PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend Starts November 11

by Lori Ennis

November 7th, 2016 12:00 AM

petsmarts national adoption weekend starts november 11

Mark your calendars! If a pet is at the top of your holiday gift list, next weekend will be the time to mark it off at PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend.

PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada are sponsoring National Adoption Weekend November 11 to 13 at their stores across the US and Canada, and they want to encourage anyone looking for a pet for the holidays to consider looking and adopting now.

Often commercials and print ads will give warm fuzzies with adorable puppies or kittens crawling out from holiday trees, but what many don’t consider is that the season also brings with it lots of unusual circumstances–travel plans, extra family members, chaotic households–all of which could potentially traumatize a new family member. PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada recommends looking before all the hustle and bustle really hits and National Adoption Weekend is a great weekend to do so!

PetSmart stores across both countries will have several rescue/adoption organizations offering the most grateful pets for adoption. PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada team with local organizations in both grant-giving and opportunity to allow the widest and varied selection of adoptable pets, helping more than 20,000 pets find their furever homes each year.

PetSmart Charities of Canada knows that a surprise furry family member under the tree may be a wonderful memory, they’ve offered five better reasons to adopt well before the holiday season:

1. You can get the best holiday gift for the family even before the holiday… leaving the rest of your shopping easy, peasy.

2. You will have plenty of time to allow your new pet to adapt to living in his or her new family before the holiday season gets too busy.

3. Your new pet will be able to be part of all of your family’s holiday traditions. Who doesn’t love watching Fido dig through his stocking on Christmas morning?

4. A new pet will encourage healthy habits for the family–playing with the new kitty or walking the new pup can create healthy family habits that will last a lifetime.

5. Most important–pets need homes now. Many in shelters simply don’t have the time to wait until you come across them as a cute holiday gift. Adopting a pet now could literally save his life.

PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada wants you to share the love when you adopt by showing your new family member with the hashtags or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. And, as an added ‘Thank You” for saving a pet, PetSmart will offer free adoption kits to anyone who adopts. The kits include over $400 in product and services coupons, and are sure to help give your new pet a great start in your family!

So, if you were considering finally giving in and adopting a family pet, but were waiting for the holidays, reconsider and visit the National Adoption Weekend at a PetSmart near you. Trust us, you’ll still get the big impact of the best gift ever, and you’ll be saving the life of a pet in need now.

Lori Ennis

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Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer Basics In the world of dog breeds, there is perhaps no dog with a more intimidating name than the “Giant Schnauzer.” But when you actually take a look at the breed, you find that the Giant Schnauzer is really a fairly compact dog for its size and, given enough exercise, can actually be a calm companion. That being said, there are a lot of unique things about this breed you’ll want to be aware of before you’re sure that this is the right breed for you. Although they’re known as “giants,” this breed is simply a larger breed, and is only really a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. These dogs don’t have to be as intimidating as they sound, but you should certainly know what you’re doing if you want to be able to acquire a dog of this breed, train it, socialize it, and help it to grow into the confident, friendly dog that it deserves to be. If you’re a good owner, you’ll probably find that the Giant Schnauzer is perfectly capable of being a good dog in return. Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Origin Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Specifically, the Giant Schnauzer comes from the Bavarian areas of Germany, making it a true German country dog and one that has been bred and well-suited for an outdoor lifestyle. The Giant Schnauzer rose to prominence at the dawning of the 20th century, giving it a similar timeline to many of the more popular German breeds of today, including the German Shepherd. Closely related, of course, to the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer also comes from a lineage that includes German Pinschers. Known as the Riesenschnauzer in Germany – a simple translation of “Giant Schnauzer” or “the giant” – the origins of the Giant Schnauzer’s habits come from herding and driving cattle in Bavaria. The Giant Schnauzer also has a history of being used as a guard and police dog, as did many hearty breeds in the same area and relatively same historical timeline as that of the Giant Schnauzer. Pedigree

How to Brush Dog Teeth

Learn how to brush dog teeth We know it sounds a little strange, but it’s a good idea to get into the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth. “But I give my dog special treats and bones to deal with that,” you may be saying. While there’s nothing wrong with that practice, it’s still not enough. And because they don’t have hands, the task falls to you to get in there with a brush. And we’re going to introduce you to how to brush dog teeth. If you stop to think about it, brushing your dog’s teeth makes sense. You dog is licking stuff and eating food off the ground all day. And if your dog as tooth issues, a lot of bacteria can make its way through your dog’s gums, making him quite sick. Add to the fact that dogs have, well… dog breath… and that some breeds are prone to dental problems (loose and abscess teeth being the most common problems), it’s smart to get habit of adding teeth brushing to your dog’s grooming regimen. So What Will I Need? If you’re looking to find out how to brush dog teeth, there are a few basic supplies you’ll need to stock up on. You’ll need dog toothpaste, and either a toothbrush, a nubby-surfaced rubber cap, a wash cloth or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. Personally, I use a toothbrush that fits on my finger, as it allows me to really get at my dog’s teeth. And it’s important that you only use dog toothpaste – toothpaste that’s made for us human is not meant to be swallowed, and since dog’s can’t spit, they will have to swallow it, which can make them sick. Plus, dog toothpaste comes in a variety of yummy flavors, such as peanut butter, chicken and bacon –and your dog will love this special treat! What Do I Do? When it comes to how to brush dog teeth, it should be comfortable for both you and your dog. To start off, lift your upper lips to get at the top set of teeth. Just like you would yours, brush your pooch’s teeth in a circular motion – right where the tooth meets the gum-line. And you dog’s teeth go all the way back, so get in there and brush those way-back chompers. Repeat these steps with the bottom set of teeth. Other Pointers I brush my dog’s teeth every day after I brush and wash his eyes with a face cloth, so it’s become part of our routine and he looks forward to it (thanks bacon-flavored toothpaste). Feeding your dog dry dog food or hard dog biscuits every day and giving him a hard toy or bone to chew on will help with proper teeth cleaning maintenance and keep those chompers tough. And remember, if you don’t clean your dog’s teeth, you vet will have to scrape off that nasty tarter build-up. This involves anesthesia, an unhappy pup and an expensive bill. Do yourself and your dog a favor and take care of it yourself on a regular basis. Now that you know how to brush dog teeth, will you be doing it? If you already do it, is there anything you find helps with the process? Leave us your thoughts and tips in the comments section below.

Gordon Setter

Gordon Setter Basics Originally deployed in Scotland to retrieve hunted birds that had fallen to the ground, the Gordon Setter’s strong hunter’s instinct, skill with scents, and general companion qualities have made it a very popular breed indeed, as well as an enduring one. Having been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884, it is far ahead of many modern breeds that could be considered more popular. Today, a Gordon Setter is known as an excellent, loyal, and obedient breed that looks great with a properly-groomed coat but is also an ideal exercise partner and friend in the outdoors. As part of the Irish Setter’s pedigree, it’s hard to deny that the Gordon Setter has had a long, rich history of pleasing owners and hunters. But today, the breed can also be considered an ideal companion even if you don’t have any birds for it to sniff out – they are friendly, energetic, and respond well to training. If there’s ever a dog that exemplified the phrase “man’s best friend,” the Gordon Setter would have to be considered one of the leading contenders. Here’s more information about this strong, historical breed. The Gordon Setter can be an ideal companion even if you don’t have any birds for it to sniff out – it is friendly, energetic, and respond well to training. Origin It should be noted that many other dogs similar to the Gordon Setter have actually not retained its heritage like the Gordon Setter has. In the early 19th century, this breed became popular thanks to help from Duke Alexander, the fourth of Gordon, and continued to make its mark as a popular hunting breed with strong scent-sniffing instincts. Able and willing to please, the breed was brought over to America, as well, where it also found popularity enough to be recognized by the American Kennel Club long before the 20th century. With its strong hunter’s instincts and excellent companionship, they have enjoyed a relatively stable history as a breed, including their adherence to a “black-and-tan” coat that is considered perhaps its strongest trademark.

Bloodhound

Bloodhound Basics While the name might suggest a dog that comes from Transylvania, the true nature of Bloodhounds is far different than you might expect, particularly if you’ve never worked with a Bloodhound before. One of the most famous “noses” – that is, strength of scent detection – in the world of dogs, Bloodhounds aren’t only friendly and loyal dogs but make exceptionally useful assistants in the world of law enforcement and security. So why does this breed end up with such a nasty name? Well, before we get to that, let’s focus on what makes the Bloodhound unique in a world of hounds, spaniels, and terriers. Why would you want a Bloodhound for your family? They’re a relatively plain dog that usually wouldn’t be described as “cute” unless you’ve raised one from a puppy. As you’re about to find out, there’s always more than meets the eye, and a great pet is more reliant on personality. The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. So let’s get to it and find out if the Bloodhound is really a good choice for you and your family’s next pet. The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. Origin When you’re talking about Bloodhounds, you’re talking about an animal with a very rich and clearly defined history dating back to the Middle Ages. Essentially descended from a dog known as the St. Hubert’s Hound, the Bloodhound made its mark on history by accompanying nobility and royalty on hunting excursions.The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. These dogs would be able to sniff out prey, track down a wounded animal and generally assist with various aspects of the hunt. Its legendary nose becoming more famous, the name “Bloodhound” is perhaps a reference to the way Bloodhounds were great at sniffing out the blood of wounded prey. Some report that the Bloodhound first made its way into England at around the time of the Norman Conquest under William the Conqueror, but there are no official sources to corroborate this. Nobility used Bloodhounds not only for the hunt, but eventually as tracking dogs to assist in law enforcement. One legend states that a dog was able to track down a criminal over seven miles along a route that was heavily trafficked. Pedigree

German Shepherd

German Shepherd Basics As far as we’re concerned, no list of iconic Germans is complete with out a little love for our favorite fury shepherds. That nation has given many gifts to the world, but none compare to the awesome power of the German Shepherd. This isn’t just one of the most popular dog breeds on the market, it’s also one of the best. So, what is it about the German Shepherd that people love so much? Quite frankly, that’s almost an impossible question to answer. There’s just so much to love. It’s not all about the fact that the breed makes great police dogs, though we do adore our four legged pups of the law! Sometimes known as an Alsatian, the German Shepherd is one of the most renowned breeds of dog out there in the world. German Shepherds are strong, loyal, and are highly responsive to training. Sure, they can often be larger and a little intimidating, but that doesn’t scare people off: German Shepherds are one of the most popular pets in the world. It’s impossible not to fall for these handsome gentlemen of the dog world. They are irresistible. Thanks to its large size, strength, and ability to behave obediently, German Shepherds are often used for police and military purposes. But what about a German Shepherd separates it from other dogs? As you’re about to learn, the German Shepherd might look like a classic breed, but it is actually a relatively new and unique type of dog. Yes, they do originally hail from Germany, but today German Shepherds are one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world. The only question is whether or not the German Shepherd is the right pup to bring into your home. That’s why you’re hear right? To learn everything that you could possibly want to know about owning a German Shepherd? Good. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All will be revealed. All you need to do is keep reading. These dogs are strong, loyal, and are highly response to training. Origin German Shepherds do indeed get their name from Deutschland, because that’s where the first standard-bred Shepherds appeared. The twist? German Shepherds are actually a relatively young breed, having been fully bred in the 19th century. I’ll bet you didn’t see that coming? This breed is not as old as Germany itself. Instead, it’s a trim 200 years old. Practically a baby. As efforts were being made throughout the 19th century to standardize dog breeds – perhaps more of an art than a science – German Shepherds grew out of a group of dogs that were good at shepherding. German dog owners bred dogs that were good at rounding up sheep, protecting the flocks, and had strong, swift bodies. To say these dogs were good at shepherding would be an understatement, they mastered the form and set the standard. At the same time, these proto-German Shepherds often were a great deal different from the Shepherds in other towns and regions in northern Europe. But as enthusiasm for dog breed standardization grew, a man named Max von Stephanitz, a lover of work dogs, found a dog at a dog show that would come to be known as the “first” German Shepherd. He changed the dog’s name to Horand von Grafrath and Horand became the founding German Shepherd. Too few German Shepherds have been granted the privilege of having a “von” in their name since that OG German Shepherd. This needs to be addressed. So, good news reader! When your child asks you why they’re called “German Shepherds,” you’ll finally have an amusingly direct answer to give them. Pedigree

Adoptable Dog of the Week- Clue

Open your heart to this lovely senior gal, and she’ll clue you in on what love really is! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Clue, a lovely 10 year old Yorkie (or a Yorkshire Terrier mix) from DeSoto, Iowa. This pretty pooch is spayed and is looking for a furever home to spend her golden years in- preferably without other dogs, cats, or children in the household. Clue’s Tale Weighing only 10 pounds, Clue is tiny, but her heart is huge! This adorable petite pooch is quite a love bug when she has a chance, and will love to cuddle and snuggle with her human. While she’s a true affectionate lap dog with people, she can be a bit bossy towards other dogs Not unlike small breed dogs in general, Clue can get overstimulated easily and have a dominant attitude with other canines- she’s not shy about wanting to be an alpha! This makes it hard for her to make furry friends (hey, it’s rare finding a mellow pooch that won’t mind a tiny yapper), so it would be best for her to go to a family that doesn’t have any other pets- dogs or cats. The same goes for children in the household. Clue is incredibly smart and food motivated, which is a winning combination. She is crate trained and won’t mind being in the kennel during day or night when you’re not there. While this little lady is great with going outside to do her business, she is not yet fully potty trained. Ideally, Clue would love to have a stable, quiet home to reign over and a human that will love her as much as she will them. If you think you’d be an excellent pawrent to Clue, contact AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport for more information.

Top 10 Big Dog Breeds for Families

Bigger can be better – especially when it comes to dogs. We’ve come up with our list of top 10 big dog breeds for families so you can see which one fits your lifestyle. So, you’re thinking it’s time to expand your family and this time the new member is going to have four legs, fur and a tail that wags non-stop. Yes, you’re about to become a pet-parent and at this point you may be thinking that your two-legged offspring are going to be a little too rough-and-tumble for many of those super-cute smaller breeds out there. And perhaps you’re also thinking twice about some of the larger breeds that can seem a bit intimidating – particularly if your kids are young and you’re afraid they may get knocked about by a rambunctious dog that doesn’t know his own strength. So how do you find that happy medium? That sweet spot of a dog that brings not only durability in size but that all important patience needed for when ultra-exuberant kids enter the mix. Let’s take a look at some of the top 10 large dog breeds that are sturdy enough to withstand all those great big hugs, that will never fail to chase a ball and that are guaranteed to become your kids’ new best friend. Bernese Mountain Dog

Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic Sheepdog Basics Also known as the Icelandic Spitz or Icelandic Dog, the Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native canine breed. A spitz breed, this dog was bred for guarding and herding flocks of sheep and livestock, and was also used to pull sleds. Not only that, but the Icelandic Sheepdog is a wonderful family companion. Gentle and loving, this breed gets along great with kids and is extremely social. Intelligent and eager to please, you’ll find that this dog is easy to train – just one more reason why he makes the ideal family dog. While still small in numbers, this breed is gaining popularity… and for good reason! Please read on to learn more about this loving dog. Also known as the Icelandic Spitz or Icelandic Dog, the Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland’s only native canine breed. Origin We have the Vikings to thanks for this amazing breed. The Iceland Sheepdog tagged along with the Vikings when they settled in Iceland between 874 and 930 AD. These dogs protected the livestock, and herded sheep, cattle and horses. Boasting a keen sense of smell, the Icelandic Sheepdog could tell what sheep belonged to their owner. Because of Iceland’s unforgiving terrain, the breed adapted and became indispensable to their owners. These dogs would collect the sheep grazing on the Icelandic hills and bring them safely back to their owners. Pedigree

Cat Man Of Aleppo Saves The Cats Of War

War takes its toll on all the citizens of the land–including its animals. In Rebel-held Northern Syria, a man deemed the Cat Man of Aleppo saves the cats of war. The images out of Syria’s city of Aleppo are nothing short of heartbreaking. One man, 43-year-old Mohammed Alaa al-Jaleel knows first-hand about the ravages of war, with respect to his fellow humans and to another group of affected citizens–cats. In what seems to be somewhat out of place considering the devastation the battles around him have brought, he has re-opened a cat shelter, named Ernesto’s Cat Sanctuary. The sanctuary is named after his favorite cat. Related: The Story of Stubby The World War I Hero Dog is Hitting the Big Screen Al-Jaleel has had a soft heart for cats his whole life, and says that when he was a young adult, he’d stop by butchers’ shops on his way home from work to look for scraps to feed strays in his neighborhood. The former electrician became an ambulance driver in 2011 when war broke out in his hometown, and still, as he carried his fellow friends and neighbors for medical care, he never forgot his cat friends. As people left the city, Jaleel began taking care of the 170 cats left behind, and earned the nickname of “ The Cat Man of Aleppo.” Savvy to post on social media, he was able to use donations from friends and followers to set up a cat sanctuary to help with the task of maintaining the lives of the cats affected by the war. Jaleel said that showing mercy to people starts with showing mercy to everything else, and in taking care of the war’s cats, he helped take care of his people. 'The Cat Man' of Aleppo Meet Mohammed Jaleel – he's known as "The Cat Man" in Aleppo. Posted by Al Jazeera English on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 In 2016, however, a deadly barrage of gunfire on Aleppo’s neighborhoods brought another mass fleeing of residents, seeking shelter wherever they could find it, and working hard to save what cats they could. Jaleel says that as families fleed, he gave each family two cats in plastic vegetable baskets to try and find shelter and refuge. Related: Epic Journey of Refugee Cat Will Have You Cutting Onions [Video] Able to escape the city, in early 2017, he found a place to set up his second shelter in Kafr Naha, a province of Aleppo. He says they were able to house 18 of the 22 cats that had been smuggled from the villages and they work to keep them healthy and treated from the ravages they faced. Saying that it’s not just humans who suffer, he feeds the animals and an in-house vet also serves as an animal clinic. Say Hello to our new kitten founded today by the children of the village , they brought him to the house of cats and we immediately started to treat him. Welcome to Ernesto’s 🐱. @theAleppoCatman pic.twitter.com/jbzJKZmow8 — The Aleppo CatMan (@theAleppoCatman) June 1, 2018 Jaleel says that they treat horses, cows and chickens and estimate that they’ve given over 7,000 prescriptions of medicines away for free. Many people have no other place to turn but to Jaleel’s shelter, and say the care they give the animals is beautiful. Amira and Henry : The meeting they look like mother and son .We wish that Amira can finally find serenity and a long-term partner ❤️Video in the comments @theAleppoCatman pic.twitter.com/XRHtzqsLUE — The Aleppo CatMan (@theAleppoCatman) June 3, 2018 Sadly, as they live in war and face shortages of all kinds, not all animals survive, but they do their best through social media and crowdsourcing options. One of their abilities for which they are so proud is an ultrasound machine that allows them to do sonograms for pregnant animals. They say that in a place where death is always around the corner, preparing to welcome new life gives them hope.

Robotic Bad Dog Shocks Humans Into Better Behaviors To Battle Loneline

A new project called Bad Dog is tackling the problem of loneliness in the youth of China, with robotic “Bad Dog” shocking humans into better behaviors. It’s bound to happen in this age of technology–we can become so involved with our digital lives, there is often loneliness in the youth of today, even in a world more connected than ever. Such is the case in China, where a graduate student named Zhang Jianning is hoping his “Bad Dog” project will help make a difference, albeit in possibly a ‘shocking way.’ Related: Marines Use Robotic Dog To Help Treat K-9 Service Dogs’ Wounds The project’s base is a robotic dog named Fuli, and Fuli is unlike any robotic dog you’ve ever seen. Developed to be interactive and engaging with his human ‘owners’ with adorable tail wags and head and face sensors that allow him to ‘enjoy’ petting, he can also help you be a better human, with the ability to send small electric shocks should you for instance not pet him enough or maybe say a few naughty words. Yes, he’s trained to know curse words, and doesn’t believe it’s good for anyone to be sitting by themselves cursing, so he’ll send a little static electricity shock to get your attention. A robotic dog shocking one for dirty words would certainly do the trick, don’t you think? Fuli’s battery can go flat if his owner doesn’t take care of him, and Zhang is even contemplating a way that detects just how many times that happens, and whether Fuli just won’t exist anymore if it’s too often. The idea is to have many of the similarities of a dog for the companionship, but to go above and beyond with Fuli assessing his human and his human having something to cut back on loneliness, short of an actual dog. Fuli watches and senses whether or not his human is doing okay, using infrared sensors to keep track of his owner’s temperature. Zhang says that Fuli will be able to contact first responders if he believes his owner has been sitting/lying around too much, because you know, he could be dead, though Zhang admits that first responders may take a while to get used to Fuli’s alerts being serious. Fuli also can be a helpmate for his human when not around, allowing the entry of delivery persons via internet smart locks. If delivery people hover too long in the owner’s apartment, Fuli firmly and impersonally dismisses with a, “You can go now.” and sends the delivery person away. Related: Canine Tech: Artificial Intelligence Trained to Behave as a Dog More and more people find themselves living alone in China, and Zhang said that his experiences living alone gave him the idea of creating something that makes people talk back to something, in a proactive way. The Bad Dog project has tons of backing from big-name companies in China, which is pretty impressive for a 3D printed robotic dog that took only 50 days for prototype and a few days for coding to do all he does. Some of the backers love that Project Bad Dog aims to bring value to young people in China, and showing the future of interaction between people living alone and technology. Zhang said that at the core, he finds lonely people tend to turn to gamblers and drinkers–which is why Fuli is part of a ‘Bad Dog’ project. Fuli’s disinterested appearance and behaviors seem to be more appealing to the lonely. And at the end of the day? Fuli hits his wireless charging mat and calls it a night, juicing up in case he needs to give his human a little shock into better behavior the next day. What will they think of next?

Dogs Could Be Causing a Flu Pandemic Among Humans

Bird flu, swine flu… Is canine flu the next big pandemic we need to worry about? With the rise of canine influenza cases, particularly some of its more dangerous strains, researchers are increasingly worried about the potential scale the dog flu could have. As this is a highly contagious virus that spreads quickly from canine to canine, vaccines and other preventative measures are considered to be essential for containing it. But what about their owners? Could dog flu mutate to spread among humans? A recent study by the American Society for Microbiology proposes that dogs could be a potential reservoir for a future influenza pandemic. When horse flu started infecting dogs in 2004, it led to the first circulating canine influenza, known as H3N8. Almost ten years after that, a new strain of dog flu that first originated in birds ( H3N2), started spreading from dog meat farms in China. Now, an entirely different canine flu strain is having researchers worried: a type of avian flu that mutated to spread to pigs, and, subsequently, to dogs (H1N1). This means that now H1N1, H3N2, and H3N8 are all circulating among our pets and it is similar to what was happening in the years before swine influenza became a worldwide pandemic. The H1N1 that is infecting dogs is not only spreading fast, but it’s also becoming increasingly diverse, mostly due to the diversity of canines themselves. Naturally, this gives cause for concern, as it indicates a potential for the virus to evolve and start spreading among humans. And, as the “hosts” would be dogs in this scenario, it would make things infinitely more complicated, both for the sheer number of furry family members, as well as how close we are to them. However, while it might sound worrisome, there’s no need to start imagining a gloom-and-doom post-apocalyptic scenario in which dogs are at the root of a worldwide flu pandemic. And it’s not only because there’s still not enough proof that we wouldn’t be immune to it, but because we’re still at a stage where any further complications could be avoided. If more pet owners step up and get their pets vaccinated, as well as follow simple advice for preventing dog flu, there would be much less chance for it to evolve and escalate.

University Students Are Waiting in Line to Walk This Giant Ball of Flu

Thousands of McGill University students are volunteering to walk a big fluffy Pyrenees dog, who quickly became a bona fide campus superstar. When Jean Snow and Yuko Fujiwara came from Japan to Montreal, they were worried that Confiture, their nine years old Great Pyrenees, will lack company during the day. The 84- pound pooch is suffering from separation anxiety, and his pet parents had new responsibilities that came with the move- ones that required them to spend more time out of their home. The lack of funds for doggy daycare and the desire to make sure their pup won’t have anxiety issues led to Confiture becoming a campus icon in his own right, with 2,000 students lined up to walk him at any given time. And just one look at the mountain of floof tells you why.

It’s Duck Season! PetGuide Gets Happy, Happy, Happy For Duck Dynasty

A&E’s Duck Dynasty is the hottest reality show on TV. And now fans of the show can pass along the redneck love to their dogs, thanks to Quaker Pet Group’s line of Duck Dynasty dog gear.

Adopt Protection Wants You To Swap Your Gun For A Shelter Dog

A new initiative that suggests swapping guns in favor of adopting dogs for protection is gaining momentum, with the goal to help reduce gun violence and homeless dog numbers at the same time. A group citing that dogs may be all the protection we need is partnering with gun buyback programs all over the country in an effort to raise dog adoption numbers, while at the same time reducing the situations of gun violence in the country. Related: Designs For Dogs Raise Money For Homeless Pets In Arizona The group Adopt Protection has started a GoFundMe to help with the startup fees that go with their new initiative, which hopes to convince Americans who feel they need guns for protection that dogs are actually better and safer options. Their goal of $15,000 will produce the communication materials they need to begin and spread their work, and to support local buyback programs across the country.According to the group, studies show that dogs can deter burglars more often and better than dogs, and they also interviewed police officers, criminologists, gun owners and ex-convicts as well as dog owners and trainers to back their arguments that dogs are better protection than guns are.Adopt Protection gofundme

Clairvoyant Cat Predicts World Cup Champs (So Place Your Bets!)

This year’s World Cup is upon us, and while teams are warming up, a deaf cat named Achilles already knows the outcome. Achilles the white cat is deaf and lives in St. Petersburg, Russia’s Hermitage Museum. Oh, and he’s also a bit of a cat clairvoyant, if you will. So much so that he’s been named as the psychic who can predict the winners and losers of the World Cup in Russia, which is just a week away. Related: Banned Library Cat Has New Gig as Part Of Literacy Movement Makes sense–they say cats have nine lives. Surely their crazy cat sense comes in handy in one of them. And, considering he’s well above the last World Cup animal psychic Paul the Octopus on the evolutionary chain, what could go wrong? A lot, maybe, as Paul was dead on picking the outcomes of 2008 European games and the 2010 World Cup –there are some big paws (tentacles?) to fill.

Jack Chi

Jack Chi BasicsWho says good things don’t come in small packages? If you’re looking for a tiny dog with a huge amount of spunk, then meet the Jack Chi. This pup is a natural born charmer. These compact canines don’t just have a big attitude, they’ve also got an even bigger heart. When trained and socialized in a manner that prevents some of their potential behavior issues, these mini doggos can be lovely companions for families of all shapes and sizes. Their sweetly affectionate nature and undeniable intelligence ensures a certain degree of adaptability, but there are still some things to consider if you have your heart set on this Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier mix. No dog is perfect after all, no matter how adorable they are.Also known as the Jackuahua, the Jack Chi packs boundless energy in its pocket-sized package. If you are ready to share your home with a canine that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, but is also intelligent, friendly, and perpetually ready to snuggle? Then this designer breed could be an ideal choice. It needs to be said that the Jack Chi can be a bit of a challenge, despite its many fantastic qualities and its absolutely adorable appearance. You need to be prepared. You need to know what you’re dealing with. So, what exactly are the Jack Chi downsides that prospective owners need to be wary of? Well, read on to find out. We’re about to tell you everything that you need to know about this breed to decide if this small pip with a big heart is what your family needs. Let’s learn more about the quirky little Jack Chi. The Jack Chi is a cross between a purebred Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier.Origin Designer dogs are a fairly recent trend in the world of canine breeding. Because of this, it can sometimes be challenging to discover their exact origins and the story behind their appearance. Up until recently, crossbreeding was purely incidental, and no breeder would intentionally mix two purebreds unless it was a part of a long-term multigenerational breeding program. However, when the Labradoodle became popular in the 1980s, it all changed. Hybrids, or first generation mixes, became highly sought after and a lot of different breeds became a part of the crossbreeding trend across the United States. The Jack Chi was one of the big successes of this crossbreeding boom. Unfortunately, there’s not much more we know about the breed, beyond the fact that it was probably created in the heights of the designer dog craze- sometime in the last 20 years. There just wasn’t much documentation kept about these pooches.However, despite the short history of the breed, the Jack Chi’s qualities are not a matter of mystery. Simply by looking at the parental breeds of this hybrid, we know as much as we would if the Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix was around for decades. Jack Chis tend to embody the best (and worst) qualities of their beloved parents. This makes them a very versatile designer breed, with a ton of positive traits that greatly outweigh the few negatives that they might have. Pedigree

Yorkie-Poo

Yorkie-Poo BasicsAre you seeking a dog that will keep a smile plastered across your face forever more? You just found it. Always ready to entertain, the Yorkie-Poo is truly a clown in disguise. He will turn even the gloomiest frown upside down and light up the room with his funny little antics. A hybrid mix of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle, the Yorkie-Poo is a lively fellow. He’ll play ball in the yard with the kids and then relax on his owner’s lap for a good nap and some attention. This tiny little pup has one big heart.This is a sponsored placementFortunately, with pet health insurance, even if your Yorkie Poo happens to get sick, you won’t have to pay big $$$ out of pocket for their treatment. There are plans that cover expenses of treatments and there are those that cover the cost of preventative care – and with Lemonade Pet Insurance, you can get both at an attractive rate. Their basic accident & illness plan covers 70%, 80%, or 90% medical expenses for diagnostics, procedures, and medications depending on the plan you choose, with optional add-ons focused on preventative health care for pets, including wellness exams, parasites, and heartworm tests, vaccines, and more. Even though their plans cover a huge chunk of the expenses, they are not expensive – for example, you’ll pay $29.50 each month for a 3-year-old Labrador in Texas, with 80% co-insurance, an annual limit of $20,000, and an annual deductible of $250. If you want to add the Preventative package, you’ll pay $45.50 each month. Depending on your location, the costs for a Yorkie Poo could even be lower than that!Yorkie-Poos (also known as a Yorkipoo) don’t need a lot of exercise and are suitable for families both living in the big city or homesteading out in the country. These are adaptable little dogs who would do well in a variety of environments. Their low-maintenance activity needs and a sweet personality make them a favorite with many pet owners. They do well with everyone, luckily- from singles to retirees to families with kids. It’s hard to imagine anyone who wouldn’t fall hard for a Yorkie-Poo. There’s a reason why these pups have become so popular. After one look into their eyes, you’ll love your Yorkie-Poo for life.

English Angora Rabbit

English Angora Rabbit Breed History/Origin The Angora rabbit is one of the oldest domestic breed of rabbits, originating from Ankara, Turkey (historically known as Angora). They eventually made their way to America where, prior to 1939, there was merely one type of woolly rabbits, which was called the “Angora Wooler.” In 1939, the Angora Wooler was re-classified into two type of rabbits – the French and English type. In 1944, the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) officially separated these into two breeds, which are now known as the French Angora and English Angora Rabbit. The English Angora Rabbit is docile and sociable. Overall Description These small, compact rabbits have a broad, flat head and short ears with plenty of woolly fur on them. They also have fur on their faces (unlike any other Angora), as well as woolly feet. Coat

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