Cattle

Posts Tagged ‘gift’

The history of the Shih Tzu dog breed spans more than hundreds of years and finds it very beginnings in China. Today, the dogs are still trusted companions of millions of families with young children because of the same reasons they were once the favored canine choice of imperial ladies-in-waiting and royalty.

It is believed that the origins of Shih Tzus go back nearly 3,000 years when the country of Tibet gifted the dogs to the Imperial palace of China. There are many historical reports that talk about “under table” dogs who ate up the scraps and kept their keepers (usually eunuchs who oversaw many of the Imperial household functions) of anything or anyone approaching the castle.

The appearance of Shih Tzus resembles that of a lion, which also suggests they hailed from further west. Today, the breed of Shih Tzus is also known largely due to the efforts of the last Imperial Empress of China. For some 50 years, until the early part of the 20th century, she ruled the vast empire which was comparable to the modern China of today.

During this time, the Empress also enacted a breeding program to create the perfect lineage of Shih Tzus, Pugs and Pekinese as well. Detailed accounts that been maintained for many years, contain vivid descriptions and breeding notations. Though it is believed that some of the eunuchs who actually physically cared for the dogs cross bred them, the results were a surprisingly varied line of Shih Tzus. It was in this process that three distinctive sub-breeds within the larger Shih Tzu breed, would eventually emerge.

When the pressures of Europe and modernization took effect, the results eventually forced out what had been an unpopular regime, the Shih Tzus were taken from the palaces by the overthrown Imperial family and recently ousted eunuchs. During this time period, many of the dogs were exported out of China.

With the dawning of the early 20th century, the breed suffered hard times and was nearly wiped out, they are believed to have become extinct in China. It is believed that only around 11 dogs were able to escape to the west. In locations throughout western Europe, breeding began in the 1930’s through the 1950’s, this resulted in millions of dogs being produced and replenishing of the breed. Because of this significant rise in population, the Shih Tzu breed is somewhat likely to have congenital health issues.

It is interesting to note that Shih Tzus in the United Kingdom are mostly descended from a single cross breed with a straight-legged Pekinese during the 1930’s. As a result of this, most of the Shih Tzus in the UK are a little bit taller than others found all over the world. Other than this fact, it is a living tribute to the Empress as to how much variation is still in existence today, in the various coat color combinations still witnessed in the breed.

Though somewhat noisy, Shih Tzus are still great at keeping a household alerted to anyone approaching. Furthermore, Shih Tzus were selected to be docile and easy to handle. Because they were bred exclusively to form close bonds with human beings, Shih Tzus are extremely loving and happy to follow you around all day long.

The most adorable creatures in the world are the ones at the onset of their lives. From newborn babies to newborn puppies; who does not love having these precious little heavenly angels around? Now everyone cannot get babies whenever they wish but they sure can get an equally lovable puppy dog as their best companion and well wisher. Dogs are such beautiful animals; their love towards their masters is immeasurable. It’s only the owners of these pets who get to experience unconditional love from their canine loved ones. Most dog lovers take care of their dog as their own child. They pamper them and make them feel like family. It has also been observed to be a fashion trend to take a little puppy dog around in hand exactly like certain movie stars do, and needless to say if your favorite movie star or celebrity is caught doing something, that practice sure does spread like wild fire among the common man.

Since fashion has come in to picture even in the case of your pooches, various forms of apparel, costumes, accessories, jewelry and other miscellaneous adornments for our four-legged best pals have been highly commercialized and sold in the market and is a huge hit. What better occasion than a pooch birthday to gift your puppy dog the best and the cutest outfit that suits its personality. Dogs and puppies, when they look at you with those big eyes when you are all decked up in your best attire that is both colorful and elegant, does it occur to you that it might also want to look similar to its master and wear something colorful and elegant of its own. Although nothing is communicated verbally it is something that you as dog lovers may want to make your dogs feel like royalty on the occasion of their birthday.

Birthday clothing for your dogs is available in the market and in various designs to suit your needs. Before you buy your dog a birthday suit, you can always have a look at pictures of dogs of your dog breed sporting fashionable dresses on the internet. These dresses are also sold through various popular websites that are into this business for a few years now.

Birthday dresses can be carefully chosen according to the size of your dog, its gender and the color of the fur. It is just as much fun to shop for your pooches as it is to shop for any of your loved ones on their birthday. The dresses are even cuter and pretty when what you own is a puppy dog.

Birthday outfits for female dogs are much more grand and full of variety and colors and designs. They come with a lot of frills and nets and floral designs. You could also fit a bow of the same kind onto the head of the puppy. It gives the most chic look and is totally photograph material. Decorate your puppy with the outfit and the accessories and make them look at themselves in the mirror, they sure would bark out of joy. Take a picture of this memorable birthday and frame it at your home so that others can see how lucky your dog is to find a home that showers special love and adoration for it on its birthday.

Should dogs have treats? Will they make your older dog overweight? Are any dog treats really healthy? Are there dog snacks that are dangerous? Where can you find these treats? Could you make your own dog snacks? These are questions you may be asking yourself if you own a dog or are considering a gift of treats for a favorite canine.

There are tons of treats that are especially made for dogs. If your dog eats a healthy, balanced diet there is no reason that your dog can not enjoy a snack or two from time to time. Some dogs have medical issues and should avoid snacking but this is something you can discuss with your vet.

You may have a dog who is allergic to some foods. If this is the case you may still be able to find a treat that will not trigger problems for Fido. Be sure to ask about any health or allergy concerns if you are thinking of presenting a sack or box of treats to a dog that you do not own.

As an owner of an older dog or a dog who is not exercised on a regular basis you may need to limit the treats to special occasions or use them as a reward. When canines age they can experience weight gain just like their adoring owners.

One good place to shop for dog treats is online. You will be able to find sites that feature all kinds of special treats for that wonderful dog in your life. You will want to check out the ingredients of any dog snacks you plan to purchase.

As you may already know, the dog biscuit is a favorite treat of many dogs. Not only can you buy dog biscuits in many sizes you can also find them in lots of various flavors.

If you are looking for something a little more extravagant than the regular dog biscuit you may want to start shopping around for gourmet treats. These treats are made in fun shapes like fire hydrants, cats, hearts and bones. Some even come frosted or with sprinkles.

You will also be able to find cupcakes made just for man’s/woman’s best friend and while you are at it don’t miss the doggy doughnuts, tarts and cookies. There are even muffins, sushi rolls and steak bites. For those vegetarian types you can stock up on veggie treats, too.

Those in the mood for baking their own doggie treats are in luck. Recipes abound and you will be able to make treats that have liver, peanut butter, cheese, chicken, oatmeal, or a tasty combination.

Dog treats are made for the most discerning of dogs. Give your dog the gift of a special treat today and watch those eyes light up and that tail wag!

At some stage in your life as a horse owner, you may find it necessary to stable your horse. It may only be for a couple of nights, a week or a more permanent situation. No matter your reason or the length of your horses stay, it is important that you clean the stable at least once a day.

So you arrive at your horse’s stable with a cheery “Good Morning!”. You organize their breakfast, change there pajamas (rugs), maybe go for an early morning ride (nice and chilly on those crisp winter mornings). But no matter what else you do, there is one thing every owner of a stabled horse must do. And that is to clean up the mess, from the night before.

What a mess!! It really amazes me the mess one horse can make within 8-10 hours! I have been greeted with a wide variety of “Good Morning” situations from my horses over the years. From finding poo in the feed dish (which is still hanging on the door!), to finding poo right in front of the door in the walk way! No matter the mess, it still needs to be cleaned up. Not only can a dirty or poorly cleaned stable cause diseases to fester but it will smell bad too.

Here are some simply steps to help you in cleaning out your stable!

You will need a good stable fork/rake and a wheelbarrow or bucket.

It is always helpful if you can remove your horse from the stable. This way you aren’t worried about him/her escaping. If you can’t make sure they are tied up securely.

Remove any other objects which may get in your way, such as water buckets and horse toys.

Using your stable fork/rake remove all large visible piles of poo.

Remove any obvious wet patches.

Starting on either your left or right in a circular pattern around the stable, toss a fork full of stable bedding towards the side of the stable, remove any poo or wet that this process uncovers.

Remember to dig down to the floor so that all the bedding gets exposed, and continue till you are back to where you started.

Your stable bedding should now be all piled up around the sides of the stable and the floor exposed. If the floor seems wet (will be in most cases) it is great if you can leave it exposed for a few hours to dry out.

Starting at either the right or left, pull the bedding down from the edge with your stable rake, so that the bedding comes back to its original level and covers the previously exposed floor. Continue around till you are back at the start.

You may find that you need to smooth out the bedding so that it is level and covers the floor evenly.

I have always found it a good idea to leave an area in front of the door free from bedding, this will help reduce the bedding that gets ‘walked’ or ‘kicked’ out by your horse.

You may find that when cleaning, some bedding drifts into the water. It is always a good idea to clean out your horses’ water after finishing the stable.

It may be necessary to add some new bedding to you stable, this is usually done once a week, but depends on your horse.

It will also be necessary to remove all bedding from your stable on a regular base. This will depend on numerous factors and is up to your discretion. If it is getting smelly – then its time for a full clean out!

Now that you’re done, you can enjoy some quality time with your beloved horse!

Happy Horsing

Tina Williamson

Gifts-for-the-Horse-Lover.com

For that special Horse Gift

Dogs are lovely creatures and you discover that when you own one. They are much like humans in many aspects of life. Having them around in the house is like having kids around. They are as cute as babies and sometimes behave like on as well. No matter what breed a dog is, they are all adorable and lovable and once you get attached to them you just cannot live without them. They shower loads of love on you with their cute little gestures and you in turn can’t stop expressing your love onto them. The best way of expressing your love, you may think, is either feeding them with the best bone or playing with them. However, there are definitely other ways in which you can express your love and concern for them.

Have you noticed that, although we say they are more like humans in many ways, they miss being covered by clothing and they are always naked? You might think that it is how they have been created and they are supposed to be. Besides some dog breeds have fur that serves the same purpose of clothing. What about the other dogs who don’t have furs? How do you justify their case? Anyways, it hasn’t been proven that dogs do essentially need to be clothed but it doesn’t really hurt to wonder now does it? Moreover, the idea of having clothes on your pooches is rather interesting than thought provoking. It is just like how kids love to dress up their dolls as a part of their daily playtime activities.

dog dresses are available widely in the market for various occasions. You may want to gift your doggy a dress for its birthday. Dog dresses are available according to gender and breed size. Just dress up your dog in one of these dresses and hold him/her against a mirror to see how enthusiastically it barks at itself being covered in attractive colored clothes almost just like its own master. It gives them a feeling of royalty and they feel extremely special. Dog dresses for female dogs come in a large variety of designs and patterns with endless choice in colors. You could even choose a dress that matches your attire and go out for a walk just to show how closely attached you are to your pooch. You can always accessorize the dog dress with caps, head bands or bows to add that extra spunk.

There are also available dog pajamas for those cold nights where your dog needs some extra layering to keep itself warm and cozy. Dog pajamas are a little different from dog dresses. They are less grand and simpler in design just like human pajamas. Also the sleeves for the dog legs reach till the paws so that it serves the purpose of an actual pajama. Another advantage of having your dogs wearing a pajama at night is avoiding the shedding of dog hair when it either sleeps on your bed or on the couch. So go ahead and explore the world of fashion for your pets out there and find beautiful dresses and pajamas for them either offline or from websites online and make them the happiest pets in the world.

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