Dad Dog-Styler Dresses Like His Look Alike Pup

Global Pet Expo 2017: Cuddle Clone Slippers Lets You Be A Copy Cat (Or

How annoying is it when you can’t find your slipper because the dog has taken it? What if that slipper looked just like him? Cuddle Clones Slippers gives you the chance to find out! Here at the Global Pet Expo 2017, there are some pretty fascinating things to see. I think one of my new favorites (and obvious Christmas gifts for every pet lover I know!) are the Cuddle Clones slippers–made to look just like your pet!

Ruff Royality Take to the Street for Mardi Gras’s Krewe Parade

It’s Fat Tuesday, and we’re ready to let the good times roll! And dogs got into the Mardi Gras spirit with a pooch parade led by a new Krewe Queen and King. In 1993, as a barroom prank that stemmed from a meeting of the (local meteorologist)Margaret Orr fan club a canine-centered Mardi Gras ‘krewe’ was born. The organization, The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, is a non-profit group that advocates for animals and donates to various animal-welfare groups raised through fundraisers and donations throughout the year. Related: Lucy Pet Takes The Trophy At The Tournament Of Roses Each year, the Krewe’s furry paraders and their humans don their best Mardi Gras Masks and costumes and parade in a group that takes over the French Quarter! Presided over by dog-fan Orr since 1994, the parade has an annual theme, with this year’s being ‘Pirates of the Crescent City.’ No Mardi Gras Parade would be complete without a reigning King and Queen, and this year’s royal court leaders were King Maximillian and Queen Athena. Traditionally, the krewe’s king is a purebred, while the chosen queen was a rescue, and both are hailed throughout the Krewe.

Global Pet Expo 2017: Tattoo-Inspired Collars For Bad-Ass Pooches

What are the cool pets at Global Pet Expo 2017 wearing? Why, none other than Angel Pet Supplies new Angel Inked Tattoo collars! Canada is representin’ in Florida! Canadian company Angel Pet Supplies has partnered with California artist Jessica Fang to create a cool new line of tattoo-inspired pet collars that allow pets to show off their personalities, and we are loving them! The collection transfers Fang’s artwork using laser printing onto Angel Pet supplies leather collars–an industry first. The collars pretty much guarantee your pup will be the most unique (and coolest) dogs in the ‘hood and come in a variety of styles. Whether your pooch wants to show the world his edgy rockin’ side or just wants to show off some pretty neck candy with colorful flowers, Fang’s talent makes that happen.

Chow Chow

Chow Chow Basics One of the most ancient of dog breeds, the Chow Chow – like other ancient breeds – hails from Asia. It first originated in Mongolia before being transported and bred in China. With a distinctive appearance (its name in Mandarin approximately translates as “puffy-lion dog”) full of hair and resembling a bear crossed with a dog, it’s hard to miss this dog. But what is its popularity like in the United States, and can these dogs be considered friendly roommates for you and your family? As we delve deeper into the world of Chow Chows – which is really the ancient world of dog breeds itself – we’ll find out more about what makes the Chow Chow such an interesting and unique breed. As it turns out, the rich history of this dog can be traced to working-class roots but the breed has risen to become more of a show dog and companion dog – or both, because when you have this breed as a companion, you’ll want to show it off! Here is an overview of the breed. One of the most ancient of dog breeds, the Chow Chow – like other ancient breeds – hails from Asia. Origin Like the Pug, another ancient breed, the Chow Chow comes from Asia. Specifically, the breed originally hails from northern China or Mongolia – and its history extends back as far as thousands of years. Even DNA analysis has confirmed that the Chow Chow is actually the oldest breed of dog in existence, its breed purity having been maintained for millennia. If that’s a little intimidating for you as a new dog owner, consider that these dogs survived so well because they made such excellent companions, and even workers, although they do have more cat-like personalities, as we’ll learn later one. In terms of tracing the dog’s history to specific dates, there are sculptures of Chow Chow-like dogs that date to the Han Dynasty, which ran from 206 B.C. to 22 A.D. Their history even comes up through the United States, as President Calvin Coolidge owned a Chow Chow.

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.

5 Tips for Avoiding Bears During Your Wilderness Dog Walks

If you go out to the woods with your dog today, you don’t want to be in for a big surprise – like meeting up with a bear! Keep clear of bears and stay safe with these tips.Yogi Bear wasn’t your average bear – he was friendly, well-dressed, and enjoyed stealing people’s picnic baskets as a lark. While bears of the non-cartoon persuasion will also happily steal your picnic basket, a meeting with a real-life bear isn’t funny at all… especially if you have a dog with you! Whether you and your dog are backcountry canoeing, hiking a mountain, or enjoying some time at a campground, be prepared for a run-in with one of Yogi’s cousins!Related: What Animals To Watch Out For While Hiking With Your DogsWhile an encounter of the furry kind may sound exciting, it’s best all those involved – people, dogs, and bears – should never meet. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t spend time outdoors in bear country. Many dog owners enjoy hiking and camping safely. But you may need to take some extra precautions to avoid an unwelcome encounter.Follow these tips to avoid bear encounters while out in the bush:1) Keep your dog on a leash. Keeping your dog on a leash makes it easier to keep your dog under control. Should you surprise a bear, you and your leashed dog can quickly leave the area, and everyone avoids becoming a statistic.This will also avoid your dog running off and getting into trouble somewhere off the beaten path. Bears will do their best to avoid humans. This means avoiding areas that they know are occupied or heavily trafficked. Your chances of running into a bear on a trail are less likely than they are while creating a path through the bush.If your dog is running off-trail and comes across a bear, it could be a dangerous experience. Bears view dogs as a potential threat and their presence could trigger defensive actions on the bear’s part. Especially if the bear has young cubs close by. If the pup can get away and return to you, they may be bringing an angry bear with them.2) Make some noise. There’s plenty of debate on how effective bear bells are. They are relatively quiet, and their sound may not carry far in the dense bush. Even if a bear does hear the bell ringing, it may not associate the sound with a human being nearby. But one thing all the bear experts can agree on is that making noise is the best way to avoid surprising a bear. Talk or sing to your dog, or just make noise. The more warning you can give a bear that you are in the area, the more time they have to flee.3) Keep a clean campsite. Dog bowls, treats, and toys must be cleaned up and put away immediately after use. Put anything food-related away in a bear box, or secure it in a bear-resistant container. Dispose of your trash each night if you are sleeping in an organized campground with dumpsters. If not, gather all your garbage into a bag and place it into a bear-resistant container as well.If you don’t have access to a bear-resistant container, food and garbage can be hung from a tree. The tree should be at least 12 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any nearby tree limbs or parts of the tree. Choose a tree that is a safe distance from your chosen campsite as the smells of the food or garbage may still attract a bear to the area.Feed and potty your dog at least 100 meters from your sleeping area. Water bowls and poop may not seem like tempting items, but for a curious bear, anything even remotely food-related might be enough to attract them.4) Keep your dog inside at night. Sneaky bears love to come in under the cover of darkness to snoop around looking for food. If your dog is in your tent with you, he’s going to be able to give you a warning that there’s a bear out there.This will also prevent your dog from lunging at the bear to scare it off. If a bear sees a dog lunging in its direction, it can make a situation far worse. Feeling threatened, the bear will then respond as it feels that it needs to keep itself safe. As long as you have no tempting scents in the tent, the old saying “out of sight, out of mind” will apply.5) If you see a bear, remain calm. Your calmness sets a positive example for your dog as well. Remain calm and assess the situation. Most bears are going to want to leave the area. Make note of which way the bear leaves, and go in the opposite direction.Bonus Tip: Carry Bear Spray and Know How to Use ItAny time that you are in bear country, you should carry bear spray as an added precaution. Make sure that it is somewhere accessible, such as on a belt, allowing you to grab it in a hurry when needed. You are likely going to be nervous and may not be thinking straight at that moment. The easier it is to grab the bear spray, the better your odds.Before heading out, take some time to practice using your bear spray. Enough practice will train your body to react even if your mind isn’t calm and focused at that time.Keep in mind that bear spray isn’t a repellent like a bug spray. It’s a form of pepper spray that is more high-powered than the standard options used for self-defense against a person. Be cautious not to spray it at any other hikers or in the direction of your dog.Have fun out there and always stay bear-aware. Pay attention to your surroundings, look for bear scat and fresh tracks. Listen to your dog – he’s likely to give you some signs if there is a bear close by. Some dogs react by becoming clingy, while others will put on a brave face. Either way, it’s your job to manage the situation and keep everyone safe.

8 Amazing Companies You Never Knew Helped Animals

Forget lending a helping hand – there are some companies that you’d never think of that lend a helping paw to animals in need. They are the unsung heroes. Those organizations that step outside of their carefully crafted corporate box to help shelters and rescues that may not necessarily fit their brand’s image or customer demographic, but sure do need their help. While we all expect manufacturers and retailers of pet related products to step up as needed, it’s the unexpected brands and smaller organizations that really stand out as discreet heroes worthy of a special nod. Related: Pet Products That Do Good For People Ben & Jerry’s Did you know that Ben & Jerry’s (yes, the ice cream boys) use their Free Cone Day at a number of their locations as an adoption event to help area shelters find forever homes for pooches in need? And check out their website to read all about their office dogs such as Tilly, Rambo and Madison to name a few (and dubbed the K9to5ers). Bissell This iconic vacuum cleaner and stain removal brand has its very own Bissell Pet Foundation that focuses on finding homes for pets in need. Each product purchase results in a donation that goes towards reducing the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, micro-chipping and foster care. Related: Homeless Youth Serve Up Gourmet Pet Treats at Lindy & Company Amazon Users of Amazon may be familiar with the corporate giant’s AmazonSmile program. Tens of millions of products featured on their website are marked with the “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” and buyers registered in the program can choose from among one million charities – including 2,100 humane societies and rescue organizations – who will receive a portion of their purchase price. Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. We don’t usually associate coffee with canines but the Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. directs a portion of the sales from their fair trade organic, whole bean coffee to support area no kill rescue organizations. In fact, 20 percent of all Grounds & Hounds proceeds are donated to a series of rescue partners such as Chicago’s “One Tail at a Time”, D.C.’s “Lucky Dog” and Brooklyn’s “Badass Animal Rescue”, to name just a few of the many. IKEA Sweden’s stylin’ furnishing icon IKEA has long believed the most important place in the world, is home. So no surprise the innovative retailer connected “home” with “pets” and rolled out their Home for Hope campaign that focuses on placing shelter dogs in forever homes. Life-sized cardboard cut-outs of shelter dogs are displayed on their furniture set-ups to “show people what their home would look like with a pet in it”. Each cut-out had a code that can be scanned so customers can track down their shelter döög! Subaru Since 2008, automotive leader Subaru has been partnering with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for their month-long Subaru Loves Pets campaign in support of pet adoptions, spay/neutering and micro-chipping programs. Shelter grantees receive funding to host large-scale pet adoption events across the country and in 2015, they saved more than 4,500 lives. LUSH Super scented and environmentally conscious cosmetic giant LUSH offers their Charity Pot line of hand and body lotions. One hundred percent of the sale price (minus taxes) is donated to small grassroots organizations that include animal welfare. In fact, one Charity Pot in particular supports the Beagle Freedom Project that re-homes dogs used in lab testing. Rescue Chocolate While chocolate and dogs is never a good combo, one entrepreneur out of New York turned our love for both into a fund-raising initiative. Rescue Chocolate creates organic, fair-trade chocolate bars that feature a rescue pooch on their label and include such flavours as “Bananas Foster”, “Peanut Butter Pit Bull” and “Mission Feral Fig” with a portion of proceeds going respectively to support foster homes for dogs, training of pit bulls and Trap, Neuter, Release programs for feral cats.

Peruvian Paso Horse

Peruvian Paso Horse Breed History The Palfreys and Barbs that were bred during the Middle Ages in Spain were known as the most beautiful and finest horses on the planet, and they were referred to as Spanish Jennets. When noblemen from Spain settled throughout the Caribbean and South America, many of those horses went with them on the journey. This was the start of the Peruvian Paso Horse breed. A major export of the horses took place in the 1400s, but a surge in their shipment also took place in the middle of the 1500s. As a result, the Peruvian Paso Horse of today is a descendent of those Spanish Jennets. Peruvian Paso Horses are willing to please their owners and riders. When the conquistadors brought Spanish stock horses to South America in the 1500s, the Peruvian Paso Horse was created for the people who needed horses that would be easy to ride for extended periods of time and over long distances, including difficult mountain terrain. Spanish Jennets were recognized for their gaits, so the Peruvian Paso provides a comfortable ride. But other horse breeds, such as the Andalusian and the Barb, helped make the Peruvian Paso a horse with a high level of strength and stamina as well. Peruvian horse breeders were able to maintain the bloodline of the Peruvian Paso for hundreds of years by selectively breeding the horses for their conformation, temperament, and gait. Only the horses with the best gaits were bred, and there was no need to cross the horses with other breeds. Once highways and cars came onto the scene, however, the Peruvian Paso horse was used much less to get around in the 1900s, particularly in southern Peru. Also, when the Agrarian Reforms were introduced by the Peruvian government in the 1960s, large Peruvian Paso breeding ranches were shut down and they lost the breeding stock. A lot of the best horses were then shipped to Central America and the United States. Over the last 30 years, the Peruvian Paso horse has become more common in Peru again. Today, the Peruvian Paso Horse is one of the last breeds that is naturally gaited. Breed Traits

Argente Brun Rabbit

Argente Brun Rabbit Breed History/Origin The Argente Brun Rabbit is one of the oldest French rabbit breeds. They were developed in the mid to late-19th century, popular for their usually attractive coats. During the 1920s and 1930s, these rabbits were exported to North America (Canada, specifically) from France, Germany and England. This was how the Argente Brun Rabbit got its start. A man by the name of Ed White from Canada was one of those recipients of the Argente rabbit, and sold some to Charmaine Wardrop of Washington, who was trying to find a breed to work with. In the coming years, Wardrop and husband worked with the breed to develop Argente Bruns. Thanks in part to its beautiful coloring, the Argente Brun was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association (ARBA) in February of 2016. The Argente Brun Rabbit has a soft, short brown coat that doesn’t need much maintenance in order to keep it healthy. Overall Description

Pinto Horse

Pinto Horse Breed History The Pinto Horse breed is the result of wild horse herds breeding with European horses. The horses were brought to America by settlers, and they were eventually domesticated by the Native Americans, who preferred these horses because their color pattern acted as camouflage in the environment. Pinto can actually refer to any equine breed that exhibits tobiano, overo, and tovero color patterns. However, the most common breeds that exhibit these particular color patterns include the Icelandic Horse, the Mustang, the Arabian, and the Saddlebred Horse. The Pinto Horse is bred for its color pattern. Even though spotted horses appear to have originated with the horses of American Indians, the two-toned pattern that is so distinctive on the coat of a Pinto Horse likely arrived in North America via the Spanish and Arabian stock that came with the early explorers. Native Americans preferred the horses’ spotted color and ended up breeding the horses for this particular characteristic. Later, Western settlers bred their horses with Indian ponies, and this allowed for the unique color pattern to continue. Even though the Paint and Pinto breeds are lumped together a lot, they are not the same breed. This is because the American Paint Horse has to have original stock blood from a Thoroughbred or an American Quarter Horse. The Pinto Horse, on the other hand, is considered a color breed. Therefore, these horses can have any parents of any breeds, as long as the coat requirements for the Pinto are fulfilled. Even though the Pinto color can happen in any horse breed, the Pinto Horse Association of America will not accept any horses with Draft, mule, or Appaloosa characteristics or breeding. Breed Traits

American Quarter Horse

American Quarter Horse Breed History As one of America’s oldest and most popular equine breeds, the American Quarter Horse is tied to the country’s history. The breed was developed in Colonial America in the early part of the 17th century when the colonists were breeding select horses that were of Barb, Turk, and Arabian descent. These equine breeds had been brought over to the New World previously, and they were later bred with the breeds that were arriving from Ireland and England. As a result of the mixing of English equine breeds with Spanish equine breeds, a compact horse featuring a strong and muscular body was created. This horse was favored for races over short distances of a quarter mile, as well as for farm related work. The English colonists started calling the animals “Celebrated American Quarter Running Horses,” and they introduced Thoroughbred blood into the breed later on as well. The American Quarter Horse is known for having a pleasant personality. When the American pioneers continued to move further west throughout the 1800s, the American Quarter Horse became even more valuable because it was found to have a cow sense. In other words, these horses were able to outmaneuver cattle, so they also became assets on cattle ranches that were developing across the plains. The American Quarter Horse Association was created in 1940, and that was when the breed was given its official name. Today, the Quarter Horse breed is still one of the most popular in the world. Breed Traits

Retired TSA Dogs Are Looking for Loving Homes

Looking to earn some frequent flyer cuddles? These dogs are hanging up their airport security gear to snuggle their way into your life. Members of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) keep us safe every time we travel. Each TSA member is carefully trained to recognize danger and to make sure our travels are well supervised. The TSA is an invaluable service to Americans everywhere. The same can be said for the TSA members of the canine variety, including the dogs used to detect dangerous or contraband substances and prevent them from crossing our borders. You may have seen some of them at the airport, looking adorable but wearing vests that tell you not to pet them for a good reason. Working for the TSA is not an easy task as the lives of many are in your hands or paws. When a TSA dog has had a long and rewarding career and is ready to move onto stress-free retired life, finding the right home for them can be a challenge. Related: Dogs are Man’s Best Friend Against Terrorist Attacks As working animals, many of the dogs used by TSA agents are not acclimatized to a family dog lifestyle. They may spend long hours and kennels, and may view humans as colleagues rather than playmates. Though many dogs retire as young as two years old, some of the animals might end their careers at an advanced age of 8 to 10 years old, making them senior canines. Sadly, senior dogs are some of the hardest to get adopted despite their years of wisdom and mellowed personalities. Many of the animals are strong and agile breeds like German shepherds and Labrador retrievers, which can be challenging when paired with their specialized training for new dog owners. The chosen animals often have bright and alert personalities, which although aid in their employment, may manifest as quite energetic and a little harder to calm down. Some dogs may not have passed the strict TSA dog guidelines, but may actually work better in loving homes. However, for an active and experienced adoptive family, retired TSA dogs make wonderful additions to a happy home. Well trained in standard obedience, these dogs are fast learners and ready to become loving pets. Besides, having a dog that can sniff out bombs is a skill sure to one-up everyone else at the dog park. All of the dogs who are retired from the TSA come spayed or neutered and are available for adoption with absolutely no adoption fee. These pups are truly special and sure to change your life if you give them the chance. Every dog deserves a family to love them and retired working dogs are no exception. Related: American Airlines Lets Dogs Fly Cuddle Class In Luxe Pet Cabins If your household matches the criteria required to have those a retired TSA dog, and you would be willing to let one into your heart, please consider the option. Adoptions are run through coordinators in San Antonio, Texas and require a visit to make sure you’re a good fit. The coordinator can be reached at AdoptaTSAcanine@OLE.tsa.dhs.gov and they would be happy to answer any questions you have. Your next best friend is just an email way, so why don’t you give a hard-working dog a chance? They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but one who comes with some interesting talents already is sure to melt your heart. [Source:

Pet-Friendly Luxury Cruise Liner Makes Its U.S. Debut

All hands – and paws – on deck! The new pet-friendly cruise ship, the Queen Mary 2, has made its official U.S. debut. This dog-friendly boat had a makeover costing over $130 million to make sure it was in ship shape for its new four-legged clientele. The design of the ship has been updated, including luxurious furnishings reminiscent of its cousin boat, the original Queen Mary. The result is a wonderful traditional-meets-modern interior design aesthetic that is sure to both wow and amaze. Of the Carnival Corporations wondrous fleet of fine ships, the Queen Mary 2 may be one of its most famous, but now it is also one of the most unique and interesting features of the lot. This ship is sure to be one of the crown jewels in the Carnival collection. Related: Pooch PFDs: Why Your Dog Needs a Life Jacket The beautiful ship’s facelift was worked on for over 1 million hours, as it was cared for by a fleet of skilled labourers 24 hours a day for 25 days. The ocean liner was launched in a Brooklyn Port on July 6, in a lavish celebration attended by K9 Instagram superstars Wally the Welsh Corgi, Chloe the Mini Frenchie, and Ella Bean the dog. The red carpet was rolled out to be graced by the paws of legends in the decks can look forward to the presence of plenty more during its future years of service. One of the ships most notable upgrades is its new status of the only passenger vessel that is capable of comfortably housing both cats and dogs. The number of kennels in the ship doubled during its intense renovation, up to an astounding 24. Kennels are only the start of Fido’s luxurious adventure at sea. Pets aboard the Queen Mary 2 will be treated to large kennel rooms, as well as a lounge for their owners to play with them in. The pet rooms have been custom fit with beautiful original artwork that the daughter of the captain of the ship, Karen Katon-Oprey, has a lovingly crafted. Related: 6 Salty Safety Tips For Your Dog On A Boat Canines abroad need not worry about their lavatory experience, as a new outdoor area sports both a British lamppost and an American fire hydrant to accommodate every dog’s bathroom habits. The dogs will be overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who will craft a care plan for each four-legged guest that may include fine dining, exercise, and a dose of play. You won’t have to worry about your pup’s well-being as you travel across the sea, as they will be just as pampered as you will be aboard this fine vessel. There is no word yet on a doggie and me yoga class or an owner-pet joint massage at the spa, but the sky the limit for fun pet-friendly luxury activities on the Queen Mary 2’s huge decks. The project was overseen by Cunard, a company that is had an animal-friendly legacy boasting passengers like Elizabeth Taylor’s and the Duke of Windsor’s furry travelling companions. Cruise fans who treat their pets like family need not look further for a wonderful travel experience. [Source: FTN News]

Shelter Spotlight: Mission K9 Rescue

This organization is on a mission – to rehome retired military working dogs. Mission K9 Rescue is on the front lines when it comes to making sure these veterans are well taken care of. While the term “rescue mission” is often affiliated with disaster situations where survivors are in peril or hostages at risk, this particular mission has a decidedly brighter purpose and consistently upbeat outcome. The Mission K9 Rescue out of Houston, Texas is a non-profit that takes in retired or retiring Military Working Dogs (MWD) and Contract Working Dogs (CWD) and with a confident mission-is-possible attitude, dedicates it’s time and resources to rescuing, reuniting, re-homing, rehabilitating and repairing the many pooches that put their lives on the line as working dogs in war zones. Related: Florida Little Dog Rescue A pretty daunting task for any group, especially when one realizes they offer this support to dogs worldwide. So who are these furry heroes in need of re-homing? Typically they consist of German shepherd dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, Pointers, Weimareiners and even those spunky Jack Russells who are used for narcotics detection on submarines. Hey, a tight space calls for economy of scale! As for their role overseas, both the MWDs and CWDs are trained experts in the detection of explosives, and narcotics and many have seen active duty in war zones. The MWDs are owned by the military/government while CWDs are on contract – same job, different title. Related: Beagle Freedom Project Because many have come from a rather traumatic background and may display symptoms of PTSD, Mission K9 Rescue is quick to point out that these dogs are not suitable as service dogs for the handicapped and are equally diligent when it comes to checking out the who’s who and what’s what of prospective adoptive families. Even going so far as to check with your veterinarian to determine how well you care for any existing pets and if your home set-up is appropriate to the breed. Gotta say that if there was a “like” box to check here, I’d be doing it! Whether the dogs are brought back from overseas or rescued from less than ideal living conditions here in North America, the organization is committed to ensuring these pooches receive a deserving retirement for a job well done. As a result, there is no guarantee that your stellar history will net you a retired working dog. Mission K9 Rescue is clear that they do not have kennels of dogs looking for homes but individual dogs that are rehabilitated as they become aware of, rescue and rehabilitate. Additionally, the organization is committed to reuniting working dogs with their handlers if the home set-up meets their requirements. Under the category of “nice-to-know”, while successful adoptive pet parents need to cover the cost of transporting Rover to their home, Mission K9 Rescue covers the cost to transport any dog to his handler if the cost involves prohibits the adoption. Sweet! But as pet parents, we’ve learned that absolutely everything associated with our fur-kids has a price tag attached to it and these dogs are no different. When you’re talking older dog with a heavily active past you just know there will be costs to rehabilitate and reintegrate him into a family environment as well as to repair weary bones and muscles. That’s where you can help. Mission K9 Rescue is comprised of volunteers and funding that comes solely from public sector donations. If you aren’t in a position to adopt but would like to help offset medical bills or bring a little soldier home, consider a one-time donation, monthly or annual contribution.

Hop to It: My Introduction to African Dwarf Frogs

When your child’s school sends her home with a new amphibian friend, you’ve got to adapt your aquarium to suit the little jumper’s needs – ASAP! Being the mother of an animal-friendly 9-year-old girl is hard enough. But when the school starts sending her home with new additions to the family, you’ve got to be prepared for anything. That’s exactly what happened to us a few weeks ago. My daughter came home with a care sheet and permission slip to adopt two African Dwarf Frogs (ADF for short). This was a new species to me, and so we set out to learn about them, together. We soon learned that creating a home for an ADF is straight forward. Being that they are tiny fresh water aquatic frogs, they can’t be in a tank that’s too deep, as they have to spring to the surface to breathe. The substrate should be sand or larger gravel, as frogs can eat smaller gravel, which blocks their intestines. ADFs appreciate live plants or other decorations that offer different levels for them to sit on, and use them as hiding places. Related: Are You Feelin’ Crabby Our ADF tank is a 10 gallon, complemented with large gravel and stones of various colors (it’s a 9-year-old girl’s tank, what can I say?). She planted a small African Sword in the tank, along with some elodea. To finish off the décor, the tank is furnished with unique little statues and decorations. To keep the environment comfortable for our froggy friends, the tank is heated to 78 °F. Here’s something I learned pretty quickly – it’s important to have a lid on the tank. ADFs are known as being escape artists… this typically does not end well for the frog. Related: Fishy Secrets Revealed The care sheet that came home with the frogs stated that we should feed them brine shrimp. As I’ve never had any luck hatching live brine shrimp, I use frozen brine shrimp, frozen blood worms, and a frog pellet I ordered online. Apparently, these little guys can’t see well, so it’s suggested that they have a food dish or are fed with a pair of tweezers, as they can easily miss their meal or lose it to something else in the tank. As far as tank mates, you shouldn’t pair the frogs with anything large enough to eat them (common sense – I didn’t have to look that one up), as well as any living thing too small that will be eaten by the frogs. I chose to put a couple wild livebearers I had in with them (since the fish were all males, there was no concern about the frogs eating the fry). So far, our experience with ADFs has been pretty easy. We did lose one, but because there were no outward signs of what caused it, we’re hoping it was due to “froggy old age” (he went peacefully in his sleep). I imagine wherever the school orders them through probably isn’t the best source for live animals, and so the stress of being shipped, and then cared for by a class room of pre-teens probably didn’t help much. I’ll keep you posted as to the health and wellbeing of our sole ADF… and thank goodness it’s summer vacation, because I don’t have any more room for new surprises!

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Maltipom

Maltipom BasicsIf you were to picture a dog that was the perfect combination of everything you love about the Maltese and the Pomeranian breeds, you would have a Maltipom. The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian. The result is a small dog with the face, ears and stature of a Pomeranian and the long, flowing coat of a Maltese. The appearance of this breed varies, of course, depending on the parentage – it is possible to have a Maltipom with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage.The Maltipom is a designer dog breed from crossing two purebred dogs, a Maltese and a Pomeranian.OriginThe Maltipom is a more recent designer dog breed- these pooches don’t boast a rich history as their parents do. In fact, there’s not much we know about this new hybrid and his origin. But it’s not to say that the Maltipom is enigmatic or mysterious- there’s a simple reason for that. The exact origins of the Maltipom breed are unknown because hybrid dogs have been in existence for many years. It’s more likely than not that there have been many unplanned encounters of a Maltese and a Pomeranian which resulted in mixed breed litters all throughout history. Of course, the origin of the breed is thought of as the moment when someone intentionally started crossbreeding the two purebreds in an effort to develop a new breed, rather than Maltipoms being a cute ‘accident’. As no one breeder has been credited with the development of the breed, we don’t know when that happened for the Maltese and Pomeranian mix.Pedigree

Pitbull

Pitbull Basics There are few dogs out there more controversial than the Pitbull. Many people believe that the Pitbull is a wonderful family companion while others believe that this hybrid needs to be banned from their communities. The truth is that most Pitbulls, like all other dog breeds, are absolutely reliable pets that are great with kids and love people. Most of their bad reputation can be attributed to bad owners and irresponsible tabloid journalists. It’s certainly not the fault of any Pitbulls out there, who are absolutely wonderful pets as long as they are bred and trained responsibly. Those who want to have a Pitbull as a member of their families must do their research. Buying a Pitbull on the corner or through the local classifieds ads is a risky situation. It is essential that the buyer talk to the breeder extensively about his experiences and hopes for this hybrid breed. They should ask about health clearances as well as meet both of the parents and any other relatives on the premises. Because of the bad breeders of “Pitbulls”, it is important that the potential buyer be knows everything about the breed before bringing a Pitbull into his household. Is a Pitbull the right dog to bring into your home? Possibly, but there are many factors to consider. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Keep your eyeballs glued to this page and scroll away to find out if these dogs are the right choice for you! Pitbulls are reliable pets that are great with kids and love people. Origin Nobody really knows the exact origin of the Pitbull began. According to most sources, it seems that this dog breed was a result of breeding bulldogs with terriers to create a new hybrid. The goal of the breeders was to produce a dog that would feature the strength of the bully breeds complemented by the perseverance and agility of the terrier. The reason why these particular traits were desirable was that the new hybrid was supposed to excel in bull baiting and bear baiting, two gruesome “sports” that were particularly popular in the 16th century. By the 18th and 19th centuries, a distinct breed of dog was popular in England – the bull-and-terrier. Sadly, the breed was mostly – if not exclusively – used for rat baiting and dog fighting. It is now commonly believed that the bull-and-terrier was the breed of origin for the Pitbull, which later evolved from mixing in the United States. These origins are sad and unfortunate, but they do explain where the Pitbull’s bad reputation comes from. These dogs shouldn’t be judged by the sad things that humans have trained them to do. They are so much more than that. While these two aggressive main traits certainly can be seen in Pitbulls today, it doesn’t mean that these dogs are inherently violent. The strength and the tenacity can be wonderful traits if directed towards a productive activity, rather than exploited for violence. This is yet another reason why Pitbulls deserve revaluation from dog lovers everywhere. Luckily, time showed its prettier side, and the practice of dog fighting and similar bloodsports were banned in most places around the world. With that, pitbulls got a long-deserved chance to show their true face and a kinder, protective side – one that we can see and enjoy today. Pedigree

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