Cat rescued pictures

Got yah little fella!

Cat rescued pictures

Looks like Ms. Ice Queen on the loose...

10 tips for saving money on your pets

Here's a short essay i saw on the internet. For any pet lovers out there this is a must read. This is written by By Margaret Buranen.

The joy of owning a pet may be priceless, but the cost of caring for one isn't cheap.

And in these hard economic times, when health care and grocery bills for human family members are sky-high, some pet owners are having trouble paying for their animals' needs.

"We're caring for more animals than ever," said Madison Carey, director of development at the Lexington Humane Society. "About 25 percent of the animals coming in now are due to the economy."

Area shelter directors and veterinarians and the American Kennel Club offer these tips for saving money on pet care.

Veterinary care

Every pet should have a yearly vet checkup. The cost pays off, for your pet will live longer. A problem the vet finds can be treated before it turns into a serious illness and a major expense.

Many vets give discounts if you bring in all of your pets on the same day. Be sure to ask about: alternative/less expensive treatments, generic drugs, free samples, and whether the vet can meet the price of an online pharmacy.

If your pet needs regular treatment such as subcutaneous fluids, ask the vet tech to teach you how to administer the treatment at home.

Also, take advantage of pet clinics, like free rabies shots, and look for coupons at the vet's office and pet stores for flea and tick preventives.

Ask your vet which vaccinations your pet can safely skip, but remember that vaccinations costs far less than treatment of distemper and other major animal diseases, which can be fatal.

Pet insurance

Look into health insurance for your pet, but read the policy carefully to be sure it would be a good deal, given your pet's age and health and that routine vet visits and treatments are included in the coverage.

Ask your vet for advice in selecting a plan.

Food

This second major expense of owning a pet is also one where spending in the short time saves more money in the long term. Feed your animal quality food that your veterinarian recommends. Higher quality pet food has better ingredients to help your pet stay healthy.

Get a frequent buyers or preferred shoppers card, such as Incredipet's Club Paws or PetSmart's, which give discounts or free food. Watch for sales at pet stores.

Feed your animal the appropriate food for its age and don't overfeed. If your pet has gained weight, ask your vet about switching to another type of food.

Larger bags of pet food usually offer the best savings. Try to buy when the brand is on sale or with a coupon.

Exercise and play

Overweight animals are more likely to develop diabetes, arthritis, heart trouble, cancer, and other health problems that are expensive to treat.

Spay or neuter your pet

The Lexington Humane Society has a low-cost program. Animals who are spayed or neutered live longer, avoid certain cancers, and the pet owner doesn't have the expense of caring for a litter.

Keep your petconfined to home

Dogs who stay inside or in fenced yards and cats who stay inside are far less likely to be hit by a car or attacked by another animal, which can lead to lengthy, expensive treatment and even surgery.

Groom your pet

Mouth infections can spread and infected teeth or gum disease costs more to treat than preventive care. If your pet won't let you use a child's toothbrush, get a finger glove brush. Ask the vet tech to show you how to do this.

Also, save money by bathing your pet and trimming its nails yourself.

Make your ownpet toys and treats

Empty tubes from food wrap and no-longer-lively tennis balls are good free toys. Instead of buying two colorful balls for $4 to $5, buy a package of six ping-pong balls for $3.

You can find recipes online for baking healthy biscuits and other pet treats. Carrots, broccoli, or apple chunks also make healthy, inexpensive treats.

Shop at garage sales

Look for pet carriers, scratching posts, bowls and other items at garage sales and thrift shops.

Buy in bulk

Calculate the savings per item or per ounce in buying cat litter and other supplies in large sizes. Look online for bargains given for bulk buys. Use coupons when possible.

Cat rescued pictures

How many pets allowed in homes?

How many pets do you think should be allowed in homes?

The number of animals allowed in homes differs in every county, town or individual homeowners' association.

Though there are many governing bodies that has ordinances addressing the number of domestic animals - dogs, cats and other pets - a person may own, for you how many pets should be allowed for every home? and Why?

Some counties, like Lake County, allow homeowners in unincorporated areas who live on between half and one acre of land up to four cats and four dogs. In Palatine, three animals are allowed. Other communities set the limit at two pets per home.

But while numbers vary, most officials agree some restrictions are needed for the health of the animals and humans.

Komondor dog

The Komondor dog or Komondorok is a livestock guardian dog breed that originally came from Hungary.

Females Komondor measures 27 in/69 cm at the withers while the male Komondorok measures 27 inches at the withers but many are over 30 inches tall which makes the Komondor dog one of the larger common breeds of dog. People who are unfamiliar with the breed are often surprised by how quick and agile the Komondor dogs.

The Komondor dogs has long, thick, uniquely and strikingly corded white coat. the Komondor dogs has the heaviest amount of fur in the canine world that looks like dreadlocks or a mop. The puppy coat is soft and fluffy. However, the coat is wavy and tends to curls as the puppy matures. The dreadlock looking coat is formed naturally from the soft undercoat and the coarser outer coat combining to form tassels, or cords. These cords are formed naturally as a result of the soft, wavy undercoat intertwining with the coarser outer coat. The length of the cords increases with time, as the coat grows. Shedding is very minimal with this breed, contrary to what people might think. Heavy shedding only occurs when this breed is in puppy stage. The Komondor is born only with a white coat, unlike the similar-looking Puli, which is usually white or black, or sometimes grayish. However, a working Komondor’s coat may be discolored by the elements, and may appear off-white if not washed regularly.

Komondor temperament is calm and steady when things are normal just like the other livestock guarding dogs. But in case of trouble the dog will leap to defend its territory. Komondor was bred to think for itself and many people find it very intelligent as well as extremely affectionate with its family and friends and gentle with the children of the family. They are wary of strangers but will accept them when it is clear that no harm is meant. It is very protective of its family, home and possessions. They Komondor will instinctively guard his family, home and possessions without even any training. The Komondor dog breed has great speed and power and will leap toward a predator to drive it away or to knock it down. The Komomndor can be used successfully to guard sheep from wolves or other predators.

Because of the Komondor’s size, power, and speed, its owner must have it under control. Obedience training is highly advised specially at at early age around 4 - 8 months. Komondorok are usually intelligent and take well to training if started early. Komondorok become obstinate when bored, so it is imperative that training sessions be upbeat and happy. Praise is a must, as are consistent and humane corrections and make sure that any unfriendly or hostile behavior will not be tolerated because it will always think such behavior is appropriate. Therefore, consistent corrections even with a young puppy are necessary to ensure a well-adjusted adult Komondor. Socialization is also extremely important. This dog breed should be exposed to new situations, people and other dogs as a puppy. Because it is a natural guard dog, a Komondor that is not properly socialized may react in an excessively aggressive manner when confronted with a new situation or person.

Given the proper environment and care, a Komondor can become a very responsible and loving dog. They are devoted and calm without being sluggish. As in any breed, there is quite a range of personalities, so your needs should be outlined clearly to your breeder. Your experienced breeder can help you identify personalities that will be suited to be an independent livestock dog or one which can be a good obedience dog or family pet. Adolescence can be marked by changes in a Komondor’s temperament, eating habits, trainability and general attitude.

Komondorok do not suffer many heredity problems. Perhaps because the breed has descended from centuries of hardy working stock, Komondorok have few genetically linked problems. Like retinal eye problems found in other breeds, nor is there dwarfism or hereditary blood disorders.

Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz dog is small and completely white breed of dog. This breed is thought to have been bred from the Siberian Samoyed for smallness beginning in the late 19th century in Japan. The Japanese Spitz dog breed were introduced to the United States in the 1950s. It is very similar to the American Eskimo Dog and German Spitz in size, overall appearance, and temperament.

A typical Japanese Spitz usually weigh around 15 to 20 lb (7-9 kg), fully grown, and stand 11 to 13 inches (30 cm with a tolerance of 3cm either way) off of the ground at the withers. They have a thick under-layer coat that is always pure white. The tail of a Japanese Spitz is covered with long hair and is carried curled over the back. The coat is short on the bottom half of the legs and feathering on the forelegs.

Grooming a Japanese Spitz is actually easier than what new owners may think. Many new pet owners concerned about the white fur coat of Japanese Spitz because it looks hard to look after but actually when they get muddy once the mud dries it will just flick off leaving the coat looking as good as new again. This breed have small and pointed upright ears and the muzzle tapers slightly. Another notable feature of this breed are the large oval eyes are dark and slightly slanted, and the nose and lips are black. The face of the Japanese Spitz is wedge-shaped.

The Japanese Spitz is intelligent, playful, alert, and obedient. They make good watchdogs, and they’re fairly easy to train as long as the owner is consistent. They’re quick learners. They’re excellent with children and have the patience for toddlers. They are able to easily get along with other dogs and pets. Proud, affectionate, and very protective of their masters, most Japanese Spitz are suspicious of strangers and will not hesitate to bark at new people until they get to know them.

Japanese Spitz typically live from 10 to 12 years if well cared for; in rare cases they might live as long as 16 years. Find a good breeder, otherwise they can be born with diseases or abnormalities. Before buying a Japanese Spitz try to find out when the last litter of pups were

10 Animals Facing Extinction by TIME

The TIME cited 10 animals that are currently facing extinction If we dont do something to stop their diminishing numbers.

Greater Bamboo Lemur
Found only in a small area of southeastern Madagascar, the greater bamboo lemur eats not only bamboo shoots — despite the cyanide found in the plant. The most endangered lemur in Madagascar, less than 200 are believed to still exist.

Celebes Crested Macaque
This black macaque is found only in northwestern parts of Indonesia, mostly on the island of Sulawesi — also known as Celebes. It is often hunted as a pest — it can devastate farms — and for bushmeat.

Lowland Gorilla
Found in central Africa, the lowland gorilla has been all but wiped out in recent years, thanks to widespread hunting — the meat is an expensive delicacy — and disease, including from the Ebola virus. Rapid deforestation is also destroying their habitat.

Madagascar Fish Eagle
Madagascar is known as the hottest hotspot, both because of its rich biodiversity, and because deforestation and other threats are destroying wildlife on the island. The Fish Eagle, found in highly limited numbers along the west coast, is no exception.

Vancouver Island Marmot
The rodent is one of the most endangered mammals in North America, with less than 40 individuals found in an area less than 10 sq. km. Logging is most likely the cause of its diminishing numbers.

Black Rhino
The population of the black rhino declined by 90% over the last six decades, thanks chiefly to poaching. But since the mid 1990s — when fewer than 3,000 of the African rhino existed — the population has increased steadily, and now there are over 4,000

Iberian Lynx
Believed to be the most endangered mammal in Europe, the Iberian lynx, found mostly in Spain, has fewer than 150 individuals in the wild. It's dying out because its main source of food — a rabbit — is also declining rapidly.

Mindoro Dwarf Water Buffalo
Found on the Philippine island of Mindoro, the dwarf water buffalo was once widespread, but now is found in less than 300 sq. km. The chief threat is expanding farmland, which is cutting into the water buffalo's habitat.

Baiji Dolphin
Also known as the Yangtze dolphin, and found in the river in China, the Baiji is the most endangered cetacean in the world. It may already be extinct.

Siberian Crane
The gorgeous bird breeds in arctic Russia and western Siberia, but thanks to severe wetland loss, it is declining rapidly.

source: TIME

So... what was the last thing that you did to help Mother Nature?

Technology helping pet lovers to become better pet owners

It's amazing what technology can do nowadays. More and more pet lovers today are looking for ways on how they can make their responsibilities easier and to have more quality time with their pets. With the help of technology they find ways to do achieve this. Here's a good article from cbc.ca that shows how technology is slowly helping other pet lovers and revolutionize how we take care of our pets.

It's no secret that we are all way too busy. We commute an hour or more to work, get home late and barely have time to eat dinner before the 11 o'clock news starts. Little wonder, then, that we simply do not have the time to refill Sparky's water dish or change Mrs. Kitty's litter box.

To deal with growing time pressures, pet owners are increasingly seeking out gadgets and other technologies to ease the burden of their pet-related chores. As Julia Hsueh, owner of San Francisco's Furry Tales pet store says, why clean out litter boxes if you don't have to?

Pet owners, however, aren't looking to hire a robotic maid or adopt mechanical playmates like Pleo or Sony's line of mechanical Aibo dogs. They're looking for practical solutions: automatic feeders and water fountains, indoor potty surfaces, self-cleaning litter boxes and warming pads. Owners are also picking up battery-operated toys for entertaining their furry friends when they're away from home.

"People like the companionship [of pets], but they don't have the time or want to take the responsibility for taking care of them," says Hsueh. And owners are always looking to ease their chore-wheel burden. "Let the machines do the dirty work so you can just have fun with your dog," is the owners' mantra, Hsueh says.

In the U.S., you can find a pet in 71 million homes, according to data from the American Pet Products Association. Between dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, fish and everything in between, Americans own a combined 382 million pets, and owners spent $41 billion US on their charges in 2007. Almost $10 billion of that was spent on supplies and over-the-counter medicines alone.

John Simmons, publisher of Pets magazine, says people are getting interested in pet tech as part of a general growing interest in their pets and a desire to take good care of them. "More and more, they are a household member [rather] than just a pet," he says.
Play safe

Beyond convenience devices like "bark collars," which use everything from shocks to squirts of water to teach a dog to stop barking, owners are using technology to ensure their pets' safety.

Invisible fences and microchipping have been around for years, but both products are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Simmons says. Owners are also equipping pets with devices that will alert them to pets dipping into the family pool, for example. Some even treat their pets as surrogate children and have resorted to spying on their animals during the day with webcams to make sure they're safe and happy.

You can always turn to social networks to set up play dates for your pet with other pets. Dogster and Catster, sites that started out as a way to share photos of beloved animal companions, are now repositories of information on everything from grooming to finding veterinarians in foreign countries.

Now nearing a combined 1 million members, the sites have even become places to plan real-world meet-ups. On Dogster, about 100 West Thailand Terriers united recently in South Carolina — with some pets and owners traveling from as far as six states away.

Indeed, pets are no longer creatures you just keep in the backyard and rarely see.

"It used to be [that] the dog was kind of around and someone would often forget to feed it," says Dogster chief executive Ted Rheingold. "Now they have a family-member relationship. When you make plans, you are thinking about what you're going to do about Sparky."

And that's where technology can step in and lend a helping hand.

source: www.cbc.ca

pet jokes

Something to make you laugh today...

How to Prevent Feline Heartworm Disease

Heartworms looks like a long threadlike worms that usually live in your dog's hearts . There are many people that do not know that heartworms can also affect the pet health of our feline friends as well. Heartworms can be transmitted by mosquitoes and once your pet is bitten the worms take around four months to reach the heart. Once there, the heartworms can grow up to a foot long. Your cats can have a very severe reaction to the heartworms which can usually cause coughing, trouble breathing, and lethargy. For some time now, vets have only thought that only dogs could get heartworms but a few years ago, a study was done on cats that died suddenly. Thet have found out that a large majority of them have heartworms. It usually takes about two years in dogs to show symptoms when they have heartworms but cats tend to die without ever having any symptoms at all. According to the study, one third of all cats under the study that has heartworms were found in indoor only cats. This just to show that indoor cats are not immune to the disease.

Another thing that makes heartworm disease in cats difficult is the difficulty in testing. There are a lot of pet owners are very frustrated by this disease because of it can be really hard to detect and also the lack of definitive testing. Currently there are two blood tests that doctors use to help in diagnosing the this kind of disease. Antibody tests look for antibodies for heartworms that their immune system produces when heartworms are present in your pet's body. The problem with this kind of test is that the heartworm infection does not have to be current to be positive, your pet could have had heartworms years in the past. Antigen tests are the main ones used to test dogs for heartworms. The antigen tests detect female worms in the body.

Since it only takes one or very few worms to cause problems cats can have infections with only male worms. That means if cats only have male worms it will test negative on an antigen test. The only effective test that can confirm heartworms if the antigen test is negative is an ultrasound.The final frustration with feline heartworm disease is that it is so difficult to treat. Currently there are no medications used to kill adult heartworms infestations. Medications that are currently available are designed to lessen the symptoms of the heartworm disease as well as medications that improve breathing. But it does nothing to rid the cat of heartworms and improve pet health. In dogs heartworms can live for over seven years, but since cats are not the primary hosts they only live about two years.

Since diagnosis is so hard, and the heartworm disease is so severe, prevention is the best key with feline heartworms. This is the ultimate answer with feline heartworms, if your pets do not get it, you do not have to worry about the disease. There are a lot of preventatives out there for heartworms. There are also products that can be found at your local store that can prevent heartworms and treat hookworms and roundworms. The disadvantage to these products is that it is a chewable, which can be very difficult to administer to our feline friends. There are also topical medications available which cab prevent heartworms, treat hookworms, roundworms, fleas, earmites, and the mange. This is a great product that really fully protects our kitties. So remember prevention is still very important even for your pets so they wont get heartworms.

Plan ahead to ease problems while traveling with pets

As Gustav threatened many families, many people found themselves starting to turn their vehicles into a smaller version of Noah's Ark. I am sure that many pet owners are wondering how the heck Noah got all those animals to calmly board the ship when the time came to evacuate and how could he stand all those noise and smell of those animals as well as the misery of taking care of those animals. Im sure one of you pet owners out there have experienced pets reacting badly to long rides or travels especially if your pets are not used to travel often but this kind of problem can be avoided and traveling with your pets can be made easier for everyone.

If you want to travel with your pets you should always keep in mind to use a carrier. Terrified pets will try to shelter under your brake pedal if they can and this can lead to accidents and other situations you dont want your self to get involved. You should also discuss pet sedatives with your vet well in advance specially if your pets can get easily stressed to the point of becoming ill or incontinent in the car.

You can also line your pet's carriers with changing pads or newspapers to make it easy to clean when you reach rest stops. Also a hamster-style water bottles will make giving water to your pets reduces the mess. Food and water should also be limited to prevent any poop accidents. It also makes your pets feel safe when you cover the outside of the pet carrier with a sheet and giving them a toy while traveling can give them additional distraction. The soothing pheromone sprays, is one effective advice I can give if you have unhappy cat traveling with you. This is available at any pet shops and some are a little bit pricey but many owners report excellent results when using it specially traveling with their pets.

Remember to always plan ahead when you are traveling because this can help you and your pets to ease any problem that might come along the way.