Doggies and Kitties

2011-10-19T07:51:00.001-07:00

Raw Video: First Steps of Baby Wombat

2011-10-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Australian rangers captured a baby wombat on camera, taking its first, slightly wobbly, steps out of its burrow with its mother. The video, shot by Queensland Parks and Wildlife, shows the wombat coming out into the open in night vision footage.

Raw Video: Antelope Hits Biker During Race

2011-10-12T11:37:00.001-07:00

A South African mountain biker's collision with an antelope during a race in a KwaZulu Natal national park has become an Internet sensation. Both the biker and the antelope were okay.

First Person: Frank and Louie, the Two-faced Cat

2011-09-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

His name is Frank and Louie, and he's just entered the record books. He's now the longest-living cat with two faces, also known as a Janus cat.

Artistic Gorilla Statues in London

2011-09-18T04:34:00.000-07:00

Tourists at the River Thames in London got a rather unusual view for their holiday photographs on Friday. An army of 20 life-sized, individually decorated model gorillas were unveiled as part of a gorilla conservation fundraiser.

Dog a Surrogate Mom to Rare White Tiger Cubs

2011-09-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Three white tiger cubs are being suckled by a dog in a Chinese wildlife park, after their mother rejected them at birth.

Giant snails invade South Florida

2011-09-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Giant snails invade a South Florida neighborhood.

Old police dog learns new trick

2011-09-06T07:52:00.001-07:00

After his partner was murdered, St. Pete police dog 'Ace' was too old to train with another officer. So now he's getting a new role: Family dog. But there will still be a Yaslowitz -- or several -- to keep an eye on him.

Raw Video: Farm Dog Nurses Piglets in Cuba

2011-09-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yeti the dog already had a litter of pups to care for when the piglets adopted her as a second mom. Ever since the Cuban farm dog has been pulling double-duty nursing not just her own young but also the 14 swine.

Raw Video: Croc Found in Australian Public Pool

2011-09-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

A freshwater crocodile was found on Friday in a public swimming pool in Darwin, in Australia's Northern Territory. A lifeguard removed the small croc and noone was hurt by the swimming reptile.

Raw Video: Vandal Damages Famous Fountain

2011-09-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Villagers and veteran hunters have captured a one-ton 21-foot saltwater crocodile which will become the star of a planned ecotourism park in the Philippines. It's one of the largest to be captured alive in recent years.

Twins Siberian tigers stars of Baghdad zoo

2010-01-20T12:11:00.001-08:00

Baghdad's Al-Zawraa zoo is enjoying a baby boom particularly among its big cats. Recently, Siberian tigers gave birth to twins and Bengal tigers have also produced a cub. Swelling numbers among its residents is also reflected in the expanding number of visitors. It's a rebirth for a zoo which was in dire straits back in the dark days of 2003.

Mean Kitty VS Evil Candy Bowl!

2009-10-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

I remember talking about doing this a while back but never got around to it. I was going to wait until Halloween got closer but I was too afraid I'd forget again, lol.

Different Types of Dog Coats

2009-08-20T10:24:00.001-07:00

By: David H. Urmann

Dogs are pets we love that we treat them like family. We dress them up in coats to protect them against the cold and other extreme weather conditions.

There are many different kinds of dogs. Some are pure bred while others are mongrels. But to us, it hardly matters because we love our pet so much that we feel they are part of the family already. We give them food and vitamins, we bathe them and give them the necessary vaccinations.

After hundred of century's dogs become the most popular pet, good worker and mans protector, dogs also train in different activities like sports, fighting, hunting and even competitions. In the 19th century dogs seen in a more fashionable ways and looks and lots of new breed came out.

Nowadays having dogs requires commitment and full attention because dogs also need to be taking care of in exchange of their loyalty and love to its owner. Dog needs not only daily routine of feeding, playing and treats, but also need the proper medical attention and treatment. They are given rabies and deworming shots regularly. They are also groomed regularly to make them look neat and to prevent ticks and fleas from clinging to them.

Finding the right grooming and dressing for your dogs are now available in animal and pet shops. The most common accessory items bought are dog coats to protect the pet from many harmful external conditions.

It is quite tricky to look for one because of the many different sizes of dogs. Each breed has its own distinct characteristics that will make coats suitable to a certain kind only. Be sure to measure your dog accurately before the hitting the shops to scout for a coat.

Online pet shops have almost everything you need from dogs small and large coats, personalized clothes, collars and fancy accessories, available in different sizes, shapes and colors you wish to have for your pooch.

Various selections of dog coats
Waterproof Dog Coats protects your dogs from getting wet. It is to protect them in harsh and unpredictable weather condition while having their daily walks. It prevents catching a flu or colds. There are also thick coat varieties that protects against the cold, especially during winter. It also prevents dogs from getting sick.

Halloween Dog Coats are more for aesthetic purposes. Like humans, dogs also want to be the center of attraction so give them the best and craziest Halloween dog coats costume and give them the opportunity to express their personality. Try some of the costume made dog coats like with dog costume, pirate Halloween coat, bumble bee costume, cow dog costume, and prisoner dog coat costumes.

Star Styles Dog Coats are inspired from the Hollywood personalities. It gives your dogs a very attractive, fashionable looks and styles. It is made out of comfy fabrics and quality materials accentuated with pearl stones, embroidery and other custom made designs.

Christmas Dog Coats are worn in the yuletide season. Christmas is one of the most special occasion in time, make your dog feels they are special and let them enjoy every moment of it, dress them up with rightfully planned coats according to the occasion, whether you want them to look like a little Santa or dress them up in a formal attire just make sure that those coats will fit them with comfortable feelings.

When buying coats for your pets always keep in mind the comfort it brings to them, make sure you also have time checking the quality of materials made of it. Take some of these guidelines in taking care of your dog's coat.

Make sure its 100% fabrics for longer lasting comfort, appropriate for regular cleaning and washing, put some antiseptic lotion when washing to kill germs, mix ¾ of water and ¼ fabric softener and spray it both sides of the coat with static eliminator, let it dry under the sun to keep away bad smell.

For more information on Dog Coats in Canton, OH and Dog Coats in Austin, TX.Please visit our website.

Local Dog and Cat Form Special Bond

2009-07-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

A special dog and cat couple are becoming local celebrities. Five month old Chihuahua 'Chloe' and a 2 month old kitten 'Kit Cat' were left together at the Washington Humane Society because their owner could no long afford to care for them. Since then the staff has noticed the two have a very special bond.

Big cat stalks naval base

2009-07-28T12:38:00.001-07:00

A giant cat has been caught on camera near the Faslane naval base on the Clyde

Lion Gives Owner a Bear Hug

2009-07-26T16:52:00.001-07:00

Eight years ago an African lion was rescued from a life of abuse and malnutrition in a travelling circus and as he celebrates his 10th birthday it's clear he's still thankful to his rescuer.

Simon's Cat 'Fly Guy'

2009-07-26T12:07:00.001-07:00

A hungry cat resorts to increasingly desperate measures to catch a housefly.

How Cats Get Their Own Way

2009-07-26T11:33:00.001-07:00

Most of us know you can't make a cat do what you want, but did you know that cats have perfected a way to make humans do exactly as they say?

Airline for dogs

2009-07-26T11:22:00.001-07:00

A pet only airline has opened in America for pampered pooches and mollycoddled moggies

Raw Video: Dogs Dress Up for Fashion Show

2009-07-21T11:40:00.001-07:00

Dogs wearing designer clothes strutted their stuff on the catwalk during a fashion show with a canine twist in Taipei on Wednesday.

Raw Video: Berlin Debuts Snow Leopard Cub

2009-07-11T05:39:00.001-07:00

The Berlin Animal Park introduced a snow leopard cub named Altai on Friday.

Copper - the cancer detective dog

2009-06-29T06:46:00.001-07:00

Copper the cocker spaniel is to be trained to sniff out cancer and detect blood sugar level changes in diabetes sufferers. She's a gift from Strathclyde Police to Cancer Biodetection Dogs

Raw Video: Two-Month-Old Tiger Cub Makes Debut

2009-06-23T10:08:00.001-07:00

A two-month-old white tiger cub has made its debut appearance at the Aschersleben zoo in Germany. The tiger was born prematurely and weighs less than half of what a newborn Bengal Tiger should weigh.

Liger! Lion and Tiger Mix. 900lbs!!

2009-06-15T09:41:00.001-07:00

Visit http://www.gigglingguru.com the most updated video blog! A 900lb Liger. Just amazing! Its a Tiger and Lion Mix.

Cat and parrot

2009-06-13T09:22:00.001-07:00

Cat and parrot

So sweet!

Sneaky Cat

2009-06-13T09:20:00.001-07:00

Sneaky Cat

This cat has been playing way too much Rainbow Six, but he can now sneak up on and slit a mouse sentry's throat before the sentry can scream.

Sleepy Puppy...

2009-04-29T14:54:00.001-07:00

Scientists Claim to Create Glow-in-the-Dark Dogs

2009-04-29T14:21:00.001-07:00

South Korean scientists have created four glow-in-the-dark beagles using cloning techniques that they say could help them develop cures for human diseases.

Baby tigers go wild

2009-04-29T14:08:00.001-07:00

Animal round up from across the country

Wild Chronicles: Dog Saves Cheetah

2009-04-25T20:34:00.001-07:00

Dogs are used to protect sheep and other livestock from the cheetahs in Africa - thereby saving the big cats from potential shootings by aggrieved farmers.

Doggy tales

2009-04-25T13:01:00.001-07:00

Round-up of this weeks best animal stories...from dogs to frogs

Lion Cubs Makes Debut

2009-04-25T12:38:00.001-07:00

A spunky lion cub named Moxie made her public debut on Earth Day. Moxie is the first lion cub born at New York City's Bronx Zoo in 31 years.

Circus cats take the stage

2009-04-25T12:27:00.001-07:00

No lions or tigers to be seen at this circus: all the performers on this stage are cats - well, except for one chicken. Meet these "acro-cats" who are delighting cat fans in Chicago.

Duck the wannabe dog

2009-04-23T08:38:00.001-07:00

Essy the duck who thinks she is a dog

Lovely Kitten Bobo

2009-03-28T09:23:00.001-07:00

Lovely Kitten Bobo @ Yahoo! Video

Polar bears and dogs playing

2009-03-27T07:13:00.001-07:00

A strange relationship between dogs and bears.
Taken from the show "Jailed Polar Bear" on FirstScience.tv

Download in full from: http://firstscience.tv/pola...

Puppy vs. Cat

2009-03-27T07:09:00.001-07:00

Clouded leopard cubs born at National Zoo Research Facility

2009-03-27T06:22:00.001-07:00

An endangered clouded leopard at the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia, gave birth to a genetically valuable litter of two cubs early in the morning on March 24. Due to deforestation and hunting, clouded leopards are vulnerable to extinction. The surprise birth was the first at the Zoo's research facility in 16 years.

Raw Video: Lions and Tigers, Together

2009-03-26T11:07:00.001-07:00

A park in South Korea has put rare white tigers in with its lions, and the arguments have started on who exactly is in charge.

Talking Cat

2009-03-23T06:14:00.001-07:00

Leave him alone. He's tired.

christian the lion

2009-03-21T11:40:00.001-07:00

this video touch yur heart.....

African Lions Accept Man As One of Their Own

2009-03-21T09:24:00.001-07:00

South African lion tamer Kevin Richardson doesn't fear his animals. He's developed a close relationship with the lions that allows him to interact with them as one of their own.

Couple Finds Cat Inside Used Couch

2009-03-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

The mysterious mewing in a Spokane, Washington home started when the residents bought a used couch for $27. Her boyfriend eventually found a very hungry calico cat living in her sofa.

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Begins in Alaska

2009-03-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

A party atmosphere swirled around Alaska's largest city at the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Saturday, when 67 mushers and more than 1,000 dogs set their sights for Nome.

Abandoned Tiger Cub Cared for by Vets

2009-02-26T05:17:00.000-08:00

Sylvester, an 8-week-old Sumatran tiger cub, is the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo's newest resident. Sylvester was abandoned by his mother and is being raised by zoo staff.

Historical notes on dogs

2009-02-22T07:00:00.001-08:00

By: Rus Morgan

Dogs have been helping man with his herding, hunting, safety and companionship for the past 14,000 years. Canine history is a history of the friendship between us and our pet dog (Canis lupus familiaris). In times of famine this friendship would have been beneficial for the dogs diet and possible survival.

Early man sometimes used his new 'best friend' as camp meat to offset famine (In some current societies it is still a practice.) and in between he brought him into the cave to add his body heat to the group in cold weather. Early association between the two allowed the canine species to survive through famine and drought.

It is also fair to conjecture man brought his new subject into the cave as a source of warmth on cold nights and this may very well have led to 'companionship' being added to the list of 'pluses' garnered from the relationship.

Scientists have argued for many years about the evolution and history of the domestic dog. Most now agree that our four legged pet is a direct descendant of the Grey Wolf. DNA research conducted by Dr. Robert K. Wayne, canid biologist and molecular geneticist of UCLA indicates that dogs are closer to the Grey Wolf (Canis Lupus) than previously suspected.

In fact, due in large part to Dr. Robert K. Wayne's genetic research, the authors of the "Mammal Species of the World" the internationally accepted reference source on mammal species, reclassified the dog in 1993 from Canis Familiaris to Canis Lupus No one knows for sure when this all started.

Canine history has been studied using mitochondrial DNA. This research tells us that wolves and dogs went different directions about 100,000 years ago. It is not clear if man had a hand in this or not.

What research also tells us is that our total canine population of today is descended from three females in the China area some 15,000 years ago. Existing science does not give us the luxury today of determining which leg of the research is correct or if they will someday merge. Archeological History does not go back that far.

Research at this point does not tell us what happened to Canis lupus familiaris between the parting from the wolves 100,000 years ago and the parentage established from the three bitches 85,000 years later.

There's a burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel which has joint human and dog burials dated to 14,000 years ago. China registers the earliest domestication between 7000-5800 BC.

Danger Cave in Utah exhibits the oldest cases of dog burial in the United States at about 11,000 years. When science brings us more on the subject we will bring it to you.with his silver haired lady in Memphis, TN

See interesting fiction by Rus Morgan on Kindle. Visit www.minischnauzeresx2.com . Order your free copy of our periodic newsletter for info on dogs and doggy bargains. Add warmth to your day, put a smile on your face by ordering your free copy (normally $14.95) of 'Truthful Teddy' -- the tender short story of the friendship between an ugly three foot rag doll and a tan Teddy Bear. See you there or email us at minischnauzersx2@bellsouth.net

EDS - Cat Herding

2009-02-21T11:54:00.001-08:00

EDS - Cat Herding | Viral | SPIKE.com

Hero Dogs Donate to Save Canine Lives

2009-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Blood donations save lives - even dogs' lives. At the Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank in Severna Park, Maryland, owners can bring their dogs in to make donations on a monthly basis. Regular donors like Ray Hindle's dog Oscar are canine heros. They ensure a supply of the life saving blood is ready in case of emergencies.

Doggy and the Human Sled!

2009-02-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

For more info, visit http://ihasahotdog.com

kittens inspired by kittens

2009-02-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

A history of dogs

2009-02-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

Author: Rus Morgan

Canine history is a history of the friendship between us and our pet dog (Canis lupus familiaris). That friendship stems from us needing help with our herding, hunting and safety.

In times of famine it would also have been beneficial for the dogs diet and possible survival.

Early man also used him to supplement his own diet and even may have raised him for 'camp meat'. Sometimes as a matter of necessity and other times as a delicacy. In some current societies it is still a practice.

It is also fair to conjecture man brought his new subject into the cave as a source of warmth on cold nights and this may very well have led to 'companionship' being added to the list of 'pluses' garnered from the relationship.

Scientists have argued for many years about the evolution and history of the domestic dog. Most now agree that our four legged pet is a direct descendant of the Grey Wolf. DNA research conducted by Dr. Robert K. Wayne, canid biologist and molecular geneticist of UCLA indicates that dogs are closer to the Grey Wolf (Canis Lupus) than previously suspected.

In fact, due in large part to Dr. Robert K. Wayne's genetic research, the authors of the "Mammal Species of the World" the internationally accepted reference source on mammal species, reclassified the dog in 1993 from Canis Familiaris to Canis Lupus No one knows for sure when this all started.

Canine history has been studied using mitochondrial DNA. This research tells us that wolves and dogs went different directions about 100,000 years ago. It is not clear if man had a hand in this or not.

What research also tells us is that our total canine population of today is descended from three females in the China area some 15,000 years ago.

Existing science does not give us the luxury today of determining which leg of the research is correct or if they will someday merge. Archeological History does not go back that far.

Research at this point does not tell us what happened to Canis Lupus Familiaris between the parting from the wolves 100,000 years ago and the parentage established from the three bitches 85,000 years later.

There's a burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel which has joint human and dog burials dated to 14,000 years ago. China registers the earliest domestication between 7000-5800 BC.

Danger Cave in Utah exhibits the oldest cases of dog burial in the United States at about 11,000 years. When science brings us more on the subject we will bring it to you.

See interesting fiction by Rus Morgan on Kindle. Visit http://www.minischnauzeresx2.com . Order your free copy of our periodic newsletter for info on dogs and doggy bargains. Add warmth to your day, put a smile on your face by ordering your free copy (normally $14.95) of 'Truthful Teddy' -- the tender short story of the friendship between an ugly three foot rag doll and a tan Teddy Bear. See you there or email us at minischnauzersx2@bellsouth.net

Rat Loves Cat!

2009-02-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

Cat evicts dog!

2009-02-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

dog

2009-02-04T05:24:00.000-08:00

SKorean Firm: Dogs Cloned Using Stem Cells

2009-01-29T19:39:00.000-08:00

A South Korean biotech company claimed Thursday to have cloned dogs using a stem cell technology for the first time in the world.

How To Train a Dog To Fetch

2009-01-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

Warm up your pitching arm and be patient—you might just be playing “Throw” for a while before your dog catches on.

The Animal Odd Couple

2009-01-29T19:11:00.000-08:00

In this latest installment of CBS News Assignment America, Steve Hartman visits an animal sanctuary where a dog and an elephant have formed a very lasting, and unusual, friendship.

Who Let The Dogs Out?

2009-01-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Who Let The Dogs Out? - Watch today’s top amazing videos here

Hilarious compilation of dog bloopers.

Cats On A Treadmill

2009-01-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

These two cats try to keep up on a treadmill but their owner keeps increasing the pace.

Cats On A Treadmill - Watch more Animal Videos

Chihuahua Dog History

2009-01-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

The Chihuahua dog is perhaps best known for being the world’s smallest dog breed, narrowly inching out the Yorkshire Terrier for the distinction (though it should be noted that a Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) actually holds the title for the world’s smallest dog ever. Surprisingly as well known and popular as the Chihuahua is the world over, the origins of this tiny dog breed remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. What is known without any shred of doubt is that the dog is named for the Mexican state where it was first encountered by American travelers in the late 19th century. Other than that the Chihuahua’s true origins are a mish-mash of conflict.

There are a number of different theories covering the origins of the Chihuahua and they include the following:

Theory One of Chihuahua Dog Origins: The first theory about the origins of the Chihuahua speculates that this dog breed is a descendent of one of the ancient American Indian dogs. Giving weight to this theory is the prevalence of tiny dogs in Toltec history as well as that of the better known Aztecs. According to people who favor this theory, the Chihuahua descended from a small mute dog of the Toltec people called the Techichi, a dog that is said to have existed as far back as the 9th century.

Much like the people who conquered them (the Aztecs) the Toltecs often sacrificed the Techichi dog during religious ceremonies. The Aztecs used to in fact cremate their tiny dogs with the deceased owners. They believed that those tiny dogs acted as spirit guides for the soul of the dead through the journey across the afterlife. Legend has it that the blue-coated variants of the tiny dogs were revered as sacred and potent religious symbols while the red coated dogs often ended up being entrusted with the lofty burden of supporting the sins of the dead and having the dubious honor of being thrown upon a funeral pyre as part of that burden!

Theory Two of Chihuahua Dog Origins: The 2nd theory speculates that the Chihuahua dog originated from Europe, having been transported to the Americas around 1520s, following the victorious conquest of the Spanish armies of Hernando Cortes over the peoples of the region. According to this theory it is believed that the wives of colonial officers charged with governing the new provinces most probably took their beloved pets from their homelands in Europe to help ease their settlement in their new homes located in the unknown lands of the New World.

Eventually some of those new dogs imported by the well-to-do settlers from Europe would have migrated off the great estates of the colonialists and associated with the local people of the surrounding regions. Adding some ounce of support to this theory is a Botticelli painting done at least ten years prior to the conquest that clearly illustrates a Chihuahua-like dog. There are those who also postulate that the Chihuahua truly originated from Malta and is a direct descendant of a tiny dog breed that existed there centuries ago, known as the Maltese Pocket dog.

Theory Three of Chihuahua Dog Origins: The third and final theory hypothesizes that the Chihuahua descended from dogs that hailed from China and was transported on Chinese trader ships. Support for this particular theory is to be found in the assumption that China has traditionally favored small, flat-faced dogs; a description that the Chihuahua dog certainly adheres to.

Rise of The Chihuahua

Whatever the true origins of the Chihuahua dog, the one fact that is under no dispute is that by the late 19th century the dog breed was irrevocably associated with Mexico, specifically the state in which it was discovered by American travelers. Circa 1880 several Chihuahua dogs were transported back to the United States as exotic pets. The Chihuahua was officially registered as a purebred breed in 1903 and by 1923 the Chihuahua Club of America had been established.

It wasn’t until “Rumba King” Xavier Cugat became publicly associated with the Chihuahua (he was often depicted in celebrity pics with a Chihuahua in tow) that the dog breed became popular in the United States. The Rumba King further helped to solidify the nascent popularity of the Chihuahua dog by establishing a Chihuahua breeding business!

Click here for more about the dog

Kitten Surprise!! (how to break up a cat fight) THE ORIGINAL

2009-01-19T12:27:00.001-08:00

The Siamese Cat

2009-01-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

The beautiful Siamese cat is one of the earliest known and recognised breeds of cat believed to originate in Siam (now Thailand). It is now one of the most popular breeds of cat and makes a wonderful pet.

Their nature is friendly, extrovert and highly intelligent. They love human company and should never be left alone for a long time. Like a dog, if you cannot be at home for half the day do not have a Siamese cat unless you buy two. This is ideal because they enjoy the company of other cats as well as human company.

They are very vocal and will communicate with you very effectively with different mews for different things! They love to play with toys and will often ‘fetch’ like a dog. One Siamese I owned always carried round a toy spider made of pipe cleaners. She would put it on my lap or on the floor and stare pointedly from the spider to my face while uttering little sounds. Another would only play with fur mice and loved to fetch those. One beautiful Seal Point Siamese loves powder puffs and carries them around and loves to have them thrown for her. Siamese cats have the most wonderful personalities and are loving to caring owners, if one can ever be said to own a cat. They very often tend to bond with one person and, while they will be friendly to others, are devoted to this individual. One of my Siamese follows me everywhere. If I sit down for a moment she is on my lap purring frantically and if I do not stroke her enough she reaches up a paw to pat my face.

The original conformation of the Siamese was medium sized and long bodied with a moderate wedge and pointed ears. In recent years a more extreme type of Siamese has been bred and these are now more popular than the old style cat which thankfully does continue to be bred. These have long slender bodies and extreme wedge shaped heads with large ears. The result is a quite stunning look. All Siamese cats have blue eyes and their coats come in many colours. The original colour was the seal point and this is still one of the most popular colours. There is chocolate point, blue point, lilac point, red point and all these colours also come in tabby point where the extremities are striped in the colour and tortie point where the patches of colour are mingled with the cream coat on the extremities of the cat.

All Siamese kittens are born white or cream depending on the colour they will be when adult and the colour points develop on the face, tail and legs as the kitten matures. Blue and lilac points tend to have whitish fur while the chocolate and seals have cream fur.

I have owned, bred and shown both dogs: Irish Setters, Miniature Wire Haired Dachshunds, Irish Wolfhounds, and cats: Siamese and Burmese. I have a keen interest in the welfare of all animals.

Dog Harnesses

Glasgow's 4-legged cops

2009-01-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

Strathclyde Police is recruiting new police dogs

Mushing through the Alps

2009-01-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

A major international dog sled race is under way. Nearly 300 dogs are taking part in the Grande Odyssee which covers over 1,000 kilometres in two weeks through the French and Swiss Alps.

The History of Dalmatians in Britain

2009-01-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

by Kelly Marshall

The past century has seen growth of a strong bond between British dog lovers and the Dalmatian. Dog lovers have propounded a theory that the Dalmatians descended from the early English hunting hounds. The similarity between Dalmatians and Talbot breed in type, character and hunting ability has led to claims that the Dalmatians actually descended from the Talbot breed. Such is the desire of the British dog lovers to claim the breed as their own.

The theory is not as incredible as it sounds. There always is the possibility that some Talbot dogs may have bred with European dogs a few centuries ago and one resulting breed was the Dalmatian. Dalmatians are very intelligent and are good guard dogs. This may have caught the eye of British tourists and the breed returned back home with them. It is beyond doubt that Dalmatians existed in the ancient period as well as the breed has undergone numerous evolutions.

In 1860, Dalmatians made its official debut in a dog show competition. It was one of the five breeds to participate in the second dog show held in Britain in the year 1860.During the First World War, from the beginning of the was in 1914 to the Armistice in 1918, the Dalmatians were in danger of being wiped out from Britain due to the war. Mr. Fred Kemp, who was the President of the British Dalmatian Club and, more importantly, a third generation owner of Dalmatians kept the dogs alive through the difficult times and ensured that the Dalmatians did not become a casualty of the war.

The dogs saved by Mr. Fred Kemp were used as breeding stock after the war and the population of Dalmatians grew. In 1918, there were just two Dalmatians registered with the Kennel Club. The two Dalmatians participated in the dog show which resumed after World War I. This number grew to 125 by 1925 and further to 889 by 1932. In 1934, there were 199 Dalmatian entries for the dog show. This was proof enough of the consistent rise in the popularity of the breed.

Some More Guidelines on the Diet of Your Adult Dalmatian

Researches over the years have given us the following guidelines about the diet of adult Dalmatians.

One must never feed red meat, either in cooked form or raw form or as an ingredient in any pet snack or pet food. One must avoid those pet snacks and pet food which lists red meat as one of its first three ingredients.
One must never feed poultry meat, either in cooked form or raw form or as an ingredient in any pet snack or pet food. One must avoid those pet snacks and pet food which lists poultry meat as one of its first two ingredients.

Snacks for adult Dalmatians must consist of lots of fruits, vegetables and grains. However, avoid high purine vegetables like mushroom, asparagus, legumes, oatmeal, spinach and cauliflower.

Adult Dalmatians must be fed dog foods like corn, which is most preferred, wheat, second in preference and rice, which should be last preferred of the three. These contain about 22% low purine protein and only 10% fats.

The Christmas Cat Diaries

2008-12-31T15:33:00.000-08:00

Casey and Sassy wish you a Merry Christmas... and a happy new year! Look for new videos in 2009! Subscribe to this channel and please spread ...

Santa's Doggie Helpers

2008-12-25T12:56:00.001-08:00

Who Let The Dogs Out

2008-11-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

Who Let The Dogs Out? - More bloopers are a click away

Hilarious compilation of dog bloopers.

Hairless Dog From Peru Offered to Obama Family

2008-11-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

Dog lovers in Peru are suggesting a Peruvian hairless dog as the First Pet for the Obama family, saying the dogs meet the family's requirement of being hypoallergenic.

Great Danes

2008-11-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

The Great Dane is a big dog that often has no concept of his size. One family fashioned a cowbell on their Dane so they could hear him coming. There was not an aggressive bone in him but when he galloped full bore towards you he'd brush past enough to knock you sideways if you weren't ready for him!

This is a giant of a breed with a gentle heart. They're a clown that is the inspiration for Marmaduke cartoons with the impression of power in television and movies. Danes have been immortalized by the likes of Scooby-Doo and in movies such as The Patriot, The Swiss Family Robinson, Good Boy! Pluto and Goofy are said to be inspired by Great Danes.

They're dignified yet can be goofy. Their very size demands early training and discipline to be calm, loving adults. Gibson, a harlequin, is 42.2 inches and 170 pounds - when he stands on his hind legs he's seven feet tall!

The Great Dane is noble and elegant and a true giant of a dog. They have a history dating back over 400 years where they were used for boar hunting. A dog resembling a Dane was found in materials dated to 1211 B.C. The Great Dane is believed to trace to the Irish Wolfhound and English Mastiff as parent breeds, for the purpose hunting of a fast, powerful and savage foe. Along with hunting for boar they were also used for deer hunting.

By the breed standard they are powerful and smooth muscled with a spirited attitude. The males must be over 30 inches and over 32 inches are preferred as long as he is balanced. This leaves a dog that can be 150 pounds without being fat! Counters are head high to them. A smooth bbut thick coat that shines with good care is ideal.

The Danes come in several colors including brindle, fawn with black mask, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. A harlequin is a pinto pattern of black and white while the mantle is "collie marked" in black and white. This is a breed that strides out level and powerful and is friendly. They shouldn't ever be timid or aggressive. The ears may be cropped or uncropped.

Their giant size means massive growth as puppies that is a challenge to feed. Too fast growth can cause problems with joints while too slow isn't good either. Several health issues can face the breed and are serious enough to warrant attention.

The Great Dane is the #1 breed in statistics for bloat, which is the leading killer of this beautiful breed. It is imperative to feed several small meals per day and restrict exercise immediately afterwards to keep the stomach from filling and twisting. If a twist occurs it causes the dog excruciating pain and he will die in hours without surgical care. This cannot be stressed enough - prevention is much much better than dealing with a dog in crisis. Preventing these giants from drinking large amounts of water is another recommended tip.

Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism also affect Danes as well as cardiomyopathy. All three of these are genetic and can be tested for to eliminate breeding dogs that will pass the disease on. Cataracts can affect the breed as well as bone cancer and lymphoma. Wobblers or CVI is another serious disorder that results from pressure on the spinal cord in the neck area. Dogs appear unsteady or 'drunk'. HOD - hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a painful disorder resulting from rapid growth. Panosteitis is another disorder that can cause lameness during the growth phase.

The Great Dane needs a fenced yard but keep them away from landscaping as they are apt to rearrange it! Due to their size they should not be left alone with children. Although Danes are not mean dogs their size and playfulness can injure children as well as smaller pets. They are people orientated but do need consistent training from puppyhood! Their size alone deters many problems and they shouldn't be taught to be aggressive.

This is a breed that can be expensive due to the large size and everything from beds to dishes is bigger! If socialized they love people with one Dane owner putting a bell on his dog so there was warning of him coming. The dog was not a bit mean but his size brushing past people could knock you down!

This is a breed that can live 8-10 years and more than one child has climbed up on a Dane to ride them as a small horse. Most dogs take such things in stride but again - the size if playing or wrestling can hurt a small child without ever intending to.

A good diet is critical for these dogs not only in quantity but quality. This is an active breed that loves to run but should do so only in controlled situations. They are not typically barkers without a reason to bark.

When taking on a Dane remember that many people are afraid of large dogs. Be responsible enough to keep your Dane home where he belongs. Fawn Danes in particular are at the mercy of unethical hunters in the fall and more than one Dane has lost his life simply wandering in the woods. In urban areas the dangers can be even higher. Don't take the chance of losing a great dog for lack of a fence, and don't rely on the invisible fences.

Training is not an option but a requirement! They MUST know their place in the pack order (and always below humans!) and firm, consistent handling is key to establishing this. Allowing a Great Dane to dominate a household means someone will get hurt or killed sooner or later, a situation in which both people and dogs lose. It is also one which is preventable. The Great Dane is an intelligent dog that wants to learn and wants to do the right thing - it is up to his owners to teach him what that is!

As of 2007 the world's tallest dog is a Great Dane. The Great Dane is the official dog of Pennsylvania and the team mascot at the University of Albany. A Great Dane has been a member of the South African Navy and the breed is prominent in Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin.

Among the fans of the Great Dane is Burt Ward, famous as "Robin" in the Batman series of the 1960s. He and his wife have a home that gives Great Danes a second chance and 3,000 Danes have found homes since 1994.

The Great Dane is a big dog that is a great dog in the right hands with the right handling. They need a home that is willing to be firm enough to teach manners and discipline but compassionate enough to bolster them and help them be the bold, outgoing adult they are capable of being.

The Dane will give you his heart and his life if need be. Make sure your time with him is worth that kind of devotion!

Origin and History of the House Cat

2008-11-22T07:08:00.001-08:00

Author: Doris Canova

Formerly, it was carelessly thought that our house cats were simply the progeny of tamed pairs of the European wildcats; but anatomy has denied the probability of this and historical investigation shows that they came from another source. Historical evidence, which includes innumerable mummies, shows that the cat was domesticated by the Egyptians before the time of the oldest monuments of their civilization.

Moreover, the characteristic specific markings of the caffrc cat (still wild as well as tame in the Nile Valley) reappear unmistakably in our common house cats in spite of the fact that interbreeding with other species has intervened. A well-marked variety of this cat, known as the Mediterranean cat, was and is found in ancient times as well as now in Syria and eastward. It is established that many centuries before the Christian era the Egyptians, Cretans, Phoenicians and other men of the Levant were constantly voyaging all over the Mediterranean Sea. They were busy founding trading-posts on both its shores, where finally arose and spread the extensive civilizations of Greece and Rome on the north, and of Carthage on the south.

With these colonists undoubtedly went their friendly and useful mousers. That they then were crossed somewhat with the native wildcat seems to be shown by the appearance of the peculiar form we call "tabby" cats. In brief, this is the history of the common European house cat and also those of America and most of the civilized world because of immigration. However, in the remote and isolated East exists races of domesticated cats of more local origin. Prof. G. Martorelli, of Milan, Italy, made a special study of this whole subject and he has concluded that the ordinary domestic cat of India has descended from the Indian desert cat.

From it, he says, are derived their common spotted breed, while the fulvous breed seen in India has been produced by a cross with the native jungle cat. Both these have interbred with the imported western cats in recent years. The Persian or ''Angora" long-haired breeds may probably have come from the Pallas' cat of central Asia; and the curious Siamese cat is regarded as derived from the golden cat. Whether accidentally or by the design of breeders, intermingling of these various species and races has produced the bewildering variety of forms now seen.

We plan to post articles that are informative and helpful to other cat lovers. Having been "owned" by cats for years, we know they can be demanding, but also be very entertaining and fun.
Best House Cat Care
Visit our website for products your cat may enjoy www.besthousecatcare.com

Stray Kittens First Time Playing with Cat Scratcher

2008-11-22T06:55:00.000-08:00

Meet, well..I havent named them yet. These two cuties were brought into local animal control a few days back and I have taken them in to foster. They are roughly 4 weeks old and as you can see full on energy. Found outside, they were covered in fleas and under nourished. They are eating well, have been treated for fleas and are coming around with the idea of being indoor cats. Eerything at this point is new to them, from tv sounds to people petting them. They will be staying with me for atleast 3 or 4 weeks then up for adoption they will go.

I will be posting more videos soon of all the cats I have fostered over the last few years and those I continue to foster. So if you like cats/ animals etc please feel free to subscribe.

Here Kitty

2008-11-22T05:38:00.001-08:00

The dogs just want to play with the kitty

Raw Video: Baby Cheetahs Make Debut in Ohio

2008-11-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

Check out the newborn cubs at The Cincinnati Zoo. The baby boys were born last month.

War Dogs - The Forgotten Heros

2008-11-20T07:50:00.000-08:00

Author: Wayne J Tuttle

For most of us, we think of our dogs as loving and loyal pets. However, for many soldiers who have fought in wars, their dogs were not only their companions, they were their lives.

Remembrance Day has come and gone but, I still think about all the brave men and women who have laid down their lives for the sake of peace and freedom. I also think about some of the documentaries and movies I have watched that has portrayed these courageous men and women. Over the years, I remembered seeing a couple of documentaries about how dogs played a big part in most of the world wars. Then it dawned on me, I have never heard anyone speak of or commemorate the many dogs who sacrificed their lives while serving and protecting their handlers and comrades. So, I felt it was time to give them the recognition they so well deserved.

As far back as 4000 years ago, dogs have served in the military along- side the brave men and women who have fought during the many wars and conflicts around the world. During every modern war, war dogs have served as trackers, scouts, sentries, messengers, attack dogs, mine detection dogs, tunnel dogs and rescue dogs. Sadly, tens of thousands of these brave creatures did not return from the battlefields. Some were killed in action, some were MIA (missing in action), while many were thought as “equipment” by the military, so they were often left behind.

It is estimated that these magnificent dogs were credited with saving the lives of over 10,000 soldiers during the Vietnam, war. That is only one war. What about the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War, Bosnia, Afganistan ? I am certain, there have been millions of these loyal and brave canines who were injured or killed in the line of duty.

Even though Remembrance Day has passed for another year, it is still important to honor the brave men and women who have fought in our wars, but it is also time to honor the many war dogs who served along-side these fallen heroes. We need to recognize the heroism and contribution war dogs have made to soldiers in the field over the past and into the future.

Please, take the time to remember the War Dogs- The Forgotten Hero’s

Wayne J. Tuttle is a writer, motivational speaker, an advocate for people with disabilities and owner of two On-Line stores. To learn more about Wayne visit: www.TwoTuttlesFourPaws.com

Leave me alone!!!

2008-11-19T20:48:00.001-08:00

This cat is mad.

Run Kitty!!!

2008-11-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

Amazing Ball Balancing Dog

2008-11-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

Amazing Ball Balancing Dog - Watch more Free Videos

A couple guys film their neighbors dog playing in the backyard by itself pushing a ball on top of its head and then balancing it for 20 seconds.

Tribute to Butter

2008-11-19T20:03:00.001-08:00

Dog Harnesses - Why You Need One

2008-11-18T09:50:00.000-08:00

Author: dwaser

Dog training is something that almost all dog owners do at some time or another. There may be times, however, whenever special circumstances make it necessary for you to use a dog harness. Dog harnesses come in almost every shape and size and depending on what you need it for, you may need to make a particular choice. Here are some of the different dog harnesses that are available, what you should be looking for in the dog harness and why you would need one in the first place.

Don't harnesses are basically available for dogs which you may have a difficult time controlling. It may also be that you simply do not like to have your dog controlled by a single strap collar that is worn around their neck. Although it is a good idea for you to do some obedience training so that you dog is not pulling at his collar, it is an acceptable alternative to get a dog harness so they do not cause themselves injury while they are undergoing training.

As far as the type of dog harnesses that you can get, they really come in almost every shape and size. Some of them are rather simple and are nothing more than a couple of straps, one that goes underneath their chin in the chest area and the other which wraps behind their front legs. These dog harnesses are usually adjustable and are relatively inexpensive. The good part about them is that they are very effective in controlling your dog and make a great alternative to a single strap dog collar that is worn around the neck. Dog harnesses also come with special padding for on the chest area which can help you to control a dog that is especially aggressive at times, such as a police dog.

There are also dog harnesses that are available for almost every breed and size of dog. I've seen these harnesses that can fit onto a dog as small as a Chihuahua and others that can fit on a bull mastiff. If you do not need the dog harness to be used for working dog, you might want to consider getting something that is a little bit customized. A lot of people go for these customized dog harnesses in order to make their dog look good. To be honest, it doesn't really affect the training of the dog in the but many owners like to do it this way, nonetheless.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Visit the dog lovers website, discover great, helpful information just for dogs and download the free report "The Secrets to Raising a Happier Dog”.

Tip: Check out Daniel's dog training blog and learn more about dog leash training.

cowboys herding cats

2008-11-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

funny ads, cowboys herding cats, who can ever imagine?

Christian; THE LION

2008-11-16T21:09:00.001-08:00

Students want Obamas to adopt their foster puppy

2008-11-15T20:26:00.000-08:00

Students want Obamas to adopt their foster puppy

Elementary school students say they know the perfect dog for President-elect Barack Obama and his family: Bentley, a homeless 5-month-old Schnauzer mix that spends much of his time in the classroom.

Explaining the Cost of a Boxer Puppy

2008-11-15T12:23:00.001-08:00

By Jason Rusch

You know that you want a boxer puppy for your family, but you are having a hard time convincing your spouse that paying the $400 to $600 (or more!) cost for a puppy is sensible. Perhaps your spouse is a penny-pincher, or maybe that amount of money just sounds like an awful lot to pay for a little puppy. In either case, your spouse won't budge unless you can justify why a boxer puppy costs that much money. So, here is some information that will help to explain why the price of a boxer puppy seems high—and why it is worth paying.

The price of a boxer puppy is not arbitrary; rather, it is set to cover the costs of the breeder.

While your spouse may think that the breeder just pulled the $600 price out of her hat, that isn't the case at all. There are a great many costs involved in breeding a litter of boxer puppies. Reputable breeders routinely do genetic testing on both the mother and father boxer, which can cost upwards of $1000 per dog in total. There are also shots and exams to be performed on both the mother boxer and the puppies after they are born—these can cost up to $200 or more.

Breeders also have possible emergency costs for which they must be prepared. For example, if the mother boxer needs a Caesarian section, that will cost the breeder another $500. If the mother boxer is unable to feed the boxer puppies for some reason, replacement milk costs another $100 per week.

Additionally, there are costs involved in housing the newly born boxer puppies as well as the mother and father boxer—not to mention cleaning costs. Since most litters produce between four and six boxer puppies, doing the math means that breeders do not even make a profit on the sale of a boxer puppy in most cases.

Going to a reputable breeder and paying a higher price is a smarter choice than paying a lower amount at a backyard breeder.

Backyard breeders may charge a great deal less for a boxer puppy—many charge less than $300. However, backyard breeders do not do most of what is listed above. They do not do the genetic health testing. They may not even do veterinary examinations or give the boxer puppy shots.

Therefore, you very well might be setting yourself up for some serious health issues by purchasing a boxer puppy from a backyard breeder. Boxer dogs are susceptible to a few genetic health conditions, and the only way to avoid these is through genetic testing of the boxer parents. So, your boxer puppy could develop heart problems or hip and spine issues—all because you wanted to save a little money.

Well, you may have saved a little money when you purchased your boxer puppy; however, now you could be looking at some very high veterinarian bills…along with a great deal of heartache and worry.

The choice is clear, really—spend a little more now for peace of mind and good health in your boxer puppy…or spend a lot later, in both money and worry.

Are you looking for more info about training and caring for your boxer puppy? If so you will need some basic training tips to get you started. Save your time and energy searching the internet looking for magical solutions and check out my 5 essential training tips (click the blue link). You'll discover some ultra useful tips for training your boxer quickly and easily, and most importantly you'll save time by not having to scour through the junk that's out there! Visit www.boxerdogessentials.com

The Weirdest Dog Ever

2008-11-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Dog going schizo.

Dog Nearly Dies Saving Kittens From Fire

2008-11-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Fire fighters fought a house fire in Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday, only to uncover a pet dog risking his life to protect four kittens trapped in the blaze.

Can We Get A Puppy, Can We, Please?

2008-11-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

By: David Amos

hey are cute and cuddly and everybody loves them. Their eyes are bright and inquisitive, and their tails wag 100 miles per hour. Who doesn't want a new puppy? Getting a puppy can be a great addition to the family, but it is important to remember that they are only babies and will require a lot of puppy care. Puppies are dependent on you to feed them and teach them the things they need to know like babies. They will need lots of attention and patience.

Puppy Supplies

It is a good idea to prepare your house well before the new puppy comes home for the first time. Stock up on all the supplies your puppy will need as a new member of the family. The first items to shop for will be feeding supplies, and these include bowls for water and food, as well as a high quality dry food specially formulated for puppies. It is also a good idea to get a crate for your puppy, since most puppy care information touts the benefits of crate training dogs. You can line the bottom of your crate with an old blanket or towel that your puppy will find comfy for sleeping on.

A collar and leash are other good supplies to purchase before you bring your puppy home, as well as a few chew toys and grooming supplies like shampoo and nail clippers. To make sure that your chew toys are safe for your new pup, avoid items like rawhide that can break off and get lodged in a small dog’s throat and opt instead for durable items like a Nylabone chew toy for playtime. Having some of these toys on hand will hopefully deter your dog from teething on other items like your favorite shoes or the living room chairs.

Feeding Your Puppy

Feeding your puppy is very important part of puppy care since he is developing bones and muscle as he grows. Remember that you need to feed your puppy food that is formulated for puppies and not adults. Puppies grow up rapidly and have special nutritional requirements.

Growing puppies usually should eat twice a day, but do not leave dry food out so they can snack whenever they want, or “graze.” You can’t depend on your puppy to quit eating when he is full. Some will, but others will eat until they get sick. It's also a good idea for his future health to let your puppy get used to regular meal times. Canned food is optional but not required for good nutrition. It is more of a special treat.

Housebreaking and the New Puppy

A very important part of puppy care is the house breaking. This requires patience, and lots of it. This will be one of the first training objectives you will have for your pup. Make sure that you have plenty of cleaning supplies on hand, since accidents will happen.

Many puppies will need to go just after they eat so this is a good time to take them out. At other times they will give you some kind of sign, sometimes they sniff around, or turn around looking for a spot. Watching for their signal can tell you when you and your pup need to hit the door running. It will take a bit of time for your pup to get the hang of this routine. Remember that dogs naturally want to go away from their home base for elimination. They will eventually get the message, but not until they have had a few accidents. The key is to not give up. Don’t get mad at the puppy because he is just trying to learn what you want him to do. For best results use loving patience while he gets into the habit.

Puppies and Children

Puppies and children are usually great together but it is never wise to leave small children and puppies together unsupervised. Sometimes a puppy is too wild for children, and sometimes the child is too exuberant for the pup. Either way someone could get hurt. Most parents want a puppy specifically as a companion for their children, so monitor puppy and child interactions and at the same time teach both the puppy and the children the limits and rules for safe, fun play.

Taking Your New Puppy to the Vet

One of the first things you will need to do with your new puppy is take him to the vet. It is very important that your new puppy gets all of his shots. Shots are a necessary part of puppy care, as they prevent many potentially fatal diseases. Your vet will also check for worms, and discuss the best option for flea and heart worm protection, and will advise you when to bring your new pet in to be spayed or neutered. Your vet will provide the best information on food, sleep and care for the health of your puppy.

Many veterinarians will recommend obedience classes as part of your puppy care. These courses will teach you how to train your dog to be an obedient and acceptable member of your family. You can find obedience classes through your veterinarian, breeder or local pet store. Puppies grow up to be dogs and the care and training they received as a puppy will determine the temperament they have when they are adults.

There are any number of websites that will offer the puppy care information that you will need. Other good sources for puppy care information include your veterinarian’s office, the local library, or the shelter that you adopt your puppy from.

David Amos is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information on puppy care go to http://www.onlinedogcare.com/puppycare. For more about keeping all dogs happy and healthy go to http://www.onlinedogcare.com.

Tama-10 million Dollar Cat

2008-11-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Tama the "Super Stationmaster," in her hat cocked at a rakish angle, has become a sensation.

Tama is a 9-year-old calico cat, who used to live a simple life hanging out at the train station next to her home at the grocery store.

But with the addition of a hat, usually worn at a jaunty angle, she's become a local, national and even international star.

As well as their cameras, visitors are bringing their cash. A study at Osaka University found that Tama fever was responsible for pumping $10 million into the local economy.

Tama's home of Kishikawa in Japan is an isolated town of just a few thousand people, the last stop on what had been a failing train line.

Cat Caught in Engine, Lives to Purr About It

2008-10-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

A Seattle-area driver makes it to work, only to discover a kitten hitched a ride under the hood.

Ultra Kawaii - Halloween Costume Party

2008-10-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Some people dress up as kittens and puppies for Halloween, but pets like to dress up too! Today's episode features some of the spookiest pets in their coolest Halloween costumes! Thanks to all the cute puppies and funny cats in today's episode: Turbo & Siren, Vinnie, Tuckie, Teddy, Snooks, Sammy, Roxie, Romeo, Rachel, Rocco, Polo & Coco, PC, Nine, Munchlet, Milo, Kami, Honey, Chloe, Hilton, Henry, Eddie, Chloe, Domino, Dee Dee, Duke, Charles, Captain Jack, Butter, Boston, Boo, Bijoux, Beefy, Aubree, Adicus, Louie, Cleo, Pansy.

2008-10-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Misha Blows Bubbles by dm http://asoagilitydogs.com/ http://www.furtographs.com/

Border Collie - Dog Breeds - Information Every Owner Ought To Know

2008-10-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Author: John Williams

We begin this article with the basic facts about the breed, then follow up with an in-depth look at their personality.

Breed group: Herding
Weight: 30-45 lbs
Height: male: 20-23, female: 18-21 inches

Overview

The Border Collie is originally from Northumberland where they have first been bred during the 19th century. Border Collies are exceptional herders and this tough and tireless sheepdog is capable of mastering any kind of herd. Many believe that the Border Collie has an eye that can mesmerize cattle. They crouch down and hypnotize the animals with their intense gaze. Being one of the most trainable breeds, the Border Collie also does very well as a narcotics and bomb detection dog. They also perform well in obedience, Frisbee trials, police work, search and rescue and fly ball.

Temperament

Border Collies are extremely intelligent and responsive dogs. They perform very well in obedience, agility and Frisbee trails. They flourish on admiration, are responsive and very trainable. This breed is full of life with immense endurance. Provided it gets sufficient activity to keep it occupied and ample exercise, Border Collies will get along happily with other dogs and children provided they get enough exercise. They may however be aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex, and should also not be left alone with non-canine animals. It is important to socialise the Border Collie enough when young so that they are not shy when older. These dogs require lots of attention, stimulation and exercise to be happy. The Border Collie lives for serving their owners' day in and day out, but will not be ideal for those with not enough time to spend with their animals. These dogs are too bright to sit around the house with no job.

Care

Border Collie will need to be combed and brushed regularly to make sure their coats are in a good condition. However, during shedding seasons extra care is required. They should only be bathed or dry shampooed when it is deemed necessary. It is also advised that their ears and coats are checked for ticks on a regular basis. The Border Collie is an average shedding breed.

Training

Early socialisation and obedience training is strongly recommended for this breed. The Border Collie is very trainable, and will do best in a training environment with enough praise, consistency, fairness and respect. Seeing that this is a very sensitive dog, they should never be treated in a cruel or unkind manner. These dogs are exceptionally talented in herding, police work, competitive obedience, search and rescue, Frisbee trials, and fly ball. Border Collies are also used effectively as rehabilitation dogs and guide dogs for people that are blind.

Health problems

In generally the Border Collie is a very tough breed, but they do have some medical conditions potential owners should be aware of such as hip dysplasia that can cause mild to severe lameness, osteochondritis dissecans which is a degenerative disease of the joints, progressive retinal, epilepsy and deafness.

Get more info and advice on the Border Collie or Border Collie training visit this dog breeds web page.

Groove Kitty

2008-10-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Kitty grooves to the tunes.

Vaccinations for Cats

2008-10-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

Author: Mark Stimpson

The debate on giving annual vaccinations to ensure good cat health versus the unhealthy implications of inoculation on the pet health has been going on for years. Many veterinarians believe that there is enough evidence to suggest that annual vaccine shots for deadly diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, is unnecessary and even harmful in some cases.

There is no doubt vaccinations (immunizations, \"shots\") have saved the lives of millions of cats. Before the days of effective vaccines, cats routinely died from panleukopenia (\"feline distemper\") and complications of upper respiratory (herpesvirus, calicivirus) infections. Newer vaccines are available to protect against feline leukemia virus infection, feline infectious peritonitis virus and other infections (chlamydia, feline bordetella, ringworm). Current vaccination programs protect our cats (and us) from the threat of rabies.

Cat health related vaccines that have been licensed by the federal government are tested to make sure that they protect pet health against diseases for one year. But, because these vaccines are not tested for long-term pet health side effects nor do they measure the time for which the vaccine will be effective, some studies at universities have suggested that cat health can be protected by these vaccines for many years negating the requirement of annual shots. This also means that pet owners don’t have to waste money on annual inoculations for better pet health and cat health.

What Studies Tell About Pet Health Vaccines
Typically, rabies is the only pet health disease that can pose a threat to people; most vaccines aren’t statutory by law. However, vets recommend annual boosters to guard cat health against those potential diseases that can be life threatening (parvovirus in dogs, distemper, herpes in cats etc). In advent of this new and scientific data that cites annual booster shots leading to certain health risks such as hyperthyroidism in cats, more and more vets are now making changes in their practices. According to a poll, it has been found that the vaccination count has fallen down by 49% than the figure 5 years ago.

It’s safe to assume that no one, including vets, scientists etc, knows the duration of protection cat health vaccines offer. Moreover, vaccine makers don’t wish to spend millions of pounds on proving the duration of their vaccines nor do they wish to test it.

Health Problems Related to Cat Health Vaccines
More studies, off late, are beginning to link many chronic pet health problems to inoculations. Cat health skin related problems such as hair loss, ulcers, lesions, indurations and serious problems such as indurations or hard lumps at and around the site of the injection have often been related to vaccines. While these adverse reactions to pet health vaccines may not pose the threat of an epidemic, it definitely rings an alarm bell and warrants a re-examination of the conventional beliefs related to vaccination practices.

Adverse Reactions to Pet Health Vaccines
Adverse reactions to pet health vaccines include fever, stiffness of joints, lethargy, abdominal tenderness, anaphylactic shock, kidney and liver problems among others. In some cases, vets believe that those cats/dogs that have a pre-existing health problem may suffer a much faster decline in their health when given annual booster shots.

If you need further information on pet health, including discussion groups visit our pet forum. We also have a great directory of pet issues on cat health with hundreds of related subjects.

Ratchet the Baghdad puppy lands in America

2008-10-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Dressed in a red, blue and white stars and stripes scarf, Ratchet the dog wagged his tail excitedly, leapt out of his crate and onto US soil for the first time after leaving his Iraqi home for a new life in America.

It was a long, two-day journey for the black puppy who travelled on three planes via Kuwait and Amsterdam to Washington after being adopted by a US soldier serving in Iraq.

Specialist Gwen Beberg, who is due to return home to Minnesota next month, adopted Ratchet in May after she saved him from a burning pile of rubbish in Baghdad.

Ratchet the Baghdad puppy lands in America

Cute kittens!

2008-10-19T16:29:00.001-07:00

these are my kittens Jack and Scampy!

Pugs Require Special Care

2008-10-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

Author: Debbie Foster

For many years, one of the most popular dog breeds
has been the Pug. Before purchasing a Pug, you need to realize that it has special care requirements. This breed has been known to man for over three thousand years, and is a member of the AKC Toy group where it was initially recognized in 1885. Pugs are easy to recognize with their curly tail and flat, wrinkly face. The standard size for a Pug runs from 10 to 14 inches high and weighs between 13 to 20 pounds. There are many specific health care concerns to the breed, so an owner has to make sure that he or she take time to put the extra care effort into the dog breed that they need.

First, there is the dog's folding skin. Unfortunately, the skin folds on a Pug are prone to infection. You must consult your veterinarian immediately at the first sign of infection. Regular baths to remove excess dirt from between the wrinkles will help to prevent skin infections. Not cleaning between the skin folds can cause bacteria build up which could lead to infection.

If left on their own with food, pugs will eat to excess. A Pug needs to have its' food carefully controlled so that they do not overeat. Being overweight can be detrimental to them in the same way that it can be for humans. Heat can bother a Pug tremendously, so shade is very important to any Pug left outside. As with any living thing, they should never be left in a car during the summer. High temperatures can cause difficulty in breathing in Pugs, so you should avoid leaving them exposed to high temperatures.

Another factor which could cause pug dog health problems is its' eyes. The special shape of a Pug's face and the location of its' eyes are generally the cause of many eyesight problems. Regularly checking should alert you to any eye inflammation. Any signs of inflammation is a signal to get your dog to the vet right away.

Of course, like any dog, taking proper care of your Pug and taking him to the vet for regular visits is the best way to insure good health. For those that provide proper care for their pet, they can be rewarded with many years of companionship.

Debbie Foster is the owner of http://petbedsunlimited.com where you'll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, large dog beds, cat beds, cat carriers, pet strollers and more.

oreo A Pomeranian

2008-10-19T16:26:00.001-07:00

A Pomeranian

The British Shorthair Cat

2008-10-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

By Omer Ashraf

Shorthair felines, British Shorthairs belong to Britain. The cats evolved centuries ago when Romans brought cats from their homeland and those cats mated with wild cats of Britain. With time the British Shorthairs came to being. However, it was not until the later half of nineteenth century that these felines started appearing in cat shows and began to be formally recognized. Originally they were accepted only in blue color and were thus known as British Blue. With time though other colors were given formal recognition and the name changed to the current one.

British Shorthairs are somewhat large sized with a muscular physique. They have strong chest, shoulders and legs and are known to possess significant strength relative to their size. Body is stout overall. Head is round with chubby cheeks, big round eyes that are usually copper to golden in color, and short widely set ears. Well developed whisker pads give rise to a very sweet 'smiling' facial expression. Tail is tapering at its end and paws are rounded. Apart from blue, which is the most common color, other colors and patterns include black, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, lilac, red, white, bicolor, colorpoint, tabby and tortoiseshell.

British Shorthairs are healthy and sturdy felines. They don't suffer from any persisting health ailment in their lines. They are relatively heavy as a breed and not very agile. They are active though and have been reported throughout history to be quite capable hunters in their natural environment.

Easy going and calm, British Shorthair cats have a very good temperament. They are independent and playful and not very demanding. Their lustrous coat doesn't shed nor require daily grooming. As kittens they are quite playful. As they age, taking nearly four years to reach their full size, they become relatively sedentary and overweight in some cases. Still they maintain their loyalty and affection towards humans.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on British Shorthair cat.