YouTube Channel!
Posted by Claire on 19-Feb-15
I’ve created a YouTube Channel for you to check out some of the awesome pets I get to spend time with.
Microchipping your pet: yes or no?
Posted by Claire on 06-Dec-12
In my opinion, and the opinion of most animal breeders and rescue agencies, one can not go wrong with deciding to microchip their pet be it a dog or cat or even a horse. I first began chipping my cats after one of my most beloved cats ran away for a day. After adopting Petey it just seemed a good idea considering I let them out on a dog line during the day. What would happen if one got loose? I got my answer to that question and all my doubts when I was living in Rhode Island three years ago. I got a call from an animal hospital ,“is this Claire? Owner of Petey?” “Yes. May I ask who this is?” “This is a vet office. Someone found your cat and brought him in and we scanned him for a chip and found you.” What a relief!! The woman who found him realized she lived four doors down from us and reluctantly returned him home safe and sound. So the question to me isn’t should I chip my pet but what brand should I go through? Chester was chipped with HomeAgain whereas Petey was chipped with Avid. HomeAgain is extremely user friendly with a website allowing you to upload pictures and input valuable details of your pet. At the time I got Petey chipped with Acid you could only edit your information over the phone for a fee each time and they didn’t have a typical website. That could have changed but I found HomeAgain to have friendlier customer service and an all around better deal for someone who moved a lot considering you didn’t get charged a fee any time you had to change info. So which company you go through is up to you but I strongly recommend you get each and every animal chipped be they indoor or outdoor. Always be prepared and it is now routine for vets and shelters to scan a found animal for a chip. For all you know that could mean the difference of being reunited with your treasure or never seeing them again.
Mr. Snuffles and the Wild Outdoors
Posted by Claire on 27-Oct-12
Have you ever wondered what Mr. Snuffles does while he’s out of the house in the freedom of the neighborhood? Well National Geographic and University of Georgia collaborated, using “Crittercams,” to find the answer to the ongoing mystery. Turns out, Mr. Snuffles isn’t the adorable, harmless kitty you thought he was. The study found that “cats ate about 30% of their kills, brought home another 25% and left 49% of their prey to simply decay.” WOW Mr. Snuffles! The study claims that the predation habits of outside cats is actually partially responsible for the decline of American birds. Other interesting findings is that 45% of felines cross major roadways, 25% eat and drink things they come across outdoors and another 20% running around beneath city streets wandering around in storm drains. I know I used to praise my cat for bringing home a dead mouse or bird here and there because that was what cats do, they’re predators by nature. However, after reading about the risks that are involved with letting your cat roam the streets, I will not be so forgiving next time and will try harder to keep him indoors at all times.
“Your Cat: The Owner’s Manual” by Marty Becker?
Posted by Claire on 13-Jun-12
There are plenty of tips for new cat owners floating around in cyberspace these days and, while some may be helpful, it can be hard to filter out legitimate expert advice. Dr. Marty Becker, author of “Your Cat: The Owner’s Manual,” has managed to compile a handy book that will help any cat lover be they novice or hardened slave of the feline world. In his book, Dr. Becker discusses a wide range of topics including how to choose an allergy-friendly cat, dietary concerns and behavioral challenges. All long standing cat owners will admit that their cats are the ones running the roost, not themselves. Cats need a much broader understanding compared to their canine counterparts. They can be loving and fun yet conniving and sometimes downright destructive. In the end, however, a good cat will always win over any human who dares to let their guard down.
“A Big Little Life” by Dean Koontz
Posted by Claire on 19-Mar-12
I have read many books written about an author’s personal experience with a chosen animal. Often adopted reluctantly, the new owner quickly becomes attached to their new member of the household. While every story offers a unique experience, Dean Koontz’s book about his beloved golden retriever, Trixie, in “A Big Little Life,” provides the reader with a vivid and poignant memoir that leaves you in tears. Trixie, a retired assistance dog with a personality to match any human, quickly finds her way into the heart of not only her new owners but the reader as well. Faithful and loving, joyous and heartwarming, Trixie will make a dog lover out of even the most pessimistic observer. I found myself entranced as Koontz weaved a story that melted my heart. Every bit about human nature as the understanding and often times forgiving love of a dog, “A Big Little Life: will leave the reader in awe of the devotion Trixie has to her new and loving owners. Koontz doesn’t miss a beat as he delivers what I believe to be the best tale of a human and his always faithful master.
Presidents’ Pets
Posted by Claire on 21-Feb-12
This is a rather interesting article written by Sarah Bunting with Yahoo! Shine about different United States presidents’ pets. Most of us know about Bill Clinton’s cat, Socks, or President Obama’s dog, Bo, which caused a huge uproar among animal activists because they chose to go with a breeder rather than adopt a puppy from the local animal rescue organization. And let’s not forget about Millie, George H. W. Bush’s beloved Springer Spaniel who is said to possibly be “the most popular occupant of the first President Bush’s White House.” However, there are plenty more presidents who had a passion for animals and have left behind a legacy matching that of their owners. This article offers a glimpse into the lives of those cherished during each presidency.
http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/presidential-pet-stories.html
Keep your pets safe from natural toxins
Posted by Claire on 11-Feb-12
So all, or at least most, of us have given our pets human food at one point or another in their lifetime. But do you know just how much of that food you are feeding them is toxic and can potentially cause serious and permanent damage to their health? The following article, written by Sarah Bunting with Yahoo! Shine, brings to light the most common dangers that can be found within your home. She mentions foods, plants, insects, outdoor dangers and even caffeine and alcohol. The most commonly known toxic food to animals is chocolate, but grapes, avocados and even bread dough can cause harm to those you love. Poinsettias are also another commonly known toxin but other plants such as lilies, baby’s breath and carnations as well as a multitude of others can also cause harm. Don’t forget that, while your pet may eat grass all the time with no negative reactions, some people apply pesticides to their lawns and plants and that too can be life threatening. After reading this article I will think twice the next time I feed my own cats something from the table.
http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/keep-your-pets-safe-from-harmful-natural-toxins.html