Tag Archives: frogs

Dogs are a woman’s best friend

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It does not take a genius to figure out that dogs can bring companionship, comfort and a good reason to exercise into your life. They will protect you from harm and stand by you during hard times and weather. For those of us who are single women, who are coming home to an empty home or apartment, it is comforting to be greeted by a bunch of wet kisses and tail wags. Someone there to greet you and make the world a friendlier place to live. A best friend. And it also is great to have a travel companion who is always ready for adventure.

But here are a few more benefits that having a dog when you are single can bring.

1. Dogs ARE unconditional love. Guys lie, cheat, steal and break  your heart. Not ALL guys but there are some real FROGS out there in the single universe. And despite our starry eyes and rose colored glasses, when we overlook BIG RED FLAGS (our friends and family usually don’t but how often do we listen to them?) and inherent warts and flaws, we are going to have trouble with a capital T. But your puppy will sniff out trouble and LOVE you always even if you leave her alone to go out on a date with a creepy frog.

2.  Dogs keep you active, young and fit. You do not always want to exercise. That is a massive understatement. You get home from work, before work, on the weekends, you just want to kick back and DO NOTHING, remain or become a couch potato. But when you have a dog, you MUST walk them several times a day.  And you may even take them for hikes and swims on the weekend, so that they get to zoom around. In the process, you get those endorphins flowing too. If you have a Jack Russell Terrier, Golden Retriever or other big dog, they are going to give you a workout like you have never had at a gym.

3.  Enhance your single life. At the dog park, traveling with your dog and all around town, you are going to attract and meet other people. People with dogs. Cute, single guys with dogs. Other women with dogs. All kinds of people with dogs. You will even get to know your neighbors. You have something in common and naturally have a topic of conversation. Much better than awkward encounters at bars, cruises, dances or blind dates. Even if you spend most of your life online, you will meet other people with dogs, especially if you write a dog blog and get involved with pet groups, blog hops and other activities on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere.  And who knows, Prince Charming just might have a dog, too.

4.  Your dog is a good judge of character. Canines cannot help themselves. They are gregarious and social creatures. And they do NOT think twice about flirting with and going up to total strangers with a friendly tail wag and kisses. Your dog may be just the right magnet for meeting men, the kind of men who are reliable, loyal, faithful and good catches. Just the kind of men you want to MEET.  Now some of them may be married guys but some will also be single. And guys can’t lie about their looks, when you meet them in person.  You will still need to be selective but our dogs know the difference between good people and ones with nefarious motives. So if your dog likes the guy, (or growls every time she sees him), you might want to take notice and either give the guy the benefit of your doubts or stay far far away or give them the boot.

5. Dogs just want to have FUN. They love to have FUN and adventures and will get you OUT of the house and to the beach, park, pet friendly winery, and shopping mall. You no longer have to settle for meeting men online, through friends, and at desperate single places (speed dating, ugh). You and your dog are going to experience all the fun activities that your town and city have to offer and then move on to other places. As traveling companions, you will get to know all the HOT spots and great places to meet truly eligible single men just by following your dog’s nose. Canines are so good at sniffing out the good ones. And what red-blooded man can resist talking to a woman eating with her dog at an outdoor patio or a woman and her dog romping at the beach. Your dogs will like one another. You will meet someone mature and responsible enough to take care of another creature, someone who have share something in common with, a kind soul, a kindred soul and the rest will be ahhhhhh romantic history.

 

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6. Love is a many splendored dog. Your dog’s breed may be a Heinz 57 pound pup or shelter dog, but if your dog belongs to a recognized breed, even if they are mixed (two recognizable breeds), you have something in common with a bunch of folks who also have dogs of a particular breed. Strike up the band to meeting pug lovers, daschund hounds and/or pit bull aficionados and your match may truly end up in doggie heaven. If your guy loves animals, is kind to animals, and has a dog that looks just like your dog, you could even win a contest (for two people who look just like their dogs and fell in love). And you might just meet at a pug conference, rescue operation or pug show/event. Is that Kismet or Pugmet or what?

7. Your dog will eliminate the frogs for you. A frog who is just out for a romp in the sack is not going to like sharing his bed with a dog, offer to take care of your dog when you are sick or on vacation, or deal with canine comes with the territories such as shedding, rolling in poop, barfing and/or other stinky adventures, never mind understand why you are worried about your pooch and need to get them to the Vet ASAP, or FIND THEM if they are LOST. If the guy is mean to your dog in any way, hurts your dog, abuses your dog, RUN DO NOT WALK AWAY (and call the Police and press charges). If he wants you to get rid of your dog, take them to the shelter/pound or give the dog away, you KNOW that the guy is NOT NOT NOT a keeper, definitely NOT husband material and NOT NOT NOT for you.

8. Dogs can be good babysitters. Not all dogs. And some dogs that you would not expect, like pit bulls (America’s nanny dogs). If you are a single mom and have a dog, both will repel frogs who could not care less about babies, children and pets. While some dogs are very good with children, NEVER leave a baby or child alone with a dog.

9. Dogs want to please you. Some guys do not bring you flowers, write poems, sing songs or dance with you. Even if they are good guys. Guys may not clean house, nor want to go shopping with you, listen to you nor want to go to the cleaners, salon or grocery store. But your dog will do whatever they can do to please you. and if that includes companionship, dogs are right there, on board, in the car and ready to go.

10. Dogs are less expensive than men. Think about it. You do not have to get dressed up, put on make-up nor impress your dog. Your dog is already impressed because you feed them, walk with them and play with them. Ok, you do have to buy pet food, treats, toys and bones and vet care but how much do you have to spend on dates? Maybe you cook for your guy, share some of the expenses of your dates, and if you have a frog, are paying more than your fair share. Add up the cost of clothes, make-up, food, gas, phone bills, gifts for birthdays and anniversaries and movies and compare them to your doggie expenses. Are you paying too much? Also add up the emotional price of dating frogs and/or looking for your one and only in the wrong places and you may wanna stick to your dog like glue and let your dog help you find your perfect match.

11. With a dog you are never alone.  One can be a lonely number. If you have a dog, you will always have someone to come home to. Someone to talk to who may not understand when you are mad, sad, or complaining but will love you anyway. Your dog wants to be with you always, even escorts you to the bathroom. A dog will make you laugh, makes a great snuggle/cuddle partner, keeps your toes warm, comforts you when you are not feeling well or are just plain blue and inspires hope that you will find Prince Charming and/or Live Your DREAMS, whatever they are.

 

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Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with DogsTwo Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

 

 

 

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Filed under adoption, all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animal rescue, dog friendly, dog kisses, dog parks, dog travel, dogs, exercise your dog, four paws up, K9 approved, pet adoption, pet blog hop, pit bull, sleeping with your dog, Uncategorized, women with dogs, women writers with dogs

Cats and cows and bells, oh my

The thing about both of these products are they are both equally good for use when traveing with your pet and at home. You can take them along with you on a trip, no muss, no fuss.

And these toys are just so doggone cute. Cici has been very gentle with chewing hers up, too… She has received the cat and the elephant and we have been playing tug of war with the cat. I have not allowed her to just chew it up on her own because it’s just so darned cute and it has a squeaky inside.  Kinda fragile, unlike most dog toys, but one of our favorites.  When you get one, be sure to supervise your dog so that they do not swallow the squeaky or other stuffing.

The Monkeez Makes a Difference pet toys feature a wide-variety of squeaky characters, including cats, alligators, monkeys, cows, dogs, elephants, frogs and dog bones. Each toy retails for $7.49.

750-cat-squeaky-pet-toy

In addition to pet toys, Monkeez Makes a Difference features kid-friendly
toys and tools that teach children to give back, including the best-selling
Genuine Monkeez and FriendsT plush characters, online games, real-life Do
Good challenges and a special 10% donation on each child’s behalf to one of
three nationally renowned charities of his or her choice including Best Friends Animal Society.

“There are so many children, families and animals in need not only around
the world, but in our own communities,” Chrysti Carol Propes, director
of Monkeez Makes a Difference says. “Parents are looking
for ways to teach the values of thinking of others and believing every
person can make a difference, and Monkeez Makes a Difference fulfills that
need in a unique and interactive way. On behalf of the entire Propes family,
we believe that even though they may be small, kids can make a big
difference and by creating opportunities like Monkeez Makes a Difference, we
can instill philanthropic values to last a lifetime.”

There are more than 90 plush designs in multiple sizes to choose from, including monkeys, owls, bears, lions, dogs, cats, pigs, cows, octopuses, panda bears, kangaroos, turtles,
koalas, alligators, hedgehogs, elephants, hippos, zebras, frogs, bunnies and
raccoons. Each specially marked character comes with a unique online game
activation code on the tag.

For more info, go to:  http://b2c.monkeezandfriends.com/category/149-dog-toys.aspx

Another adorable product is the PoochieBells®, the original dog doorbell… It is a training tool. Cici is already potty/house trained, she is six years old. And I could see where the Poochie Bells could be a very useful tool for a dog / puppy who is learning and maybe not vocal nor persistent about their needs. All you have to do is train them to touch the bells to alert you that they want to go outside. Of course, hang the bells onto the door and voila. Instant alarm system. What I like about them is they are pretty, useful, and the bells have a nice sound and there are enough of the bells so that you would definitely hear them go ring a ding ding… but in a nice way.

Each PoochieBell comes with simple, clear training instructions.

PoochieBells are for any age, size or breed.

solids

http://www.poochie-pets.net/Training.html

http://www.poochie-pets.net/

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Filed under animals, best friends animal sanctuary, bunny rabbits, cats, chickens, children and dogs, cows, dog toys, dog travel, dogs, four paws up, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, kids and dogs, pet care, pet travel, product review, toys and treats, travel with dog, Uncategorized

best pet 4 you

what’s the best pet for you and your family?

some things to consider when adopting a pet, go to your local shelter and find your new best friend… spay/neuter, and if you are able, think about getting a pit bull / mix… older pet, chi, or some of the other pets that get left behind such as the black beauties! also, most pit bulls do not make it out of the shelters alive in the US. California has an overpopulation of chi’s. Too many healthy pets end up on death row due to overbreeding, puppy mills, greedy breeders, etc.

Even Bo, the First Dog, wants us to help stop euthanizing sheltered and homeless pets… imagine how much money goes towards killing shelter pets. Thinking about how many thousands of tax dollars goes towards killing animals makes me want to donate my tax return refund to a No kill shelter.

 don’t forget some of the very special former Vick dogs are available for adoption… read all about how to give one of these amazing dogs a home…

https://celiasue.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/heroes-welcome-adopt-a-vicktory-dog/

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114488568661785

what are the pets kids love most???

8 Pets Kids Love, Nannies Hate

http://www.nannyjobs.org/blog/8-pets-kids-love-nannies-hate/ 

how to create the best pet photo

http://www.frederickvan.com/shut-up-shoot-5making-the-perfect-pet-photo/

now is the time for the Pet Blog Hop again, it goes so fast these days… thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the PlumeGrab the code and enjoy the ride.

very cute video at Life with Dogs, my cici likes to lick horse’s hooves…

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Filed under adoption, all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animal rescue, animals, blog hop, breeds, bugs, bunny rabbits, canine cuteness, cats, children and dogs, dogs, first dog Obama family, how much is that doggie in the window, keep pets safe, kitty loves puppy, lost dog, mutts, nanny dogs, pet adoption, pet care, pit bull, puppies, puppy love, Uncategorized

Choosing your child’s first pet

My first pets

I think that the article below by my guest Dr. Tim has good info for parents.  What do you remember about your first pet? was it a cat, dog, frog, fish, rabbit or bird? Name? Fond memories? Sad? Bad? Please do tell.

what struck me is how traumatic my two experiences with pets were when I was a child… because my parents were not good role models nor did they value pets. And those attitudes do stay with people later in life. The good news is that you can heal and change… which takes real courage, honesty and willingness to FACE the bad and make amends. It also takes knowledge, patience and support.

First, I had a parakeet, two parakeets actually. One died and I was blamed for its death at the ripe old age of 8. No child is able to be 100% responsible for the care of a pet at that age or younger, I would say until about age 16. I did not feed the bird consistently nor take care of its cage often enough but my parents should have supported me and set me up to win not lose. It is crucial for parents to monitor children’s care of pets to make sure that the pet is being properly cared for and that the child treats the pets appropriately. Any parent who lays a guilt trip and dumps shame upon a kid for THEIR lack of parenting is destroying that child’s self esteem and should NOT be a parent (or teacher for that matter) in my humble opinion.

Second, we were not allowed to have dogs or cats as pets in the garden apartments. But there were always neighborhood feral cats running around. At about age 11-12, sixth grade, going into seventh, the girls in the neighborhood found a mama kitty who had babies. We each adopted one of the kittens as our own cat to take care of. It was a BIG secret because if/when the super or our parents would find out about the cats, we would get into trouble and the cats would get taken away. My kitten’s name was Ginger, a sweet gray and white kitty. My mother HATED cats. I painted a cardboard box with her name for my Ginger to sleep in. We kept the cats “underground” constantly changing their safe place from bicycle / carriage room (storage) to laundry room surrounding the court. We fed them thru taking tuna and other food from our homes. We also had a carnival to raise money for our cats.

I do not remember specifically what ended up happening but I imagine that we were eventually found out and that the cats were taken away. And I was devastated.

Here’s a kitten similar to how Ginger looked, available for adoption at Animal Friends Rescue Project. Call (831) 333-0722 for more info. For senior dogs, check out Peace of Mind Dog Rescue.  Also check out animals available for adoption at the Salinas Shelter, the Monterey County Animal Shelter, the Marina Shelter – (831) 384-2528, the Santa Cruz SPCA, the Santa Cruz Animal Services, the SPCA of Monterey County, and the Los Coches Vet Hospital – (831) 678-2658.  Click here for a more complete listing of other places to adopt a rescued cat or dog in this area.  If you scroll through shelter and/or rescue pages, you will be overwhelmed with the number of pets that need homes. Perfectly good, healthy pets. Adopt don’t shop for your child’s first pet !

http://www.animalfriendsrescue.org/available/catsavailable.html

We never discussed it and I can imagine that it must have been really painful. On top of that, the girls and I drifted apart as they became involved in a mean, bullying gang. The two situations merged and growing up became synonymous with “bad” experiences. But I digress.

Later in my 20’s I got my own dog and my parents did not like it but I lived 3,000 miles away so it did not matter. Still, the legacy that they left for me regarding pets/animals was not very constructive. I always loved animals and my parents hated them. A conflict for any child. And it can be worked through as an adult.

There are many benefits to having a pet. Taking care of an animal can enhance a child’s self esteem and confidence and help them mature. A lonely child can have a companion and someone to talk to who won’t judge them or make fun of their feelings. A child who has difficulty reading can boost their reading skills by having a dog listen to them read. In a scary world, children are comforted by their pets who can also help them grieve. Having a loyal friend is a value that is priceless for many years to come.

Teaching Kids Animal Compassion
Choosing the right pet for your child is key
By Dr. Tim Hunt, DVM

Children can learn so many valuable lessons by caring for a pet. Having pets at a young age instills kids with a sense of confidence that they can take care of an animal and help it to live a thriving life.

More importantly I find pets can be great therapy for kids. Have you ever seen a kid talk to a pet and the animal responds by wagging its tail or purring? A pet gives a kid a way to share their feelings with another living creature that will never respond in a judgmental or bullying way. Animals are unbiased companions, just what many kids need.

Having pets also teaches children that animals are not expendable items. If children are involved in the daily care of animals, it can help to make them a more compassionate person later in life. Over the years I have been able to follow kids who first owned pets in elementary school as they grow up through high school, and I have seen them grow up to be compassionate young adults.

On the other hand, kids that don’t get the experience of having a pet early may become afraid of animals, especially if their parents don’t particularly care for animals. But even parents who aren’t crazy about pets or did not own them as kids can help change this trend.

People sometimes ask me what are some good pets for a young child to have, and why. Here are some pointers for choosing your child’s first pet:

When to get a pet – People often ask me what the best age is for children to have a pet. I believe between ages 4 and 8 is ideal, although older kids can also benefit. I got my first pets, mice and guinea pigs, when I was 8. I didn’t get my first dog until I was 20, but since then I have been making up for lost time. Today I own 40 outdoor dogs and two more who live indoors!

Start with easier pets – Many people don’t want to start with the responsibility of a dog or cat. For these folks, I recommend a nontraditional pet like a rat or a guinea pig. Rats are extremely cuddly, they don’t bite and they only live two years. Guinea pigs also do not bite, unlike hamsters and gerbils which can tend to be nippy.

Aim for “fail-safe” pets – Kids are so impressionable. The worst thing that can happen is a six-year-old kid gets bitten by a dog and then becomes scared of dogs for years to come. Choose pets that are easy to care for. Spend time with your child and the new pet, reading and learning together how to care for the animal.

Pick a pet that fits your family’s lifestyle – Look at the purpose the pet will serve in your family. Do you and your kids spend more time indoors or outside? Is your child very active or does he or she prefer reading or playing quietly. If a child has ADD or ADHD, I recommend starting with a calm dog to help give them an example of what calm can be. For a hyperactive adult, I recommend the opposite: a high-energy dog they can play with to form a bond, such as a Lab or Golden Retriever, German Short-haired Pointer or Border Collie.

Pets and exercise – With so many kids overweight, people wonder if a dog can help their child get more exercise. The answer is yes, and it has less to do with the kind of dog than the simple act of walking it. A particularly excitable dog is not necessary. It is more important that the child spend at least half an hour daily walking the dog. Get a kid away from the screens and electronics for that long and they will start to realize there is more to life.

Purebred or mixed breed? It is not necessary to pick a purebred dog for your first pet. Many mutts you can get from the pound or animal shelter make terrific pets. I strongly encourage people to adopt pound and shelter animals. Try to find out what breeds are in your dogs background to help you better understand your dog’s behavior. With purebred animals, it is especially important to do your research and make sure the pet fits your family’s lifestyle.

Cats for quiet kids – I find that cats are great pets for very introverted kids. Having a cat helps draw the child out in a non-threatening way. Once the child and cat get to know each other the cat will come and sit in the child’s lap. Cats also don’t require as much work or attention as dogs. I find that cats are particularly good for kids with physical or other disabilities that limit how much they can care for a pet.

No matter what kind of animal you choose for your first pet, remember that your attitude toward the animal can influence how your child treats animals for life. This is particularly important when an animal becomes sick or old. If a parent views the animal as disposable, the kid will too.

Whether your family chooses a hamster or a dog, be prepared to care for your pet in sickness and in health. If the animal gets sick at least seek treatment. Even if the outcome isn’t good and the animal passes away, children will remember “we tried.” And that will stay with them their whole life.

 

 

About Dr. Tim:

Dr. Tim Hunt is a licensed veterinarian in both Michigan and Alaska. Drawing upon his 22 years as a vet and 17 years racing sled dogs, he created Dr. Tim’s Premium All Natural Pet Food to replicate the natural, wild diet of dogs and cats. Dr. Tim is recognized as an expert on all aspects of pet health and a staunch advocate for the welfare of all animals. He and his wife Mary live on 50 acres in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with four house cats, two house dogs and 40 outdoor dogs. Learn more at http://www.DrTims.com.

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