Whether your choice of companion is 4 legged, a rescue, a purebred or a feathered friend our pets instill a lifelong attachment that offer a sense of comfort for both animal and owner for years.

The downside of this of course is that most pets will not outlive their owners and losing a pet can be devastating. The feelings of loss are similar to losing a close family member and should never be trivialized. The sadness and depression are very real.

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when moving through this period of grief.

Acknowledgment

• Do not dismiss the feelings. Losing a friend is a hard part of life and acknowledging a pet as a friend can help accept the loneliness of their passing.
• Do not let others minimize your feelings. Grief is grief and yours is just as relevant even with the passing of a pet.
• Share your feelings with those you trust. It is quite likely that you know someone who has already lost a pet so talking through the sadness can often help.
• Make a scrapbook. Keep your memories of your pet in an album or special box so that you can be reminded of the good years you had together.
• Prepare a place of remembrance. It may not always be possible to bury your pet in your yard, but you can create a memorial with a collar or a favorite toy in a special place.
• Spend the time to grieve and do not be in a big hurry to replace your pet. Bringing in a new pet too soon may hamper bonding with unrealistic expectations and comparisons.

Closure

Closure is an important part of saying goodbye. Whatever ritual feels right to help heal the sorrow is important for closure and can help make room for a new pet when you are ready.

Our kinship with our pets is personal and heartfelt. Allowing ourselves to say goodbye is the hardest part of having pets as a part of our lives. It’s the most important step of all.

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With dog walkers, doggie day cares, and overnight boarding, the idea of leaving our furry family members in unknown environments can cause great stress to both owner and pet.

Pet sitters are becoming a less expensive alternative to animal boarding. Having someone come into your home to take care of your pet in its own environment is a great way to have the best of both worlds. Your pets suffer less separation anxiety and stress and it eliminates worry from an active owner’s life.

What Does A Pet Sitter Do?

Pet sitters care for your animals just as a caregiver would care for your children. While pets do not require the same degree of care as a child, a certain degree of supervision and physical and social requirements are needed for the health and safety of all animals.

Depending on the animal, your sitter may simply walk your dog and make sure its physical needs are met. Replenishing food and water is mandatory for all sitters as is socializing with attention and affection normally for a 30-45 minute period.

Pet sitters also provide specialize care by following schedules and administering vitamins or medicine at specific times. There are even sitters who will stay at your home to provide an easier transition when you are away.

The Cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $12 -15 for a daily visit which normally would include a short walk. The cost for multiple animals is often a few dollars more and if your sitter needs to come twice a day, there may be a package fee available.

If you require overnight services, expect to pay $50 per night and there may be additional charges for major holidays throughout the year. If your pet requires specialized care, the cost will invariably increase based on the needs of your pet.

Most often overnight fees include collecting mail and watering plants which also provides peace of mind for the safety of your animals and the security of your home while away.

Locating a Pet Sitter

The best way to find a pet sitter is through referral or word of mouth. You can also check your veterinarian or your groomers for advertisements posted in their offices. It is in everyones best interest to interview all potential sitters and check references as you would for anyone you allow in your home.

A good pet sitter will offer to visit with your pet to allow the animal to bond with them before they are signed on. If your sitter does not make the time, then they are not right for you.

Any time we bring someone into our home to take care of someone we love, there is a level of trust we must extend. By taking the time to get to know your pet sitter you can find the best fit for your pets that will keep both pet and owner happy.

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Having deciding early on to only adopt rescue animals, we often had behavior issues to address before peace would reign.

We quickly learned that when you are introducing new members to your home there are important facts to considered.

Dogs are territorial and will often show aggression to any new addition to their home. Cats have the same tendencies and will fight to defend their territory and mark their spaces to show their dominance.

There Is Hope

It is a challenge to get dogs and cats to co-exist but it can be done. The usual process is to separate the two physically however this is not a practical long term solution.

Though caging and closed rooms can be used in the beginning for their safety, creating a plan of action for new behaviors can help you achieve harmony with time and practice.

The First Steps

Obedience is the most important factor when introducing your older pets to the newest member. Both cats and dogs can be taught basic commands and NO must be understood immediately. Chances are your new pet will understand by word or by tone but it can also be re-emphasized with treats and affection.

While the older pets are contained, allow the new pet to slowly acclimatize themselves to the new surroundings and smells. By letting them wander on their own for short periods they can scatter their own scent within the home which allows the other to become familiar to the new scent.

Once the new pet is secured, allow the older pet to investigate and aquatint themselves to the new scents and reward them positively for acceptable behavior. This stage will take time and repetition for both cats and dogs to adjust but the safer they feel, the faster the process.

The Introduction

Once you see signs of acceptance you can introduce physical contact. With each pet being held securely and only when they are calm in each others presence, you can allow them to sniff each other. Be ready to correct negative behavior and offer protection from aggression swiftly.

By repeating this process often and increasing the time in each others company, they will begin to lean to adapt to the new situation.

Dogs are pack animals and are happy to be with their families and though cats are aloof, they too enjoy affection from their owners.In time you will begin to see that your dog and cat can co-exist peacefully without fear or aggression.

You may find they become the best of friends and they may agree to give each other a wide berth. Whatever the case both can be taught to be comfortable in their new home safely.

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Almost 25% of the pet population is considered obese and many under veterinary care for this reason. With our tendency to treat ourselves with food as a reward for a challenging day, we are doing the same things to our animals. But as we are doing so, we are putting their lives at risk.

Our Busy Lives

As we run through our lives juggling more daily expectations we are not only neglecting our own health with fast food and less relaxation but the health of our pets.

With the lack of time for ourselves, our dog walks become short strolls to the nearest park or a quick jaunt around the neighborhood. Our hectic days don’t leave much play time for our pets so we offer treats to keep them busy and assuage our guilt.

Animals are creatures of habit and quick to learn this type of behavior. They easily attach a play time with treats and begin to demand treats more frequently. Their vocal demands are then rewarded just to keep the peace and a cycle is born.

As we move and downsize, our spaces leave less room for play. Apartment living may seem suitable for cats but even cats need room to exercise. The less room there is to move, the more sedate they become and excess weight becomes a problem.

A few pounds may not seem to be much for a large breed dog, but for small pets, 5 pounds can decrease their life span considerably. As with humans, obesity can lead to diabetes, arthritis, kidney problems and heart complications.

The more obese the animal, the less they are able to groom themselves and this can be a frustrating life for fastidious cats.

What We Can Do

If you suspect your pet may be overweight, take them to your local veterinarian for an assessment. There are many types of food available to help get their weigh back under control. They will also be able to advise you of tips and tricks with different toys to help along the way.

Get off the couch. Going for a walk with your dogs at the end of the day is one of the best ways to reduce stress and increase your physical well being. Use favorite toys to play with your cat to encourage exercise.

No matter what kind of pet you have, you must be careful not to overcompensate for our lack of time with food and treats. Be sure you are feeding the proper food for the age and condition of your pet and most importantly take the time to enjoy some play time.

It will do both of you a world of good.

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There are differences between having a freshwater and a saltwater aquarium and the types of fish that are required in each setting. If this is your first time with an aquarium many expert recommends that it is best to chose a freshwater aquarium in your initial set up.

The primary reasoning behind this is that freshwater tanks are the easier of the two to maintain and secondly, the cost of freshwater fish is more reasonable for a first attempt. Keeping fish successfully is learned by trial and error and losing less expensive fish is easier on the budget.

What to Consider

Beginners should go with the most common rectangular 55 gallon tank and choosing an all glass aquarium will ensure easier clean up with very little effort. Fish are active and require space to grow so keep in mind your surroundings and adjust the size of tank accordingly.

Freshwater and saltwater aquariums can both be fish only aquariums but many choose to have a more colorful environment with plants, rocks, and coral. Be sure to discuss your choice of tank with knowledgeable staff when you stock your aquarium, as each requires a different set up for best results with saltwater being the more involved of the two.

Basically the same filtration, heating and lighting is needed for both aquariums but a saltwater tank will need more advanced equipment. Depending on how well you stock the aquarium, your filtration system should be able to handle the waste matter that the fish will produce. Check with the staff for the best system that will fit within your budget.

Salt is obviously the most common difference between the two tanks and also the critical levels of ph, saline, nitrates, calcium and temperature need to be balanced to keep your fish healthy. Both tanks have different parameters and it’s important to learn the different elements required for each.

Choosing the right kinds of fish for a harmonious tank is just as important. You must not overcrowd the tank and you cannot select a group of fish to live together based on your likes. Predatory and aggressive fish will attack the meeker fish so gather information on which species adapts wells with each other to avoid the unnecessary loss of fish.

It is important to remember that a fish tank should never be in direct sunlight,but artificial lighting that can be regulated with a timer is a perfect solution for lighting as well as maintaining a healthy eco system.

The Pros of Each

Fresh water fish are less costly, easier to breed and maintain and are more tolerant to errors to their environment.

Saltwater fish are more colorful, and keeping their environment pristine is an advantage for those who prefer a more hands on approach to having an aquarium.

Deciding which tank is right for you needs careful consideration. Take the time to do some thorough research before making your decision and think ahead for future tank expansions while in the planning stages.

Starting small may well be the best way to approach this new hobby. You can learn the types of fish you enjoy most and grow from there.

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As in any home, there needs to be a match between the family and the pet, or you may end up with an unhappy situation and an unwanted pet. Often the first choice is a big, colorful exotic bird which may seem like a great idea but this type of bird may be too much to handle for a first time bird owner.

It’s not just about a bird in a cage with food and water and occasionally talking to it talking to it when you have the time. There are a variety of factors that need to be considered before making the decision on which type of bird would best suit your family. Each bird species has different dietary essentials, social needs and space requirements.

What to Consider

Bird Size – A good rule of thumb is the bigger the bird, the bigger your commitment level. Larger birds are beautiful but they also require more space and more care.

Budget – Exotic birds are expensive to purchase and costly to maintain. They are a huge commitment as they have an extensive lifespan. However, they are incredibly smart and easy to train.

Temperament – Different species have different behaviors. Some people may like their birds to come out of the cage and socialize, while others don’t. You will need to decide what is best suited to your family.

Time – How much time are you willing to spend on care and attention? If there is training involved how much time can you commit?

The Right Bird for You

Its always best to start small and go with a smaller sized bird becoming familiar with its needs. They are easy to care for, easy to handle and perfect for a beginner.

Parakeets and Budgies are the most popular choice among bird lovers. They are colourful, smart and a great source of entertainment as they can be tamed quite easily.

Canaries and Finches make good pets for those who would prefer to enjoy them visually but rarely handle. Their songs are sweet and though they are small, they can make quite a mess so be prepared with adequate space.

Doves are known for their cooing and their calmness. They are affectionate and can be hand fed for those who would like a more hands on bird. However, they are larger and can make an impressive mess so space will need to be considered. Also of note, their cooing is indeed beautiful, but constant. You may need to cover their cages in the evening for quiet.

Cockatiels are relatively quiet and can be quite affectionate. They are smart, easily trained with some consistent effort and are the perfect choice for one who wants to interact with their bird regularly.

Even though birds are smaller pets, they still require attention and care. Before choosing, do your research into each species you are interested in and what is involved in their care and maintenance. Keep personality in mind and the time you and your family can commit to. Having a better understanding of the bird you choose will be a wonderful beginning for your new pet and your family.

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If you have ever owned a cat, you are sure to know all about their claws and how they use them. They use them for traction, climbing, accelerating, moving, turning quickly, defending themselves and even for such mundane activities as cleaning up after using the litter box. It’s part of their natural activity. Just watch a cat chase a toy in play and you’ll see how they use their claws to grip, pull and rapidly change directions.

All cats routinely scratch at things with their front feet. The main reason is to sharpen the front claws and to help shed the old outer husk-like layers. Scratching also exercises and strengthens the muscles in their front paws. Your outdoor cat will often use a tree to scratch at, but if your cat is confined within the home, he will look for alternatives, like furniture or carpeted stairs, especially the vertical surfaces.

Get a Scratching Pole

If your cat is an indoor cat, you will need to provide a safe outlet for this behavior with some sort of scratching post. These are typically pads, posts or poles covered with carpet or made from compressed cardboard. They vary in price from a few dollars for a small scratch pad to elaborate “condo” units covered in carpet with built in toys that can run into the hundreds of dollars. They can also be made at home inexpensively from scraps of lumber and carpet remnants.

The key is to begin training your cat to scratch in the appropriate areas while they are young and you can begin this by rubbing some catnip where you want the cat to scratch. This is usually enough to start developing the habit.

If you have left it too late for this behavior training, or you have an new addition that may not have been properly trained, you will to be quick to catch your cat in the act of scratching your furniture. You then take your cat to its alternative scratching post or pad and reward its use with praise, plenty of affection and a few treats. This may take some time and effort, so a little patience will go a long way.

While in training, you can protect your furniture by using throws or sheets to deter your cat. You can also wrap specific areas with tin foil, sticky shelf paper like Mac-Tac or even use a natural repellent spray like citronella. Also, provide lots of toys and games to keep your cat from getting bored.

Just A Trim, Please

Trimming your cat’s claws regularly is another way to reduce the damage that a cat may do. However, you have to be very careful that you don’t clip too far, into the ‘quick’ of the nail as it will cause bleeding and pain. The best time to do this is when your cat has developed a high level of trust with you and is very relaxed. It’s best with two people, one holding the cat, talking gently and being affectionate and the other clipping the nails quickly. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, have your cat’s claws trimmed at the groomers on a regular basis.

De-clawing a cat is highly discouraged as it is a serious surgical operation, and not a matter to be taken lightly. A cat without claws is at a big disadvantage when going about its daily life. He is likely to be clumsy and at risk of hurting himself or being unable to defend himself. Many Veterinarians will no longer perform this procedure as it often results in aggressive behaviors once performed.

Many people think that you cannot train a cat and this is simply not true. With some time and a little patience, most cats will quickly learn whatever behavior you are trying to instill. Using these tips, you will be able to enjoy your cat and your furniture without worry.

PS. Another website (MyPetHealthGuide) suggests spritzing kitty with a spray bottle. Great advice, but your cat will hate you for it!

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“I have a young female cat, just over one year old. We have just recently had her spayed, and she seemed to be distressed and awake all night listening to other neighborhood cats. The problem is that since her operation 3 weeks ago, she will not use her litter tray, and is messing in different tiled areas in our home.

Please can someone advise me on how to prevent this, and also how to re-train her for the litter tray? I am looking for more of a natural option.”

This is a common occurrence when a cat has had a recent surgery or in pain. They will often associate the pain upon using their litter as a negative experience and may begin avoiding the litter box entirely.

The first order of business is to make certain that your cat is not suffering any ill effects of the surgery. Place a call to your veterinarian to be sure she is not required to be seen again.

An effective way to do this is to temporarily curtail her freedom in the house. You could try keeping her confined to a small clean and safe area by placing her in a small room (like the bathroom) with fresh litter, food, water, and comfortable bedding.

This may take a couple of days but once she actually uses the litter box she will quickly realize it no longer hurts to go in the box and revert back to her normal habits.

Our one cat Morris, started to use the family room as his “litter” which was completely out of character for him. After being checked out by our vet and a treatment plan started, he was quarantined in one of our bathrooms for a weekend where he was lavishly surrounded with a soft bed, his favorite food, fresh water and his litter. We visited him often, loved him up thoroughly and thankfully he began to use his litter almost immediately.

Again, talk to your vet to make sure there are no additional medical conditions and then try this retraining technique yourself. With a little time and allot of patience, you should see results almost at once. Good Luck

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Breed And Background Info

You now have many choices to make, from mixed to pure breeds and where to go to choose the right kitten for you. There are so many ways to get a new kitten, it can be a bit overwhelming. The classifieds are full of people selling or giving away new kittens; shelters abound with more cats than they can handle; and you have the boutiques and breeders ready to offer exotic breeds at a premium price.

Whatever means you choose, be sure that the kitten has been well-cared for and ok’ed by a veterinarian. If possible, try to get a kitten that has been properly weaned from his mother and seems ready for a new life. You may, however, decide to adopt an abandoned or neglected kitten. In this case, the shelter will do the necessary preliminary tests and give the care needed before you bring your kitten home.

Preparing Your Home

Make sure that you have a carrier, which you will need for future veterinarian trips, and place a blanket or towel inside to make him feel more secure.

It is important that the kitten get acclimatized to his new home gradually. Keeping the kitten in one room of the house, initially, will keep him safe in this new environment. Have family members come into the room quietly and gently engage him with your voice. Make sure that the litter box is easily found and at quite a distance from the food.

Go easy on playtime with family and friends so as not to overwhelm your new kitten. Of course, make sure that the room is kitten safe, because even the smallest kitten has a knack for finding new places to hide and dangling things that can be chewed.

It may be worth considering two kittens if you plan to be out of the home for most of the day. This way they will always have constant companionship and can exercise each other far more effectively than you can. Litter mates would be ideal.

Exploring The Home

Once you sense your new kitten is ready to explore the house, do so gradually, so he can always find his way back to his litter box and food.

Kittens are naturally curious and will start exploring their new territory. Learn to tread softly around your kitten because he spooks very easily. That way you’ll build trust much faster and ensure your kitten develops a much calmer demeanor. If your kitten learns to be too nervous around you, he may develop more aggressive habits like nipping at your toes, or uses his claws to defend himself.

Once he bonds with you, he’ll follow you everywhere, frolicking, teasing and very playful. His tiny claws will be sharp, so getting a scratch pad or cat tree will keep your kitty busy filing his claws, rather than doing so on furniture and carpets.

Kittens love toys and will play for hours. Your local pet store can show you what is available but a rolled up piece of paper will work as well. Always keep an eye on any toy for strings or anything that can be swallowed. Remember they are still babies.

You can also train your kitten and teach him new tricks. There are many books on training, and its best to start with a young animal as they are already curious and active. And it’s a good way to channel some of that natural energy.

Encourage A Desirable Behavior And Routine

One of the most proactive things you can do for your kitten is to have him or her spayed or neutered before 6 months. This will reduce any territorial spraying, and aggressiveness in males, and, of course, help to control the cat population.

Your choice of litter is also important. Don’t buy the clumping kind when your cat is less than 6 months old, as they may inadvertently lick the clumps off their paws and create a digestive blockage.

Clean your litter box daily, as cats have a highly developed sense of hygiene. And be sure the type of litter is agreeable to them. Cats also like privacy, so a covered box may be preferable, as well as contain any fresh odors. Watch for his preference, it will become evident soon enough.

Don’t forget to brush your kitten regularly, as this is critical for his physical and emotional well-being. It’ll also give you a chance to check out for any cuts or fur clumps. In nature, cats groom each other regularly. It’s something they naturally enjoy.

Proper Nutrition

Having good quality food is also paramount to a cat’s health and demeanor. Cats can be very finicky, so you may need to try a few varieties to find their favorites. Sticking with the highest quality food will prevent many health problems later on, and ensure a beautiful, shiny coat. Give your kitten wet food regularly, twice a day at first. This will keep down the frequency of hairballs.

After the first initial series of shots, remember to keep a yearly vet appointment in order to keep the necessary shots up to date and to head off any problem areas. You will also need to verify your animals medical records if you ever need to have your kitten groomed or kenneled bored for any length of time

Getting a new kitten can be a joy for the whole family. With plenty of love and care you can plan on enjoying a beautiful friendship for a good 14 years and with luck, even longer.

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However, left untrained, any dog can quickly become a problem and this can affect the pleasure of having this new family member. It’s not only unfair to the family but unfair to the animal itself.

Issues That Arise By Not Training Your Dog

Here’s what you can expect by giving your dog free reign with no training:

• People who come to visit may get knocked over if your dog is large or climbed upon when they sit.
• They may be unable to carry on a conversation with you if your dog is barking or licking incessantly.
• You’ll be unable to safely offer food to your guests without watching your dog like a hawk.
• Your dog may whine and cry when removed from a room.
• Your dog will be taking you for a walk, instead of the other way around.
• And on it goes…

How A Well-Trained Dog Behaves

A well behaved dog, on the other hand, becomes a wonderful companion. Reminding ourselves that dogs come with a pack mentality, and giving them structure within your family is always in their best interest.

• He is aware of his owner’s command and follows them because he loves to please.
• He behaves in a way that is likely to be helpful and cause pleasant responses and appreciation.
• He will lay down and obey other commands at his owner’s request.
• He expects and waits for his daily walks for exercise and to do his business.

Many people believe that a dog should be crated when the owner is not at home. While this can work to train a dog initially, it will become unnecessary as the dog learns to wait for you to come home and attend to its needs. A dog that is kept confined in a very small area too often, may express himself aggressively when removed from the crate or on the opposite side, may exhibit depression.

Basic Training Commands

Making sure your dog gets the proper amount of exercise will go a long way when you start your training sessions.

Using treats also works very well when you’re trying to reinforce the desired behaviour. Eventually, your affection for a job well done will be all the reward that is needed.

• The first command ideally should be to COME which is usually very easy for the animal to learn.
• The next is STAY and SIT and these will need more patience as a puppy is constantly moving.
• LEAVE IT and GET DOWN are two other very important commands that should be reinforced with a food treat.
• GET IT or FETCH to retrieve an object should not be too challenging. It’s the bringing it back or GIVE that your dog may tease you or resist DROP IT by playing a tug-of-war with you for the ball.
• Other commands that make sense, depending on the breed, are JUMP or GIVE ME YOUR PAW and so on.
• Get creative, this is a great opportunity for additional training which will reinforce the growing bond of trust.

Your dog will naturally learn that it’s much more pleasurable to obey than to do as he pleases. The length of time needed to train your dog in these commands will depend on his breed and particular intelligence as well as your own patience.

If you are unable to devote the time to training your pet, have a professional train your dog. It will be well worth the time and effort. Either way, your trained dog will be such a pleasure to be around and bring lots of joy to you and your guests for years to come.

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