Dog’s Den Made by Man
All of our dogs have the natural instinct of creating a dog den of their own. So how do you make a dog’s den that will become their place of safety? Their mothers taught them not to soil their den; therefore, pet crates are wonderful in training your new puppy. There are different styles made of fabric, some are metal and resembles a dog kennel. Personally the fabric 
crate appears a little more cozier than the other, but covering the metal crate would appear more peaceful. The first time you introduce your puppy to their new crate, give them a treat. It is doggies nature to associate treats for different situations. However, never put your pet in the crate as punishment because they have not pleased you. If you try this tactic, you will never succeed in training your dog to go into their personal den for whatever reason. They should learn to associate their new den on the positive side, then sleeping and relaxing will become natural to them. Dogs of all breeds should be trained with the thought in mind, that this is a necessary method to house break your new pet. The first few nights may be a challenge because your dog will be scared and feel abandoned, but let them fuss and cry if they must, in order to teach them that their crate is their personal haven. Try not to give in to their unhappiness, they will overcome their fear.
It is amazing how intelligent these wonderful animals are, and they will adjust to your leading them, and teaching them how to be obedient. This 
will be rewarding for you, and for them to accept responsibility to their pet parents’ commands. Dog crates are handy for them to feel safe and out of danger when holidays come along with visitors, and loud noises that are out of the ordinary. They will feel comfortable in their own surroundings during times of turmoil. Be Happy!
Give Your Dog a Break — Raise Their Food Bowl Up from the Floor
Dogs that are aging will suffer joint pain that will cause discomfort in getting up and down. Arthritis will start to set in causing pet joint pain and if your 
dog is overweight, will cause even worse discomfort for them in their ability in moving around. Your dog should have visits to their veterinarian at least once a year. Large dogs start to slow down with noticeable change in their behavior as they age. Joint pain affects some smaller breeds if aging starts to progress rapidly. This may not always be the case, but it is certainly important in maintaining their health as best as you possibly can. They are part of your family and no one wants to experience conditions that take away some of their mobility. Dog’s joints deteriorate just like humans, and comfort is necessary to reduce pressure by having a soft orthopedic bed for them to sleep on. Raising their food bowl and water bowl up from the floor, relieves the pressure in having to stoop down to the floor to eat and drink.
Seasons change and when cold weather starts in early fall, try to maintain your walks with your dog. Understanding that they are getting old, does not 
mean exercise should stop. Walking helps to reduce stress on their joints, but be aware of when they become tired and start slowing down in their stride. Cold weather is hard on dogs with having pet joint pain, and you, as their pet parent will be particular in what they are allowed to do. Swimming is excellent if there is some place available for your dog to swim. This is wonderful on their joints and relieves a good deal of their pain as they exercise. Your dog will love you even more for being considerate in taking care of them. Be Happy!
Your Dog Has Taught You That Life Is Joyful, How Can That Be?
Pet parents have given their dogs a life to be shared and loved by others who understand what it is like having a dog as a pet. They are part of your family and will remain so, until death. A wonderful article several years ago about the death of a dog, included a statement from a very youny boy about how he felt in witnessing his old faithful dog pass away from a fatal illness.
It seems as though the family were discussing the dog’s demise, explaining why such things have to happen. The boy’s parents were trying to console him with their thoughts when the young boy said he knew why. When “humans are put on this earth they learn how to live good lives, be good to their friends, love everyone, and always be nice and polite to each other. Well dogs don’t have to stay around for a very long time, because they 
already know how to do that.” Love one another, use kind words when speaking, live a simple life, and love with generosity. Pet parents spend a lot of time taking care of their pets, and if they are old and somewhat crippled, provide a dog ramp for them to be able to get into their vehicle, making sure they are safe, and provide a good life for them. Dogs return the favor back to their pet families, tenfold.
- If there is something that lays buried, dig until you find it.
That shows the secret of being successful, being persistence.
- Don’t shrug away when someone wants to touch you.
They just want to be close.
- Always, run to the door when someone you love comes home for the day.
This displays love and caring.
- Having a bad day, stay close, nuzzle against them and be silent.
Two things we should all remember - who struck them when they were down, and who helped them on their way back up.
- Napping is good.
Stressful lives and understanding when to limit yourself getting up and down. If nothing else, take a break and usually your disposition will be lifted.
- Go for a joy ride.
Have you ever laid down on your back, and felt the grass under your body?
- Take long walks.
Besides getting your exercise, you are breathing fresh air for extra energy that perhaps you did not have before.
- Loyal toward your fellow man.
Loyalty is one of the finest qualities that a human being can possess.
- Play and run as much as you can.
These things offer a peaceful and calm attitude that everyone needs one time or another.
- Growl, do not bite.
Always keep your temper under control if possible, but if you are not up to par, let people know.
Be Happy!
Step Aside Doggie, It Is Time for Kitty Cat
Let us face it, cats are quite different from dogs, but are still great pets to have, even though I have never had one. Only barn cats years ago. Cats are soft and cuddly and mainly stay to themselves, except at din-din time. At least this is what I was told. Like all pets, they like the comfort and warmth of your home, and can be an asset at times, especially if you have a mouse in the house. Cats do need to stay healthy so visits to the veterinarian are necessary. If for some reason the vet prescribes medication for your cat, 
you need to go right out and buy a book on how to give the medication, without having to go through animal abuse reported by your neighbor. When your cat is a kitten, train them to go into a container, this is what cat carriers are for, so when the time comes, you will not have to go through a war zone chasing your beloved all over the house, trying to get them into the carrier. Once accepted by your cat, these containers are great for moving your cat around or taking them places to be with you.
However, back to administering the medication, I read a hilarious article about doing just that. The article said to crawl on your hands and knees toward your cat, placing your ankles together or crossing them, to give your cat a snuggling place to back up into for a secure fit. I would think that a towel between your legs would prevent your cat from scratching the tar out of you, but that is just my thought. Restrain their front legs, put your chin on the top of their head, placing your thumb and finger towards the back of 
your cat’s mouth where there are no teeth, and popping the pill in and holding their mouth shut. I can almost picture this procedure, but reading about it, I just about died out laughing. Don’t think I would want to go through all that commotion, its bad enough trying to give my own dog a pill. Be Happy!
Pet Gates Offer Safety and Less Abandonment for Your Pet
All pets need their exercise whether you have a fenced yard for them to wander around and play, or moving around within the comfort of your home, is healthy for your dog. Exercise is a continuing effort in maintaining the strength of their muscles and joints to avoid your dog to lie around all of the time. Your dog may have their own kennel, or crate to stay in when their pet parent is busy and needs to keep their dog in confinement for a while. This is most probably a place for them to relax and enjoy their moments alone, which are okay, but remember that confinement is only temporary. There may be a baby or a small child that your dog should stay away from when they are playing, or crawling on the floor. That is their time, not your dogs. You may just want some quiet time for yourself, or houseguests are coming for dinner. You do not want your dog bothering them at the dinner table, or even just a visit from friends can be annoying 
with some dogs. If your dog is large, this is usually a bigger problem, especially if they are not obedient. Therefore, what do you do in these situations?
Install a pet gate that will train your dog to areas where they can move around and still not feel abandoned. Installation is easy and can be portable or stationary, that would be the pet parent’s decision as to the location. Depending on the size of your dog will help in choosing the correct height. The opening that you want to install the pet safety gaate will determine what design that would fit you and your pets needs. There are pet gates that can be installed that require hardware for 
mounting, or gates that are pressure mounted. If you have a stairway that you want to keep your dog confined to upstairs, never use the pressure mounted gate. These are very dangerous for your pet and they can push through the gate causing injury. Indoor dog gates are great to have for safety and sanitation within your home. Be Happy!
If You Are In a Pinch, Consider Pet Sitters - Part 1
If a pet parent has no one to care for their pet while they are away, make sure you research local companies that offer Pet Sitters. You would want to 
make sure that the person chosen to care for your dog, will have had a Criminal Records Bureau checked, and is insured before making any decision. References should be available by the pet sitter for you to contact other clients that have used this service. Professionals may charge more, but in the end, you will have peace of mind in knowing you did the right thing. Do not wait until the last minute in making a choice because you will want to invite your preference to your home, and introduce your pet to their possible selected pet sitter. Meeting people in person and having conversations with them toward what their responsibilities would be in caring for your pet, tells a lot about a person’s personality.
Is your pet friendly toward them and seems happy with their presence, or are they a little scared to be touched, and show signs of rejection. This is very important in knowing how your dog’s acceptance is toward someone who will be taking your place temporarily. If you feel comfortable in your decision, then show them around your home and where supplies are, then explain what is expected of them in your absence. 
The main thing that must be understood, is not to walk your dog without their pet safety harness. Your dog may may not feel comfortable and want to get away. After you have decided on a pet sitter, have them practice in walking your pet. If you are having problems in finding the right person to do the job, talk to your veterinarian and perhaps they may have a suggestion. There may be several interviews before deciding whom you choose, but be patient and careful. You will not be sorry. Be Happy!
If You Are In a Pinch, Consider Pet Sitters
If you are planning a trip, will you take your pet with you? Going on a vacation sometimes does not warrant taking them along. If it is a 
business trip, you would not take your pet with you anyway, but vacations or visiting friends and relatives, may be different. There are several choices you can make remembering the welfare of your dog. If you decide to drive or fly will help you make up your mind to the correct decision. Another thing to keep in mind is if you really want to take your them along with you, then certain preparations will need to be made. Another thought is a pet sitter, or will you have a friend or neighbor watch over them for you in your absence? Will this be the first time you have taken your pet to a kennel, or left them with someone else? Separation from one another is sometime difficult, and may be hard on them. The perfect solution would be having someone you trust to stay and take care of them in your home.
I have personally had an experience several times visiting relatives out of town, and had a woman that sat with pets in addition to her regular job. She was not what you would call a professional pet sitter, but she was certainly good at what she did. After leaving her job at the end of the workday, she would come to my home, feed my dog, take him out for walks, and if there were medications that were necessary, she would do that too. She stayed overnight every day that I was gone, and only asked for a few items to be available in the refrigerator for her. She took care of my plants and did other things that were necessary to maintain an uninterrupted household. 
Before leaving my home to go to work, she made sure my dog was in his dog kennel. If you decide to call upon a family member, a friend, or a neighbor, insist on paying them for their help. They may not want to accept any monetary offer, but usually people do much better jobs if they are paid. (See Part 1 for more into)
Be Happy!
Hilda the Iraqi Mutt
An Iraqi mutt given the name Hilda was cared for by a Colorado Army National Guard soldier, roaming through an American Camp 70 miles of 
Baghdad. A dog don’t have to be a pure bred to charm an individual fighting for our country, just a mutt who took a liking to one soldier, who in turn loved her back and treated her with respect. The soldier is not due back in the US until sometime after the beginning of spring, and wanted to see if there was a way to send Hilda back to his Mother in the US. There is an organization called Operation Baghdad Pups, operated by SPCA International that helped to transport the dog to the soldier’s Mother who resides in Colorado. Transporting the dog was probably not a pet airline, but that is okay, I am sure she was still safe. Just image how scared this poor dog was, arriving in an area far from the conditions the dog had been accustomed to. Unfortunately after the dog arrived to her new home, she was able to get out of her collar and leash, and ran off. The poor Mother was heartbroken because of the severity of what could become of the runaway pet. The only peace offering if someone found Hilda was to perhaps entice her with cheese, mocha, Pop-Tarts or muffins.
After almost 5 days, searching for her son’s pet, the mother found Hilda safe and most probably ready to go back to her new home. She had wandered off several miles away, and a chance of being hit by an automobile was a 
serious concern. Hilda had wandered off close to a four lane state highway that could have ended in tragedy. All of the Denver area population that heard about the runaway dog on the local TV and newspaper, was elated in hearing of her recovery. The picture of the dog in the paper today was adorable, but sad looking, maybe, just maybe, she will accept her new surrounding, and turn out to be a good dog to be proud of. Be Happy!
Have You Seen a Dog Play in Their Wheelchair?
We all will age; some of us become disabled, and need assistance and will not apply only to humans, but to dogs as well. When thinking about wheelchairs for dogs, there are probably not many pet parents that consider this 
alternative in realizing there is something out there that will help their pet. Accidents may have happened, and caused paralysis, neurological diseases and sadly enough, amputation. Spinal cord problems or hip dysplasia causes most disabilities in dogs, but a dog wheelchair will help them to regain their mobility and lead healthy lives, that otherwise would not be possible without a wheelchair. It is a very sad moment in learning that your dog has lost mobility in ways that affect their movements, and takes away their freedom where they can no longer walk by themselves. Euthanasia was the only alternative there was back before dog wheelchairs were available. Dogs that have lost them mobility can no longer partake in their pet family’s activities and not being able to do the things they were accustomed to, may become depressed. Having a dog wheelchair will allow the pet parent and their dog, to continue to play and run. They are man’s best friend and loyal to their owner for the rest of their lives.
Customized dog wheelchairs can be a perfect fit for your dogs needs, and provides a maximum amount of comfort and support. There are all sizes for every breed of dog, from the largest to the tiniest. Wheelchairs are designed to support the back or front limbs, but can be more intricate if support is required for all four limbs, and is adaptable to the gender of your dog. A 
dog wheelchair should be the last resort if physical therapy and rehab have been exhausted. If your veterinarian feels that there may be a chance of recuperation, help your dog to recover as much as possible. If there may be a chance of recovery and you do not try it, putting them into a dog wheelchair may become a dependency that cannot be reversed. Be Happy!
Does Your Dogs Eyes Tear?
Some dogs have a problem with their eyes tearing and can be a problem in keeping them clean. It seems as though light colored dogs have this 
problem more than others do, and the discoloration sometimes has an offensive odor. Take your dog to their veterinarian for a checkup just to make sure there are no infections, or may have extra eyelashes that could cause the problem. These conditions are usually controllable, but other problems may be harder to overcome. Many dogs have allergies, fleas and mites and this could be the problem. There drinking water may contain a high mineral content, and their diet may create tearing. It could also be their genetic predisposition, which would be difficult in curing. Some diets can become a problem if you feed canned dog food all the time. They need more nutrition in their diets that do not contain high levels of salt, preservatives, chemicals, and sugar. None of these provides a healthy diet for your pet. High quality dog food should be alternated between the canned dog food in providing more nutrients and may be a bit more expensive. However, in the long run, feeding a well balanced diet may deter medical problems causing expensive medical bills. Pet health information is advisable before a serious condition occurs.
If you are raising your dog in rural areas where water is provide by using well water, this could cause problems because of the various minerals that 
are involved. Bottled water or distilled water has become popular in solving tear staining. Have you ever heard of adding a small amount of vinegar to your dog’s water dish? Until they are accustomed to the taste, a little more can be added, but you know what, I think I would rather buy bottled water then to take a chance on using vinegar even though it has been suggested that the PH is changed by using this method. You be the judge. Be Happy!