Pet Therapy | Pet Therapy Dog | Pet Therapy Article

All of us dream of unconditional, non judgmental love and support.

Unfortunately this is not always possible and most of our relations are complicated and strained.

A pet is an animal kept for companionship and enjoyment or a household animal, as opposed to livestock, laboratory animals, working animals or sport animals, which are kept for economic reasons. The most popular pets are noted for their loyal or playful characteristics, for their attractive appearance, or for their song. Pets also generally seem to provide their owners with non-trivial health benefits; keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress to those who like having animals around. There is now a medically-approved class of therapy animals, mostly dogs that are brought to visit confined humans. Walking a dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air, and social interaction.

Pets provide us with companionship and unconditional love making us feel needed and staving off loneliness and depression, thus reducing the amount of stress we experience in response to feelings of social isolation and other issues.

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Today all of us are stressed at one time or the other leading to ill health.

To reduce stress, we usually hear tips like “Take up yoga” or “Meditate regularly”. Great advice – but getting a pet is also a fun way of reducing stress and improving your health. Recent studies show that pet owners on an average have lower blood pressure than non pet owners.

Spending time with your pet will soothe you in many ways.
We also get more exercise when we have pets-taking them for walks, playing with them and so on, and as exercise is good for reducing stress and increasing wellbeing, owning a pet increases these benefits.

Apparently in some people with suicidal tendencies, owning a pet gives the owner a sense of being wanted, a sense of responsibility and thus a reason to live.

Many cities and towns have local ordinances limiting the number of pets a person may have, and may also restrict or forbid certain pets (such as fowl or exotics). Certain breeds of dog, such as pit bulls and rottweilers, are banned in some places. Dog/other canid/wolf mixes are also banned in some places.

Adopting a pet can be a very fulfilling experience, however select a pet that fits your living space and lifestyle, otherwise it will only be an additional source of stress.

You could adopt a stray dog from the streets or a dog of Indian pedigree like the “rajapalayam” since they are easier to maintain in our climate. Dogs of Indian pedigree make wonderful companions. They are hardy, intelligent, fiercely loyal and protective and even gentle around the children in the house. What more can we ask for?

Organizations like Blue Cross have focused on mongrels and street dogs or cats as pets to save them from an uncertain and often cruel future in the streets. You could always visit one of their centers to adopt a pet.

You could check out the Blue Cross website at http://www.bluecross.org.in/

So do adopt a pet and step into the world of love, companionship and fun!

Dog Summer Cooling Products

Spring and summer time is just around the corner and families and pets are into different outdoor activities. Dogs would need essential pet cooling products that would relief heat, stress and discomfort from a day of activities and adventures. At this season of the year, senior and injured dogs are discomfort due to soaring muscles, joints or stitches due to heat and these cooling pet products will help relieve such soars and pains into much comfortable, chilling feelings and actually heals too. PetStreetMall compiles what would your dog need so he or she can fully enjoy the summer season with comfort.

Cooling & Warming Beds. This combo bed is an award winning bed made by Dolce Vita in recognition of it’s excellence. The Dolce Vita Heating and Cooling combo dog bed provides comfort and promotes good health for pets. Hot weather or strenuous activity can leave a pet exhausted and overheated. Normally pets seek the cooling effects of laying on hard tile or concrete surfaces which can stress bones and muscles. The Dolce Vita heated and cooling dog bed delivers cool air therapy through a unique, patent-pending air channel cushion and provides your pet with the comfort of a cool therapeutic surface to sleep and relax. Low-level heat therapy has been proven scientifically to promote health and improve activity level of pets and can aid in providing relief from arthritis and sore joints and muscles. Additionally, the comforting effects of heat can stimulate circulation, reduce anxiety, and help pets maintain their natural body temperature. PetStreetMall gives huge discount plus free shipping on this product.

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Canine Cooler. The Canine Cooler works without electricity to provide a cool spot for your dog to relax and escape heat and exhaustion. The Canine Cooler removes heat from your dogs body by taking advantage of the rules of thermodynamics. By providing a spot that is cooler than your dog’s body temperature, the beds actually draw heat away from your dog, to ensure your dog stays cool year round. The softness of the Canine Cooler also ensure that your dog is not putting strain on its joints by lying on hard surfaces that dogs gravitate towards because of the coolness.

Chillow Bed Cooler. A marvel of design, patented SoothSoft® Comfort Technology provides a unique fluid-cool wonder called the Chillow® Brand Comfort Device. The glove-soft outer material and unique core of the Chillow ® combine with water to give you years of cool comfort while you sleep, read, or relax. You activate it once and you’re ready to get to sleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful REM sleep. Your Chillow® can relieve hot flashes, headaches, sunburns, and more. No noisy fan or over-cooling AC can do as much for a good night’s sleep. No refrigeration is necessary.

Cooling Bandana. It might be small and looks regular but it is a very effective bandana made with crystals which absorb water. Dogs cannot dissipate heat as we do through sweating. Dogs release heat mainly through heat dissipation when they pant. Often a dog will get so warm that they simply cannot pant hard or fast enough and that can be dangerous for any dog. This then acts like a reverse heat pump which helps to remove the heat from the dog, and then dissipates it into the surrounding air. The heat does not always go away at night, so the cooling bandana is edged with reflective tape for visibility of your dog at twilight and night time. As you would expect the dog cooling bandana is reusable and hand-washable. The Dog Cooling Bandana is made with non-toxic polymer crystals which absorb up to 30 times their weight and stay cool for several hours.

Dog Cooling Jacket. The Cool K-9 dog cooling jacket is a breakthrough in thermo-regulating technology. This Dog Cooling Jacket works through Water-absorbing, cross-linked polymers are sewn into supplex fabric. Just soak the dog jacket through with water and then put the jacket on your dog to help him fight off heat exhaustion and keep him cool on hot days. The dog cooling jacket acts as a perspiration system. It absorbs heat from your dogs body, then allows the heat to be dispelled into the air by the natural evaporative process. So instead of just panting and sweating through the pads of his paws, your dog is essentially “sweating,” which helps him to cool off.

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Showing The Sieger Style Dog Show

I learned about the sieger shows from another rottweiler breeder that I knew and was very intrigued to learn more about them. I am not a huge fan of the American Kennel Club shows, I have attended a few and just found the environment there not the friendliest. I like to meet new dog lovers and the chill in the air at the AKC shows was not for me. My friend told me that the Rottweiler sieger shows were more laid back and the people were friendly and helpful to new comers, she invited me to tag along to a Rottweiler sieger show with her and I agreed. Well lets just say I loved it and I have been hooked ever since.

Now don’t get me wrong you still have the strong competition drives going on in everyone and you still have your chilly people but your not having to dress like your going out to a 4 star meal or the opera. Jeans and a T-shirt are just fine here. Like the AKC each Rottweiler dog is being judged against the Rottweiler breed standard not each other. The Rottweiler dog that is the closest match to breed standard will win their group and then they are placed accordingly from there as second, third and so on. Those winners will come back in and compete for Best puppy male/female, Youth Sieger/Siegerin, Sieger Male/female. They also have kennel class and more.

The biggest difference between showing Rottweiler’s Sieger and AKC is that you can’t hand stack your dog and your not allowed to use food bait. You have a helper outside the ring that can bait your dog using a favorite toy, such as a ball, a squeaky toy, etc. Each dog is critiqued by the judge over a loud speaker so that you can hear how correct your dog is to the written standard. You will also get a printed critique you can pick up and take home with you after the show. You have to be able to check your dogs teeth and a males testicles. If your dog wont do these simple things they will be disqualified. There can be a bit of running depending on the judges and the age group of the dogs. So you really need a back up runner for your dog. You will also see many tailed Rottweilers here as this is the place that most Rottweiler people show their imported dogs which primarily all have tails. The AKC is very anti tail.

The dogs class’s are based on age with puppys starting at 4 months old until 6 months, 6 months until 9 months, 9 months until 12 months. Youth class’s are 12 months until 18 months, and 18 months until 24 months, and then you have your adults which are over 24 months and up until 7 years. You also have your champion class’s for dogs with AKC CH titles and such.

I think this is a good show venue for people who want to try their hand at showing there dog. Most clubs bring in Judges from other countries. I find that these shows are fair and give a newbie a chance at winning a trophy if their dog is a good representative of the Rottweiler breed. I know there is not a lot of information out there on sieger but you can find some rottweiler breeders who will give you some information to get you started. If there is a Rottweiler Sieger show in your area or within a driving distance you should go and have a look you may find it a fun place to be.

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Issues of Disabled in Australian Society

The Disabled

According to the human rights and equal opportunity commission act of 1986, the term “disabled persons” means any person unable to ensure by himself or herself, wholly or partly, the necessities of a normal individual and/or social life, as a result of deficiency, either congenital or not, in his or her physical or mental capabilities. Disabilities include hearing, sight, speaking, grasping, eating etc. In this discussion, an in-depth study will be conducted concerning aspects, which affect the well being of disabled persons. They are government regulations, i.e. the disability discrimination act, issues i.e. abuse, access to resources i.e. transport, positive contributions that disabled persons make to the community i.e. art and the extent of which community service groups assist in meeting the needs of specific groups. Areas of equity and inequity will be explored throughout the discussion concerning these aspects.

Government policies and regulations that relate to the disabled:

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 is a federal law, which can be used to address discrimination in many areas of public life. The Disability Discrimination Act makes it against the law to treat someone unfairly due to a disability. This covers all types of disabilities, such as mental and physical disabilities.

The Disability Discrimination Act is used to get fair treatment in the work industry, for example seeking employment, the education system, for example enrolling to TAFE, accommodation, for example where you choose to live and community resources such as shops and banks. The Disability Discrimination Act is also put into use when an individual is being harassed or put down due to their disability.

The Disability Discrimination Act also states that a person with a disability must not be discriminated against is he/she has:

An interpreter; or
A reader; or
An assistant; or
A carer; or
Is accompanied by a guide dog

The Commonwealth Disability Services Act 1986 has seven principles. These are:

1) Persons with disabilities are individuals who have the inherent right to respect for their human worth and dignity.

2) Persons with disabilities, whatever their origin, nature, type and degree of disability have the same fundamental right as all members of Australian society.

3) Every person with a disability has the same rights as other members of Australian society to realise his or her individual capacity for physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.

4) Persons with disabilities have the same rights as other members of Australian society to services, which will support their attaining an acceptable quality of life.

5) Persons with disabilities have the same rights as other members of Australian society to participate in the decisions, which will affect their lives.

6) Persons with disabilities have the same rights as other members of Australian society to the least restrictive alternative in the services they receive.

7) Persons with disabilities have the same rights of pursuit of any grievance as have other members of Australian society in relation to the services, which they receive.

The Anti-discrimination Act of 1977 covers past, future and presumed disabilities. In states that it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person on the ground of disability when arranging employment, determining employment and on the terns which the employer offers employment. It is also unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee by denying them access to resources, opportunities for promotion, transfer or training or unfairly dismissing the individual due to their disability.

Not only does the Anti-discrimination act prevent discrimination in the workforce, but also in the sporting field and everyday chores such as shopping for groceries. The act states that people with disabilities must be included in all sports if they are capable of performing the actions required for the sport. It is unlawful to refuse to provide a disabled person with goods are services due to their disability or not paying the provider due to the reason that they have a disability.

The Community Welfare Act of 1987 is an act which:

Provides assistance (including financial) for the relief of persons in need or distress.
Provides home support services for the disabled (that is, assistance in the carrying out of work of a domestic or home-maintenance nature) to persons unable to carry out that work.
Provide assistance (including assistance) to approved non-government organisations whose intentions include the provision or assistant services for the disabled.

Section 16 states that there shall be Disability Council of New South Wales. The functions of this council is to:

To monitor the implementation of government policy in relation to disabled persons and their family.
To advise the government on the effect of services provided to disabled persons and their families.
To promote the integration of disabled persons into the community and awareness of matters concerning the welfare of disabled persons and their families.

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 states that:

Disabled persons have the right to respect for human dignity and have the same civil and political rights as other human beings.
Disabled persons are entitled to the measures designed to become as self-reliant as possible and have the same right to medical, psychological and functional treatment. This also includes rehabilitation, education and counselling.
Disabled persons have the right to economic and social security and to a decent level of living and to be able to retain employment, They must also have their special needs taken into consideration at all stages of economic and social planning.
Disabled persons have the right to live with their families and to participate in social, creative or recreational activities and must not be subjected.
Disabled persons are protected against all exploitation and must be informed of the rights contained in this declaration.
Disabled persons shall be able to avail themselves of qualified legal aid and when such aid proves indispensable for the protection of their persons and property.

There are also special government allowances available to the disabled or a carer of a disabled person to pay for basic needs and support such as employment and mobility. The carer allowance helps parents or carers to care for children with a disability at home. The Disability Support Pension is a payment for people whose physical, intellectual, or psychiatric impairment prevents them from working, or people who are permanently blind. The Mobility Allowances provides assistance to people with disabilities who are paid employment, voluntary work, vocational training, or a combination of paid work and training and who are unable to use public transport without substantial assistance.

Issues of concern for the disabled:

Abuse:

Abuse if women with disabilities is one of the most complex, controversial and disturbing challenges facing the Australian community. Women with disabilities can be highly vulnerable to violence and abuse in their daily lives. Domestic violence can include physical and sexual violence, neglect, emotional violence, social isolation and financial abuse. A national hotline for reporting allegations of abuse and neglect of persons with disabilities, which is government, funded gets thousands of calls a year reporting abuse. The hotline receives reports of abuse and neglect and refers them to appropriate Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies for investigation. All staff working on the hotline is experienced in working with people with disabilities.

Mobility

Even little things such as retrieving mail from the letterbox are seen as torment for people with disabilities. People with impaired mobility, wheelchair uses and blind persons have experienced problems with accessing Australia Post collection post box. In Perth, Australia Post trailed two collection post boxes at the kerbside so that people with mobility problems could drive up to the box to post outgoing mail, but proved unusable for many as they were unable to drive due to their disability. Australia Post has an unpublished home collection service where the postal delivery officer can collect prepaid mail from a person’s home. To do this however, the person must be waiting at the letterbox when the postie passes. This service is not advertised or promoted, and many Australia Post personnel do not know of its existence.

Arts

Having a disability can be a burden for artists, or patrons of art galleries. The current statistics state that one in five patrons at an art gallery have a disability, revealing the barriers that disabled persons have in cultural life. Most art galleries have a lack of ramps so that someone in a wheelchair or who is mobility impaired with have to use an alternative entrance. Additionally, signs and information in small print so someone with a visual impairment may have difficulties navigating the space.

For artists with disabilities, there are significant barriers both to receive formal training and to establishing a practice. Formal training institutes are notoriously inaccessible. These barriers can lead disabled artists to feel isolated and individuals being reluctant to disclosure their disability.

Education

On the 13th October 2002, the National Council of Intellectual Disability (NCID) investigated a representative complaint under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA 1992) against Australia’s universities.

Children with an intellectual disability are discriminated at every level of their education, as there is no formal national training for teachers on how to help students with disabilities. Teachers, psychologists and school administrators are failing to meet the needs of these students, leading to segregation.

Research shows that if students with an intellectual disability are included in schools with their peers they will learn more, have more friends, are more likely to be employed, literate, marry and enjoy lifestyles that are valued by others in the community.

Mr Pattison, Executive officer of NDID said, “We are seeking Australian universities to recognise their responsibility to train teachers how to teach all students, including students with an intellectual disability. We will be seeking to set up a cooperative and collaborative approach with the Universities to address this urgently so that students with intellectual disabilities and their families are assured that our teachers can teach without discrimination.”

Captioning

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) has received complaints under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 alleging discrimination by a number of television stations regarding captioning of television programming. Those who have profound hearing loss or are deaf use captioning. Section 24 of the Disability Discrimination Act makes discrimination unlawful regarding access to services. The Broadcasting Services Act states that the captioning service should be available for prime viewing hours (6:00pm to 10:30pm) and that the service should be provided for television news programs outside these viewing hours.

Crime

Intellectually disabled people are four times more likely to end up in jail than their numbers in the community suggest, a preliminary inquiry by the New South Wales Law Reform Commission has indicated that people with an intellectual disability are more likely than other members of the community to be arrested, denied bail, convicted and jail. The intellectually disabled also appear to receive longer sentences, to serve a greater percentage of their sentence before release and are also more likely to offend.

The report also found that the disabled are particularly vulnerable to crimes such as sexual assault and fraud as they often lack the communication skills and support necessary to identity the nature of the crime and to report it to the proper authorities.

The commission are now examining the issue whether there should be a new uniform statutory definition of “intellectual disability”, whether the intellectually disabled should be given different sentencing and police treatment of the intellectually disabled.

Access to resources:

The Disabled are disadvantaged, in many ways, accessing resources. A survey conducted by Advocacy Victorian found that 40% of basic needs were not met, and 5,700 people or 4% received accommodation support. This is due to the fact that there are many barriers, which exist, that prevent the disabled accessing resources. People who phoned the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Hotline stated these barriers:

· Access to people with a disability.

· Attitudes to people with a disability.

· Communications in accessible mediums.

· Mobility within the community.

38% of callers complained of barriers in employment, 32% complained of barriers in accessing goods, services and facilities, and 11% complained of barriers in obtaining education and access to premises.

The Office of Disability also conducted research on barriers, which face the disabled community. Its major findings were:

· That there is a lack of awarness of the needs of people with disabilities.

· Lack of funded services.

· That people are ignorant of the talents of the disabled, and assuming that due to their disability, they are unable to perform a task.

In many homes, there are steps, which makes it hard for disabled persons to go inside. There are also hideous stairways, which makes it unable for the wheelchair to be carried inside. These experiences cam often be humiliating for the disabled person, and feelings of isolation lead to disabled persons confiding in their homes. A quote from the article featured in the Weekend Australian Review in 1999 sums up the feeling of a disabled person being unable to access a specific resource. “Often I don’t go somewhere if I know it is inaccessible.

The safety of people with a disability is very important. Disabled parking facilities, ramps in shopping centres and priority seating in public transport are all-important steps in satisfying this need.

Hospitals make sure that the disabled are able to access their resources by having large parking bays, sliding doors, smooth laminated floors for wheelchairs and disabled toilets. Schools also help disabled students by having ramps, instead of stairs for wheelchairs and disabled toilets. Streets and shopping centres now have wide footpaths to accommodate the disabled. Local swimming associations have attendants to help the disabled swim, and the beaches, such as Wollongong have buggies, which allow the disabled to swim.

Positive contributions of the disabled:

Research shows that when you employ persons with disabilities, assuming that they have the skills to due the job that employer satisfaction is very high. Jock Noble, executive officer of Central Marketing Services who runs a not-for-profit organization linking employers to specialise disability employment agencies says American studies have shown that persons with disabilities have above-average-safety and attendance records and that overall staff morale is improved when they take their place beside able-bodied colleagues. Victorian research reveals that few people require workplace adjustments or job redesign and, where they are required 80% cost less that 0 and are paid for by the government. H.M. Five Star Engines production manger Graham Smith, who was the recipient of the Prime Minister’s employer of the year awards for providing significant opportunities to workers with disabilities said “We have fantastic success with our program of employing workers with a disability and I would defy anyone to come in and do a better job than any of these employees”

Not only are the disabled a benefit in the workforce, but in the entertainment and arts industry. Close to one million Australians who develop, create and experience the arts have a disability. Australians who have a disability are active in all art forms. The Restless Dance Company features young dancers with and without an intellectual disability in partnership with professional dance artists, designers and musicians. The IHOS Opera is a Tasmanian-based contemporary opera/music theatre company, which works with artists with disabilities. Back to back Theatre is a company, which features actors with intellectual disabilities who are high profile advocates for people with disabilities. The company presented a new theatrical work soft, at the 2002 Melbourne International Festival of the arts.

There are also many famous Australians with a disability who excel in their field and raise awarness for people with disabilities. David Helgoff, a pianoist who was made famous from the movie “Shine” has thousands of appreciative fans around the world, and also has a mental disability. Alan Marshall is a disabled writer who wrote the book “I can jump puddles”. There are also many disabled athletes how achieve in their field such as Cindy Lu Fitzpatrick, a deaf swimmer who has competed in 6 Deaflympics and won 19 Gold, 4 Silver, 5 Bronze Deaflympics medals. Paul Mitchell is missing an arm, but that did not stop him from winning gold and creating a world record in Berlin in the 800m freestyle in Berlin.

Community Service Groups:

For every sort of disability, there is generally same kind of help offered. TADVIC is an organization whose volunteer members design, construct or modify equipment for people with disabilities, provided no commercially available product or service will meet their needs. Syd-West Personnel is a non-profit Federal Government funded organization with over 10 years experience in providing employers with eager, well trained employees to fill a range of full and part time positions. The Independent Living Centre of New South Wales has a comprehensive range of products and equipment to assist with daily living activities. HAND is a not for profit organization which supports people with intellectual disability by enhancing leisure and lifestyle opportunities. HAND organises the disabled to meet new people, make new friends, and become more independent and to get out more and try new things. The Community Friend Program also promotes friendships throughout Australia. People with a disability who are experiencing isolation are introduced to a volunteer from their local area with the aim of developing an ongoing friendship. Home and Community Care (HACC) aids the disabled around the home with chores and maintenance, personal nursing and health care for instance dressing, bathing, clothing etc. HACC also assists with shopping, meals and organising day groups.

Nevertheless, research conducted in 2000 by Advocacy Victoria found that 5,700 people or 4% of those in need, received accommodation support and 25,900 people with a profound disability did not participate in any community activity and spent the year within their home. Research in 1999 by the Australian Bureau of statistics found that 32% of persons with disabilities who could not move, go out, shower and dress did not have their needs met. Thus the organisations The Independent Living Centre of New South Wales, HAND, The Community Friend Program and HAND must not be serving the disabled community to the degree they aim too.

The House With No Steps is an association, which was established in 1965, which provides quality support services for people with disabilities. They are one of Australia’s leading organisations in the rehabilitation field. The House With No Steps assists with many needs of the disabled such as independent living, employment training services and day programs. These services increase the independence of the disabled, thus increasing self-esteem and well being by encouraging the disabled to live a normal life, where their handicap is not a burden. Organisations such as AMIDA are also fighting for fair treatment of the disabled. The organization works on getting better tenancy rights for persons with disabilities. Citizen Advocacy is a movement that seeks to promote, protect and defend the rights and interests of people who have an intellectual disability. This is an advantage to disabled persons, as in 2000 5,700 disabled persons did not have sufficient housing support.

The Guide Dog Association trains persons who are vision impaired to use guide dogs, canes and electronic aids. This improves a vision impaired persons quality of life as these devices assist the vision impaired to access resources such as transport and education. Last year alone, the associations instructors travelled over half a million kilometres, to make sure that, wherever possible, mobility skills are taught in the environment where they are to be used.

However, research from Advocacy Victoria recently found that 40% of persons identified as having a severe disability were not having their basic needs met. These people were left on waiting lists by the government for assistance. They include people with physical, sensory, intellectual or psychiatric disabilities. The group is calling for an annual increase of billion in disability services funding, to be spent on housing, employment assistance and essential aids and equipment. The Federal Government had agreed to commit 5 million to address the unmet needs of people with profound disabilities. Research conducted by Advocacy Victoria found that the federal government’s contribution to disability services had decreased over the past 10 years.

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Ten Best Werewolf Movies

Lobby card: Lon Chaney Jr. and Evelyn Ankers in The Wolf Man (1941)

Like the eternal vampire, the werewolf continues to fascinate horror movie aficionados. Here are ten outstanding werewolf moves that no film fan should ever miss. Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright…

The Wolf Man (Universal, 1941)

The incomparable Lon Chaney Jr. stars as Lawrence Talbot, who is bitten by a werewolf while on a visit to the ancestral home in Wales following the death of his brother. Talbot is the victim of Bela (Bela Lugosi), the wayward son of the old Gypsy woman Maleva (Maria Ouspenskaya). Despite his scientific protests to the existence of lycanthropy, Talbot is transformed into a werewolf when “the autumn moon is bright,” with angry villagers led by his own father Sir John Talbot (Claude Rains) hunting him down in the fog-shrouded countryside. The Wolf Man was made for a mere 0,000, with a fog machine, eerie lighting and a mask adorned with bits of yak hair serving as the film’s principal special effects. Money was so tight that Lon Chaney’s German Shepherd was drafted into the production, playing the “wolf” that bites Larry Talbot. But, boy, could Universal Pictures really crank out the horror back then, with The Wolf Man still basking in the cinematic moonlight as one of the studio’s greatest achievements.

Director: George Waggner

Review: “…We’d say that most of the budget was spent on Mr. Chaney’s face, which is rather terrifying, resembling as it does a sort of Mr. Hyde badly in need of a shave.” – Theodore Strauss, The New York Times (12/22/41)

On DVD: The Wolf Man – The Legacy Collection (Universal, 2004)

The Howling (Avco Embassy, 1981)

This bizarre, quirky, dark-humored movie stars Dee Wallace as Los Angeles television news anchor Karen White, who is stalked by serial killer Eddie Quist (Robert Picardo). After Eddie is done in by the police, Ms. White and her husband Roy William Neil (Christopher Stone) repair to a secluded resort called “The Colony,” where the true horror begins. Of course Eddie isn’t really dead, as he springs to life as a werewolf, one of several inhabiting the secluded California commune. The Howling gets a bit “hairy” in the end, with Karen undergoing the werewolf transformation herself during a live television broadcast. How’s that for proof that werewolves exist?

Director: Joe Dante

Review: “’The Howling’ is nominally based on a 1977 novel by Gary Brandner, author also of the book that became Cameron’s Closet (1988). The film is actually more interesting than the book chiefly through having little to do with it. The script is filled with holes and parts that don’t quite make sense, the problem largely being (as with many Joe Dante films) that Dante allows his gags and genre in-jokes to take centre stage.” – Richard Scheib, Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Film Review 2010)

On DVD: The Howling Special Edition (MGM, 2003)

Insert movie poster: The Howling (1981)

Wolfen (Orion, 1981)

A pack of super wolves has staked out New York City as their personal killing ground. Boozing NYPD captain Dewey Wilson (Albert Finney) tries to come up with the answer as to why so many dead bodies are piling up in the Big Apple. “It will tear the scream from your throat,” promised the movie’s tagline. The predators in this pic aren’t really werewolves by definition, but the biting horror is all the same, making them “honorary werewolves” and probably a whole lot smarter than their human brethren.

Director: Michael Wadleigh

Review: “An intriguing film named ‘Wolfen,’ which is not about werewolves but is about the possibility that Indians and wolves can exchange souls, has crept stealthily into several Chicago theaters…’Wolfen’ develops a strong, angry theme about ecological and human waste. We learn that the wolves make their headquarters in a ruined section of the South Bronx that resembles a bombed-out wasteland. Their original victim, the politician, had just visited there for a groundbreaking ceremony, vowing to ‘renew’ the area. In killing him, the wolves are merely exercising their territorial imperative.” – Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times (1981)

On DVD: Wolfen (Warner, 2002)

An American Werewolf in London (Universal, 1981)

Two young Americans, David Kessler (David Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne), are hitchhiking across Europe. In the Yorkshire moors, the two buds wind up at a pub called The Slaughtered Lamb during a full moon. The local yokels issue a warning to the two Yanks, telling them to “keep to the road” once they leave the establishment. Of course the lads do no such thing, getting lost and subsequently attacked by a marauding werewolf, who kills Jack and badly mauls David. Sci-fi/horror fans will love the special effects in this one, where ol’ Dave undergoes the big, hairy transformation when the moon is burning bright. Reverse Lend-Lease, with a British werewolf doing the honors.

Director: John Landis

Review: “A clever mixture of comedy and horror which succeeds in being both funny and scary…” Variety (1981)

On DVD: An American Werewolf in London (Universal, 2001)

One sheet movie poster: An American Werewolf in London (1981)

I Was a Teenage Werewolf (American International, 1957)

Michael Landon, in his pre-Little Joe Cartwright days from TV’s Bonanza, stars as Tony Rivers, a troubled student at Rockdale High School who seeks help from psychiatrist Dr. Alfred Brandon (Whit Bissell) for his violent tendencies. Using regression therapy and an experimental drug, the doc suggests that young Tony is actually a werewolf. The kid now has more than pimples and fake ID’s to worry about, as he is transformed into a hairy predator, killing a fellow student named Frank, with the cops now in full pursuit. Laugh at the title if you will, but I Was a Teenage Werewolf – made for a paltry ,000, with star Michael Landon collecting ,000 of that – is a slickly executed little horror film which grossed over million at the American box office. Just thinking: Were teenage werewolves admitted on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand?

Director: Gene Fowler Jr.

Review: “Michael Landon delivers a first-class characterization as the high school boy constantly in trouble, and has okay support down the line. Yvonne Lime is pretty as his girl friend who asks him to go the psychiatrist, and Whit Bissell handles doctor part capably, although some of his lines are pretty thick.” – Variety (1957).

On DVD: Available on VHS only

Wolf (Columbia, 1994)

The old tune “Moonlight in Vermont” comes to deadly fruition for book editor Will Randall (Jack Nicholson), who is bitten by a wolf on a snowy New England back road. Will is treated by his physician, receiving the mandatory rabies shot, but later begins to notice certain changes. His senses are now much keener, and at the appearance of a full moon the werewolf transformation begins. “I’m just marking my territory, and you got in the way,” Will Randall tells young whippersnapper Stewart Swinton (James Spader), after he urinates on the latter’s shoes in one of the movie’s more humorously gross scenes. Michelle Pfeiffer plays Laura Alden, Will the Wolfman’s latest squeeze.

Director: Mike Nichols

Review: “’Wolf,’ the new Mike Nichols film starring Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer, doesn’t take a straight horror film approach to the werewolf genre, and it’s not a jokey sendup either. It’s something fresher and infinitely more inventive – a satire about how to climb the corporate ladder that uses werewolf lore only as its metaphorical springboard. In its own delightfully peculiar way, the film is the only one of its kind ever made – a horror film about office politics.” Hal Hinson, The Washington Post (1994)

On DVD: Wolf (Columbia Tristar, 1997)

One sheet movie poster: Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer in Wolf (1994)

Dog Soldiers (Pathe, 2002)

British soldiers on maneuvers in the rugged Scottish Highlands encounter what’s left of their military brethren, a special operations group which has been attacked by some unforeseen force. With the lone survivor, Captain Richard Ryan (Liam Cunningham), the lads make their way to a farmhouse, which proves to be a bad show indeed as it is home sweet home to a pack of werewolves. Surrounded by the howling devils, the Brit soldiers carry on as best they can, eventually making an escape attempt after employing gas canisters. Sean Pertwee, Kevin McKidd, Thomas Lockyer, Darren Morfitt, Chris Robson and Leslie Simpson play the soldiers, with Emma Cleasby as Megan, a zoologist who’s harboring her own little secret. Amazing what one can accomplish with a stiff upper lip and a silver letter opener. But wouldn’t Wolf Soldiers have been a more suitable title?

Director: Neil Marshall

Review: “Neil Marshall ransacks and revitalizes every cliche in the book in this howling good reworking of the werewolf tale, arrived at by way of two ’survivors under siege’ classics: ‘Aliens’ and ‘Night of the Living Dead.’” – Sean Axmaker, Seattle Post-Intelligencer (2002)

On DVD: Dog Soldiers (First Look, 2007)

Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (Universal, 1943)

Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.) is back from the “dead,” still sporting the curse of the pentagram and the Wolf Man label that goes with it. Talbot’s Wolf Man remains a murdering SOB, who changes into his homicidal alter ego when the moon is full. Wishing to end his miserable life, Talbot seeks out Dr. Frankenstein’s secret notes in the latter’s old, burned-out castle. Here he discovers the Frankenstein monster (Bela Lugosi) encased in ice. Chipping away, Talbot unearths the revived beast, hoping he can point the way to the doc’s secret hiding place. Baroness Elsa Frankenstein (Ilona Massey) leads Talbot to the secret chamber, turning her father’s notes over to Dr. Frank Mannering (Patric Knowles), who has agreed to end Talbot’s life. But Mannering can’t resist the temptation to rev up the Frankenstein monster to full throttle, resulting in a titanic struggle between the creature and the Wolf Man. One of the movie’s more memorable sequences is the Wolf Man’s silent journey through the frozen catacombs at Castle Frankenstein. Maria Ouspenskaya reprises her role as the old Gypsy woman Maleva from 1941’s The Wolf Man. Geesh, is this woman spooky…

Director: Roy William Neill

Review: “In order to put the Wolf Man and the Monster through further film adventures, scripter Curt Siodmak has to resurrect the former from a tomb, and the Frankenstein creation from the ruins of the castle where he was purportedly killed. But he delivers a good job of fantastic writing to weave the necessary thriller ingredients into the piece, and finally brings the two legendary characters together for a battle climax.” – Variety (1943)

On DVD: Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man/House of Frankenstein Universal Studios Frankenstein Double Feature (Universal, 2007)

Werewolf of London (Universal, 1935)

Henry Hull stars as botanist Dr. Wilfred Glendon, who journeys to Tibet in search of the rare mariphasa plant. Here he is bitten by a werewolf, and once back in jolly old England begins exhibiting the telltale signs of lycanthropy. The blooming mariphasa can halt the onset of the disease, but when the mysterious Dr. Yogami (Warner Oland) steals his supply of the plant, Doc Glendon turns into a full-fledged werewolf, wandering London in search of victims. But intrepid Scotland Yard is having none of this werewolf nonsense in their fine city, with Sir Thomas Forsythe (Lawrence Grant) and his boys eventually disposing of the troublesome Dr. Glendon. “I’m a werewolf and it’s my night to howl!” Henry Hull’s Glendon declares in one scene. Well, who can argue with that?

Director: Stuart Walker

Review: “In the vein of ‘The Invisible Man,’ the picture races along in its presentation of the tragic spectacle of a man who realizes in his moments of sanity that he may be driven to the murder of his wife and others ‘whom he loves best.’” – Frank S. Nugent, The New York Times (1935)

On DVD: The Wolf Man – The Legacy Collection (Universal, 2004)

Promotional still: Henry Hull in Werewolf of London (1935)

House of Dracula (Universal, 1945)

Both Larry Talbot a.k.a. the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr.) and Count Dracula (John Carradine) pay a visit to Dr. Franz Edelman (Onslow Stevens), seeking cures for their respective afflictions. At the local jail, Edelman witnesses the transformation of Talbot into the Wolf Man. Edelman believes that undue pressure on Talbot’s brain is causing his body to produce an overabundance of hormones, hence his lycanthropic tendencies during a full moon. The Frankenstein monster (Glenn Strange) is discovered by Talbot and Edelman in the sea caves, with the latter unable to resist the temptation of charging the old boy up to full power. Through a blood transfusion with the Count, Edelman is turned into a vampire, but not before he successfully operates on Talbot, finally curing him of his lycanthropy. The scene in which a cured Larry Talbot and love interest Miliza Morelle (Martha O’Driscoll) stroll in the moonlight at the end of the picture is worth the price of the DVD or admission to some oldies movie theater. Free at last, Lawrence Talbot is free at last…

Director: Erle C. Kenton

Review: “Universal has reassembled its old hobgoblin league for ‘House of Dracula’ and a ghoulish time may be had by all hardy souls who venture into the Rialto these days. The mind of man is once again dedicated to weird experimenting and, what with taking a blood transfusion from Count Dracula and tampering with the brain of a young fellow (Lon Chaney) who turns into a werewolf at every rising of the full moon, it is no wonder that the eminent Dr. Edelman (Onslow Stevens) eventually becomes a Jekyll and Hyde character himself.” – Bosley Crowther, The New York Times (1945)

On DVD: Dracula – The Legacy Collection (Universal, 2004)

Ten More Werewolf Movie Favorites

Teen Wolf (1985) Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) Bad Moon (1996) Underworld (2003) Wild Country (2005) House of Frankenstein (1944) The Wolfman (2010) The Curse of the Werewolf (1961) Silver Bullet (1985) Ginger Snaps (2000)

One sheet poster: House of Frankenstein (1944)

Images Credit

All images courtesy Heritage Auction Galleries, Dallas, Texas

IS Life A Prison,Sanctuary, Soap Opera or Burlesque Club? How To Communicate Effectively.

MODE Of Cosmic Therapy: The Esoteric Art of Eliminating Superficiality

Today, a new Moon in Gemini sets the stage for problematic communication. Unless you are absolutely certain you can carry through on your verbalized threats, “Don’t make them.” You’re not nearly as tough as you are pretending to be. You are using a manipulative strategy to achieve a predetermined outcome. One of which you’ve only just begun to sample the consequences. Once you place your feet upon the path of esoteric self-knowledge through recognized experience, there is no going back. You are incapable of making right a situation that has long since ‘popped its pimples.’ Now, I’m not one who is accustomed to handing out advice; for all things happen exactly and precisely as they are supposed to for reasons we can’t see, but in this particular case, you are barking up the wrong tree. In other words, you are openly vindictively playing with dynamite, thinking it won’t explode. The problem is: dynamite has a tendency to go off in full animated horrendous splendor.

You are racing off in several different directions, half cocked. What’s wrong with that? Not a dog gone thing! IF you are a mind to accept the preloaded skunked avenue of stink established by your choices, then by all means FULL speed ahead and may the best man win. However, any time you do something with a predetermined outcome, the result in no wise resembles the sought after goal. That’s the name of the binocular game: “Association with truth.” You have no way of knowing the various levels attached to your blatant harmless actions. You want one thing, the other person, another thing altogether. You are trying, by manipulative measures, to force an issue to a presupposed so-called desired end. “Aint gonna happen, captain!” This steamboat is paddling up the wrong stream.

“Wake up,” your soul calls to you from the shore of motivation’s land of intent. The on-going dilemma started in the year of 1989. Where were you? Was it a dream? “Just open your eyes to see what’s really going on, now!” Look around at the remnants of sweltering story you refuse to release. “Don’t be afraid of what you see.” It is now 20 years later. (Or, is it?) You can’t replace something that isn’t missing. You didn’t lose out. You didn’t miss the boat; it hasn’t sailed yet. Stop with your mealy mouthed revelry of despair. It’s really rather paltry and trite. The energy you have engaged could penetrate an anointed place IF you are so inclined to experience a gulf of discharge of deeply lodged argumentative bogus thoughts.

Now is the time (season) for your self-vested book of sorrow to be cast into the sea of forgetfulness never to be remembered anymore. Turn the pages of the new book: “An extraordinary day in the ordinary day in the life of richly endowed human filled to overflowing with talent, sexuality, and incredible artistic endeavor.” In this book of, Abrupt Arousing, you are presented with the real question of what you are desperately seeking the answer to. “What do you really want?” So, what if you have changed your mind and don’t want what you always convinced yourself you did? And, so what IF what you want IS exactly what you’ve always had, but now it occurs to you that you seem to want to change the other to suit your idea of better way? Therein lays the dilemma. No change except that which jingles in your pocket. Instead of acting in haste to sever a situation, just give yourself some additional breathing room before making your next impulsive move. Just accept, for now, “I don’t know” or “I don’t want anything because IN TRUTH I have always gotten everything I have ever wanted and I’m bored to death!

The next truth, you may want to wrestle with, (just for kicks), is how to pierce the veil of death; to see beyond the ‘apparent appearance’ of things. That little devilish confrontation would and has been an irascible constant plea inside of you but you’ve never been able to put your hands on it. And, incidentally, you have been so masterful at covering it up. The nagging dislocating idea that no matter what you will ever accomplish will one day be unexpectedly snatched way does not ‘sit good with you’ at all. “Face it; Life’s a bitch and then you die!” How many times has your mind wandered into a realm of the unanswerable? Then, before you can carry it to any satisfyingly decent result, you quickly fill it with meaningless distractions simply because you didn’t want to deal with the unanswerable reality.

“Has it happened yet?” A dissolving away of everything has haunted you for as long as you can remember but you didn’t know how to put words what you wanted to convey. “Has what happened?” Life, as you understand it, with its foreboding inexplicable uncertainties. Your one true motivation is directed from a sphere of esoteric knowledge of ineffable origin and yet you conduct your everyday affairs as if you are without a deeply ingrained knowing. Every action is presented upon the hour facing you in a useless attempt to escape from: “Prison of mind”, we as are all born into.

We are all doing time here on Earth, You can get with that, but you certainly don’t like the idea of dissolving away. When you really take the time and occasion to contemplate the fruits of dying, what do you conjure up? When you seek to understand your current life path, has it brought you any resolution you can live with? There is a place, you can go and know, without question, “…a peace that passeth all understanding…” (paraphrased) I can’t show it to you. You must find it for yourself. It’s not hidden. It’s in plain view. Everywhere you look, it’s right here! (In front of your eyes; you bump into it everyday.) Some may refer to it as: “Samadhi the blissful experience of plunging within – into the deep experience of your true self.” Others may express it as salvation, nirvana, oneness with God, unity of the soul, conversation with your Holy Guardian Angel. But, no matter what authoritative term, you choose to use, you can KNOW the feeling of perfect tranquility.

In the case of young inquisitive competitive Charlie McRoy ‘s (An almost 12 year old boy) hair raising soul seeking adventure, in the book, Just Around The Corner along with Mandy Silversmith’s incompressible funny search for liberating truth in the play, Dr. Ben: The Name Doctor, both set the stage as the exhilarating platform for life’s deepest mysterious plots to unfold. Although they approach the search from two entirely different perspectives, each find decisive answers of tangible resolve. Charlie McRoy goes in search of a Genuine Red and White Sandblaster. He wanted to be the first one and only boy in town to have one. Since he does not come from a family of wealth, he will use the Sandblaster in the place of his own worth to generate respect. (So he believes.)

Mandy, (A 13 year old shy, introverted, paranoid girl) seeks for freedom from the need to impress and be impressed. Her inability to communicate is directly tied to her distinct repression and desire to be ‘good.’ They both learn by exploring the depths of their distinctive soul’s intent, that releasing the need to compete, compare and impress, enables them the profound liberty associated with ‘eliminating phoniness.’ Because they are able to explore the depths of themselves in a most ‘natural and convenient’ way, (as all people do) they are inevitably freed from the heavy burden of having to prove anything to anyone. When the need to be seen in a particular light is removed, the light of the supreme can shine without robbing the spirit of authentic action.

Mandy wants and needs to be free of her mother’s neurotic influence. She is so controlled by others and their opinions, it affects every thought and action she undertakes, to the point of not liking the sound of her own voice. She has very little self-identity, lives in a world of inaccessible dread. By not being able to trust her own natural instincts, she’s filled with constant self-doubt and self criticism. She longs for affection but is incapable of asking for what she needs. The obvious undeniable recognition that she alone possesses what she has needed, and it eludes her. She has become an object of distraction to herself and others. Instead of being able to interact and connect with others, she barricades herself in besieged isolation choosing the safety and security of her own familiar world rather than venture out into the unknown.

In these two books, both characters are searching for ultimate freedom. Not the freedom for oneself but from oneself. This kind of self-liberation comes about only through the plummeting fall into the dark night of the soul while on the soul-rendering predicament found in everyday normal living. The search begins with a recognition that ‘there’s just gotta be more than this.” And, then, realizing quite starkly and surprisedly that, “There is. It’s found in the ordinary circumstances of one’s everyday life.” Charllie McRaoy and Mandy Silversmith are but two examples of , “spinning of the magical thread” in effective communication. Successful communication is the deal for real. Use the Gemini moon for benefit. (Don’t go around the Mulberry bush) Speak your mind; not some else’s.

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10 Tips to Increase Your Referral Ratio

Tip # 1
Discipline Yourself to a Routine of ‘Asking’

Here’s something profound. The reason most of us do not get referrals on a routine basis is because we do not ask for them on a routine basis. Well, it’s almost that simple. What would be the upside on your year-end W-2 if you asked for 2 referrals from each of your new customers? Let’s say you average 6 sales per month. That would be 12 referrals per month or 144 per year. Conservatively, you close half of those warm leads. Multiply 72 by your average revenue per sale. Then calculate your commission percentage off the total revenue sold. Now ask yourself if you can afford not to ask for referrals on a routine basis.

Tip # 2
Develop a process to ‘Set the Stage’

Asking for a referral is one thing, but how many times do you actually get one? Execute a Powerful Routine after you sign up a new customer, and request permission for 3 additional minutes to get their professional feedback. Ask a series of questions soliciting their opinion on ways you can be more effective with your sales process, from initial contact to point of sale, with individuals in the same industry and parallel titles. You are now setting the stage for your future success. Over time, your contacts will give you a free ‘Masters Degree.’ Remember to ‘Pack your bags, but set the stage.’

Tip # 3
Communicate to a “Win-Win” Agreement

Be honest and sincere in reference to the importance of referrals for running your business effectively. Tell your story. If you have a high referral ratio let them know that and why it is high. Customers respect a good businessperson more than a good salesperson. Try to pick a time when the contact would feel comfortable giving a referral to help your business. That may not be at the point of sale, but upon service implementation or some time in the future when you have proved you delivered what you promised. The important point is you must define with the contact when it can happen or what criteria need to be met for it to happen.

Tip # 4
Follow through in order to receive a consistently high ratio of referrals.

You may not ask for a referral until (a) the service has been implemented and (b) the customer is satisfied. But as described in Tip #3, you want to minimally set a referral foundation at the point of sale and receive a commitment to when you’ll receive one. Now, this is very important. Always write in your day timer in front of the contact when the expectation is set, and let them know you are making note of it. Treat it like an appointment for your future success. It’s found business and will afford you a higher closing ratio, shorter sales cycle and most importantly, more referrals! So, follow-up and get it!

Tip # 5
Develop a Referral Program

Be creative. Give up some money. Maybe it’s a gift certificate to a local restaurant (hopefully a customer) or a graduated percent off of their next invoice. An entrepreneurial mind will come up with a few flexible programs that fit your level of buyer. After all, you’re not putting anything out until the referral is sold. The old saying, “money makes money” is still true. Beside the tax right off (check with your accountant), contacts absolutely enjoy getting a little something. Measure the ROI and the benefit will be evident.

Tip # 6
Become the Messenger

Be sure to give the referral gifts out promptly on sold referrals. Deliver it in person, since it also serves as an excellent time to prime the pump for additional referrals. Don’t underestimate the power of this simple discipline. I have experienced ‘millionaires’ who reopened their black books after receiving dollar gift certificates. After all, it’s not the amount but the gesture. And because you are spending your valuable time being the messenger, you will without a doubt focus on receiving one or two more warm leads.

Tip # 7
Promote a Grass Roots Chamber Program

Offer local Chambers a deal they can not refuse. Chambers want to offer their membership a better deal, one that their members can not receive from regular street pricing. They are open to donations to help their chamber and are also motivated to grow their membership. Instead of offering a residual based off of sales, offer to bring them in a certain number of new members each month. After all, a certain percentage of businesses you call on will not be members, and if you can show them a return on their investment, they will certainly join the Chamber to receive it. By helping others you will see your referral ratio reach the sky!

Tip # 8
Identify Potential ‘Bird Dogs’

‘Bird dogs’ are used by hunters to point and fetch game birds for their owners. In sales, a ‘bird dog’ is someone who has multiple relationships with your potential customers and they are motivated to routinely feed you contacts for your marketing efforts. Research potential business people that may fit into this profile, and take them out to lunch. Explain your referral program and how it could supplement their core business revenue stream. For potential ‘Big Hitters’ be prepared to customize your referral program to align with their motivations. Treat them like gold and they will open up their Rolodex.

Tip # 9
‘Get Married’ to a Collaboration Partner

There are companies that provide products or services in your ‘value chain’ but do not compete directly with your product or service. Those companies and the professional individuals that sell for them should be a point of concentration for you to identify and contact for strategies of collaboration. I refer to this relationship as “Natural Marriages.” Contact 3 sales professionals that seem to indicate a ‘natural marriage’ for you and them. Outline what’s in it for them. Then ask them what you could reasonably expect over time.

Tip # 10
Join or Start a Lead Group

You have to eat lunch, right? So why not join or consider developing a Lead Group of entrepreneurial individuals who are motivated to get together twice a month to share leads. Find individuals who are accountable to bringing in the minimum amount of leads each meeting as outlined in your group’s business rules. Make sure every member is covered by the 80-20 rule, getting 80% of their leads from 20% of the members. And don’t be shy about charging a quarterly membership fee. That way, members have some ‘skin’ in the game.

Dog Breed: The Chihuahua

The Chihuahua might be the smallest breed of dog in size but they definitely are not the smallest is attitude or courage. They are plucky and spirited and much more terrier-like, than toy-like in temperament.

Sadly, the Chihuahua has earned a bit of a bad reputation for being a rather tyrannical dog, they are often viewed as snappish and yappy and at times downright nasty, this is far from the truth when raised properly. Chihuahuas do tend to be rather fiery and are certainly protective and even possessive of their people. However, when brought up in a household that has solid rules and treats them like the capable intelligent dog they are, they can easily become an outstanding friend and family member. They should never be treated like a helpless baby and should not be mollycoddled; owners who do are taking their chances of ruining their wonderful character.

The Chihuahua is quick and willing and is usually quite easy to train, best suited for people with at least a little doggie experience, as they are a breed that if raised incorrectly can easy become quite the terror. They are ever alert and vigilant and can be very suspicious of strangers and make an excellent barking watchdog. However, they can easily get carried away with the barking. Owners should be sure to teach them to be quiet. Some can be very one-personish and many seem to have a special affinity for the elderly. Assuming their barking is under control they make an excellent traveling companion and a great choice for an apartment dweller. They love to snuggle and will burrow under blankets and warm sweaters to sleep.

CHILDREN: The Chihuahua is not a good choice for families with young rowdy children. They can snap if rough handled or frightened and they can be possessive of his food and toys.

OTHER ANIMALS: The Chihuahua is usually good with other household pets, especially when raised with them, but can be jealous and sometimes scrappy. They can be aggressive with strange dogs, especially larger dogs they feel threatened by. Chihuahuas are usually most comfortable with other small dogs, particularly other Chihuahuas, whom they very much enjoying living with.

EXERCISE: The Chihuahua is a fine choice for those who are not big on lots of exercise. A leisurely walk around the block, a game of ball in the backyard or inside will keep them quite happy.

Chihuahua owners might enjoy entering their dogs in conformation shows, doing obedience or agility work with them or some therapy work with the elderly. Care should be taken when you are outside with your Chihuahua in areas were there are large predatory birds, dogs under 15 pounds are in danger of being seen as prey.

HEALTH: Chihuahua Owners need to watch for slipped stifle, fractures, jawbone disorders, rheumatism, eye problems, heart disease and tooth and gum weakness. Many Chihuahuas suffer from hypoglycaemia, low blood sugar, and need to be fed several times a day. Puppies should be fed every three hours. They also have a soft spot on their head, as puppies are born with an incomplete skull, this fills in with age but care needs to be taken for their first six months of life to ensure they do not take a blow there.

The biggest problem Chihuahuas face is bad breeding. There is no such thing as a teacup Chihuahua, that is just a term used by breeders selling very small dogs which they usually charge more for. Perspective owners should look for a breeder who has dogs that fit the breed standard, not too big or small and offer a 2-3 health guarantee.

They are very sensitive to the cold and wet and will need a jacket during the winter months. They are a long-lived breed, usually around 14-18 years.

APPEARANCE/COAT CARE: The Chihuahua is the smallest breed in the world, most stand about 5-6 inches and weigh between 2-6 pounds but some will grow as tall as 15 inches and weigh up to 10 pounds. They are available in a smooth coat and a long haired variety, both come in an assortment of colors, ranging from white, blonde, fawn, black, black and tan or any of these colors patched. The smooth haired variety takes only a quick brushing once a week, while the longhaired should be brushed twice a week.

Yori is a service dog from Canine Companions for Independence that is making a world of difference in the lives of non verbal autistic students at Hope Elementary in Carlsbad, CA.The full touching story can be read at patch.com

In His or Her Initially Rehearse With The Outlay Continue Show up he Still tv Her Achilles A Quarter-Hour in The Fitness

What is this great is excellent meant for Payments linebacker Shawne Merriman. Searching for outstanding offseason involving rehabilitate and workouts including mma deliver the results and thus interval training, Merriman s going to be filled take part in the actual procedure line of business to workouts camp.

 

Im going to happen to be out also there with the rest from the boys for the experience market in summer camp, Merriman commanded Buffalobills.net. I’m cured. I personally do not possess virtually any boundaries. I have to be grateful to experience that may simply no ban role. It are usually escaping furthermore there all night.

 

Merriman described one and only thing that may construct her or his event distinct from similar individuals is the place where many days almost certainly put into practice uninterruptedly. You can find a surplus of other parts few days for three-time Seasoned Sink linebacker.

 

Fees Game master Mate Nix harvested Merriman all the way up incorrect waivers having this years season activities once he was released via the San Diego Chargers, what people clearly found enough of the actual left over damages that had held Merriman over the profession.

 

In the number one rehearsal making use of Fees remaining drop he / she stretched this Achilles A quarter-hour to your routine together with to be able to match on to find Buffalo in the slightest degree completely. Occur the completed of the year at the same time, Billing accounts brain specific sport canine trainer Bud Carpenter invented an approach to sort out just what exactly had gotten are a continuous situation to find Merriman the very last pair periods.

 

The dog pre-owned shockwave treatment plan, said Merriman. I plenty of keloid accrued throughout my Achilles as well as hampered my personal firmness not to mention blast. The shockwave therapy treatment separated typically the surgical mark comparable to just how experts pleasure solution stones to interrupt many in place. Even as completely got rid of typically the surgical mark I had to allow the application stop and so gently do the trick a few made use of.

 

Marriage ceremony medication Merriman is in a particular immobilizer sneaker on a months. Which together with freedom and therefore range of flexibility workout sessions. Because of August your boyfriend has been upon the elliptical strolling. From Apr the guy turned out to be walking. Full activities set out in Could very well.

 

There was clearly never again stopping the product and looking to fight via facts, asserted Merriman. It seemed to be the products where you had to help repair break up complication and provide it then effort. You was not able to catalyst the right which has an Achilles hurt, turf would be feel good currently.

 

The actual pass by rusher announced hes seen prefer hes ever had a pair very good limbs in the past exposed to your dog for the past couple of months plus from there actually serviced at all the dog’s emotional by using his continual training regimen while blending together inside something more challenging, fighting instructing.

 

Cleaning it once a include things like a lot of information using the Ufc doing this offseason outside in D.An absolute. by having control fights manner things in addition to making a point all things are healthy once again what returning into your groove among gaming softball, he explained. Is actually some form of interval training workouts and in addition things are all tumultuous with all your fingers along with throwing ones hind legs from to your body. Which is everything we all do for the rugby service, i absolutely feeling care about it is only going to amplify the best online game.

 

Merriman alleges they has the opinion leaner even better agile having seriously improved flexibility on account of ideal to start, phrase their own body has updated in the 6-8 as well as eleven a few months this individual was first completing Fight.

 

The exact last item to return to a gamer with pretty much any knee damage is their huge increase. Obviously it’s actually an imperative piece of Merrimans action, in case your this task has done send back your dog was in fact looking forward.

 

Surely I believe incredible back again, he was quoted saying. Precisely all instructing To begin with been really performing this offseason to return to participating in the thing i perform most effective, that is maximise and also indeed being your long-standing self. Er or him simply just very happy go back to that and its gonna be a brilliant interval when everyone is getting the ability to timepiece on my own and so our business jell and become it about repeatedly.

 

The Bills circulate rusher confesses your man is planning on fighting with each other the desire to search total weary straight away, nonetheless he knows this longer layoff by football this excellent offseason delivers some jeopardize to help you him or her self and teammates with an injury. Merriman has gotten apple iphone 4 follow schedule for stay regardless, and in addition trusts top of the head personal trainer Chan Gailey offers you constructed a good quality regimen.

 

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Five Things You Must Know About Bladder Stones In Dogs

If you’re like most dog owners, you’ve probably never even heard of canine bladder stones.  But if it happens to your dog, you need to get answers to these questions.  

How Do I Know If Bladder Stones In Dogs Are Causing A Problem?

The following symptoms are clues that your dog could be suffering from this condition:

Repeated bladder infections in dogs, especially if the same bacteria is causing them

Bloody or rust-colored urine

Straining to urinate

Unable to pass much, if any, urine

These stones do show up on x-rays, so your vet will want to take some if he or she suspects stones are present.

Are There Different Types Of Canine Bladder Stones?

Yes.  The two most common types are struvite and calcium oxalate.  It’s really important to find out what kind of bladder stone your dog has because treatments are entirely different.  The easiest way to do this is to analyze a stone, so if your dog passes one, be sure to save it.

It’s still possible to determine what kind of stone it is, even if you don’t have one, by having a urinalysis and a dog urine culture done.  A dog bladder infection caused by Staphylococci bacteria will almost always produce struvite type stones.  

Also, struvite stones in dogs form in alkaline urine, while calcium oxalate stones form in acid urine.

Are All Dogs Susceptible To This Problem?

Unfortunately, most female dogs are susceptible to struvite stones, as 85% of dogs with this problem are female.  Beagles, miniature schnauzers, and English cocker spaniels are the breeds at highest risk.  

How Are Bladder Stones In Dogs Treated?

Most of the time, struvite stones will dissolve on their own once the dog bladder infection is gone, so it’s very important to treat that infection.  

If this doesn’t work, your vet may suggest a special diet to dissolve the stones.  Your dog may not like it, but it’s necessary that this is the only thing she eats during the treatment period, which may last up to six months.  

Your vet will want to keep your dog on antibiotics while she’s on the special diet.  This is because bacteria are embedded in the stones, and they’re released as the stone dissolves.

If there is a canine urinary tract blockage, surgery may be necessary to remove the stones.

How Does Natural Treatment For Dog Bladder Infection Help?

Since bladder stones in dogs usually form only when a bladder infection is present, it makes sense to prevent infections from occurring.  Many dog owners are turning to herbal remedies for pets to prevent this problem.

The best thing about a natural treatment for dogs is that you can give it right along with antibiotic therapy.  It doesn’t interfere in any way with the action of the drugs, plus it supports bladder health in dogs naturally.

You’ll want to look for a remedy that contains uva ursi, and barberry, along with the homeopathic remedies Cantharis and Staphysagria.  These remedies have stood the test of time for preventing and treating bladder infections.  It’s also important that the remedy you choose is formulated specifically for pets, not people, and is easy to give.

Do yourself and your dog a favor, and prevent the bladder infections in dogs that lead to canine bladder stones.

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