Is owning a pet really beneficial to a family? Can pets teach children? Growing up, I was surrounded by animals: rabbits, chickens, a couple turkeys, multiple cats and dogs. (We didn't live in the city!) When I left for college, I missed my pets terribly. I had never lived in a place with no animals, and dorms don't make allowances for furry roommates! When I married my husband, I got pregnant right away, so there was no time to focus on a new pet. After several years of marriage a friend from church offered us free kittens. We got two - one for each child. My daughter named her fluffy cat Cinderella. My son named his grey tabby Luke Skywalker. And so it began... When my son turned ten, we decided to try a puppy. After much research, we settled on a brindle boxer, who we named Tucker. Our house has never been the same. Two years later when my daughter turned ten, we bought her a white boxer (Kiaya, who turned out to be deaf, but that is a whole other blog topic!) We've also … [Read more...]
Simple Steps to Stop Your Puppy from Chewing Your Furniture
Puppies are really cute, but they can also really destroy your house. And don't fool yourself into thinking they will just outgrow it - while it's said that puppies chew more than adult dogs, a puppy that is allowed to chew whatever it wants has the potential to become a problem chewer as an adult. Tips for keeping your furniture from being shredded by your latest addition to the family. 1. Give your puppy its own space. You can't remove all the furniture from your home, so you need to have a furniture-free area for your puppy. A crate is ideal, or a small room or gated-off area in the home. 2. Give your puppy lots of appropriate chew toys. After all, chewing is a natural need and should be satisfied. If your puppy is teething, you can put rubber-type toys in the refrigerator first to help soothe your puppy's gums. 3. Get your puppy interested in the toys by smearing a little peanut butter on them or some other tasty substance. You don't need much; just enough to attract the … [Read more...]
Simple Steps for Finding Lost Pets
It can be so heart-wrenching to find out your best furry friend is lost, and sometimes it's hard to think clearly about what to do. Lists with clear directives can help. Here are some simple steps you can take when you find out your pet is missing. 1. Remember the nooks and crannies Before you begin searching anywhere else, search your home thoroughly. It's amazing what some animals can get stuck in, from old freezers to boxes to cabinets. Look inside closets, under beds, and in any storage area that your pet could reach. Be very quiet and listen for scratching, meowing, whining, or other sounds. 2. The local animal shelter Check the website of your local animal shelter or humane association, pay them a visit, or call them. Someone may have brought your pet in. Leave your information with the shelter personnel, so they can call you if an animal matching your pet's description comes in. 3. Make flyers This time-honored means of creating awareness about a lost pet is still an … [Read more...]
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