I Love Animals

In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are few rules or laws governing who may breed dogs, and then advertise Westies for sale. Both ancestry and the breeding environment will affect the quality of the Westies offered for sale, and some breeders are a lot less careful about these details than others. Never buy the first Westie you find, from the first breeder you come across advertising Westies for sale. Take the time to learn about both the breed and the breeder to avoid an expensive mistake, and the heart-breaking loss of a dog due to health problems.

Because of the inbreeding required to produce specific size, shape, talents, and coats, all pure breeds are prone to genetic defects. Westies offered for sale in the purebred market are no different. First educate yourself about the health problems that often occur in Westies, and then be prepared to question the sellers about the steps they have taken to avoid them. Westies for sale from a conscientious breeder will come with clear records of their ancestry up to three to four generations, and will often have undergone genetic testing to find possible defects.

‘Backyard Breeders’ are individuals who purchase Westies with the plan to breed them at home, and then offer Westie puppies for sale to offset their expenses. ‘Puppy Mills’ breed their dogs with the goal of having each bitch produce as many Westies for sale in the least possible amount of time. Neither type of breeder is likely to know or care about the eventual health of the dogs they offer for sale. The Westies for sale at pet stores, or other retail establishments, usually come from one of these sources. All three should be avoided. There are home breeders who are avid hobbyists, and are conscientious about the dogs they breed. There are also respectable kennels that ensure that the Westies they offer are well cared-for. Westies for sale from these sources are what you are looking for.

Westie puppies for sale from a reliable breeder will not be timid or shy, small or sickly, or under eight weeks old. They will have their papers, shots, worming, and be well-socialized. The Westie breeder should provide references, a warranty contract against defects, and even advice about care.

West Highland Terrier Breeders who have been conscientious about the breeding and care of the Westies they offer for sale will not hesitate to let you take the puppy to a veterinarian for a preliminary checkup. They have done their jobs well, and have nothing to hide.

There are many reputable kennels, and knowledgeable hobbyist breeders who love their Westies, and will want the puppies and dogs they offer for sale to go to a good home. Good breeders will ask you as many questions as you ask them. If they want to know if you have a fence, if the Westie will be left alone during the day, or if you have raised other dogs, don’t be offended. These are the breeders who care enough to give your Westie puppy a good start in life.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

As the wolf pups rapidly grow and develop, all members of the wild wolf society participate in their instruction and discipline. The wolf pups quickly learn that obedience and responsiveness to warning signals from the alpha leader and other wolf pack members are requisites for their very survival. After all, grizzlies, spiders, disease, and large birds of prey do not hesitate to prey on the young wolf pups!

Much of their wild wolf instinctive behavior is revealed in the wolf pups’ play and parallels what we observe in our domestic dogs. Wrestling, mouthing on each other, chasing, biting of the back legs, tug-of-war with caribou hides, stalking each other, and other games are all things the pups do to develop and strengthen their survival skills. From the beginning, it is quite evident that these rambunctious pups are predators!

After a while, the wolf pups start challenging adults the same way they do their peers. Like teenagers who think they are all grown up and able to handle anything, the pups might nip the back of an adult’s legs or seek to wrestle him in what is only half-play. When the wolf pups start getting too full of themselves, taking their play out on the adults as well as each other, then it is time for the alpha leader to take them out on their first hunt.

The first time on the hunt, the pups just watch. The alpha leader selects an old or sick animal, then each member of the pack takes his place and uses his hunting skills. They are positioned perfectly by the alpha leader through very subtle, inconspicuous eye signals, so they work together and do not confuse one another. Eye signals are extremely important communication in both the wild wolf and domestic dog worlds. (You should watch your dog’s subtle eye signals, because those little glances mean a lot!)

When the kill is made, the young wolves are brought to the carcass. The alpha leader makes the pups rip open the carcass themselves, for they have to work for their food. He directs them in how to cut it open, and he will help with a strategic step (but minimally) if the pups are unable to open it themselves. (This is similar to some mother birds helping a to-be-hatched chick by pecking a little on the shell and making the first crack.)

The alpha leader also teaches the pups which form of prey to prefer — such as eat deer, ignore moose. (Each pack has its own preferences and prohibitions.) These laws change only in the times of famine, as when the caribou have eaten themselves out of house and home. Then the wolf pack will hunt anything, even rabbits, ground squirrels, and lemmings. During the famine, the packs often have few to no pups, simply because there is not enough food for them and weak pups die.

The alpha leader will often make the member with the lowest wolf pack rank eat last. If the omega tries to sneak in to eat with the rest, the other wolf pack members will band together as one in obedience to the alpha leader’s decision and drive the omega away.

Might does not make right in the wilderness. Regardless of their prowess and potential for future wolf pack rank, only the wolf pups who are alert, take direction from the alpha leader and other adults, obey warnings, and stay close to the wolf pack will survive. There is no Wild Dog Behavior in wild wolf society!

Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be taken lightly and not all breeders are equal. To make sure that you get a good quality dog that will be healthy and happy, you need to do some research and shop around.

The Pomeranian breed standard is to weight no more than seven pounds, but there are many Poms out there that weight 12 or even 20 pounds! While these may be great dogs and make good pets, they are not to the standard and you should not be paying the full price for a dog that will grow to this size. But how do you know how big a puppy will be?

One way to get a good feeling for how big your puppy might grow is to check out the parents. Are the parents tiny or large or just the right size? Than chances are your puppy will be the same size as the parents. If all the Pomeranians the breeder has are to breed standard and healthy, then this is a good sign that your puppy will be too. If the breeder will not show you the parents, then this is a red flag and you should keep looking for another breeder.

But how do you find a good Pomeranian Breeder?

One way to find a good Pomeranian breeder is to get in contact with people who already own a Pom. Maybe somebody you know already owns one? Find out as much information about the breed as you can. If you go to a pet store, talk with people. Pet owners love to talk about their pets. If you see a Pomeranian that is exactly what you want, find out what breeder he was purchased from and check them out for potential candidates.

When buying a dog, you need to be armed with all the information you can get. Research Pomeranians on the internet and in books. Know that it is important to become an educated consumer BEFORE you buy your dog from a breeder.

When you talk with breeders don’t be afraid to ask questions. Honest dog breeders will be more than happy to talk with you and answer every question. Note the condition of dog’s environment. Are the dogs pens clean? Are the puppies well cared for? Can you see the parents? What type of puppy food are they being feed? Have the puppies had their shots? Reputable breeders love their animals and go to great lengths to provide a proper “home like” environment. Puppies are products of their surroundings. A good, clean environment will surely be reflected in a dog’s playfulness.

Stay away from breeders who are interested only in making money. They generally don’t pay much attention to their dog’s emotional needs and health concerns. Also, they may in-breed their Pomeranians and this can trigger severe health issues. AVOID THESE BREEDERS! Reputable breeders will be more concerned about the welfare of the puppies then the money and will probably grill you as to your home environment and ability to care for the dog.

Some breeders may offer a 72 hour guarantee. This allows time to take your Pomeranian puppy to a vet for inspection. If any health issues are identified, contact the breeder and get your questions answered.

Good, honest Pomeranian breeders care for their dogs and it shows in their surroundings. There are no guarantees that you will always have a normal, perfect puppy, but you greatly increase the odds when you do your homework first!

While many people consider clicker training a new way to work with dogs and other animals, clicker training has actually been around for many, many years under the name “operant conditioning”. Animal trainers, behavior trainers, scientists and even therapist have been using operant training on animals and people for centuries. Operant training works on the principle of pairing a desired behavior with a positive outcome for the animal, one that is not naturally associated with the behavior itself. For example, if a dog is told to sit and does, he or she may receive a treat. If you were also to click a clicker when you gave the treat that would become a positive as well. Over a period of time the dog would come to equate the clicker with “good behavior” even if you didn’t also present a treat.What is the clicker?The clicker is simply a little plastic box-like device that is carried in the hand of the trainer. A metal strap is depressed and released that produces a sharp “click” that becomes, for the dog, the equivalent of “Good Dog”. Clickers are much faster than using words and also are less likely to be ignored by the dog as they are easy to hear, even in crowds or highly distracting environments.Clickers are always used with a treat at first, if not just simply clicking doesn’t seem like a reward to the dog. The great thing about clicker training is that it is all based on positive behavior and on the dog getting closer and closer to doing things perfect.The key to effective clicker training is to break the command down into the tiniest of steps. Start rewarding each approximation to the final result with a treat and a click. For example, if you wanted to teach the dog to jump through a hoop, first start with keeping the dog running beside you in the heel position. Then have stick lying across the path the dog will take. When you get to the stick say “Jump” and when the dog steps over the stick (because no jump is even required), click, treat and praise follow immediately. Gradually increase the height of the stick or bar off the ground. Click for each completion of the jump command over the stick. Clickers have the added benefit of providing reinforcement without having to stop for a treat.Once the dog understands “Jump” with the clicker, introduce the hoop on the ground. Use another command such as “Hoop” to get the dog to step through the hoop on the ground. Click and provide a treat and praise. Once the dog does this successfully, try elevating the hoop a few inches. This time combine “Jump” and “Hoop” commands. Click for successful completions of stepping up and through the hoop. Gradually increase until you can hold the hoop and verbally command the dog up and through. Click for reinforcement of each jump through.Clicker training can be used for both simple and complex commands, but always must be paired with a treat until the dog understands that the clicker is the treat.

My cat always talks to me, he always tells me things and not always by meowing. Sometimes he uses his body. Cats have body language just as humans have and I think theirs is much easier to understand.

First and foremost, verbal communication. I just wish I could understand Tigger fully, I wish I could talk to him. I can and do talk to him but its like talking to someone foreign. You don’t really know what they’re saying but you can usually understand what they mean. Its the same with my cat, I can understand him, but I don’t understand the meows.

I know when he wants food, I know when he’s content, I know when he’s angry and I know when he’s on edge or nervous as if something big is in the yard like a dog. He tells me, and I can understand.

I can also tell how he is by his body language. I know to look for the little things, the little signals he is giving me. It is about loving your cat so you understand him (or her).

I can tell when he is frightened, his ears are usually flat against his head and his eyes are wide open. I can tell his pupils are fully dilated which makes his eyes look almost black. His back is arched and his fur is puffed up. This is all to make him look bigger than he is to whatever is scaring him and is common with all domestic cats. His tail is usually swishing from side to side as well and the fur is puffed out on his tail.

It is a different story when he is relaxed and happy. His pupils will be normal sized and his eyes may be fully open or half closed if he is feeling sleepy. His ears are normal, pointing up and slightly forward and his tail will be curved down with the tip of his tail pointing slightly up. He is usually laid on me at this stage and his motor will be running at full blast, that’s what I call his purring, running his motor. I have read that this can be a sign of pain and cats will purr when they are in a lot of pain. My cat has once purred like this when he was hurt badly. I once couldn’t coax him off the garage roof and when I got up there to see if he was OK he was purring yet he had a large piece of his skin torn back off one of his hind legs. He sure was glad to see me but boy must he have been in a lot of pain.

Don’t worry I sorted him out and took him to my local veterinarians. Cost me a fortune and I was told to take the dressing off in two days and take him back for the sutures out in a week. Within 3 hours of getting him home he had managed to get the dressing off and eat the sutures. He didn’t like them and wasn’t having them. Still he was fine in a couple of days.

It’s downright infuriating to look out the window and see Buddy digging another hole in the yard. You yell out the window; he may or may not even acknowledge he’s heard anything; then back to the digging. This dog behavior has got to stop.

WHY DOGS DIG…..

Did you ever stop to think WHY Buddy digs? (except to make you mad!). This is the real trick – to figure out why he’s digging in the first place, the motivation behind the dog behavior. Then you can take dog training steps to discourage it, redirect that energy and possibly stop it completely.

1. I’M BORED!

Location: Digging along the fence lines and at the gate.

Why? He is bored and wants to get out for some action.

Solution: Provide more exercise for your dog, both physical and mental. The more exercise the better, according to your dog. A tired, happy dog will rest nicely between great outings.

2. I’M HOT!!

Location: Digging along the edge of the house or shallow “pits,” especially in the heat of the summer.

Why? Your dog is most likely creating a cool spot in the cool under-earth. If under the porch, he’s creating a den.

Solution: Check to make sure you are providing fresh cool water throughout the day and night.

Is there adequate shade to protect your dog from the hot sun? Is good air circulation available or possibly a nice breeze? Or is the space filled with stagnant air?

Provide plant life (trees, bushes) for shelter from the hot sun. Cool grass keeps the ground heat down.

3. IT’S JUST MY NATURE!

Sometimes it’s the breed of dog, not so much the environment. Some breeds tend to be burrowers — hounds, huskies, malamutes are a few examples.

Solution: If this is the case, work with your dog to agree on a place he can do his thing and camouflage it with something like plants or fencing.

4. I LIKE IT!!

Some dogs just like to dig, and dig they will, no matter how much you yell and scream.

Solution: Create and help them with the ideal digging place — a sandy blend with hidden treasures that reward digging at that spot. Having a prepared area encourages the digger to focus the digging to the area you set up in an out-of-the-way place. Remember to keep the area stocked with assorted treats and toys.

TO FILL OR NOT TO FILL ….. EXISTING HOLES

The second part of the story is…..

What to do with the holes that keep reappearing, no matter what you do? Have you back-filled holes dug by your dog only to find them dug again, over and over?

When this happens, the next stage of hole-filling is called for.

You might think this next step it involves yelling at your dog, or rapping on the window. Nope. Are you really going to stand and stare out the window hoping to correct the situation while it’s happening (which would be the only way to really correct it using this method)?

TECHNIQUES FOR “FILLING” HOLES

There are two better techniques to encourage your dog to rethink digging that hole.

The easier of the two is to fill the hole until almost full. Mix the last portion of dirt with dog poo, pinecones, moth balls, or other repelling non-harmful substance. The next time your dog arrives for the big dig, he quickly finds the game has changed. Most dogs quickly change their behavior.

The second method is more time consuming but effective. Cut a section of chicken wire or similar to cover the hole plus 8 inches or more. Dig a hole a few inches deep that surrounds the hole and will fit the wire shape.

Fill the hole and then press wire in place and cover with dirt. Pack the area well, particularly around the wire edges. When your dog returns, the wire will stop his digging progress.

If along a fence line, secure the wire to the fence along the inside of the fence, just a short distance from the ground. When the wire gets to the ground, keep going vertically a short distance underground. Then bend the wire so the bottom is perpendicular to the top (forms an L). Bury the horizontal part underground inside the fence, pointing away from the fence. When your dog digs he is stopped by the wire and his weight on the earth helps keep the wire in place. The result is the dog gives up on that area.

Pretty cool, huh?!

CONCLUSION

We humans see digging as bad dog behavior. Dogs don’t, and they dig for different reasons. If you can figure out why they’re digging, you can put dog training steps in place to stop it. Some dogs dig, that’s what they do. Set them up a space to dig and you both win!

Try these dog training techniques to change unwanted dog behavior. They seriously work.

We love our cats. Throughout the centuries, Cats have been revered, even worshipped. They can be our cuddly friends or fearsome hunters. Through it all, they are our beloved pets. For some, coming through the door at the end of a long day, being greeted by a furry feline it the best part of the day. Our cats love us unconditionally; we can do no wrong with them. Now, there is something that can lift your spirits as soon as you turn into the driveway. A new and unique way to pay tribute to the one who enriches our lives in so many different ways and this is with cat mailboxes.

Cat mailboxes, what’s not to love? A cat mailbox is a cute, fun, decorative novelty item that can bring you home to life. It is a way to personalize your property. It can show to the world that you are friend to felines. The assortment of different cat mailboxes is as astounding. There are so many different shapes and sizes that it makes the decision to purchase just one difficult. There have been some who have purchased cat mailboxes just for décor. They can be created a playful kittens or in a stalking pose. The design is limited only by cat lovers’ imagination.

Cat mailboxes are approved by the United States Postal service and are made of heavy-duty steel that is rust and weather resistant. They also can be made out of wood, or vinyl, and are all durable to withstand the often-frigid temperatures of winter or scorching heat of summer. Cat mailboxes come in many different designs. They can be freestanding, or attach to a building. They can have locks attached by request.

By searching the Internet, there are hundreds of links that will assist the cat lover in finding the perfect cat mailbox. There are even sites that will create a specific cat mailbox from a picture that is sent. It can be made to be a life size model of the your favorite pet. What better was to express love for a furry feline friends. A cat mailbox can also have a message inscribed on it to welcome guests to your home. This services is usually offer by request only. These adorable designs are usually hand crafted, and made to look exactly like a treasured family pet. A cat mailbox can even be made with movable whiskers and tails. They are a delightful novelty item that all cat lovers would love to receive as a gift.

A cat mailbox will make an incredible addition to a home that will keep friends and loved one amazed at the quality and workmanship of the design. Most sites on the Internet will send a cat mailbox complete with everything you need for installation. This feature is appealing to most people as all they have to do is unwrap and install their cat mailbox for all to see.

Big or small, black or white a cat mailbox will be the talk of every neighborhood.

As origins go, the one of Labradors (or Labrador Retriever as they are more correctly known) is rather remarkable–most people assume that the dog comes from Labrador. This, of course, is inaccurate. This breed’s origins start in Newfoundland (the actual name ‘Labrador’ may come from the Labrador Current found nearby or the Portuguese word ‘labrador’, meaning laborer). Not so remarkable yet, but the difference between the Retriever’s origins and other breeds is that no one is certain what dogs were crossed to create it. Most assume that the Greater Newfoundland played a part, but the rest is speculation. What is known is the instant popularity of the breed.

Just as it is today, the Labrador Retriever was immensely popular. Its versatility, stamina and eagerness to please marked it as the perfect companion for both worker and noble. Fisherman would take these dogs in their boats to retrieve fish that escaped the nets; landowners would use them for hunting parties and as companions. Whatever the situation, the Labrador Retriever seemed more than capable.

That seems to still be the opinion for the Retriever is most popular of all dog breeds. But why? Why the devotion to this particular dog?

It’s actually quite simple: Labradors have the unique ability to be workers and playmates. Their sweet natures and loyalty make them ideal for families; their physical abilities make them perfect for those needing help with herding, fishing, hunting, serving as guide dogs, etc. And, with its willingness to do whatever is required of it, this is a breed equally suited for watchdog or traveling companion. It only wants to be with you; the rest is just extra.

With this in mind, many believe the Labrador to be the only dog breed to consider. After all, it is the most popular and how can so many people be wrong? This is never the way to think when preparing to buy a dog–what works for one family may not work for yours. The truth is: despite their multiple advantages, the Labrador is not right for all. It is a highly energetic breed and requires regular exercise and activity.

This is not a dog to simply lock in the yard and say, “Go play!” A Retriever requires time and effort from you. Also, this is not a breed that deals well with separation. Labradors want to be with you… at all times. Whether you’re stepping out to get the paper or going to the store, your pet will want to be a part of it. And, since this is not always possible, a Labrador may stoop to tearing or clawing. Not everyone can deal with this. And, if you are looking for a protector, this is not the proper dog. While a Labrador will bark and is fiercely loyal to its owners, it is not an aggressive breed by nature. This type of dog would be more likely to lick a stranger than bite. As watchdogs, they fair better–but, for those seeking something with a stronger temperament, this is not the breed.

Still, if you are looking for a constant companion, this is the perfect dog. Its sweet nature and high intelligence make it easy to train (even if it does have a stubborn streak) and its playful temperament makes for a perfect “family” dog. Labradors are especially good with children and other animals.

The great difficulty in finding a Labrador (after you have decided that it is the right dog for you) is finding a credible breeder. Due to its popularity, Labradors have been the long-time favorites of puppy mills and breeders more interested in selling you a dog, then making sure it’s a proper one. These mills do not check for lineage or even diseases. Instead, they breed as many pups as possible for profit.

You must avoid these mills at all costs! The Labrador you would be sold would not–in almost every case–be a healthy, normal pup. Instead, it would be more prone to diseases and temperament complications. You must, instead, seek out reputable breeders who scan for all problems and only produce pups that will be a credit to the breed.

Labradors, while not perfect for everyone, are some of the most versatile and loving dogs. If you find a place for them in your home, they will be devoted to you and your family.

I would like to address some of the statements I have found on the web and in proposed ban bills portraying servals and other small wild felines as unpredictable and dangerous creatures. This is a clear case of “what you don’t know you will fear.” First of all, I would like to clarify for everyone that we are talking about tame, hand-raised pets bred in the United States. It’s not like you take a trip to Africa, rope yourself a serval, and drag it home hissing and spitting!

In his best-selling book Fear Less, security and threat analysis expert Gavin de Becker writes “Unfortunately, when it comes to security, the American way has often been to implement procedures that are more relevant to assuaging public anxiety than they are to reducing risk.” Ban laws are a prime example of an action that may ease anxiety, but fail to make the nation safer.

By saying that tame wild cats are “extremely unpredictable and dangerous creatures,” people show their lack of understanding of animal behavior. These statements are wild exaggerations of the reality. Even wild animals in-situ (i.e. roaming untamed in the wilderness) do not behave in a dangerous, unpredictable fashion. Every animal has species-specific behavior patterns. These behaviors can be learned and understood by the owners of such animals in captivity, especially since they are very similar to the behaviors of a domestic cat.

These behaviors are not greatly different from domesticated animals. For example, the pattern of naturally occurring behaviors in wolves and domestic dogs is virtually identical. A poorly socialized domestic dog with a careless or un-informed owner can be far more “dangerous” than a serval or a caracal.

Our society’s standard for a safe and lovable pet predator seems to be the domestic dog. However, even man’s self-proclaimed best friend has been known to injure and sometimes kill us. Statistics suggest that between 2 and five million dog bites occur yearly. In fact, during the five-year period between 1989 and 1994, domestic dogs killed 45 children. Why doesn’t this sad figure shock us more deeply?

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that during a similar length of time, an estimated 4,605 children were killed by humans (Lindsay, Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training). Approximately 5 children lose their lives every day due to maltreatment and child abuse homicide (U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect, 1995).

To further put this in perspective, we must now consider the fact that even with the enormous number of dog bites each year and the number of fatalities due to dog bites, a child is statistically safer in the presence of the average pet dog than with its own family! The number of children murdered each year by their own parents and guardians overwhelmingly overshadows the number of people killed by dogs. We ourselves are the most dangerous and unpredictable animal on the planet.

Am I saying that servals and other exotic cats are not dangerous? No, if we define “dangerous” as having the potential to cause injury to a human being. Every animal can be dangerous, and every human can be dangerous. One thing I teach my dog behavior clients is that all dogs have the potential to bite. They will show aggression if placed in the wrong situation, just as even the most benevolent of humans will react with violence when sufficiently provoked.

However, these cats are certainly no more inherently dangerous than a domestic dog of comparable size. In fact, they are probably safer than domestic dogs; there has never been a report of a serval killing a human being, and their owners are generally very responsible about keeping them controlled.

Whether a dog, a person, or an exotic cat eventually injures someone depends on an uncertain balance of genetics, temperament, environment, and the unique circumstances they find themselves in.

Horseback riding is an example of a far more hazardous animal-related activity. In fact, many stables and equine event centers post signs informing patrons that participation in equine activities is inherently dangerous. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 1218 people died while riding an animal between 1983 and 1994.

Horses have been known to viciously attack and kill their handlers and even people entering their pastures. A single kick from a horse can cause serious injuries or death. Horses are so powerful that even the strongest person stands no chance of restraining one if it is determined to break loose. When frightened, they flee and can easily trample one to death. Yet, horseback riding remains a popular youth sport.

Why doesn’t the neighbor’s 1200 pound horse or his Great Dane inspire as much fear as his cougar? I think two factors are involved: fear of the unknown and fear of predators. One of man’s most primal fears is that of being eaten by a wild animal, of being the hunted rather than the hunter. Police canine units are so effective in subduing violent individuals that officers report that criminals are often more afraid of a dog than a gun. Offenders are more willing to risk death than a non-fatal bite from a German Shepherd.

Horses and dogs are deeply familiar to us; we’ve lived with them for centuries, watched them on TV, read cute and fuzzy stories about them, and associate them with companionship and service. When one happens to attack or kill us, we see it as an anomaly.

We know little of exotic cats through direct experience; for most of us, exposure is limited to nature programs emphasizing their killing power and the occasional sensational news article announcing the mauling of some hapless zoo employee. When you think about it, it comes as no surprise that we develop a disporportionate fear of these animals.

The text of a failed Oregon ban bill stated “It is almost impossible for an exotic animal to adapt to traditional household settings” and that “Exotic animals are by nature wild and dangerous and do not adjust well to captivity.” These statements are both contradicted by the many thousands of examples of exotic companion animals living healthy, happy lives with Americans nationwide.

I would challenge anyone who truly believes those words to observe my serval Sirocco as he greets me with ecstatic purring and rubs against my legs when I come home from work, and then to watch him curl up beside me purring and licking my face as we watch a movie together. This is not rare; in fact it is typical of the experiences of the majority of exotic cat owners. This cat is as much a member of my family as the domestic dogs and cats you yourself may have lived with and loved.

The failed Oregon HB 3065 stated, “This 2003 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, an emergency is declared to exist.” There is no emergency. Try to find any evidence of a public health or safety crisis being caused by the ownership of exotic animals. I assure you that you will find none. The number of people in the general public killed by escaped exotic cats in the past decade, across the entire United States, is believed to be zero. This includes not only small felines like servals, caracals, and bobcats but also lions, tigers, and cougars.

Now turn your attention to how much death and destruction has been caused by drunken drivers, parole violators, shoddy building contractors and even catholic priests. Shouldn’t we as a country focus our efforts on legitimate public safety threats, rather than discriminating against the safe and legitimate activities of the citizens?

These bills are redundant. There are already laws in place providing for the criminal prosecution of those whose actions (and the actions of their animals) recklessly endanger the public. Our civil system is already a more than adequate means to punish those whose animals harm or otherwise disturb members of the public and to provide restitution to those who have been harmed. The extremely low number of incidents involving exotic animals proves the effectiveness of these current laws.

This article may be reprinted in its entirety only. Permission is not granted to reproduce in edited form or to support the ending of exotic pet ownership.

There is dog treats out there that are more of a delicacy than just a bone for dogs. They are made with more flavors such as beef, chicken, vegetable, pepperoni, and even bacon. They even come in bone shape or sticks. You know that the dog does not care what the brand, shape, or variety of the treat is, they just want a little of that extra delicacy that their owners go out and buy for them.

There is not just a variety of brand, flavor, and shape there is also a large variety of prices that you could pay for them. To be honest does the dogs know just how much you pay for the treat? And the most expensive does not mean that it is the best for the dogs of for their breath.

They do have special bones and treats out there that is sub post to help with the doggie breath so you can relax and just buy a treat that is not that expensive because they are all pretty much the same to our dogs.

All dogs love to see their owners going for the box or bag of treats to give then one of them. Most of the dogs will do anything for one of those doggie treats no matter what flavor of shape it is.

Some of the dogs will even do tricks for the treat suck as dance, wave, or play dead dog. They enjoy trying to make their owner happy so that they can get one of those treats in return. Some of the dog trainers will use the treats to reward a dog for doing the command they are told.

Some of the command are when they are told to sit, stay, or even when they are simply told the work no and listen. No matter what some think your dog should be rewarded for a job well done and for even protecting you and your family from any harm. They will enjoy the treat and you will enjoy the happy dog because he or she will show more love to you when they are happy.