Wednesday, November 30, 2011

How to Take Christmas Card Photos of Your Pet

1. Choose a time when your pet is happy and relaxed. Most pets are calmer after mealtimes, or at certain times of day. This can take a little patience, depending on the pet--a snake is probably easier to photograph than an energetic puppy or curious kitten. Use your voice, treats, and toys to get a cute, inquisitive expression on your pet's face.

2. Plan to take many photos in order to get one or two really good ones. Digital photography makes this easy, so be sure you have plenty of room on your memory card and a charged battery. Don't think you need to take the perfect shot in a single session. Sometimes it takes several sessions to get that one great shot. Try to take photos in natural light, if possible.

3. Dress up your pet. Check the stores on this blog to find quality and fun holiday clothing. If your featured pet is a bird, reptile, or fish, why not decorate the cage or aquarium? Candy canes, wreaths, tinsel, and tree decorations can be artfully arranged to make a cute holiday environment for just about any caged pet.

4. Take close-up shots. A Christmas card will be much more effective if the subject fills the screen. To achieve a good close-up effect with a wider photo, use your digital software's "Zoom and Crop" feature.

5. Pay attention to background. A simple, uncluttered background is much more visually appealing than a cluttered, messy one. Use a colored blanket, Christmas quilt, or even a tablecloth as a backdrop. Outdoor shots in the snow are perfect if the weather cooperates.

6. Use your digital camera's editing software to enhance, brighten, or lighten not-so-perfect photographs.

7. Sign up with a store that prints holiday cards from your photos. This can be done online without even going to the store, or you can bring a picture CD to the store and use the on-site computer. This will allow you to add decorative borders and Christmas messages to your card for a professional look.
Have fun. If your pets are like my boys, they can be total hams. Enjoy the time you spend with them.


Ann
AnnieKDesigns.etsy.com

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

SHOW AND TELL - MOVIE TIME

NOTE - It does NOT have a bad ending. I didn't want anyone upset as they watch this.
Awesome videographer.




Diana
www.DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
www.StylinDogsBoutique.etsy.com

Monday, November 28, 2011

Handmade Pet Products 11/28/11

Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:





Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sharing A Recliner With A Chi-Kitty!

Step one: Jump up in opposite corner from the chi kitty. Do not make eye contact. Ignore the snarls and evil glare from the glowing eyes.








Step Two: Turn around without touching the "cat blankie". Eww. I think I smell cat hair. Position oneself down wind and whatever you do, don't fluff or scratch at the spot prior to the down position.






Step Three: Get comfortable. But, not too cocky.





Step Four: Still avoid eye contact with Chi-kitty and let your mommy know that you don't like this situation one bit with the pitiful hound dog face.




Saturday, November 26, 2011

After Thanksgiving

Now that we've all eaten beyond reason on Thursday, then shopped til we dropped on Friday, I think its time for Snoozing Saturday. Enjoy.


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The High Cost of Obese Dogs

As most of you know, I have two dogs - one long and lean and has a hard time keeping weight on. The other is short and stocky that gains weight easily. He's also the total chow hound. However both are energetic, well-exercised and well fed. I ran across this asrticle by Liz Weston, MSN Money and wanted to share on the eve of Thanksgiving. Be careful what you feed the pups this weekend. They are not used to high fat, high sodium, high sugar diets. A treat is one thing - consider turkey and not the skin, pumpkin without all pumpkin pie mixings, etc. Here's the article:

I was deeply offended when the vet said our dog was getting fat.

It's true his trim little waist had disappeared soon after he joined our household. But he certainly hadn't broadened out into the fur-covered coffee tables that our friends' golden retrievers had become.

"He's still a puppy," I protested, though he was nearly 2. "He's a growing dog."

The vet wisely didn't respond, "Yes, he's growing sideways." Instead, she suggested I feel his ribs.

I tried. I couldn't. Point taken.

Half of our dogs and cats are overweight, according to the latest
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention study, and one in five is obese, with a body weight 30% or more above normal.

We may think our portly pets are cute, but vets tell us we're setting them up for a host of weight-related diseases and conditions, including:
Arthritis and other joint problems.
Disc disease and other back problems.
Torn and ruptured ligaments.
Diabetes.
High blood pressure.
Kidney disease.
Liver inflammation.
Asthma.
Lipomas (fat tumors).
Weight issues can shorten our pets' lives, and they cost us tens of millions of dollars in unnecessary pet bills every year, said veterinarian Ernie Ward, one of the association's founders.

"People come to me complaining about the high cost of veterinary care," Ward said, "and I tell them, 'Look no farther than the food bowl.'"

No one has done a definitive study of exactly how much fat pets cost their owners -- unlike the studies done about obese adults, which I covered in "
What being fat is costing you." But Veterinary Pet Insurance, or VPI, the largest pet insurer and one that processes 1.1 million claims a year, estimates the nine most common weight-related diseases and problems cost its policyholders more than $28 million last year.

Not all of the conditions VPI tracked are exclusively weight-related. Just as you can have a normal-weight human diabetic, you can have a normal-weight animal diabetic. But you also should consider that VPI-covered pets constitute only one half of 1% of all U.S. pets. (Only about 1% of pets have medical insurance, and VPI has about half of that market.) So the real toll of weight-related vet costs actually could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Annie, Cody and Copper

AnnieKDesigns.etsy.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

SHOW AND TELL TUESDAY

Gianna, my little black dog, is obsessed with DaVinci, my moustache parrot. It looks like Gianna tries to bite the bird from the back, but as soon as the bird turns around Gianna backs up. This has been going on for a year now, and I am starting to relax a little when they are out together. I think they are playing, but I do watch them like a hawk. I wonder who would win in a fight.

I found these videos that I thought were cute:



I just loved this one:


Maybe eventually Gianna will take DaVinci for walks. Check this out:



I hope you enjoyed the videos.
Diana

www.DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
www.StylinDogsoutique,etsy,com

Monday, November 21, 2011

Handmade Pet Products 11/21/11

Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:







Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Dogs In Snow



Sorry, Charlie was being a boy dog in the corner over there. I wanted to get a quick video of the two of them out in our snow today to share with you all, since some of you folks never get to see the white stuff in person.


Charlie and Sasha had to go say hi to our neighbor's dog. They hadn't seen him since we've been going around front to potty.

Friday, November 18, 2011

E-mail Animal Photos From Pauline



Come on, throw the ball, throw the ball, ~~ ~~ I'm ready ~~ ~~ yeah ~~ throw it!




You woke me up to tell me THAT??





HEY!! What's with this 'warm spot' ?





Photos found in an e-mail by Pauline from paulinesfashions.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Although it may be an uncomfortable subject, here are possible signs of canine cancer:

o Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
o Sores that do not heal
o Weight loss
o Loss of appetite
o Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
o Offensive odor
o Difficulty eating or swallowing
o Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
o Persistent lameness or stiffness
o Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Big advances have been made in veterinary medicine to treat cancer. Many dogs can live for years after treatment depending on the type of cancer. Any of the above symptoms should be checked by your veterinarian.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Ensuring your pets longevity.

We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives – and we'd all do just about anything to ensure that our cats and dogs can stay with us as long as possible. What five things can you do to keep your pet safe, happy, and by your side longer? We've listed them below, and chances are, you're probably on top of them already.
But one hint may surprise you…

Keep your furry friend indoors. Staying inside, or at least on a leash, protects your pet from all kinds of dangers. Indoor living shields cats from infectious diseases; digestive upset caused by snacking on poisonous plants or other foreign objects; fights with other cats, dogs, wild animals, or mean humans; and speeding cars.

And as pets age, they can't regulate their body temperatures as effectively, making them more prone to serious weather-related ailments like heat stroke if they're outdoors too long.
Of course it's fine to walk your dog, and the occasional (closely supervised) feline foray into the yard isn't the end of the world. But it's particularly important for cats to do their toileting inside; that way, the humans can monitor them for signs of tummy upset, urinary-tract issues, and so on.

Putting a "catio" in your window for bird-watching purposes, and planting cat grass in pots, can bring the outside in -- without compromising Fluffy's health.

Watch his weightObesity in dogs and cats causes the same serious health problems that it does in humans – high blood pressure, breathing problems, diabetes, and joint pain. It's not easy to put a portly pet on a diet, but NOT doing so could shorten his lifespan (and from a practical – and more selfish – standpoint, you really don't want to have to give a cat daily insulin injections).
If your dog or cat is on the spherical side, enlist your vet's help to change his diet. Invest in new toys for your cat that will get him more active, and try switching from "free feeding" to controlled portions at specific meal times. Take dogs for longer or more frequent walks, and get strict about table scraps and extra biscuits.

Aging pets who have maintained normal weights for years may start to plump up as their metabolisms slow down. Changing your senior dog or cat's regular food to a formula that's higher in protein and lower in fat may help, and dogs may benefit from "nutriceutical" supplements. Again, consult with your vet.

Don't skip vetappointmentsIt's tempting to bail on the vet if your pet seems healthy – the exams, shots, and treatments can add up to a big yearly bill if you don't have pet insurance. But our pets can't tell us when they don't feel quite right, or whether that diarrhea is a passing thing or a symptom of something more serious. The vet CAN tell you – sometimes just by looking into your dog's eyes!
As your pet ages, you may need to bring her in more frequently – every six months, instead of every year – for senior-wellness check-ups. Your vet is trained to spot conditions and concerns you can't see, and catching geriatric diseases or cancer early is the best way to find a treatment that time – quality time – to your pet's life.

Dental health is overall healthMost of these tips are common sense – but the importance of taking care of your pet's teeth may come as a surprise. It's the most common major health problem affecting cats and dogs, actually; the bacteria from dental and gum disease can travel elsewhere in their bodies, causing more serious issues.

With that said, we understand that you feel ridiculous brushing your cat's teeth. (And your cat feels even more ridiculous.) But it might seem less absurd if it adds years to your kitty's life. Check your pet's teeth and gums about once a week, if you can. Feed kibble and treats that promote dental health, and keep an eye out for signs of dental or gum disease, including bad breath, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, and facial swelling. Call the vet if you think your cat or dog is having trouble eating due to mouth or tooth pain.

And yes, brush your pet's teeth – using specially formulated brushes and pastes, not "people products." Some pets grow to love the fish-flavored toothpaste; others will fight you tooth and nail. (Forgive the pun.) Even if it's a battle, remind yourself that it's worth fighting – bad teeth can reduce your dog's lifespan 2-4 years in some cases.

Spay and neuter your petsSpaying or neutering your pet doesn't just prevent overpopulation. It can protect your pet down the line from various reproductive cancers – of the prostate and ovaries, for instance. And some studies have shown that fixed pets live longer than "intact" pets, although scientists aren't quite sure why.
We all love an adorable pile of puppies – but coo at pictures online, and get your pet spayed or neutered.
Even more tips for pet longevity!

Ann Kvittum
AnnieKDesigns.etsy.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Show and Tell Tuesday - on bathing

It is very important that your pets are kept clean. Dirty cages, dirty living conditions, dirty and matted fur, dirty feathers, can all lead to serious health issues.

It is important that your pet bird get baths. Outside they do this in puddles, or in the rain. But in captivity we have to make sure we offer them water to bathe in. Sometimes they do not take to bathing themselves. In that case, you must spray them. You can use luke warm water, or they sell bath spray at the pet stores. Most birds do not like to get sprayed, but it is necessary.

DaVinci would not bathe himself. I tried many different shape and depth bathing dishes, but he just would not. So I had to spray him, and he did not like the spray. He tolerated certain sprays, but not others.

Well a week ago I was cleaning his bird gym, and he wanted to stay on the gym, and to my surprise he started to bathe himself under the spray. He would flap his wings catching the water with the tip, and of course getting water every where.

Here is a video of him taking a bath. I am sure he will get better at it, but this is a great start.





This next video he gets up close and personal, and does say a few sentences. The very first one is not very clear, but it is - Hello. My name is DaVin'?

Then he says How does a cat go? Meow. And then How does a dog go?



Diana
www.DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
www.StylinDogsBoutique.etsy.com

Monday, November 14, 2011

Handmade Pet Products 11/14/11

This week's handmade pet products:






Click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.


Sunday, November 13, 2011

A Little Slumber Party

I made this slide show awhile ago with some of Sasha's On-line friends at the time. I thought you all might get a kick out of it.


Saturday, November 12, 2011

Beagles will try to eat anything...

We've always said that Velvet will try to eat anything and everything, whether its organic or not makes no difference. I was looking through some youtube videos of beagles to go along with our Furbabies Pet Photo Contest theme, "Food, Glorious Food" (click here on how to enter) and came across this video which just proves my point.


Friday, November 11, 2011

E-mail Animal Pics From Pauline

I promise I won't do it again, Momma!




He's not my brother. He's just HEAVY!!




Mom, Dad, Uncle Jim, DON'T MOVE YET!!


Photos found in an e-mail by Pauline from paulinesfashions.


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Because of You, Unknown Soldier
By Courtney Tanabe


Because of you, I am here
Because of you, I am able to live freely

Yet I do not know you
And I have not done anything for you

But there you stand, ready to fight
And there you are prepared to die
For me

You've fought before
And you'll fight again
For someone you don't know

So thank you Unknown Soldier
Fighting for me

I'm here because of you
And I owe my future to you


Veteran's Day is Friday, November 11th. It is often overlooked. But what if there were no Veteran's Day? What if no one thought that the freedoms our country was founded on were worth a life?  Is our country worth you giving up your life? Really. Could you? Would you? Maybe for your family. Maybe for your friends. But what about people you don't even know or people you don't like? Thank God that many someones have thought that Freedom was worth it. The greatest way to say thank you to these who have died is to live a life full of  personal sacrifice for the good of others. To get outside of ourselves long enough to make someone else's life better. I wonder what our country would be like if we all did this on a daily basis! Let's live lives of appreciation this Veteran's Day, this month, this year... by doing something sacrificial. It will make us great. And if enough of us do so, it will make our nation great, too. 



by Patty

Monday, November 7, 2011

Handmade Pet Products 11/7/11

This week's handmade pet products:





Click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Geese Migration Time Once Again

As I was out in the yard the last few days, I could hear the honks of the Canadian Geese flying over. They like to take a pit stop at our river before taking off again on their journey south. There is something amazing about watching these birds and hearing the honking sound. Something so simple as sticking together as a family to make their long journey twice a year is quite amazing. They honk as they fly by as if they are saying just a little bit further mates to sunshine and good eats.

After watching the movie Fly Away Home one day, I followed a website blurb about the true story behind the movie. Lets just say they took a lot of creative license with that one for sure. But, there was a real guy who had a crazy idea to teach baby hand reared migratory birds to fly south for the winter with an airplane. One guy with one wacky idea that no one had ever thought of before. So he tried it with some ordinary Canadian geese, and it worked. Now many, many years later, there have been several generations of endangered whooping cranes raised and taught their migration route by humans. Humans in crane costumes, but humans none the less.

If you are interested in birds, you may enjoy reading the Field journal of those that are part of the current Operation Migration.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Found picture


I came across this on Facebook and just had to share :)

Happy Weekend to all.

Smile. People will think you're up to something.

Shari at
PetsJubilee &
Ciaohound

Friday, November 4, 2011

A baby horse on its mom's lap










Some pictures just don't need captions. There is nothing like Mom's lap no matter who you are. This is precious !!!! This is a newborn offspring of Taskin, a Gypsy Stallion
owned by Villa Vanners of Oregon .
These pictures were taken immediately after his birth on April 6.
The mare laid down, and then he trotted around and crawled right
up into her lap.


Another lovely e-mail find from paulinesfasions.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

What people food is safe for my pet?

High-quality pet foods are the best thing to feed dogs and cats. They do not require variety in their diet the way people do, but sometimes that cute little face is too hard to resist. If you have a pet with special medical needs, please check with your veterinarian before feeding any people food.

The No. 1 rule for people food is: If you wouldn't eat it, don't feed it to your pet. This includes raw meat, fat or grease from cooked meat and questionably fresh or spoiled food.

Things you can feed in small quantities:

Veggies: Cooked fresh is best, but if you are using canned veggies, find cans with no or low salt. Stay away from gas producers like cabbage and limit dark leafy greens and broccoli. A great choice is green beans; most dogs love them. Green beans are loaded with vitamins, low in fat/calories and available in cans year round. Small amounts of raw carrot is another well-liked veggie.

Fruit: Fresh fruit is best, but do not serve grapes or raisins. Apples are great since they are healthy, available year-round and reasonably priced.

Cooked grains like rice and barley: Leave out the butter and salt. Watch the quantity as grains are relatively high in calories.

Lean cooked fresh meat: Don't serve lunchmeats since they have a lot of salt and other additives. Good choices are chicken and turkey without the skin.

We’re looking forward now to Thanksgiving J Be sure to keep it safe for your pet!

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Rain, Hail, Sleet or Snow - The Dog Must Be Walked!

My dogs, being hunting dogs, are energetic and must be walked, run, and play with other dogs. Cody needs to sniff and pee on everything and Copper needs to run.

In the very mild winter of Southern California, this is rarely a problem except when it rains. The only way Cody takes care of business is if he is walked. So I bundle up in my property manager's rain coat and get soaked while he thoroughly enjoys himself. Copper just doesn't care except he really likes mud.

So when it rains or snows, what behaviors do your dogs have and how does it differ from sunny weather. They are all so different.


Annie From anniekdesigns

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

SHOW AND TELL - HALLOWEEN STYLE

EVEN THE HOUSES JOIN IN ON THE FUN FOR HALLOWEEN - ENJOY:

To Thriller:


Party Rock Anthem:









Diana
www.DianaDesignsNY.etsy.com
www.StylinDogsBoutique.etsy.com