Why Children Need a Pet

Woman creates aromatherapy blend to ease anxiety in dogs

The sound of a doorbell is enough to send some family dogs into a tizzy.

A West Dundee businesswoman has developed an aromatherapeutic blend she says is designed just for canine calming.

“The symptoms of stress that dogs tend to show are things like scratching, drooling, chewing, and panting,” said Vickie Rae Thorne, who’s been working with aromatherapy for almost 20 years. “The way canine calm works is it can take the edge off.”

It was a car accident that first led Thorne to seek pain relief. She found aromatherapy beneficial. Then, 12 years ago, when a dog kennel owner approached her about ideas to help calm the canines, Thorne considered ideas. She also founded Earth Heart, Inc., which sells aromatherapeutic products.

“Since dogs are scent oriented, I thought it would work,” said Thorne. “With aromatherapy, there is a physiological effect, if it is placed on the skin, or inhaled.”

Thorne researched the stress, separation anxiety, and related behaviors of dogs, but emphasizes she does not consider herself an expert in canine behavior. She’s more interested in offering her experience and knowledge with aromatherapy and its application as a suitable method of soothing dogs.

“I think working with positive rewards and things that are gentle are effective,” she said. “I came up with a blend that would help dogs calm down but not go to sleep.”

In addition to the calming effects of her formula, its pleasant scent also masks animal odors at places like the kennel, she explained. Applications are best applied for the first time during a non-stressful period, Thorne recommends. That way, the animal won’t associate the scent with a negative experience.

But it’s not the end-all to other methods of making a difference for dogs under stress, she added.

Consideration of dogs’ instincts also can elp owners determine their own actions.

“People need to remember that dogs work,” Thorne said. “They have jobs. When they bark at the door, they are letting you know that something is out there and they want to let you know they are protecting you.”

source:Chicago Sun Times

Dear God

TO: GOD

FROM: THE DOG

Dear God: Is it on purpose our names are the same, only reversed?

Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another?

Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch? Or is it still the same old story?

Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a Dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the 'Chrysler Eagle' the 'Chrysler Beagle'?

Dear God: If a Dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad Dog?

Dear God: We Dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles, horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID's, ele ctromagnetic energy fields, and Frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand?

Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti, please.

Dear God: Are there mailmen in Heaven? If there are, will I have to apologize?

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good Dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying 'hello'.

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table .

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing.

P.S. And please God, be extra good to the humans who adopted me and saved my life.

'Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened'

California
Featured Adoptable Pet:

A121560
Yuba County Animal Care Services
Olivehurst, CA
compliments of Petfinder.com

Would you leave your friend behind?

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.

He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is Heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?", the man asked.

'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought up."

The man gestured, and the gate began to open. "Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the man. "Do you have any water?"

"Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump," said the man.

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

'What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is Heaven," he answered.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates?
Nope. That's Hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind."

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.

California
Featured Adoptable Pet:

A121560
Yuba County Animal Care Services
Olivehurst, CA
compliments of Petfinder.com

It's Just A Dog

This morning when I was walking my dog in the park, he snatched something from the ground and swallowed it before I could stop him. Even though he is on a 5 ft leash, he sniffed that small tidbit from the ground even before I even know existed.

Someone I was walking with, remarked "It's just a dog, he'll be all right." I was surprised to hear that comment, as the other person was also walking a dog, and this remark is usually heard from someone with a different idea about dogs.

When I returned home, still thinking about the comment, I did a little research on the things that can be very harmful for a dog to eat.

What I discovered was that many people do not understand the dogs digestive system does have its limitations, similar a human's, and sometimes even more so. Whereas a human usually chews their food more thoroughly before swallowing, dogs gulp their food and discovered snacks without chewing it. It can enter their throat and digestive system in a potentially harmful size.

Cooked bones can block the dogs digestive system. Poultry bones such as chicken and turkey can get stuck in their throat, and because of their sharpness can cause damage on the way to their stomach and as they pass through.

Certain spices are toxic to dogs. And without knowing how a food was prepared, food on the ground could be as poisonous to them as if they ate a brand name poison. In one area, dogs were eating poison that had been placed near bushes to kill rats. The dogs did not survive either.

I have been accused of being overly protective of my dog; however, he depends on me for his safety and well being. He is more than just a dog to me. He is a companion who is happy to see me, every time I walk in the room. He shows me affection by wagging his tail and bouncing with joy when I talk directly to him. (That's how he got his name - Tigger. Like the Winnie the Poo character.) He gives me a happy reason to get up in the morning. Because of him, I have met new friends in the park, everyday when we take walks.

I asked some of my friends who share their lives with dogs, how they feel when someone says"he's just a dog". Here are a few responses:

When someone says it's just a dog I wonder how much they truly care about their dog or any dogs and put them into a category of "it's just".

Someone who says " it's just a dog", has never allowed themselves to feel unconditional love.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", may not understand that dogs have feelings. They know when they are welcomed. They can have their hearts broken, just like we can. You can see evidence of this is from visiting dogs in the shelter. Especially those who've been abandoned or left behind. You can see dogs that cower, tails down, ears down when they hear their human is ranting, scolding, and displaying anger - even when it is not directed at the dog. It's worse when it is directed at the dog.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", is someone who will abandon their dog or dump them at the shelter, because they are not willing to take the time to find a home that is pet friendly.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", is someone who will feed their dog just anything and then be angry with a dog if they get diarrhea or vomiting.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", is someone who won't take the time to correctly train their dog, and yells at the dog or hits it when the dog does something wrong. These people don't take any responsibility for the things their dogs do because of the lack of proper training.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", is one who thinks that dog fighting should be legal sport.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", is one who thinks that spay/neuter is an inconvenience and all dogs should have as many puppies as the human wants them to have, without consideration as to what it does to the dog, the population or our shelters.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", is one who has never allowed himself to feel the true companionship that a dog provides.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", has never accepted that the fun of play with a dog that cannot be duplicated with any human. It is unique to the dog.

Someone who says "it's just a dog", are more angry than concerned when their dog is sick or hurt. Like it's the dogs fault.

There's so many other ways that a person who says "it's just a dog" shows that they have either a limited understanding or limited love for a most amazing creature. These amazing animals can give sight to someone who's lost theirs; arms to someone who can no longer use theirs; companionship to the elderly in assisted living homes or someone who is home bound; protect and serve our military and police forces, and protect us by finding bombs and dangerous persons.

These amazing animals can find drugs, detect cancer, alert their humans of danger, find someone who is lost, and bring joy that cannot be measured.

The next time you hear yourself or someone say "it's just a dog". Ask - what exactly does that mean? You may learn something about yourself or someone else.

Regardless, the dog may be thinking "they're just a human. They only have two legs and can't run as fast as I can. They always seem to be in a hurry and miss many of the small joys in their path. They place conditions on love, and hold onto grudges that kill their spirit.

They know the right things to do, and many times ignore the best solutions for their life. They limit how far they go. They forget how much can be heard without music or the tv blaring. They sit too long when they could be playing, or just visiting everything in nature. They forget how to share, and let someone else have the stick from time to time. I believe that they do the best they can, and sometimes forget, that I am more than just a dog."

strange, scary and sometimes gross lumps and bumps

Dr. Karen Becker discusses the different types of lumps and bumps you may find on your pet, and which ones to be concerned about.

Just sign here...

Three words we hear often, and many people follow the command without hesitation. Yet this action could prove to be a costly mistake.

Have you noticed how many times a piece of paper is placed before you and you are handed a pen as you hear this? What do you do? If you are like most people, you may glance at the paper, ask what you're signing (while you are signing it), and never fully read or understand what is written on that paper. Handing it back after you have signed, it appears common that most people also don't ask for a copy to take home.

I'm handed a paper to sign every time I get my dog groomed. Although its a simple outline of the services I have agreed to for my dog to receive, it still read it before signing, and take a copy home.

I recently had an experience at a Doggie Day Spa that was a surprise when I read their terms & conditions. My office is at my home so my dog is with me most of the time. There are days, however, that I am away for long periods of time, and I am concerned about my dog's need to potty ( I don't leave him outside), as well as his need for socialization with other dogs and people. Even though I have a reliable neighbor, I still felt it might be prudent to consider other options.

During a recent summer event at one of our local parks, I met a nice couple and their adorable dog which immediately became BFF's with my dog. As we talked about out dogs and their needs, they mentioned they had a friend who recently opened a doggie day spa/hotel in our neighborhood and they gave them high praise. Another couple walking by, heard our conversation and agreed they also liked the place. This prompted me to check it out.

A few days ago, I happened to be driving by this place, so I stopped in to check it out. It appeared very well kept, everything clean and in its place. The dog runs were average, and the play area appeared to accommodate the dogs nicely. They gave me a packet of brochures and sales materials to take home to help my decision; however, when I asked to see any contract I would be signing, they refused to let me see it, much less have an advance copy to take with me. Although they were polite, their reasons didn't really satisfy me and I left feeling concerned.

When I returned home I Googled them and with a little digging, I found a copy of their T&C online. At first it appeared like a standard contract, then I kept reading and was stunned to read some of the following:

In the middle of the contract: "You, as Owner, upon signing this contract, release, indemnify, and agree to hold (the place) harmless from any and all manner of damages, claims, loss, liabilities, costs or expenses, causes of actions or suits, whatsoever in law or equity, (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and related costs) arising out of or related to the services provided by (the place)." Basically this says that if they do something negligent or something happens to my dog, they are free of having to take any responsibility and I have no recourse.

Farther on: "Owner acknowledges and understands that there are certain risks involved in pet ownership, training, and care, including, but not limited to, dog fights, dog bites to humans and/or other pets and the transmission of disease. With Owner’s signature below, he/she understands the risk involved in putting his/her pet in (this place), a cage-free play environment and acknowledge and release, indemnify, and agree to hold (the place) harmless from any and all manner of injury or loss that might occur to your dog, including but not limited to dog bites, broken bones, abrasions, cuts, bruises, illness, pregnancy, death or lost dog that might occur while your dog is in (the place)". So they take NO responsibility for the decisions they make as to which dogs my dog would be placed in a play area with and NO responsibility for anything that might happen while my dog is in their care.

The paragraph that clinched it for me on customer beware was: "Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Los Angeles, California. Such arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the then prevailing commercial arbitration rules of JAMS/Endispute ("JAMS"), with the following exceptions if in conflict: (a) one arbitrator shall be chosen by JAMS; (b) each party to the arbitration will pay its pro rata share of the expenses and fees of the arbitrator, together with other expenses of the arbitration incurred or approved by the arbitrator; and (c) arbitration may proceed in the absence of any party if written notice (pursuant to the JAMS' rules and regulations) of the proceedings has been given to such party. Each party shall bear its own attorneys fees and expenses. The parties agree to abide by all decisions and awards rendered in such proceedings. Such decisions and awards rendered by the arbitrator shall be final and conclusive.” Reading their entire paragraph, it continued to tell me how little recourse me and my dog would have if they were negligent in any way. It also had a confidentiality clause. Which also means it would be difficult for other dogs and their people to be aware of any negligence or mistreatment that occurred at this place.

It was a very sweet sentiment, after the end of the contract it reads: "(the place) makes every effort to accommodate the needs of you and your dog. We look forward to your return visits."

After reading their entire contract, and asking someone I trusted to explain the portions I didn't fully understand, it became very clear to me that (the place) was doing a big effort in covering their behinds.

I understand the need of business to have a contract that outlines their services and perhaps disclaimers for everyone's protection. This contract didn't seem to care about my dog.

Would you have signed this contract and left your dog here?

Do You Really Know - How Hot Is It In Your Car For Your Dog?

It still amazes me how folks will make sure their air conditioner is full blast when they are in the car, and then think nothing of the rising heat inside that same car on their Dog when they leave it in the locked car for any period of time. Including that "quick" run into the store for one thing. The news channels continue to report the hazards, and then unfortunately also the tragedies of the dogs now ill or dead, that people left in cars ignoring all the warnings.

Many articles have been written about the dangers, however, the following blogger conducted experiment on the temperature in a car and reports how hot it actually gets for your dog when:

"You just run into the store to buy one thing"
"You park in the shade"
"You leave the windows cracked open"

Take a moment to read, and be potentially surprised at seeing how fast the temperature rises:
How Hot Is Too Hot for a Dog in the Car?

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.

California
Featured Adoptable Pet:

A121560
Yuba County Animal Care Services
Olivehurst, CA
compliments of Petfinder.com

I Rescued A Human Today by Janine Allen

So many people have reprinted this post, all without credit to the original author.

Because it says so much in it's few words, I am posting it today as well, however I would like to acknowledge the original author, Janine Allen. www.rescuemedog.org

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.

I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

***

We think we save them, however, the saving is mutual.

Save two lives - adopt today.

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.

10 Animals With More Social Media Fans Than Major Players

This is a blog post must read if you are an animal lover.

We all know that animals lovers are great people and they love to share the love.

Check out this blog post by Mashable and visit the most popular social animals pages.

Which one is your favorite?

Purrs and tail wags.

Warm hearts and cold noses.

Dr. Kim and Stress and its affects on our animals

I just listened to Dr. Kim and Dr. Jeannie on their Blog Talk Radio show. It was interesting to see a few comments that people didn't think dogs could be stressed. Our animal companions do experience stress, and like humans, there are things we can do to reduce, avoid and eliminate many stressors.

Dr. Kim talked about nutrition as being a huge factor in the health of our animals. Stress can effect the immune system and cause a propensity for dis-ease; and being ill can cause more stress.

So many people feed their animals packaged foods purchased at the local store without consideration of the ingredients.

When I was growing up, our animals (dogs, cats, chickens, horses and cattle) were all fed food that was either raised or grown on our land. It wasn't until years later, living on my own in the city when I adopted my first cat, that I was faced with the decision on what to feed him. Most of my friends fed their household animal companions whatever was the cheapest or most advertised brand available at the grocery. Eventually, those

purchases were also made at pet stores as they arrived on the scene.

For the past several years we have become educated on the importance of reading the labels of the foods we eat, and it is equally as important to read the labels on the foods we feed our animal companions.

Being conscious about the foods we all eat - human and animal - can help us to see how food effects our health and stress. Going back to "the good ol' days" in this instance is a good thing.

Stress and its Affects on our Animal - BlogTalk Radio with Dr. Kim Bloomer

On Blog Talk Radio, Wednesday, June 8th, 11:30 PST, Dr. Kim and Dr. Jeannie are once again sharing natural animal health news and digging deeper into the philosophy of animal naturopathy.

This time they are going to take a deeper look at how stress may be affecting the overall health of your animals.

Listen online: Blog Talk Radio
Call in with questions: (646) 595-4693

Boss Pet Recalls Pig Ear Products Because of Possible Health Risk

Boss Pet Products, Inc. announced that it is recalling its Diggers Natural Treat Pig Ear pet treats because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Boss Pet has been notified by one of its suppliers, Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc., that a batch of Keys’ pig ear treats tested positive for Salmonella. Keys Manufacturing has initiated a voluntary product recall in cooperation with the FDA.


The recalled Diggers Natural Chews Pig Ears were sold in the following package sizes:
Bulk Pig Ears in boxes of 100 (UPC #0-72929-00038-6)
Bulk Pig Ears Shrink Wrapped in boxes of 50 (UPC #0-72929-99120-2)
2-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-99504-0)
4-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-00227-4)
8-Pack Bags shipped in cases of 12 bags (UPC #0-72929-99584-2)


These products have been distributed via truck to distributors in the following states:
MT, CA, WA, OK, TN, NY, KS, OH, TX, MS, AL, OR, UT, IA, MO, IL, IN, LA, and MN.


More information on the FDA website

Law Students Turn To Dog For Stress Relief

Final exams put pressures on college students, particularly those in professional schools. So the University of San Francisco is trying to help alleviate the stresses some students face by allowing them to spend time with a pet.

For 10-minute sessions during exams, law students at USF can relieve their stress by petting, playing with, or just sitting and reading alongside a dog.

According to nurse Betty Carmack, the exercise has been proven over and over to significantly reduce stress.

“The animals give off a sense of relaxation,” she said. “Even simply petting a dog can lower blood pressure and reduce stress.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner

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.