Free cat and dog food - one day (today) only

 Valid one-day only, Petco is handing out a 3 oz. can of Fancy Feast Cat Food. Just bring in the coupon. For those with dogs, there is also an offer for free food for dogs. Purina is giving away Pro Plan Roasted Slices if you like their Facebook page.





Before buying a pet, consider saving a life instead - adopt from a shelter. They are not "used" or "less than perfect" animals; they are perfect little furry angels with open hearts looking to share love.

Dog Training - For People, Too.

During break time at obedience school, two dogs were talking.
One said to the other..."The thing I hate about obedience school is you learn ALL this stuff you will never use in the real world."


I've heard several trainers say, that it's not about training the animal, it's about training their person. Dogs don't fail training; it's the handlers who give up.


Just like when humans learn a new habit or method, consistency is the key. Our dogs rely upon us to be consistent with them, so they learn that what we are teaching them is important.  If, when we learned how to drive, we never heard another instruction or saw a street sign after the initial teaching, our driving would be chaos. We would run through intersections; speed through construction zones; drive on the wrong side of the street and park in the oddest of places (if we actually were able to arrive in one piece). Consistent teaching and reminders help us, and our dogs, to learn how to live safely.


I hear comments every day during my walks with my dog. From the lady next door who has her dog stop and wait at every corner before crossing the street on her command, to the one across the street who is constantly yelling "no!", and "I don't know why he forgot all his training." The lady next door and her dog appear to walk leisurely (or run when she's exercising); and they both appear to be enjoying their time together. Across the street, she appears haggard and frustrated and her dog appears confused. He cowers each time she yells. They both appear to be experiencing stress.


Enjoy your dog and your time together with consistent training - for both of you.  Learn and use methods that work without the use of force, aggression, gadgets, choke chains or fear. You simply convey your status of leader in a way that your dog understands and you will both be less stressed.

Before buying a pet, consider saving a life instead - adopt from a shelter. They are not "used" or "less than perfect" animals; they are perfect little furry angels with open hearts looking to share love.

"A Dog's Purpose" (lesson from a 6 year old)

This was shared with me this morning from a friend, and my dog thought I should share it with you.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that most animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why!"

Startled, we all turned to him.. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''

The six year old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

If a dog were your teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

The best sleeping positions

If you are not getting enough sleep, perhaps you need suggestions for a new sleeping position.

Did you go awwwww......?

Feeling a little less stressed just looking at sleeping kitties (and one dog)?

Come back any time you need a purrfect break.