I have such respect for working dog;, companion, service and therapy dogs and here Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel has a new member of the squad, watch as Bobo gets sworn into the force. He looks like a big sweet baby here but I doubt if any of us would want to be on the [...]

We’ve all seen those wonderfully delightful videos of dancing dogs or what is more accurately known as Canine Freestyle.  They’re amazing!! Well, this is not one of those! Here’s a little clip and it’s not a polished dancing dogs routine, more of a interview with one woman, Sally Silverman, and her two beautiful Australian Shepherds [...]

Check out this protective pooch caring for a tiny chick left in its care.  Too precious! Just goes to show that regardless of the species, animal can care for a be protective of the young. Ah, the lessons we can learn from our canine companions!

Four years ago Hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast. Today fires have driven thousands from their homes north of Los Angeles.

Are you ready?

From last year, this article from our archives:

Disaster preparedness is so easy to let slide. We get all worked up after a major disaster is in the news, and certainly after we’re lucky enough to be reminded of the potential — a thick layer of smoke, in my case, with the nearest fire two counties away.

We read up, we stock up, we move on. And then, we forget. In a pinch, we take the can opener out of the emergency kit and don’t replace it. We rotate the food and water into our kitchen cupboards, but we don’t buy anything new to rotate into the supplies in the garage.

It’s human nature, of course, to react to immediate threats and to put off preparing for something that might never happen.

If you’re one of those people who not only have a disaster plan but have also included your animals in it, now is the time to review those plans.

If you’ve never done any disaster planning, for you or your pets, this is as good a time as any to start.

But no matter where you live, there could be a crisis heading your way, and your pets are counting on you.

Start your preparations with something you’ve probably already taken care of, by making sure your pets have ID.

Most animals will survive a disaster, but many never see their families again because there’s no way to determine which pet belongs to which family if the animals go missing, a common occurrence even under normal circumstances. That’s why dogs and cats should always wear a collar and identification tags. Add a microchip, too.

Once your pet has up-to-date ID, it’s time to collect some equipment to help you cope in case of an emergency. A big storage bin with a lid and handles is an ideal place to keep everything you need together and on hand.

Keep several days’ worth of drinking water and pet food, as well as any necessary medicines, rotating the stock regularly. For canned goods, don’t forget to pack a can opener and a spoon. Lay in a supply of empty plastic bags, along with paper towels, both for cleaning up messes and for sealing them away until they can be safely tossed.

For cats, pack a bag of litter and some disposable litter trays.

Even normally docile pets can behave in uncharacteristic ways when stressed by an emergency, which makes restraints essential for the safety of pets and people alike. For dogs, leashes should always be
available.

Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pets but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets of all kinds safe while increasing their housing options.

Crated pets may be allowed in hotel rooms that are normally off-limits to pets, or can be left in a pinch with veterinarians or shelters that are already full, since the animals come with rooms of their own.

The final item of restraint for dogs and cats: a soft muzzle, because frightened or injured pets are more likely to bite. And don’t forget to put first-aid supplies in your disaster kit, along with a book on how to treat pet injuries.

You may never have to pull out your disaster kit, but it’s always good to be prepared.

For more information or a free emergency preparedness brochure for pet lovers, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.

It’s not you this time, but it could be, next time. Are you ready?

And if you are, are you ready to help others?

Have you ever built a dog house? I was at a party last night after a charity golf tournament and the owners had a lovely dog house for their labrador retriever puppy and he really seemed to enjoy it. Here are some tips I found on how to build a neat doghouse.
You should begin [...]

I am watching the news right now of all of the Fires in California and thinking about all of the pets and animals that are in danger as well. I found a few tips to help you be prepared in case of an emergency.
Tip #1. Get a Pet Emergency Supplies Kit. Have it readily [...]

They say that dog is man’s best friend. As with any friend, it is sad to see them in pain and discomfort. And if you have had or have a dog with arthritis, then the question “Is dog arthritis preventable?” is understandable. The answer is “Yes…and no.” Yes, in that there are measures that can be taken to prevent the onset of dog arthritis. No, in that it depends on the particular breed and physical circumstances. You should consult your veterinarian regarding your specific breed of dog. Also, old age, acute injury, and overuse can foster arthritis in your dog’s joints causing stiffness and pain regardless of breed. Preventative measures are a key necessity.

If you would like to learn more about how to potty train a puppy, then you have found the right article. Specifically we will talk about how during the first few days your pup should never wander around the house, how consistency is key when training a puppy, and how it is important to start slow and not overwhelm your puppy. After reading this article, you should be ready to start training your puppy today.

To what extent does food govern a dog’s mind? The most important thing about food in connection with the dog is to follow a properly balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and iron.

Would you put your child in it’s bedroom if there were no bed, toys, blankets or pillows? The same thing applies when crate training puppies. Appropriate furnishings are very helpful to the training process.