Helping A Treed Cat

While cats are natural climbers, sometimes they aren’t the best at getting down. Here’s what experts suggest when your cat refuses to come down from his perch for a long time.

-Don’t rally around the tree: Just because your cat is out on a limb doesn’t mean he needs your help. He’d probably prefer you go away and leave him alone rather than begging him to come down. In other words -- give your cat some space.

-Give him time: While it’s not impossible for a cat to be truly stuck in a tree, chances are he just hasn’t gotten around to coming down. Most cats are fully capable of coming down alone. It is recommended giving your cat an entire day to come down on his own. If he’s injured, or has a leash that could cause him to choke, you may have to go after him sooner. The same is true if it’s getting dark. Cats in trees overnight can be attacked by wild animals.

-Tempt his taste buds: Putting some of his favorite food where he can see and smell it may get him down in a hurry.

-Mount a rescue mission: If your cat is really too scared (or injured) to get down on his own, the easiest thing is to get up in the tree and get him. If you can’t climb the tree, you’ll need a ladder.

-Don protection: A treed cat is a scared cat. Wear heavy gloves and a thick jacket to protect yourself.

-Go for the neck: When grabbing a scared cat, it’s best to catch the skin on the back of the neck. Most cats will go limp once you’ve taken hold and lifted them up.

-Make the first effort count: When grabbing for a treed cat, make sure you don’t miss. You may only have one chance to get hold before your cat goes higher, so make your first grab count.

-Call in the cavalry: If your cat has been in the tree for more than a day and you can’t get him down yourself, it’s probably time to call in the pros. Animal rescue services are in the yellow pages or you can call your vet for advice.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Sasha's Night Before Christmas: The End

Twas The Night Before Christmas Sasha's Version: The End

(Click on the pictures to see how you can get one of your very own.)

He was chubby and plump, and just right for a doxie.

I could see he had plenty of stealth and moxie.

A wink of his eye, and a wag of his tail,

Soon let met know, I need not wail.

He barked not a word, but went straight to his job,

And filled stockings with Bobos including one for Little Bob.

Putting his paw aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his car, and opened a small drink can,

And away they all flew including the snowman.

But I heard him howl, as he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all creatures, and to all critters good-night!"

Sasha and I wish that you all have a safe and Merry Christmas with your family this year!

Vision Problems

Some dogs and cats suffer from retinal atrophy, which makes it hard for them to see in dim light. Others can get cataracts, glaucoma or other eye diseases that cause their sight to dim. There are sophisticated treatments available, but even if your pet doesn’t regain her 20/20, there are many things you can do to make her life easier. Try these tips:

-Don’t play musical chairs: moving furniture can confuse dim sighted pets and can even cause injury. If you don’t have to, don’t move the furniture.

-Show her around: If you do shuffle the furniture or your pet’s vision has suddenly faded, lead her around on a leash for a day or two to help her find her way. It’s also a good idea to confine her to one or two rooms until she knows them well. Most pets want to be around people, so you can keep her in rooms you frequent so she won’t be alone.

-Be predictable: Stability is important for poorly sighted pets. Leaving their food and water in the same place will give them a sense of order and security. The same goes for litter boxes and beds -- the less you move them around the better.

-Give her a leash on life: If your pet has even the slightest trouble, don’t let her wander outside unless she’s on a leash or in a fenced area where she can’t escape.

-Bring in a friend: Sometimes a pet with vision will help one without it. In many cases they are willing to be very giving to the pet that can’t see, helping to guide her around.

-Try a new hairdo: If your pet has vision problems and her bangs are hanging in front of her eyes, trim them away. Hair in a pet’s eyes can further impair vision that’s already questionable.

When to see the vet? Animals are adaptable and because of their fine-tuned senses have an uncanny ability to get around. Some pets can actually hear if a door is open or closed. Blind dogs are often reluctant to go up or down stairs. Blind cats might not jump up on furniture as much as they used to. You may notice she had problems finding you when called.

One other way to tell is with the cotton ball test. Stand several feet in front of your pet and drop a cotton ball. If you do it a couple of times and your pet doesn’t even glance at it, she may be having trouble seeing. Any pet with vision problems needs to be seen by a vet.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Licking

While licking is part of a pet’s normal grooming behavior, too much can lead to hair loss, infection or skin damage. Pets get into licking cycles for a variety of reasons. Some have allergies, others are merely upset -- because of a recent move or because there’s another pet in the household, for example. Here are some tips to help your pet dry out:

-Keep a ‘Lick Diary’: To help your vet get to the root of the problem, start keeping track of your pet’s licking -- when it began, what’s happening at the time, how long it lasts and whether other pets in the family are affected. The more you can tell your vet, the more likely it is that he’ll find a solution.

-Light, camera, -- lick: Since your pet probably won’t lick on command at the vet’s office, it’s a good idea to make a videotape showing her in the act. This will help the vet figure out what’s wrong.

-Look for culinary culprits: Pets that are allergic to certain foods may get skin irritation and turn to licking. Try putting your pet on a different food -- then notice if the licking stops.

-Keep her honest: You’ll never find out if your pet has food allergies if she’s wandering the neighborhood and mooching from neighbors. You need strict control to determine food allergies.

-Try an OTC: Pet stores sell topical anti-licking ointments. Bitter apple is recommended, but other flavors may be equally effective.

-Get her paws moving: Some pets go into licking because they don’t have anything else to do. Taking your pet out for regular workouts will channel her energy in a healthier direction.

Although some licking is normal, occasionally pets will lick themselves so vigorously and for such a long time that they damage the underlying tissue. The resulting sores can lead to serious infections. If your pet is licking a lot and her skin seems red and sore, call the vet right away.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Kennel Cough

At this time of year as people travel, at times dogs must be boarded or kept by friends. This gives the opportunity to catch kennel cough. Kennel cough is a type of bronchitis caused by a highly contagious virus that’s readily passed from dog to dog. (Cats don’t get this condition.) Kennel cough can be prevented by vaccination. Most kennels require dogs be immunized against the disease before checking in for the night. Never board your dog at a kennel that doesn’t require proof of immunization.

A simple trick vets use for distinguishing a simple cough from a possibly serious infection like kennel cough is this: Press gently on the front of the dog’s throat. She will go into a coughing spasm if she has kennel cough. The virus particularly likes to irritate the lining of the trachea. If your pet doesn’t have kennel cough, pressing gently on her throat probably won’t make her cough.

If the worst happens, and your dog does contract kennel cough, here are a few things you can do to help her feel better:

-Clear the air: For a pet with irritated airways, clean air is important. This means protecting your pet from fireplace or cigarette smoke or fumes from household cleaners.

-Put moisture in the air: Keeping humidity high will help tame the cough by soothing your dog's throat and airways. Running a humidifier or vaporizer or even taking your pet into the bathroom when you shower or bathe can give some temporary relief.

-Move her gently: When your dog is coughing and congested, taking a slow, gentle walk can help her airways drain. Avoid letting her get tired or overheated which can set off further bouts of coughing. It’s also a good idea to avoid choke chains and tight collars which can bring on a coughing spell.

-Keep her alone: Since kennel cough is contagious, you’ll want to keep the ’patient’ away from other dogs.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England

Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Holiday Safety

For most of us, the holidays are a time of warmth, caring, sharing, family and friends and of course the true spirit of Christmas. However not everyone feels that way. Some look upon the holidays as ways to take advantage, scam or even harm someone.

The following are several links regarding personal safety, your home, your pet, etc.
http://www.clintonnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101125/LIFE/11250302/Focus+on+safety+during+the+holidays

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/holiday_dangers.html

This one from Money Magazine:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/holiday_dangers.html

Hidden dangers for our animals:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HolidaySafety.php

Do NOT give out your address and/or phone number in a store with a bunch of people around that you do not know.

Please note that this provided as general information. If you feel you need for information, please contact your local police department.

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season.
Annie, Cody and Copper
AnnieKDesigns.etsy.com
AnnieKClothing.etsy.com
CodysCloset.etsy.com

Begging

Since it's Thanksgiving, I thought these tips might be useful this week :)
.
-Feed her first: If your dog or cat is really full, she just won’t be as inspired to beg for more.

-Don’t give in to guilt: No matter how she manipulates you with those Oliver Twist eyes, remind yourself that she is already well-fed and doesn’t need people food.

-Make her leave for leftovers: If you decide to slip her a snack, do it away from the table.

-Say it with spray: To discourage brazen behavior like stealing food or being too pushy, use the plastic bottle you use to spray plants and hit whatever part of your pet is handy.

-Isolate the problem: When your cat or dog is driving you crazy, tell her “No!” and calmly put her in the other room and shut the door. Eventually she learns that if she doesn’t beg, she doesn’t get sent away.

-Try a sticky situation: If your pet’s begging includes jumping up on the kitchen counter, try putting strips of double sticky tape in strategic spots. Pets hate the sensation of getting a little stuck.

Give in -- just a little: Some people love feeding their pet at the table. To compromise, try slipping her something healthy, like lettuce. If she doesn’t like it, you’ve done your part, and if she does like it, your not loading her down with fattening food.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Twas The Night Before Christmas Sasha's Version Part One

Twas The Night Before Christmas Sasha's Version
(Click on the pictures to see how you can get one of your very own.)

Twas the night before Christmas, and in the house- No-no,
creature was stirring, not even a Bobo.
The stockings were stacked on each crate with care,
In hopes that Santa Paws would soon be there.

The doxies were nestled all snug in their sleepy sack
While dreams of sweet kibbles made their lips smack

And mamma in her night shirt, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY.....

Cats And Dogs

What enables a cat and dog, two completely different species, to engage in such complex interaction as pretend slaughter -- dogs like chewing on cat necks and cats enjoy being chewed -- and why do they enjoy it? To answer the second question first: Cats never play this game with one another, nor do dogs play it with other dogs. It is precisely that they are different species, a fact of which they are somehow aware, that allows them to engage in this play. The reason they enjoy it is that they know it is fantasy; it is unreal. They are taking pleasure in their powers of imagination, in the ability to recognize how very odd it is for two separate species to play with one another.

As for what enables cats and dogs to engage in this kind of behavior, it must have something to do with early socialization. You do not hear of an older dog and an older cat, introduced into the same household, enacting this kind of intimate play. They must be raised together to develop the kind of mutual trust presupposed in the game. Many people report lasting and intense friendships between mature cats and dogs. However, these friendships seem to be very particular and individual. It does not seem, though, that dogs make the abstract connection between their household cat and other cats. They neither consider other cats the enemy, nor are they friendly merely because they belong to the same category of animal as their friend at home.

This trust that develops between cats and dogs when they live together is strangely satisfying to observe. The question to ask then, is whether dogs and cats love each other. Judging by the number of trustworthy stories of dogs and cats who not only form intimate relationships but who mourn one another’s deaths, this is probable. Can we not learn, as dogs evidently have, that it is possible to live with another species without destroying them, eating them, exploiting them or disdaining them?

Alice England
makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Heroic Dogs

There are so very few true heroes in the world today. We cannot forget our canine heroes who daily put their lives on the line for all of us. First and foremost are the heroes of 911. If I watch the video from the September 11 blog, I will cry again. While it is very powerful and distressing, it is important that all see.

Then of course we move to our hero police dogs aka bomb detection, arson, protection, drug, etc. The German Shepherds are generally bred for this line of work. They are smart, intuitive and energetic and fierce when needed. There are very strict blood lines for these dogs and are from Germany, Belgium, Austria and the Czech Republic.

When it comes to the arson, bomb and drug dogs, they are a wide variety of dogs. Some are mixed breed or mutts, friendly and happy and give a passive alert such as sitting or pawing the ground. These dogs would be used in airports, bus terminals or skyscrapers.

One interesting fact is that the commands for these dogs are in German. No one else outside of their handlers know their commands. Obviously then no one else can direct them.

Here’s the link to 25 dogs who have saved loves: It is quite amazing!

http://www.dogguide.net/25-hero-dogs.php

Hope you enjoyed this about the doggies.

Annie
AnnieKDesigns.etsy.com
AnnieKClothing.etsy.com
CodysCloset.etsy.com
CodysCloset.blogspot.com
bay176@yahoo.com

Does your dog blog?

When I volunteered to guest blog on Fridays in November, I thought it would be fairly easy to come up with another 4 weeks of good blogging. My mind went blank. I started looking around for various things on the internet and discovered a bunch of dogs who have blogs. Of course Sasha blogs but she is exceptional!

So check out this site and some of these fun blogs:

http://www.dogswithblogs.com.au/theblogs.htm

Even CNN reported this! Was this a slow news day:
http://articles.cnn.com/2008-03-21/living/dog.blog_1_blog-dog-park-technorati-com?_s=PM:LIVING

Annie
AnnieKDesigns.etsy.com
AnnieKClothing.etsy.com
CodysCloset.etsy.com
CodysCloset.blogspot.com
bay176@yahoo.com

Dogs -- Animal or Human?

Those who think that dogs don’t know how to think and reason are too stubborn to acknowledge the evidence that exists and the experiences that almost every dog owner has shared in some way: Think about what happens when you take your suitcases out of the closet. I’ll bet that your dog displays a reaction. He makes the association that you are planning to leave and go someplace without him. That takes the ability to reason. Look at guide dogs for the blind who learn what is called ‘intelligent disobedience’. These dogs take it upon themselves to disobey the owner’s command if carrying out that command would be dangerous to their master based on information the dog can assess but the master can’t. Even though they want to please their master more than anything in the world, they’ll disobey.

There is no animal that is more willing to be playful with us than the dog. Much of that play is the kind that makes us laugh -- chasing a ball and doing all the silly things we see our dogs do. They know that we find these things funny -- they can hear us laughing -- and they repeat the thing that cracked us up. Just in terms of pure observation, you would have to say they understand the concept of humor and get the same kick out of it that we do. That mischievous side is something most dog owners know about firsthand. Dogs are a great source of fun and laughter, and humor is a powerful tool in reducing stress.

Another benefit dog owners have over the rest of the population: People think more highly of you if you’re a dog owner, one study showed. Some night while watching television count the number of times you see a commercial that includes a dog. You might be surprised and you’ll get the idea, too. The manufacturer wants you to think of them as trustworthy and friendly -- just like our favorite companion, the dog.

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com


Here is a video that is a bit tricky to figure out. First, you think Sasha is just snooping in the newly arrived petsjubilee team box. Then, you see she has already discovered the treats are all gone and she is actually trying to close the box back up. One item falls out and that is when she looks to Mommy for help. Now, don't tell me she is just an ANIMAL! Athena.

It's Halloweenier Day! Trick Or Treat!

Sasha (from SassySashadoxie), the wiener dog here. Due to today being Halloweenier Day (and no new Ask The Petsjubilee Pets' Questions this week), I am going to tells you all about my day at the Petco costume contest.

Well, mommy bought me a Bobo costume a few months back from Miss Diana from DianadesignsNY. I loved my costume (all except for the squeaky hat cause I wanted to destuff it).

Mommy starts by dressing up like me and I think she looks a bit weird so I did try to lick her make-up off, but it didn't work. Then, she grabs my costume and we are off on a car ride. First, stop Miss Suz's house and we pick up Frito. We gets to the pet store and I am thinking oh goodies treats, bobos, people to pet me, and so on.

Then, mommy dresses me up in the costume right in front of Frito, but apparently he was a gentleman and had his back turned not to peek at me. His Mommy put a saddle on him and he was really embarrassed. So much so all he kept saying is where can I hide.

Then, we walked and walked and people wanted to take pictures of Frito and he really wanted nothing to do with the flashy thing or the peeps. So I stepped in and did my waggly tail and cute face, and grabbed a few photo ops.

Then, mommy got me a new red mini bobo the only one she could find that matched my costume. I barked at a few dogs which of course Mommy fussed at me for barking and frightening the other dogs. Can I help it they had never scene a barking bobo before. I was just telling them not to destuff me.

Well, time passes ever so slowly and you know you can only sniff isles so long. We met a few other wieners and one was Dorthy from the Wizard of OZ.

Finally, they had us all go to the back for the contest. They called my name and said a bunch of stuff Mommy wrote down on the paper. Then, Frito's turn and so forth.

We waited a bit longer and they announced the winners. They called my name right away for third place. Miss Suz clapped and so did a few others. Then, a pug Skunk got second, and there was a pause. We all waited and the first place wiener is "Frito!!" Mommy clapped and I woofed just a little so I wouldn't get in trouble, but I was wagging my tail.

Then, we collected our prizes and our free photo. Mommy picked up a couple more squeakies with the prize gift card. Then, she told me the Hot Dog was for Charlie. Like I knew that. But, I still gets two new squeakies my mini bobo and a squeakie hamburger.

We dropped Miss Suz and Frito off, and headed home. I told Charlie all about my adventure and he sniffies me all over. After dinner, Mommy cut the tags off the new toys and we had some good play time before my after dinner nap.

Remember to be safe tonight when the trick or treaters ring the door bell, no escaping into the dark spooky night. If you take your humans out, make sure you are very visible cause you know it is hard to see our fur color at night. Oh, and no matter how yummy the sweet kibbles smell no eatting them cause some are very bad for us critters.

Now, I am off to play with my new squeakies.

Do Dogs Smile?

Yes, dogs smile when they’re happy (and frown when they’re sad or if we are sad).

Dogs grin by pulling back the corners of their lips and baring their teeth. A very relaxed dog will smile and then close his eyes. Dogs also have an open-mouthed ‘play-face’ expression, often accompanied by panting, which is the equivalent of human laughter.

(Don’t make the mistake of confusing a grin with a snarl. If a dog has his mouth pulled back, but is showing his incisors and back teeth, most likely he’s snarling.)
From the heartwarming book by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas The Hidden Life of Dogs: “All dogs smile, which is to say their faces become pleasant and relaxed, with ears low, eyes half shut, lips soft and parted, and chin high. This is a dog smile.

“Yet a few dogs will also imitate human smiles. In the presence of human beings, these dogs will draw back their lips grotesquely to bare their teeth, making the same face as we make. At the same time, these dogs may also roll over to reveal their bellies submissively, showing they understand exactly what our smiles mean.”

Haven’t we all seen that special look in their eyes, that wag of the tail, the gentle paw on our knees at just the right moment, the head cocked as if to ask us if everything is okay or one of these smiles we now know REALLY IS A SMILE and an invitation to forget whatever it is that ails us and enjoy the genuine love they clearly know we need?

Why do dogs smile? When asked why a dog smiles, dog behaviorist Janice Falk says it’s simply because they’re happy!

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Now are these dogs smiling?

Early Learning in Dogs

The period from birth to three months of age is the most important in a dog’s life. This is the time when it learns about itself, its littermates, and the world around it. It discovers what is fun and what is dangerous. The more a young dog is allowed to investigate its surroundings, the more developed its brain becomes. A happy, alert pup is easier to train.

At seven days: During the first week of its life, the pup is both blind and deaf. It employs heat sensors in its nose to locate its mother.
At fourteen days: After two weeks, the pup’s eyes are open. Using all four legs, it can now just raise itself off the ground. The head can be lifted
At three weeks: The puppy now has the ability to move around in the direction of its choice, although tentatively.
Six weeks: The confident pup is now ready to investigate the world around it. Movement is deliberate and coordinated.

Make sure your pup meets as many people as possible while it is still very young. Ask friends to kneel down to help curb its inclination to jump up. Advise your friends to avoid eye contact, which often provokes an unduly excited response. Reward calm behavior.

Whenever possible, introduce your pup to other species that it is likely to encounter. It is best to do this when the dog is less than 12 weeks old. After that age, greater care must be taken to make sure that neither predatory instincts nor its fear of strange animals is stimulated. Always supervise meetings.

Don’t encourage bad habits -- reinforce only good behavior. You may find some traits, such as pawing for attention, endearing in a pup, but these habits become unacceptable in an adult dog. If you carry a puppy constantly when its young, it will expect the same treatment if it feels insecure as an adult.

Oversee all your puppy’s activities to make sure that frightening situations are kept to a minimum. Fears that are learned at an early age can develop into enduring phobias unless overcome ra
pidly.

In all relationships with dogs, the human must play the part of ’top dog’. Few dogs want to be pack leaders. The vast majority feel secure knowing that there is someone in command.

Are you the leader of your pack?

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Ask The Petsjubilee Pets: Frito Feet Part 2

Warning: The advice and comments in the Ask The Petsjubilee Pets posts are for fun only and not meant in any way to represent real advice. Since the pets are the ones responding to the questions, the humans shall and forever remain blameless for whatever the animals post.

Well, we got e-mail this week. Woohoo! But, first things first. Last week my wienie friend asked this question:

To Sasha And Any Other Critter Out There:
Why do my paws smell like corn chips? Also, why does my mommy likes to smell them? She puts her nose right on my little paws and sniffs and sniffs. Seriously, it is not the same thing as sniffing butts and you knows human noses aren't cold or wet like ours so it feels so gross when they put their warm noses on our sensitive tootsies. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
From:
Frito Feet

Dear Frito Feet,
I have often wondered what the humans fascination is with our paws anyways. Seriously, you knows the good smelling stuff is what we roll on in the backyard. But, just for you I did some research on-line and you know those human science geeks think that the corn chip smell comes from bacteria and yeast. Really!! Apparently, these little no see-ums like to multiply and let some "gasses" loose in damp, warm, dark places like cute, furry little paws or the inside of ears. Most of the time all you get is the lovely smell of corn chips, but sometimes it can lead to nasty skin infections. YUCK!!
So you know how some of us dogs don't like to get our paws wet. This is actually a good thing. Cause the wetter the paws the more these corn chip smelling gas producers like to reproduce.
So my advice is keep your paws clean and dry as pawsible and of course sleep all stretched out in the middle of the big bed so the air gets to them. Cause, you know once the corn chip smell goes away so does the pesty paw huffing human. No worries though, I hears the humans cook more bacon when they can't get their frito feet fix.
Your friend in fur,
SassySashadoxie

Next, week we will answer this one:

Dear Sasha,
I am overcome with grief. When I was a babe, my mom used to let me run and play all the time in the living room. It was so fun! I zoomed around the sofa, behind the computer table then across the wide expanse to another sofa. I would jump straight up in the air and then zoom some more. Oh...those were the days! As I'm sure you understand, there are times when one must relieve themselves. So I carefully chose a spot out of the way, unnoticeable to anyone and peed and pooed there. It became MY bathroom, if you will. Well, one day when my mom was trying to look for me to put me away, she happened upon my bathroom. It was not cool. She shouted my name and told me I was a bad boy. She said I could no longer race around except in the kitchen on this cold, slippery linoleum junk. YUCK! To make matters worse, she lets my sister run around still! The other sister is so fat she just sits there, so it's easy to see if she if went potty. But, of course, she doesn't because she's a girl and girls are perfect.....blah, blah,blah. Is there any way I can convince my mom to let me have my old racing route back?
Pooped out Piggie in Ohio

Please, e-mail your questions for Ask The Petsjubilee Pets to SassySashadoxie@yahoo.com. Also, please put APP in the subject of the letter so I don't have to open up e-mails about money requests to Nigeria. Apparently, SPAM e-mails even come to wiener dogs.

Poopscoop: football, change, dogs, and forgiveness????

The past few weeks, I have posted some not so nice things about the Eagles QB Micheal Vick. Like what they could do to him on the sidelines after a bad play, similar to what he did to his dogs. I have been thinking a lot about this. First, I broke my first rule which is not to wish harm on another. In doing so, although I of course did not act upon those thoughts, did wishing that make me almost as bad as him? That brings me to the concept of forgiveness. It is one I have always had a hard time understanding. Does the offending person have to ask for it? What does it really mean to forgive? I was told it mean not wishing bad to come to the person in question. Then I was thinking, is it up to me to forgive, or for the Guy upstairs? My husband and I were watching a game and I told him " All i want to hear is that he is sorry and can't believe what he did to those dogs" My husband, equally horrified by the events in Georgia, told me Vick had apologized and when I looked into the 60 Minutes interview (which I never bothered to watch since I was so disgusted) I found he said the exact things I wanted to hear. Not that that makes it OK by any stretch of the imagination mind you.This past weekend i saw another interview in which Vick said his life had been a lie, he was wearing a mask and Leavenworth was the best thing to happen to him. He spoke about how his life is changed now- for the better. He said he was brought up in dogfighting from the age of 8. My question is can a person change? I have seen it happen. Are some things unforgivable ? Is it my business to forgive him? Could i forgive anyway?I had an idea to write to him and ask him to visit our home and meet our dogs in person. Not only would they be a great judge of his character, but he could see how we treat them as family , how Joe has a heart condition and gets meds and is a FRIEND. I would like to see the interaction and look into his eyes and see if there has been change. No press or anything, just private. What he did bothers me so much that I think that is the reason I need to know.It is said all things happen for a reason and perhaps he will become a tool of change for children that are being brought up in the situation he was. Ok, what I need now are your thoughts and opinions.

Lorin
Doodypops

Dog and Cats with Hay Fever? You Bet!

Several of us have been suffering with allergies and hay fever lately and, like their owners, many pets are sensitive to airborne annoyances. Pets are likely to get downright itchy. To soothe their skin and help keep allergies under control, here are a few tips:

- Calm it with cool water: Giving your pet a cool-water soak is a quick way to ease itchy skin. Bathe your pet for five to ten minutes. Make sure the water is cool as warm water can aggravate the itch.

- Ease it with oatmeal: To make soaks additionally soothing, vets sometimes recommend adding colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno) to the bathwater.

- Alleviate it with antihistamines: You can often bring allergies under control with antihistamines. Your vet may recommend an over-the-counter drug like Benadryl. The typical dose is one to three milligrams for every pound of pet, but you should ask your vet for the precise dosages.

- Subdue it with supplements: To help calm itchy skin, try giving your pet fatty acid supplements, which are also used for relieving mange and other skin disorders. Getting a dog or cat to swallow a capsule can be tricky. An easier way is to take the capsules apart and squeeze the oil into your pet’s food.

- Clean and clean again: Vets recommend vacuuming and dusting often. It’s also a good idea to change furnace or air-conditioning filters monthly. Plan on washing your pet’s bedding at least once a week. This will help reduce the build up of dust mites.

- Look to the litter: Many litter box products contain certain chemical scents to make your cat’s bathroom more appealing. In some cases, however, both cats and dogs may be sensitive -- both to the smell of the litter and to its dust.

- Give her a foot soak (for dogs only): Dogs with allergies occasionally suffer from itchy feet, and soaking them in Epsom salts can be a big relief. Fill the tub with just enough cool water to cover your dog’s paws. Dissolve several cups of Epsom salts crystals in the water. Stand your dog in the tub for five to ten minutes, then gently dry her feet. Don’t let her drink the water, however, since Epsom salts can act as a laxative.

*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.

Alice England

Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com

Ask The Petsjubilee Pets: Frito Feet?

Trick Or Treat! Smell My Feet! (Or just click on the picture.)

Warning: The advice and comments in the Ask The Petsjubilee Pets posts are for fun only and not meant in any way to represent real advice. Since the pets are the ones responding to the questions, the humans shall and forever remain blameless for whatever the animals post.

Well, we were a bit short this week on ask the Petsjubilee Pets e-mails. Unless, some have magically been misplaced which does tend to happen when you have paws like mine. So I asked a fellow on-line wienie friend of mine who shall remain nameless, if he had any pressing questions on his mind. This is what he wrote:

To Sasha And Any Other Critter Out There:
Why do my paws smell like corn chips? Also, why does my mommy likes to smell them? She puts her nose right on my little paws and sniffs and sniffs. Seriously, it is not the same thing as sniffing butts and you knows human noses aren't cold or wet like ours so it feels so gross when they put their warm noses on our sensitive tootsies. Any help would be greatly a-pee-ciated.
From:
Face Book Frito Feet

Next, week we will answer this one and hopefully by then we will have more e-mail letters. Oh, and feel free to put your thoughts and answers to this letter in the comment section below, too.

Please, e-mail your questions for Ask The Petsjubilee Pets to SassySashadoxie@yahoo.com. Also, please put APP in the subject of the letter so I don't have to open up e-mails about money requests to Nigeria. Apparently, SPAM e-mails even come to wiener dogs.

The Eyes Have It

Wouldn't you love to know what your cat is thinking? Although stereotyped as being distant and uncommunicative because of their solitary nature and independence, cats communicate very effectively. Look into your cat's eyes and you can tell a lot about his state of mind.

The degree of opening of the eyelids tells a tale. Wide-open eyes correlate with alertness and increased levels of mental activity – ready for action, if you will. Semi-closed or fluttering eyes mean that the cat is in a more dozy, complacent mood or may be in the mood for a nap. So if your cat's eyelids flutter and periodically close while he is looking at you, it is a sign of faith or trust. Even if he is on the brink of falling asleep at the time, squinting at you is still a compliment because your pet is showing that he is comfortable and trusting enough to take a nap in your presence.

Sometimes your cat will slowly, almost, but usually not quite, close her eyes and reopen them while looking at you. When almost closed, the eyes are held at the lowest point for a second. You can return the sentiment by gently squinting back, mimicking the cat's pattern. This is called ’blink kissing’ and uses the cat’s own language to say "I am not threatening you, you can relax". The cat often blinks in response and then acts in a self conscious way, perhaps fluffing itself up or grooming.

Humans love eye contact - it is friendly. For a cat, prolonged eye contact is an assertive, or even threatening, signal. The classic case is when several people are in a room for a social occasion and the host's cat walks in. It unerringly goes towards the person who doesn't like cats. Is it simply being perverse? The answer is in eye contact. Cat lovers will be watching the cat, hoping it goes to greet them. Those who don't particularly like cats will ignore it, hoping it will leave them alone. For the cat, the eye contact made by the cat lovers is somewhat threatening. It avoids them. The people who don't particularly like cats are not making eye contact - to the cat, they are signaling that they pose no threat. They are being polite in cat terms, so, ironically, it goes to socialize with them :)

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com