I Love Animals

“Rain or shine, sleet or snow” doesn’t just describe the perseverance of the mailman – it represents that hearty group of dog walkers who are out and about from dawn to dusk every morning and evening, their bulging pockets stuffed with yummy dog treats and those telltale plastic baggies. I’m a bit shaky on my neighbors’ names down the road, but I must know every dog’s name for blocks on end.

In addition, I’m sure I’ve met as many people as I have simply because of my routine with my Australian shepherd, Jesse. Who needs a cup of coffee in the morning when there’s fresh air, sticks to throw, and conversation with like-minded folks? I’ve gradually become friends, sharing ups and downs, with my fellow dog lovers, as we stand together throwing balls and Frisbees in the early morning mist.

Jesse and I look forward to meeting several other friendly dogs along our walks. Cody, a black lab, and Cory, a yellow lab, have a perfect temperament match and love to romp their whole way around the park, while their guardians visit. There’s tiny Lilly, an apricot poodle mix, who was rescued from the Humane Society. She is the happiest dog I’ve ever seen – bouncing and running circles around her Mom.

One evening it was approaching darkness when I finally got a chance to take Jesse out for his evening stroll. The walking trails of the nature park in back of our house are our favorite. The numerous fir trees and enticing scents of the woods lend a delicious feeling of freedom as we walk. After living in our neighborhood for 14 years, I know the trails like the back of my hand. It was a good thing I took my flashlight along that evening, however, because the last bit of light was fading fast. Suddenly out of nowhere came what appeared to be two red lights coming directly toward us at a furious pace. Fortunately a few days before, my neighbor told me about Zeke’s and Truman’s new night-time collars. Two waist high powerful Doberman pinschers were at my side in a flash with their usual friendly sniffs and wags. I laughed at my own bit of panic, realizing two of my favorite dogs were showering me with a generous night-time greeting.

The dog walking clan of the neighborhood has become a close-knit bunch. Fresh air and friends of every description; it doesn’t get any better than that.

Having owned a particular breed of dog in the past is a definite advantage, when it comes to picking a new puppy. Experience may either work for or against the breed of dog you owned before. But, what happens if you’ve never own a dog before, and your not sure what to look for. Here’s a short but helpful list to get you started. I’m sure you’ll be able to build on it once you’ve given it some thought.

It’s A Matter Of Breeding

The size of the dog is probably the first most visible and obvious characteristic. If you live in a tiny studio apartment, a greyhound would probably not be an ideal choice.

Your primary reason for wanting a dog. There are plenty of reasons people have for wanting a dog. Such as: breeding, obedience training, a watchdog, a show dog, or simply for companionship.

The strength and size of a breed you may have in mind. I suspect your eight year old son or daughter may have a difficult taking the Great Dane around the block for a walk.

If your dog is a runner, or one who likes to cuddle in your lap is something to consider. Living in a house with plenty of acreage is great for dogs that need a lot of exercise.

Not all dogs are well suited to a family with children, and some dogs will simply be too energetic and rambunctious for older or less mobile owners.

Some dogs require more companionship then others. If your going to be out of the house eight hours a day for seven days a week, then maybe a less demanding dog would be appropriate for you. Or maybe one of those aloof cats, who could care less is the answer.

Dogs with very long hair will require more time and care from you when it comes to grooming. Or perhaps, more frequent trips and a larger budget for the dog grooming shop are the answer.

If your lead a very active lifestyle, perhaps with plenty of walking, hiking, running, then make sure you look at a breed that is appropriate for this level of activity. Not all dogs want or require a lot of exercise.

The climate of your geographical location is also important when choosing a breed. Some dogs such as the Bulldog, will suffer through breathing problems in a very hot climate. Long coated dogs will find the change of seasons to encourage coat shedding. Maybe not great for the person picking up the hair, but good for the dog.

Fleas and ticks are a common problem for pet owners. Not only can they make your pet sick, they carry diseases that humans can catch too. The right precautions can greatly lessen the chance of either of you contracting an illness and keep your pet happy.

Fleas feed on blood. Signs of flea borne illness include skin irritation, allergic reactions, anemia and possibly death. Fleas also carry tapeworms. Large amounts of fleas, or ticks, can produce a large amount of blood loss.

Ticks, which also feed on blood, are carriers of Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to name a few.

Preventative measures may not completely eradicate the problem but it will vastly reduce the presence of these pests. Following are ways to keep you and your pet safe.

Whenever your pet has been outdoors, always inspect him when he comes back inside. Be thorough! Check between your dog’s toes, behind and in his ears, his armpits and head and tail. Use a flea comb to catch any fleas you might have missed. Look closely for tiny black specks, which could indicate flea eggs.

Always read the labels on flea and tick products. Make sure they are appropriate for your dog’s age and weight. Never use items made for humans! Never use these products on young, pregnant, debilitated or elderly dogs without first consulting a veterinarian.

Different treatments deal with various stages of a flea’s life. Read the label to know if it deals with larvae, eggs or adult fleas. You will often need to use a variety to kill the most fleas and prevent a repeat infestation.

Inside your home you can make a simple flea trap. Fill a shallow dish about halfway with water. Add a few drops of dish washing soap. Place the dish on the floor or a table and set a light above it. The fleas will be attracted t o it, fall in and drown.

In the yard, remove dead plants and clear excess brush. These are ideal places for fleas and ticks to thrive.

These are just a few suggestions. If you prefer natural solutions, there are numerous books and websites dedicated to these. Our pets depend on us to look out for them. Keeping a regular flea and tick regimen not only protects them but you and your family as well.

You might want at some time to breed your turtles. Or you will buy a baby turtle. In both cases you must know some important baby turtle care facts that will help you in healthy growing them. If one decides to get a baby turtle, in the majority of cases he will go to a pet store and will choose the qutest little green turtle that he sees. but pleaser have in mind that a baby turtle it’s a little more delicate that a mature turtle so there are specific turtle care aspects that you mustn’t forget. Anyway, if you decide to have a baby turtle please take good care of it, try to follow all the recommendation because at that age the turtles are very demanding and helpless.

I will try to explain in this article the housing process for the baby turtles. I think that this is the first and one of the most important steps in the baby turtle care.

Baby turtle care: housing issue

Baby turtles need fresh water. if, a mature turtle can survive in a slightly dirty water that’s not happening to the baby. So try to keep them in fresh shallow water all the time. The water should be at least as deep as their shell’s wide but be careful not to be deeper that they can reach the surface easily. you’ll also have to provide them a basking spot. As i said, keeping a fresh water means changing it daily. you can also use a filter so you can change the water every 2-3 days.

If you decide to use a water filter some problems might appear that you have to resolve. The filter will create some kind of a current. If this current is to strong for the little ones than they will paddle against it in vain. So in some time they will get exhausted and that’s not good for them. The best way to resolve this turtle care problem is by placing some rocks or bricks for lessening the current.

One possibility is to slant the tank slightly, to create deeper water where the filter is and shallower water where the basking spot is. I use flat, round river rocks for resting spots.

If you keep your turtle indoor and the room temperature seems to low than you should try to cover a part of the tank to keep the air worm. But when you see that the condensation acumulates uncover the tank. If you don’t do that then the turtles won’t dry enough.

The turtles need Vitamin D3 and Calcium. These can be found in a variety of foods. But of you don’t provide this kind of turtle food then you should get some kind of vitamin supplements. In any of the cases do not put your turtle tank directly on your window.

If the baby turtles are kept outdoors than also try to cover the tank because the cats and the crows will find your little ones as a great meal.

Remember that if you decided that you want to keep a baby turtle there are many turtle care issues involved. If you think that you can’t take care of all this turtle care issues like the housing problems please don’t keep the turtle. try to fin someone that can give her a happy life.

Ignoring the necessity of puppy training could lead to a whole bunch of problems in the future. For one thing, housebreaking needs to be done as soon as possible, for your household’s hygiene - and your dog’s as well. Also, training your puppy more basic things like not going out into the street in busy traffic, or keeping away from poisonous creatures like rattlesnakes, could well save your puppy’s life!

If you want your puppy to grow up to be strong and smart, let puppy training begin at an early age. One of the first things you should remember is that “positive reinforcement” - also known as “reward training” - is considered more effective on dogs than the old-fashioned physical punishment techniques. So keep a bag of treats handy, for giving to your pup when he accomplishes important tasks. You also need to have the right equipment and supplies handy, like crates, collars, and toys for your pet to get accustomed to.

Obedience should be the first thing to teach your puppies; agility or speed training could come at the same time, or even later. It’s important that your young pets know who’s the boss, and have absolute faith in you. Using treats and frequent praise as rewards for jobs well done is a great way to build up your pet’s trust in you. Like other animals, even human beings, dogs become fonder of their companions if their companions make them feel good about themselves. It’s important to express to your puppy what you feel after he performs his actions, so he quickly learns which things please or displease you.

One of the most important lessons to teach your puppy is housebreaking. Some pet owners use crates for this task. Crates can be bought in pet stores, at different sizes, so you can upgrade the size of your crate as your puppy grows - the important thing is that you use a crate that’s only big enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in. Different pet owners have different ideas about how to use a crate for housebreaking, but there’s only one advisable way: when you see signs that your puppy is about to urinate or defecate inside the house, keep your puppy in his crate for a moment. Then release him and immediately open the door so he could go out to do his “thing.”

Remember that as a rule, dogs don’t dirty up the places where they like to eat or sleep. So your puppy is sure not to dirty up his crate, especially if he thinks of it as a sort of play area. Don’t let your puppy think of the crate as a cage! Keep a toy in the crate or lure your puppy in with treats, to encourage this point of view.

New dog owners may be daunted by the task, but puppy training is not as hard as you think. Look up training tips on the web, or ask your vet for advice. It’s sure to make the process of growing up with your puppy worthwhile!

Marine aquariums offer many advantages to those who keep and maintain them. Some include the satisfaction of creating a beautiful ocean ecosystem in the confines of five sheets of glass or acrylic. Another important role played by the marine aquarium is its ability to release the tensions and pressures of everyday life. What could be better than watching the waves and the currents flow inside your miniature coral reef or fish tank?

Apart from its obvious beauty, the marine aquarium is also quite educational. It is one of the best ways to teach children and adults about the amazing partnerships and friendships between the coral reef inhabitants. It teaches them to respect the coral reef and makes them aware of the hazards of neglecting or abusing it. It also shows them how to enjoy the rainbow colored creatures that God so carefully and creatively made.

Starting a marine aquarium can be simple, cheap, and exciting. Most basic equipment for the marine aquarium is relatively reliable and economical. You usually don’t need all the “bells and whistles” you see on show tanks such as calcium reactors, automatic fish feeders, etc. You usually can do without these, and they can decrease the time you spend maintaining the aquarium, which is one of the best reasons for having an aquarium.

The most necessary piece of equipment for the new marine aquarium is the tank itself. It is critical to choose your tank carefully and wisely, since factors like the tank’s construction, size, and shape will have an impact on the number of organisms you will be able to keep in it.

Tanks must not include any toxic chemicals. Try to resist buying the old-fashioned metal-lined aquariums. The saltwater will splash on the metal and cause a chemical reaction quickly rust and corrode the metal, releasing toxic substances into the water.

The constraints on buying an aquarium are the size of the space you can allot to it and your budget. People are told to purchase “the biggest they can afford”. The recommended starting size is 55 gallons, but you can successfully keep your creatures alive in an aquarium larger or smaller than 55 gallons. However, be aware that a smaller volume of water requires more diligent maintenance.

The general shape chosen for tanks is a rectangle. The common rule is to buy one as long and low as you can, making more horizontal swimming room for fish than vertical. Also having a relatively low tank also allows you to keep more light hungry corals in invertebrates closer to the bottom. Many people choose the compactness and good looks of a tall aquarium. This is a poor choice, as it will not provide much swimming room for your fish.

Next, you need to purchase a light fixture. For the fish-only aquarium, standard fluorescent tubes would be fine. However, if you want to keep a mini-reef, lighting plays a crucial role. The most common fixtures are power compact fixtures, which are more intense than normal fluorescent, and metal halides. Metal halides are ideal, and usually necessary for keeping the most photosynthetic creatures, as they replicate natural sunlight more than the others.

Another very important factor in the aquarium is filtration. Some people use hang on tank filters, but they steal some of the natural beauty of the aquarium. Other options are canister filters, and under gravel filters. Canister filters can be hidden in an aquarium cabinet, but they are somewhat expensive and it can be difficult for a beginner to change the media. Under gravel filters are losing popularity in the marine aquarium hobby because they require a coarse bottom, so that the plate doesn’t get clogged, and many people like the tropical island look of fine sand. Many people also choose to use only live rock and sand as their filter.

Next, you must buy a heater. The ideal temperature for the water that contains coral reefs is between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The bigger of a tank, the higher heater wattage you’ll need. Once you have your aquarium set up, you will be ready to buy live rock. Live rock is chunks of coral that break off of a reef or are aqua cultured. They contain millions of beneficial organisms that are crucial for the marine environment. Live rock is completely optional, but it is highly recommended. It partially serves as a base for your corals and invertebrates to attach themselves to.

After you partially fill the aquarium with mixed salt water, according to the instructions on the box, you can add the sand or other substrate, then live rock. Be sure to keep the live rock wet so you don’t kill the creatures living in it. Once you have the aquarium up, plug in the filter (if you choose to have one) and the heater and let it cycle for a few weeks, changing a percentage of the water each week, before putting any creatures in it so that the bacteria may be given a chance to grow and mature, which will help rid your aquarium of fish and invertebrate waste in the future.

Once the tank has finished cycling, then you can add your first fish. Several easy and hardy fish include the damsel, with it’s striking blues, greens, and yellows. The clown fish, with it’s comical looks, and the firefish, which looks like it is “on fire.”

Be sure to do your research before you go out and buy a marine aquarium. There are a plethora of excellent books out there, and this article only skims the surface of the world of marine aquariums. So, what are you waiting for? Get reading!

In recent years, a great deal of research has been carried out into the effects that owning a pet can have on reducing stress levels and assisting recovery from illness.

For many people, owning a pet gives them a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction. There seems little doubt that coming home from a stressful day at work and spending time with your pet, can be a great way to unwind and reduce your stress levels.

Whether its watching your cat play with a ball of wool or taking your dog out for a walk, owning a pet can be a great way to reduce stress. Also looking after a pet can help shift the pet owner’s focus away from their own problems to the needs of their pet, which will naturally help reduce their stress levels.

A number of studies have also shown that even spending some time with a pet can have a very positive and beneficial effect on people. So much so, that in some countries, pets are regularly taken around hospital wards to spend time with patients, as this has been shown to speed up the time it takes to recover from surgery. Some people may find it difficult to believe, but clinical studies have actually shown that by simply spending some time with a pet cat or dog, patients can help to reduce their blood pressure.

Dogs in particular can be great stress reducers. As simple as it may seem, activities such as getting your dog to play fetch, or taking it for a walk in the park can really help to reduce your stress. Dogs can also be great companions when involved in other stress reducing activities such as fishing or hiking.

Even owning pets such as aquarium fish can help with relieving stress. The very act of taking proper care of tropical fish requires a lot of time an effort in ensuring they have the correct living environment and food etc. This focus can help to take your mind of the day to day problems that can cause stress and be a great way of relaxing.

Another aspect of pet ownership that is often overlooked is the great deal of pleasure and fun you can have by observing your pets behaviour, which can often be very humorous. Laughter is an excellent way to eliminate stress.

There is also an undeniable bond that can form between pets and their owners. Pet owners will often say that their pet gives them unconditional love and expects nothing in return. This can often be in sharp contrast to the stresses and strains of everyday human relationships, and can be another reason why pet ownership can be a great stress reliever.

While it would never be a good idea to buy a pet only because you think it will help to reduce your stress levels, there is no doubt that a number of studies have shown that owning a pet can have a very positive effect in reducing stress levels.

When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents’ characteristic anxiety has effectively seeped into both dogs’ personas.

My mother and father are both card-carrying neurotics with drastically different sensibilities. The former engages in an overt style of panic characterized by covering her eyes when our car seems close to hitting another car that’s three hundred yards down the road. The latter is more of a concealer; I would cite one of his quirks in this sentence, but the ensuing disownment would be harsh.

Frazier, a beige mix of Bichon and Poodle, arrived in our home when I was in the ninth grade. For the first few months, he struck us as an emotionally balanced individual, but it wasn’t long before the wide, glassy eyes and quivering lower lip set in. Like his human siblings before him, he experienced separation anxiety in the absence of his parents. Unlike his human siblings, Frazier saw it fit to pace around the unoccupied house for hours, howling to the ceiling and holding his paw against his beating heart. Such behavior, though unquestionably neurotic, was at least grounded in recognizable childhood symptomology. It wasn’t until the arrival of Jake, during Frazier’s fifth year, that Frazier experienced a full-fledged nervous breakdown.

Given the instability of Frazier’s ego, the appearance of Jake–an energetic full-blooded poodle with black hair and a trim gray beard–was emotionally catastrophic. When he wasn’t lying on his stomach leering into the abyss, Frazier went as far as to commit acts of physical violence upon his younger brother. We knew not to be fooled by the innocent look in Frazier’s eye when his leash somehow ended up around Jake’s neck.

Jake, who entered our home as somewhat of a free spirit, was oblivious to Frazier’s brooding melancholy. He ran and played with the best of them. He developed a flourishing social identity among the locals. However, it wasn’t long before the torch of neurosis was passed onto Jake. From whose hands or paws the torch came is difficult to determine, but genetic theories strike me as inadmissible.

Jake’s inaugural phobia was a fear of vacuum cleaners. We have various vacuums in our home, and Jake’s fear of each is proportional to its size and volume. When the biggest vacuum is about to be used, Jake requires an explicit and descriptive monologue preparing him for what is to come. The monologue is best performed with the speaker’s hand firmly applied to the top of Jake’s head. We’ve found that with the aid of such verbal reassurances, Jake’s anxiety in the presence of the vacuum cleaners has decreased by 3 or 4 percent.

By now, we’re pleased to announce that Frazier has overcome his initial aversion to Jake. Not only do they dine together frequently, but they’ve also come to display the sincerest form of love in our family: they worry about one another. When Jake’s out jogging in the backyard and Frazier’s sobbing from the window, his tears run rich with affection.

Cats are great pets indeed; they cruise around and look cool, sleep most of the day and are happy to chase rodents around the house or yard. Cockroaches do not come around much when cats are there and they soon get eaten if they do. About the only cockroaches I have seen who will come to a house with a big cat are those trying to sign you up for a religion of doom and gloom with a cool little magazine to scare the Bejesus out of you?

I propose that someone out there go and build a special cat collar which will open the door for my cat when it walks up. Why? Well I have been watching my cat lately and it is one lazy critter and thus while imitating it, I do not feel I wish to get up and go open the door. I think to myself; Hey you lazy cat open the door yourself why don’t you?

Well I figured out the reason why it didn’t, you see it can’t that handle is too high and too hard to turn for the cats paws. So I hope you will make an automatic door opener sensor, which will read my cat’s special high-tech collar realize it is the Cat and open the door for it. That would be cool. I already picked up one of those high-tech $200 cat little cleaners, that is neat, now if someone would make an automatic cat door opener then I could say; See look who the cat drug in? Consider all this in 2006.

Owning a dog can be a truly rewarding experience if you take the time to educate yourself on the proper care of dogs. There are two main areas of focus when examining dog health, disease preventative care and recognizing signs of potential problems.

Preventative medicine is paramount in effective dog care. At six weeks old puppies should begin a series of four DHLPP/CCV vaccinations three or four weeks apart. Puppies should be de-wormed often and started on heartworm preventative at four months old.

This program should be maintained indefinitely. An annual visit to a local veterinarian is necessary to maintain your dog’s health. In addition to administering vaccinations, the vet will examine the dog’s teeth and stool, and look for any obvious maladies.

What kind of dog health problems should I be on the look out for?

It is also important for new pet owners to be able to recognize any signs of potential dog health problems. Skin problems are quite common and can present themselves in a number of various ways. Skin allergies are very common in many dogs and can cause hair loss and ‘hot spots’. These ‘hot spots’ are sores on the skin surface that ooze and become easily infected.

They are also very painful and hard to deal with because of the dog’s constant licking. The skin allergies that cause ‘hot spots’ are often mistaken for flea infestation problems; an easy way to tell the difference is by watching the dog.

Chewing the top of his rump is a good indication of fleas, while scratching his head, neck and front legs indicate allergies. Signs of potential health problems also present themselves in the dogs stool. If the stool appears runny or discolored you may need to visit the vet.

Parasites or a change in diet are usually the culprit and most often easily remedied. Another less common but very serious threat to your dog’s health is Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. Large, deep crested dogs are predisposed for this condition which causes their stomachs to flip if they exert themselves after ingesting large amounts of water.

Your dog’s health is not something to be taken lightly. It is a huge responsibility you have chosen to bear, but it doesn’t mean that is has to be hard. Just make sure you take him for a check up every year and be attentive to any imminent health problems. If you follow your veterinarian’s advice your dog should have a happy, healthy, and long life.