Perfect Pajamas For Your Pooch

Bulldog

Bulldog Basics If there’s a better breed of dog that serves as a better name for football teams, we’d like to hear it. The Bulldog – also sometimes known as the English or British Bulldog – is an instantly recognizable breed that resembles a large Pug. Its large head and short legs can make for a cute playmate. While many people associate the word “bulldog” with fierce fighters, actual Bulldogs can be quite friendly, despite a reputation for stubbornness. Bulldogs will also appear in a number of colors, from light brown and white to black and white. Many Bullys, as they are called, are famous for a “sourpuss” expression on their faces, but if you can look past its looks and into its personality, you’ll find a worthwhile pet and even better friend. Although they don’t quite make for a great lapdog, they can be a fun dog to take for walks and to play with when they’re in a particularly giddy mood.

Dogue De Bordeaux

Dogue de Bordeaux Basics An ideal guard dog for anyone with experience in handling and training dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux – also known as the French Mastiff or the Bordeaux Bulldog – has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house, including with children. Like other guard dogs, it will need to be raised in a way that socializes it with other dogs and with people so that it understands who represents a real threat and who does not. As a large dog, it can be intimidating for some, especially children, but generally the personality of this dog is very calm provided it doesn’t feel anyone is infringing on the household. Teaching the dog to be relaxed around strangers you welcome will be important, and you just may find that this unique, heavy dog becomes a neighborhood hit. And you’ll definitely feel safe with a Dogue de Bordeaux in your presence – so that’s not an issue. When many people imagine French dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is not what they have in mind. But when it comes to the breed you’re interested in, this might be exactly what you had in mind. Let’s learn more about this “Bordeaux Bulldog.” The Dogue de Bordeaux has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house. Origin The translation of Dogue de Bordeaux could perhaps be described as “Bordeaux Mastiff,” but it is also known as a French Mastiff in areas outside of the country, particularly in America. As for its historical origins, the translations are not so clear. Many think the Dogue de Bordeaux could have descended from the Tibetan Mastiff and the Bulldog – which would certainly make the nickname “Bordeaux Bulldog” more appropriate. Dogs in the Middle Ages in the Aquitaine region may have also been ancestors to the modern Dogue de Bordeaux, and by the end of the Middle Ages, its use as a companion and guard dog was more frequent. Although the Dogue de Bordeaux took a heavy hit during the French Revolution, it regained its numbers throughout the years and a man named Raymond Triquet helped it to survive by taking the breed under his wing. The dog’s very tough history includes use in war, guardianship, and even training in hunting large game like bears, bulls, and jaguars. It was only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2008.

Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei Basics Let’s put it this way: when you own a Chinese Shar-Pei, you know you own a Chinese Shar-Pei. It’s one of the most distinctive-looking breeds available – certainly one of the dog breeds that makes other uninitiated dog lovers ask “what breed is that?” Well, they have good reason to be curious: this is actually one of the rarest breeds out there and despite its relatively rich history – considering the breed’s numbers – it was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1991. The chances are if you’re looking for a Chinese Shar-Pei, you’re going to have more difficulty than simply making the decision of choosing the right breed for you. Acquiring this dog can be a bit difficult, but for many people, the adventure is worth it. A Shar-Pei can be a very protective dog that bonds well to a close-knit group of people, but without proper handling and training from a young age, it can become a bit territorial. Let’s find out more about this impressive and rare breed of dog that will certainly become a main attraction wherever you decide to take it. A Shar-Pei can be a very protective dog that bonds well to a close-knit group of people. Origin Where else could the Chinese Shar-Pei come from if not China? Its name roughly translating from Mandarin into English as “sand skin,” the origin is similar to that of many old Chinese breeds like the pug. In other words, it goes back through a lot of history. Although no definitive dates are available regarding the early development of the Shar-Pei, historians believe it can be traced to the Guangdong province and southern provinces of China. During their early days in China, the Chinese Shar-Pei would be used for a number of reasons, often by peasants: the dogs could be used for protection, for hunting, and for herding animals. This has given the modern version a certain athletic versatility and a wide taste for different types of both exercise and play. As time went on, the Chinese Shar-Pei was also used in the upper classes as a fighting dog, although this practice went out of style after the Communist revolution. After the Communist revolution in China, the Shar-Pei population was nearly wiped out, and to this day it is among the rarest breeds in the world. Pedigree

Dog Insurance Pros and Cons

Going over the good and bad of dog insurance You’ve been antagonizing over the decision of whether or not to buy dog insurance. Sure, your puppy may be healthy now, but what about in the future? You can’t predict if your dog will get into an accident or get cancer and require costly treatment. On the other hand, your dog may only require yearly vet visits for many years. So what should you do? Let’s go over a few pros and cons of dog insurance… we hope it will make the decision a bit clearer for you. PROS: There are lots of dog insurance companies to choose from, and all of them offer a variety of policies and coverage. These policies cover all types of vet care, from annual checkups and immunizations, to long-term treatment and rehabilitation.You can pick your own vet. It doesn’t matter which one you go to, as long as they are licensed. Just submit the bill to your dog insurance company to file a claim.If your dog gets ill or is in an accident, the vet bills can reach into the thousands. Dog insurance could save you from making the painful decision of going into debt or putting your dog down.If you have multiple dogs, you can save on certain insurance policies.Peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog will get the treatment it requires when it gets sick and you won’t have to dip into your saving account to pay for it.Now that dog insurance is gaining popularity, some larger companies are offering it to its workers as part of a benefits program.Depending on which company you go with, some policies include prescription foods or alternative therapy, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.Many dog insurance plans are customizable, which means you can pick and choose what coverages you’d like on your policy. Let’s go over a few pros and cons of dog insurance… we hope it will make the decision a bit clearer for you. CONS: You have to pay for the vet bill out-of-pocket first. Only after you pay are you able to send in the paid bill to get reimbursed.It can be expensive – there are deductibles, annual premiums, limits on pre-existing conditions, and exclusions for hereditary defects.You can’t claim pre-existing health conditions. If your dog already has cancer, the dog insurance company won’t cover any treatments relating to the pre-existing issue.Benefit limits can be low. Be sure to read the fine print – if you go with a cheaper plan, it’s not going to offer you and your dog much coverage. Some policies only cover accidents and illnesses, so be sure you know what you’d be paying for.Some policies have age-limits set within its plans. If you have an older dog, it may have reduced coverage or it may not even qualify for coverage.You’ll always have to pay something extra, on top of what you’re paying the dog insurance company. Most dog insurance policies pay between 50 and 75 percent of the total medical charges. Check for the maximum amounts a dog insurance policy will pay. No matter which option you go with, always have enough money saved for the unexpected. If you don’t go with dog insurance, set up an account where you can put a certain amount of money into it monthly – that way, you’ll be able to cover your dog’s health issues when they pop up.

Poodle

Poodle Basics When you think of a poodle, what kind of dog do you think of? Many of us immediately imagine the Toy Poodle. However, that is only one of the many types of Poodle out there. Sure, the Toy Poodle is iconic, but as a breed, the Poodle has a surprising amount of variety and versatility. Poodles can be athletic, rambunctious, energetic – just about anything under the sun. At least relative to the expectations of Poodles that many people bring to the table. People are far too willing to put the Poodle in a box of limited expectations. The Poodle deserve more respect than that. They are such a rich and exciting dog breed filled with possibilities. Hopefully over time, The Poodle will finally get the respect that they deserve as one of the most exciting, versatile, and intelligent dog breeds around. The Poodle is an extremely smart dog, ranking second only below the Border Collie as the most intelligent dog breed. They are highly-trainable and make excellent service and therapy dogs. As family pets and companions, these popular dogs are loving, playful and even a bit mischievous. You’ll never be bored with a Poodle by your side. In fact, you’ll have to keep an eye on your Poodle companion to make sure that they don’t use those big and powerful brains to get up to trouble. While a lot of people might think of Poodles as the epitome of a lapdog with an elaborate hairstyle, these dogs come in all sizes- from toy to standard Poodles that weigh up to 70 pounds. If you want to find out which type of Poodle is the right one for you- or if the breed is a good match for your family in the first place- read on. As you may have gathered by now, there are so many different types of Poodles out there that almost impossible that that there won’t be one that can fit into your lifestyle. As a breed, this dog has a surprising amount of variety and versatility. Origin The Poodle might seem like a posh show dog, but these dogs actually started out as working dogs (generally as water retrievers, or “gun dogs”). Their original role was to assist hunters in retrieving waterfowl (such as ducks) from the water. Their curly coat, which is now primped up for dog shows, was valued for its moisture-resistant qualities. The German word “pudel,” in fact, actually refers to all the splashing these pips would get up to during any hunt. The English word “Poodle” was derived from it. Even though the breed originated in 19th century Germany, the standard was perfected in France, which considers Poodle to be a national dog breed. These dogs are now known primarily as show dogs and pets. Selective breeding had a great deal to do with this change in perception. There are three varieties of Poodle, and according to the American Kennel Club, the oldest of these varieties is the large or ‘Standard’ variety. The Poodle was bred to have a water-resistant coat – which helps explain the quality of the current dog’s coat – that was eventually groomed and patterned according to taste and style rather than worrying simply about functionality. Other types of Poodle today include Toy and Miniature. Although they retain the main traits of their full-sized relatives, their compact size makes them a perfect fit for condo and apartment dwellers. They are generally quite well behaved pooches who can get on well within a small space and can be left alone for extended periods of time without causing too much trouble. Other types of Poodle today include Toy and Miniature. Pedigree

Italian Grocer Introduces Dog-Friendly Shopping Carts

Leaving Fido tied up at a post outside your local grocery store just isn’t fair. That’s why an ingenious Italian grocer adapted his existing carts so both of you can zip around the aisles quickly and safely. Gianfranco Galantini is the owner of Unes grocery shop in Liano, Italy. After seeing so many of his customers being forced to leave Fido tied to a post in the front of his story because they found it hard to hold both a leash and a cart, he came up with a brilliant idea: a dog-friendly trolley! Rectifying this problem wasn’t as hard as some may think! Galantini simply fitted some of his carts with a partitioned section at the front, which has a solid bottom, so dogs can sit or stand up in the front and voila – a shopping cart both human and dog can enjoy. Related: Tesco Offers Groceries and Pet Grooming with New In-Store “Pet Den” Salon The coolest part is that this partitioned part can flip up so other carts can slide right in, one after another, as if they were always meant to have that seat. Now, his customers can come in with their trusty pooch in tow and shop calmly, knowing their dog is safe and sound right in front of them – and having a ball going up and down the store, none the less! The carts are cleaned after each use to the next dog can enjoy a mess-free ride. They are so popular, in fact, that the grocery chain is considering rolling them out in other branches – talk about problem solving! You go, Gianfranco Galantini! Related: What You Need To Know About Dog Food Labels For now, small dogs are the only ones who can take a joy ride inside Unes, as they are the only ones legally allowed to enter the store so long as they are kept under control. The existing carts are also small in general so unless their cart sizes change, we doubt they’ll be enough room to get your Mastiff or German Shepard in on the action. [Source: Metro UK]

5 Ways to Help Stray Kittens This Spring

Springtime is usually when cats have litters of kittens, and stray animal overpopulation is a very real problem. Should you find a kitten in your neighborhood, here are a few ways you can help them out. When you come across a kitten on the street, you may instinctively believe that taking it home is the best course of action. If it’s with you at home, it’s safe and won’t get hurt, right? While this is a kind gesture driven by good intentions, you may be doing more harm than good. Alley Cat Allies, a national advocacy organization dedicated to the humane treatment of cats, offers these five easy ways anyone can help should they come across a cat or kitten this spring. 1. If Mom is Around, Leave Kittens Alone Kittens who are four weeks or younger are called “neonatal kittens” and when they are this young, they rely on their mother for 100 percent of their care. Should you find a kitten that looks four weeks old or younger, don’t pick it up. Alley Cat Allies recommends watching the kitten for 2-4 hours to see if the mother returns to claim it. If it doesn’t, the kitten may be abandoned. If that happens, only then is the best course of action to take the kitten into your own home. However, should you decide to care for the kitten, understand that neonatal kittens need around the clock care until they are 5-8 weeks old, which is when they begin to eat wet food. 2. Don’t Bring Neonatal Kittens to Shelters If you’ve found an abandoned neonatal kitten, the worst thing you could possibly do is bring it to an animal shelter, as they are not equipped to provide the kitten with the care it needs in order to survive. If a kitten can’t eat on its own, they will more than likely be destroyed. Over 70 percent of cats who are surrendered to shelters are destroyed, regardless of their age and level of socialization. When it comes to abandoned neonatal kittens, it’s best to bring them into your own home or give them to someone who you know is equipped to take care of them. Related: The Stages of Kitten Development 3. Volunteer as a Kitten Foster Parent Kitten foster parent programs exist across the country, and although it involves plenty of time, patience and training, the end result is a kitten who is well-mannered and socialized, meaning they are well on their way to find their forever home! 4. Practice Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) This practice is perhaps one of the most efficient forms of stabilizing and reducing stray cat populations. Cats are humanely trapped, brought to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated before being returned to their outdoor homes. In order to see which cats have been spayed or neutered, they are also ear-tipped – the tip of their ear is nicked off (a painless procedure when they are under anesthesia). This is the universal symbol that a cat has been sterilized so they won’t be re-submitted to have the procedure performed again. Any kitten who is two months of age and weighs at least two pounds is able to be spayed/neutered. Once they are released back into their outdoor homes, they can no longer produce litters of kittens. This means there will be progressively less and less cats on the streets, therefore reducing the overpopulation problem. Related: TNR: What Is It and How Can It Help Feral Cats 5. Become An Advocate for Cat-Friendly Programs Contact your local shelter and find out ways to raise awareness about TNR and how you can support other lifesaving policies for cats. The more people are educated about the problem and how they can solve it, the more hands there are on deck who can help solve the overpopulation problem.

The Best Coffee Table Books About Dogs

A picture says a thousand words. And these photographers have lots to say about dogs – beautiful pictures that will give you a new perspective on pooches.

Bogle

Bogle Basics The Bogle dog is a relatively large breed and so, it will need plenty of room to run around and play. This means they are not suitable for those living in small apartments, but rather for those living in homes and preferably have a yard where the dog can run around freely. When it comes to families, these dogs may not be the best when young children are involved. Although they will love their favorite human unconditionally, their Boxer side makes them a little bit rambunctious and prone to rough-house. Should the Bogle come into the home as a puppy and grow up with children, the chances that they do well with kids when they are older goes up significantly. However, introducing kids into the mix when the Bogle is an adult could prove to be tricky. Bogles are alert dogs who are ever-watchful of their home and family, but will warm up to strangers after a few minutes of having them in the house. Also, due to their Beagle parentage, Bogles have an excellent nose and are therefore useful dogs when it comes to narcotics detection and tracking. The Bogle is a designer breed of dog that combines both the Boxer and Beagle to bring you a playful and loving pooch. Origin The Beagle is a rather old breed of dog, dating back to the 5th century in Ancient Greece. Here, they were used mostly as hunting and tracking dogs. A Southern Hound (the Beagle’s ancestor) was brought to England by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century, By 1840, the Beagle we all know and love was beginning to develop and in 1884, General Richard Rowett imported the first Beagles to America where it was not only still used as a tracker and hunter, but now also as a loving family companion. On the other hand, the Boxer was a man-made breed born in the 1800’s in Germany. His ancestor was a Brabant Bullenbeisser, which is a dog that shares similar characteristics with the Mastiff, and the Bulldog, originally an English breed. By 1900, the Boxer breed had been introduced into the United States and by 1904, it became a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club. Designer dog breeds have been all the rage for the past two decades. Breeders often take two purebred dogs (in this case, the boxer and the Beagle) and allow them to mate. The outcome is a litter of puppies that hold characteristics of both breeds- the Bogle breed is the perfect example of a designer dog breed. Pedigree

Actor Amber Heard Pleads Guilty To Illegal Dog Importation

After a year-long ordeal, Amber Heard, also known as Johnny Depp’s wife, has pleaded guilty to providing false immigration documents for her two Yorkshire Terriers, Boo and Pistol. Last May, Australian Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce accused movie star Johnny Depp of smuggling his little terriers (Boo and Pistol) aboard his private jet when he returned to Australia to continue filming the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie. Since then, prosecutors have accused Depp’s wife, Amber Heard, of illegally importing her two Yorkshire Terriers and providing a false immigration document for her dogs. The illegal importation count could have sent Heard to prison for up to 10 years. Although prosecutors have dropped the initial charge, Heard has pleaded guilty to the latter, which carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail, plus a fine of just over $10,000 US. Related: Johnny Depp’s Dogs Receive Death Threats From The Australian Government The reason why this carries such a heavy fine is because Australia has strict regulations to prevent diseases such as rabies from spreading to its shores. If one would like to bring a pet to Australia, you need to first apply for a permit and then quarantine your pooch for a minimum of 10 days. Depp and Heard were given 72 hours to send Pistol and Boo back to their United States home, after a threat of euthanization was hurled at the famous couple. The dogs took a flight back to their home just hours before the deadline. Joyce was quoted as saying that no person – movie star or not – is above and law, and “it’s about time that Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States.” Related: All About Yorkshire Terriers While the spat ensued, many poked fun at the drama with one newspaper website running a “doggie death countdown” which marked the hours before the dogs had to leave the country in order to escape being euthanized. Comedian John Oliver raved about the ordeal for over five minutes and even Depp himself thought Joyce was blowing the entire situation out of proportion. When asked if he planned to take his dogs for a gondola ride in a press conference in Venice last year, he replied “No. I killed my dogs and ate them, under direct orders from some kind of, I don’t know, sweaty, big-gutted man from Australia.” While Australian law should definitely be upheld whenever someone – movie star or not – steps onto Australian soil, threatening to euthanize them should they not leave seems a little bit extreme. What do you think? Let us know what you think about the situation in the comments below. [Source: TheStar]

Basset Fauve De Bretagne

Basset Fauve de Bretagne Basics The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a lovable small dog sporting a wiry fawn-colored coat. This breed has short legs and a compact frame, developed for scent hunting. Though this breed was developed for hunting it is a friendly and amiable pooch that typically does well as a family pet. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a lovable small dog sporting a wiry fawn-colored coat. Origin The Basset Fauve de Bretagne breed is also known as the Tawny Brittany Basset because it is native to the northwestern area of France called Brittany. The exact origins of the breed are unknown but the breed was almost certainly developed from the now-extinct breed known as the Grand Fauve de Bretagne. This breed was developed for hunting in pre-Revolutionary France, bred for its size and speed to accompany mounted horsemen. After the Revolution, when hunting became available to all, there was a move toward smaller hounds and that is when the Basset Fauve de Bretagne came into being. This breed may have been bred from undersized pups or from smaller Grand Fauve de Bretagnes – it may have also been crossed with the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne breed. The breed nearly went extinct during World War II but was brought back into play by a number of dedicated breeders. Pedigree

Lifesaving Steps on How to Perform Dog CPR

This technique has saved countless human lives over the years, and it’s been adapted for canines. If your pet goes into cardiac arrest, perform these dog CPR steps. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, better known as CPR, is a lifesaving technique that most can learn and perform during cardiac arrest emergency. However, 70 percent of Americans feel helpless in this kind of a situation because they don’t know how to administer CPR or their training has significantly lapsed. While there are thousands of courses that teach how to perform CPR on humans, there are significantly less that teach how to perform this life-saving technique on man’s best friend. Should you encounter your (or anyone else’s) dog in cardiac arrest, here are the necessary steps in order to asses if you should administer CPR and how to do it. Check For Breathing You can feel for air by holding your hand close to his nose while watch for the chest to rise and fall. If the dog is not breathing, his airway may be blocked. Pull his tongue as far forward as possible and remove any objects present in the throat or mouth. Check For a Pulse The easiest way to find a dog’s pulse is in femoral artery, which is located in a dog’s inner thigh. This artery is located where the leg meets with the body. Use your fingers (not your thumb, as it has its own pulse) to check his pulse by pressing down gently. If you can’t find a pulse here, try just above the middle pad of your dog’s front paw. Lastly, you can try to find a pulse by pressing your fingers directly over the dog’s heart. To check using this method, your dog needs to be lying on his left side, with the front left leg bent so the elbow touches the chest. The dog’s heart will be where the elbow touches the chest. If your dog has a pulse, but isn’t breathing, DON’T perform CPR but DO perform artificial respiration (mouth to snout resuscitation, more on this below). If your dog does not have a pulse, you need to perform CPR, which is a combination of artificial respiration and chest compressions. Performing CPR DO NOT practice CPR on a healthy dog, as it can cause seriously injuries.

Experts Say 2016 Will Be the Year of Ticks and Mosquitoes

According to the annual Parasite Forecasts, 2016 will bring plenty of mosquitoes and ticks, which increases the chance that your pet may catch a parasite-transmitted disease. Every year, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), a panel of respected parasitologists, sits down and uses their years of clinical and ongoing research to create a Parasite Forecast for the upcoming year. This Parasite Forecast is based on a number of factors including precipitation, population density, and temperature. The forecast measures multiple data points to calculate the probability of a dog testing positive for the agents of four major parasite-transmitted diseases: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and heartworm. Related: Pet-Safe Mosquito Repellent for Dogs According to CAPC President Susan Little, the areas where these parasites are found is continuing to expand and so this forecast is a reminder to pet owners to take their pets to the vet to get them tested and protected. Lyme disease is once again a high threat for pets this year. Ticks that carry the agent of Lyme disease have expanded their range and have become established in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Kentucky. Ironically, the “bulls-eye of Lyme disease,” which has traditionally been in New England, will see below normal activity, however infection in this region still poses a major risk. Unfortunately, ehrlichiosis is common to Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma… and these regions are expected to have even higher than normal activity this year. Southern California and the southeast (especially east of the Mississippi River) is also at increased risk for ehrlichiosis. Related: The Buzz About How Mosquitos Can Sabotage Your Dog’s Health New York state, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and northern California will have an active year when it comes to transmission of the agents of anaplasmosis. Lastly, heartworm is a potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes and this year, the risk is expected to be above average throughout the entire country. The Companion Animal Parasite Council offers a few tips to keep your pets happy and healthy this year. Remember that ticks and vector-borne disease agents can also be found in jogging trails, paths and dog parks so be sure to get your pets vaccinates to prevent these diseases (after all, heart heartworm can be fatal if left untreated but it’s almost 100 percent preventable!) Related: 5 Heartwork Facts You Need To Know There are also misconceptions that cats are not at-risk of ticks because they remove them via grooming or are always indoors, which is simply untrue.There are many parasite-transmitted diseases that are harmful and sometimes even deadly to felines and can even threaten cats that spend the majority of their time indoors. Bottom line: get your dog vaccinated to protect them from any parasite-transmitted diseases and get them regularly tested.

Special Girl Passes Her “Make-A-Wish” Wish to Help Shelter Pups

Thanks to Anna Getner and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a Connecticut dog shelter now has a brand new play room for pups to meet potential owners. Many kids who make a wish via the Make-A-Wish Foundation ask to meet their favorite musician or spend a day in Disney World, but that’s not the case when it came to 11-year-old Anna Getner. Anna had recently completed a 821-day treatment regimen for leukemia – that’s two years and three months spent fighting the disease. When the Make-a-Wish Connecticut stepped in and asked Anna what her one wish would be, she told them she wanted to build a puppy playroom for her local animal shelter. Related: The Joys of Adopting a Dog Pam Keogh, president at Connecticut’s Make-a-Wish Foundation, says in the past 30 years they have fulfilled almost 2,500 wishes and they haven’t encountered a wish quite like Anna’s. The thoughtful tween had plenty of design ideas for what the indoor/outdoor part would look like in order to make the dogs feel at ease, as it would make for a great place to have potential adopters to meet their future doggies. The Make-A-Wish foundation worked with volunteers, supporters and local businesses to make Anna’s dream become a reality. When Anna saw the room for the first time, she exclaimed “Oh my god, it’s amazing!” meaning everyone’s hard work paid off – mission accomplished! The space at PAWS (dubbed Anna’s Dog Park) is made to look like it’s in the middle of a park, complete with photo wallpaper and blue sky ceiling tiles. There’s even a picture of Anna and her rescue dog Franklin built into the landscape. Anna’s dog Franklin was a huge factor when it came to deciding what she wanted as her wish. She wanted to help all the animals at PAWS to find their forever homes and bring joy to both families and dogs just like Franklin has. Related: 7 Ways A Shelter Dog Can Improve Your Life Pet Food Company Blue Buffalo was so inspired by Anna’s story that they not only offered to help fund the project to build the playroom, but also announced that they will donate food to PAWS for life. Thanks to Anna’s selfless action, not only will these dogs be fed until they find their forever home to adopt them, but they also have a great new place to play and have fun while they wait. It’s the wish that keeps on giving! [Source: TheBark]

Luna and Oliver Top Most Popular Cat Names of 2016

Finding the right name for your ferocious feline is tough. To make finding the purr-fect moniker a bit easier, check out 2016’s most popular cat names. Rover.com makes finding a sitter for your dog easy – it’s sort of like AirBnb, but for pets! But that’s not all they do; they also routinely compile lists of the most popular cat and dog names. This time around, Rover has made a list of the most desired kitty names of 2016!

Miniature Australian Shepherd

Miniature Australian Shepherd BasicsSometimes you want an athletic working dog that isn’t big enough to qualify as a roommate. Thankfully, they are widely available. So, if you are looking for a small and compact dog with the strong work ethic of a much larger breed, consider the Miniature Australian Shepherd. This breed is a smaller form of the Australian Shepherd that is rapidly increasing in popularity. So, you’ll get everything that you could possibly want out of an Australian Shepard, without having to sacrifice the space that you’d need for that big boy. Owing to the place of origin, these dogs are recognized by the AKC under the name Miniature American Shepherd.Not only are Miniature Australian Shepherds small in size, but these dogs are incredibly intelligent and easy to train. It may sound too good to be true, but trust us – these dogs are truly fabulous! They really live up to all that hype. Miniature Australian Shepherds can be trained for a wide variety of dog sports including agility, herding, obedience, disc dog, fly ball, and many more, as they excel in them just as the original Australian Shepherd dog does. If you are on the lookout for a smart, trainable, and family friendly dog, look no further than the Miniature Australian Shepherd. This breed will provide everything that you are looking for. And then some!While looking cute and being smart is more than enough to win over any potential owner, it’s not the only thing these dogs can offer. The Miniature Australian Shepherd – or Miniature American Shepherd, if you want to get technical about it – is also quite friendly, affectionate, and fiercely loyal to their family. One could say that these dogs are really the whole package! Not only is the Miniature Australian Shepherd small in size, but these dogs are incredibly intelligent and easy to train.OriginThe Miniature Australian Shepherd is a fairly new breed. Believe it or not, this breed was actually developed in 1968. Back then, Doris Cordova of Norco, California began a breeding program with the dream of developing a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. By using small Australian Shepherds, Cordova and a handful of other breeders were successful in creating a miniature version of the Australian Shepherd. Yet, throughout the short history of the breed, there has been a great deal of controversy. The National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR) considered the Miniature Australian Shepherd a size variant of the Australian Shepherd, while the Australian Shepherd Club of America considered it an entirely separate breed. For many years, it was impossible to get these two organizations on the same page. Both the AKC and the UKC grouped the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd together. Things finally changed in 2011. That’s when the AKC at long last admitted the Miniature Australian Shepherd to the Foundation Stock Service (under the name Miniature American Shepherd). Then in 2015, they granted full recognition to the breed. It took a while, but it happened. Still, no matter how you look at it, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a truly wonderful dog, whether they consider it a new breed or not.Pedigree

What You Should Know Before Starting a Dog Boarding Business

Let’s get down to business – starting a dog boarding businessSo, you are considering starting a dog boarding business? Perhaps you’ve learned a lot over the years and want to share that knowledge of dog care with others. Or you simply have all the perfect accommodations for dogs. Whatever it is, starting a dog boarding business can be a great idea. When it comes to opening such a business, it may seem as though you need little besides space to house the dogs and staff to feed and walk them. In reality, however, starting and maintaining a dog boarding business can be full of unexpected challenges. After all, it is never as simple as it seems at first glance. With the proper research and preparation, however, it is possible to create a thriving business. But, if you do it wrong, you could be faced with some serious problems. It is best to know exactly what such a business entails. So, if you are considering opening a dog boarding business, keep these tips in mind.Questions to Ask BeforehandStarting such an enterprise won’t be an easy task. Before you commit to starting your business, there are a few simple questions you need to ask yourself. What is your primary motivation for opening the business? Do you have the time and space to devote to the business? Is there a need for a dog boarding business in your area? If your primary motivation for opening a dog boarding business is to make easy money, you should think again – as is true of any business, you need money upfront to get your business started and then it could take some time before you start to see a profit. It could cost you anywhere between $25,000 and $80,000 to get your business off the ground.In addition to the financial factors, you also need to think carefully about whether you have the time to devote to such a business. If you feel as though you are truly able to commit to a dog boarding business, your next question to answer is whether there is a need for such a business in your area. It doesn’t matter how much time you put into developing the business – if the need isn’t there, your business is unlikely to succeed. Another important issue to raise is the legality of having such a business in your area. You will need to research zoning and licensing requirements in your area to make sure it is legal for you to start any kind of business (particularly out of your home). Some cities and states can have tight rules and regulations on such matters, so careful research is key. And remember, there’s no such thing as asking too many questions – it is perfectly reasonable to want to be as informed as possible.Proper Planning Is Key Once you’ve determined that you’re ready to start your own dog boarding business, it’s time to get to work. And a great plan will help guide you through the entire process, as you’ll know what you need to do in order to make your dreams of working in the pet care industry a reality.Here are a few tips that can help you get started. Then, once your dog boarding business is up and running, it will be a matter of properly managing it in order to maintain it for the long run and watch it grow over time.Outline What Services You’ll Offer: In addition to boarding, will you also offer grooming and bathing services, or perhaps even canine training sessions? Will you only offer longer-term boarding, such as for people who are going on vacation for a few days, or will you be providing daycare services for people who just need someone to watch their dogs while they’re at work? Will you have a small store that will sell pet food, toys, and other pet care products to your customers? All these questions need to be answered and made known to potential customers. If you want to make a better income, then certainly you can expand your service and go beyond simple dog boarding. But with each new service, you will likely have to expand on the number of employees, raising your costs. In the end, it is all about calculations and income. Determine the Prices You’ll Charge for Your Services: After you establish the services that you’re planning on offering through your dog boarding business, it’s time to figure out your prices for those services.Your price structure will depend on your location, as different markets might charge different amounts of money to customers for the same services. So do your research into what other local dog boarding facilities are charging. Sometimes it is the pricing that will set your business apart from the competition at first!Beyond that, you also need to come up with prices that will allow you to make a large enough profit every day in order to keep your business running. This step will involve calculating your expenses to ensure they’ll be covered by the money you’re bringing in from sales. It will be easier to do this once you’ve found the right facility and you know what the overhead costs will be. Pricing can be difficult to balance, so take every expense and income into the calculation. Your prices need to be attractive enough to potential users, but not so low as to incur losses. And if your close competitor has lower prices – then try to offer a better service than theirs! Remember, higher prices need justification with quality service or products. Find the Right Facility: Now that you know what services you’ll be offering to your customers, you can more easily find the ideal facility to make it all happen. Perhaps you’ll find a former dog boarding facility that you can revamp and make your own, or maybe you’ll find land on which you can build one from scratch. No matter what, check zoning regulations, local laws, and licensing requirements to ensure you’ll be able to run your business in a particular location.As you search for your place of business, keep location in mind at all times. Will it be easy for customers to find your boarding facility? Will it be located in an area that gets plenty of traffic by car and by foot, so people who have never heard of your business before will learn about you?Also, be sure that the facility you choose will give you enough space to house everything you need. Again, this will depend on the services that you’re planning on offering. For example, if you’re adding grooming services to the mix, you’ll need to have a space that will accommodate that. Check that the facility will be easy to keep clean and safe for your workers and the animals in your care. And ensure that temperature control will be simple throughout the year as well.Tips for Better ManagementRunning a successful business is all about careful and quality management. A business that is run in chaos and “crossing the bridges as they come” is never easy to control and can quickly spiral into ruin. But a business that is carefully researched, set-up, and maintained, is sure to succeed. So always devote a certain part of your day for hard and dedicated work at your business – the effort is sure to pay off! Once you have done the background research and have determined that opening a dog boarding business is definitely the way to go, you can start thinking about some of the details. A large percentage of new businesses fail due to poor management, so you would be wise to keep these basic management tips in mind before you start your own business:Treat your business as a business – you may have gotten into it because you love dogs, but if you don’t treat your business as such you won’t take it seriously. Keep your personal affinities and preferences at home. Business needs to be done after some rules, so always take them seriously and to heart. Your customers are bound to see it reflected in the business. Invest in effective marketing strategies to increase your sales and to get the name of your business out there. Keep in mind that in order to earn money – you need to spend money. Sometimes investments are the shortcut to earning big! Don’t miss out on opportunities to make extra income off existing clients – offer grooming services, sell toys, etc. A bunch of small steps can lead you a long way! Increase your income steadily by offering new and interesting services. Keep track of everything from the hours you spend on bookkeeping to the money you spend on upkeep of your boarding facilities – over time you will start to notice opportunities to increase efficiency.Reinvest in your business – when you first start your business you should put your early profits back into the business rather than putting them into your pocket. Here, patience is key. You’d be eager to spend all those first earnings, but the smartest thing is to play it cool and re-invest them into your business. This can only boost your efforts further, resulting in better earnings down the road. Don’t forget about savings – put away a little bit of money each week to help provide a cushion against disasters and unexpected costs. Just a little bit each week can amount to a lot of money at the end of the year. These savings can really come in handy in unexpected situations. You will thank yourself later. Hire quality staff – being an animal lover shouldn’t be the only criteria – look for people who are responsible and hardworking who will mesh with your existing staff. You cannot do everything by yourself. So don’t try to save money by refusing to hire new staff. It will affect the business badly. Don’t Start Without Considering:Odds are, you haven’t just thought of this nilly-willy or because you love dogs so much. (Although maybe you have, and that’s okay too. Just be sure to pay attention to the following tips!)It’s quite a possibility that you have already worked in a doggy day care or kennel and this maybe inspired you to get into the biz yourself. If not, it’s something that may be super beneficial to you as you open your own, and working in an established operation beforehand will give you a wealth of knowledge and experience money just can’t buy. If you work in an established boarding or kenneling business, you’ll be able to see what works (and what doesn’t) and how you’d like to operate in your own right. You’ll gain good experience with animal behaviors from different animals, how to handle different health issues and general maintenance issues that may come up with your own facility.If you’ve not worked as a vet tech, pet sitter, dog walker or animal shelter employee or volunteer, doing so is also something that could bring valuable, first-hand experience on the ‘dime’, so-to-speak, of another organization before you jump in on your own.You also want to consider finding local membership groups for kennel owners that will give you insight and education opportunities, as well as networking situations that may be advantageous for different circumstances you may find yourself or your facilities in. Like-minded people committed to the same concepts of quality kenneling are great communities to find, and ones that can enrich your experience and that of your potential customers as well.We also can’t stress protecting yourself and your customers enough. Consider whether you’ll be a business, a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company or something else altogether. Talk with others in the industry and your attorney.Be SURE to have insurance–for you and for your clients, and make sure you have an established protocol and partnership for emergency situations. They WILL come up, and preparation is the key to surviving them.Starting a business isn’t easy and it definitely isn’t something you should jump into without proper forethought and preparation. If you feel as though you have the time, the financial means and the drive to successfully operate a dog boarding business, however, don’t let anything stop you from accomplishing your goals!

Top Proteins - Which Protein is Best for Your Dog

Most pet parents are well aware that the dog food they buy needs to be protein-rich to satisfy their dog’s basic dietary needs. While they are not completely carnivorous, dogs still rely on protein to support their overall health and will need a diet with at least 20% percent protein as the very minimum. However, there are various sources – and types – of protein in dog food, and not all are the same when it comes to their nutritional quality for canine diets.

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