Sizing Up the Ideal Dog

Alot of times, we get phone calls from those who have no idea what type of dog they are looking for. It is essential to look at every aspect of your life, your living arrangements,
your budget and write down the dogs that you feel would make the IDEAL dog for you and your family. After writing down the breeds you and your family have selected, read as much about each breed as possible and then break down the list until you come down to one single dog. (That is unless you plan to purchase more than one type of breed.)
America’s love affair with dogs has gone on for eons! There is a growing population of older people who share their home with dogs. About 1 in 10 senior citizens have a pet in the home. Also, baby boomers are aging and are getting a bit grayer which could explain the popularity of small breeds.

Owning a dog has alot of physical and psychological benefits. When trying to determine the dog best for you or your family, there is alot to think about! Can you afford it? Do you have the room? Who is going to take care of the dog? Do you have the time to invest in a dog? Do you want a lightweight or heavyweight dog? Do you want a small breed or a large breed or something in-between?
Do you live in a quiet area where alot of barking would not be a GOOD thing? Do you live in the country? Do you have a fenced area to keep the dog in or will this dog stay in the house? Do you want a short hair or long hair dog? Can you afford a dog with alot of grooming requirements? Are you allowed to own a pet if you live in a condo or an apartment? Do you need spousal approval? Do you need anyone’s approval?

Many people play the “What kind of Dogs do you have?” game with a breeder and personally, I find this very aggravating. I am sure other breeders find this aggravating as well. It is very frustrating for a breeder to go into detail with someone over the telephone about what type of dogs they have and then, not only do you have no idea what it is you want but you also have to get someone’s approval before getting back to the breeder. Your mind should be made up regarding the type of dog you are seeking well before calling a breeder. If your dog is a family issue, then this should be discussed before contacting a breeder. You should also ONLY call a breeder who is advertising the type of dog you are searching for. If you have not yet figured out what kind of dog you are looking for, don’t put it on a breeder to figure it out for you.

If you are on a budget, don’t be afraid to say so to the breeder IN THE VERY BEGINNING of your call and let them know what you can afford. Don’t just ask how much a dog is. Chances are, you are just “Comparison” shopping and where dogs are concerned, this is completely the wrong thing to do. Just because you have calling breeders advertising the same breed, does not mean you are buying the same quality of breed. If you are looking for a show dog…you are not going to want a dog who has no champion ancestors or lineage and if you are looking for a pet, don’t expect to pay just a few dollars from a breeder who has taken the time to research their dogs’ CHAMPION LINEAGE. If you are on a budget, you should try to obtain a dog that has little grooming requirements, medical needs, upkeep and who has just a pet/average lineage or ancestry…….. perhaps you can even look into adopting a dog from a rescue agency, human society or animal shelter. Breeders have to charge a certain amount for their dogs in order to recoup their expenses and pay for overhead & costs involved with their business, whereas, a shelter or rescue agency are compensated through the state or through public funding and donations. Private breeders and kennels do not get reimbursed from the state or receive public donations. Everything regarding raising, breeding and producing a puppy by a breeder is an out of pocket expense for a breeder and Kennel. Very few people have any idea just how expensive and time consuming it is for a breeder, let alone appreciate the difficult, long hours this kind of job requires . It is very frustrating to hear people make the nasty comment to a breeder that they just “live off of their puppies” or are a “puppy mill” and on and on with the name calling. It amazes me how cheap some people can be when they desire to obtain a puppy or dog from a breeder and then have the audacity to do the name calling if they have some kind of issue down the road….it’s absurd! If you live in a condo or apartment, you may want to look at purchasing a “social” dog or breed. It is important for dogs who live inside apartments to get out and mingle. It is also imperative that you NOT crate your dog for hours on end. A dog needs to get out and romp around……..they need to stretch and build up muscles and use their legs. They can not live their lives for hours on end in a crampy crate. Some of your small breeds who adapt very well to apartments and condos are:

*Toy Poodle hybrids
*Yorkshire Terrier
*Maltese
*Poodle
*Papillon
*Miniature Schnauzer
*Chihuahua
*Bichon Frise
*Boston Terrier
*Japanese Terrier
*Dachshund
*Cairn Terrier
*Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
*American Cocker Spaniel
*Sheltie
*Lhasa Apso
*Shih Tzu
*Basset Hound
*Pomeranian
*Pembroke Welsh Corgi
*Chinese Pug
*Schnoodle
*Pom-Chi
*Goldendoodle
*Schneagle
*Puggle

Many of the above breeds are small, nice and easy to get along with. Some small breeds can cause BIG trouble for people….especially the INDEPENDENT THINKERS such as the Jack Russell Terrier and any that tend to be yappy or high strung such as your purebred toy poodle, Pomeranian and Rat Terrier. Breeds that are traditionally bred to hunt do far better with someone who has a house with a nice large fenced in yard. Those breeds can be the Beagle, Pointer, The English Setter, The English Springer Spaniel, The Harrier, the Black and Tan Coonhound, the Bloodhound. There are many hunting breeds and retrieving breeds that do far better outside than inside. Now here we are in 2006 and there are many very nice small hybrid dogs available that would work out just fine in various living situations.

Dogs that have grooming requirements should be passed over if you are NOT able to afford the time, cost and care they require to keep their coat in tip top shape or feel comfortable taking on this task yourself. Such breeds can be the Bichon Frise, The Poodle, The Borzoi, the Maltese, The Yorkshire Terrier, the Shih Tzu, the Lhasa Apso, the Schnauzer, the Havanese, the Goldendoodle, the Pekingese, the Pomeranian, the Lowchen, Tibetan Terrier, the Bearded Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog, The Old English Sheepdog and all long haired Poodle hybrids.

Never purchase a large breed dog if you do NOT have the time to give this breed many walks outdoors or have an enclosed area to allow this breed to use its muscles. Breeds such as the Golden Retriever, the Rottweiler, The Mastiff, the German Shepherd, Great Dane and other large breed dogs need room to romp and stretch! Crating for hours on end can cause many medical problems for the dog. Many people who crate their dogs for endless hours each and every day mistake a dog’s difficulty walking for hip dysplasia! A dog who is not allowed to build up its muscles…….who is not allow the opportunity to have room to grow, stretch, run and be the dog it should be will have all sorts of aches and pains! Of course, there can be joint pain as well due to NOT using the limbs enough. If your dog is crated for endless hours, you are stunting the growth of your dog. There is no way its muscles can fill out and work the way they are suppose to work. Your dog is achy…..in muscular pain and stiff. You’d have to imagine YOURSELF being cramped inside of a crate all day long for hours and hours and never seeing anyone until the end of the day. Even if you have no fence for your yard…..there are kennel pens you can purchase that will allow your dog to be outside and able to jump up…..walk around and breathe fresh outdoor air. Make sure, however, that your dog has plenty of shade and water as he or she can die of heatstroke quite easily during the summer months. Canvas shelter tops can be purchased for as little as for kennel runs and they last for many years. Some hold up quite nice if you do not get alot of snow in the winter. Kennel runs start at approx. 9- 9 and up. The nice thing is they are easy to put up and you can always add panels as your dog grows or as you need them. This is quite cheap compared to the vet bill your going to have should your dog begin showing signs of medical problems from all the hours and months you have kept him or her confined. So, small dogs fit in well for those who have small living areas or who do not have the time to take fido on long jogs or walks. Large dogs need lots of space! Large dogs also have to be walked regardless of the weather. With small dogs, you may be able to get away with paper training.. Good natured dogs give people a physical and psychological boost. People tend to lead a better life when they own a pet. They get more exercise……they get fresh air…..They can socialize more with others while outside taking their pet for a walk…..People benefit from their pet’s unconditional love.
But while a dog can bring benefits to your life…..they can also increase your financial responsibilities and hamper certain aspects to your life….especially if you travel frequently and can not take your dog with you.
This is why it is very important that you can fit a dog into your budget and life. This is why it is important to know what type of dog you can afford before you contact the breeder. Puppies are demanding like infants and Toddlers. They require alot of training, alot of your time and can be costly.
While many purebred dogs are great to own….there are wonderful mixed breeds who make great pets and will shower you with just as much attention. Sometimes the benefit of owning an older dog is that they have had all of their vaccinations…..they can be healthier than a puppy…..they have outgrown the chewing stage….they are use to noises and people…..they can be housebroken already and they can sometimes just fit right in with your home. Of course, there are downsides to purchasing an older dog as well. Some can have behavioral problems…..some can still have problems with digging and chewing….some can be wary, nervous and may have a tendency to bite out of fear…especially if they were abandoned, mistreated and abused. You can’t blame the dog! Some dogs can be scarred for life due to the way they were treated as a puppy from an abusive home. Abuse comes in many forms and is not always just about hitting. Abuse within the family unit home can spill over to the dog.
Older dogs may also already have developed illnesses or conditions that require medical care, so what may seem to be “cheap” can actually cost you more in the long run through many vet bills. Quite sadly, many older dogs make fine, instant companions, yet few are willing to adopt an older dog.
The downside to owning a puppy is of course the fact that they need vaccinations……they need to have obedience training…..they need to be housebroken……they need to learn NOT to chew on your furniture…..
they can cost you alot of money by the time they become an adult.
But, this is the territory that comes with owning a pet! There is NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT PET.
Dogs and cats have their flaws just like humans. They all have their quirks….the medical problems as they go through life….their need for attention and detail…..the need for a bath….the need for teeth cleaning and care…..eye problems……need for vet care and of course…the need to eat, sleep and be happy. No amount of medical testing will guarantee you a defective free animal! Puppy’s who have parents that are tested for everything under the sun can still come down with a defect , illness or a disease. That’s life! Don’t believe you can own an animal and never have to prepare yourself for emotional or financial loss. That’s not going to happen. As with all living things….they eventually die from one cause or another. Even dogs who have been tested for everything can still die from a hereditary disease or from age related or medical related problems. It’s a fact of life.
I personally believe that you SHOULD NOT purchase a dog based on the testing its parents had from the breeder. You are holding on to a false security blanket if you believe that because a breeder had your puppy’s parents tested for every ailment known to man (and dog) that your puppy will NEVER DIE OF ANY AILMENT, ILLNESS OR Disease or come down with any genetic ailment. Well, chances are your dog could get ran over by a car and NOT die of any ailment, illness or disease……There are no guarantees in life! I am not going to paint you a rosy picture where everyone lives happily ever after……you may live well and your pet can live well, but nothing is forever.

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The Basics in dog care…….

When you finally decide to select your canine….you hopefully will have also given some consideration as to where your new pet is going to sleep and what areas your pet will have free reign. For crate training tips,
CLICK HERE. Since puppies are well known for chewing on anything they can get their mouths on (just like a baby teething), it is important that you have plenty of toys, knotted ropes, large balls and other great items for your puppy to play with. Never entice your dog to play with your shoes, slippers, socks or other personal items. A dog can not differentiate between your new stuff and old stuff. Parenting a dog is much like parenting a child. They have to learn between right and wrong. It is important to “puppy proof” your home. This means that before you bring your new puppy home….make sure you do not have any extension cords laying about. Pick up any item that is small enough for your puppy to place inside its mouth and possibly swallow. A puppy wants to taste everything! They can choke to death if they get a small item lodged in their throat…such as a marble or other small toy that may belong to your child. Make sure you don’t have any glass near the floor or at “puppy level”.
It is a very good idea to have a crate….a nice large one….ready for your new puppy. Bedding can be placed inside and a stuffed toy to keep him or her company. But don’t mistake this crate as a substitute baby sitter. As stated before, never crate your dog for hours on end every single day. Your puppy wants to explore its new living areas….the same thing with an older dog. This includes the trash can, so make sure your dog or puppy can not get into the trash. Serious illness can occur from eating the wrong thing.
Food is another important factor regarding your new pet. The food you select during the first year of your pup’s life is critical to its adult development, health and growth. There are many products on the market and selecting the one that is right for you and your dog is important. Complete nutrition is crucial, so make sure you read the back label on the product you select. Corn meal is something you should stay away from.
For feeding tips, CLICK HERE. You will be faced with many choices……so, it is important to keep in mind that you don’t want a high protein food for your puppy because a high protein food can cause your dog to grow too rapidly. Rapid growth can then cause joint and bone problems. You should keep in mind the activity level of your dog. Is he a runner? working dog? couch potato? Science Diet, Pedigree, Eukanuba and Iams are very good products on the market. Pedigree cost less than Science diet. Science Diet costs less than Eukanuba and Iams costs less than Eukanuba. While some stores will tell you that feeding with Iams or Eukanuba is cheaper in the long run, don’t believe it! Some dogs absolutely LOVE the taste and will eat just as much as they would the Pedigree. Some owners like to feed with Alpo. I personally have never liked the consistency of Alpo. We have found very good results from Pedigree, however, we have also discovered that sometimes our puppies will develop an “allergy” to pedigree and get dry or itchy skin or not do well over a long period of time with this food. We don’t know why, but it is usually just one or two pups in a litter every so often. A dog can become sensitive to their food no matter how long they have been eating it. Many people don’t realize that when their dog has intense itching over a period of time and no fleas or parasites can be found, that it is their food causing the problem. Dogs can have sensitivities just like people. When hair loss, weight loss, itching or scratching develops and everything seems to check out fine, take the food your dog is eating into consideration. Sometimes changing the diet can make a world of difference. So, while we start all of our puppies out on Pedigree……not every puppy will do well with it as they continue to age.
Foods with antioxidants provides a healthy defense system. Free radicals attacks the cells, causing damage which can result in a weakened immune system and possibly serious diseases. The antioxidants such as vitamins E & C, Beta Carotene and Selenium have shown to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. They also help maintain your pet’s immune system and help reduce it against the risk of diseases.

VITAMIN E: One of the most versatile antioxidants. Vitamin E helps support the body’s healing process. It has also shown to help prevent heart and neurological diseases. Vitamin E reduces the effects of aging.

VITAMIN C: Works to boost the power of vitamin E in the body to fight the damage caused by toxins and pollution. For this reason, vitamin C is used to help protect against cancer and other diseases.

BETA CAROTENE: Research suggests that carotenoids, like beta carotene, helps build a strong immune system and are considered a powerful tool in the fight against many diseases. Current studies support their use to fight cancer and other serious illnesses.

SELENIUM: An essential trace mineral that works with vitamin E and helps to create important enzymes.
These enzyme systems help protect against cell damage. Selenium also works with other antioxidants in fighting cancer.

Your puppy needs alot of nutrition to get him or her through their first year. This will also keep your puppy and dog healthy and happy. Fat, protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus help build strong bones and muscles and they also provide plenty of energy to grow and play. Too much of a good thing? Most certainly, too much of these nutrients can actually stunt the growth of your puppy and can also contribute to problems like obesity, bone disorders, heart and kidney disease and other serious ailments. Dogs come in many different sizes and shapes…so their nutritional requirements will vary. Feeding your dog cheap and poorly put-together food is also a very bad thing to do. This is why it is important that you can fit a dog into your budget. Think of how your system would react if you could not afford proper nutrition for yourself.

PRODUCT BENEFITS:

Controlled level of calcium: for healthy joints and bone development.
L-Carnitine: Helps develop strong muscles and healthy bones. Converts fat into energy.
High quality protein: Includes all 10 essential amino acids needed for proper growth.
Energy: Controlled levels of fat and calories to help large breed puppies grow at the proper rate.
Essential fatty acids: Help promote healthy nervous and immune systems.
23 vitamins and minerals: An ideal balance for growing, large breed puppies.
High Digestibility: Reduces stool volume, which makes for easier housetraining and clean up.
Omega 3 & Omega 6 fatty acids: Support healthy function of nervous and immune systems; promote healthy skin and shiny coat.
Digestible Carbohydrates: Supply abundant energy for lively pups.
Calcium: For strong teeth and bones.
Vitamin D: To properly absorb calcium.
B vitamins: For an appropriate metabolism and appetite.

DEFINITE DON’TS:

*Don’t ever feed your dog chocolate! This can kill him or her.
*Don’t feed your dog cookies. High in fat…low in nutrition.
*Use caution on dairy products. Many dogs are lactose intolerant which can cause diarrhea.
*Bones: NEVER FEED YOUR DOG CHICKEN BONES! These bones are brittle and have sharp edges. Chicken bones can cause damage to your dog’s intestines and throat. They can also stick in your dog’s throat causing choking which can lead to death. Bones of any kind can also crack your dog’s teeth.

Good grooming and veterinarian care is of great benefit to both you and your dog! Regular check-ups and grooming habits can play an important role in keeping your dog healthy, but it is also a great way to bond and spend quality time together.
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is also important to good health. Senior dogs may require soft food if they have lost teeth or have bad teeth.

*Dental kits are available at most pet stores and from your vet’s office. Doggie toothpaste is usually included as well as instructions on how to keep your pet’s teeth clean.
*Professional teeth cleaning is available through your veterinarian.
*Selecting a professional groomer is just as important as it is making your selection on vet care. While grooming is healthy for your pet, selecting the wrong groomer can be deadly to your dog! We discovered that some groomers actually place your dog under anesthesia. WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW CAN KILL YOUR PUPPY OR DOG! Using unnecessary anesthesia can be detrimental to your dog. It is dangerous and certainly NOT A PROPER WAY TO GROOM A DOG! While this can make a lazy groomer’s job easier,
anesthesia should never be used for convenience sake! We highly recommend that you use a groomer that you know, trust or check out carefully. Word of mouth is always a good way to find a good groomer too! The best groomer for a pet is yourself! If you are not placing your dog in a show event, you really should groom your dog yourself. There are many wonderful videos, books and other materials over the Internet to help you learn how to take care of your dog’s coat. Grooming your dog is a great way to bond and your dog has come to trust you. Getting your puppy use to having its coat brushed, ears cleaned and nails trimmed will also make your dog familiar with this routine. Each session will get easier and easier as time goes by.

SPAYING AND NEUTERING:

Every year in the United States, between four and six million companion animals end up in animal shelters. Many of these animals are euthanized. Animal activists and those who are holier than thou want to blame breeders for this problem. It is NOT always because of a breeder. The last place a good breeder wants its dogs is in a shelter. Animals make their way to shelters via their irresponsible as well as uneducated owners. Or sometimes they go to shelters due to an owner’s death or severe illness. Provisions for your pet’s care after your death is essential. Always include your pet in your will. Many people never give it a second thought. Dogs can make their way to shelters by being allowed to roam the streets and they can make their way to shelters due to irresponsible breeders NOT taking care of their dogs. The best age to sterilize your pet is before he or she turns six months of age. This is the age that male dogs are capable of siring a litter. A female will usually go into her first heat at the age of six months.
Having your dog spayed or neutered before the hormones kick in reduce many unwanted behaviors and also prevents unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. My personal beef with those who advocate spaying and neutering such as veterinarians and some kennel clubs is that they do NOT make it easy for dog owners to spay or neuter. Many owners WANT to have this procedure done, but prices on sterilization have gotten out of control and many Kennel clubs, such as AKC, who hold show events pretend to ADVOCATE the spaying or neutering of dogs, yet they REFUSE TO ALLOW AN ALTERED DOG IN THE SHOW RING….which is complete nonsense and shows a double standard!
As a matter of fact, it is BECAUSE of kennel clubs who don’t advocate this procedure that there are many unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. A male dog or a female dog can be just as beautiful whether they are intact or altered. Many vets charge outrageous prices and there are many people who can not afford their out of control fees.
A clear example: To have a cat neutered or spayed costs over 0! As of the year 2006, we have watched the cost of spaying and neutering reach over 0! This is the entire cost for having the procedure, hospitalization and other shots, etc; I personally believe that if vets would set their spaying/neutering fees on a sliding scale based on the owner’s income, we would have fewer puppies and kittens making their way to shelters where they will most certainly have only been born to die an early age. Homeless and unwanted. Dog owners would then be able to afford this procedure which could possibly help the population explosion of unwanted and unplanned pregnancies in their dogs.
Many shelters or humane societies are now spaying and neutering dogs prior to them leaving their shelters which is great….but you have to remember that they are getting state funding or donations from the general public to make this possible. It is important that you can afford this procedure when thinking about purchasing a new pet. Depending upon your area, spaying & neutering will vary in price.
DO NOT assume that a breeder will sell a puppy or dog to you with the cost of spaying & neutering included. There are times when canine will be advertised in a local paper or online who have been altered and the owner is not seeking any money or is only asking for a small, reasonable fee to allow you to adopt the dog. Most of the time such owners are having to suddenly move or their lives have changed that can not include their pet.
We are not above spaying & neutering our own dogs. As time goes by, our dogs do age or we no longer want to continue breeding a specific breed or specific dog. Many of our dogs are spayed and neutered “senior” dogs. Every year, as our dogs age and we remove dogs from our breeding program, they are spayed or neutered. Although we advertise these dogs to approved, adoptive homes…..the fact remains that those who call us only want puppies or they want dogs who have not been altered so they can “breed” them. Sadly, senior or dogs ranging from 4-6 years of age, have difficulty being placed into adoptive homes because of the lack of quality homes being available to them. We have learned, over the years, that when someone calls and claims they are interested in our older dogs….they are only seeking a “FREE” breeding dog. When we tell them they have to complete an application and that the dogs are altered and if they have not yet been altered, they must be altered before being allowed into their homes…we get the usual “okay, thanks anyway” response. This shows us that the home, number one was NOT a quality pet home we wanted our aging dog to go to and it also shows the lack of homes available to older dogs who could still contribute love and companionship to someone seeking it.

DID YOU KNOW?

For the record, most people who desire to own a dog, desire to own their dog as a companion/pet. There are large numbers of people who do participate in the show ring and on the field in competitions with the dogs that they purchase, but the majority of people only desire to own a pet. People in other nations such as China, Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries take pride in their dogs because they consume them as a meal. The manner in which they are slaughtered is completely outrageous! The beliefs are that if the dog is beaten, boiled alive, burned alive or hanged, they will release their adrenaline which supposedly makes their meat tender and the myth goes that the meat boosts a man’s virility. Of course there is no scientific evidence of such and this abuse is outrageous!
South Koreans consume over 1 million dogs a year. Horrific? This is of no concern to those who believe there is no wrong doing in consuming a dog for a meal. To those of us who love them & worship them as pets, it is mortifying!
South Koreans believe that there are health benefits such as easy digestion if they consume dog meat.
Fortunately since many groups have tried to change this practice, this tradition is dying out. JUST NOT QUICK ENOUGH!!! The practice of eating dog meat seems to be exclusively with the older generation living outside of South Koreans’ major cities. About 3 million (fewer than 10%) of the country’s 46 million people, eat dog meat and consider it a delicacy. This means that millions of dogs are killed each year for this country’s purpose. Many of the younger generation find this cruelty to animals (and indeed it is) and hope this practice will fade into history.
Thank God, this is not a practice within the United States, but there is still a large amount of animals who suffer at the hands of their owners & breeders. There is still a problem in the United States with dog fighting rings and those who beat them, train them for fighting purposes. We urge ANYONE who knows of this type of behavior going on to notify their local police. There are many breeders who breed their puppies and ship them to Asian countries and know full well that they are selling their pups to be consumed as meals or kept for breeding purposes to have puppies for consumed meal purposes. There are breeders who do not care where their puppies end up and sell them to pet stores or for commercial purposes. This type of breeder is a worthless human who should not even own a single dog. We have never sold a single puppy or dog to a pet store or for commercial purposes and we definitely will NEVER ship a puppy or dog to an Asian country.

To Micro-chip or NOT to Micro-chip….that’s the question:

We believe in micro-chipping all pets! This reality hit home for my eldest son who moved into a new home/area in California and his beloved Golden Retriever (which came from us many years ago) ran away with her pal, a Labrador, when a storm blew through and caused their gate to swing open. During the terrible storm, their dogs became scared and hit the road. For days, my son searched high and low for his dogs. Some weeks later, he happened upon a shelters’ website where he saw one of his dogs’ picture showing the dog up for adoption! Needless to say, he immediately drove down there and regained his dog. The Lab has never been located or found. Had his dogs been micro-chipped, as we urge everyone to do,
Their dogs would have been scanned immediately and found their way home. He is very fortunate to have been able to retrieve at least one of his beloved pets …..however, on a sad note, their Labrador who was their Golden Retrievers’ best pal, never made it back home. The two became separated during the storm. We urge everyone to join PETTRAC, the national recovery system backed nationally by state Veterinarian Medical Associations. Nearly every dog and cat that makes its way to a shelter is scanned upon entry. Unless you and your pet belong to this recovery system, there is no way to identify your pet or to know where it came from. Many animals lose their collars or are removed by those who steal them. Should your pet become stolen, this system also notifies agencies and vet clinics to be on the look out for your pet. Micro-chipping is NOT a luxury….its a necessity. Its a very simple procedure that can be done at the same time your pet receives his or her vaccinations and the cost is minimum. All of our canine are micro-chipped and we highly recommend it!

SO, YOU WANT TO PURHASE A PET FROM A PET STORE?

If you have stumbled upon a very cute dog at your local pet store….here’s what you need to know about the puppies who make their way to these pet facilities. Breeders who sell their puppies to pet stores are irresponsible breeders who have difficulty selling their pups to the general public or They can also be private uneducated breeders who don’t want to “deal” with their litter of pups that they just HAD to let little Susie watch being born. More than likely, they sold a few and then had pups they just didn’t want to “deal with”. People always assume that puppies in pet stores come from “Puppy Mills” or “Commercial Breeders”. NOT ALWAYS SO! More uneducated, private breeders sell their pups to pet stores than any one else. Unfortunately, we are even seeing Goldendoodles being sold to pet stores from the kinds of breeders mentioned above.
Pet stores scour the nation through newspaper and Internet ads for breeders who are either giving their puppies away or who have very low prices because they know that by marking them up by at least 300%, they’ll make their money back and then some.
Pet store owners purchase many of their puppies under false pretenses and present themselves to the breeders as a family seeking to replace a dog that has died or seeking a puppy for their “children”, knowing full well that the puppy they just bought will go to their store to sit in glass cages for the general public to view. Many become sick and unhealthy from being shuffled from one pet store to the other, if the store is a chain. Believe it or not, the majority of puppies inside of pet stores are registered with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB…the supposed GOD of all Kennel Clubs who has “nothing but responsible” breeders registered with them!!! Hmm! Yeah, right! Another sad fact is those who sold their puppies to the pet stores don’t even care who buys them or whether or not they will be taken care of properly. No responsible breeder would ever dare sell their puppies to a pet store or any kind of facility like this. One of the ways a responsible breeder can deter pet stores from contacting them is to NOT bargain with a person who wants the breeder to “lower the price” or “give them a break” in the price. When a potential customer claims they’d “give the puppy a good home, but can’t afford much to pay”. This is a red flag. If a customer can not afford the price a breeder is asking, most likely they can not afford the dogs’ unexpected vet bills either. Most pet stores will ONLY purchase puppies from the above mentioned breeders that are registered with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB. This is because they can get TOP DOLLAR for the puppies from people who believe that dogs registered with this kennel club are QUALITY dogs. What amazes me even more is how many people assume that all breeders who register their puppies and their breeding dogs with AKC, are RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS with quality dogs! Where do these AKC registered puppies inside of pet stores and pet shops come from??? If your first answer was “a puppy mill”…you just got an “F” for failure to respond correctly! These so called responsible breeders who sold their puppies to the pet stores and pet shops are private breeders and commercial breeders who register their litters with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB, CONTINENTAL KENNEL CLUB and other canine registrant services, who breed to make a quick buck! Yes…many quick bucks can be made when all you do is produce a litter of puppies and six weeks after they are born, sell the entire litter to the pet store. It’s very simple! Pet stores across the country buy entire litters and then spread them out across their chain of other stores. It is very sickening. The breeder never has to spend a dime in taking care of the puppies…never has to spend any time or effort either! Any breeder…commercial or private can make many quick bucks in doing this. WE KNOW! WE GET CALLS FROM PET SHOPS AND PET STORES ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY WANTING OUR PUPPIES and since I began in 1996….I can proudly claim and scream I HAVE NEVER SOLD A SINGLE PUPPY THAT I HAVE CREATED TO A PET SHOP OR A PET STORE! Private breeders who sell their puppies and litters to pet stores and pet shops across the country are the real “puppy mills” and this is exactly what I personally believe a puppy mill to be. The puppy mill is NOT the breeder who spends an arm and a leg on their litters….who has enormous outgoing expenses and who has put in an enormous amount of time with their pups and dogs. I don’t care how many dogs a breeder owns….that is NOT WHAT MAKES A BREEDER A PUPPY MILL. Private breeders who dump their litters off at pet stores don’t give a rats ass who buys their puppies…..what kind of home their puppies are going to…how long they have to sit being gawked at by passers by through a window…don’t care whether or not a pet store or pet shop will take good care of their created pups…all they care about is that they have dumped a litter of 5-12 puppies off and picked up their “pay” check from the pet store. That’s fact whether people select to believe it or not! I personally know breeders who do this…don’t condone it…don’t do it….but know it to be a fact that this practice happens all over the United States on a daily basis.
What you don’t know too is that a PET STORE AND PET SHOP don’t want anything to do with an older puppy. They also pay very little to the breeder for each puppy….but to the breeder who does this…they’d rather rake in 0 per puppy than pay out more than they know they will take in, by keeping the pups until someone calls them to buy one. They also have less hassle and don’t have to pay out any advertising costs. Breeders who dump their pups off at these stores do not have to speak to anyone about the puppies they have created, except the pet store and pet shop they sell to.
Hence, you never know about them until you buy one of their puppies from the store and see their name listed on the pup’s registration documents as the breeder.

Papillon Rescue Papillon Haven Paphaven Papillon Dogs Puppies

Westie Rescue – For the Love of Westies!

Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters, and volunteers can be found in every state to seek them out. West Highland White Terriers (Westies) and even breeds considered rare, all pass through shelters every year. Those who perform Westie rescue are committed to matching homeless terriers with loving new owners.

Dog owners give up their pets for a variety of reasons, and many of them have nothing to do with the animal’s temperament or behavior. Perfectly loving, well-behaved West Highland Terriers are rescued every year because their owners have died, moved into retirement homes, or are suffering from ill health. Other dogs find their way into shelters because of allergies, divorce, or new babies.

Westie rescue organizations do find strays, dogs with behavioral problems, and dogs who have not been housebroken. A dog that has lost its owner, for whatever reason, will probably grieve, so it is crucial that adopted terriers be matched with the very best new owner.

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Rescuers will want to determine that the home the terrier is destined for is loving, secure, and committed to keeping the dog permanently.

If you wish to perform your own rescue, a good place to start is the breed’s national and local clubs. The National Clubs of most countries have their own National Rescue Coordinators, and keeps list of participating organizations, state by state.

There are also general purebred dog rescue organizations that handle all breeds, but have representatives that specialize in individual ones, like Scottish Terriers or Westies.

These are usually found in major metropolitan areas around the country. Your local Humane Society can often refer you to purebred dog rescue groups, as can their national organization, The Humane Society of the United States. Try looking in your local paper for dog rescue groups, or on the internet, the biggest libray in the world.

When you find your Westie Terrier rescue organization, expect to go through an application process before you can get a dog. There may be adoption fees for your terrier, and most organizations will expect you to immediately spay or neuter the dog if it has not already been. Some breed representatives have waiting lists, but if you are patient, there should be a Westie for you to rescue. Both of you will be winners all round.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

Boxer Dog Breed

Description: The Boxer dog breed has a powerful but compact body and the head is in proportion to the body. It has a short blunt muzzle, the nose is large with very open nostrils and is black in colour. Their jaw has an under bite.

They have round and dark brown eyes. With ears that are set high, and can be cropped, or un-cropped. When we see cropped ears, they have been trained to stand upright to a point. When the ears are natural these fall forwards lying close to the head. The neck is very round, strong and muscular looking.

This breed has strong powerful straight legs, with the back legs showing well-defined muscles. The tail is set high and is usually docked. Their coat is short and smooth, and is close fitting. Colours are fawn, mahogany, brindle, black with white markings. The boxer dog can occasionally come in a white coat, but some clubs will not register white boxers.

History: This breed was developed in Germany in the 19th century. The boxers we see today were from two German mastiff dogs these where Barenbeiszer and the Bullenbeiszer. There were crossed again with the bulldog and mastiff. These dogs have been used for cart pulling, as cattle dogs, for bull baiting, and dog fighting. They later became popular circus dogs, and then in 1904 some order started to emerge as to the look and size of this dog. The name is thought to have come from the fact that dog uses its front paws to bat at its opponent in the fighting ring.

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These dogs are often used for watchdog, police work, search and rescue, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. There are two types of boxer, the German boxer, and the American boxer. The American boxer tends to have a smaller head and a slightly less muscular than the German boxer.

Temperament: This is a highly intelligent breed that has lots of natural energy and curiosity. Being very quick to learn this breed can work well in competitive trials and competitive obedience. This is a highly spirited and playful dog, bonding very closely to its owner and owner’s family. These dogs get on incredibly well with children, as long as they are well brought up. This dog gets along with other dogs and household pets.

The boxer likes to use its front paws for just about everything, they like to paw out their toys, and this can look very catlike. These dogs are very keen to work and play. This breed needs lots of good leadership, this will enable the dogs have good manners as they grow up. This breed is renowned for its exceptional courage and will restrain an intruder. Daily physical and mental exercise needs to be undertaken to keep this dog happy. Training should start when a puppy is young, and be firm and consistent to gain the best from this breed.

Health issues: This breed can suffer from heart problems, thyroid problems, epilepsy and hip dysplasia. This breed also can get tumours from around eight years of age.

Grooming: This breed has natural oils in their skin, so bathing should only be done when necessary. Brushing with the bristle brush weekly will be enough. The boxer can be seen grooming themselves, similar to a cat.

Living conditions: If the right amount of exercises is given boxers will do fine in an apartment. They are very active, so a medium-sized garden is recommended. This dog is temperature sensitive, so care must be taken with this.

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Get a Dog or Puppy

So, you want a dog.  But that’s like saying you want a marriage partner.  You wouldn’t just pick up any person to marry on impulse, would you? (Well, not if you want the marriage to last).  Unlike a divorced partner, your canine partner is in big trouble if he or she can’t get along with you.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 50% of all dogs that enter shelters are euthanized.  If you ask yourself these four questions before you get a dog or puppy, then chances are high that your canine will not wind up in a shelter because the two of you could not get along.

Do You Have Any Experience With Dogs?

Dogs are great but they are unlike any other creature on the planet. They are not people in dog suits.  They are also not really big guinea pigs, small horses or another type of cat. You can’t expect a dog to behave, smell or think like anything else other than a dog.  This is why having past experience with a dog is really important.  Otherwise, expect a big learning curve and to look like an idiot for a couple of years.

For your first dog, consider an adult dog rather than the crazy bundle of energy that is a puppy.  Don’t shy away from senior dogs or those with grey muzzles.  They can be full of controlled feistiness, but are mature enough not to cause a lot of destruction.  Senior dogs can be great teachers.  This writer’s first dog, Rusty, was estimated to be 16 at the time I adopted him.  He only lived another six months, but what quality six months they were for both Rusty and me.

How Often Are You At Home?

This is a really important question. Take all of the time you need in order to answer this question truthfully. Although a dog sleeps an average of 12 hours a day, they need contact with others during the other 12 hours.  Unlike fish, hamsters or even reptiles, dogs have to have some sort of companionship for a good chunk of the day.

This is because dogs evolved as pack animals. In the mind of a dog, there is always safety in numbers.  To be alone is to be exposed to all of the horrors of the world.  Being alone for long stretches at a time can shatter a dog’s nerves and make them do really annoying behaviors like howling for hours, digging hole in your flooring and chewing up the house.

What Do You Want From A Dog?

Sit down right now and write a list of all of the qualities your ideal dog has. Include how big you want the dog to be, how often you want to brush the dog, if you want the dog to guard the house, if you want the dog to play fetch with in the yard anything that comes to mind, except color. A good dog is never a bad color.

And then go to your local animal shelter or, if you are sure of what type or breed of dog you want, contact the appropriate breed rescue. There are also dog rescues for certain sizes of dogs, special needs dogs or older dogs.  Also check with your veterinarian, who would best know about any unwanted dogs or puppies in his or her practice.  Never get a puppy from a pet store or an Internet site as usually these are just fronts for inhumane puppy mills.

Do You Need a Specific Breed?

But perhaps you want a specific breed that meets certain needs, such as Bo the Portuguese water dog for President Barak Obama’s family.  If you do decide to go with a breeder, see if the breeder spays the females after a few litters and will let you meet his or her dogs.  Don’t be afraid to ask for references or to snoop at the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been recently lodged with that breeder.  Please research about your chosen breed BEFORE laying any money down.

Getting a dog is a big decision.  Dogs take time, money and commitment.  They need proper food, shelter, health care, regular exercise and, depending on where you live, a license.  If you can’t commit to that, please do not get a dog.  But if you are willing, the dog will wind up paying you back in ways that can’t be put in a bank. You’ll discover really quickly that a dog is much better than a person when it comes to being a true friend.

Can You Afford a Dog?

Dogs can be expensive.  They need quality food, grooming, medical care, access to a fenced area for exercise and an annual license (depending on where you live).  If you cannot afford to feed yourself, then please think again about getting a dog or puppy.

References

ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs. Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.

KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy. Liz Palika. Dorling-Kindersley Ltd; 2002.

Humane Society of the United States: “HSUS Pet Overpopulation Estimates.” November 23, 2009. 

“In Praise of Senior Dogs.” Tom Cushing.  The Bark. Feb/March 2011.

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Obamas’ puppy is out of the bag

The identity of the first puppy — the one that the Washington press corps has been yelping about for months, the one President Obama has seemed to delight in dropping hints about — leaked out Saturday.

The little guy is a six-month-old Portuguese water dog given to the Obama girls as a gift by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. Malia and

Bo’s a handsome little guy. Well suited for formal occasions at the White House, he’s got tuxedo-black fur, with a white chest, white paws and a rakish white goatee.

A website called Firstdogcharlie published a picture Saturday morning purportedly of the puppy, which it said was originally named Charlie. The celebrity gossip website TMZ linked to the picture. So much for the big White House unveiling.

The FirstDogCharlie site included a photograph of a Portuguese water dog that looked exactly like the dog in a White House photo — right down to the multicolored lei — that the Washington Post was getting ready to publish on the front page of its Sunday paper.

A secret get-acquainted session with the family occurred at the White House a few weeks ago. The visit, known around the White House as “The Meeting,” was a surprise for the girls. Bo charmed the first family, a source who was there said. He sat when the girls sat, stood when the girls stood. He made no toilet errors and did not gnaw on the furniture. Bo has, after all, been receiving lessons in good behavior from the Kennedys’ dog trainers. These lessons have been taking place at a secret, undisclosed location outside Washington.

When the president walked across the room during the visit, Bo followed obediently.

Sasha was excited; Malia focused on all the “responsibility issues” — how Bo will be trained, cared for, etc.

“Malia has done extensive research,” the source said.

All of this is new to the first family. Sasha and Malia have never had pets. And neither the first lady nor the president had dogs growing up.

In a statement, the Kennedys said: “We couldn’t be happier to see the joy that Bo is bringing to Malia and Sasha. We love our Portuguese water dogs and know that the girls — and their parents — will love theirs, too.”

The choice of a Portie raised one complication: The Obamas have long said they wanted a rescue dog. But the carefully bred Porties almost never end up in shelters. Bo had been living with another family but it wasn’t a good fit, so the Kennedys acquired him for the Obamas.

As for the rescue pledge, the Obamas came up with a solution to lend a serious symbolic note: They’re going to make a donation to the D.C. Humane Society.

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How to Decide if a Pit Bull is the Right Choice

American Pit Bull terriers are one of the best dog breeds out there. Out of all the dogs I have had in the past, my favorite is the pit bull. There is so much controversy going around about the pit bull being a bad dog, but a lot of times, what the pit bull does is not their fault. Pit bulls are dogs that listen well to their owners, they will do whatever their owner tells them to do. Remember, a dog is brought up the way the owner brings him up. So how do you know if the American Pit Bull Terrier is the right choice for you? Read on and we will help you make your decision.

Step 1.  The American Pit Bull Terrier is packed with tons of energy. If you are an individual that has a lot of energy and like to exercise, then you should get yourself a happy, healthy bulldog. When it comes to pit bulls, high energy is their middle name and it also makes up a big part of their personalities. Something you must be able to do with these bulldogs are work, play and lots of activities.

Step 2.  Keep in mind that the Pit Bull Terrier are known for being the Houdini’s in the word of dogs. These dogs are able to jump over fences and dig under them. They are also known for unlocking gates. If you don’t take the right precautions with the pit bull terrier, then an escape will happen. You need to have a secure living area for them. Make sure you have at least a 6 foot privacy fence that has beware of dog signs along with hot wiring on both the bottom and the top. You should also have the proper housing and keep them out of the sun. You should always supervise them because they will either get stolen or escape.

Step 3. As I stated, pit bulls have a name that is misinformed, it seems as if public is out to get them, no matter what. I can’t see how anyone could hate these dogs, but they do. You will need to be prepared for scrutiny of friends and neighbors. You will have individuals who will dislike you for your choice and some people may even cross the boundaries and try to kill your dog. Others are going to direct vulgar and hateful comments towards you…you should always be prepared for this and ignore those hateful comments because you know they are not true.

Step 4.

Train your dog. In order to get a Pit Bull Terrier or any other dog, you should have time on your hands to train him or her. The training will start as soon as your new dog arrives in the family. You will need to work with the dog for about 30-40 minutes each day, all week long, every week, all year.

Tips:

When you are adopting a Pit Bull Terrier you may want to think about adopting this breed from a rescue shelter.

Pit Boss: Review of Animal Planet’s Newest Television Program

Shorty Rossi’s Life Before Animal Planet’s Television Program: Pit Boss

Animal Planets newest addition, ‘Pit Boss’ premiered Saturday evening at 10:00 which stars 35 year old little-person, Shorty Rossi. Shorty Rossi left home in his early teens as to avoid interpersonal conflict with his dwarf parents. Rossi also left the comforts of an upper-middle-class home in suburban LA to reside at the Nickerson Gardens Housing Projects in South Central LA in the city of Watts.

Shorty Rossi’s Life As A Teen Before Animal Planet’s Television Program: Pit Boss

Apparently Shorty Rossi’s self-inflicted socioeconomic status may have played as a negative part in Shorty’s young life, for he was lodged into a youth facility for a gang-related shooting, and by the age of 18 years old Shorty Rossi was sentenced and imprisoned to a ten year, ten month and ten day stint in the infamous Folsom State Prison for a litany of felonies.

Shorty Rossi’s Turns His Life Around In Film Before Animal Planet’s Television Program: Pit Boss

Shorty Rossi’s time served in prison also apparently had an influence on him, however this time in a more positive manner. Shorty Rossi was bitten by the acting bug where he played Alvin of ‘Alvin and the Chipmunk’s stage-show fame at the Universal Studios. He later went onto play roles in several other films and worked along side the likes of: Bruce Willis; ‘The Kid’, Eddie Murphy; ‘Daddy Day Care, Jim Carrey; ‘The Grinch’, and Whoopi Goldberg in ‘Call Me Claus.’

Shorty Rossi’s Deep Roots Stem Into Hollywood Before Animal Planet’s Television Program: Pit Boss

Shorty Rossi’s entertainment resume’ also credits many TV shows and he also went back to the stage in more serious productions. However, after a stunt resulting in an accident, Shorty Rossi refusing to be side-lined by this debilitating accident turned it into fuel for his entertainment fire by founding the ‘Shortywood Production Company.’ Shortywood Productions vision is to manage little thespian’s and provide them with entertainment work for all types of TV shows, film, private parties and corporate events.

Shorty Rossi’s Passion For Pit Bulls Stems Into Animal Planet’s Television Program: Pit Boss

One of Shorty Rossi’s other passion’s run deeper than the acting bug, and that is his devote love for the species of dog known as pit bulls since he was a child, and asserts for their love by claming that one has saved his life more than once while running the mean-streets of South Central Los Angeles California. Rossi employee’s a crew of little people from his Shortywood Productions Rolodex as pit bull animal rescuers by forming Shorty’s Pit Bull Rescue.

Shorty’s Pitt Bull Rescue is a second business endeavor that rescues, rehabilitates and places neglected and abused pit bulls in kinder, and gentler homes. Shorty’s Pitt Bull Rescue is more of a pit bull information service that uses one-part education, mixed with one-part activism. Shorty’s is not a shelter nor a charity; for they employ the use of independent, student and short films, culminated with public-service commercials, as well as various forms of print ads. They also contribute many volunteer hours by visiting nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and awareness functions.

Shorty Rossi’s First Episode Of Animal Planet’s Television Program: Pit Boss

Animal Planet’s newest television program addition, ‘Pit Boss,’ features Rossi and his crew of little people employee’s known as; Ashley, Sebastian and Ronald, in an episode coined, ‘The Big Dog Is Back,’ which aired January 23rd at 10:00. Rossi and his crew attempt to rescue an ill-treated pit bull, where then thereafter the crew visits an animal shelter where they give it their last ditch efforts to save a dog about to be euthanized.

A 1-10 Rating Of Animal Planet’s Television Program: Pit Boss

Overall: 5
Violence: 6 – What little physical altercations that are shown seem staged and or provoked by director for production “value.” Discussion of Shorty’s attempted murder charges are discussed, as well as prison life.
Language: 7 The use of words such as; piss, damn, hell and ass are audible; whereas _hit and _uck are bleeped-out.
Sex: 4-5 Mild sexual innuendo, and a scene were cast members are pole dancing with “exotic-dancers.”
Positive Role Models: Shorty seems to mean well, however his methods of “acquiring” mistreated pit bulls are more often than not. questionable to say the least.
Negative Practices: Shorty smokes cigars, drinks wine, however no gratuitous drug usage is shown.
Recommended Viewing Audience: Over 13 years of age and older.

Sources: The Animal Planet Channel

Currently, we are fostering Brownie through Forte Animal Rescue. To learn more about Brownie or to meet her visit: www.farescue.org Brownie is as sweet as can be, despite having had a rough start at life experiencing neglect. She is an incredible cuddle-buddy and loves to sleep on a warm lap. As she is still an active growing puppy, she loves walking on a leash, car rides, playing fetch, and toys that squeak! She is an 8-pound dachshund/border terrier mix with unusual bright blue eyes. Her sweet temperament makes her great around children, but she needs a little time to warm up around other dogs (she’s still a bit shy). We’ve had a blast watching her learn new things, grow stronger, gain confidence (and thankfully a little weight!) Her clumsy puppy feet still don’t always keep up with her spirit. We know Brownie deserves a loving forever home with the types of guardians who appreciate her extraordinary character. Currently, we are fostering Brownie through Forte Animal Rescue. To learn more about Brownie or to meet her visit: www.farescue.org
Video Rating: 5 / 5

The Benefits Adopting A Dog From A Shelter

Despite the presence of many shelters and rescue groups, many dog owners still get their dogs from pet shops, not knowing that adopting a dog from a shelter is a much better option. Why would you pick your pet from an animal shelter? Here are the top reasons:

You’re helping the canine community.
Dogs are homeless for a variety of reasons. Some are not wanted by their families, others were left to stray the streets. No matter the reason, these poor creatures deserve homes that can provide them a loving environment and a caring family.

You are giving a dog a second chance to live a good life.
Even dogs deserve a second chance. Dogs are often left in the streets for faults they did not commit. Their previous owners, for example, have no time to take care of their dogs or are moving to another city. There are also dogs that were left because their owners died and no one is left to care of them. Other owners can’t handle the financial expense of owning a dog, and thus surrender them to shelters. Sure, some dogs are guilty of misbehaving, but that does not make them deserve being homeless. By giving a homeless dog another chance, you are also giving them another shot at being loved, and for yourself, a chance at being loved unconditionally.

You’re helping the shelter.
Even if they want to take care of all dogs in the street, they only have resources for a limited number of stray dogs. Help them out by extending your hand to one of their dogs. Whenever you adopt from a shelter, it’s as if you are giving the shelter extra bed, food, and medical supplies.

You get a dog at a bargain price.
Dogs can cost as much as several hundred dollars. Getting a dog from animal shelter, on the other hand, can only cost you as much as 0. This fee covers for the maintenance cost of the dog, for spaying or neutering fee, and for other expenses. There are, in fact, plenty of animal shelters that are happy to give their dogs for free. Though it is not always advisable to take a dog home for free.

You can also save on training expenses because most dogs in animal shelters have been housebroken and trained. There are, in fact, dogs in animal shelters that have been trained for specific functions. If you need an assistance dog such as a guide dog, a service dog or a hearing dog, you can begin your search in animal shelters.

You can save the life of a poor dog.
Because of overpopulation, some shelters euthanize their dogs – mostly senior and adult dogs. They do not want to do this but it is often necessary to give a chance to younger dogs. Save a dog’s life by adopting one.

You are bringing home a new friend.
Dogs understand and forgive you even when others cannot. If you want a constant companion that is trained, has received the necessary medical attention, and is old enough not to cause you problems, you can adopt a dog from an animal shelter.
See Also……………….What To Expect When Adopting A Dog

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Finding and Rescuing Dogs and Cats

Helping to Foster Dogs and Cats from Rescue Groups

Say you’re walking down the street and a stray dog starts following you. He’s so cute but he’s dirty and limping. I wish I could help him but I just don’t know where to start.

It’s your lucky day. First thing’s first, you should already know some of the rescue groups as well as the Humane Society, ASPCA or pound in your area. Look online, offline, pay attention to commercials, your vet and word of mouth. When you start finding the groups in your area, you should also get familiar with who rescues what. Some may not rescue cats, there may be one or two that rescue horses, some may only rescue a certain breed of dog.

Call your Humane Society and offer to foster. To foster, all you have to have is a fenced or walled in yard and the love to give. It costs you nothing. If you decide to foster from the Humane Society, they may let you choose a dog or cat to foster. Usually they’ll want you to take one that is a little shy or just isn’t coming out of its shell in the kennel. The Humane Society will provide pillows, blankets, a kennel, food and water dishes, a litter box and litter if necessary, food and most importantly any and all medical care the animal needs. Take your new pet home and just give it some love. You may be asked to bring the pet to some adoption events where it can get seen and adopted. If the dog or cat starts to be a little too much, just more than you counted on, or if you have to leave town for some reason, the Humane Society will take the animal back, no questions asked. If you want to wait to foster again, just tell them that. If you’re ready for a new or different animal, just tell them that too!

Get to know some local rescue groups. Get to know what animals and breeds they rescue. If you’re a big fan of Great Danes, I bet there’s a Great Dane rescue in your area that would love for you to foster a Dane or two for a little white. If you just love Pomeranians to death, I bet you can find a Pomeranian or small breed dog rescue. The rescue groups work the same as the Humane Society except you will find many that don’t have shelters and only use foster homes to house the dogs that come into their care. You will still get everything you need for the dogs or cats that you’re taking in as well as veterinary care and you still have the option of taking the animal back at any time.

So back to that adorable stray that’s following you down the street who’s limping and dirty and looking so sad… Call one of your new rescue friends and talk to them about it. Depending on their finances at the time they may tell you to take him to the vet, and that they’ll take care of it. After that vet appointment you’ll want to foster him until he gets better enough to get adopted. All it costs if love and nurturing. Can you afford that to save a life that can’t save it self?

How my Dog Helps me in Business

My dog Casino was found wandering a gravel road on an Indian Reservation when he was under 2 months old.

He was malnourished, had a skin disease, and had been kicked in the mouth.

Luckily, Misty Creek Dog Rescue was driving by after collecting another 20 puppies from a certain death on the reserve.

They healed him.

Fed him.
Fattened him.

…and named him Casino, a name they were saving for the right dog.

This little husky mix was that one.

We adopted him when he was 4 months old and have loved every minute of having him since. That was almost 2 years ago.  My 9 year old twin daughters love having a dog and have a blast with him in the yard and at the off-lease dog park.

I even have pictures of them dressing him up (we promised not to share with his dog park buddies).

We actually finally made the decision to adopt after having our house broken into 2 years ago, while we slept.

It was a stomach-wrenching realization waking up and knowing someone had been in the house while we all slept.  I always thought I would wake up if it happened (as does everyone), but I didn’t hear a thing.

Anyhow, the breaking scared my girls and a dog was soon to follow.

One of the biggest changes that I feel happened has a direct impact on my business.

…And there is a solid lesson in here for you.

My original mentor, the master Ad Writer, Ted Nicholas, once said to me that “walking is the unsung hero of exercise”.

Coming from a guy of his ‘experience’, and the fact that he is still very youthful and full of vitality, I listened.

…in fact, I used Casino as my excuse to get out there more consistently walking.

You know what?

Going for a fast-paced 30 minute walk every morning is a FINE way to start your day.  I walk fast, so every morning I get a good sweat going before tackling anything else.

Me and Casino cruise the neighborhood, stop by the offleash area, and then walk back home to pick up my daughters so we can walk them to school.

It gets me lots of fresh air, some sun, and hours a week of exercise (besides my 3-4 hrs a week in the Tae Kwon Do Dojang).

Here is my point to you…

…if there is any possible way you can start your day with a walk – DO IT!

Even better…

…start writing the SECOND you get back from your walk.  Well, maybe grab some water and a banana first.

It is one of the best ways to start your day.

You will find your mind refreshed, excited, full of oxygen, and ready for a powerful day.

Most of the days I am out walking, I am also listening to audios with experts or audio books.

So I am also getting a priceless education!

In the average 1 month span (probably more like 1 week, to be honest) I learn more PRACTICAL tools for growing a business than I did in my 5 years in Business School (Bachelor of Commerce Degree).

You don’t need a dog like Casino to get the benefits I have seen.

All you need is some initiative and commitment.

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