Make Sure You Have a Pet For Your Life

The Rat's Nest: FRIDAY FUNNIES RETURNS!!!!!

2009-04-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Rat's Nest: FRIDAY FUNNIES RETURNS!!!!!

My Entire Pet's Family Picture

2009-04-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is their name begin left top:
1. Oxa (Shahshya) and Emen
2. Emen and Mimmy
3. Lilly, Filly and Milly
4. Emen
5. Browndit
6. Blackit
7. Oxy ( Shiosy)
8. Freeway
9. Alfonsho ( aponx )
10. Oxa.

My Aquarium Pet Picture:

Oxy With 11 Hamster in their cage!

Why Choosing the Right Dog Breed is Important

2009-04-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Getting a dog is a long term commitment. Depending on the breed, a dog can expect to live between ten and fifteen years, with some making it to even older ages. Imagine how long that time would feel if you are stuck with the wrong type of dog! Even worse, if you do find yourself with a dog that does not fit in with your life, would you take him down to the shelter, knowing that he would probably end up being put to sleep? A dog is just about the only family addition that you can make where you can take some time to truly consider all aspects before leaping in with both feet.

There are several things that you must consider before going out to look for your new pet. First, how much space is in your home? Are you already tripping over each other? If you said yes, then by all means skip the labs, the mastiffs and the Saint Bernard's. Do you have a big house and a big yard? Then by all means feel free to look at the dogs that could double as ponies.

Next, consider your family makeup. Do you have any young children in your family? If so, then skip the dainty, yappy dogs that tend to be high strung and frankly tend to bite. Any dog that looks like it would need more accessories than your teen daughter to be happy should be a no if there are toddlers or young children around. Also, if you are a fairly busy and active family, these dogs, including the poodle, the Pomeranian and Shih Tzu should be a no, as they require lots of grooming and will need to be clipped frequently. Dogs for families with young children should be sturdy, well mannered or easily trained and less likely to bite. These include the pug or the puggle, the golden retriever, and the cocker spaniel.

Also, consider your family's activity level and favorite hobbies. Do you like to spend the day at the river or lake, fishing and swimming? Consider a water breed that would be happy joining in with your fun. These would include the labs, and spaniel breeds which come in a variety of colors and sizes. With adequate exercise and training, either breed would be a good family addition, but if they are allowed to become bored, might be destructive.

And finally, consider a blend of the best breeds- the mutt. Many of the best dogs are not purebred at all, and rescuing a Heinz 57 from a dog shelter is more rewarding than all of the pedigrees in the world.

Exotic Pet Safety

2009-04-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Having an exotic pet can be very satisfying but it is definitely not without its risks. As a responsible pet owner, you have an obligation to not only your family's safety, but the safety of the pet and the community as well. One of the first steps to successful exotic pet ownership is knowledge; knowing what the temperament and habits of your exotic can help you take the necessary precautions to keep everyone out of harms way.

First: handling your exotic pet. Some of the exotics are easier to tame and handle than others. If yours is truly not amenable to being touched or carried, then you must respect that. The only way for the animal to communicate this is sometimes with a painful bite; so if your pet is struggling and trying desperately to get away, do not pick him up! Remember, some exotic pets may be more dangerous than others, as some are poisonous or harbor dangerous germs that can make you very ill. Exotics can also be very unpredictable, so there may not be any actual warning signs given before a strike. Be especially cautious when allowing younger children to handle your exotics, a child may inadvertently squeeze or scare your pet, or may panic and release him.

Be sure that your exotic pet's cage is escape proof. There is nothing worse than trying to recapture a creepy crawly or a slimy slitherer- snakes just do not come when called! Rats and other rodent exotics are very adept at escape, and can be very destructive when out of their own habitat, so careful monitoring of their cage is necessary. One very smart hamster managed to pull a neighboring curtain through the bars of his cage and then use the material to shimmy to the top of the cage, and out the top, never to be seen again. Watch for any signs of escape and thwart the attempt!

Always make sure that handling is done when everyone is calm and focused. A brief interaction in the evening is fine, holding the pet mouse during a child's birthday party is not. Again, monitor the pet and the pet holder for the first sign of problems and end the interaction immediately. Do not allow the pet to be taken out of its cage or habitat if there is someone who professes they afraid of your pet. Terrence the tarantula should not be invited out of his home if Aunt Tilly has arachnophobia! Wait until Auntie goes home to play with the big hairy spider.

Finally, after you are done handling your exotic, make sure that you and your children thoroughly wash your hands. No matter how you feel about your pet, they can harbor germs in their fur or on their skin. Do not allow anyone to eat while handling an exotic pet, and make sure that your exotic does not get any human food- some items can be highly toxic for some species.

Best Pets for Children

2009-04-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

The jury is out on what constitutes the "best" pet for children. On one side of the fence are those who say that it is the independent cat; perfectly happy to allow themselves to be observed from a safe distance, and occasionally deigning to allow a small sticky hand to give them a pat. On the other side of the pet fence are the dog lovers, who claim that no childhood is truly complete without the lapping tongue of a four-legged pal. Of course, there are those people who suggest that the best pet is no pet at all, but let's ignore those people, shall we?

For apartment dwelling children, smaller pets are the best, and are, often times, the only choice. Fish are beautiful and relaxing to watch, but do not really give the whole pet experience. Small birds can be trained to sit on a gentle finger, but are susceptible to colds and drafts and are messy beyond belief, something you might consider if you are a true neatnik. The rodent family offers many different types of options, some better choices than others. Rats are smart, if you can get past the fact that they are, well, rats. They can also be surprisingly affectionate and are rather easy to care for. Not ready to swallow your loathing of rats? Guinea pigs are another option to consider- less rat-like, the sweet natured guinea pig can be a really great first pet for most children to start with. The only thing to remember about them is the need for daily vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

If space is not a consideration and the entire family is in agreement, then a dog is a good choice as well. Remember that there are many factors to consider when choosing a dog breed, but there are several that will fit in with virtually any family. These include the gentle pug, the intelligent beagle and the ever-popular Golden Retriever. Of course, all families are encouraged to check their local shelter for their new family member first.

And, in the interest of fairness, there is the cat. Often given a bad rap for being too aloof, the cat is a very good pet, especially for those families that are involved in lots of activities. Properly fed, a cat will not really pout and mope if he is left for long periods of time- he will content himself to curl up on your bed until you get home. No matter what pet the family chooses, make sure it is a safe, loving choice for everyone, including the child that will bond with it stronger than anyone else in the household.

The Rules of Pet Adoption

2009-04-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Adopting a pet can be a very socially responsible, fulfilling way to add to your family. Shelters are filled beyond capacity with dogs, cats and other small animals that patiently await their forever homes. But, while doing this can be a supreme act of love, there are some rules and guidelines that you should be aware of before visiting the first shelter. Those rules are:

Before the visit:
1. Make sure that everyone is in agreement about the kind of pet that you are looking for. This should include the breed, size and sex of the pet. Discuss this thoroughly with your children and make sure that they understand that any sign of dissent will equal an end to the trip immediately.
2. Make sure that everyone in the family is aware of proper animal safety rules. Do they know how to approach an animal correctly? Is there any chance at all that anyone will be frightened? A frightened child might equal a frightened pet-which could mean trouble.
3. Finally, make sure that everyone knows what to expect- that there will be a lot of animals, and that while it is sad that they are there, you can only take one. Also, find out the shelter's policies on the actual adoption- will you fill out forms and wait for approval, or will you be able to take your pet home that night?

While at the shelter:
1. Remind children of the rules and make sure that they are within arm's reach of you at all times.
2. Walk through and do a quick scan, narrowing the family's selections down to a few and then returning for a closer inspection.
3. Ask questions of the shelter staff, including known health history, behavior, and any other key facts that they might have.
4. Visit with the selected pet if that is allowed, watching the interaction between him and the family members.

After the visit:
1. Come home to allow everyone to discuss his or her feelings about the pet in question. Did they like him, or did they think that there might be a better pet out there somewhere?
2. Call the shelter staff and update them on your family's decision. If you have decided to adopt, fill out necessary forms if you have not already, and pay any fees. If you have decided against adoption, then tell the shelter staff any reasons that you might have- so that they can keep your input in mind when showing the pet to the next family.

Adopting a pet should be rewarding, and it will be as long as everyone knows what to expect from the very start.

Why Adopt a Pet?

2009-04-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons for people to get pets. Some get a companion so that they do not feel lonely. Some get a jogging partner or walking mate to help them lose weight. Some find themselves getting a pet for a sense of security. No matter why they choose to get a pet, people should be encouraged to begin their search at the local shelter. Adopting a pet is not only less expensive than buying from the pet stores, it can be a socially and emotionally rewarding way to find your next best friend.

Shelters all over the country are filled beyond capacity with a frightening number of pets being euthanized each day. While it is true that each purebred breed has its own fan club, there is an awful lot to be said for the pound puppies as well. Do not let a less than pedigreed pooch put you off, there is no certification for true love.

The best adoption shelters in the country will put each pet and potential pet owner through rigorous examinations before allowing you to bring your choice home, a fact that may put a shelter dog ahead of others in safety. Do you really know what the aggression factor is with that purebred? I bet they can tell you the answer to that question at the shelter. They not only check for health risks, but social skills as well. Pets that show any sign of fear, aggression or other potential problems will be labeled as un-adoptable and kept in the shelter. Others will find themselves looking for and hopefully finding their new forever home.

In the end, it if it does not matter where you find your best friend, why not start at the shelter? Find the nearest shelter and start your search there. Not finding the right breed or the right size dog? Leave your name and number with staff, along with a brief description of what you would like to find and they will probably come through fairly quickly. Don't get hung up on designer dogs and expensive pet stores. Do not buy a puppy from a breeder that you are not familiar with, because who will you complain to if there is a problem? And never buy a pet from a suspected puppy mill or any company that might deal with the mills and unscrupulous breeders. Adopting a pet from a shelter will save its life, and hopefully, the shelter pet will steal your heart in the process!

Advantages of Training Your Cat

2009-04-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Despite all of the stereotypes, kitties are not completely self-sufficient creatures. They still need their human families to feed and water them, and to protect them from the elements. And, despite all of their protests against it, kitties need their humans to love them. Adopting a cat can be a very rewarding feeling, as well as a major challenge at times. We want our family life to be calm and warm, not frantic and frustrating, so we need all of the members, including the furry ones, to be at their best behavior. Training your cat can ensure that you have a gentle, loving pet that does not eat your furniture and pee in your houseplants. Training your cat does not only protect it from potential dangers, but keeps your belongings safe from destruction as well.

Cats claw, scratch, bite and chew for many reasons. If they are doing these things to food items or their cat toys, that is great, but many times they will find something else. Cats that chew on the new divan or the electrical cords are not only destroying property, they are also potentially put their own lives in danger. Young cats will mouth or chew on things for the same reasons that puppies and human babies do- they are exploring their world, as well as teething. Give them substitutes and reward them for chewing on the right items. If an older cat has suddenly developed a urge to gnaw on things other than food or usual toys, then consider whether he is bored, or if it is possible that he has a nutritional deficiency.

Poorly trained kitties will often start using the entire house as their personal litter box. If you have ever walked in the house when the litter box needs to be changed, you know how disgusting that can truly be. If your cat is using items like your bed or favorite chair to potty on, he might be sending you a message. Does he loathe the new litter you bought? Did you move his litter box? Or, have you started spending too much time with that guy in 2A that stomps his feet at kitty when you are not in the room? Although most cats will train well to the box and never have issues, some are more stubborn and this behavior can often be the deal breaker for many families.

A well-trained cat will charm and amuse your guests when they come to your home. He will make your days seem warmer and brighter. Because he knows what is expected of him, he will not have as much anxiety, leading to a calmer more easily controlled cat. Calmer cats are more affectionate because they are not nervous or high-strung. Training your cat allows him to focus on good behaviors and the things that make a cat's life a good one; napping, eating and stalking dust motes in the sunny patch by the window.

What to Know Before Adopting a Pet

2009-04-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Before getting a pet, no matter where you get it from, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, and foremost, make sure that your entire family is ready, willing and able to care for a pet. Make sure that there is total agreement about the type of pet that you will be seeking. And, make sure that everyone knows what type of pet is absolutely not allowable for any reason!
If you are a first time pet owner, make sure that you understand what that means, exactly. Do you know the basic needs of the pet that you have in mind? Do you know the approximate expense involved? Adopting a pet means adopting an entire lifestyle as well, so do some research on the various breeds of pets to make the best choice for you and your family. If there is any possibility of allergies with your family members, then by all means visit shelters and pet shops and watch for reactions before making the leap. Also, consider taking your children to areas where they might interact with different animals and watch how they behave. Some children are just not big animal lovers, and they should never be forced to pet or talk to one, especially if they are afraid. A fearful child may make a dog or cat apprehensive enough to bite.
Where you live will determine the size or type of the pet that you should look at adopting. If you are an apartment dweller, your lease may not allow any pets at all, or may restrict you to certain small, caged pets. Small homes and small yards will rule out larger breed dogs who need lots of room to roam and stretch out their big legs. Some toy breed dogs are not appropriate with younger children- they tend to be hyper, delicate and will nip at the drop of a hat. Make sure that you ask lots of questions during the adoption process- if you do not know what to expect of a certain breed, make sure to do the research, ask the questions or look for another pet option.
Again, before even going to the shelter to adopt a pet, know what you would like to find, and what you do not want to bring home. Make sure that everyone knows from the start of the process what your intentions are- including the shelter staff. Do not let an overzealous worker talk you into a pet that is not really right for you or your family. This is a serious commitment, and not one that should be taken lightly.
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What Dog Breed Fits Your Lifestyle?

2009-04-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

If you are a hands-on, sporty type person, then a dainty lap dog might not be the right choice for you. Likewise, a rambunctious, energetic hound dog is not going to be a happy pup just sitting quietly at your feet while you knit. Finding the right dog breed for your lifestyle will not only ensure your own happiness, but the dog's as well. He will become part of your family, after all, and you want him to be the right fit.
All puppies are cute; little roly-poly creatures that fall over themselves and snuggle with you when they are tired. But, just like your babies grew up to be defiant, mouthy teens, a puppy will grow to be a poorly trained adolescent dogs if they are not dealt with properly. Although good training is necessary, it is not the only consideration. Moving a mastiff into a two-bedroom bungalow is not going to work out, for you or for the dog, and a teacup poodle may feel overwhelmed in a large, expansive mansion. Keep in mind what size your puppy your dog will grow up to be, and by pass the ones that are not realistic for your home, no matter how cute the big sweeties can be.
Consider your family make up and lifestyle before you start looking at pets. If you have a newborn child, it might not be the best time to consider getting a new puppy- you are busy enough and might not have the right amount of time to properly train your four-legged addition. An improperly trained puppy may turn into a poorly behaved, bigger dog, so wait until you have more time to devote to him and the energy to keep up with it. The fallacy that the dog and baby should grow up together is a very dangerous one to buy into. Do you want a gentle dog that is sturdy enough to be handled by inquisitive little hands without knocking your toddler down? Consider a pug, one of the gentlest and most forgiving of the dog breeds. But, for safety sake, never trust the loving nature of any dog over your own vigilance.
Need a jogging or walking partner? Consider an upbeat, energetic breed like the small, Jack Russell terrier or the larger labs. Want a cuddle buddy instead? Then a sweet natured, compact Scotty is a good choice for the small dog lover and the golden retriever is the star standard for those who prefer the big dogs to love. (Goldens are also great all around for being gentle with children, and walking partners. As long as you call them sweetie pie or big wuvvie, a golden will do just about anything you ask.) Choose wisely, a dog will be part of your family for a very long time and a part of your heart for even longer.
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