Holiday Tips from a Dallas Pet Sitter

Holiday Tips From Dallas Pet Sitter

Everyone is home for the holidays, the pets are barking and meowing; kids are crying, aunts are pinching your cheek; but, the food is good and the company is fresh.

As much as you may or may not enjoy Thanksgiving with your family, understand your pet is seeing this in a different way - FREE FOOD. Designate someone to keep an eye on the food and away from the family pets.

Many foods are toxic to animals. Cats have a problem with onion and garlic which can make them anemic. Also green tomatoes and raw green potatoes can cause explosive diarrehea. Milk can also cause stomach problems and gas while turkey bones can splinter.

However, cooked turkey meat, uncanned pumpkins, squash, cats can eat.

Dogs keep away from onions, chocolate, and bones. Onions can give gas, chocolate is toxic, and bones - well, you didn't want to head to the vets on a holiday!

If you do need a vet, check the emergency clinic or your vet's hotline to see who is minding the house while they enjoy holidays.

Prepare and watch out and all should be good for your dogs and cats. If you need to travel, find a reliable pet sitter, dog walker, and bird feeder to watch after your loved ones. It is worth it for your piece of mind.

Libby Mitchell is the owner of Fetch Pet Care of NE Dallas. Fetch Pet Care offers a variety of pet services in your area. Call us today at 214-989-3639.

Should You Hire A Petsitter for the Holidays

Pet Sitters are a much needed necessity if you have are leaving your dog or cat for the holidays. Pet sitters are an alternative to boarding and kenneling which allows home dog sitting, where the dogs stay in a comfortable environment, or the neighborhood kid down the street you don't know very well. Though more and more vacation lodging includes both dog and cat hotels, it is less stressful on both the dog and their human if they can stay home instead of traveling around the world.

In Dallas, dog walking can be a part of the pet care services which can be chosen as part of your vacation package with a professional pet sitter. Regardless of whether you use a franchise service like Fetch! Pet Care which is located nationwide or an independent contractor, please make sure they have insurance and well as bonding all their staff.

Pet Sitters are not all created equal. Many are members of NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) or Pet Sitters International. Some are associated with both vet and other pet services.

Home dog and cat sitting allows the animals to enjoy the holidays with someone who loves pets, takes care of your home, as well as takes the dog walking or plays with the cats on a daily basis. Many pet sitting services will also take care of reptiles, birds, rodents, and even the occasional tarantula.

Don't leave your pet with a neighbor who may be too busy to check on them daily. Hire a professional pet sitter who is there for you 24/7 regardless of whether your flight makes it back on time or your car gets a flat. And once the holidays are over and you and your pets have developed a report with your pet sitter, consider hiring them for dog walking or pet visits to keep your pet company while you work those long hours until your next vacation.

Libby Mitchell is the owner of Fetch! Pet Care of NE Dallas. Fetch! Pet Care provides many pet care services in around the nation.

Welcoming A New Puppy Into Your Home – Are You Really Ready?

Are you really ready to bring a little furry friend home? I mean, are you really ready? Sure it sounds all wonderful in theory, but before you run out and take home the first puppy who melts your heart, there are some things you'll need to consider carefully. Let's take a look.

Do You Have Time?

 
Puppies need your time and lots of it. If you're constantly rushing to get everything done, you may want to seriously reconsider the idea of taking home a puppy. A puppy is a new creature to this world. They need your time and attention to learn how to properly live in it. Your new puppy is going to need your help learning how to potty train, how to behave properly around other pets and people, as well as lots of your attention for playtime. Do you have that time to give a deserving puppy?

Is Your Family in Agreement?

This new family member is going to affect everyone in the family. That is why it's a good idea to make sure everyone in the family agrees to accepting this new family member. This ensures the puppy comes into a completely welcoming home and that you don't create any unwanted issues and tension between family members and the puppy, too.

Are You Ready For The Work?

Puppies take a lot of work. Are you ready for that? Are you prepared to have mop and paper towels in hand constantly?  Are you ready to get up in the middle of the night to tend to your puppy's needs, to play even when you don't feel like it, to make vet trips, and to make trips to the store to buy pet food? Are you ready to handle emergency situations with your puppy? Are you ready to spend the hours and hours it takes to physically care for your puppy; training, bathing, brushing, feeding, and other care?

Can You Afford a Puppy?

Puppies cost money. Even if you can get a puppy absolutely free, your puppy is not going to be free for long. Or, maybe you're buying a purebred pup from a breeder or adopting from a shelter. Either way, the expenses don't end when you take the puppy home, they just begin. You'll need money for food, bowls, toys, treats, bedding, crates, leashes, collars, grooming, shots, neutering or spaying, licenses, training or obedience classes, routine medical bills, unexpected vet bills, and more. Be prepared for this and honestly decide if you really can afford your furry friend.

Do You Have Support?

We've mentioned that it's hard work taking care of a puppy. Will you have any support to help you when you need a break? Think about this before you take puppy home and you'll save yourself a ton of stress. Support can come in many different forms; from hiring a pet sitter or dog walker, a neighbor who's willing to dog-sit when you go out of town, the friend who can offer puppy potty training advice and help.

If you've honestly answered these questions, then you'll be in a very good place to make a realistic decision about whether you can adopt a puppy or not.

If the answers show you're not quite ready for a puppy, then waiting until the time is right is the proper thing to do. You and your potential puppy will be much better off. If the answers show you are ready, congratulations! It's an exciting time as you venture into a whole new world of pet parenting!

Heat and Your Pets

Summer temperatures might be great for tan lines and boating trips, but the excessive heat and increased outdoor activities could spell disaster for your pets. As the mercury rises, take just a few moments to insure that your pets are safe and prevent an urgent trip to the animal ER with a summertime emergency! Our trained, professional Fetch! staff will do everything possible to make certain that your pet is properly cared for. We do ask that you allow us the judgment call when it comes to their comfort and safety. There may be times when our staff will shorten actual outdoor walks and continue with safe indoor play and loving attention.

The most common heat related problem for pets is heat stroke. Also known as heat stress or hyperpyrexia, heat stroke is a real emergency for dogs. Even on moderately warm days, an excited dog might show a body temperature increase of 2-5 degrees. Since dogs don’t sweat like we do, they are unable to dissipate the excess heat and heat stroke may soon follow.

Any outdoor pet can overheat on a warm summer day, but short faced breeds, such as Pugs, Bostons and Bulldogs, are at a higher risk. In addition, every year thousands of pets succumb to heat stroke because they were left in cars while their owners ran “just a few” errands.

Many cities and states have now made it a crime to leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. These are important laws as even on a 70 degree day, temperatures inside a car can soar to over 110 degrees in less than one hour!

Some owners try to help their pets by shaving the dog’s long coat. Although this seems like a good idea, a well groomed and clean hair coat can actually insulate the dog from the heat and help keep them cooler.

Veterinarians will recommend shaving specific areas in long haired breeds. For example, shaving around the anus and groin can help keep the area clean and free from infections.

In some cases, shaving the hair coat could expose a lightly pigmented dog to potential sunburn. For short haired lightly colored breeds, Canine solar dermatitis is another problem. Boxers, Pit Bulls and Dalmatians are just a few examples of dogs that are at risk. In these cases, chronic exposure to hot sunny days damages the skin and causes tender, red scaly lesions. Eventually, the skin becomes thickened and scarred.

When the sun goes down and the temperatures start to cool, your pets still face many summer challenges. The patriotic holidays during the summer months are often preceded by and celebrated with fireworks. The bright flashes and loud bangs, also associated with thunderstorms, are terrifying to some pets and can cause anxiety, stress and even escape. Normally calm pets may become distressed, destructive and even bite in an attempt to get away from the noises. While running, they are at risk for being hit by a car, becoming lost or encountering another animal who might be aggressive.

The warm summer season also brings out many pests that will actively seek out your pets. Fleas and ticks are two examples, but some species of biting flies are very fond of dogs’ ears. Repeated bites can cause a condition that can be serious and difficult to control known as “fly strike.”

It is possible to enjoy the summer with your pets by taking just a few precautions. First and foremost, always be aware of the weather forecast. Knowing the high temperature can help guide your plans for the day.

Never leave your pet unattended outside or plan heavy exercise on hot, humid days. If your pet is left outdoors, he must have access to adequate shade and fresh water.

If you find your pet disoriented, panting excessively or collapsed in the yard, move him immediately to a cooler environment. Use cool wet towels over his back, armpits and groin to help bring his temperature down. Fans are often helpful too. DO NOT USE ICE! Then, get him to your veterinarian immediately so that they can assess his status and begin life saving treatments.

If you are planning a vacation or to take your pets to any outdoor parties or cook-outs, find out first if pets are welcome or if fireworks are planned. It might be easier to simply leave the dogs at home rather than risk a run-away or injury. Fetch! will be more than happy to schedule multiple in-home visits, “paw-jama pawties” or in-home boarding!

Summertime should be a time for relaxation and fun…don’t let a pet emergency spoil your good time.

The information offered here is for general discussion and educational purposes only. It has been compiled from various sources and from many years of pet experience. You are urged to discuss all aspects of your pet's health care with your primary care veterinarian. As always, Fetch! will always be available for you and your pet with the finest, customized, personalized pet care service...‘we’ve got your tail covered!!

By Guest Writer Edward Zavala - Fetch Pet Care

Bring Home Baby - Introducing Your Pets

Our pets feed off of our routines and nothing can disrupt routine like a new baby. Your pet will see you awake at odd hours and will hear all sorts of new, and sometimes frightening, noises. Here are some things that will help the transition be safe for your pet and your new baby.

·         Trained behaviour. If your pet is not trained for the basic commands, sit, stay, etc, then you should train them as soon as your possibly can. There are a variety of books and videos available online to help you with training. You can also sign up for dog obedience classes.

·         Sounds. There are a few CDs available to the public that will prepare your dog for the many new noises associated with bringing a new baby home. www.babysoundsforpets.com

·         Smells. A new baby brings tons of new smells. The smell of the baby itself, diapers, baby powder, baby food, baby shampoo, baby blankets, etc. You can rub the baby with a blanket and let your pet get comfortable with that smell. Also putting baby lotion, shampoo or baby powder on your hands and letting your dog smell it can help. You just don’t want any jumping onto the baby and by bringing the smell to your pet the risk of such is greatly reduced.

·         Touch. Give your pet a treat with every touch so they learn to associate touch with a very positive experience. You wouldn’t want him snapping your child’s fingers when they become a toddler. You should also teach your child the appropriate roughness for family animals.

·         New routines. You could carry around a doll or something of similar size so your pet gets used to you carrying something. This will result in less curiosity when the baby does arrive.

·         Old routines. Keep some of your old routines and make sure to give your pet a little extra attention so they do not become jealous of the baby. Jealousy can result in many actions by your pet such as nipping at the child, urinating or defecating on the child’s things, barking when attention is given to the child and so forth.

·         Quiet time. Babies bring a lot of noise so it is a good idea to set up your pets crate or bed in a quiet place where they can get away from the stress of a new baby.

·         Watch. NEVER NEVER NEVER leave your pet alone with your new baby or any other small child. Things can and do happen.

A new baby is very stressful but with the precautions and tips you can make the transition as easy as possible for your pet.

Toilet Training Your Cat

Have you seen Meet The Parents and now you want a toilet trained cat also? That’s what happened to me. I got sick of always emptying the litter box and getting bits of litter stuck to my feet. I decided to toilet train my cat. It was surprisingly easy, although there are a few inconvenient steps. I ultimately found that it was one of the better decisions I have made.

You can go from litter box to toilet in just 8 easy steps. Pay attention to your cat and take note of whether or not you are moving through the steps to fast.

1. Move the litter box next to the toilet and show your cat where it is. Let a few days pass before altering his restroom location again.

2. After a few days have passed, start raising the litter box slowly. Since I am a student I used my old textbooks from subjects I vowed never to touch again. I would increase the height of the box by putting one 1-inch textbook under the box ever 2 days until the bottom of the litter box was even with the toilet seat. After a while I would just put a cardboard box underneath to replace some of the textbooks. They were getting unstable. My cat was about six months old when we did this so he adjusted to the changes in height very easily. If your cat is older you may want to raise it slower if you notice them in distress. Keep the toilet lid down so there are no slipping accidents when they use the toilet lid to climb into the litter box.

3. Remove the books and place the litter box on the closed toilet lid. Leave it there for 3 days.

4. Now you need to find a metal bowl, never to be used by you again, that you will rest inside the toilet and fill with 2 cups of litter. Show your cat that the litter box was replaced with a metal bowl inside the toilet.

5. Watch your cat as he goes to the bathroom. He will start with all four paws inside the bowl. I started with the front legs and would place them on the toilet bowl rim. Every time he would put them back I would place them back on the rim and praise him. I then started with his back feet once he got used to putting his front feet on the rim. The back feet were the most difficult as it was very awkward for him. I would always praise him though. After awhile he would come and get me to follow him into the bathroom. It was very strange at first but it turned out to be very helpful because he would let me know when I needed to watch him.

6. Every two days, after his foot placement was correct, I started decreasing the cat litter by ¼ of a cup. It will start to smell really bad so you will need to clean out the bowl after each use.

7. When there is about ¼ cup of litter in the bowl, you should empty it and start filling the bowl with ¼ cup water every 2 days. If your cat stops using the bathroom in the toilet you should go back to cat litter in the bowl and start all over.

8. Now that you have water in the bowl the smell will not be as bad. Once you reach 2 cups of water in the bowl, it can be removed and you have a toilet trained cat.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis can affect any dog regardless of breed. It can turn a friendly active dog into an angry sluggish dog. Many dogs, one in five, will get arthritis and have trouble with mobility as they get older. Other illnesses, including the flu and a stomach virus, can exhibit similar symptom.
So, how do you know if your dog has arthritis?

1. Favoring a limb

• your pet may start limping or using a certain limb less

Difficulty sitting or standing

• always leaning to one leg and completely avoiding the other

Sleeping more Seeming to have stiff or sore joints

• may not like to have certain joints or areas touched

Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs

• you may need to purchase a smaller set of stairs or a ramp if they have trouble getting up

Weight gain

• from loss of mobility

Decreased activity or less interest in play Attitude or behavior changes Call your veterinarian and express your concern for arthritis if these last more than two weeks or they get progressively worse. Waiting can cause more joint damage to occur.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Dangers of Human Medication

Animals, dogs especially, are known for digging around in the garbage and eating anything that smells remotely edible. The biggest problem arises when your pet eats medications that have been carelessly thrown out in the garbage.

Consumption of human medications can cause kidney failure, liver failure, vomiting and even death. If your pet has eaten any medication then you should contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center. It is a great resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card if it is not a common poison and you need to speak with a vet. You can also check out their webpage at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

To prevent animals from eating medication you should:

1. Keep medicine out of reach and in a cabinet that cannot be open by them.
2. Keep human and pet medicine separate to avoid confusion in a hurry.
3. Do not keep medication in a plastic bag, this provides no barrier should your animal happen to discover the medicine.
4. Keep medication in its original labeled container.
5. Administer pills over something that will ensure they don’t get dropped on the floor to be quickly gobbled up by Fido.

If your pet is suffering from an illness NEVER attempt to self medicate. You should always contact your veterinarian.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Treating Fleas

Are you having a flea investation.  You are not alone! The fleas have four life stages and there are many options out there to treat fleas in every stage of their life. It is very important that you take care of fleas on small animals. In the mid-90s there was a horrible flea epidemic and, sadly, a few of our cat’s kittens didn’t make it through the year due to flea infestation. So treat for fleas as soon as you see them and if things get worse you should consult your veterinarian.

· Flea shampoos are good if there are a visible amount of fleas on your animal. It is not a permanent solution as it will only kill the fleas it comes in contact with and more will appear within the next few days if no other treatment is used as shampoo is only lethal to adult fleas.

· Flea dips can be used if the fleas pose an immediate threat to your animal. Mites can also be treated with a flea dip. There are some nasty chemicals in flea dips so I would suggest going to see your vet for this treatment.

· Flea collars work on adult fleas only by emitting gas around the collar and allowing some chemicals to be absorbed into the animal’s upper fat layer, killing fleas that try to feed. Flea collars can b put in a vacuum cleaners bag to kill any fleas that have been vacuumed up.

· Flea powders and sprays are only effective against adult fleas and have fallen out of favor in recent years. They can be messy and troublesome if inhaled. They are best used when sprinkled onto the carpet and vacuumed out and last about 2 to 3 days.

· Spot-on treatments such as Advantage and Frontline. Treatment can last anywhere from 1 to 6 months and are applied between the shoulder blades. Some treatments work on adult fleas only while others work on fleas in any stage of life. The amount used depends on weight so it is important that you read all included instructions and apply accordingly.

· Oral medications and injections such as Program and Capstar are one of the few treatments that work by ending the cycle of fleas. Since they are ingested by the animal the go into the blood stream to deliver the product directly to the belly of the pest. Female fleas will start laying unviable eggs so, therefore, larva never hatches and the life cycle does not continue. Read all instructions before proceeding. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions.

· Don’t forget to vacuum daily and wash all your pets bedding. If fleas are still a problem you should try using a flea light with a sticky pad. After collection you can take the sticky pad to your vet and they will be able to tell you what you are dealing with and how to best treat them.

Only resort to flea bombing as a last resort as those chemicals are highly toxic when inhaled by you and your pet. If your animal appears to be having an adverse reaction to any of the above flea treatments it is imperative that you get them to a vet and discontinue treatment immediately. Just like humans, animals can have allergic reactions to drugs.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

End of Life Issues

For almost two years our cat Noriega has had a kidney tumor growing in size. When it was first discovered, it did not appear to bother him in the least bit. Now he is starting to lose hair all over and he is quieter than usual but he appears to be in no pain when picked up and he still eats normally, despite his major weight loss.

That leaves me with so many questions. How long will he make it? Is he suffering? Does his quality of life appear to have suffered? Deciding when to let an animal friend go can be just as upsetting as any friend’s death. Here are some things to ask yourself if you have a sick pet.

• Does your pet enjoy the same activities that it used to? Does it still play, run, and hunt like it used to? Can it do these things pain free?

• Does your pet eat normally? Can it keep its food down? Is it getting adequate nutrition?

• Is your pet able to control its bodily functions? If your pet is soiling itself or the house it will be in mental distress because it knows what it is doing is wrong but it just can’t help it. Reassure your pet that you understand and are not upset.

• Is your pet still a part of the family? Can you touch them without fear of snapping?

• Does your pet continue to recognize you? Or does your pet prefer to be alone and appear to not recognize anyone?

Deciding to euthanize your pet down is a very traumatic experience. Talk it over with your family member or veterinarian if you are not sure.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Kitten Proofing Your Home

Kitten’s are very, very curious animals and will get into anything you leave out, including toilet paper.

1. All harmful chemicals, poisonous houseplants, and fragile items need to be stowed away where they cannot be ingested or broken.

2. Sewing supplies, such as needles and thread, can be dangerous if swallowed. Kitten may also drag them out and “forget” them on the carpet. Ouch! Keep them well out of reach.

3. Cords that dangle, like those from blinds, can be a potential strangulation hazard. Keep them tied up where kitten cannot reach.

4. Your garbage should be covered and put away where it cannot be ripped into.

5. NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!! Leave your dryer door open. If it has been left open by mistake ALWAYS check the inside before closing it. Cats love dark, warm places to sleep and the dryer has a very horrible ending.

6. Keep cabinets and drawers closed. If your cat can open the cabinet, which mine can, install a child lock so it cannot be swung open. Towels don’t work well when they are covered in cat hair.

7. Tie drapes up until kitten knows to use their scratching post for any stretching.

8. Make sure electrical cords and wires are out of reach. They pose a risk of electric shock if kitten decides to chew on them.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Puppy Proofing Your Home

Puppies, more than any other animal, are known for getting into things and eating their way into your bank account via chewed remotes, cords, and shoes. It is essential to safe guard your home from your puppy and your puppy from the dangers of your home.

The use of baby gates is very effective in keeping curious puppies out of places they don’t belong. You can put one up in the entrance to the kitchen, bathroom, garage, stairway and entrance.

Anything you do not want the puppy to ingest should be kept out of harm’s way. Including, but not limited to:

· money
· cords
· electronics (remotes, iPods, phones)
· cleaning supplies
· small toys
· houseplants
· decorative pillows
· potpourri (candles, incense)
· garbage
· jewelry
· medications
· small animals (hamsters, fish)

The backyard needs to be checked for:
· broken or weak fence areas and gates
· swimming pools need to be covered and blocked by barricades
· toxic plant life that may be ingested

ALWAYS WATCH YOUR PUPPY WHEN HE IS OUTSIDE!!

 By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Hairball Help

Cats groom themselves constantly. Their tongue is like a fine toothed comb collecting all the loose hair. This loose hair collects and, if large enough, will be regurgitated all over your nice cloth sofa.
If your cat is stricken with hairballs, check out these ways to help prevent them:

• Brush your cat regularly, especially if he has long hair. Long haired cats should be brushed daily to help with hairballs and matting. Afterwards, run a wet cloth over your cat to ensure that all the loose hairs are off.
• Feed your kitty hairball reduction food. This food has more fiber and nutrients to make hairballs easier to pass and helps prevent shedding. There are many commercially available but if hairballs are a serious problem for your cat you should consider seeing your vet.
• There are products available at the pet store that lubricate the intestinal tract and make hairballs easier to pass. There are also prescription strength hairball gels available from your vet. These should be used only as directed.
• If your cat is a nervous/anxious groomer try getting him a new toy or try giving him attention so he has things to distract him. If he cleans to the point of hair loss you should take him to see your vet. There are anxiety medications available for your pet.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

A Spraying Cat

Nothing can be more bothersome than a cat who chooses to spray all over your nice things. This is one of the most common complaints from cat owners. It may seem hopeless but there are solutions to this problem.

One thing to get straight is why they do it. When a cat sprays a fine mist of urine on something there are scent markings that identify the area as belonging to the cat who sprayed. A spraying cat is not doing this because of a litter-box problem, but is instead doing this because of a territory problem. Another reason for scent marking is to help attract mates. The chemicals in a cat’s urine will let any female cats in heat know that there is an eligible bachelor right around the corner. Cats will also spray out of stress or while in a conflict with another cat.

The number one thing you can do for you and your cat o address this problem is to have him fixed. A majority of cats that have been altered cease to spray after their alteration date. If your cat sprays while observing another cat you should try blocking his view in that particular area of the house. You could also try rubbing him with a washcloth and rubbing that on his favorite target areas.

No matter what you choose to do, if your cat continues to spray and you should go see your vet about other possible solutions or underlying medical conditions.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Naming Your Pet

So you have a new pet and now you need to name it. Most pets are given human names and nicknames. But if you need some help choosing the right name, here are some tips for you.

• The name needs to be easily recognized. Animals respond better to names that have either one or two syllables.
• Pick a name that would be fun and easy to call out in an animal park, not something you would be embarrassed to shout if your friend wonders off.
• Avoid names that sound like No, Sit, Stay or other commands. A dog will get confused if their names sounds similar to a command.
• A long name will be shortened so choose one that has a great nickname attached to it.
• Choose a name that matches the breeds heritage, such as a Scottish, French, or Spanish.
• You can also choose to wait a few days so you can pick up on your new pets personality.
• Pick an appropriate name that will go with the pet as it ages. “Puppy” may seem cute now but when the dog is 187 lbs that name won’t be quite as fitting.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Ringworm and Pets

Ringworm is very common in both animals and humans. A common misconception is it is a colony of little tiny worms. Ringworm is actually a fungus that lives on dead tissue and is easily spread between species.

One symptom of ringworms is a lesion on the skin which looks like a rapidly growing circular patch of broken hair. The patch may look inflamed and may appear to have dandruff-like flakes on it. The most common areas where it can occur are face, ear tips, tails and paws.

If you see your animal experiencing any of these symptoms, take them to a vet. They will examine the hair under ultra-violet light. If your pet has ringworm, your vet will prescribe an anti-fungal ointment to apply daily, where it can be easily cured.

Humans need to take some precautions since ringworm highly infectious. Keep small children away from the infected animal and handle things with gloves. You should also keep your animals hair short while they are undergoing treatment.

You and your pets will be just fine if infected but you will experience some tender, itchy, dry patches of skin in circles. If you exhibit any of the symptoms go and see your doctor so as not to spread the fungus any further.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Small Animals and Children

Small Animals and Children
Their birthday is coming up and your child may want a small friend to call their own. Small animals are a good idea for a first pet. Their size is not intimidating and they do not need quite as much room as your other family pets. They can teach your child time management and responsibility.
There are things you can do to insure your child properly cares for their new small friend.

Age-Appropriate Tasks
Do not let younger children clean the cage as chemicals used to clean it can be very caustic and dangerous. Instead, allow your child to feed the animal, handle it, provide it with water, and you can let them help you set the cage back up once it has been properly cleaned. Be sure you show your child the appropriate amount of food to feed it as small children are very likely to over feed their animals.

Handle With Care
Young children don’t quite know their own strength so they can easily squeeze an animal too hard resulting in either harm to their friend or an angry bite to the fingers. Show your child the appropriate way to hold and handle their small pet. Let them know the importance of not just setting the animal free and they must keep an eye on it at all times when it is out of the cage.

Responsibility
Research small animals with your child and start telling them the importance of animal ownership responsibility. Get a pet that would suit you and your child’s lifestyle. For example, if your child is very tactile, fish may not work as they would be inclined to hold them. Make a checklist for supplies and responsibilities and hang it somewhere so your child can keep an eye on things.
A small animal can be a joy to a child but make sure it is not an impulse buy and explain to our child the responsibilities that come with it. As long as you and your child know the direction you need to be heading in, pet ownership will be a wonderful experience.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Restraining Dogs in Cars

With the summer here, there is a tremendous amount of vehicles traveling here and there. If you are traveling with your pet, how do you travel safely? A seatbelt is just as helpful to your pet as it is to you and your family.

Restraining a pet is necessary while traveling. Animals have the same risks in a car accident as a toddler. Restraining them also helps to keep your pet out of your lap and your eyes on the road.
It is not safe for a pet to sit in a lap or in the front passenger seat. Sudden breaking or airbag deployment could seriously harm your dog. A 60-pound dog can also cause serious damage if in an accident. Upon impact at 35 mph, a 60-pound dog, will exert 2700 pounds of pressure. This will smash the windshield and break bones.

The best way to restrain a dog is in a kennel that can be buckled in. A harness that attaches to the seatbelt also works well. Never, ever, ever restrain a dog by the neck. Your pet could be strangled during an accident or sudden breaking.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Where to Board Your Dog

Sometimes our furry friends cannot go on vacation with us and we must board them or leave them with a friend or family member. If you must board them, try stopping by a boarding facility unannounced to see how the facility is run when they do not expect you. If using a private professional sitter, make an appointment to come and meet with them or call the service office to schedule.

Take note of things and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You and your pet need to be comfortable with your choice in boarding and most professionals will welcome the questions.

· Cleanliness.

· Is there sufficient room? Is there sufficient outdoor protection?

· How often are they taken out to play?

· The facility should require all pets to be current on vaccinations.

· Cats should be housed separately from dogs, if they board cats

· Do they provide enough from between the food/water bowls and the potty areas?

· Is there enough room in the kennels for your pet to stretch out?

· Is bedding provided or do you need to bring your own?

· How often is feeding and will they oblige your pets special diet requests?

· Do they provide additional services?

· Are the staff friendly, professional and show a genuine interest in the well being of your pet?

· Are the staff trained for medical pet emergencies?

· What happens if your return home is delayed?

Once you feel comfortable with your boarder – whether a facility or a professional pet sitter home, make sure you also ask if they have insurance to cover in case of any emergency.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Pet Travel Trips for Holidays

The holidays are meant to be shared with everyone you love, including your furry friends. Bringing a pet along with you on your holiday travels can bring a sense of home, for both you and your pet, while not at home. You need to have a clear understanding of all pet policies with the hotels, relatives and airlines before you bring you pet. Follow these tips to reduce stress for you and your animal.
· Go over pet policy at time of hotel booking.

o Make sure you fully understand your lodging’s pet policy. Some hotels do not allow you to leave your pet unattended. Make arrangements if this is the case.

· Understand your pet.

o Understand what your pet is comfortable with. Bells, crowds, bright lights, loud noises?
· Minimize table scraps.

o The holidays can bring an abundance of food but try not to feed your pet too many table scraps, they may upset their tummies.

· Watch your pet at other’s homes.

o Watch your pet around other peoples holiday decorations to make sure they do not break or consume anything they should not.

· Keep your pet's tags on.

o Pets must wear tags at all times and bring their vet records along with their vaccination records. You may need these when they board your pet on the plane. Bring things your pet may need as you may not be able to find a vet or pet store open over the holidays.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog

Dogs are notorious for begging under the dinner table and inhaling everything that comes within a two foot radius of their mouth. It may be tempting with those puppy dog eyes but feeding these foods to your animal can be VERY harmful.

· Alcoholic beverages can result in intoxication and death.

· Bones not made specifically for dogs. Rib bones, chicken bones, fish with bones can cause choking and puncture internal organs.

· Cat food is too high in fats and can lead to obesity.

· Anything containing caffeine which could hurt the heart and disrupt the nervous system.

· Fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis.

· Grapes and raisins contain toxins hurt the kidneys and lead to renal failure.

· Liver can cause vitamin A toxicity, in high amounts.

· Macadamia nuts affect the digestive system.

· Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) can cause issues such as gastrointestinal issues, and can cause anemia and red blood cell damage.

· Sugary foods can cause obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

· Xylitol (artificial sweetener) can cause liver failure.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Vital Pet Vaccines: Responsible Pet Ownership and Awareness

Once you get a new pet you must begin thinking about vaccines, just as you would for your new child. There are many illnesses out there that you can completely prevent from ravaging your pet.

RABIES
You must, by law, vaccinate your pet against rabies. This highly contagious disease is contracted through saliva and anything, including humans, can be effected by it. The early signs are jaw stiffness and inability to swallow. Once the rabies virus spreads to the brain the effected individual/animal will lash out at noises and bright lights. At this stage in the disease the brain is in complete disarray and no none cure exists.

COMMON FELINE DISEASES
- Chlamydia, Calici, and Rhinotracheitis:  All respiratory diseases and all communicable to humans.
- Distemper (Panleukopenia)  Distemper in cats cannot be spread to dogs. Vaccines are the only measure against distemper.

COMMON CANINE DISEASES
- Bordatella (Kennel Cough):Vaccines are available through a nasal spray. Treatment is possible through antibiotics.
- Distemper:  Highly contagious amongst dogs and, if survived, the animal will suffer severe mental impairment.
- Heartworms:  Preventative measures are available in pill and liquid form from your pet store. Treatment is expensive, painful and has been known to be fatal.
- Hepatitis:  Without a vaccine a dog does not stand much of a chance against this liver killing disease.
- Leptospirosis:  This vaccine is highly recommended if your dog likes to swim and play extensively in the outdoors.
- Parainfluenza:  If you board your dog in a kennel this vaccine is recommended.
- Parvovirus:  This vaccine is usually recommended by your vet. Responsible pet owner ship dictates the vaccine as this virus can be deadly and debilitating.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Separation Anxiety and Senior Dogs

Separation anxiety can become a bigger problem as your dog ages. It can result in complete destructive behavior and some dogs even use the bathroom in the house as a sign of anxiety. The older your dog gets the harder it becomes for him to cope with changes in his routine. Leaving you to wonder if staying late at the office will end in your sofa being torn to bits.

Some of the main considerations in treating separation anxiety are:

· Do not make a production out of your coming and goings.

· Train your dog to relax. Teach your dog to sit in the “stay” position and leave him there for longer periods of time.

· Change your habits. Dogs go by routine so if they hear a noise before you leave for work every day they will associate that noise, your alarm, with you leaving them. Try sitting on the couch before you leave to calm your dog or wear your woke clothes on the weekend to keep him guessing.

· Start with very short departures. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog before he becomes anxious. Upon return, reward him for staying calm.

· Associate your departure with something good. Give your dog a treat or a food filled toy to keep him busy while you are gone. He will also associate your leaving with something enjoyable and stress free.

· Have someone come by. Older dogs may need to go to the bathroom more often and if there is no one there to let them out the anxiety can get worse. So hire someone or have a neighbor or relative come by to let the dog out on days you will be gone for some time.

· Crate your dog. Many dogs feel safe in a crate, and being in a crate will help reduce their destructiveness. This should be limited to no more than four hours.

· Thundershirts or tight fitting shirts can make them feel like they are being hugged and are calming.
--If the separation anxiety gets to become a huge problem and is causing your dog to “self-destruct” take him to a vet and ask about anti-anxiety medications.--

By Staff Writer Trish Harding
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Keeping Kitty Happy

Keeping a cat indoors is beneficial to the health of the animal. They have no chance of getting hit by a car, they don’t have to deal with the pound and they cannot be snatched by strangers. But, indoor cats can be very insistent on going outside despite our best efforts to keep them happy indoors.

· You can fashion an escape resistant inclosure for the cat. Make sure all the walls connect and there is a celing so kitty can’t jump out. Make sure materials are animal friends and placement is in a quiet safe area.

· You can add a cat door and a run so your cat can easily get to their favorite outside space. Knowing that your pet is safe to roam in the enclosure will keep you at ease and with a cat door you don’t have to be annoyed by a persistent cat’s meow.

· You can train your cat to become accustomed to a leash outdoors. This a fun alternative to an enclosure because the cat will be roaming “free” and you will safely be at its side. Although be careful of unleashed animals as your cat will not be able to defend itself fully with a leash on.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Introducing New Pets to Your Home

Introducing new pets to your older pets can be nerve wracking on both you and your pets. Keep in mind your old pet may see the newcomer as a threat and will try to put it in its place, let this happen. Do not break up a scuffle between your pets unless there is risk of injury to either one or both of them. Sometimes they just need to work things out. Here are some guidelines to follow when introducing new animals into your home.

· Do not leave your new pet unattended while with your older pets. They will need to be supervised until you can guarantee they will tolerate each other. Keep them separated at night until you are sure they will play nice.

· Introduce your pets in a safe environment, preferably indoors where they can both be observed. If you are introducing a cat to a dog do not let the dog chase or corner the cat. Even though the dog is only trying to play, the cat will become terrified of this large creature chasing it and it may invoke a prey instinct in the dog.

· When bringing a cat home, put the cat down before introducing it to any other animals. Cat scratches and bites easily become infected.

· Make sure your new pet is comfortable in its new home before introducing it to any new friends. Confine the animal to its own area until it has become accustomed to the change in environment.

· Your pets should be given separate food, water and, if necessary, litter boxes until they have grown used to each other. Your old pet may feel threatened if the new pet is eating and drinking from HIS food or water bowl.

· Be extremely careful when introducing a dog or cat to a caged animal such as a rat, rabbit or bird. Do not open the cage and do not allow your pet to get to close. Smaller animals can become so terrified that they die from stress on the heart. Keep the cage well out of reach and keep an eye on it at all times.

· Do not try to force to animals together. This will stress them out and may result in them injuring either themselves, you or your old pet.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Libby Mitchell
General Manager
214-989-3639
nedallas@fetchpetcare.com
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Calming Your Dog

Being cooped up in a house during the chilly months can result on a bored, anxious and excited dog. Barking at every little noise, licking constantly, chewing and whining are all things that put both you and your dog on edge.

It is useful to have some general purpose techniques to calm your dog in a variety of situations.

Calm Yourself
Your dog can pick up on your emotions so if you are antsy, jittery or pacing your furry friend will also feel the tension.

Don’t yell and rant at your dog just sit down, take a deep breath and then deal with your dog in a calm manner. Take notice of how your posture is and portray a stern but calm aura.

Focus On Something Else
If your dog is barking at something (not dangerous), licking excessively or chewing you can try to focus his attention on something else. Get onto the floor and entertain him with his favorite toy or just talk to him as you pet him. Give him a treat or let him up onto the couch with you. Dogs can get just as stressed and bored as we can and sometimes need a break.

Engage In Play Acting
Send your dog some cues that other dogs would send him letting him know it is okay to relax.
· Yawn deeply and loudly several times with taking in large amounts of air. Try to appear as relaxed as possible.
· Curl downward in a motion similar to touching your toes. Do not stretch upward as you will make yourself appear larger sending an aggression signal to your dog.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Cut Down on Shedding

Dogs lose hair on a daily basis but only twice a year will they shed their full coat. This amount of hair can make it seem like your housework is never done and that the clothes are never quite clean. There are a few things you can do to help your dog shed their coat and as a result there will not be quite as much hair flying around the house.

Brushing
Brush your dog regularly when he sheds his summer coat and his winter coat. This should be done at least once a day during peak shedding time. To keep the hair outside of the home you should do this outdoors.

Shampooing
Shampooing your dog with a moisturizing shampoo will cut down on both dander and shedding.
Since shampooing takes place in a bathtub or shower, all the hair that is being shed at the time will just go straight down the drain. Use lukewarm water when bathing your dog. This is only recommended up to twice a month as excessive shampooing can dry the skin out anyways. Use the cool-air setting if you choose to use a blow dryer.

Food Supplements
Adding just a teaspoon of olive oil to your dogs food will promote a soft coat and skin moisture, resulting in less unnecessary shedding. You can also give your dog oil capsules.

Vacuum
You can get a pet hair attachment for your vacuum. Be careful though not to snag the dogs fur. Introduce this to your dog slowly as some animals are terrified of vacuums, you do not want to cause them any unneeded stress.

**IF THE SHEDDING IS RESULTING IN BALDING YOU NEED TO SEE YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY**

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

So You Want A Rat

Rats are very gentle and intelligent rodents that just love human companionship and are masterful escape artists. Being small but not too small they serve as a great starter pet for any young child or classroom. But, before you buy your new friend his permanent home, consider all the options out there and know the ups and downs of each habitat.

***When buying cages it is a good rule to buy the largest cage you can both afford and accommodate into your home.***

Glass aquariums are an affordable option but they are not a good first choice as the walls can be to high resulting in poor circulation and respiratory problems for the animal. Aquariums made for fish must be taller than average to have room for pumps, filters and heaters. Ammonia build up from urine can harm your rodents lungs if there is not good air circulation.

Reptile/small animal aquariums, glass aquariums made JUST for small animals, are a great second choice as the walls are proportionally smaller than an aquarium made for fish. The shorter walls allows the airs to flow and for your pet to breathe easier.

The best choice in a rodent home is an open cage with bars. The open bar design allows for complete air circulation. It also allows for more contact between you and your new pet because there is no glass wall. Just make sure that the bars are not spaced too far apart because your new pet can escape and your home is full of dangers.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Backyard Hazards for Pets

Heat isn’t the only thing to worry about when it comes to your pets. There are many dangerous things right outside your backdoor. When shopping for lawn care products it is a good idea to research what will harm your pet and what is safe. Some products are incredibly tempting to your dog and need special precautions.

Blood and bone meal fertilizers are made from ground up animal bones and dried blood powder. This will smell awesome to a dog but if ingested your pet runs the risk of iron poisoning and bone meal becomes a hard concrete like block upon entry into the stomach. Make sure to water your lawn after application as this will cut down on the smell for your dog and wash away the large particles so they are not eaten.

Cacao bean mulch is made from the ground up hulls of the cacao bean. It has a chocolate nutty smell when fresh and can potentially cause great harm to your pet. If eaten chocolate toxicity can set in and you would need to take your pet to the vet IMMEDIATELY. After application, water the area to reduce the yummy smell to your pets and to wash most of the particles into the soil.

Pesticides and baits placed in the house or in the yard also pose a health hazard. Keep these substances far out of reach from your pets and monitor your pets while they are in the yard to make sure they don’t consume any. IMMEDIATE vet care is suggested if your pet consumes pesticides.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Pet Obesity

Up to 25% of pets in the Western world are obese or overweight. Obesity can have serious consequences for your pet. Here is a list of things to do to make sure that your pet is a healthy weight.

1. Find out if your pet is overweight/obese.

A cat from above should be trim and the waist should go in slightly. The abdomen should not be extended and there should be no fat deposits on the legs, stomach face and neck.
A dog will have a waist that tucks in from above and the stomach should point back towards to tail. There should be no fat deposits on the legs, shoulders, spine, face and neck.

2. Know the risks of obesity.

Obese dogs are at risk of many of the same ailments that people are. They can develop diabetes, hip dysplasia, arthritis and
Obese cats are can develop diabetes also. Excess weight can directly result in urinary tract disease and hepatic lipidosis, liver failure cause by brief stress. Because of the risk of liver failure you should contact your vet if your cat is obese as a sudden change in diet could be enough stress for the liver to fail.

3. Visit the veterinarian.

As with people, there could be a medical reason your pet is obese. Schedule an appointment with your vet so they can assess your pet for any health problems related to the obesity.

4. Look at your pets diet.

Animals that are obese need to follow a vets recommendation for weight loss but there are a few things you can do to ensure smooth sailing.
· Have only one person feed the pets so there are no mix ups and over feedings, because let’s face it, your pets aren’t going to let the food just sit there.
· Feed your pet in smaller more frequent meals throughout the day.
· Replace treats with pet friendly vegetable treats such as carrots, zucchinis or melons.

5. Get your pet plenty of exercise.

Be sure your pet gets plenty of exercise. Take your dog to a dog park or run around the house with a string for your cat. Either way both of you will be getting active.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Always Read Pet Labels

With cats comes fleas, by the thousands. Fleas are a major problem for cat owners. These tiny creatures can cause some for you and your cat such as anemia, dermatitis and tapeworm. Flea control is often a necessary step in keeping you and your cat healthy.

There are many flea and tick treatments out there but never ever use a product labeled “For Dogs Only” on your cat or any animal other than a dog. Dogs and cats do not react the same way to the same insecticides at the same concentrations. As an example, look at permethrin.

Permethrin is in many “Dog Only” direct application flea and tick treatments. It comes in concentrations ranging from 45-60% permethrin. While that is a very acceptable level for a canine it would most certainly kill a feline. A cat suffering from permethrin exposure would display tremors, muscle tensing and seizures anywhere from an hour to 48 hours after the exposure.

If your feline receives medical attention the odds of recovery are very high. It is crucial that you take your cat to the vet and tell them you suspect permethrin.

Read ALL the labels on things before you give them to your pet. Not sure if it’s for your pet, call the vet.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Wet Vs. Dry Cat Food

Wet food may seem like just a treat for your cat but it is important to work it into the diet at least once a week. Cats in the wild do not usually drink large amounts of water as the water they do get is from their diet of fresh meat (70-80% water).

Your modern housecat does not get a chance to hunt down large pray and eat fresh meat daily so they may become dehydrated, if only slightly. Wet food is a great incentive for your cat to stay healthy and hydrated.

There is a common misconception that dry food helps to clean a cats teeth. It may help, only slightly, but seeing as cats don’t really chew their food it is simply a myth. Cats chew maybe once or twice and then swallow because their saliva does not contain enzymes that break down the food.

Dry food also has a lot of carbohydrates and cats are not as efficient at breaking those down as humans are so too much dry food in the diet can lead to stomach upset, weight gain and dehydration. Dry food is a necessity though and your cat’s diet should consist of 1 part wet food for 3 parts dry food.

So if your cat gets three meals a day, give them some wet food at the end of the day to round out their diet.

5 Fun Things to Do with Your Dog

The weather is changing.  Here are some ideas to get you and your wet nosed companion outside.

1. Head on over to your local lake and bring your dog’s favorite toy, just make sure it can float. Your dog will stay cool and have a blast retrieving his toy from the water. This does not apply to Bulldogs as many of them cannot swim.

2. Call up some of your friends and plan a play date at your local dog park. While you and your crew catch up your dogs can do the same. Visit www.dogpark.com to find your local dog park.

3. Throw on those rollerblades and allow your dog to pull you along. This can also be done with a bicycle but steer clear of uneven and cracked sidewalks as this can be a safety hazard.

4. Plan a day trip to a wooded area and have a picnic while your dog sniffs around. Don’t forget to bring toys and food for your dog as well.

5. Go to an indoor agility track and show your dog how much fun weaving, jumping, and teetering can be. For agility classes in Dallas, visit www.dallasdogsports.com or www.dogcitytrainingcenter.com

No matter what activity you and your dog choose to do remember to be safe and always keep an eye out for potential hazards to your pet and yourself.

What is a Quality Breeder?

After you have done your research on the type of dog bred you want and have taken into account the genetics problems of your chosen breed, you can begin looking for a nice quality dog breeder. There are so many puppies available from adoption agencies and rescue groups, but if you must get from a breeder, it is important to keep some things in mind so you do not get more than you bargained for.

A good breeder will:

· Provide paperwork from their vet for both the puppy and its parents and will have been screened for genetic problems and birth defects. Simply saying the dog is “vet checked” is one clue that your breeder may not know exactly what they’re doing.

· Provide a “take back” clause. Good breeders do not want to see the dog go to the pound or other inappropriate home. It states they will take back the dog if you cannot keep it for any reason or you can give the dog to a home the breeder has approved of.

· Give you plenty of references and require an application and list of references from you. If the breeder refuses to give you references DO NOT purchase an animal from them.

· Will explain the breed and its needs to you so that you fully understand what kind of dog you are buying.

· Require you to sign a contract with a spay/neuter clause and other requirements.

· Require you to wait for your puppy because good breeders do not breed their dogs until they have pre-sold an amount equal to a likely litter.

· Invite you into their home and conduct business in an open and friendly manner.

· Only sell one to two breeds of dog. Puppy mills often have multiple breeds and maybe even species.

· House the puppies in their home and treat them like family. They will never be caged up in the backyard or neglected.

· Never allow you to take a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old.

Should You Hire a Pet Sitter for the Holidays

Pet Sitters are a much needed necessity if you have are leaving your dog or cat for the holidays. Pet sitters are an alternative to boarding and kenneling which allows home dog sitting, where the dogs stay in a comfortable environment, or the neighborhood kid down the street you don't know very well.

Though more and more vacation lodging includes both dog and cat hotels, it is less stressful on both the dog and their human if they can stay home instead of traveling around the world. In Dallas, dog walking can be a part of the pet care services which can be chosen as part of your vacation package with a professional pet sitter.

Regardless of whether you use a franchise service like Fetch! Pet Care which is located nationwide or an independent contractor, please make sure they have insurance and well as bonding all their staff. Pet Sitters are not all created equal. Many are members of NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) or Pet Sitters International. Some are associated with both vet and other pet services.

Home dog and cat sitting allows the animals to enjoy the holidays with someone who loves pets, takes care of your home, as well as takes the dog walking or plays with the cats on a daily basis. Many pet sitting services will also take care of reptiles, birds, rodents, and even the occasional tarantula. Don't leave your pet with a neighbor who may be too busy to check on them daily. Hire a professional pet sitter who is there for you 24/7 regardless of whether your flight makes it back on time or your car gets a flat.

And once the holidays are over and you and your pets have developed a report with your pet sitter, consider hiring them for dog walking or pet visits to keep your pet company while you work those long hours until your next vacation.

Libby Mitchell is the owner of Fetch! Pet Care of NE Dallas.

Pact of Fire

I really enjoyed this read of the First Dog - A Lakota Sioux TaleThe Pact of the Fire Lakota Sioux Legend

When the world was created, First Man and First Woman struggled to stay alive and warm through the first winter. First Dog struggled also. Deep in the winter, First Dog gave birth to her pups. Each night, she huddled in the brush of the forest, longingly watching the fire, which kept First Man and First Woman warm.

First Winter was severe, so cold that First Dog dared not leave her pups to search for food to fill her own belly, fearing that her pups would freeze to death in her absence. She curled around them, but the wind was bitter. Her belly shrank with hunger, and soon she had no milk. The smallest pup perished, and First Dog felt her own life draining away as she struggled to care for the remaining pups.

Fearing for the fate of the others, she knew she had no choice but to approach the fire and ask First Woman and First Man to share their food and the fire's warmth.Slowly, she crept to the fire and spoke to First Woman, who was heavy with child.

I am a mother, said First Dog, and soon you will be a mother too. I want my little ones to survive, just as you will want your little one to survive. So I will ask you to make a pact. First Woman and First Man listened. I am about to die. Take my pups. You will raise them and call them Dog. They will be your guardians. They will alert you to danger, keep you warm, guard your camp, and even lay down their life to protect your life and the lives of your children.

They will be companions to you and all your generations, never leaving your side, as long as Mankind shall survive. In return, you will share your food and the warmth of your fire. You will treat my children with love and kindness, and tend to them if they become ill, just as if they were born from your own belly. And if they are in pain, you will take a sharp knife to their throat, and end their misery.

In exchange for this, you will have the loyalty of my children and all their offspring until the end of time. First Man and First Woman agreed. First Dog went to her nest in the brush, and with the last of her strength, one by one, she brought her pups to the fire. As she did so, First Woman gave birth to First Child, wrapped her in Rabbit skins, and nestled First Child among the pups by the fireside.

First Dog lay down by the fire, licked her pups, then walked away to die under the stars. Before she disappeared into the darkness, she turned and spoke once more to First Man "My children will honor this pact for all generations. But if Man breaks this pact, if you or your children's children deny even one Dog food, warmth, a kind word or a merciful end, your generations will be plagued with war, hunger and disease, and so this shall remain until the pact is honored again by all Mankind."

With this, First Dog entered the night, and returned in spirit to the creator.

A Dog's Purpose

This was posted from one of my pet care networking sites and I wanted to pass it along.

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their
little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for
a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we
couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure.. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 'S family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time,
that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,
Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty
or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering
aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.
I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try
and live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --
like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''

The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they
don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
Ecstasy.
Take naps..
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them
gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

'Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach
us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them.'

Dr. Ihor Basko, DVMExcerptWe can learn so much...just from the daily lives of those around us.