so, you want a pet, eh…?

Marine Canine

This is a very touching video about a soldier and his dog.

I have always been told the problem with picking out a cat is you don’t pick out a cat.  They pick you.  For the fun of it… let’s say you have a bit of a choice.  Here are a few of the most popular pets…

The Bombay is a beautiful, solid jet black cat with golden eyes.  It was first bred in 1958 to mimic the wild black panther.  They are a very affection cat and love attention.  They can be very dominate around other cats and they tend to get along with dogs better than any other cat breed.  They have also been known to play fetch.

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The Singapura is the smallest cat.  They weigh between five to eight pounds.  Because of their extremely short hair they need very little grooming.  They are very affection and playful.

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Ragdolls are a very popular breed because they are laid back and generally relaxed.  They will run to the door and greet you as you come home and continue to follow you from room to room of your home.  They are a larger breed with very long hair that will require regular grooming.  They are known to be good with children because they can play without extending their claws as other breeds do.

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Egyptian Maus are becoming more popular because of the ability to breed them to look like tiny leopards.  It has the distinction of being the only naturally spotted cat.  It is a moderately active cat.

Purina Animal Videos

Ever look at small dogs and think they would be great for small houses or apartments?  Or look at a huge dog and think they would be best on a farm?  Here’s where the ‘exception’ rule applies.  Look at the Jack Russell and Bullmastiff.

A Jack Russell is 10-15 inches tall and weighs 14-18 pounds.  It is an extremely hyper dog.  It needs ample space to run and let off bent up energy and can be quite noisy.  In fact, a bit too barky for an apartment complex.  They can work in an apartment situation as long as exercise is given freely but Jack Russells are happiest on farm lands.

The Bullmastiff is 25-27 inches tall and weighs 110-133 pounds.  All his size and glory would be very happy snuggled next to you on a very sturdy couch in a small place.  Mastiffs in general are not a very active breed.  They are essentially…. big babies.  It may seem strange to load this big guy up into an apartment, but as long as exercise is given, a Bullmastiff as a roomie shouldn’t be a problem.

Of course, always check with animal codes for where ever you are living to make sure pets are allowed and which types.

Check out these short little videos for the Jack Russell and the Bullmastiff.

There are 157 breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club and at least 22 breeds listed as rare or other.  The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognizes 41 breeds of cats while the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance recognizes 73 breeds.  There are five popular breeds of hamster but over 20 actually documented.  We know of more than 25,000 species of fish and nearly 3,000 types of snakes.  This group is just a handful compared to the number of animals other people turn into pets.

My point?  How do you pick a pet out of these guys?

When looking for a pet, consider your living conditions and personal habits.  Do you have an apartment?  A house?  House and small yard or house and big yard?  Do you live in the country with land?  Are you a couch potato, occasional walker or a major hiking buff?

All of these questions are very important when considering any kind of pet.  Research and stories from others are the best ways to get information on possible pets.

You can start at two different ends when looking for a pet.  Let’s say you want a dog.  You can start out by taking various online quizzes designed to pair you with the best possible breed based on answers.  Some are silly and some seem legit.  Or, you can start with researching a breed you already like.

However you start looking for your upcoming pet, it needs to end about the same — with deep love for whatever critter you bring home.  Depending on the pet, you could be making a five to 20 year commitment.

Good luck but let me know if you would like a little help.  Several pets later, I should be good at this!!

I don’t know about you guys, but my Monty goes crazy at Halloween time.  So many people coming to the door, so many children ringing the door bell and so much candy to sneak off the tiny table in the front room.  And the big dobbie Lycan just wants everyone to pet him.

According to the Humane Society, Halloween can be a nightmare for pets… pun totally intended.

Here are a few ways to avoid stressing out your pets.

– Try to keep your pets safely indoors, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities.

– Make sure that all of your pets are wearing tags with current ID. Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters creates plenty of escape opportunities.  Petsmart and Petco both have these neat little tags you can buy for your pet’s collar.  There is a 1.800 number and a website you can register with.  People go online and enter the tag id number and they can get contact info for you.  You can also go on the site and post your pet is missing.

– Keep candy out of your pets’ reach. Chocolate and other ingredients can be toxic to them.  Even if it’s not deadly, it can still make them sick to their stomachs… not pleasant for pet or human.

– Most pets are happiest wearing nothing but their birthday suit. Costumes and masks can make your pets uncomfortable or even cause injury.  Pets are really good at giving ”go to hell” looks when you dress them up.

– Decorations can be dangerous, so be sure to keep them safely away from pets. Candle flames can set fire to a pet’s fur. Hanging or dangling decorations can be an entanglement or choking hazard to some animals.

– Use fake cobwebs sparingly, if at all. Pets can choke on fake cobwebs set up indoors. Outdoors, fake webs may be a hazard to birds and wildlife.  These things are also impossible to clean up completely.

– When going out trick-or-treating, leave your dog at home. Dogs can be easily excited by the Halloween commotion, and a dog bite or lost dog will quickly end the evening’s fun.  Constantly having to worry about whether or not your pet will get really excited and run away or even bite someone is a major joy kill.

And also watch out for the typical night critters, like raccoons.  They are out looking for food, too.  They could get curious and run to you for a hand out.

We are leaving the murder of the Texas summer heat but we aren’t in the cool yet.  If you are going to be bringing your pets along on any kind of excursion or even just leaving them in the back yard for some time, there are some guidelines one needs to follow.

Little Buddies rely on us all the time for everything.  We don’t need to let them down in miserable heat.

Pets are just as prone to heat stroke as we are.  Here are some warning signs of a heat stroke:

• Panting
• Staring
• Anxious expression
• Refusal to obey commands
• Warm, dry skin
• High fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Collapse

These are easily avoided with the right preparations.

If you keep lil buddies outside more often than not, follow the following:

• Ensure adequate shelter from sun/midday heat
• Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in the shade
• Provide plenty of fresh water in a bowl that cannot be tipped over
• Avoid excessive exercise on hot days
• Talk with your local veterinarian to determine if your long-haired Fido needs a summer haircut

Information and facts provided by the American Animal Hospital Association.

If you are in the car and you feel you have to run just one errand with Buddy in the car… keep this in mind… on an 80*F day, the temp in your car can get to 120*F in about 10 minutes.  Sometimes hotter if car is parked in the sun.  Pulling over to get gas shouldn’t hurt if you stay close to the car to monitor your dog.  Always at least crack the windows.

Please don’t copy this poor man’s mistake.

http://wwj.cbslocal.com/2010/08/31/mich-man-accused-of-leaving-dogs-in-hot-van/

From the emergency vet clinic shows on Animal Planet, I learned pouring rubbing alcohol on the dog’s leg’s with help bring down temperature.  It opens the pores wider allowing more heat to release.

http://www.everythinggolden.com/heat_stress.htm

The previous line is a pretty good website to check out.  It goes into depth about heat strokes, how to avoid them and even shows you how to put together and emergency first aid kit for overheating.

Remember to always consult with a doctor when something serious occurs.

“Courtney I love animals too! A passion we share. I strongly believe that animals are a life-long commitment. We just lost our 13 year old dog, Jack. In fact, we lost him the morning of our second class. I came to class, but it was really, really hard! My other dog, Daisy, a 4 year old golden is really sad too. I think she is mourning just as we are. Finally this week she seems to be doing better. I have taken her on lots of walks and tried to give her extra love and attention. She is extremely sensitive anyway! We aren’t sure about getting another pet yet….I think we’ll wait until everyone is feeling better and back to normal.”

Kary- you are right… animals are a long commitment.  However, I wish it could be a life-long one.  With dogs living about 10-12 years, a lot less in my cases from the country, it tears me apart little by little.

I got my first dog when I was 6 years old.  She was a beautiful, solid black German Shepherd Dog.  She was about 4 months old when we brought her home.  She was the last of her litter to find a home so she only cost 175$.  I was so happy to have her.  I named her Princess.

We lived in the country in Mississippi.  When young cousins would come over to visit and wander off unsupervised, Princess would be right there watching the child.  One child started screaming causing everyone to run outside and see what was going on.  Through sobs and sniffles, the little girl said, “Dat stewped dawg won’t let meee go to da roood.”  We figured out the problem.  My 4-year-old cousin, Jessica, wanted to go check the mail at a busy street.  Princess kept getting in her way and sometimes dragging her backwards.  Princess was just trying to keep her away from the road and safe.  She was always the best dog.

She was never fixed so going through heat cycles were really hard.  But when she was 6 a wolf hybrid got to her and we’d be hearing pitter patter pretty soon.  We took her to the vet one day because she looked really sick and weak.  The vet said she already tried birthing but the first pup tried sideways.  It killed the puppy and let off toxins.  Those toxins killed some other puppies and they let off toxins.  So on and so forth… it was killing the mother.  The vet kept her over night to do what he could.  I got a call the next morning on my way out to school.  Princess died.

Like you, I had to find some way to trudge through the day without going postal on people.  I was in 7th grade.  I remember I started crying in one of my classes and a boy started making fun of me.  I said, “My dog died this morning you jerk!”  And I chunked a book at his head.

I didn’t see anyone going postal in class so you kept well composed.  As far as getting a new addition, everyone has their own grieving times so don’t rush in to anything.  Chances are, Daisy really does miss Jack.  Her pack has been off centered.  But the most wonderful things about dogs, something I wish I could learn, is their ability to bounce back from almost anything.  If she’s 4, she’s young enough she should accept another addition fairly easy.  Maybe something around her size and age, if possible.  Or you could even just let her be the only baby.  Just make sure everyone involved always has a say.  That’s what will let you know if you are ready.

This is kinda sappy… but hit me up if you wanna talk.

Well, hello.

My name is Courtney.  If you haven’t heard already, my blog is gonna be all about pets.  Dogs, cats, snakes, lizzards, flying squirrels… etc.  If you want it as a pet, let me know and I’ll do the research for you.  If your original idea doesn’t pan out, I’ll think of alternatives for you.  I will find you a pet!!  I will.  Or I will make you happier with your own.

From 15-16 years old, I volunteered at a local veterinarian clinic where I got my first experiences with sterilization of equipment, first aid for pets, basic medicines and vaccinations commonly administered and began learning social skills with most types of pets.  When I was 20, I worked for another vet clinic while taking a vet technician course.  I learned more about medications and administering techniques.  I learned to spot certain illnesses and stresses simply by watching body movement and behaviours.

Between caring for my own animals, as well as others’, and working for two vet clinics, I feel confident enough to assist others either on their journey to a new pet or reconnecting with an old one.  I can also help discern when it is ok to use some home remedies and when it is time to seek real medical attention.  I would love for you all to ask me questions.  They can be about particular breeds you are interested in, varying attitudes, good and bad behaviours or advice you seek on anything else.  I would love to help you.  I will make posts highlighting on certain breeds from time to time and I will also add advice found in other resources.  Everything always credited, of course.

I would love to get questions, concerns and comments from you.  You can get to me by leaving a comment here, find me on webct or my email address is courtney.boutwell@mavs.uta.edu.  Please feel free to email me at any time if you have questions or concerns.  I also have a ton of emergency stickers from the ASPCA.  You write on them how many pets you have in case someone needs to get them out in emergencies.  They just cling to windows.  I made a donation to the ASPCA as a wedding gift to my guests.  We received 400 stickers!!!  If anyone wants one, please email me or grab me in class.  I’ll be the spaced out blonde in the front row.