Front Page Pets

Every pet owners dread is finding out that their beloved “best friend” has strayed or is no where to be found. For sheltered pets not accustomed to wandering off, chances of finding their way back home is close to impossible. Having the proper collar and tags are no guarantee that your pet will be brought to your doorstep. Even with dog tracking collars, there is a chance you could lose your pet. The worry is even greater if the wandering pet is suffering from sickness and needs medication to get by. Resignation to totally losing your pet sets in when a pet is left behind in unfamiliar territory. 
Preventing total pet loss has paved the way for a program developed by cattle owners to be available for pet owners. Thirty years ago the cattle industry had been plagued with rustlers and looked for a viable way to track one of their own. Retrieval of the lost cattle during a storm or a stampede became an easy task. As the chip evolved it came to contain vital information about the lost cattle.
Using this technology for pet handling modified the use of the microchip. With the improvement of RFID technology, the pet microchip is compressed with various information needed.
The microchip is as small as a piece of grain. Inserting it under the skin of your pet is a fast and clean procedure. With the purchase of this chip comes a subscription to a service that provides you warning and assistance in pet retrieval. You receive a tracker as well, but subscription to the service enables you to be warned when your pet has stepped out of the boundary limit you have set-up in the service. The chip can also be used as a pet passport to verify your pet’s identity and record of its lineage, breed registration number, updated vaccinations, medical conditions and even it’s feeding schedule. Having a microchip implanted in your pet takes the anxiety and worry out of loosing your loved one and assures you of safe and efficient retrieval.

Acquiring a new puppy or a new kitten may be one of the most wonderful events that can happen to a family. Bringing home that cuddly, quirky and needy ball of fluff is sure to get some “oohs” and “aahs” from grown-ups and kids alike. Even before that pooch wets the newspaper in the corner or that kitten slinks past your calves purring a poll on what to call this new family member ensues.

Having grown up in an animal loving family, rules of naming may differ. But the most basic will be: a name that has 1-2 syllables, cross from list “puppy” and “kitty”. Most of the time, if the decision is family made, there is a consensus if the name fits the pet. It takes a day to a week to be able to see what name fits the pet perfectly. It would be a waste if a black cat or dog were called black/ blacky, there must be something distinct about the pet aside from its color. It’s just like naming a boy child “Boy”? I remember my cousin’s black cat named “Black”, this cat chose another owner and now answers (literally) to the name “Blake”. My uncle who is a vet named his favorite mongrel “Brock” because he was brown and had a muscular build hard as a rock.

For those intent of making a big fuss about naming their pet, the internet can help you a lot. It would take patience and diligence to search for the right name though. The kinds of names that are available can be American Indian names, names from the top 100-name list of the year or there are names based on countries or capitals. It takes patience to get to the right site that understands the ritual of pet name finding.

If your search turns up nil, how about naming a pet after a significant incident? My mom named her dog “Tiny” since he was able to fit in her pocket when she got him. Ironically, “Tiny” became lithe and medium built like a gray hound. My Collie was given to me on Ash Wednesday, the toss was between “Wednesday” and “Ash” we ended up with “Hush”…he was a calm dog, what can I say.

I advise against naming pets after people though. This is to avoid awkwardness on your side and the person whose name coincides with your pets. We had a dog-named “Bea”, it was okay for a while. Until my mom’s student would have her tutorials at home…her name: Bea.

All told, finding a pets proper name takes up half the effort of naming a person. The good thing though is that your pet is not susceptible to embarrassment if you name it funny. The embarrassment is usually the owner’s if the dog doesn’t live up to its moniker. I used to have a black and white male cat, he was very formal, a skilled bird-catcher and wall climber…mistakenly I got used to calling him “Cutie”. Some names are rather misleading…

I remember as a kid, for want of solace and silent companionship, I’d turn to my pet dog. Running my fingers through his coat and the “dopey” look always encouraged me that all that I was going through shall pass. There is something about having a furry friend to offer you calm assurance and compassion without judgment.  

Today, as a result of studies made, therapists and doctors have recommend the touch therapy from Petting Zoo units to hospitals, hospices, old folks home, special needs school, cancer patients and psychiatry hospitals. It sure is a long list, but studies show that pet cuddling reduces stress, can lower heart rate and blood pressure.  

The lowering of stress, heart rate and blood pressure helps those inflicted with incurable diseases in relieving some of the pain they constantly feel. For those who are in foster homes or nursing homes or even those being in psychiatric units lack being in contact with their families. Petting Zoo units have been making rounds to share the phenomenal therapy furry pets may give those isolated in sickness.  

Though it may never fully explain, it is seen that petting a dog gives people a sense of purpose. Having a sense of acceptance and unconditional love help relieve depression and loneliness.  

Not all Petting Zoo pets are trained or owned by the unit itself, people with pets that pass the requirements can share the gift of happiness they experience as owners.  

Wanting to know what our pet dogs have in mind is utterly impossible unless they come up with a translator bark-lish. The next best thing in understanding your pooch is to interpret his movements. At least human studies have gone this far to put meaning to your pet’s body language…
Your pet dog has come from a lineage where in communication is done mostly by a combination of movement and sound. Rarely is a dogs movement solely neither sound nor movement. The sound a dog makes is called vocalization, which is mainly used to send messages. Have you ever noticed a dog barking his lungs out head upward and body rigid? This is the stance to tell the dogs near his territory that a strange dog is close. The combination of vocalization and movements with the slightest variance mean another thing for your pet dog.

 
The wagging tail…is most of the time mistaken as a gesture of friendliness, people who overtly startle the tail-wagging dog often finds dog teeth on their being. Tail wagging can mean playfulness, excitement, contentment, happiness and confidence. On the other hand, tail wagging can also mean wariness, tentative role assessment on meeting another animal, assuring of its friendliness while sizing a person up.

To be able to interpret wisely is to observe the accompanying gestures.

It would be obvious that accompanied by growling, a wagging tail should be seen as menacing. While a tail-wag with upturned brows and downcast eyes and at times the offer of the belly rub means submission. Don’t mistake that this dog trusts…the dog just considers the visitor stronger.

Knowing what your dog means in his gestures and vocalizations help dog owners prevent accidental biting or misunderstanding from non-pet owners. Usually, dog owners have a gut feel of what their dog is feeling. But to understand why would help you understand how to control and protect your dog from its instincts.

For the past days I have immersed myself in a number of articles about pets and the numerous ways pet owners may spoil them shamelessly.  

I have surfed through sites offering wrought-iron beds or Swarovski encrusted neckpieces for our furry beloved. I am guilty of letting my cat Sylvester a silver necklace that I am not fond of wearing. I am also the kind of person whom pets take a liking to since I DO love cats & dogs.

There is a knot in my chest now, since I have just watched a video in a fur factory in China. In it was how dogs & cats, whether former pets or strays, were transported in wire cages that are less than a foot wide. I just got as far as, men throwing these cages from the truck… Their fragile cargo broken yet alive.  

From my desktop to yours, we may be very far from China, but we are in control of what we can do to help stop heartless abduction and killing of cats and dogs for fur and profit.  

First, we can do is take off the rose-colored glasses. Life is not cruel…it’s just us people, by ignorance or by act, that are cruel. 

Second, would be to promise not to be so brand conscious that we mistake that wearing a brand is glamorous.  

Third, before you believe in the argument that fur is eco-friendly, RESEARCH!  

Fourth, erase having a fur coat from your “wish list” or on of the: 50 things to do before you croak” list.  

Fifth, practice e-mailing or snail mailing important world leaders who play a significant part in the propagation or demise of practices that the whole world does not condone.  

Sixth, face yourself in the mirror and think of what non-ecology friendly things have you done the past week. Don’t do them again! 

Seventh, call that big goofy dog or that lazy tabby of yours and count yourself blessed to still have them by your side.

Life is not over for us, don’t let a shocking event jar you one minute then dissolve the moment you go window-shopping. Being able to stand up for what is right and having the strength to stick to your principles is really up to you.  

Every time I happen to pass by the streets along the atrium, I always see birds for sale lining up the sidewalks. Though I am not a bird lover, I am always fascinated with the multi-colored feathers of the lovebirds. I am always charmed by their beautiful colors and am considering buying a pair of them.
Lovebirds come in different colors from blue, yellow, green and sometimes a combination. I’ve got a combination of yellow and green and a golden yellow with white feathered tail. I like to watch them every so often because they are sweet and enjoyable to watch.
Lovebirds are low maintenance pet. All you need to do is to feed them right and give them a nice place to live and play. From time to time change the water in the basin for them to drink fresh water. Most importantly, cleanliness is a must. There bird cage must be clean and fresh at all times. This is because lovebirds must have a happy surrounding.
Certainly lovebirds are one of the beautiful pets in the world. They add beauty and color to your life. They also inspire you to live a lovely life.

In every group of people I meet, there is always one or two in them that loves animals. Maybe because there are a lot of naturally born animal lovers in this amazing world we live in. Every time I meet people with this fantastic gift, I always wonder how they are able to lure these animals.  Well some say it comes naturally and some say there are ways.
Animals are interesting creatures because of their ability to communicate and interact with people. They can easily get in to people’s lives and interests. Sometimes they can also be a quick and good substitute to human friends. But how do you earn the trust and loyalty of these animals?
Earning the trust and loyalty of an animal could be easy and sometimes a difficult task. Studies say that animals have instincts, like humans, and can tell whether a person is good or bad. But this is not always the case, there are animals that are aloof and do not easily trust humans. In dealing with these kinds of animals, there are things that need to be learned about the animals in order to understand their behavior.
Animals are always good substitute to human friends if no one is around. They can be your confidant and will love and accept you for who you are. They always make a loyal friend.

Pet cats and dogs have no way to say how sick they feel or where it hurts for them. By instinct our pets would just go through the sickness in silence, just like in the wild. As a pet owner it is a must to know normal daily habits and behavior of our pets. If we notice a difference in activity most likely indicates a health problem. Symptoms of sickness that is apparent: coughing, diarrhea, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing and foul odor of urine and feces. Consider a trip to the vet if the above signs are accompanied by any of these signs: loss of appetite, puffiness of face, inactivity and shuns attention.  
Bring a list of observations you noted about your sick pet. While waiting for the vet to finish examination try and remember your pet’s activities a day or two before you noticed the symptoms.
Have a clear head while consulting with the vet; making sure you’d be able to retain the information. It helps to keep tabs on the sicknesses your pet has had. These can be references for another bout of the illness. Organize this information in journal or desk calendar.
To make our homes pet-friendly it helps to know things we don’t think much of as dangers can do damage to your pets. Here are some stuff your should know…
Chocolate is poisonous to cats, dogs and ferrets
Be careful not to give leftover chicken bones. A shattered piece can gag or pierce your pet.
Dispose onions, yeast dough, coffee beans and any food with mold in it. Keep it away from pets.
Wash in anti-bacterial solution all rawhide doggy chews to avoid salmonella infection.
Keep in mind that household items are not only harmful to our children but to our children too. The danger can also come from items specifically for pets but have reached the date of expiration. It helps to practice common sense and take precautions.

Just like any promise, a commitment is needed to follow through. For the promise of loyalty, protection, unconditional love, and adoration; dog owners in turn have their end of the deal to fulfill:
  I promise to put a collar on you and attach an I.D. tag bearing your name, our address, your blood type/ health status and your vet’s name and number.
This is a primary action to owning a pet, this tag assures your dog will be safe from animal control and would easily be returned if he strays. This also ensures that if your dog has a medical condition, his needs will be recognized and treated.
I promise to have your licensed and vaccinated.
To protect your pet from deadly infections means a lot for your dog. The environment causes virus’ mutate and infect most animals. Pets with no vaccination are most likely to die during severe sickness.
I promise to keep you on a leash to protect you and those around you.
To avoid complaints and reprimands, all owners must follow the “off-on” practice. OFF your property, ON leash please.
I promise to take you to regular check-ups.
Some symptoms of a sickness could be latent. Treating it before it gets worse.
I promise to nourish you properly hydrate you body especially in extreme heat.
Your dog’s proper diet helps him maintain alertness and helps build up immune system. An ounce of protection is a pound in protection.
I promise to take you for walks and provide physical activity that will contribute to your health.
Proper exercise aids your dog by promoting good blood circulation
Strong bones.
I promise to train you in proper behavior and  teach you to do tricks. 
Dogs need stimulation by learning a new and useful skill. You’ll be saving your dog from boredom if their playtime is learning. Training for behavior can be taught in a fun way.
As pet dog owners, it helps to sit back and recall what we promised as we looked into a puppy’s innocent and sincere face. Of course the puppy has outgrown it’s youthful cuteness. True, a lot of patience, determination and swear words went into teaching the big dog not to dig into rosebushes. What never changed is at times of our own uncertainty and aloneness, a silent friend puts his head on your lap as if renewing his vow to be your best friend forever…

Cats are cunning and clever creatures. They have adapted and survived from the era of pyramids to the present day. These creatures are often branded as solitary and self-centered (not all cats are Garfield!), mostly concentrating on its survival. Observation by cat owners though would add loyalty to their description. How can anyone explain incidents of cats traveling miles to where its human family has moved?
It is said that the cat is a very fast learner and would never forget any stored knowledge. So the belief that cats aren’t trainable contradicts this. Anyway, around the globe cat owners have tried and often succeeded in training their feline a trick or two.    
Unlike dogs, the cat has limited vocalization abilities. Feline communication is primarily vocal and body language. To human ears a cat’s “meow” is one and the same. Cats vocal chords though limited have lilts that often go unnoticed by human ears. Their body language often supports the whole thought of what they would want to express.  
To own a cat (or any pet), a person has to be fully committed in its up keep. Here are rules of thumb if you are…
Single person: get a pair of shorthaired cats, they are low maintenance and will keep each other company while you’re out.
Retired and lonely: try cat sitting for a while. Try and experience having a feline run your life. Cat sitting would help you find out if you are really allergic to cats. *Studies shows at first people are allergic to cats but usually lose symptoms of allergy after a few days.
Part of a big family: decide on the gender of the cat you’d like to have. If possible get a male & a female. If a member of the family has asthma, choose shorthaired breeds/ strays or hairless one.
A cat is a joy to have. They are independent and have that uncanny ability to leave well enough alone. Among all the pets cats are active but never clumsy.