Odd story - Dog's can't fly but Hawks do

We’re all familiar with how some native species in Florida dispose of nonnative ones, such as the occasional dog that wanders too close to a lake and become a meal for an alligator. But it isn’t just gators that dog owners should watch for, at least in the Panhandle. In Fort Walton Beach, a two-pound chihuahua was playing on a second-floor deck when a hawk tried to whisk it away, nwfdailynews.com reports.
The owner heard the dogs’ screams and arrived as the hawk, with the pup in its talons, was poised to take off, so it dropped the puppy and flew away. And the dog is recovering from its wounds.
Hawk attacks on small dogs are more frequent than people might realize, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Stan Kirkland told the website. “They’re large raptors, and they eat little animals. And a little chihuahua or a little small dog looks like food to them.”
Weird stuff  Huh? but this was in the news. I like to read odd and strange stories about dogs and I know alot of you enjoy reading these stories so I shall continue to post them..Listen do sign into my googles friend connect widget and show you care bout dogs. Your donations are also appreciated .Thanks, and look me up on twitter @lilruth Follow ME

Is It Safe to let Your Dogs Lick Your Face?

Sloppy, wet dog kisses – it would seem – could hand in paw with the dog ownership experience. But can dogs pass on germs when they lick your face? One of the more commonly asked questions we get here at DogTips.co is whether dogs can pass on germs to humans, particularly by licking…
Dogs use their long tongues for mopping up lunch crumbs, removing mud from their feet, and cleaning their privates. And yet, when they give our faces sloppy licks, there’s something endearing about it. Apart from occasional attempts to retrieve bits of glazed doughnut from our chins, dogs lick us because they like us. It isn’t a kiss, but it’s close.
Almost as soon as they’re born, dogs experience the soft warmth of their mothers’ tongue, which bathes them with maternal affection. The licking never really stops after that. Mothers take advantage of their puppies’ relative immobility during nursing to lick them clean. They also lick their bottoms to jump-start their impulses to relieve themselves.
Puppies do their share of licking too. They lick older dogs’ chins and faces to greet them and show respect. And when they’re hungry – and puppies are perpetually in search of something to eat – licking their mother will sometimes stimulate her to regurgitate a meal, which the puppies regard as an appetizing lunch.
As dogs get older, they lick each other less often, but they never quit entirely. At the very least, in the absence of hands and hairbrushes, they do each other’s hair with their tongues
A Show Of Respect
Dogs don’t lick people because they’re hoping for a hot meal. They lick because we’re their parents, or at least the head folks in the house. Even when dogs are old, gray, and grizzled, they see themselves in some ways as being our children, and a lick shows how much they respect us.



You can tell a little bit about your dog’s personality by how much licking she does. Dogs who are very bold or independent are restrained with their licking because they don’t feel as though there is anyone they have to win over. Outgoing, sociable dogs, on the other hand, lick everyone all the time.



We play a role in all this licking too. It doesn’t take dogs very long to learn that laying a wet one on the cheek is a great way to get cooed over and rubbed the right way. So in a way, the instinct to lick is both ancient and immediate; dogs do it naturally, and we en- courage them to do it more.



People are never sure how to react to licks. The first emotion is generally “Aw, that’s cute,” closely followed by “Yuck.” Imagine where that tongue has been! But it’s not as unhygienic as it seems. At worst, dog licks are like wiping your face with a slightly dirty washcloth. Not exactly cleansing, but hardly worth worrying about. In fact, there’s some evidence that it may be good for you.



So whilst a dog lick on the face might not be to everyone’s taste, judging by the millions and millions of dog owners who’ve received a dog lick to the chops, it’s not going to kill you (or your children!).

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Dogs Rules for Christmas

                                                                                                                                                                          1. 1. Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog leans.



2. They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts . Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.


3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.


4. They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know:


a. Don't pee on the tree


b. Don't drink water in the container that holds the tree


c. Mind your tail when you are near the tree


d. If there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open
e. Don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree


5. Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part:

a. Not all strangers appreciate kisses and leans

b. Don't eat off the buffet table


c. Beg for goodies subtly

d. Be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa


e. Don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach

6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important:
a. Observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses. (4a is particularly important)


b. Respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house


c. Tolerate children

d. Turn on your charm big time


7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night.

DON'T BITE HIM!!

Merry Christmas to you All!! and be kind to your Pets. Be sure to sign into my Googles Friend Connect Widget before you leave to show you love animals and have joined our cause to fight against animal cruelty. Also do leave a small donation to help feed and shelter these dogs who deserve to also have a happy holiday. Whatever donation you can give is greatly appreciated.

Pet Mess Cleanup Guide

Keep your home looking and smelling fresh with this crop of useful tips.

.There’s no question that our furry family members bring us oodles of joy, but every pet owner knows they can also leave a few unwelcome surprises around the house. Then there’s fur to contend with, cages that get smelly and nasty critters like fleas who hijack a ride indoors. But living with pets doesn’t have to mean living with messes.
Accidents Happen
Even the most well-trained pet will have an occasional accident. The good news is, “most stains can be prevented if you act fast,” says Larry Cooper, technical director of the Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Association. “Getting to it sooner rather than later is key.”
If It’s Still Wet…
1. Blot it up. “Get up as much as possible so it doesn’t begin to spread into the carpet backing and padding,” says Cooper. Scrape up any solids with a blunt-edged object like a spoon. Then place a thick layer of paper towels (white only, so the print doesn’t bleed) or an old towel on top of the area. Press or stand on the towels to help absorb the liquid.
2. Resist the urge to scrub. “Carpet fibers are twisted together, and vigorous rubbing causes them to come apart,” says Cooper. Instead, continue blotting until the area seems dry, then weigh down the towels with a phone book overnight to wick up any remaining fluid. If a spot remains once the area dries, try the steps below.
If It’s Dry…
1. Dampen the area lightly. Wet the spot with plain water using a sprayer bottle, towel or handheld spotting machine (similar to a wet vac machine). “Avoid flooding the area, which can cause the stain to penetrate the carpet,” says Jim Pemberton, a spokesman for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. “You want to mist the spot, not drown it.”
2. Extract the water. Using the machine or paper towels, soak up the water; repeat the process of misting and extracting until the spot is gone. “In most cases, plain water will do the job,” says Pemberton.
3. Take it to the next level. If there’s an odor or the spot doesn’t come up, try a pet enzyme cleaner, found at pet, grocery and home improvement stores. “Don’t grab just any cleanser in your house,” says Pemberton. “Products such as disinfectants, hard-surface cleaners, detergents and powdered deodorizers can bleach the carpet or leave a residue that attracts even more soil over time.” Also avoid using ammonia or homemade cleaners, which may get rid of the odor—but could actually attract your pet for a repeat performance.
4. Know when to call a pro. Since vomit may contain stomach acids, food dyes and bile, it’s particularly difficult to remove. Give it a go, but if you can’t get it out, call a professional for help. Go to certifiedcleaners.org for a pro near you.
Please be sure to give a donation here to help feed and shelter dogs who need your help. Share what you have and help them have a happy Christmas. Be sure to also sign into my Googles Friends Connect widget and show you care and want to fight against animal cruelty. Subscribe to my readers feeds and check me out on Twitter @lilruth Follow Me...Be aure to Adgitize my Ads..

'twas the Night Before Christmas (dog version)

'twas the Night Before Christmas (dog version)


It was about time for Christmas, and all through the house

A creature was stirring, but it wasn't a mouse

I knew right away it was my wife's little pup,

She thought we were sleeping, and so she was up



The dog was a gift it was coercion, really,

A woman can pout, 'til a man gets downright silly.

And now the wife was snoozing she was really sacked out

She wouldn't have awoke from less than a shout.



Yes, her in her nightgown, I in my BVDs,

We had finally settled down to catch some Zs

When off in the kitchen there arose such a clatter,

I rolled from the bed to see what was the matter.



Away down the hall, my head in a muddle,

I reached the kitchen...and stepped in a puddle.

The glow from a nightlight illuminated the room,

So how come I stumbled over the broom?





I fell in a sprawl, my legs were not stable.

On the way down, my nose hit the table.

My head was a spinnin' and when I came to rest

Four miniature dog feet stood on my chest.





With a lick and a bark, she bounded away,

Into the living room, she ran to play.

More rapid than mouses, that rat terrier ran,

Me on the follow, rolled newspaper in hand.





"Stop, Skeeter! Stop, Dog! Stop, Pup!

Halt, Pooch! Halt, Girl! Oh, come'ere, you mutt!

"Get off the new couch! Now let go of that curtain!

Ohhh...If I ever catch you, you're gonna' be hurtin'"





As winds of a Texas tornado do fly,

She spun round the room, down low and up high.

Then up on the countertop, that puppy went

She stopped for a second. I thought she was spent.





I make a quick lunge, she ducked me and then

Yawned when I dove through the flour bin.

As I drew out my head and was turning around,

She made for the presents, in a single bound.





I was covered with flour, from my head to my toes,

My robe in tatters, and blood on my nose.

A bag full of toys, she grabbed with glee

I nabbed her, I thought, but instead got the tree.





The ornaments, they broke, as they began to fall

The lights, how they fizzled, and that is not all.

When I reached for the plug, to turn the bulbs out,

What flowed through my body, but electricity, so stout!





As smoke encircled my head like a wreath,

That dog held my big toe, tight in her teeth.

"Skeeter," I moaned, "I give up. Oh, Skeet, I give in."

So she bit my swollen nose, and nipped at my chin.





She spoke not a word, but went back to work,

Down came the stockings it took just a jerk.

Then up from the hall, came the sound of feet,

Momma, it seemed was awake from her sleep.





"Now you'll get it pup," I announced with glee.

Then Skeeter walked over and put her little head on my knee.

She looked up at my wife - so innocent - and at me, so, so sad.

And it didn't take long, to know I'd been had.





Then came the wife's voice, so strong and so clear,

"Bill, you leave that puppy alone! You hear!"

And I exclaimed to myself, as they walked out with a strut,

"Don't leave any gifts, Santa just PICK UP THE MUTT!"



'The night before Christmas' was written by Bill McClellan


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The World's Ugliest Dog and a bit of Strange Facts

                                                                                                                                                                            The average dog is a nicer person then the average person. The woman who bit her husband to death doesn't deserve to be categorized as a dog or a bitch. Even dogs wouldn't do what she did. Woman bites hubby to death after he turns down sex. Strange huh? I heard about this through the grapevine! Oh and the World's Ugliest Dog to me is rather CUTE .. I think he is sticking his tongue out and the person taking the picture. Smile.. Now please do not leave here without leaving a small donation to help feed and shelter stray dogs we tke in and care for open your hearts and your pockets and give a few dollars you will feel good about helping these helpless dogs who cannot speak for themselves.. Lilyruth

TOSCA

The names of people in this story have been changed.

One chilly winter’s morning, in Harare, Zimbabwe, I wandered outside with my dog Tosca’s biscuits only to discover that Tosca had gone! I was absolutely devastated!



My German Shepherd, Tosca, had been an absolute delight in my life for the past eight years. She has the most loving nature and this is shown to everyone who gives her the time of day – children, old people, young people of all races. She was not a wanderer and I was at a loss as to what had happened to her.



I soon discovered a broken electric gate - the thieves seemed to have scaled the 8-foot high wall and tampered with the gate motor. We immediately began canvassing the neighbourhood and asking questions.



Everyone I knew became involved: friends, colleagues and everyone else I could speak to started putting the word out. Tosca, my best and most loyal friend, was gone and I would not rest until I had found out what happened to her. We drove around a 20 km radius of the house and stopped and asked people if they had seen her. We searched in storm ditches, bushy areas, golf courses and empty houses. We were given a few leads, but they came to naught. I was frantic!



Later that day a chap from the local golf course came sheepishly to our door and said he knew who had taken Tosca! It was a caddy called Walter, who had worked for me. Miracle of miracles! It sounded like a very credible lead and we jumped onto it immediately. I commandeered the support of our local police station and filed a "missing dog report". They took it very seriously and were as helpful as they could be given that they had no transport, no pens, and no paper! I provided pens, paper and transport and set about trying to find the fellow who had allegedly taken Tosca. He normally lived at the golf course club, but news travels fast and by the time we got there, he had disappeared.



We established that Walter had a girlfriend in a squatter camp (shanty town) and we worked on the notion that perhaps he had gone there with Tosca. We got the "address" and headed off there in the late afternoon. My family and friends wanted to come with us but I would not let them. I knew it could be dangerous and I would have felt terrible if anyone got hurt.





The first farm invasion and murder of a white farmer had taken place by black so-called “war veterans” who wanted all the land back for themselves. These war veterans had moved en masse into the city areas and were building shacks all over the place. There was a sense of tangible unease in Harare and it was even worse in the farming areas. There is a large high-density area outside Harare called Epworth, and Epworth Overflow has all the shacks and homes built by folk who could not fit into Epworth proper – and these were mainly war veterans and their families and any other trouble causer without a base! So, when one got an address in Epworth Overflow, that's all one got, EPWORTH OVERFLOW! It is a HUGE area covering many hectares, with no electricity, no running water, no roads and many, many people. Epworth is famous for balancing rocks and scattered amongst these rocks were houses built out of mud, scrap roofing and plastic. There was no municipal service there, so the tracks made by masses of human traffic were full of rubbish and raw sewerage.



Let's set the scene again, a white woman, a black caddy called Roy, and a black junior police constable go wandering through Epworth Overflow. Roy told me to always stay in the car because the war veterans hated white people and he told the police constable to go carefully because the war veterans hated policemen more than white people!! So we asked Roy if he would get out and try and find the woman and he said, "No madam, the policeman can go because he is paid for doing this kind of stupid thing". He also told me to always park the car in a "go away position" in case the people attacked us.





We drove along bumpy, filthy tracks from section to section, stopping only where I could park my double cab bakkie in the "go away position" - not that I could ever have found my way out of this maze of tracks back onto a road that resembled a normal tar road!! The policeman would hop out and speak to people asking if they had seen a man matching Walter's description with a dog. Although the men in the area treated him with suspicion and some hostility, the women and children happily told all! After a few hours of doing this, and by this time it was very dark, we found out that he had gone with Tosca to one of the local shabeens. (illegal tavern) Great! Now we had to go deeper into Epworth Overflow!



Epworth Overflow was intriguing at night. In Zimbabwe there was no petrol at this time, or any other kind of standard liquid fuel. So, the folk of this area used old cooking oil to light their homes. In the area where we were now parked in the "go away position" there were dozens of little tables set up under balancing rocks where people were selling home made lamps using old cooking oil. The whole place reeked of stale oil! The little lamps were made from any type of glass container, Coke bottles, jam jars etc. and a bit

of string as the wick fixed in place by anything available ranging from bits of shoes to tin foil gathered from dustbin contents. Hence the eerie, unreal feel of the place with the glow of these oil lamps everywhere!!



We went off to the shabeen, and the less than well-paid policeman went inside. His entrance into the shabeen in uniform caused a mass exodus of clients who then lurked in the shadows to see if their illegal activities were under scrutiny. They were not, of course and slowly the patrons returned to their warm beers. After a few minutes the cop came out again and told us that Walter had been seen dragging Tosca off to the industrial areas earlier that day. Apparently the person who had hired him to steal the dog refused to give him his price, so Walter dragged Tosca on foot around the industrial areas trying to sell her as a guard dog. Our search had to stop for the night as the industrial areas were all closed by 10 p.m.



Next day we went to the industrial areas, met with less than salubrious individuals, paid out large sums of money for the next clue. We were a strange team, but a team we were, and nothing was going to stop us!



Our pets NEVER give up on us, no matter what we do, and so we should not give up on them. Nor does God give up on us - it's simple principle that in today's world we too easily forget - DON'T GIVE UP! There is good around every corner.



The next day we got a major breakthrough. Walter returned to the golf club to collect his possessions and Roy caught him there and handed him over to the police. The police called me and asked if I could come and collect him and two policemen so that we could re-trace his steps over the past few days. I did this and the temptation to throttle Walter when I saw him was SO powerful, but God got hold of my emotions and quickly settled them. We then spent a full day with a reluctant Walter driving from spot to spot with him denying that he had ever seen any dog anywhere ever!! The policemen were not convinced. They started giving Walter a royal beating in my car and I begged them to stop right away! I could not be party to this - I just wanted Tosca back and I almost begged Walter to tell the truth and I would not press charges. He refused, so the policemen hauled him out of my car into the bush. They proceeded to remove his shoes and beat the soles of his feet with bamboo poles. Again I intervened and told them to stop this brutality. They said, "Madam, we know our own people, if you want your dog back then this is the ONLY way we'll find her". I could not let them continue and so I took them back the station knowing my cause might be lost.





Something happened overnight and Walter told the police where he had eventually taken Tosca!! The police called me with the news and again I went round and collected my travel companions from the station. We drove to a factory where a Turkish businessman was deeply affronted at us bringing Walter there who then pointed a finger at this man and declared that he had bought Tosca from him. On failing to sell Tosca to the security companies at the industrial sites, Walter had gone back to the businessman who originally hired him. He sold Tosca for a miserable price.



The businessman reluctantly gave us the address where Tosca was and then asked for his money back - ASKED FOR HIS MONEY BACK!!! Can you believe it? The cop was smart and he told him that he could claim his money back from the state after he had faced possession of stolen property charges!! The ONLY time I felt really threatened was when I was facing that businessman! He was so angry and so volatile that I thought he would hurt all of us. Otherwise, all the Zimbabweans I had first hand dealings with were not aggressive at all.



The team was not to be stopped now! We got to a house in the suburbs that looked like Fort Knox! 12-foot wall, CCTV camera's positioned on the corners and at the driveway, four lock up garages with no windows and steel roll doors which were securely locked. Not your average house and very obviously a front for some other type of business!! Locked up in cages in the back yard were a number of dogs - one of them was my beloved Tosca! Apart from being a bit tired and extremely dirty she was in fine shape and the SPCA were called in to take the other dogs away.



Walter was locked up for 2 years but released for good behaviour after six months. I was playing golf shortly after his release when he approached me on the golf course and tried to sell me some found golf balls!!! I asked him if he recognised me and he said he did and that he had forgiven me!!



One has to laugh!



Tosca had been dragged on foot across over 50 km of the worst parts of Harare for five days, presumably no-one bothered to feed or water her and she was very tender in places - I assumed she had been given a few good whacks.



After a visit to the vet for a check up, a bath and a good feed and water Tosca collapsed in a heap and slept for two days solid. God took care of her during that time and He took care of us in our posse! We went to places where people just did not venture in a time when Zim was in a lot of turmoil. We were most certainly in danger. But, God watched over us and He guided us to the right place at the right time.


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Ways to Spot animal cruelty

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Animal  cruelty is common everywhere, even in places where it’s prohibited. Although there may be laws on animal cruelty, its not highly implemented. Thus every year, there are several animals, including pets like cats and dogs, and wild animals, that are maltreated.



Animal cruelty can come in various forms. You could have observed someone physically hurting an animal. Animal cruelty can also be in the form of malnutrition when animal owners don’t feed their pets properly. Generally, what causes injury and suffering to an animal can be considered animal cruelty.
One way of fighting animal abuse is to report it as soon as it is spotted. Here are some things you can do to prevent animal cruelty.
Be Aware
Keep your eyes and ears open. Your local humane society or animal shelter wouldn’t know several instances of animal abuse without those concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhood through phone calls. So, do your part and be on the look out for animals in your own neighborhood. This could be a possible indicator of neglect or abuse.
Learn to Distinguish Animal Cruelty
Signs and Symptoms – There are signs and symptoms observed in most abused animals. Watch out for wounds on the body, patches of missing hair, extremely thin and starving animals, limping and tick or flea infestations. An owner who is physically abusing an animal is abusive. Dogs left chained in the yard and without access to food and water is a neglectful act. Animals hit by a car and not taken to a veterinarian is also a neglectful act. These are all forms of animal cruelty.
Report Animal Cruelty
Know who to call when reporting animal cruelty. There are some states that have Humane Law Enforcement officers who can investigate and arrest perpetrators of animal cruelty. In some towns, you may have to call the police department or local animal control. Know who to call. Also, when reporting an incident, make sure that you provide as much information possible. The details will mean a lot to the investigating officer. Try writing down the type of cruelty you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident, and where it happened.
Do Some Proactive Steps to Fight Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty is a crime. Write or call your local law enforcement departments and tell them that investigating animal cruelty should be a main concern. Fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state or local levels. Have signature petitions. Write letters to legislators. Stronger laws mean tougher penalties, and punishment for animal cruelty should be harsher! Support your local animal rescue organization or local shelter. Volunteer at animal shelters and rescue groups in your area.
Lastly, set a good example for others. You can prevent animal cruelty and it starts within you. If you are a pet owner, make sure that you always show your pets the love and care that they ought to have. Always provide food, fresh water, shelter and medical treatment if your pet is sick. Have your animals spayed or neutered. Be a responsible pet owner. And to top it off, a lot of hugs and kisses won’t hurt!
Save the animals and stop animal cruelty. Learn more how you can prevent animal cruelty in your neighborhood. Please give a small Donation here at DogCents before you leave anything you can give will help towards buying food and giving shelter to these poor dogs who have been aboandoned. Open you hearts and dig into your pockets and give show that you care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rashel_Dan



                                                                                                                                                                  

Vt. police: Women had 77 cats living in 2 cars

NEWS:
BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) — Two women have been cited for animal cruelty in Vermont after police found 77 cats living in two cars
The Bennington Banner reports that prosecutors will consider whether to upgrade the civil citations to criminal charges against 54-year-old Regina Millard and 61-year-old Bertha Ryan, both of Troy, N.Y.
Police say one of the cats was found dead in the trunk of one of the cars Friday. Plates of food were inside and some of the cats had fecal matter matted to their fur.
Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette says the women owned two of the cats and were apparently looking for homes for the rest.
Police investigated after someone complained about seeing people sleeping in the cars with the cats.
A telephone number for a Regina Millard in Troy was not in service, and a number for a Bertha Ryan rang unanswered.
Source:News

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Haloween Dog Pictures

Funny Haloween dog pictures This one is dressed in a Hoola skirt.

Halloween Ghost Dogs.....Fight against animal cruelty and help us save a dog by giving a small donation here to buy food and give shelter to the dogs we take in off the street. Share what you have, if you love animals then do give... Source: humor.beecy.net

Dog Home Remedies you can find in your home

Many of these natural home remedies for dogs are quite easy to obtain. For example, do you have garlic in your kitchen? Most people do and use it to cook up tasty dishes but never consider that it is an effective flea repellant.

What about mineral oil, olive oil or almond oil? These are also common household items that can be used for a variety of different purposes. Did you know that they are also effective for treating ear infections or ear mites in dogs?



Do you treat your own skin with Vitamin E? It's a common way to soothe irritated and dry skin. If your dog suffers from irritated skin as a result of allergies, try applying a bit to their skin to see rapid improvement.



What about oats? They are excellent for adding to your dog's bath water if he has problems with allergies and as a result spends a lot of time itching and scratching. Just a handful of oats added to your dog's bath water can help to soothe his irritated skin.



Epsom salts are excellent additives if your dog has problems with his feet. Just add a bit to some water and then soak your dog's feet. Remember to take care that he does not drink the water.



Natural home remedies for dogs are safe, easy and inexpensive solutions to many health problems that may plague your dog. Be sure to give a donation to help feed and shelter abandoned dogs who need your donations show you care. Click on the Donate buttons.. Thank you Be sure to sign in The Googles Friends Connect and show your our friend. Follow me on Twitter @lilruth  Vote for me at http://bloginterviewer.com/animals/dogcents-ruth

Purina publishes FaceBook Game for Pet Lovers

  Pet lovers who enjoy the thrill of building and managing fun places on online games will have an opportunity to test their skill on the new "Purina® Pet Resort" game.

Nestle Purina PetCare Company, one of the world's leading pet food manufacturers, is now publishing its new "Purina® Pet Resort" simulation game on Facebook. Players can become the manager of their own virtual pet-themed resort, allowing them to build and operate a fun place to pamper, care for and entertain virtual pets.



The game is Purina's latest effort toward providing online and mobile entertainment and information for pet owners.



"Pet lovers spend a lot of time online and using mobile devices for fun and to enhance the relationship with their pets," said Guy Fish, assistant brand manager, Purina® brand. "Purina® Pet Resort caters to pet lovers who enjoy online games and would like to create a virtual haven for their four-legged friends."



"Resort" owners can purchase a variety of pet-themed stations where virtual pets can be groomed or fed with Purina® brand pet foods and treats such as Purina® Dog Chow® brand Dog Food, Fancy Feast® and Beggin' Strips®. The game focuses on the stations and the resort owners' ability to move up levels by taking care of more pets.



Merscom, a global publisher of Facebook and casual computer games, developed and published "Purina® Pet Resort." Merscom is owned by Playdom, Inc., which is involved in marketing the new game.



Purina recently introduced an enhanced version of its "petcentric" mobile application that is now available for iPhone®, iPad®, iPod Touch® and BlackBerry® users. "petcentric" provides pet owners an engaging mobile experience through location-based utility, entertaining content featuring videos and photos, and relevant pet information.



The new "petcentric" features offer a gallery of top pet news stories and videos every day, and new ways to search for professional pet sitters and pet-friendly places using GPS technology. In addition, pet lovers can rate and comment on pet-friendly locations and add their own favorite places.



Purina also offers a glimpse into the world from a pet's point of view at www.petcentric.com
Before you leave be sure to sgin into our Friends Connect Widget and show you care. Become one of our Friends here on DogCents. Also please leave a donation to help feed and shelter these abandoned dogs we take care of, your help is desperately needed. If you love dogs and hate animal cruelty then click on the Donate Buttons on here and help save a dogs life When you do give a donation we will publish your name and name of your Blog on here and we will make sure all the world wide web knows you donated to help feed and shelter these strays. Thank you   Lilyruth

How to Stimulate a well-trained Dog

Your adult dog needs the right amount of balance in his training. These needs include a regular dose of physical exercise, mental exercise, and the need to socialize. Providing your dog with these needs will keep him happy, healthy, and may even add extra years to his life.




Mental Needs Of Your Adult Dog



The more you teach your dog, regardless of his age, breed, and personality, the better he will become at all levels of his life. Training your dog to perform certain tasks gives him purpose, which in turn greatly improves the quality of his life. Once your dog learns certain skills, he is no longer just your pet. He becomes more of a friend, a companion, a helper, someone to enjoy more wonderful times with.



Providing your dog with knowledge gives him freedom to do more things. Having the skills to listen, to respond properly to your commands, and the ability to be trained gives him the advantage to explore more and learn more. Instead of staying inside the home all day by himself, you can take him to different places and share more activities with you.



Teach your pal something new each week. This will keep him confident and keep his mind stimulated and alert. Being able to think clearly in his adult life will benefit him when he reaches old age.



If your dog's intelligence is above average or if is an energetic working breed, you will have to train him more, even in his adult years. Highly intelligent dogs need to have a job to do to keep them entertained, prevent them from becoming bored, and also prevent them from developing destructive behaviors.



Extra training and mental activity is required if you have a working breed. Working breeds need to be worked more to keep them busy and problem-free. A few examples of working breeds are Border Collies, Great Danes, Australian Cattle Dogs, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Old English Sheepdogs. These dogs need to think more and do more to stay happy.

Giving your adult dog his regular mental exercise will keep his mind clear, keep him occupied, and prevent boredom. Boredom leads to dissatisfaction, which in turn leads to negative behavior. Regardless of the amount of training and skills he acquired during puppyhood and his adolescent stage, he is likely to develop destructive behaviors again unless you give him a job to do.

The old adage "use it or lose it" not only applies to humans, but to our canine friends as well. Your dog needs to brush up on his skills and talents on a regular basis, otherwise he will forget them. It is that simple!

Please don't leave without signing into our Google's friends Connect Widget and show your our friend and hate animal cruelty. Also do try and give a small donation to help keep these dogs who have been abandoned well fed and cared for.  If everyone who visits us would give at least a five dollar donation or ten this would add up and we can buy dog food and medicines...Your donations will help to save a dogs life. Thanks.. Also be sure to click on my ads this also helps us alot. Follow ME on Twitter  @lilruth Your comments are welcomed.....

Hair and Fur Donations For Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Matter of Trust is the name of Californian environmental agency that organizes hair boom for the Gulf Coast Spill. Matter of Trust accepts donations of hair from all over the world and has opened more than dozen warehouses in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida where the hair is shipped. Finding hair as an extremely efficient material for taking in all kinds of oils, the environmental agency organizes fur providing to Bookstone School which then transports it to New Orleans, Mobile and Pensacola. While human hair seems to be most absorbent material, pet fur is thought to aid in spill as well. According veterinarian Hank Hall, the spring hair cut can be also helpful for your pet. He says it will make easier to see any fleas or ticks on your dog or cat and make them prevent on hot spots.

Dog owners wanting to donate dog fur to the Gulf can drop off the fur until Thursday at noon to Bookstone School at Bradley Park drive. Northside Animal Hospital headquartrered in Columbus is ready to give your pet its spring hair cut. You can call Northside Animal Hospital at (706) 324-0333 for information on adoption. In addition, we should note also, that dog hair donations should be clean and free of trash and debris to make the volunteers avoid from additional work. Source: Dog News
Be sure to give a donation before you leave this site. Help feed and shelter abanndoned strays who need and deserve better lives. Just click on the donate buttons on here. Thank you Lilyruth.................................Be sure to also click on the ads here and Follow Me on Twitter @lilruth  Also be sure to sign into my Googles friends connect widget and show you care..

Why Own A Dog?

Why own a dog? There's danger you know,

You can't own just one, the craving will grow.

There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger,

While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger.



One dog is so funny, and two are no trouble,

The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey.

the fifth's delightful, the sixth one's a breeze,

You find you can live with a house full with ease.



So how 'bout another? Would you really dare?

They're really quite easy, but Lord, the hair.

With dogs on the sofa, and dogs on the bed,

And crates in the kitchen, it's no bother, you've said.

They're really no trouble, their manners are great.

What's just one more dog, and one more crate?



The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty,

The floor is all footprints, the furniture is dusty,

The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care?

Who minds a few nose prints, and a little more hair?



So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room,

And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom.

There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add,

The thought of a cutback sure makes you sad.



Each one is so special, so useful, so funny,

The Vet, the food bills grow larger, you owe money,

Your folks never visit, few friends come to stay,

Except other dog folks, who live the same way.



Your lawn has now died, and your shrubs are dead too,

But your weekends are busy, you're off with the crew.

There's dog food and vitamins, and training and shots,

And entries and motels which cost lots.



Is it worth it you wonder? Are you caught in a trap?

Then your favorite dog comes and climbs in your lap.

His look says your special, and you know that you will,

Keep all of the critters, in spite of the bills.

Author Unknown


Please be sure to leave a donation to help give food and shelter to dogs who have been abandoned. Open your hearts and give whatever you can if your a dog lover and you hate animal cruelty then do give a donation to help save these strays who deserve better lives. Just click on the Donaste buttons here and help.. Also be sure to sign in to my Googles Friend Connect widget and show your our friend and you care about dogs.Be sure to Subscribe to my readers feeds and do go and vote for me at  http://bloginterviewer.com/animals/dogcents-ruth

Help Your Dog Beat the Summer Heat

Technically it’s not even summer yet but it definitely feels like it is. The heat and humidity is already making me cranky and uncomfortable but my adorable French bulldog, Smuckers, has it way worse—he starts panting the minute I take him outside lately. (Flat-faced dogs have a harder time breathing and they overheat very easily.) But he can frolic happily and safely now that I’ve been using this genius Dura Doggie fetch toy/water bowl hybrid. Imagine if a pie tin and a Frisbee made out of really tough rubber mated—that’s what it’s like. (Okay, that sounded really weird. What can I say, it’s Friday.) By a friend who loves dogs......I, Lilyruth also love the company’s do-good efforts: Be sure to let your dog enjoy his time outside turn on the hose and let him play in the water some dogs love to play with water....It will also cool him down... Also please leave a small donation here to save dogs lives whatever you can give is appreciated. thank you. Be sure to sign up in the Googles Friends connect widget here and show your our friend.. Want to help click on the Adgitize Ads on here.

Check out these adorable ugly-pet-sweater photos!

 

By Kim, shelter outreach

Last week we asked you to send us your ugly pet sweater pics. The results were even cuter than we could have expected! Here are some samples.

Lori Renner writes: "Thank goodness Kasey doesn't fit in this anymore!" (We think Kasey looks adorable!)

Angela M. Shatzer of Carolina Poodle Rescue in Spartanburg, SC, writes: "Here is one of our Chinese Crested dogs at our shelter. She's so sweet. One of our kennel workers call her 'Hot Momma.' She loves to hug her leg all day long."

Megan Goetz writes: "Mrs. Murphy is ready for the holidays! Cheers!"

Amanda Tredway writes: "This is Landon, a Yorkie mix. He is currently up for adoption through PPAWSS, Promoting Pet Adoptions and Welfare in Sulphur Springs (Texas). Thanks, I hope you enjoy!"

See even more adorable pups in ugly sweaters after the jump

Cheyenne writes: "We call her Tubba Lubba because she's such a love hound, but Isabel definitely looks like a chub of sausage in this sweater. I hate to (not really) dress her up, but she's rubbed all the hair off her belly and her armpits ... Really, the sweater is for her own good! My husband hates it because it's pink, but I love it. She looks so cute! But I realized we had to get something more comfortable fitting when her diet didn't work -- it looked like the sweater was starting to cut off her circulation. She gets depressed when I start putting clothes on her -- she immediately gets in her bed and tries to sleep. So now I only "torture" her if it's really, really cold out (and then she doesn't seem to mind so much)."

Megan Fisher writes: "This is my baby Bella! She is a lab/pit bull mix I adopted from the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society (in Kentucky). We call this her 'Cosby Sweater.' She loves it!"

Be sure before you leave to sign in and join my Googles Friends Connect Widget and become a friend at Dogcents.  Also please goand vote for me at  http://bloginterviewer.com/animals/dogcents-ruth  each vote each day is towards feeding and shelter to dogs who need your help to have better lives. Open your hearts and leave a small donation just click on the Donate Button here. 

How to Stop UnWanted Dog Barking

Humans are tremendously vocal creatures. Despite our own talkative tendencies, we tend not to appreciate "excessive" vocalizations from our dogs. Rest assured, your dog does not feel her barking is excessive. When she barks, she is trying to communicate with you. Learning why she barks is the key to stop your dog from barking.



Depending on the reason for barking and your own training skill level, you may need to consult with a qualified trainer/behaviorist to assist you with the training. For more on selecting a behavior professional, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior guidelines for choosing a trainer.



Why Do Dogs Bark?

Just as there are many reasons humans speak, dog barking occurs for a number of reasons. Here are a few of the most common:



Distance decreasing: Distance decreasing barking can also be considered attention-seeking barking. The dog is barking to communicate with the owner - "pay attention to me!"



Boredom: Evaluate your dog's lifestyle. How much physical exercise is she getting? How much social stimulation through appropriate play with other dogs? How much play does she get with you? Is she getting adequate mental stimulation in the form of both training and problem solving? If your dog is barking because of boredom, consider more physical exercise, more positive training, and introduce new toys and games for environmental enrichment (consider Buster Cubes, Kong toys, kibble hunts, Nina Ottosson toys, marrow bones, chew toys, bully sticks, antlers, etc.).



Frustration: While some frustration barking is boredom barking, not all boredom barking is frustration barking. Often in class, dogs bark when their owners have poor timing or because the rate of reinforcement is too low, the dog is frustrated because the signals are unclear. This dogster thread will help you improve your training skills.



Dogs also bark out of frustration when they are not sure what is expected of them - if you are asking for a behavior in a new environment without sufficient proofing, your dog is communicating to you that further training is needed before she can focus on cue response in that environment.



Separation distress/anxiety: True separation anxiety (destruction to self or property) is a topic beyond the scope of this article. If your dog is injuring herself or destroying your home, please seek the assistance of a behaviorist in addressing the issue.



If you believe your dog has separation distress (limited vocalization, no injury to self or property), consider how long she is left alone - if it is more than eight hours for an adult (even shorter periods of separation are recommended for puppies), find a dog walker or pet sitter to break the day up. Provide her with mental stimulation through puzzle toys, kibble hunts, etc., when she is alone. Greetings and exits should be low key. If her separation distress worsens, consult with a behavioral professional.



Invitation to play: Some dogs bark to say, "Hey, I want to meet/play with you NOW NOW NOW!" (puppy barking frequently falls in this category). These barks are generally high pitched, and are often accompanied by wagging "propeller tails," loose/wiggly body language, play bows and jumping. Ask those who would like to interact with her to wait for calm, quiet behavior before greeting to avoid reinforcing the behavior. Also, click her for looking at people or other dogs/greeting quietly and for quiet or for focus on you despite these distractions.



Distance increasing: Distance increasing barking is a defensive behavior - the dog is trying to ward off potential conflict.



Distance increasing barks are generally low in pitch and may accompany intimidating body language including a stiffly wagging tail, rigid body posture, display of teeth, growling/snarling, snapping, kicking of back feet, etc.



If you suspect your dog is reactive or aggressive, it is best to consult with a qualified professional with experience using counter conditioning and desensitization to rehabilitate dogs as soon as possible.



A full veterinary evaluation including thyroid panel is advised for aggressive/reactive dogs.



(Barrier frustration is included in the category of distance increasing behavior and usually involves barking/lunging on leash or behind/inside of cars, fences, gates, or crates.)



Alert barking: Humans have been selecting for barking in dogs for millennia. This behavior is deeply ingrained in the dog, and is generally not a problem for pet owners unless it becomes "excessive."



As alert barking is generally very self-reinforcing, your best bet is to train an alternative, incompatible behavior ("quiet!"). Here is a great article from Karen Pryor on teaching bark/quiet as a paired cue to bring barking under control.



Can I Stop Dog Barking?

Short answer: No. Surgical debarking is never humane and rarely effective in totally eliminating vocalizations. Dogs bark! You can, however, train your dog to stop excessive barking behavior if you listen to why she barks and respond appropriately with effective, positive training.

Be sure to give a donation to help feed and shelter stray dogs who need your help. Join my Google Friends Connect here and show you care. Also Please Vote for me at http://bloginterviewer.com/animals/dogcents-ruth         Your Votes are important. Take a minute to Adgitize my ads here just click on my ads and help fight animal cruelty. Follow Me on Twitter @lilruth

Signs of Chocolate Toxicity

Signs of chocolate toxicity are vomiting and diarrhea. Your dog will breathe quickly, and his heart will race. If he has eaten a high enough dose of chocolate, he will start convulsing, and he may die.



So, how much is too much? Dark cooking chocolate has more toxic ingredients than either milk chocolate or white chocolate, and unsweetened baking chocolate has most of all. Eight ounces of milk chocolate is enough to potentially kill a 10-pound dog.



If Your Dog Eats Chocolate



If you suspect your dog has stolen some chocolate, give your veterinarian a call with information on your dog’s body weight, the quantity of chocolate that is missing, and what type of chocolate it is. She will be able to work out how much caffeine and theobromine has been eaten, and whether or not your dog is likely to become sick. Treatment is basically supportive until your dog recovers – intravenous fluids, activated charcoal and muscle relaxants to control any tremors or seizures.



Alternate Treats



There are some treats that are safe to give your dog at Easter. Carob is not at all dangerous to dogs, and they seem to enjoy it. Alternatively, whip up a batch of home made dog biscuits for him. There are many recipes on the net for delicious biscuits that contain liver and other meat products, and your dog will love them.  If you’re pressed for time, pick up a dog treat from the supermarket on your way home from work – he’ll enjoy that too.



Sharing your chocolate with your dog just is not worth the risk to his health. This is one time when it’s a good idea to keep all your chocolate to yourself!

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