Animal Crackers

You are into animals – hehe!!! Have you seen this video? Hilarious

Is Your Pet Possessed? The Shocking Truth About ‘Paranormal Pets’ By Olga Horvat

“My pet is a member of my family.”

Millions of people say such things about the animals that give them companionship, comfort, loyalty and unlimited love and affection. But what happens when:

* A beloved pet starts acting strange and out-of-character?

* For no apparent reason your sweet dog (or other furry friend) turns violent, fierce, disobedient and dangerous?

* Your four-legged family member seems to hear or see “something” no one else can detect?

* Other animals are obviously scared of your pet, and keep their distance?

* Your pet acts fearful around religious ministers or holy objects such as a cross or Bible?

* Along with the arrival of a new pet the family starts experiencing unexplained events, bizarre accidents, or a
noticeable streak of bad luck or other difficulties?

It is quite possible that your animal companion could be possessed, and under the control of negative forces!

If this is the case, with every day that goes by your entire family is put in more and more danger and experiences more and more stress. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones (including the pet!) to know these facts:

1. Paranormal pets are not that uncommon. Chances are YOU know of an animal (in your own household, or some else’s) that has exhibited strange or even unnatural behavior.

2. When a pet becomes uncontrollable or “spooky,” many families mistakenly remove that troubled animal to a shelter — where, sadly, it will probably be euthanized. This is NOT the best recourse.

3. Thousands more animals are abandoned, mistreated, neglected and destroyed because the owners are confused about the situation.

4. These animals are not at fault. It becomes necessary for you, the pet owner, to investigate the background of your pet, and to seek protection for both the human and non-human members of the family.

You cannot ignore this!

More Information for people who love their pets and want to learn about ‘animal possession’ is in my book “Paranormal Pooch: A True Story of the Dog Who Healed One Family.”

Many paranormal investigators believe that an animal does, indeed, have a soul and is capable of showing emotion. Otherwise the creature with whom we share our homes would be an empty shell.

Just as dogs are especially vigilant to guard our homes and property, they can also be very attuned to spiritual activity within our dwelling places. Dogs can sense and see poltergeists, ghosts, even angels. Long before human beings notice something different — such as unexplained flickering of lights, strange odors or misty forms — a dog will likely respond. This makes the animal a tempting target to invasion (possession) by such spirits.

Just as you would protect your spouse and children from a physical intruder (armed robber, angry bees, nest of rodents, etc.), you must find a way to protect the entire household from spiritual intrusions. And you must include your beloved dog in this protection.

Countless families now use the well-documented Energy Shield, a device that supports and balances your body’s own magnetic field, while protecting you from the negative energy generated by many aspects of our environment. The pendant, which increases the energy level of your natural life-force, is worn as a necklace (or placed within a handbag or wallet) or as a pet‘s collar charm. As we live in a constant sea of electromagnetic radiation, the Shield also protects us from computers, microwaves, cell phones, radio and TV transmission, and other electrical devices. You are also made safer from the harmful thoughts and emotions of negative people and (of course) you and your at-risk pet will be shielded from the presence of negative spirits. The Energy Shield is available at: www.TheEnergyShield.com

Do you fear that your own pet is possessed? Share your story and get help at our website www.RoyalDogsGallery.com

Pets Can Teach Children How to Nurture and Care

Gail Melson, author of Why the Wild Things Are:  Animals in the Lives of Children has been watching animals and children for some time.  She estimates that of every ten children, four grow up in a home that includes domestic animals.  She has determined that as many as 90 percent of all youngsters live with a pet at some point during their childhood. (http://tinyurl.com/3olb3sj)

Living with pets and caring for them can teach both boys and girls great lessons.

Young girls are usually encouraged to play with dolls and play house.  Girls learn to care and often actively begin tending to others in the home before the age of eight.  Girls will play dress-up with their animals, dolls and siblings.  Later, girls may become babysitters in their home or neighborhood. The social and caregiving skills learned in these activities are useful to girls throughout their lives.

“Nurturing animals is especially important for boys,” Melson says.  Young boys are usually not encouraged similarly and may miss out on the opportunity to learn caregiving skills.  Balls, cars and sports typically occupy the interest of young boys.  Boys can care for pets in their home without fear of criticism or reproach; they are merely caring for their dog, cat, hamster or other animal.  Actually providing the care becomes the only issue and boys are able to feel comfortable with nurturing.  Taking care of an animal is not gender specific and both boys and girls can always remain equally involved.

“Nurturing isn’t a quality that suddenly appears in adulthood when we need it,” Dr. Melson advises. “And you don’t learn to nurture because you were nurtured as a child.  People need a way to practice being caregivers when they’re young.”  Household pets provide frequent opportunities for young boys and girls to develop nurturing habits.  Caregiving for animals teaches them responsibility for seeing that the family dog or cat receives fresh water and food at certain times throughout the day.

Children can provide simple care from a very young age and fill greater needs as their abilities allow.  Caring for the family pets can also help children expand their sense of self awareness and develop an awareness about other people, time or space.  Children will also to develop their ability to anticipate needs.

Helping your child to become responsible for pets in your home needs to occur on a step-by-step basis.  The process must be implemented according to your child’s cognitive abilities and physical abilities.  Remember that each child is different and has different levels of capabilities when you begin talking to them about caring for your household pets.

When your child is the responsible party for providing care for a pet in your home, always remember that you’ll still need to keep your eye on the water dishes, food bowls, walks and potty trips.  You may find it necessary to provide gentle reminders for your child.  Creating happy notes and making simple awards like stickers, stars or allowing extra playtime will make the transition more fun for your child.  Involving the whole family to encourage your child will increase his or her success and enjoyment.

Saluting Paws and Stripes

By Tails Magazine, http://tinyurl.com/42hr35j

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) recently announced Paws and Stripes, a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs for veterans of the United States military, as its official charity.Paws and Stripesworks with veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), pairing them with trained service dogs who have been rescued from shelters.

In the Paws and Stripes program, the service dogs are trained by professionals at no cost to the veteran. The veteran can select his or her own service dog and participate in the weekly training from the very first day, providing a unique form of interactive therapy.

Paws and Stripes was founded by Lindsey Stanek, whose husband was sent home from his third tour in Iraq for injuries he received on deployment. After nine months in treatment, Lindsey’s husband, Jim, discovered that the most comfort and relief he found was in the presence of therapy dogs.

In May 2010, Lindsey and Jim tried to obtain a trainer for their rescue dog, Sarge, and soon discovered the difficulty and expenses associated with this process. After being either turned down or unable to pay for service dogs from multiple organizations, Lindsey and Jim decided to start their own organization for veterans, and incorporated Paws and Stripes in June 2010.

Since then, the program has developed into a highly regarded organization recognized by Time Magazine and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Paws and Stripes currently has 10 veterans in the program with more than 160 people on the waitlist.

Do You Make This Mistake When Walking Your Dog? What to Do When Fido Takes the Lead When out for a Walk

As an animal communicator I get asked this same question often – what is really going on when my dog is pulling ME along during a walk. Many times it isn’t as simple as the dog pulling the human along, but the dog also bites on cloths, chews the leash, wraps the leash around the person or something else, barks at people or other dogs, and generally doesn’t listen to commands at all.

If this sounds like your own situation my primary concern is that you have allowed your dog to treat you disrespectfully in so many ways. Mouthing you, pulling on you and your clothes, grabbing the leash with his mouth, tugging on you, disregarding you and your safety, not listening to you when you attempt to correct him… These are all classic signs of a dog seriously out of control without a calm, assertive, confident leader. If he does all this to you at home and on home territory, then taking him to a high stress, highly stimulating environment will only make things worse, if you are thinking of taking your dog away from home.

He hears part of what you try to tell him, but because you are not backing up your requests with consistent action, he has learned he doesn’t have to listen to you, and what is likely is that he disagrees with you. This has nothing to do with how much he loves you, or how much he knows you love him. He is doing what makes sense to him from his viewpoint.

You need to start over again with the basics by creating a solid foundation of respect and trust. Teach him that he has to listen to you every time, no matter what. You are continually training or untraining him every time you are with him, so make everything you do a game of listen, respect my wishes, and get your reward, and this is how to calm your dog as well.

I know this may be hard for you to hear, but your dog doesn’t need your affection. He needs your direction and discipline (rules, limitations, boundaries, respect, a job to do). Until you do that, he is not safe for you to take your dog for a walk or to take him out.

I suggest getting some guidance with dog training. I recommend the book, The Dog Training Secret or the book, Easy Dog Obedience Training.

Bio: Val Heart – Internationally known expert animal communicator, teacher, author & master healer, Val is called The Real Dr Doolittle™, & Animal Communicator to the Stars. Resolving behavior, training, performance, health, working with euthanasia. Free AnimalTalk QuickStart Course, The Real Dr Doolittle™ (podcast) Show now on iTunes! Apply Now for a Complimentary Happy Animal Assessment Session, call (210) 863-7928, email: contactval@valheart.com visit http://www.valheart.com

* Reprint Requests: I appreciate your sharing my articles with others. You have permission to reprint this Article as long as you keep my bio and copyright information intact.

http://www.valheart.com/freearticles/Walking_Dog.html

The Connection Between Animal and Human Abuse

By Daisy Chee

Acts of animal abuse go on every day, with many invisible and unreported. Hence, innocent, lovely creatures have to endure the most unpleasant and painful experience living here on earth – with us!

Like us, they just want to have a decent life, be loved, and be free to roam around without being subjected to all manner of abuse.

Animal abuse can take many forms and include

- Dumping and abandonment
- Neglect leading to starvation, disease, psychological distress, etc
- Slaughter house practices
- Puppy mills
- Organised dog fights/cock fights
- Tying up animals over their lifetimes
- Confining animals in small cages over their lifetimes
- Beating and other active, malicious forms of torture

When we get down to its essence, animal abuse is the inappropriate use of one’s power over a weaker being that cannot defend itself. It has parallels with child abusers and rapists inflicting pain on those who are vulnerable. Their victims are powerless and the offenders consequently mistreat them for their own selfish pleasures.

Over the past forty years, there have been numerous research studies showing the connection between animal abuse and human violence. This connection was first documented in the 1970′s when the United States FBI found that many serial killers had tortured or killed animals when they were children.

A 1997 study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University quantified that animal abusers were five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people than those without a history of animal abuse.

In fact, the American Psychiatric Association lists animal cruelty as a symptom of a serious psychological condition.

According to Dr Randall Lockwood of Washington University and Vice-President of the Humane Society of the United States, it has become widely accepted that the mistreatment of animals can be an indicator of many other forms of family violence and ongoing abuse and neglect, including child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence and mistreatment of the disabled.

Dr Lockwood points out that a child’s cruelty to animals can also indicate that he is at high risk of becoming a perpetrator of violence in society later, perpetuating the cruelties that he or she has experienced.

Even as far back as the 17th century, the influential English philosopher John Locke said of children that “…tormenting and killing…beasts will, by degrees, harden their minds even towards men; and they who delight in the suffering and destruction of inferior creatures, will not be apt to be very compassionate or benign to those of their own kind.”

Therefore, we need to be especially attentive when a child tortures an animal or complains of his father mistreating his pet. These incidents can signal a higher risk of violence – within the child’s household currently, and/or by the child when he becomes an adult.

Clearly, there are significant benefits to be reaped from early identification and intervention. Another positive is that animal abusers can be rehabilitated. According to Dr Lockwood, “…we have also realised that the proper experiences with animals can provide a road back to empathy and compassion, and can be a powerful force for healing and a way of breaking the cycle of violence.”

Evidence of the strong association – between animal abuse and human violence – demands that animal abuse cannot be treated in isolation anymore. In line with this, authorities urgently need to develop policies and practices that are collaborative and multi-disciplinary. Critical are cross-reporting and the attendant cooperation between a range of professionals such as the police, child protection agencies, animal welfare agencies and veterinarians.

Equally, the police, governments and schools need to regularly send out strong messages that the abuse of animals or humans will not be tolerated because any abuse endangers society as a whole. To reinforce this, the police and courts need to treat animal abuse as a serious crime and not trivialise it as a minor offence.

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More information and discussion on this can be found in the blog of Daisy Chee. Daisy Chee is passionate about animal welfare. In between her full-time job in financial services, she would like to engage in conversations with respect to how we can effectively eradicate cruel practices inflicted against these voiceless, defenceless and beautiful creatures. Please share your thoughts with her via her blog http://daisychee.wordpress.com.

Finding a Trainer by Pamela Dennison

May not be reprinted without written approval.

When you get a puppy or a rescue dog, you always hear, “find a goo dtrainer!” But what does that mean, “a good trainer?” Aren’t they al lalike?

The short answer is “no,” all trainers are not clones of each other. Methods and understanding of training, the learning process and behavior vary from person to person. In the dog training industry, anyone can hang their shingle and call themselves a dog trainer orbehaviorist. There are no standards; no “real” certification that will guarantee that the person you go to is a good trainer.

I am aCertified Dog Behavior Consultant, but does that mean I am a good one?(I am, but the average person may be “dazzled” by the “certified,”thinking it is some sort of guarantee. It isn’t.) Many of the “letters” you may see after a person’s name simply mean that the trainer passed a written test, however it doesn’t mean they can actually train their way out of a paper bag. Just like medical doctors, we are all different and all have a better (or worse) skill set. Even Veterinary Behaviorists with impressive degrees may lack sufficient knowledge of dogs and behavior! The Veterinary Behaviorist may wear a white coat, but remember, so does the Good Humor man.

Before picking out a trainer, you need to decide what you are looking for and what methodology you subscribe to. I know that for the novice (and not so novice) dog owner how hard it is to find the “right” information about training dogs. There are hundreds of dog training books on the market as well as a myriad of dog training shows on TVand the one thing that they all have in common is that they all have different ideas on what makes a dog tick and the best way to train them! The old joke, “ask 10 trainers one question and you’ll get 100 different answers” may be funny, but not helpful to the new dog owner that is trying to make some sense of training and do the best thing for their dog.

Training doesn’t have to be an “us” versus “them” mindset. Our dogs are not our enemies or a totally alien species out to “getus” (really!) so that we must dominate, threaten, coerce, intimidateor terrorize them just to get them to walk on a loose leash, not jump on guests or go potty outside. Even if your goal is to compete in the myriad of dog sports available, the “traditional” way is really not necessary.

Teaching our dogs should be a matter of building a bond, helping and gently guiding; breaking down complex behaviors into tiny pieces and not moving forward until he understands the previous step, rather thaninflicting pain or using intimidation in an attempt to force him to dowhat we want. You want to find a trainer that wants to help dogs learn and co-exist in our human world with a minimum of stress and stress related behaviors.

The most common punishments doled out to our unsuspecting canine companions; yanking and jerking the collar, helicoptering them in the air, ear pinches, shoving them in position, yelling, hitting, punching, kicking, spray bottles, shake cans with pennies in them, shock, prong, choke, citronella collars, cattle prods, etc. These are pretty severe. Many of the “wrongdoings” of our dogs are just simple mistakes or lack of understanding or motivation that you want them to walk nicely by your side, sit and down when asked or come when called. What may seem simple to us is very complex to our dogs.

Are these methods compassionate, civilized or humane? Do they teach the dog to be thrilled with learning something new and be a willing worker for you? Sure, there are some dogs that will take punishment better than others and many of the really successful traditional trainers go through quite a few dogs, always on the lookout for the dog that can withstand that kind of training.

How does one “find a good trainer” or even recognize what a good trainer is? First you need to decide what you are looking for in termsof training- are you looking to compete in competition obedience, tracking, Search and Rescue, Rally, agility or do you just want a good pet dog with nice house manners? You certainly want to ask any prospective trainer what their credentials are in those sports, however, just because they may have tons of ribbons or titles after their dogs name, doesn’t necessarily mean they are the trainer foryou. You can even avoid making the trip by asking a few pointed questions over the phone. I personally love it when prospective students ask me these types of questions, because it tells me that they are doing their homework and will make a great student and dogowner. If the person you talk to gives you a hard time about answering these types of questions, then by all means, say thank you and hang up.

There are a few places you can start your search for a good trainer. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (www.iaabc.org), or Truly Dog Friendly (www.trulydogfriendly.com) are good places to start. Besure to check any trainer’s references and observe in person their teaching methods. You may find a good trainer at PetsMartR and other such places, however, the amount of training those trainers receive is minimal (as in a mere two weeks). Stay away from anyone that offers aguarantee. One just can’t guarantee behavior; there are just too many factors involved. Owner compliance and consistent practice sessions(or lack thereof), handler sensitivity and understanding as well asother aspects, all contribute to success or failure. Let the buyer beware!

So what about Board and Train; where you drop your dog off and “in theory,” pick up a well-trained dog after a week or so? Dogs are not  like cars- you can get a mechanic to fix your car and it will run well for you, whether or not you know much about cars. Not so with dogs. Traditionally, board and train facilities do not utilize positive reinforcement methods. They are not helping you build a bond with yourdog and so you lose a great deal of “transfer;” the dog may work well for the trainer and not for you. The joy of owning a dog is also the joy of learning together.

I often get calls from people across the country looking for apositive trainer in their area. When reading websites to find the best trainer for them, it is hard sometimes, even for me, to separate the wheat from the chaff. If I am not sure, I may recommend a particular trainer, but with the proviso that they watch a few classes first.

There are many catch phrases you need to be aware of that help mask what methods the trainer really uses. If they truly use dog friendly positive methods, they will come right out and tell you (verbally or on their websites) in detailed specifics. If they couch their responses in ambiguous terms, then be aware that they are most likely a traditional trainer. No trainer is going to list on their websitethat they use force or coercion. Many of them have latched onto warmand fuzzy words to hide their methodology.

A few vague phrases or words to look out for;

*Tap ‘n tell, tapping, touch and tone, training collars or stimulation (these all relate to electric shock collars)

* Tools (but if they don’t spell out exactly what those tools are, be cautious)

* Balanced training, or one using “all quadrants of operant conditioning” (Means they use positive reinforcement as well aspositive punishment. A positive trainer will use positive reinforcement and negative punishment only)

* Instructive reprimands or motivational pops (That trainer uses punishment)

* Alpha, dominance (Indicative that the trainer uses punishment)

* Leadership (This one can go either way, it can mean being a leader in a dominating manner or it can be in a relationship “give-and-take”way)

A few questions you can ask a prospective trainer:

* What kind of equipment do you use? If they say, “prong, choke collars, shock collars, head halters and
the like,” say thank you and politely hang up. If you hear “Plain buckle collars or comfortable harnesses,” keep talking with them.

* If my dog won’t lie down, what would you recommend? If they say, “Pull their front legs out from under them or push downon their shoulders” or “step on the leash and force their head down,”or “you have a very dominant dog,” say thank you and politely hang up. If you hear “Lure him with a treat” or “make a tent of your legs andlure him underneath,” keep talking with them.

* If my dog won’t come, what should I do? If they say “go to him and drag him in while screaming, “I told you to  COME!” or “press the remote on the shock collar,” say thank you and politely hang up.

* If you hear, “Train the dog to know that “come” is a great thing” or “Don’t let your dog off leash until he has a better recall,” keeping talking to them.

* My dog pulls on leash, what would you recommend?If they say, “yank him back” or “keep the leash so short that they have no choice but to stay with you,” or “put this prong, choke or head halter on,” say thank you and politely hang up.If you hear, “Put your dog on a comfortable harness and a very longline and reinforce with a few treats or some toys every time he looks back at you, and then give him treats whenever he stays by your side,” keep talking with them.

* My dog jumps on every person he sees, what should I do?If they say, “knee him in the chest, squeeze his paws so hard that he screams, step on his back toes so hard that it hurts, yank him down,”say thank you and politely hang up.If you hear, “teach him that a person approaching is a cue to sit,” or  ”before the dog jumps, remind him to sit,” keep talking with them.

* (Optional) What is your background of education? Most of us are self-taught, go to many seminars by top trainers or arelucky enough to mentor with top trainers, read, read, read and read some more. Having a degree “may” be helpful, but is not an indication that the methodology is sound.

If you are at the class observing, (and you should watch many different trainers before deciding) look for these things and watchthe dogs and their owners conscientiously. Are the dogs happy and willing or are they confused and frustrated? Are the owners happy or frustrated? Listen to any advice that is given- is it gentle andnurturing and in line with making it more clear for the dog or is it avariation of the standard punishments listed above? You also don’twant to overlook how the trainers talk to and interact with the owners. Are they helpful, nice, encouraging, happy and enthusiastic?

I know how hard it is to find a good trainer that will work with you and your dog rather than against you. Go with your gut feeling and donot let anyone hurt your dog. You may have to drive over an hour to get to one. Do it. You and your new best friend are worth every pennyof gas and time spent for a lifetime of trust and respect.

Pamela Dennison, CDBC Website: http://www.positivedogs.com Email:pam@positivedogs.com

Author of: The Complete Idiots Guide to Positive Dog Training,Bringing Light to Shadow; A Dog Trainer’s Diary, How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong; A Roadmap For Rehabilitating Aggressive Dogs, Civilizingthe City Dog, Click Your Way to Rally Obedience and the TWO new DVDs; The Magic of Shaping; Explore the Possibilities and Training theWhistle Recall! (WINNER of the Maxwell Award in 2010 from DWAA!!!!)

“If you don’t have time to train your dog, get a stuffed animal”

See website for online classes: Managing the Multiple Dog Household,parts 1 and 2. Coming July 2011 – The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Positive Dog Training ONLINE class!

Click here to get your copy:

25 Q&A Sites About Pet Food

When you have a pet, you want to make sure that he or she has the best care available. From making sure that vaccinations are up to date, to providing the best meals, you want to be sure that your pet is as healthy as possible. Being able to take good care of your pet is important; it can mean more companionship for you, and it shows your affection for your pet.

Because your pet can’t choose the best pet food, it’s up to you to make the right choices in pet nutrition. It is essential that you take the time to learn about what’s available in pet nutrition for this member of your family. Even if you aren’t a vet tech, you can choose pet food like one. There is plenty of good information online to help you out. Here are 25 Q&A sites that can help you learn more about pet food:

Food for Specific Pets

From bird food to cat food to ferret food, you can find what you are looking for on these web sites. These sites will help you figure out what is the best nutritional course of action for your pet.Give your pet the right start with guidance from these informative web sites.

Pet Food :Learn about the regulation of pet food, as well as how it is labeled. The FDA provides plenty of reliable answers to questions you have about food for your pets. Authoritative and interesting.
The Pet Food List: Great site for answering questions about various pet food brands. You can get information on cats and dogs, as well as information on pet food for exotic pets. Great information, including news on pet food recalls.
The Dog Food Project: Compares different types of dog food, and answers questions about various options. A great resource for understanding nutrition for your dog.
Dog Food Analysis: Great Q&A site that reviews different dog food options. Answers questions about formulas in various dog food brands. A helpful resource for the dog lover.
The Pet Food Report: You can learn all about pet food for dogs and cats. A great resource that also includes information homemade pet food.
Truth About Pet Food: Great site aimed at helping consumers find safe pet food for cats and dogs. Get the information you need for providing your furry friends with the right nutrition. Includes reviews, and news, about pet food.
Cat Food: Full Report: This great resource from Consumer Search offers answers to questions about cat food. Learn how to choose cat food, and learn more about dry and canned food, as well as diet options for cats.
The Feed Room: If you have questions about feeding your pet horse, this web site has answers. Learn about pet food for horses, and the best way to ensure proper nutrition for your horse.
National Alternative Pet Association: Find out about nutrition for your exotic pet. This site includes answers to questions on various aspects of caring for “alternative” pets, including how to properly feed them.
Pet Food Ingredients: All Natural Pet Food vs. Other Pet Food Options

Many pet foods feature a number of questionable preservatives and ingredients. If you are interested in providing as natural a diet as possible, you can consider all natural options. You can also look at these Q&A web sites for information on the benefits of natural pet food options, as well as ingredient information for your pet food options.

The Honest Kitchen: Information about all natural pet food. You can learn more about dehydrated pet food designed to retain natural nutrients.
Pet Food Ingredients Revealed: This report from Natural News offers information about what’s really in pet food. Learn about pet food ingredients, including the most common ingredients, and see which pet foods are healthiest.
What’s Really in Pet Food: Born Free provides this resource that can help you pinpoint different ingredients. Find out what you’re really feeding your pets. A great overview of what you will find in pet food.
Petfood Ingredients: Find out about natural ingredients in pet food, and how to choose the right food for your pet. A great resource aimed especially at dog food, and answer questions about pet food ingredients.
Pet Food Ingredients Wizard: Find out more about what is in your pet’s food. Look for natural ingredients, or rule out foods with too many unnatural ingredients. This site aims to answer questions about pet food for dogs, cats and ferrets.
Petfood Industry: Get the inside scoop on the pet food industry, learn about ingredients and find out more about pet nutrition. A helpful site that can answer many of your questions about pet food.
Precious Pets: Learn how to find better, all natural pet food for your animals. A great site that answers questions about keeping your pet healthy, and offering insights into better pet food options.
Ingredient Glossary: Pet Food Ratings offers this helpful glossary of ingredients. Find out what’s in your pet food — and what it can do for your pet.
All Natural Pet Food Directory: Answers questions about where you can find all natural and organic pet food.
Vegetarian and Organic Pet Food Options

If you want your pet to be a vegetarian, or if you want to make sure that your pet is getting only the best in organic nutrition, you can check out these web sites. Find out more about helping your pet live the same sustainable lifestyle that you enjoy.

Vegan Pets: Vegan Peace offers a look at ways that you can provide good nutrition for your pet –while living a vegan lifestyle.
VeganCats: This site can also answer questions about vegan dog food. Plenty of information on what’s available for vegan pets.
Veg Dogs & Cats: Get answers to your questions about how you can encourage veg practices for your pets.
Top Five Benefits of Natural Organic Pet Food for Your Dog: Organic Authority answers questions you have about organic pet food.
Organic Pet Food: Find out more about what’s in pet food, and learn more about organic pet food for better health and nutrition.
Our Happy Cat: Includes information about organic cat food, and its benefits.
Healthy Pet Food Guide: Reviews and information about organic pet food

By: Tina Marconi, http://tinyurl.com/3d65eo4

Yahoo! News Story – Crime-Fighting Chihuahua Stops Armed Robbers

This is great! Here’s the video clip of Paco, the Hero Dog! Too cute.

Fun Activities for Dogs and Owners

Courtesy of the American Kennel Club

Owning a dog can be a great way to bring your family together, get exercise and become involved in activities that are enriching for both dog and owner. In fact, according to the AKC 21st Century Dog Owners Survey, 88% percent said that they consider their four-legged friend to be a member of the family. And, not surprisingly, 90% said they got a dog for companionship. So I’ve developed my Top 10 list of things you can do with your dog as your family member and companion.

1. Travel “canine” style: Pile your family into the car for a daytrip and visit dog-friendly parks, or beaches, (most parks indicate on their web sites whether and in what areas of the park dogs are allowed). Or if you’re up for a bigger excursion, consider a vacation with your best friend. Check ahead for lodging that accepts dogs. If flying, ask about travel accommodations for your dog when you make your reservations.

2. Enroll in canine training classes: Puppy kindergarten, agility, obedience, rally or performance courses are great ways to train your dog, and if your entire family attends, all will be on the same page in regard to training techniques.

3. Become active in competitive dog sports: Showing your canine companion in AKC Conformation, or participating in Obedience and Agility competitions is a family affair. AKC’s Junior Showmanship program allows children from ages 9-18 to compete in conformation and performance events, attend seminars, and earn scholarships while bonding with your dog. The events offer opportunities to get involved, stay fit, meet new friends and just have fun!

4. Take the AKC Canine Good Citizen challenge: Enlist your family members to train your dog to achieve her AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, designed to reward dogs that have good manners at home and in the community.

5. Dogs with jobs: Keep your dog active and alert by giving her tasks to complete. Kids can teach her to fetch their dirty laundry and put it in the hamper, while Mom and Dad can train her to fetch the morning paper, carry groceries or empty the dryer.

6. Encourage breed behavior: Find family activities that will encourage your dog to fulfill her breed’s purpose, such as retrieving (playing fetch in a swimming pool) or becoming a certified therapy dog (ideal for small companion breeds).

7. Responsibilities don’t have to be “ruff”: Assigning roles and responsibilities to care for your new four-legged friend can help you and your family work together. Decide who will be responsible for feeding, walking, grooming, etc. Prepare a schedule before bringing your puppy home and assign each family member a task.

8. Visit the vet: A trip to the veterinarian can be a good learning experience for the entire family. Routine check-ups will help keep your dog in top form and can also help teach the children a thing or two about the importance of health and well-being.

9. Help your dog help others: Dogs are invaluable in providing service to humans — visiting the sick, helping the disabled, locating missing persons, and much more. If your dog is of the correct temperament, your family and she can reap the rewards of helping others together!

10. Spend some downtime with your dog: Simply put, one of the greatest things you and your family can do with your dog is play! So start a game of fetch with Fido – playing with your new friend isn’t only fun for her — it is guaranteed fun for the entire family!