Man's Best Friend Deserves The Best - Handle With Care

I have been a dog lover ever since I can remember. My parents loved dogs, so our home was always full of them. The dogs in our home were always treated like members of the family, and that is the way it should be.

Dogs are the sweetest, most faithful animals in the animal kingdom. They are loyal to the end and they deserve lots of love and affection.

They should never be left out in a yard for hours or days on end without any human contact. They crave love and attention from us. If you are not willing to give them the love they deserve, please refrain from being a dog owner.

Shower him with love and you will have a faithful friend forever.

Before bringing a dog into your home, consider whether you will be able to provide what is needed. They require food, fresh water, exercise, and play sessions. They need a place to run and play. If you live in an apartment and do not have access to a yard, please make sure that there is a dog park nearby.

They should not be cooped up inside all day. They need fresh air and room to run. If you are not able to provide these things, wait until you can. Adopt a dog when you are able to provide them with the home they deserve.

Please spay or neuter your dog so they will not contribute to the over-population problem. They are usually better-behaved and calmer after the procedure. It also may alleviate their desire to roam.

Dogs occasionally need medical care, so be certain that you can afford visits to the vet. Too many people want to be dog owners who cannot afford their medical care. This is absolutely essential.

A dog will definitely become your best friend and a treasured member of your family if you love him and treat him well. Nobody will love you more or be more faithful; I guarantee it. A dog will enrich your life in so many ways. You will never regret the decision to have a dog if you know what is required of you.

Consider getting a dog from the dog pound. There are so many unwanted animals there that will be euthanized if they are not adopted.

Some of the best pets come from there. They are usually very sweet and in need of a good home with someone to love them.

So, make that trip to the pound, pick out a dog (or dogs), take him home and shower him with love and affection. Two dogs are better than one because they enjoy each other's company when you are away. Either way, you are taking on a huge responsibility that will reward you like no other.

Here is a list of things to remember when you bring your new puppy home:

The DOs

1. Take him to the vet for his shots. Do not overlook this step. It is crucial to your puppy's health.

2. Discourage destructive chewing. Provide plenty of chew toys and don't encourage rough play that involves chewing or biting.

3. Take your puppy outside after he sleeps, drinks water, becomes extremely excited, or starts sniffing around for a place to go. He will need to go outside several times a day.

The DON'Ts

1. Do not feed him "people food". This may shorten his life and cause him to be overweight. Stick to a good, dry food made especially for puppies.

2. Do not give your puppy chicken bones, rib bones, pork bones, etc. Use flavored chew toys made just for puppies.

3. Do not allow small children to lug a puppy around. Teach them to pet it gently. A puppy is not a toy.

Dogs with separation anxiety have a fear of isolation or boredom. They are social animals who form attachments with their mother, litter mates, and finally with humans. Pack animals want to be with others and it can cause a level of fear when they are left alone.

Signs of this disorder can be destructive behavior, excessive barking or whining, depression, or hyperactivity. Your dog may chew your shoes or furniture, defecate and urinate in the house even if they are housebroken, and may even attempt to jump through a window to get to you.

Some have been known to cut or injure themselves severely in an attempt to get to their owner.

A sudden change of environment, such as a new home, a kennel stay, death or divorce of family members, or a new baby or pet in the home can trigger this anxiety.

One form of treatment may include not making a fuss when you come and go. Do not show much emotion when you leave your pet at home alone or when you return.

You may also try to make sure your dog gets more exercise. A tired dog may just lie down and sleep when left alone.

In severe cases, you should consult your veterinarian. There are meds especially for this disorder that can be administered in extreme cases.

My dog story begins at the age of six. My older brother had a little boston terrier named Princess that was his best pal. My best friend had a little black poodle puppy named Angel. Not long after Kim got Angel, I decided that I needed a little friend of my own.

My parents got me a little white toy poodle puppy that I named Angie. That sweet little dog became my constant companion. She tolerated being carried around like a little baby and being dressed in doll clothes. She slept with me each night until I left home for college.

She died at the age of fourteen when I was in my second year of college. I was completely heartbroken. That little dog had been a very important part of my life for as long as I could remember.

My parents loved dogs and so our home always included at least two of them. I remember a time when we had six pugs at the same time. I am grateful to my parents for teaching me to love dogs and appreciate them. I cannot imagine my life without them.

If you are a dog owner, I hope that you will love and appreciate them. If you have children, I hope that you will pass the love and respect of dogs on to them. Their lives will be richer for it.

So, little Angie, wherever you are, thank you for making my childhood great. I hope that I gave you half as much joy as you gave me.

Dogs For The Blind

"Guide Dogs" assist the blind so that they can negotiate the world otherwise unassisted.

Hearing and Signal Dogs

They alert their owner to numerous sounds such as a ringing phone or doorbell. They usually come up to the person and go back to the source of the sound.

Assistance Dogs

These dogs assist those with physical disabilities or other special needs. They may turn lights on and off, open and close doors, pull wheelchairs, retrieve objects, and provide companionship.

Service dogs need loving care, too. There was a guy from my home town who was hearing-impaired and mentally retarded to a degree. He had a Hearing Dog for awhile, but the dog was removed from his home. The guy had some anger management issues and also forgot to provide food and water for the dog on occasion.

As wonderful as these service dogs are for the physically impaired, it is essential that they are well taken care of. They should be removed from a home immediately if this is not the case.

This is me and my best pal, Sonny. He is about 75 pounds of fun. He is such a big baby; spoiled rotten. He sleeps on our sofa at night; no dog bed or outside slumber for him!

My husband thought Sonny should sleep outside in the summertime, but I wouldn't have it. That's like forcing one of your children to sleep outside!

Although we also have five indoor cats, Sonny is the boss. He basically rules the roost at our house. Our cats are terrified of him because he chases them. I keep hoping he will calm down and become friends with the cats so that we can all hang out together in the family room, but at three years of age Sonny shows no signs whatsoever of calming down.

Isn't he handsome?

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