cats almost never lift higher than their backs.
Cats cannot see directly below their heads that is why they do not see the food when you put it under their nose. Keep this in mind when you're feeding your kitty.
Rare catsWhile there are so many domestic cats, other cats are of the rarest and most endangered species on earth. Only 250 of the Malabar Large Spotted Civet are thought to survive in their Asian habitat. Iriomote cats, found on the Japanese island of Iriomotejima, number less than 100.

More People Leave Big Inheritances To Fido, Fluffy

More People Leave Big Inheritances To Fido, Fluffy
38 States Have Pet Trust Statutes
POSTED: 8:51 am EDT September 20, 2006
PORTSMOUTH, Va. -- Fluffy's in the will. Attorneys report a growing number of pet owners are making plans for their animals.
People have long left money and even homes to pets in their wills. But pets were considered property, so their status as beneficiaries rarely stood up to a court challenge.
A pet trust, though, allows a benefactor to name a caretaker for a pet and a trustee who ensures the money is being spent appropriately.
Virginia has now joined 37 other states that have pet trust statutes.
Steve Ann Chambers, president of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said the laws are needed to protect the last wishes of pet owners. Chambers said if a human would contest the will, the money would go to the person while the animal would go to a shelter.
Fay Francisco has shared her Portsmouth home with her cat Poppy for 17 years. Francisco, who is in her 70s, now has a "pet trust" intended to make provisions for her pet once its caretakers are gone.
Sharon Adams, executive director of the Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said legislators are recognizing that pets are "members of the family."
But Adams estimated that at least 500 animals dropped off at the SPCA shelter in Virginia Beach each year arrive after their owners die. Many of the pets are older with health problems.
The new Virginia law lets one person be appointed to care for the pet and another put in charge of assuring the pet's money is used appropriately.
Estate lawyer Montgomery Knight Jr. said he had one Richmond client who left $2.5 million to a horse. Distant relatives objected and a judge reduced the horse inheritance to $150,000. Knight added that another client left $35,000 for the care of a goose.

Pets Need To Be In Disaster Plans, Congress Says

Pets Need To Be In Disaster Plans, Congress Says
POSTED: 11:45 am EDT September 21, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Congress called for emergency preparedness plans that include helping individuals and families with pets, under legislation sent Wednesday to President George W. Bush.
It was during Hurricane Katrina that people saw the images of anguished pet owners asked to abandon their animals to gain shelter or be rescued.
"It became evident during Hurricane Katrina, when asked to choose between abandoning their pets (and) their own personal safety, many pet owners chose to risk their lives and remain with their pets, and some of them perished," said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio Democrat who has two beagles and a cocker spaniel, said the bill is about "compassion and the recognition of the importance of compassion in the life of this nation."
The bill calls for state and local emergency preparedness plans to make provisions for families with pets and individuals with service animals.
It grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to help state and local governments develop emergency and evacuation plans that take pets and service animals into account.
It also authorizes some federal financial help for states establishing emergency shelters for people and their pets, and it permits FEMA to assist individuals with pets and service animals after a major disaster.
Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle said the change recognizes the fact that two-thirds of U.S. households have pets.
"The legislation reflects the reality that if you do not care for animals and recognize the human-animal bond, you're going to undermine the effectiveness of any disaster preparedness or response plan," he said.
The House passed the bill by voice vote. The Senate had passed it August.
"If we treat pets like family during our daily lives, we've got to treat them like family during emergencies," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., one of the sponsors of Senate's version of the bill. "Better emergency planning will mean more family members -- including the family pet -- will be able to get out of harm's way."

A Happy ending

Chicken Soup: Velcro Beau



When I first saw him, he looked worried. His furrowed brow and uncertain eyes gave his regal face a haunted look. I would come to know that this was a dog who was spooked by change until he got his bearings. And that day his world had been turned upside down.

The large German shepherd had been running away on a regular basis. He always showed up at a neighbor's house where they played with him and fed him - and eventually called his family, asking them to come and get him. Sometimes when the family showed up to retrieve him, they were rough with him. The neighbors noticed that the dog never seemed too excited about getting into their truck. And lately he hadn't been looking well. His coat was rough and he was losing weight.

One day, when they called the dog's family to report his whereabouts, the family said they weren't coming to get him. They'd had enough; the dog was on his own. Fortunately, the neighbors called a friend who was a volunteer at the shelter where I also volunteered as dog-intake coordinator and breed-rescue liaison. She took him home and then called me.

As I drove up to my friend's house, I saw her sitting on the porch with her children. The dog was sitting on the porch, too, but wasn't interacting with any of them. Instead, he was scanning the street and sidewalk with nervous eyes.

He was a stunning dog, in spite of his worried _expression, rough coat and emaciated frame. I was told he was a little over a year and a half, still a pup by German shepherd standards. He was very tall and would be an imposing creature once he filled out. I had never handled a dog his size and was intimidated at first. But, aside from being agitated at the strangeness of his surroundings, he seemed perfectly friendly and readily jumped into the back of my car.

My plan was to take him to the vet for an exam and then take him to the shelter or arrange for him to go to the nearest German shepherd rescue group. But first I thought I'd stop and show him to my husband, Larry, as he'd grown up with German shepherds and loved the breed. (Over the years, I'd heard many stories about his favorite dog, Marc; none of our rescued mutts could compare.)

When I opened the back door of the car and the shepherd leaped out, he immediately loped over to my husband. After a cursory sniff, he lost interest and began exploring the parking lot where we stood. We watched him, and I could tell Larry was impressed. He turned to me and said, "I want him."

I was surprised. We already had three dogs - an occupational hazard of volunteering at an animal shelter - and Larry often complained that the household dog population was too high. Plus, this dog was huge - it would be like adding two more dogs to our menagerie! But I didn't argue; I was pleased that Larry wanted a dog for himself.

So Beau joined our family. It wasn't easy at first.
He had physical problems that made it difficult for him to gain weight. He was too skinny, yet couldn't digest any fats. His digestion was, to put it mildly, finicky. All that was certainly difficult, but his behavioral problems were even more troubling.

To our dismay, we soon learned that Beau had been "reverse house-trained." He consistently messed in the house and then stood by the door, waiting to go outside. We figured out that his first family had not given him regular opportunities to visit the great outdoors.
Then, when he made the inevitable mess inside, they would get mad at him and throw him out the door. He was an intelligent dog and made the obvious connection: Go to the bathroom and then you get to go outside. We had quite a time convincing him it actually worked better the other way.

But what was worse was his utter lack of interest in people. He loved the other dogs, but had no use for the two-legged members of his new family. In my experience, German shepherds were just like that. I thought of them as "big, impersonal dogs," and didn't feel hurt by Beau's coldness. Not Larry. He was deeply disappointed by Beau's aloof disinterest. It was the antithesis of his experience with Marc, whose devotion to Larry had been the stuff of family legend.

Over time, Beau got the hang of being housebroken and established his place within our canine foursome. His physical problems also gradually cleared up, and he eventually tipped the scales at 108 pounds. He was such a handsome dog that people constantly stopped us in the street to comment on his beauty.

Sometimes when I would see him lying sphinxlike in a patch of sun or running in the fields near our house, my breath would catch. He resembled a lion or some other majestic wild animal - his physical presence was simply magical. But still, his heart remained shut. He had no love to give to us. And when he looked at us, there was no spark of joy in his eyes. The lights were on, but no one was home.

What could we do? We did our best to love him and hoped we might reach him someday.

Then one day about four months after we got him, I glanced at Beau and was startled to see that he was following Larry closely with his large brown eyes. He seemed to be studying him - learning what actions signaled a chance to go for a ride or presented the possibility of a walk, treat or a scratch behind the ears. It was as if he suddenly realized that people had things to offer him - things that might not be half bad.

His interest in all things Larry began to snowball.
Swiftly, it became Beau's mission to keep an eye on my husband at all times to make sure he didn't miss any opportunities for doggy fun or excitement.

Larry didn't let him down. He knew what big dogs liked to do and where they liked to be scratched. He threw balls and sticks and took Beau to interesting places. Beau soon started whining if Larry left him behind. And when Larry finally returned from those solo jaunts, Beau was beside himself with joy. The floodgates of Beau's love had opened. The dry disinterest fell away and his heart began to bloom.

Today we call him Velcro Beau, because he sticks so close to Larry's side. Every day when Beau wakes up, he stretches his long body luxuriously and then finds one of us to give him his morning rubdown. He lays his ears flat against his head and shyly pokes his large nose against an arm. This beautiful big dog, overflowing with affection, lets us know he is ready for some serious lovin'.

I am grateful that although he is clearly Larry's dog, he has included me in the circle of his love. Often, while rubbing his large chest, I lean over and touch my forehead to his. Then he lifts his paw, places it on my arm and sighs with pleasure. We stay that way for a while, just enjoying our connection.

When we finish, Beau jumps to his feet, his eyes sparkling and his large tail waving wildly. It's time to eat or play. Or go to work with Larry. Or have some other kind of wonderful fun.

To our delight, that skinny, worried dog has become an exuberant and devoted companion. Beau knows that life is good when you live with people you love.


~ author unknown ~

Choosing A Doggy Day Care

If you are going to enroll your dog or puppy in a day care service, it is recommended that you case out day cares with scrutiny the same way that you might scrutinize out a school for one o your kids. You should take a tour of each individual facility and ask a lot of pertinent questions each step along the way. You will of course only wish to place your dog into the hands of a facility that you trust. Here are a few tips:

1. Apart from searching online, ask other dog owners for referrals of places they have used and check with your local pet store, veterinarians and also your grooming parlor for references. You can also call the American Boarding Kennel Association for a list of their members.

2. Dog day cares should be clean with minimum odors. It is difficult to avoid at least some hint of a doggie smell, but avoid any putrid-smelling place.

3. Dogs should be well supervised. Note the dog-to-staff ratio to be certain that there are enough care givers to provide for proper supervision.

4. Make certain that each individual facility that you visit allows you to see exactly where your animal will be sleeping and eating. Stay clear of places that refuse to let you visit parts of the facility.

5. Get a feel for the staff. Are they knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating?

6. Does the place require proof of vaccinations and spay/neutering? If not, don't send your pet there.

7. All facilities must clean with agents that kill bacteria and virus, rinsing well afterwards.

8. All facilities must have a relationship with a local veterinarian so that if there is a problem, help is surely on the way. Ask the name of the veterinarian and make a phone call to the clinic, just to be sure.

9. Visit places without an appointment.

In addition, it should be noted that many pet spas are now giving parents the option of self-serve as well as full-serve pet grooming. We all know that getting our pets cleaned and groomed can be expensive and trying to do it yourself at home can get chaotic and messy. With self-serve pet spas, you have the best of both worlds. To top it all off, at a self-serve pet spa, you can make your mess and leave it all behind ... water and bubbles everywhere! The staff thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the stations after each client.

Whenever Your Cat Naps - Make Him Comfortable

Giving your pet his own snoozing area gives you the ability to take back all of the space in your house that he has taken over. You may even want to give him several places to call his own to keep him happy! You'll find a cat bed that fits your tastes, and your pets, because there are so many out there to choose from. You'll find a colorful cat bed in fun pet prints that will add a touch of whimsy to the room you put it in. You'll find designer brands to choose from as well. You can also choose based on how the bed feels too. Many cat beds have a pillows made of fleece to keep them warm. They are oval shaped and have high sides or they may be completely enclosed. Cats like to find a secure, warm spot to rest. For many, getting into the tight warm couch cushion seems like the ideal place. You will find that some beds you can choose from are heated as well. If the cat spends time on the porch or in other chilly areas, you may want to give him one of these heated beds to warm up with. Have you purchased a great bed for your cat but he's ignoring it? Don't be surprised at this. If he just doesn't seem interested, add a catnip toy to the bed to attract him to it. Make sure that you place it in a cat friendly location too which will help to make it appealing to him. Cats don't want to nap in low places so you may want to put the bed on an end table or platform that is just a bit off the ground. You'll need to keep it from being in the midst of heavy people traffic as well. He needs to be able to relax and sleep there or he won't want to be there. Does your cat shed? Place the nap mat where your cat normally sleeps and then store it when you have guests. The cushions that are under the mat will then be hair free. Some pets enjoy a perch. These are padded shelves that have become very popular. You can attach the cat perch to your windowsill so that the cat can look out the window at the birds or just bathe in the sun. More than one cat can means more than one bed as cats are territorial and don't like sharing their beds. You may be able to look for a kitty version of a play gym or a cat condo. These allow several cats to nap in elevated spots. And, the cat condo has areas where they can climb and sharpen claws. If your cat likes to nap on your couch cushions, giving him a bed is the ideal way to make him comfortable and provide him with a place other than your furniture to nap on!

Puggle: This "Designer Dog" Is All The Rage!

What in the world is a puggle? One fine day a pug was off gallivanting around when he came across a spirited little beagle, their eyes met and well.... the rest is history! Puggles are part of a new trend of "designer dogs"- like the schnoodle and the cockabiche. They are popping up in more places and are receiving more press, at the moment, than purebreds and are commanding prices that rival and even exceed the prices of their full-blooded compatriots. Fortunately, I purchased my puggle before their popularity soared. I originally wanted to buy a pug, but there were none available at the time, though a litter of puggles was. The pups were advertised at $250 each, less than 1/3 the price of a pug. That still seemed expensive to me, for what was essentially a mutt, or so I thought. A little background on the 2 breeds; Beagles are high-strung but also very sporty, while pugs are not very athletic, but have a calm, relaxing demeanor -- not yippy, overexcited, or insecure. Puggles do not generally howl like beagles and do not have the breathing problems that are often associated with the pug. Mix the 2 together and you have the best attributes of both. I was curious so I went and visited them. They, of course, were very cute and charming. Since I couldn't find a pug and really wanted a dog, I went ahead and purchased one, a cute little female... What a great decision that was! :) A puggle combines the strong physical attributes of the beagle with the even, mellow temperament of the pug, making for a calm small dog-- how rare is that? They have the wrinkled face of a pug while having the longer legs of a beagle. Puggles usually get to be 15-20lbs. as adults, are 12-15" high at the shoulder, are tan or brown with a black muzzle; earning them the well-deserved nickname of "miniature mastiffs". Purebred dog breeders naturally have problems with these crossbreeds as many have spent a great deal of time and money perfecting the bloodlines of their breed and don't like the attention these "mutts" are receiving. There is a widely held notion that these "mutts" are actually healthier than purebreds, which I have always believed. A cross between 2 breeds of any dog should eliminate genetic problems that may exist in either breed because 90% of genetic problems are recessive, meaning both parents must carry the abnormal gene. If you want a better chance of having health problems with your dog then buy a purebred! If you want a pet that is unique and healthy then buy a puggle, or go to the local shelter and adopt!

Cat Tails

Through the years we have raised lots of cats. Their main value is the fact that they accept your love without giving up their own personality. Many a sour mood has been transformed into a happier one in the presence of a cat. Once we had three cats at one time. Sassy was the loner, a one person cat, and that person was my 11 year old daughter, Yvonne. It didn't matter that we were the ones who fed her, let her in at night, and petted her. Sassy always made a bee line for Yvonne, slept on her bed all night and took any and all kinds of abuse (friendly) to be with her. Yvonne had a habit of flinging herself to the other side when sleeping. It was a funny sight to see Sassy flying through the air, claws gripping the blanket as Yvonne flipped over. Mocha boasted of being half Siamese. She was on the small side and would stay in my lap forever, keeping me company all evening. She was not too smart, but clean to fault. Except for a case of bad breath. I was often teased that she picked me to like. Gypsy, a tricolor 'lucky' cat was the good-matured slob. She ate too much, liked to spend her days in the street, never cleaned herself, and purred so loudly we had to throw her out of our bedroom so we could sleep. One day Gypsy was eating (she always had to be first), when _Mocha sauntered by, suddenly veering toward Gypsy's rear end. A good sniff with opened mouth and a facial sneer confirmed what we already knew, that Gypsy didn't smell too good. Before _Mocha left in disgust, she gave Gypsy a healthy swat on the behind, getting an angry hiss in return. Our efforts a giving Gypsy a bath had to be done quickly without giving her a clue as to what would happen. Even so, many a hall wallpaper was sprayed in the race to the bathtub. One year, a four foot snowstorm covered the house and patio from roof to ground with fifteen foot drifts. We were extremely worried when after three days, none of our beloved cats came home. The food we set out was untouched and not a meow answered our calls. On the fifth day, while gazing at the unbroken expanse of white, a black paw emerged from a drift near the house. All three cats were safe although slightly emaciated. After these gems passed away, we acquired a big-eyed tiger named Shatzie (Little treasure in German). She was the smartest cat of all, very independent, but loving all the same. She so abhorred walking on a leash that my efforts at walking her resulted in a sideways cat sliding on the grass. She always wanted to be with us in the room and hated to be by herself. If we ever tried to close the door to keep her out, she would simply jump up, turn the knob, and let herself in. She could perform this feat even if the door opened in! Now we have SassyII, a wonderful cat who attached herself to my wife, Marianne. Sassy follows her around all day, helping with the laundry, cleaning, etc. When Marianne is sleeping, Sassy is by the side of her second choice with one ear bent toward the computer keys. The only bad habit she has is biting. These are love bites while playing, but they can hurt! Someday I'm gonna bite her back.

Cats On A Leash

Can you train your cat to take walks with you on a leash outside just like a dog? Yes you can! Training cats however is a whole different ball game from training dogs. With some Patience and persistence, however, you may have your finicky feline outdoors on a leash in no time. The best time to start training is when your cat is a kitten; at this stage the cat doesn't have any programmed behaviors so you can try to mold him to what you want him to do. An older cat may be a bit more set in his ways and might require added patience for leash training. One thing you will want to do is search out the leash that will be suitable for both you and your cat. There are many different leashes on the market to day. Some are retract able with a setting on the holder to be able to allow just enough leash out for the cat. On the other hand, you can just let the cat have as much as they would like. This is nice for walking and for letting the cat to play, with control that they do not run off or get in to much trouble. Standard leashes are about 5 or 6 feet which should be fine. You want to get a leash that is lightweight - not one for a dog. Too much weight in the leash will make the cat uncomfortable and he won't want to go for walks. Another item that you will need to consider is a harness or collar for the cat. A harness is the best for a cat. With purchasing a collar you will want to make it very narrow one and light. When looking for a collar keep in mind that you don't want it too tight on the cat, but not too loose either as you don't want him to slip his head out. Cat's won't respond well to jerking their collar so a harness is really best and should be loose and comfortable for the cat. Once you get the leash, collar, or harness, you will want to introduce the cat to the item by playing with him. This allows the cat to get use to it and put its scent on these items. Next you want to try to put the harness or collar on the cat. Put it on as loose as you can get it, just place it him and depending on his reaction you can leave it on for a short time or if the cat does not want anything to do with it, then you might have to revert back to the "playing" stage. This step is very important, if you force the cat to wear the harness, they are not going to be happy at all with the harness or with you. Take your time with all the steps. After the cat is wearing the harness loose, then it is the time to tighten the harness up until it is the right fit for the cat. At this point, you will want to give the cat time to wear the harness. Next attach the leash. Remember first to have the cat play with the leash. Put the leash on and get the cat use to having it on. Then you will want to start walking the cat inside, until the cat is doing well. Once the cat is comfortable with the leash then it is time to go outside for a walk. When walking with the cat make sure there is not too much loose leash or they will be running in all random directions. There are many distractions for a cat outdoors - birds, squirrels and the neighbors pets might cause your cat to want to run around, but you must keep a tight leash so that your cat walks with you and is not dragging you all over the place.

Dog Owner's Prayer

O Lord don't let me once forget
how I love my trusty pet.

Help me learn to disregard
canine craters in my yard.

Show me how to be a buddy
even when my sofa's muddy.

Don't allow my pooch to munch
postal carriers for lunch.

Shield my neighbor's cat from view—
guide my steps around the doo.

Train me not to curse and scowl
when it's puppy's night to howl.

Grant I shan't awake in fear
with a cold nose in my ear.

Give me patience without end—
Help me be 'A Dog's Best Friend'!

- Author Unknown

THE PASTOR'S CAT

This particular story just made me laugh. Every time I think about it, the vision of that poor cat just amuses me. Hope the story leaves a bright spot in your day. Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense of humor?

Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.
the kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and drove away so that the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.

That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke. The tree went "boing!" and the kitten instantly sailed through the air-out of sight.

The pastor felt terrible... He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, "Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping," and went on about his business.

A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, "Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?"

She replied, "You won't believe this," and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, "Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it."

She told the pastor, "I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her."

Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.

Don't dump your Christmas gift pet please

Don’t dump your Christmas gift please
Danielle Moore enjoys living a quiet life on a country road near Lorena, but she remembers well the day last fall when she heard a truck backfire as it barreled down Spring Valley Road.
Moore marched out her front door to see what had caused the commotion. As the truck passed her property, she saw a large yellow Labrador running as fast as possible to catch up to its owner, who had dumped the critter on the rural country road.
Moore became the reluctant hostess to 13 animals – eight dogs, three cats and two ducks – dumped near her property last year, and with Christmas now over; she said she fears the seasonal dumping of pets that were once gifts will bring even more furry critters to her property.
“People dump these dogs, and they think that someone like me finds them immediately,” she said. “But, those dogs run after their owners' cars, sometimes for miles, and then they get scared and hide. ... By the time I find them and can catch them, they're scared to death and starved. This is not the place to drop a dog.”
Moore is one of many hosts to unwanted pets dumped near her property, said Brandy Matus, a veterinary technician who works with those good Samaritans to find homes for the animals and to get them spayed, neutered or vaccinated. Since she began taking in strays, Matus herself has sheltered or found homes for about 30 animals from her West home.
The inexpensive shots and services offered by various animal hospitals have been a big help, Moore said, but those expenses add up.
Moore, who with her husband converted an old barn on her property to shelter the animals, asks that those who adopt the critters she finds near her property pay what they can afford to help offset the costs of shots and spay or neuter fees.
Matus said to get an animal spayed or neutered at a veterinary clinic can cost anywhere from $40 for a cat to up to $60 for a dog. But getting the animals spayed or neutered can prevent further dumping of unwanted pets, she said. The alternative is paying a fee to surrender them to a local shelter.
Fuzzy Friends Rescue accepts animals for a fee ranging from $35 up to $75 but asks that people call before taking an animal to the shelter.
The Waco Humane Society requests a minimum $25 donation to surrender an animal, said medical director Connie Brunson. However, she noted that the donation barely covers the costs for caring for a dog for one day.
Immediately after Christmas, she said, the shelter saw a “surge of dumped puppies” which she speculated were leftovers from litters that weren't sold out in time for Christmas gift-giving.
“We try to do the best we can to try to adopt them out, because there are still people looking for puppies after the first of the year,” Brunson said. “We also give out coupons for getting the pets spayed or neutered before they have another litter. The shelter is a whole lot more than just scooping poop and throwing out some dog food.”

Dogs, Cats and Other People - Natural Born Beggars

Dear Uncle Matty: What is your stance on sharing food with your dog? I recently read an article about the positive bonding effect there can be from sharing food with your dog (as long as the food is safe for your dog to eat). Is there any value to this? If so, is there a right way to do this so that you don't turn your dog into a whining machine every time you eat something he wants (which is basically everything you eat)? My belief has always been that you never share your food with your dog because most human food is too rich and some human food is toxic and even lethal for dogs. -- Lisa C., West Palm Beach, Fla. Dear Lisa: The best way to do this is NOT to do it! Dogs are natural born beggars when it comes to food and will usually woof down anything eatable whether it is good for them or not. Cats are more discriminating -- they take more time to decide whether or not the food being offered is a good idea, and they are less likely to consume people food. Sharing your food with your animal is not a healthy approach to caring for your pet. People food is likely to give pets indigestion, cause diarrhea, and create an overweight condition. People food tends to have too much salt and/or sugar, and both of these in people quantities are unhealthy for pets. Dogs are dogs. Cats are cats. And both species need diets that are nutritionally appropriate for the species and for the individual needs of each pet. And what's with the "bonding" thing? That's like saying your dog will feel closer to you if you wear matching sweatshirts. It's ridiculous. Wear matching sweatshirts if it makes you happy. Your dog couldn't care less. He make like the attention he gets when you put on the sweatshirt and "ahhh" and "coo" over his appearance, but you can "ahhh" and "coo" without the shirt. Bonding by sharing food? What was the author of that article thinking? If you insist, get down on all fours and dig into the kibble or some fancy kitty feast. Slurp a refreshing drink by sharing the water dish. If your dog is possessive over his food, you may have a problem. I doubt that your cat will want to share any part of the experience. And yes, Lisa, sharing food at the table will most likely turn your dog into an annoying, impossible, whining beggar. This bonding idea is more of the current trend to humanize pets and treat them as people. This takes life with Fido to the extreme and the ridiculous. Dogs are happy being dogs. Cats are happy being cats, and they are happier if you make it a point to understand their behavior. Don't try to turn them into little four-legged people. Look at your dog from the dog's point of view. Consider your pets' health if you really care. Provide a diet that offers the best nutrition for your animals' species, age and weight. Feed your pets before your mealtime, and don't allow them to beg while you are eating. Bond with your pet through the training experience, daily walks, providing moments of undivided attention, kind words and loving strokes, playtime, rides in the car (if your pet enjoys excursions), a healthy diet, and good health care. Woof!

Training Your Dog to Use a Collar

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the dog. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders. This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training - the so called leash/collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement. Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding. Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone who style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog. Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training. In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective. In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training. When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training - the leash. It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand. Even when the only tools at hand are the owner's body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.

Cat Fleas, How to Detect and Control Them

There are more than 2,000 species of fleas around us. Out of these, the most common one is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. The cat adult fleas, unlike many other fleas, remain on the host. Though it exists worldwide, it is most commonly found in the United States. Cat fleas are commonly found on both cats and dogs. In order to reproduce, cat flea’s needs fresh blood. They lay eggs at the rate of one egg per hour. Their life cycle consists of four stages of metamorphosis, namely egg, larval, pupa and adult. Depending on external environmental factors like temperature and humidity, this cycle lasts 30 to 75 days. The most common problem occurring due to flea bites is flea allergy dermatitis, the severity of which depends upon the sensitivity of the host. Pet owners in the United States spend millions of dollars each year on flea allergy remedies. Cat fleas often carry infection too, and are feared to be capable of carrying plague and typhus. They also serve as the intermediate host to the dog tapeworm, an intestinal parasite, which gets transmitted to the pest when the flea carrying the tapeworm cyst is ingested. The only possible way to detect fleas is to observe the behavior of your pets. Early detection of the fleas enables you to control them and minimize the suffering that can be caused to you and your pets by allergies or more serious infections transmitted by them. The most important way to control the breeding of fleas is to take proper care of sanitation of your indoor and outdoor premises. Ensuring proper care of pets by washing and shampooing them regularly is also another important factor. There are varieties of shampoos available in the market for pets, which contain pesticides, and are helpful in eradication of fleas. Only by being conscious of cleanliness can we rid ourselves of the annoyance and hazards spread by cat fleas: by preventing them from breeding in and around our homes and pets. http://www.fleas-web.com/
provides detailed information about fleas defined, cat fleas, dog fleas, flea bites and more.

Spay/Neuter Your Pet

Responsible pet owners have their pets altered within 6 months of being born. This is the law in Michigan and is spelled out in our adoption contract. You will be given a date (usually 16-20 weeks of age depending on the veterinarian used) to have this procedure performed. You will have a refund check sent to you which you pay when you adopt the animal. This has a beneficial effect for both owner and pet. This has a long range health benefit also-tumors don't develop and cancer risks are reduced.

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

They are less inclined to roam or fight.
They are generally more affectionate.
Male cats tend to stop spraying.
Dog license fees are 1/2 the cost.
Spayed/neutered pets do not get fat and lazy.
Spaying and neutering can be done as early as four months of age.
Your female pet can be spayed while in heat or pregnant.
Your female dog or cat does not need to have "just one litter."

Spay/Neuter General Information

Spaying (ovario-hysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes) of the female animal. Neutering (orchectomy or castration) is the surgical removal of the reproductive glands (testes) of the male animal. The outer is left, only the testes are removed. Appearance depends upon the dog's age at the time of the surgery.

Females and males should be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. Currently some clinics are performing surgeries on animals as young as 8 weeks of age. As this procedure becomes more common, perhaps it will be available in this area. Older animals can be done as long as they are in good health. All sterilization surgery is performed under general anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian.

Female dogs and cats can be spayed when in heat or pregnant. This can usually be done up until a few days before delivery. These surgeries can take longer, and can therefore cost more. Spaying before having a first litter or heat cycle is usually a simpler procedure.

The heat cycle for dogs is once or twice a year starting as early as 6 months of age. Duration is 3 weeks. Heat cycles in cats start as early as 6 months and occur every 3-4 weeks during spring through early fall. The gestation period for both dogs and cats is 63 days. Female cats can become pregnant again as soon as 10 days after giving birth (while still nursing the first litter).

Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Spayed animals no longer feel the need to roam to look for a mate. The result is that they stay home and have less chance of being involved in traumatic accidents such as being hit by a car. They also have a much lower incidence of contracting contagious diseases, and get into fewer fights.

In males, neutering decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease and hernias, and eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer. It also reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression, inappropriate urination (spraying) and other undesirable male behaviors.

In Females, spaying decreases the incidence of breast cancer (the rate goes down to almost zero if the spaying is done before the first heat cycle!). It eliminates the chance of developing a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus experienced by many mature unspayed animals (pyometra). Spay surgery also eliminates the heat cycle and associated mood swings and undesirable behaviors, messy spotting (in dogs) and the attraction of all available males to your yard.

The simple fact is that spaying and neutering greatly increases the lifespan of your pet and increases quality of life as well!