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postheadericon Whether you are considering becoming a first time dog owner or adding a new canine member to your household, consider a breed-based rescue organization as a great source for your new pet

Whether you are considering becoming a first time dog owner or adding a new canine member to your household, consider a breed-based rescue organization as a great source for your new pet. The advantage of selecting a pet from a breed-based organization is the foreknowledge you have about your pet’s personality. Although your dog may not be AKC registered for that breed, he or she will be primarily characterized by it.

You should begin your search for a dog by doing some basic research on individual breeds. In addition to considering size, you should think about exercise requirements, guard or watch dog behaviors, and hereditary diseases that may be associated with that breed. You should be honest with yourself about your willingness to housebreak a puppy or provide an environment that includes daily walks or outdoor play time. Once you establish your basic requirements, select a breed that typically exhibits the desired characteristics.

The breed-based rescue organizations, such as The Golden Retriever Rescue, have potential pets available including puppies, mature, and senior dogs. The rescue organizations usually provide medical and foster care and can tell you about individual habits and personality from direct experience. In many cases, they will know how the dog reacts to other dogs in the home, young children, and cats. Rescue association will check their dogs for illnesses and heartworm. They provide treatment when necessary and neutering before a dog is placed on the eligible list. On organization websites, you will be able to see pictures of the available dogs and get information about their behavior in their foster home and any special needs or considerations.

Dogs come to rescue organization because their owners can no longer care for them. They are not bad, sick, or misbehaving dogs. There are many reasons why someone must give up a pet such as: illness, moving to a new location that does not allow pets, a new baby in the house, or a change in financial circumstances. These owners are being responsible and trying to ensure that their pet has a good home. Most rescue organizations also maintain contact with local shelters and will save breed dogs from euthanasia when it is believed that the dog is a viable candidate for adoption.

Rescue organizations go to extraordinary lengths to make sure that your family and your new pet are well matched. There are rescue organizations for most AKC recognized breeds. You can find one close to your home through your vet, the yellow pages and on the internet. The American Kennel Club maintains lists of breed specific rescue organizations organized by state. Although adoption procedures vary among organizations, the following activities are fairly standard. In your initial contact with the organization, you will register and provide basic information about your expectations and the environment you will provide. A preliminary phone interview or home visit may be conducted to allow the caring folks from the organization to ensure that you are worthy of being a caregiver to one of their special dogs. The organization really wants you and your dog to be happy together rather than just placing a dog to decrease inventory.

When you have selected a dog that you want to become a member of your family, the rescue organization may schedule a visit between you. They want to know about the environment you will provide. If you have other pets in your home, there may be a supervised meeting to determine if there are potential compatibility problems.

Rescue organizations are usually non-profit and staffed with volunteers who are also pet owners. There is a fee for adoption that typically ranges from $200 to $300. The process to adopt from a rescue organization may seem lengthy and involved, but, the organization exists to protect their dogs and ensure that new homes and families work out well for both the dogs and the new owners. You benefit greatly from their stewardship because you get a pet that is matched to your needs and is ready to share his or her unconditional love with you.

postheadericon Cats are unlike any other domesticated animal in that they have retained an independent streak despite centuries of living with humans

Cats are unlike any other domesticated animal in that they have retained an independent streak despite centuries of living with humans. In fact, the history of feline domestication is thought to go back as far as the Ancient Egyptians in the third millennia B.C.

It is clear that the Egyptians had a fascination with cats that can be seen in pictures, art and artifacts. However, it is almost impossible to tell whether these were domesticated or wild animals. Nevertheless, by 1600 B.C. the volume of cats featured in Egyptian art has led historian to believe that cats were, at least to some extent, domesticated by this time.

Why Did Cats Begin to Live with Humans?

In most cases of domestication, humans instigated the relationship with the animal for their own gains. However, with cats, the story is slightly different. It is thought that cats were drawn to humans for warmth, security and food. You may have noticed in your own cat that felines tend to take the path of least resistance and the offer a free meal and a cozy fire seems to have been too much to resist.

It was then that humans realized that cats came with benefits – a reduction in mice and rats. So, understandably, people tried to encourage the cats to stay. As the relationship was just as beneficial for them, they did.

Why Did Cats Retain Their Independence?

Whether you are a cat lover or not, you will be aware of the huge difference between cats and other domesticated animals. Sometimes known as the most domesticated wild animal, the vast majority of cats look upon humans with disinterest and, at times, utter disdain. There can be no question, cats live with us, but, as has always been the case, very much on their own terms.

So, why are cats so different to other domestic animals? Well, there are two principal reasons. First, is the way that a cat would live in the wild. Cats are solitary creatures (with the exception of lions and cheetah), therefore they do not live in a pack or herd that has a defined leader. In other words, a wild cat is a law unto itself. Consequently, when it comes to training or domesticating these animals, it is almost impossible, because humans cannot assert themselves as surrogate leaders.

Moreover, the domestication of cats did not involve any kind of selective breeding until the late part of the 1800s. Subsequently, unlike dogs, horses, goats, sheep and other domestic animals, the feline breeding program is centuries behind. Obviously, the aim of selective breeding is to select the character traits that are most suited to a life lived with humans. Due to religious and superstitious reasons, cats were seen as handy assets, but not pets. Therefore, human intervention over breeding was not considered necessary.

Recent Changes in Domesticated Cats

Now, of course, there are many pedigree breeds of cat and it is thought that this can make all the difference in terms of personality and willingness to be around humans. The longest standing pedigrees, in other words, those that have been selectively bred for the longest period of time, are thought to behave very differently to non-pedigree felines. It should be said that there has been no official research to ascertain this, but cat breeders and fanciers have noted behavioral inconsistencies, which indicate that cats will become more domesticated as time goes on.

Of course, so little is known about early humans and their relationship with animals. It certainly seems as though cats and humans have had a mysterious relationship for millennia. Quite why they continue to live with us is also a bit of a mystery, but maybe that is the attraction.

postheadericon Springer spaniels make terrific family dogs for a number of reasons and if you’re looking for a dog, you should give this breed a good look

Springer Spaniels make terrific family dogs for a number of reasons and if you’re looking for a dog, you should give this breed a good look. Whether you’re looking to buy or adopt, it is well worth your time to research this endearing breed to find out more about it. Here are ten reasons why Springer Spaniels make great family pets:

  1. Springer spaniels belong to the Gundog group of dogs and their history can be traced back at least a thousand years. Being such an old breed, you can be sure they are highly developed as a breed and don’t suffer from heavy inbreeding like many other breeds.
  2. There are many lines to choose from as the spaniel family is quite large. The American Kennel Club of England recognizes two separate pedigrees of Springer Spaniels: the Welsh Springer Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel. There are more English Springer Spaniels around than their Welsh counterparts.
  3. Springer Spaniels are very popular dogs and this means many people breed them so you will be easily able to choose from numerous puppies. Finding a local breeder should be easy and you won’t have to travel across continents to find one of these dogs.
  4. Springer Spaniels are known for their hardiness and good health and this is believed to be because they have such old bloodlines spreading back a thousand years. Their popularity has resulted in great numbers of these dogs and this also serves to reduce the risk of inbreeding. If a genetic problem appears, it can easily be eliminated due to the large number of breeding stock in existence.
  5. These medium sized dogs are very economical to keep and cost about $7 dollars a week to feed. Springer Spaniels don’t require professional grooming or trimming and this can save you even more money. Their hardy constitution also means less vet bills to deal with.
  6. Even though these dogs aren’t massive (an average English Springer weighs fifty pounds), they make impressive guard dogs. They vigorously defend their territory and human family without being overly aggressive and will warn if an intruder is sensed. Because of their strong sense of loyalty to their human family, they will do everything they can to defend their owners.
  7. Their easy to manage size makes them able to fit in any car and they are small enough to handle when traveling by train or airplane as well.
  8. Springer Spaniels are medium shedders and don’t shed much. Regular grooming is all that is required to keep then clean and tidy. English Springers come in two color lines: black and white and white and liver. They may also have tan markings. In the United States there is a blue roan version of the breed. Welsh Springers come in one coloring: white and red
  9. Springer Spaniels have great personalities and are full of vigor and vitality. They are fun loving dogs that also have a very affectionate side to them and they love to retrieve, especially when there is water in the picture.
  10. As Springer Spaniels need a lot of exercise, they are the kind of dogs that will get you out and about. These dogs will really encourage you to exercise daily and it will do you both a world of good. They are highly intelligent and trainable dogs that can bring a lot of joy into your household.

postheadericon The most adorable creatures in the world are the ones at the onset of their lives

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.

postheadericon Preventing dog health problems should be a top priority for dog owners

Preventing dog health problems should be a top priority for dog owners.

If you are like me, my dog is an integral part of my family.  I want him to live a long, healthy, and happy life.

Our dogs are completely dependent on us.  They are just like our children.  They count on us to give them what they need in their lives.

My dog, Romeo, is the little white guy sitting in my lap shown in the picture at the top of the page.  He is very healthy.  My wife and I have made it a point to provide him with the very best.

You and I make lifestyle choices to boost our immunity and live a healthy life.  We should do the same thing for our dogs.  We should have their best interest at heart.

Listed below are 6 basic things you need to give your dog.

If you are considering getting a dog and are not willing to provide the dog with these things, then my suggestion is to save your time and money.  Forget about getting a dog.  Invest your money in a person you love.

I’m sorry to be so blunt.  But I feel that all true pet lovers probably agree with me.  So here is the list of 6 things you must give your dog:

  1. Exercise – Exercise should be an extremely important part of your dog’s daily routine.  This is a great way to help prevent dog health problems.  It helps to detoxify its body.  Just like the human body, exercise stretches and strengthens its muscles, gives a cardio workout, and helps get rid of stress.  I walk with Romeo every morning – anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 miles.  His little legs can really move.  I know he really enjoys himself.
  2. Water – Your dog should have access to plenty of water throughout the day.  The bowl should be frequently replenished with fresh, clean water.
  3. Food – Your dog should be fed a high quality, nutritious dog food.  I don’t have enough room here to fully address this issue.  Feeding a food bought in a grocery store or even a pet specialty store will probably lead to health issues.  The food should be very fresh and free of by-products, corn, wheat, soy, and chemical preservatives and colorings.
  4. Treats – We all want to give our dog some treats throughout the day.  And the dog certainly enjoys them.  My advice is to limit the number of treats you give your dog. The treat should be functional.  In other words, it should fulfill a specific purpose.  For example, it should be a healthy treat and provide dental care, or anti-oxidants, etc.  Most treats you find in a store are not healthy, they lead to weight gain, and only tend to satisfy the dog’s hunger.
  5. Natural supplements – Your dog should have a daily supplement or vitamin.  Each dog, just like a human, has a different body chemistry.  The supplement provides the nutrition the dog does not absorb from the food he eats.  This helps to prevent health issues.  Larger dogs should take a supplement that will prevent or, at the very least, postpone arthritis, dysplasia, and other joint issues.
  6. Weight management – This is extremely important.  I see so many dogs that are overweight.  There is no excuse for this.  Lack of proper exercise can be part of the problem.  Overeating is a major reason for obesity in dogs.  You should be able to feel your dog’s rib cage.  There should be a thin layer of flesh over the ribs.  If you do not easily feel the ribs, you need to cut back on the quantity of food you are feeding.  Don’t feed more than what is suggested on the label. But cut back that amount if your dog shows signs of being overweight.