Can Old Dogs Teach Us New Tricks?

How many times have we pondered whether or not an old dog can actually learn new tricks?  Well, how about dogs teaching humans new tricks?  Hmmm, what do you think we could learn from them?  Here are a few doggie life lessons to make us think and hopefully focus on the simple things in life – the parts of life that have endless value.  Take a break from the busyness of everyday life and see if dogs can, in fact, teach us a few new tricks.

 

If dogs were teachers, we would probably learn the really important stuff like...
*  When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
*  Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
*  Enjoy the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face (don't worry about your hair getting messed up)  .
*  When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience (being obedient might take a lot of practice for some of us).
*  Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
*  Take naps (my personal favorite).
*  Stretch before rising.
*  Run, romp, and play daily.
*  Avoid biting when a simple growl will do (something often easier said than done).
*  On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass (only if someone is there to help me get back up).
*  On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
*  When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body (just be sure no one else is around to witness this scary sight).
*  No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout… run right back and make friends (another example of something easier said than done).
*  Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
*  Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough (learning to stop when we've had enough may take some time to master).
*  Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
*  If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
*  When someone is having a bad day; be silent, sit close by, and be a true companion (no training needed...this is something we can all do but probably don't do nearly enough).

 

So let's try to learn from our very wise, four-legged friends and practice showing them all the love and patience they share with us every day of our lives.  Our pets truly deserve the same respect and unconditional love as all living beings do.  They are not status symbols...they have huge open hearts and, if we open our hearts as well, our lives are FURever changed for the better!

 

Ready to open your heart and home to a new dog, cat, puppy, or kitten?  Check out all the cuddly cuteness waiting for you at Pet Pal by going to http://www.petpalanimalshelter.com.  There you'll find the animals currently available for adoption as well as information about upcoming events, different ways to donate, and volunteer opportunities. 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.  Please post any questions or suggestions you might have for me in the comments section or via email to chrisnorm74@gmail.com.  I welcome and greatly appreciate any feedback you want to share. 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Furever Love For Valentine's Day

Feeling lonely this Valentine's Day?  Hoping this will finally be the year that special someone sweeps you off your feet and you'll go riding off into the sunset together towards your "happily ever after"?  Well, just in case that doesn't happen...here's a little something to make you smile anyway. 

 

Did you know that one in five people prefer to spend Valentine’s Day with their pet over their significant other?  Here are ten reasons why a dog makes a better date this Valentine’s Day:

 

1.  Dogs don’t talk!  I could go into further detail, but I think we can all agree this is a good thing!

2.  If you worry your dog will destroy your home 4 seconds after you leave for the evening, you can put him in a crate.  The authorities frown upon this sort of thing when it comes to dates!

3.  Dog slobber is cute...date slobber is sooooo not cute!  

4.  You don’t have to share your dessert with a dog (and probably shouldn’t).  This is ideal because dessert is the best part of Valentine’s Day and all that sweet stuff makes dogs sick.  So you get your box of chocolates all to yourself!  YUM!   

5.  For the not-so-romantic folks out there, a dog won’t look hopefully, then desperately, and finally disappointedly into your eyes when the evening doesn’t end in a romantic marriage proposal!  

6.  When a dog follows you around, it’s just too cute.  Nothing is better than being adored by a loyal dog; however, if a date follows you around … we call that stalking!

7.  Dogs don’t care if you're “presentable” or not.  You don’t have to buy expensive clothes and accessories to hang out with your dog.  Just head out on a walk, toss a ball around, give a good long belly rub and you’ve won their hearts forever!  

8.  You'll never have to come up with a way to gently but firmly “get rid” of a dog.  Why would anyone want to get rid of a dog?  Dogs are funny, goofy, and even help out by cleaning food right off the kitchen floor for you when you drop it.  Dates seem to think that kind of thing is below them!  

9.  Pup snuggles are the best!  OK, so snuggles from a human can be pretty good too but, when a pup nuzzles his way up along side you on the couch, you’ll stay in that same position for hours just so you don’t disturb the little guy's comfort!

10.  Did I mention dogs don’t talk?

 

No pet of your own to be your Valentine?  Maybe it's time to consider adopting one.  Who knows, Cupid may have a perfect love match waiting for you at Pet Pal Animal Shelter!  Just keep in mind that bringing an animal into your home and caring for it properly is kind of like getting married...it's a lifelong commitment and everyone involved needs to be on board with it.  Surprising your loved one with a puppy or kitten might seem like a great Valentine's Day gift, but returning the animal to the shelter because things didn't work out isn't so romantic.

 

Not quite ready to jump into the commitment of a long-term relationship but still wanting to share the love?  Well look no further for your new B.F.F. this Valentine's Day!  Send a Valentine to an animal at Pet Pal Animal Shelter:

 

1.  Make a donation of $50 to any animal at Pet Pal and they will display a Red Heart with the animal's picture, and your love message in the shelter for the month of February. 

2.  Upon adoption, your Doggie Valentine will receive a Bag of Science Diet Food, leash & collar,  and an earth rated poo bag dispenser filled with lavender scented poo bags by St. Petersbark .  Cats get a bag of Science Diet Food and World's Best Cat Litter.

3.  You will receive a Valentine in the mail from your animal.

 

Our pets are our best friends. They love us unconditionally, lend us an ear, protect us from harm, and are true companions.  A great time to show how much we love them is on Valentine’s Day.  So give your pets an extra big hug this Valentines Day and show them just how special they really are! 

 

Have a warm and furry Valentine's Day! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again! 

PAWSitively For The Pits!

Contrary to what we hear in the news or from our friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc., American Pit Bull Terriers are generally good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal, and affectionate family pets.  They are always eager to please their masters.  They are extremely courageous and intelligent guard dogs who are very full of vitality.  Highly protective of their owners and the owner's property, they will fight an enemy to the death.  They are usually very friendly, but also have an uncanny ability to know when they need to protect and when everything is okay.  Pit Bulls can be overpowering with meek owners and need a firm hand.  They are generally okay with other pets if they are raised with them.  They are very friendly, but not recommended for most people because most people do not understand how to properly raise and train this breed. 

 

With basic training along with the proper amount of exercise and a firm owner, Pit Bulls can be trustworthy and obedient dogs.  They should be socialize very thoroughly when young to prevent aggressive tendencies, and they definitely need to be kept under control when other dogs are present.  This breed needs to be taught respect for humans too.  Pit Bulls excel in practically every canine task including herding, guarding, hunting, and policing.  When properly trained and socialized, they are very good dogs and great family companions.  Unfortunately however, some choose to promote the natural fighting instinct in the breed, giving it a bad name.  

 

At one time, Pit Bulls had an all-around reputation of being much loved and trustworthy companions.  Unfortunately, the breed has become somewhat of a status symbol for many who choose to train these dogs to fight.  It is these types of people who are chiefly responsible for the negative images that are becoming all too familiar to us.  The media, however, should not go unmentioned as they, too, are responsible for escalating isolated incidences in a relentless and attention-getting way.  Most Pit Bulls are bred as family dogs, but the media will rarely mention this.  They get more views pretending all Pit Bulls are bred by fighters.  Often when the media reports about a Pit Bull attack, it is not even a Pit Bull at all but another "bully breed", i.e. rottweiler, Doberman, mastiff, etc.  The Pit Bull's future has been perhaps irreparably undone and everyone is to blame except the dog itself. 

 

As a result of the common misconceptions of Pit Bulls and other "bully breeds", the process to adopt a Pit Bull or Pit mix requires that any potential Pit Bull parents MUST own their home.  Due to strict insurance policy guidelines, most landlords can not have Pit Bulls or any other "bully breeds" residing on their properties...even if they're diehard fans of these breeds.  This is because the insurance companies exclude these breeds from their coverage due to the increased liability these dogs are supposedly known for.  All of this leads to just one thing...it's becoming more and more difficult for Pit Bulls and Pit mixes as well as the other "bully breeds" to be placed in FURever homes.  This then causes overcrowding in shelters resulting in many more animals being turned away simply because of a lack of space.  

 

As one of these so-called "bully breeds" that are often misunderstood and even sometimes mistreated", shelters everywhere are facing an increase in the number of Pit Bulls and Pit mixes that are being surrendered because their owners could not or would not properly care for these animals.  The Pit Project is a program being offered by Pet Pal Animal Shelter with a goal of rescuing and adopting out more Pit Bulls by educating adopters about the breed.  It takes a special type of person to be a Pit owner and, with the right leadership and training, Pet Pal can get you prepared for one of the best experiences of your life!

 

While at the shelter, all Pit Bull Terriers and Pit mixes will receive temperament testing and evaluations from CDPT certified trainers.  Once these dogs have been assessed, a training regimen will be put into place to keep them active and motivated during their stay at the shelter.  Upon adoption, with the help of their “Guardian Angels”, all Pittie adopters will go home with a crate, leash, collar, Kong toy, small bag of Science Diet, and free initial vet visit at Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic (where a 1-month supply of heartworm and flea prevention will be provided) as well as a review of the training program being used at the shelter.  Additionally, a group training class will be offered by a certified trainer to provide guidance in leadership skills for all family members.  Of course ALL Pet Pal dogs have already been neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and de-wormed prior to being put up for adoption.

 

To become a Guardian Angel for a beloved Pet Pal Pittie, go to Pet Pal's web site and click on the Pit you would like to sponsor.  Complete your donation through Pay Pal using your credit card.  We will mail you a picture of our Angel in recognition of your donation and place this in their adoption file at the shelter.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.  I feel it is VERY important to get as much accurate information about Pit Bulls out there as possible in hopes of educating the public and bringing the "right" kind of attention to this breed! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

New Year, New Resolutions

Well here we are, ready to kick off another year making all sorts of resolutions that we intend to keep but, despite our best efforts, probably won't continue any of them much beyond the month of January.  Since most resolutions we make and later fail to sustain are personal goals we set for ourselves to improve our own lives, why not do something different this year by making a resolution that will have benefits for both you and your beloved pet.  Most pet owners will do just about anything for their 4-legged friends and, by involving your pet and making them part of a new routine, you may find the lifestyle change more enjoyable and thus be more likely to stick with it...especially if it is keeping your pet safe, happy, and healthy!    

 

Here are ten resolution ideas  to make this year your pet’s best year yet!

 

10.  Measure Your Pet’s Food - Every Time.

Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake and pour that into a bowl, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain.  It’s important to use a measuring cup to ensure your pet isn’t taking in more calories than they need.  The recommended feeding guidelines on the bag are a good place to start to figure out how much food they really need.

 

9.  Choose an Age-Appropriate Diet.

Growing pets have very specific nutrient requirements to ensure their bodies grow healthy and strong.  For example, some senior pets may have lower energy requirements, but have other medical issues like degenerative joint disease that may be helped with the appropriate diet.  Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your pet’s life stage is a great way to keep them in optimal health.

 

8.  Try a New Activity with Your Pet.

From doga (doggy yoga) to hiking to kayaking, it’s easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new exercise routine.  It’s a great way to bond, it will get you both out of the house, and both you and your pet will reap the rewards of physical activity.  

 

7.  Incorporate (More) Playtime into Your Routine.

Cats love the thrill of chasing a laser toy; just don’t tell them it’s exercise!  Toys that trigger a cat’s natural predatory instinct are a great way to get them off the couch.  Experiment to see what really gets your cat going — catnip toys, crinkly balls, and climbable cat trees are some feline favorites.  Even something as simple as a cardboard box can become a cool cat cave that provides them  with the perfect hiding place.

 

6.  Make a Date with Your Vet.

An annual examination by the veterinarian is a key component of good preventive care.  Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging pets and much easier to manage when detected early. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, update your pet’s food, or get an expert opinion on any behavioral issues that may be affecting your pet.

 

5.  Groom Your Pet Daily.

Brushing your pet serves many purposes.  It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture.  Daily grooming is also a bonding activity that shows your pet how much you love them by taking care of them in a very soothing manner.

 

4.  Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits with Your Pet.

Brushing your pets teeth routinely is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay — just be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs and cats.  Treats designed to reduce tartar can also be a helpful tool in keeping teeth clean.  Regular cleanings by a licensed veterinarian are the best way to keep those pearly whites in tip top shape long into your pet’s senior years.

 

3.  Teach an Old Dog a New Trick.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals.  In other words, keeping your senior pet’s brain active can actually make it healthier!  Teaching your pet new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons firing.  Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.

 

2.  Update Pet ID Info.

Over the course of a year, a lot can change — people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their pet’s tags.  Unfortunately, they often only remember once the pet is lost.  If any of your contact information has changed recently, don’t wait — update their tags and microchip information today!  It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way home.

 

1.  Consider Fostering.

You think you want a new pet, but you’re not completely sure it’s right for you?  Try fostering.  Pet Pal Animal Shelter and many other rescue groups need loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for pets.  It’s the perfect way to test the waters of pet ownership without the long-term commitment, since you are simply hosting a pet while they wait for their FURever home.  Who knows? That home just might end up being yours!

 

I hope these tips will help all of you make 2015 a fabulous year for you and your pets!  Even if you can only commit to 1 or 2 of these resolutions, you'll still be improving your pet's quality of life in some way which will be improving your life as well!  

 

All the best to you and your furry friends in this coming year!  

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!  

Christmas Memories

Ready or not, Christmas is here!  For the past several weeks, or maybe months if you're organized enough to plan that far ahead, we've been consumed with all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking/baking, and entertaining that's somehow always expected at this time of year.  Now it's time to be done with all of that craziness and think about what this season really means to us.  For me, it's soooo much more than just the festive foods and perfect presents...although those are great too!!!  Christmas is really about family and the special memories we create when we gather together. 

 

Since this blog is supposed to be focusing on our pets, let me remind you that some of the very best holiday memories are those involving the 4-legged members of our families.  Although I'm sure we've all gotten frustrated a time or two when our playful pets have torn the paper off our beautifully wrapped packages or they've chewed on the wires for the tree lights but, before we yell at them or ban them from the festivities, we should take a deep breath and remember that it is Christmas...a time to forgive...even our pets.  They just want to be a part of the holiday fun too, and that kind of fun is what makes all those magical memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

I hope you and your loved ones...especially the cute 4-legged ones...will be together this Christmas and will enjoy reliving old memories while creating new ones.  Memories are priceless gifts to cherish forever!!! 

 

Merry Christmas to all!!!

A Rescue Pet's Christmas Wish

Everywhere we go this time of year, we're reminded that this is the season of giving.  There's the person dressed up like Santa outside the Wal-Mart ringing that little bell and collecting money for the Salvation Army.  Then there are all those ads on the radio and TV with celebrities asking us to donate  to Toys for Tots.  And of course there are the local food drives collecting canned and boxed goods to feed the hungry.  There are even blood mobiles setting up in parking lots of busy shopping centers wanting us to donate blood for those who are sick or injured.  Yes, all of these are very worthy causes and they truly need our support, but there's one more very special group depending on our generosity every single day.  I don't know who wrote the poem below, but I thought it's message was an important one and definitely worth sharing with all of you. 

 

A Rescue Pet's Christmas Wish

 

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,

every shelter is full - we are lost but not found,

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,

we hope every minute that someone will care,

They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,

Come here, Sadie and Scooter - come fetch your new ball!!

But now we sit here and think of the days

we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways.

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew,

now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.

 

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,

they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?

We jump on the children, don't come when they call

we bark when they leave us, climb over the wall.

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,

now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.

If only they'd trained us, if only we knew,

we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse - left to roam,

now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye,

Maybe someone else will give you a try.

 

So now here we are, all confused and alone,

in a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,

with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,

They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer,

we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads,

of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears,

our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

 

If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn,

could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year,

can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat

and help get us something special to eat.

"Pet Pal Animal Shelter" wants us to live,

and more of us will, if more people will give!

 

So the next time you find yourself getting into the holiday spirit of giving, remember this story and do what you can to help make a rescue pet's Christmas wish come true!!! 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your hectic holiday preparations to read this. 

 

Merry Christmas to all and happy tails to you until we meet again! 

Pets For Presents?

Although the holiday season may seem like the perfect time to adopt a pet, this is a decision you should make with your head as well as your heart.  While adoption rates tend to increase at shelters around this time of year with everyone wanting to surprise their kids or elderly relatives with an adorable dog or cat for Christmas, by January, many of those pets are returning to the shelters as reality sets in.  Be sure this is what you want to do and make more than one visit to the shelter as there are new dogs and cats coming in all the time.  Be honest when you talk to the shelter staff and volunteers so they can help you find the best fit for your household.  Remember, the animals in shelters and rescues are safe and warm.  For those who have spent weeks or months on their own as strays, it is a comfort just to get regular meals and have someone speak kindly to them rather than shooing them away.  As for puppies and kittens, as long as they have another puppy or kitten to play with, they can make any day a holiday!

 

Here are some important things to consider before bringing that cuddly kitty or precious puppy home for Christmas. 

 

1.  Will you and your family have the time and patience to spend orienting your new pet to your household?  What’s the pace at your house normally, how does it change during the holidays, and how much time will you realistically be able to spend with a new pet?

 

2.  Can you afford the additional costs a pet will mean to your budget every month...especially when all the credit card bills from your Christmas shopping start rolling in?

 

3.  Are there plans for large family gatherings and many strangers in and out of your house during the holiday season?  If so, it may be better to hold off until after Christmas and welcome that new four-legged friend into your home once things settle down.

 

4.  If you already has other pets, will you have the time to supervise as your new addition gets acquainted with them, just in case territorial issues arise over space or toys?

 

5.  If you are thinking of adopting a puppy, be sure to carefully consider the time it takes to crate and house train, play time and time to take the puppy outside to go to the bathroom.  How will you react when the puppy does what puppies do...chew on anything in site until they learn which toys are theirs to chew on?

 

6.  Even house trained adult animals can have accidents in a new place as they get to know you and you learn to read their ways of communicating when they need to go out.

 

7.  Are you willing to make the lifetime commitment your new pet deserves?  Are you willing to work through potential behavior issues that might come up?  The pet you adopt has already been abandoned at least once...please don't be the next person to abandon him/her again because things "didn't work out."

 

If you take the time to answer these questions honestly and you still want to adopt a pet, it will be the ultimate present because you'll be saving the life of another living being and that is a priceless gift!  Just be sure you won't be standing in the returns line when the holidays are over because, in this case, the item you return will know exactly what is happening.  Of course there are no warranties on pets, but there are three things you can always count on: they will love you unconditionally, they will share your joys and sorrows, and no matter how your day has gone, a simple pat on the head or belly rub helps melt the stress away!  

 

So whether you decide to adopt a pet now or wait for a better time, making the choice to bring an animal from a shelter rather than one from a fancy breeder into your heart and home, makes you a true angel who is sharing the spirit of giving!  

 

Happy Holidays to all!!!