pets

Knowing what to do for a pet in an emergency can make  a big difference.  For example, applying a splint may seem easy, but done incorrectly, it could do more harm than good.  Learn the basics for pet first aid so you can help your four-legged friend in need.

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Taking care of your furry friend makes for a great relationship with a faithful companion.  Taking care of your favorite public radio station makes for great listening.  If only a few people do it, it can be expensive, but if a lot of us do it, it will be healthy  -and affordable!

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So much of what we enjoy about the Easter celebration can mean trouble for our best friends.  Almost everything in the Easter basket should be kept away from our pets, and much of the food on our table, including anything with grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, avocados.  Uncooked breads containing yeast also should be kept away from an animal that likes to sneak a taste or two.   Enjoy the holiday, but remember to keep your furry buddy safe to help celebrate all year long.

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Our cat, Sasha, benefited from the expertise of a veterinary specialist who performed major surgery to remove many kidney stones.  Today she is doing just fine, thanks to a wonderful team of doctors - her local veterinarian who diagnosed the problem and the specialist who did such a great job with her surgery.

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Knowing the history of a pet's breed and the purpose for which it was originally bred can help you appreciate the animal.  The Kerry Blue Terrier was originally bred to hunt rabbits and foxes; it would also herd cattle and sheep.  It is a hardy, devoted and playful friend.

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We are fortunate to have a friend who takes care of our furry friends when we are away.  It's really a personal choice but if she were not available, I would probably consider hiring an experienced pet sitter.

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In 1877, representatives from 27 humane organizations met in Cleveland, Ohio and started what would become the American Humane Association.  Go online to AmericanHumane.org and look at the history tab to see a year-by-year list of their accomplishments and activities!  It is a vivid picture of how the humane movement has evolved over the years!

Spaying and neutering saves lives.  With fewer puppies and kittens being born and crowding the shelters, a homeless pet will have a better opportunity to find a new home and a caring owner!

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Poor dental health for your pet can lead to gingivitis or periodontal disease, common dental issues for your best friend.  It is estimated that most pets show signs of periodontal disease as early as three years old.  Regular checkups and good dental care can help to insure that your pet stays healthy, and keep you both smiling,

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If you are concerned for your pet's safety, do not put its name on the collar or ID tag.  An animal may be more receptive and willing to go with a stranger that knows its name.  And remember - unattended means unsafe when it comes to your best friend.

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With the flu season being especially difficult for humans this year, concern is growing about the threat of dog flu.  Yes, dogs have their own strain of flu, not contagious to humans but very easily spread to other dogs and even to cats.  The advice is the same for your dog as it is for you - get the flu shot.

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This is Gypsy.  If you look closely, you will see her "tipped" left ear.  The tip was surgically removed to indicate she has already been spayed, to alert anyone who might find her, to prevent unnecessary surgery in the future.  

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Shelter workers and rescue groups make a major difference for animals every day.  Folks who make contributions  or volunteer allow them to continue helping pets.  Pitch in today to change the life of pets - you may find your own life has changed for the better, too!

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Most cats love to play, and it doesn't require a lot of expensive toys.  A piece of string might do nicely.  For dogs, all you need is a leash to take your four-footed friend for a nice walk, or a ball to throw and chase.  What matters is doing something you both enjoy - together!

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Prissy was an American Snowshoe cat, a breed based on a cross with a Siamese cat.  You see the seal point markings and white feet, both of which are specific to her breed.  She had at least two owners who loved her - one advertised to find her a new home, and one gave her a chance to live out her life as a loved pet.

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The end of every year gives us a chance to consider what went right or wrong in the past, and how we might do better for ourselves and our furry companions going forward.  It's a great opportunity to hit the reset button and try to make the coming year a better one for all!

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Lacey, our little Calico cat, showed up at our house just before Christmas several years ago.  It was cold, and she was so grateful to come inside and get warm that she fell asleep in my lap - a stranger's lap, no less.  She is our reminder that Christmas is a time for sharing and caring!

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Traditions are an important part of life, but keeping our best friends safe is a vital part of preparation for any celebration.  You can still enjoy the holidays and observances and make small adjustments to protect the furry members of the family.

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Adopting a pet at Christmas gives both pet and new owner a special gift that keeps giving all year long.  If you have room in your life for a new four-footed buddy, adopt one today and share Christmas with your best friend!

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Giving our pet a treat pleases us as owners.  How devastating it must be to give your dog a chew bone treat to be enjoyed, and find out that special treat made your furry buddy sick or even endangered its life.  It's up to us to keep our best friends safe!

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Keeping your pet safe during the holidays begins with choosing decorations carefully, and making sure you don't create an environment that will tempt your furry friend to get into trouble.  Remember, Santa may be watching!

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Thanksgiving is a holiday that centers around eating, but a lot of the food we enjoy can pose health risks for our furry friends.  Protecting your pet from some of the common food hazards can help to keep you at home enjoying family, friends and football, and not making an emergency trip to the veterinarian!

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Until we are able to control the pet overpopulation problem, we will have a need for animal shelters, and for the dedicated people who work or volunteer there.  

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Dogs tend to show their age because their muzzles go gray.  It's harder to tell with cats.  A cat may never go gray (unless that's its original color, like Sasha here) but its fur may thin out and it may move a little slower as it ages.  But older pets make the best companions!

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As the Hallmark Channel says, the Hero Dog Awards "is a moving celebration of our four-legged friends and the innumerable ways they enrich protect and save lives every day...often ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things."  

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When talking to your dog, it's not just what you say but how you say it.  Using praising words in an upbeat, positive tone of voice, activates your furry friend's pleasure center.  What a great thing to do for your best friend!

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October is Adopt-A-Dog Month, the perfect time to find a new companion to keep you company.  You'll be a hero to your new friend by saving its life and giving it a loving home.  You may not change the world, but it can make a world of difference for one dog.

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The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have an amazing sense to know when someone is hurting.  People sense the dog's gentle spirit and find unconditional acceptance and peace when they are hurting or grieving.   There is something so therapeutic about hugging a dog.

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Gypsy's tortoiseshell coloring helps her blend in to her surroundings.   She is one of the fortunate ones that was probably a stray and managed to figure out how to get along on her own - with the help of a few friends.  Never abandon your pet in hopes that it can survive in the wild.

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One lesson learned  in Hurricane Katrina is that failure to include pets in a disaster plan endangers not only the pets, but also the pet owners, and even first responders who try to rescue them .  Be a  responsible pet owner and plan to keep both you and your best friend safe, no matter what blows your way.

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