Houndsville: Dogs and their humans

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY

I wish everyone felt this way. What a different animal world we would have.

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 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.

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Who stole my sock? Let me take a look at the usual suspects...

Now Go Outside & pLaY

On a Saturday afternoon, my world turned upside down.

I returned home only to find my beloved baby gone. At 9 years old, she had never been missing or out on her own, anywhere. She is a small 8lb 'house dog', I have been her mommy since she was 2 months old - we have never been apart.

At first, I thought she was busy 'napping' and she didn't hear mommy come home. I went into the bedroom where I expected to find her sprawled out in the middle of mommy's bed (one of her favorite spots) with her tail wagging side to side as she lay on her back, otherwise unmoved.

When she wasn't there I searched all of her favorite sleeping spots and then searched them again, calling out her name! My heart began to race as panic set in and the thought of "Oh my God! Where are you!?!". I went to two neighbor's homes that she particularly liked to visit when out on walks, asking if she was there. When each neighbor saw the panic in my face and in my voice, they voluntarily and immediately joined in my search - this touched my heart! They went about the area looking for her and calling out her name, as I did the same. I then got into my car and drove around, with my car windows rolled down and calling out her name, repeatedly. I began to cry, which quickly turned into bawling like a baby as I drove all over and into neighborhoods I had never driven - calling out for my little girl!

The fear and tears didn't let up as I eventually returned home, to find my two wonderful neighbors still searching.

I felt detached, in an unreal state, as I searched my home again, thinking (irrationally) that maybe she was hiding(she never hid from mommy).

I called my mother asking her what I should do. Still bawling my heart out, I drove to the local animal shelter and looked into all the cages and filled out a lost dog report. Knowing it was only a couple of hours since she went missing and would probably not be there, I had to go anyway.

I posted a Lost Dog Flyer in the lobby of my complex and remained in disbelief throughout the night. I went online and found as many places as possible to post a lost dog ad/ report. And, the tears kept flowing (her 'dinner time' came and went and she was not home) - exhausted, I found sleep.

My eyes puffy and still in a state of shock, my mother and grandmother came and helped me drive around posting Lost Dog Fliers around the neighborhood. Sympathetic to my loss, my family was amazing in their care and concern - we had always had a dog in the home and knew the heartbreak over losing a dog to accident, health, etc. (I had never experienced such grief over my very own dog) We went to lunch after posting fliers, but eating was not that interesting to me, and I ended up taking my meal home in a to-go box.

In my struggle to deal with what had happened, my thoughts ranged from:

-Surprise at my incredibly strong reaction
-Being mad at myself for going to work on Saturday, even though it was only a couple of hours
-Swearing to never go to work again (it was 'works' fault)
-Telling myself it's just a dog
-Telling myself it doesn't matter
-I hope she's safe and warm (it had been raining)
-Dear God, please bring her home
...and so many more thoughts that didn't help, didn't make sense or were examples of ways my mind was trying to be 'ok' with what I was experiencing.

Day 2
Sunday, I immersed myself in computer games to numb my mind and pain. Tears falling down my cheeks and being very tired, it was a difficult day.

Day 3
Phoned the local newspaper and placed a Lost ad (annoyed that they charged for the ad, it had to be placed!)
Went to work that afternoon, with a heavy heart. When I saw my supervisor I told her not to 'look' at me... ignoring my request and asking what was wrong, I broke into tears.

That night, I braced myself for coming home to an empty house. It was very sad.

Day 4
I received an email stating that my dog had been found and the individual had been returning to his home in Europe. He had taken the dog back with him on the flight, he didn't want a reward just to return the dog to her owner. My heart stopped when I read the first line and anger grew as I finished reading the email - my instincts told me this was not genuine. I saved email but did not respond.

Late morning my phone rang, a man's voice said he had found my dog. My heart jumped, then caution took hold as I listened. He had seen one of my fliers in the neighborhood, his wife had found her earlier that morning. I called a neighbor to accompany me (for safety) and drove immediately over to the address.

It was my baby! Joy and disbelief, along with tears accompanied us home. My neighbor had tears in his eyes too! One of my other neighbors, not involved in the search came out and stated her relief at my finding my little girl and had tears in her eyes, as she expressed her concern over how would I ever recover from this, knowing how devastated I had been.

Amazing and still in shock - I will be getting my dog implanted with a chip! I always told myself she didn't need it, because she is a housedog and would never get out.

Recently I received a dear story from a client of mine concerning my favorite subject - dogs. I knew when I read this, I would want to share it with all of you one day. Sit back and enjoy a wonderful story concerning man's best friend:

"From time to time people tell me, 'Lighten up, it's just a dog,' or, 'That's a lot of money for just a dog.' They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent or costs involved for 'Just a dog.' Some of my proudest moments have come about with 'Just a dog.'

"Many hours have passed with my only company being, 'Just a dog,' and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by 'Just a dog.' In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of 'Just a dog' provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

"If you, too, think it's 'Just a dog,' you will probably understand phrases like 'Just a friend,' 'Just a sunrise,' or 'Just a promise.' 'Just a dog' brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. 'Just a dog' brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of 'Just a dog' I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

"For me and folks like me, it's not 'Just a dog.' It's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. 'Just a dog,' brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand it's not 'Just a dog.' It's the thing that gives me humanly and keeps me from being 'Just a man or woman.'

"So the next time your hear the phrase 'Just a dog,' smile, because they 'Just don't understand.' "

-Author Unknown
by Dr. Don Palermo
McClatchy Newspapers (MCT)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
(c) 2008, The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.).

Does your dog walk all over you?

My Maltese tends to walk or stand on me to get my attention -
if I am not picking up on her "cues".

Pets are just adorable!

Dogs have a special chemistry with humans that goes back many tens of thousands of years. Researchers investigated this special evolutionary relationship from a number of different angles. Their results are surprising.

The social unit
Domestic dogs are descended from wolves so recently that they remain wolves in all biological essentials, including their social behavior. Wolf packs have some intriguing parallels with human families:

They are territorial.
They hunt cooperatively.
Pack members are emotionally bonded and greet each other enthusiastically after they have been separated.
In a wolf pack, only the alpha male and female are sexually active even though other pack members are sexually mature.

The social adaptations of dogs and humans are similar enough that dogs can live perfectly happy lives surrounded by humans and vice versa. Dogs are pampered with the best of food and medical care, frequently sleeping in their owners' comfortable beds.

A family member
Why do people lavish so much care on a member of an alien species? A short answer is that on an emotional plane, families do not see the dog as alien. According to John Archer (1) of the University of Central Lancashire, who has conducted a detailed study of dog-human relations from an evolutionary perspective, about 40% of owners identify their dog as a family member reflecting social compatibility between our two species.

Dogs are extraordinarily attentive and have an uncanny ability to predict what their owners will do, whether getting the dog a meal or preparing to go on a walk. Experiments show that dogs and wolves can be astute readers of human body language using the direction of our gaze to locate hidden food (2) a problem that is beyond chimps.

Dogs also seem attuned to the emotional state of their masters and express contrition when the owner is annoyed, for example. Otherwise, the capacity to express affection -unconditionally - makes the dog a valued "family member."

Domesticating each other?
Dogs were the first domestic animal with whom we developed a close association. Mitochondrial DNA research suggests that most domestic dogs have been genetically separate from wolves for at least 100,000 years so that we have associated with dogs for as long as we have been around as a species (Homo sapiens). Indeed, some enthusiasts, including Colin Groves of the Australian National University, in Canberra, believe that our success as a species is partly due to help from dogs (3).

According to Groves: "The human-dog relationship amounts to a very long lasting symbiosis. Dogs acted as human's alarm systems, trackers, and hunting aides, garbage disposal facilities, hot water bottles, and children's guardians and playmates. Humans provided dogs with food and security. The relationship was stable over 100,000 years or so, and intensified in the Holocene into mutual domestication. Humans domesticated dogs and dogs domesticated humans."

Relying on dogs to hear the approach of danger and to sniff out the scent of prey animals, our ancestors experienced a decline in these sensory abilities compared to other primates. This conclusion is confirmed by shrinkage of brain regions devoted to these senses (the olfactory bulb and lateral geniculate body).

During the long period of our association, dogs brains have shrunk by about 20 percent, typical for animals such as sheep and pigs who enjoy our protection. Domesticated animals undergo tissue loss in the cerebral hemispheres critical for learning and cognition. If we relied on dogs to do the hearing and smelling, they evidently relied on us to do some of their thinking.

If Groves is correct that dogs have domesticated humans, then the human brain would also have gotten smaller. Surprisingly, human brains have actually shrunk, but by only a tenth, suggesting that dogs got more out of the deal than we did.

1. Archer, J. (1997). Why do people love their pets. Evolution and Human Behavior, 18, 237-259.
2. Udell, M. A. R., Dorey, N. R., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2008). Wolves outperform dogs in following human social cues. Animal Behaviour, 76, 1767-1773.
3. Groves, C. P. (1999). The advantages and disadvantages of being domesticated. Perpectives in Human Biology, 4, 1-12.

Dear Dogs and Cats,

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.

It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not required.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt.
I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.

2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
(That's why they call it "fur"niture. )

3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.
Remember: In many ways, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

1. Eat less

2. Don't ask for money all the time

3 Are easier to train

4. Normally come when called (not in all cases!)

5. Never ask to drive the car

6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends

7. Don't smoke or drink

8. Don't have to buy the latest fashions

9. Don't want to wear your clothes

10. Don't need a "gazillion" dollars for college.
And finally,

And then, this as I was leaving

The power of positive thinking...

I think I can!, I think I can!

Does your human ever try to dress you?
What the heck is this about? Can't they see we have fur?

This is my poor neighbor Bruiser who was spotted wearing this the other day, OUTSIDE IN PUBLIC!

Kept a good attitude through it all - way to go Bruiser! Although, I'm not sure pink is very masculine.

I know, I know - We like to humor them. Keep the kibble & treats coming.

Ever wonder what goes on next door or down the street?

People have kept pets for millennia, but that long history doesn't mean owners always know how to handle behavior problems in their cats and dogs.

HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Most Americans now own at least one cat or dog, said James Serpell, PhD, director... several myths exist about pet keeping-including the idea that it is a modern, Western phenomenon or fad. He cited examples of pets in art from ancient Egypt and Greece. Another myth is that pet keeping is a product of material affluence. Dr. Serpell countered that native Amazonians and Aborigines keep pets.

A third myth is that pet keeping is a symptom of social pathology-because it encourages people to give affection to pets rather than people. Dr. Serpell believes pets are good for people, though. He cited several studies of the benefits of pets to human health, including greater social interaction and lower stress.

DOGS

Despite the connections between humans and animals, people sometimes need help with pets' behavior problems...

Dr. Horwitz... suggested being very cautious with punishment, and she advised against trying to control dogs through dominance.

Separately, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has issued similar statements on punishment and dominance. In 2007, the AVSAB came out with the position that punishment is not appropriate as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems.

"Dogs know that we aren't dogs," Dr. Horwitz said during her presentation on human-directed canine aggression. Confrontational training actually can elicit aggression, she said, and force is not necessary to control dogs. People do need to learn how to read canine body language for signs of anxiety and aggression so they can respond appropriately.

...biting behavior is rarely curable but is often controllable. Owners of aggressive dogs should avoid the dogs' triggers. If triggers are unavoidable, another home may be safer-but rehoming aggressive dogs can be risky.

For fearful dogs, the best solution is prevention. Dr. Horwitz advised exposing puppies to novel situations frequently while controlling the intensity of the experience. Providing a complex environment also is helpful.

For a dog that is already fearful of a situation, exposing the dog to the situation over and over again can increase the fear. Instead, Dr. Horwitz said, the owner should control the intensity of the experience and reward the dog with treats for staying calm at each level of intensity.

CATS

How to read cats' body language for signs of aggression. When a cat becomes aggressive with housemates, she said, the owner should isolate the cat until it is calm. Then the owner should reintroduce the cat very slowly to its housemates.

"People often get another cat without thinking that their cat might not want another cat," Dr. Horwitz added, which can create a problem in integrating the newcomer into the home.

OUR PETS

Besides aggression and anxiety, attention-seeking behaviors can become problematic in pets. To decrease an attention-seeking behavior, the owner must learn not to respond-either positively or negatively. The owner should teach the pet appropriate ways to earn attention.

... cats' and dogs' needs aren't always the same as the needs of their humans. A pet might desire more space and separation between themselves and other pets or people in the house. Then again, a pet might need more social interaction-just like a person.
- Katie Burns

TRAVEL WITH YOUR POOCH?
I KNOW I DO!

To the right is a picture of actual luggage for your dog. I just discovered this, so cute I can hardly stand it!

LODGINGS: I still always double check with the hotel directly as owners, policies and fees sometimes change.

Days Inn
This discount hotel chain has over 900 pet-friendly locations across the United States.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
All locations of this luxury chain accept pets under 15 pounds.

Loews Hotels
The manager will give you a list of pet-friendly restaurants and attractions nearby, or you can just order something special for your pet from the special room service menu.

Motel 6
Over 800 locations that accept pets under 25 pounds (ask if you have a larger pet, and they may allow it).

Westin
Dogs are treated to minature versions of the "Heavenly Beds" and plush doggie robes.

Some others resources are:

Pet Friendly Hotels - (Hotels that allow pets)
Pets Welcome -(pet travel resources)
Take Your Pet - (pet travel club w/ guides)
Traveling Dogs - (hotel guide)

Happy Tails & Trails!

A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town he planned to visit on his vacation.

He wrote: I would very much like to bring my dog with me.
He is well-groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?"

An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who wrote:

SIR: "I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel.

And, if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too."

1. It takes a lot of courage to 'come see' something that is scary. Even when someone you love and trust is telling you it's okay to come check it out. Even if it is something you've seen a million times and weren't scared before. You should always do a happy dance when you've done something brave.

2. It's frustrating when you know how to do something and someone else is still learning. You can either stay beside them and model the correct behavior or walk away. It's ok to do either, but not ok to interrupt the learning. Don't show off.

3. It's good to let the little ones win. It's okay if a four-pound teacup Pomeranian thinks he can beat you in tug of war. He gets self confidence. You get to play. It's a win-win.

4. Diversity in friends is good. You learn the best things about yourself when you have friends around you who think differently than you do. It stretches your mind as you figure out how to play with them. Some are threatened by you when you move fast. It's best to get on their level and move slowly. Some like to take care of you but don't really like it for you to take care of them. Be flexible and they will keep playing with you.

5. Help older friends. Visit them regularly. Wait for them to catch up without being impatient. Let them eat first. Just because they can't get up doesn't mean they don't want to play. Bring them the toys and they will play from their bed.

6. If someone you love won't get out of bed, bring them a ball. Wag your tail. Look happy. If they don't get out of bed, sometimes the best thing you can do is be quiet, lay down next to them, and let them cry on you. Then, try the ball again. Don't whine.

7. When friends are sick, sometimes they just need you to be there or spend the night by their side. It is comforting to have a friend close. Sometimes friends are too sick to let anyone know. If that is the case, whine until someone with more medical expertise listens.

8. When someone is breaking a big rule, try to tell them yourself to stop. If they don't listen, it's okay to let someone with more authority know. Especially if your friend might hurt themselves.

9. It's ok not to like something, but you have to try it first. And if you're creative, you can find a way to kind of like it. Swimming pools are a good example. If you don't like swimming, find a friend who does. He can go swimming and gets the ball to fetch. You take the ball from him at the edge of the pool and bring it to whoever is throwing.

10. When you think your patience is exhausted or the environment is too scary, take a deep breath then leave the room or go outside by yourself for a minute. Run around. Entertain yourself. Or take a nap. Then you will be able to interact with others and play again.

... before you get a dog

Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason pets are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions when considering getting a dog as a pet..

What's special about dogs?

The saying that "dogs are a man's (or woman's) best friend" has a lot of truth to it. Dogs have been faithful companions for tens of thousands of years. They are friendly, affectionate, and entertaining. They are also capable of doing extraordinary jobs-and seem to enjoy doing them.

What choices do you have?

Dogs have been selectively bred for generations to highlight specific physical and behavioral traits. The amazing diversity of dogs includes varied sizes, haircoat lengths, colors, temperaments, and activity levels. A dog's size may affect its lifespan: the lifespan of a large-breed dog tends to be shorter than that of a smaller dog.

What are the special needs of dogs?

Some dogs may be at greater risk for certain medical conditions, while others may require more training, exercise and patience to help them to become good companions. Ask your veterinarian about health conditions and behaviors that may be common in the breed you are considering.

Who will care for your dog?

As its owner, you will ultimately be responsible for your dog's food, shelter, companionship, exercise, and physical and mental health for the rest of its life. While families should involve their children in caring for a pet, youngsters need the help of an adult who is willing, able, and available to supervise the daily care of a pet.

Does a dog fit into your lifestyle?

Feeding, grooming, exercise, play and elimination are daily needs that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy dog. Think about the following factors when deciding if you should get a dog and in determining what breed would be the most appropriate for you and your family:

* Do you live in the city, suburbs, or country?
* Do you rent or do you own your home?
* Do you live in an apartment or single-family home? Do you live at ground level or on the 21st floor?
* How long is your work day? Do you frequently have obligations after work that would interfere with caring for your puppy or dog?
* Do you travel? Who will care for your dog(s) in your absence?
* Do you have other pets?
* Are there any restrictions on number or types of pets where you live?
* What future changes might occur in your living situation that would affect your ability to keep your dog in years to come?
* Are you prepared to meet the grooming needs of a dog - whether at home or at a professional grooming facility?
* What are you looking for in a dog (e.g. jogging or hiking companion, cuddly lap dog, or a high energy companion)?

Should you get a puppy, or an adult dog? And what size of dog should you get?

Puppies require additional time for housetraining, socialization, and obedience training, as well as more frequent feeding, exercise, and supervision. Consider the possibility of an adult dog; older pets are often already housetrained, know some basic commands, and usually adapt very well to their new home.

Larger dogs require more space than smaller ones, and may be harder to maintain in an apartment or condominium. Regardless of the size of your dog, it must be provided with access to the outdoors multiple times a day for elimination and exercise.

Can you afford a dog?

The purchase price for a dog can vary tremendously by breed and source, and is only the initial expense incurred for a dog. Dogs need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, play time), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Other costs may include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, identification, licensing, sterilization (spaying or neutering), training, and accessories. Pet health insurance is available and can help defray unexpected expenses resulting from illness or injury.

Where do you find a dog?

Purebred dogs can be obtained from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred puppies and dogs can be obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations. In many communities, there are rescue groups dedicated to finding good homes for specific dog breeds and their mixes. If possible, try to find out as much as possible about the dog's personality and why it was given up for adoption. Some puppies or adult dogs are given up because of family lifestyle changes (e.g., moving, new baby), but some are given up because of behavioral problems that may not be acceptable to you.

What should you look for in a healthy dog?

A healthy dog has clear, bright eyes; a clean, shiny haircoat; and does not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness, such as nasal discharge or diarrhea.

When choosing a dog, pick one that is active, friendly, inquisitive, and not afraid of you. The dog should accept gentle handling and not exhibit signs of aggression. The temperament of a puppy's parents may be an indication of its future behavior.

What must you do to prepare for your dog?

Before bringing your new dog home, prepare an appropriate place for it to eat and sleep and have ready the necessary accessories such as a collar and leash, ID tag, food, and water bowls. Be sure to pet-proof your home to prevent injury to your dog or damage to your possessions. For example, make sure that electrical wires and cords are out of the reach of curious mouths. Ask your veterinarian about other ways to make your home safe for your pet.

Schedule a veterinary examination to assess the health of your new companion as soon as possible to ensure it receives the appropriate vaccinations and any needed health care. If you have medical information from your dog's original owner, including its vaccination and deworming history, be sure to take this information with you on your first visit to your veterinarian.

Not only is your veterinarian best qualified to evaluate the health of your new companion, but he/she can advise you about proper immunization, parasite control, nutrition, sterilization, socialization, training, grooming and other care that may be necessary to protect the health of your new pet.

If you choose a puppy, be prepared for several weeks to months of housetraining and some initial medical expenses for wellness exams, vaccinations and neutering. If you plan your puppy's arrival when there is sufficient time to socialize and housetrain it, your puppy will learn faster and more likely grow into the adult dog you've always wanted. If your community offers puppy classes, they are a great way to socialize your new companion and help it learn some basic commands. Frequent, positive contact with people and other dogs early in the puppy's life enhances its future interactions with your family, other people, and their dogs.

Any dog can become bored and potentially destructive if left alone all day without an outlet for its exercise, exploratory, and social needs. Therefore, set aside time each day for activities that are fun for you and your dog such as walking, playing, petting, grooming, etc. Remember that dogs are highly social creatures, and isolating a dog to the backyard with no interaction is one of the worst things you can do.

When you acquire a pet, you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living thing. You are also responsible for your pet's impact on your family, friends, and community. A pet will be part of your life for many years. Invest the time and effort necessary to make your years together happy ones. When you choose a pet, you are promising to care for it for its entire life. Choose wisely, keep your promise, and enjoy one of life's most rewarding experiences!

New Puppy Tips

* Six to 10 weeks is considered an ideal age for a puppy to move to a new home.
* Spaying or neutering your new pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your puppy

The bond that we form with animals is unique. The loss of an animal can have an impact on you that is as great or even greater than the loss of a family member or friend. This bond is what makes our interactions with animals rich and rewarding, but also what makes the grief process so complicated.

After your animal has died or been lost, it is natural and normal to feel grief and sorrow. Although grief is an internal and private response, there are certain stages of grief that most people experience. By understanding the process, you will be better prepared to manage your grief and to help other family members and friends who share your sense of loss.

The stages of grief

There are many stages of grief, but not everyone experiences them all or in the same order. You may experience denial, anger, guilt, depression, acceptance, and resolution.

Your first reaction may be denial-denial that the animal has died or that death is imminent. Denial may begin when you first learn the seriousness of your animal's illness or injuries. Often, the more sudden the death, the more difficult the loss is to accept.

Anger and guilt often follow denial. Your anger may be directed toward people you normally love and respect, including your family and your veterinarian. People coping with death will often say things that they do not really mean, perhaps hurting those whom they do not mean to hurt. You may feel guilty or blame others for not recognizing the illness earlier, for not doing something sooner, for not being able to afford other types of or further treatment, or for being careless and allowing the animal to be injured.

Depression is also part of the range of emotions experienced after the death of a special animal. The tears flow, there are knots in your stomach, and you feel drained of all your energy. Day-to-day tasks can seem impossible to perform. Sometimes you may even ask yourself if you can go on without the animal. The answer is yes, but there are times when special assistance may be helpful in dealing with your loss.

Eventually, you will come to terms with your feelings. You can begin to resolve and accept your animal's death. Even when you have reached resolution and acceptance, feelings of anger, denial, guilt, and depression may reappear. If this does happen, these feelings will usually be less intense, and with time will be replaced with fond memories.

Although the stages of grief apply fairly universally, grieving is always a personal process. Some people take longer than others to come to terms with denial, anger, guilt, and depression, and each loss is different. If you understand that these are normal reactions, you will be better prepared to cope with your feelings and to help others face theirs. Family and friends should be reassured that sorrow and grief are normal and natural responses to death.

They may not understand

Sometimes well-meaning family and friends may not realize how important your animal was to you or the intensity of your grief. Comments they make may seem cruel and uncaring. Be honest with yourself and others about how you feel. If despair mounts, talk to someone who will listen to your feelings about the loss of your animal. Talk about your sorrow, but also about the fun times you and the animal spent together, the activities you enjoyed, and the memories that are meaningful.

The hurt is so deep

If you or a family member have great difficulty in accepting your animal's death and cannot resolve feelings of grief and sorrow, you may want to discuss these feelings with a person who is trained to understand the grieving process. Your veterinarian certainly understands the relationship you have lost and may be able to suggest support groups and hot lines, grief counselors, clergymen, social workers, physicians, or psychologists who can help.

Should I get another animal?

The death of an animal can upset you emotionally, especially when euthanasia is involved. Some people may feel they would never want another animal. For others, a new animal may help them recover from their loss more quickly. Just as grief is a personal experience, the decision of when, if ever, to bring a new animal into your life is a personal one. If a family member is having difficulty accepting the animal's death, getting a new animal before that person has resolved his or her grief may imply that the life of the deceased animal was unworthy of the grief that is still being felt. Family members should agree on the appropriate time to acquire a new animal. Although you can never replace the animal you lost, you can obtain another to share your life.

Remembering your animal

The period from birth to old age is much shorter for most domestic animals than for people. Death is part of the lifecycle. It cannot be avoided, but understanding and compassion can help you, your family, and your friends manage the grief associated with it. Try to recall and treasure the good times you spent with your animal. You may also wish to establish a memorial of some type or contribute to a charity in honor of your animal.

Although controlled studies are performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these products, these studies might not identify small groups of animals at higher risk of experiencing adverse events. Post-marketing monitoring of adverse events provides the government, manufacturers and veterinarians with critical information about the safety and efficacy of products. If adverse events occur, reporting them allows the government, manufacturers and veterinarians to investigate and determine if the product's labeling or use should be changed. Adverse events are rare and the majority of them are minor, but some can be life-threatening.

Consult with your veterinarian about the possible adverse events associated with the medication and/or vaccine, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any signs of an adverse event.

Your veterinarian may report the adverse event to the appropriate agency and provide the necessary information; if your veterinarian reports the adverse event, you do not need to file a report. If your veterinarian has not reported the adverse event, or if your veterinarian was not involved in the treatment, you may need to report the adverse event. Different government agencies oversee different products, so the reporting process will vary. Regardless of the government agency involved, the manufacturer should be notified of the adverse event.

To report an adverse event associated with a veterinary drug, you should notify the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by contacting the manufacturer:

The FDA requires that manufacturers of FDA- approved drugs forward adverse event reports to the agency.

If the drug in question is not FDA-approved, or if the event involves a medical device, contact the FDA directly. For more information regarding the process of reporting adverse events to the FDA, go to:
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/adereporting.htm
or
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/adetoc.htm

To report an adverse event associated with a pesticide (such as a flea and tick product), you should notify the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP):

Go to http://pesticides.custhelp.com, type "pet incident" in the search box, and follow the resulting information to submit a report for any animal. All communications should include the following information:

1. Name(s) and EPA registration number(s) of the product(s) (these numbers can be found on the product label);
2. Breed(s) and age(s) of animal(s) and any other factors needed to understand the animals' previous medical conditions;
3. Who applied the product (e.g., the owner or the veterinarian);
4. Length of time between application and reaction;
5. Description of adverse reaction;
6. Date, City, and State in which adverse reaction occurred; and
7. Contact information and telephone number.

The EPA is responsible for regulating pesticide products in the US and ensuring that they can perform their intended functions without posing unreasonable risks to humans, animals or the environment. All reports are included in the EPA's Pesticide Incident Data System, which contains information on reported pesticide poisonings. EPA routinely examines information from the database to determine what concerns are being raised about registered products and whether further regulatory action is needed.

To report an adverse event associated with a vaccine or other biological product, contact the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB):

Go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_biologics/vb_adverse_event.shtml to view information on reporting adverse events. The adverse event reporting form can be accessed from that page and submitted electronically. The form is also available as a pdf file at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/cvb/forms/adverseeventreportform.pdf, which can be completed and mailed or faxed to the CVB. Adverse events may also be reported by calling the CVB at (800) 752-6255.

To report an adverse event associated with pet food (or other animal feed), please contact your state FDA's Consumer Complaint Coordinator(s). Contact information can be found on the FDA's Web site at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.Html. When reporting, please include as much information as possible, including the specific product name, lot numbers, veterinarian's report and diagnosis, and any other pertinent information. It is preferred, however, that you ask your veterinarian to contact the FDA, because your veterinarian can often provide additional information and details that can aid the investigation.

For more information about the FDA's role in pet food regulation, go to http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoods.htm.

Why Some Men Have Dogs And Not Wives:

1. The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.

2. Dogs don't notice if you call them by another dog's name.

3. Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.

4. A dog's parents never visit.

5. Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.

6. You never have to wait for a dog; they're ready to go 24 hours a day.

7. Dogs find you amusing when you're drunk.

8. Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.

9. A dog will not wake you up at night to ask: If I died, would you get another dog??

10. If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.

11. A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.

12. If a dog smells another dog on you, they don't get mad. They just think it's interesting.

13. Dogs like to ride in the back of a pickup truck.

And last, but not least:

14. If a dog leaves, it won't take half of your stuff.