Roadie App Helps Canine Cancer Patients Get to Vet Appointments

by Lori Ennis

November 2nd, 2016 12:00 AM

roadie app helps canine cancer patients get to vet appointments

Roadie, the first On-The-Way Delivery Network, has partnered with the National Canine Cancer Foundation to provide pet parents relief when their pup has cancer.

You may have heard of Roadie, the super cool on-the-way delivery network that is totally changing the way deliveries are made, and communities are coming together. Now, Roadie has partnered with the National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCF) to help bring relief to pups with cancer, and to their parents who tirelessly fight to cure them.

A diagnosis of canine cancer devastates a family as they look not only to fund treatment, but to transport their furbaby back and forth from appointments. Roadie wants to help ease the burden on those families and is offering reduced pet transportation prices to those part of the NCCF. Roadie operates in a unique way–connecting people who have stuff (or now pets!) to send with drivers who just so happen to be going in the right direction! Roadie utilizes the more than one billion square feet of extra space passenger vehicles on the road have, and now will use this extra space to help safely transport pets to appointments and such in an affordable manner.

Often times, canine cancer treatment centers are many miles away and pet parents struggle to get the best care for their furry family member simply because of the logistics of transportation. Roadie not only eases that burden, but they’ve also pledged to donate a portion of their proceeds from each pet gig (travel arrangement) worldwide to the NCCF in an effort to help support and raise awareness for canine cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in many dog breeds, and the NCCF works tirelessly for canine research. Roadie CEO and founder Marc Gorlin knows that pet owners want to do all they can when their pooch has cancer, but often it’s expensive and difficult. As Roadie was founded on the southern hospitality mentality where neighbors help neighbors, it’s obvious that four-legged friends, especially in need, cannot be left out.

If you’re a pet owner who needs to use Roadie, you can visit their website or download their app, and remember that only verified drivers can offer to drive pets–so you know they’re in good hands. Pet owners can keep in touch with their drivers the entire time.

Lori Ennis

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Beagle

Beagle Basics When you hear a one-word breed of dog, you think of some true classics: Dalmatians, for example. Poodles, for another. It seems that any breed of dog with only one word in its name must be somewhat unique and, well, considered a classic. The Beagle? No exceptions here. One of the most recognizable dogs in the world, the Beagle often has a classic brown-and-white coloring to its coat that has become synonymous with the world of pets. Heck, if there was a flag for pets, it would probably look like the coat of a Beagle. Technically a type of hound, the Beagle’s unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature. It’s cute enough for anyone in your household and loyal enough to melt the heart of even the most stubborn anti-dog people around. For many people, a Beagle is a perfect addition to the home – it’s not often where people have to wonder if this breed is “right for them.” The question is: are you right for a Beagle? The Beagle’s unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature. Origin We told you Beagles are classic. Some people trace their origins back to antiquity and ancient Greece, making their direct ancestors thousands of years old. Beagles were not developed as separate breeds like many Terriers in the 19th Century; instead, the Beagle has a long and rich history across the European continent. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Beagle always appeared in its modern form. The history-changing William the Conqueror brought a Beagle-like hound to England, the Talbot hound. This hound gave rise to another breed of dog that is believed to be a direct ancestor to the Beagle. So the genetics of the Beagle were definitely swimming around during the high Middle Ages even if their current form wasn’t quite developed. But that doesn’t make them a non-classic: heck, you can say the same about the history of corn. Pedigree

If Your Dog Eats Fast, Green Interactive Feeder Forces Him to Slow Dow

Does your dog eat fast? Slow down meals with this interactive feeder It’s no shock to learn that today’s pets are getting fatter. Besides diet and exercise, there are other measures you can take to help regulate your dog’s weight. If your dog eats fast and then starts begging for more food, an innovative product that can help is the Green Interactive Feeder. Remember how your parents always told you not to play with your food? Well, the same doesn’t hold true with your pets. If your dog eats fast, you know about the dangers of bloat or the risk of vomiting, gagging and unpleasant gasses. Green Interactive Feeder turns meal time into play time, while forcing your dog to slow down and work for his food. How The Green Interactive Feeder Works No matter what size your pooch is, this interactive feeder fits perfectly. Designed to stimulate while slowing the eating process, Green resembles a patch of grass. Just pour your dog’s allotted mealtime kibble in between the blades of grass and watch him go to work. He’ll use is tongue and nose to get at those tasty morsels. Watch the video below to see a hungry pup in action… it’s entertaining to watch! Green Interactive Feeder turns meal time into play time, while forcing your dog to slow down and work for his food. Green Pluses If your dog eats fast, Green prolongs meal time. This means there won’t be any puking, gagging or smelly gas issues to deal with. Even worse is the threat of bloat, an issue cause by fast eating that can result in death. While your pup is busy figuring out how to get at his din-din, you can sit down to yours without having to deal with a pair of pleading eyes looking up at you for scraps. The Green Interactive Feeder is made from hard plastic (without phthalates), can be used both indoors and out and is dishwasher safe. You can learn more about the product and where to buy it on the Green Interactive Feeder website. Does your dog eat fast or is he on a restricted calorie diet? Would you try a product like Green Interactive Feeder? Do you have tips to help dogs slow down while eating? Please leave us your comments in the section below. As well, watch the video of the Green Interactive Feeder in action – it’s fun to watch!

Top 10 Unusual Dog Names for 2012

Fatty McButterpants Tops The List Of Unusual Dog Names If you’re looking for unusual dog names, Banfield Pet Hospital, the world’s largest veterinary practice, has a few ideas you can use. The hospital went through all the most unusual and wackiest pet names it had in its database. From the original 780, the list was narrowed down to these 10 unusual dog names: 1. Fatty Mcbutterpants 2. Sir Goose Slobberalot 3. Beetle Juice Monster Pants 4. Chairman Meow 5. Honey’s Lil Midnight Moonshine 6. Lord Godrick Von Mousenberg 7. Emperor Chewy Teddybear 8. Cookie Fudge Rainbow 9. Baron Von Doodle 10. Alyssa Butter Scooch Does your pup have a zany or unusual dog name? Feel free to share it with us – leave a comment! Photo credit: James Peragine/Shutterstock

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier Basics There are many different Terriers, but only one Yorkie. This is a superstar breed, beloved by small dog lovers for generation and with good reason. It’s hard not to fall for a Yorkie. Loyal and loving, these are dogs that owners bond with for life. Once you’ve had a little Yorkie in your life, it’s hard to go back. Are they flawless animals? Obviously not. No dog is perfect. But ask anyone with a Yorkie in their life and they’ll tell you that these energetic little fluff balls come close. The adorable Yorkie has that unmistakable, cute look that can’t be resisted. They are spunky, goofy, cute and confident – with plenty of affection for their humans. And this makes them fantastic family pets and dogs for single owners alike. Originating in England as rat and small vermin hunters, the cuddly Yorkshire Terrier has become a go-to lap dog (a much better lifestyle than rat eating). They may have started out as a working class dog, but their beautiful coat later made them a favorite in dog shows. Often referred to fans of the breed as “Yorkies,” this bold and fearless dog makes a great addition to any family. However if it’s a quiet and laid back kind of dog that you’re looking for, you’re out of luck with the Yorkshire Terrier. A feisty breed, the Yorkie loves attention and tends to bark. In many ways it’s a true breed of the English working class. A Yorkie too loves a bit of action and is full of energy – but at the end of the day, it’s all about love and good nature. Either way, keep in mind that this pup will make his presence known, for better or worse. That said, don’t let those character traits scare you off. The Yorkshire Terrier makes a great pet for families with older children and if properly socialized as a puppy, these little guys will make friends with all of the other animal members of your household. Read on to learn more about this enchanting breed and see if it’s a fit for your family. While they may not be for everyone, those who love Yorkies will never go back to another dog breed. Here is what you should know about the breed before you make it a part of your family. Often referred to fans of the breed as “Yorkies,” this bold and fearless dog makes a great addition to a family. Origin The Yorkshire Terrier was first bred in the 19th century in the county of Yorkshire, England to catch rats and other vermin in clothing mills. The Yorkshire Terrier was owned predominantly by the working class. In particular, they tended to live in the homes of professional weavers. An evolution of other terrier breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier can trace its heritage from the Waterside Terrier, Manchester Terrier and Paisley Terrier. So this sweet little pup has quite the pedigree. A part of the English Kennel Club since the club was started in 1873, the Yorkshire Terrier came to the U.S. in the 19th century where it has remained a popular breed. The portable pooch was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and has become a popular breed in North American thanks to its big personality and luxurious coat. Perpetually popular, these dogs are favourites at pet shops and dogs shows alike. Pedigree

Dachshund

Dachshund Basics You may know it as the “Weiner Dog,” but its actual breed name is Dachshund. Known for its long, stretched-out appearance and short legs, there are three types of Dachshunds: long-haired, wired-haired and short-haired. The only difference between the three is size and coat description; the distinct build is the same in any of the types. Boasting a regal and intelligent expression on its face, the Dachshund has a long head with protruding and arched eyebrows, a long muzzle with a scissor bite and very strong teeth. Its eyes are either brownish black or deep red. Another distinguishing characteristic is its long ears that are soft to the touch. If you’re looking for a happy addition to your family, you can’t go wrong with a Dachshund – it always has a friendly look on its face. Read on to learn more about the breed. You may know it as the “Weiner Dog,” but its actual breed name is Dachshund. Origin The Dachshund can trace its origins hundreds of years ago to Germany. Some sources place the origin of the breed as far as the 15th century, but a more likelier number is late 17th to early 18th century, when first concrete mentions of a dachshund-like breed can be found. Books from that era describe certain dogs named “Dachs Kriecher” (meaning “badger crawler”) or “Dachs Krieger” (“badger warrior”), and it is largely believed that this is when the Dachshund breed was actually developed as such- the previous mentions were more general and referred to all types of dogs fulfilling the role of badger hunting rather than a specific breed. Bred to track and hunt badgers, this breed was developed with the specific sport in mind. The Dachshund was engineered for this hunting activity and it is directly reflected through its unique body shape. Its short legs let it burrow deep into the badgers’ dens and its long, sturdy tail gave the hunters a “handle” they could pull to retrieve the burrowing dog out from the den. As well, its large and paddle-shaped paws made digging efficient and its loose skin ensured it wouldn’t tear as the dog tunneled into tight burrows. The smaller Dachshunds were used to hunt hare and rabbits, while the larger ones caught smaller animals like otters and foxes. Interestingly, the smooth-haired type of Dachshund is believed to be the oldest of the tree, with the wiry and long-haired variants being developed later in the breed’s history. While originally developed to be used for hunting, in the 1800s, Dachshunds moved from hunters to cherished and pampered pets. It is then when the dogs were bred to be smaller in size- the Dachshunds became about 10 pounds lighter in this transition. Not unlike most small dogs in that period, Dachshunds were beloved lap dogs of ladies and nobles, and started enjoying all of the perks that came with their new status. Similarly, the breed was then bred and selected for other traits that would make it more appealing in its new role, such as playfulness, affection, and friendliness rather than a prey drive- which, truthfully, did survive in the breed to this day in some form (it’s mostly the garden beds that bear the brunt of it). Pedigree

Research Finds Fear And Anxiety Negatively Affects Dogs Health And Lif

Time to chill out, dog. Just like with humans, stress that causes fear and anxiety is bad for dogs, cutting lifespans short and causing all kinds of health problems. We all know that stress does bad things to us. From ulcers, to heart attacks, strokes, and those dreaded grey hairs; stress hormones wreak havoc on our systems! But what about our dogs? Is it possible the same deadly diseases can plague Rover if fear, anxiety and stress become part of his daily routine? According to Stanley Coren, scientist and author of books such as Born to Bark and The Wisdom of Dogs, the answer is yes! Coren confirms this concept has been researched and the findings show that stress can in fact impact the health of our pooches. Pennsylvania State’s Dr. Nancy Dreschel of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science conducted the study that involved 721 dogs who had passed away within the past five years. She recruited volunteer parents through a somewhat grassroots approach; posting flyers at grocery stores, veterinary clinics, and public places. Related: Could Music Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety? Respondents provided a perfect mixed bag of pet parents who had owned different sizes, shapes, weights and ages of dogs as well as a combo of pure and mixed breeds. All were asked to complete a rather lengthy, 99-question survey about their pooch with the final results proving pretty conclusive about the impact of stress and other lifestyle choices. From the onset, almost all dogs had been obtained for companionship and for that reason were well cared for. Most (a whopping 89 percent) had received formal training at home or through classrooms, in obedience – which most owners felt had been successful and resulted in their pooch being quick to respond to commands. Related: 5 Stress-Free Ways To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety This is where it gets interesting. The average age at time of death was 11.6 years and the most common cause of death (in 38 percent of the dogs studied) was cancer – which supports the findings of other studies. But it also showed that neutered dogs lived an average of 2.3 years longer than their unneutered counterpart – a hotly debated topic among animal research specialists. In this instance it seems the stats support the idea that there is a benefit to companion dogs that get the old snip-snip. The lengthy survey resulted in a wealth of data being ranked, tracked, and factored into the findings including size and weight, which is already known to influence lifespan. Curious as to how behavioral and emotional factors figure into it? Remember the question about obedience training? So many pet parents confirmed Rover had successfully completed some form of training and responded well to commands. A series of questions regarding his behaviors asked specifically “how well behaved” they thought their dog was. It seems similar past research picked up on the fact that anxious and fearful dogs were often described by their owners as “not well behaved”. Adding this question to the mix gave researchers a better sense of the dog’s general emotional state rather than his obedience. Here’s where it comes together. Apparently the dogs described as being well behaved lived longer and according to Dr. Dreschel: “Well-behaved dogs may live longer because they may be under less stress, living in a more harmonious household.” Additionally, questions related to how their pooches responded to strangers also resulted in some interesting stats. Dogs that showed fear and anxiety around new faces were also more likely to have a reduced life expectancy. Because few pets are autopsied on death, researchers had to work with information provided by owners who were sometimes speculative as to what caused their pet’s demise. But while there is a bit of a question mark around that part of the research, there are in fact some symptoms of stress related diseases that are highly visible in pets and tend to mimic those found in humans suffering from stress-including skin problems. Dr. Dreschel summarizes her work by saying, “It was hypothesized that stress caused by living with anxiety or fearfulness has deleterious effects on health and lifespan in canines. The ﬁndings indicate that fear, speciﬁcally the fear of strangers, is related to shortened lifespan.” [Source: Psychology Today]

Craft Brewery Kickstarter Aims To Serve Pints And Help Pups

Saving animals and craft beer – now there’s an idea we can raise a glass to! Sanctuary Brewing Company’s crafty Kickstarter campaign combines their love of beer with their love of rescues. Sanctuary Brewing Company, located in Hendersonville, N.C., combines small batch brewing with animal advocacy. Three flagship beers and a rotating tap of 10 seasonal brews provide plenty of options, but they also feature guest brewers from the region, including an entire tap dedicated to cider beers. Combining their love for craft beer and their passion for animal advocacy, co-owners Joe Dinan and Lisa McDonald partnered with local organizations: Asheville Humane Society, Blue Ridge Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and Full Circle Farm Sanctuary. They’ll be coordinating volunteer groups to help out and selling merchandise on their behalf. The pet-friendly brewery welcomes leashed, friendly pets, too, and they plan to host adoption nights, events and promotional beers. In their own home, Dinan and McDonald are pet parents to 15 animals and have fostered nearly 30 more in the last year and a half. Related: This Brew’s For Bowser: Beer For Dogs Is A Cool, Refreshing Trend As if that’s not enough to encourage you and your pup to pull up a barstool and enjoy a beer, they also operate with community- and environmental-consciousness. The food is sourced locally from cruelty-free producers, No Evil Foods and Roots Hummus. Plus, they plan to hire locally and pay a living wage. Earlier in the summer, Dinan and McDonald launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $10,000 to cover unexpected costs arising from opening the brewery and tap room this summer. The original business plan didn’t anticipate some expenses, like preserving the building’s historic exterior. They’re seeking crowdfunding to cover the unanticipated costs rather than finding investors who would take equity in the brewery—resulting in less money to help animals. Related: New York Senate Votes For Bill Allowing Dogs In Outdoor Dining Areas Though they’ve hosted previews, they plan to open officially toward the end of the month. Follow along on their building progress on the brewery’s Facebook page. There’s not much time left to fund this campaign – check out the project on Kickstarter or visit official Sanctuary Brewing Company’s website to learn more.

No Kids Allowed, But Dogs Welcome In Australian Restaurant

The restaurant of our dreams! After screaming toddler and rude mother make a scene, Aussie restaurant bans kids under 7 – but dogs of any age can come on in! Ahhh, you gotta those Aussies. If they aren’t wrestling crocodiles, swimming in Great White territory, or slaving over their barbie, they’re banning kids from their eateries. Yep, a restaurateur in Yungaburra, North Queensland decided he was mad as hell and wasn’t going to take it anymore so he is disallowing kids less than seven years of age. And here’s the best part – he’s permitting dogs of any age! Well, I wonder what message he’s trying to send. It seems the decision was made following a particularly nasty incident with a parent. When a toddler refused to settle down, mom and dad decided to wait it out rather than deal with it. Eventually owner Liam Flynn came out, asked if they could take their wee wailer outside his tiny 40-seat eatery until he calmed, and was met with a tirade of expletives in response. So I guess their answer was no? Related: Craft Brewery Kickstarter Aims To Serve Pints And Help Pups Anyway, the couple took to Trip Advisor in a bid to bad-mouth the restaurant and gain a following of like-minded parents. Social media frenzy followed of course, and Flynn became hero or heretic, depending on who you sided with. Now I’ve worked in restaurants and fussing kids are as common as bread on the table. But whether those families received sympathy or disdain from fellow diners was down to how hard they tried to mediate the situation. Letting the kiddie continue unchecked shows a lack of respect for other diners – regardless of what the books say. And of course any food and beverage manager worth his salt will confirm that coloring books, crayons, puzzles, and even crackers go a long way in avoiding the build-up to a meltdown. Related: New York Senate Votes For Bill Allowing Dogs In Outdoor Dining Areas But I digress. Back to North Queensland. The decision to ban children under seven from their diner was made within minutes of the family’s departure and Flynn has no regrets. A posting on their Facebook site claims it’s in response to negative feedback from patrons who are tired of screaming babies. “… it is down to basic social skills, we do not feel that we should be teaching parents how to handle their children.” As at time of writing, 3,604 people have liked his post. While there is no mention of whether the inclusion of Rover was already in place or was added as a little dig at some of the outraged parents, it doesn’t appear to have eroded his clientele. Shortly after the article ran Flynn enjoyed his most profitable weekend in 14 years. So let’s look at the advantages to dining with your pooch over a kiddie: No tantrums. But they do tend to give you those long, disappointed glances when they don’t get their way.No tying up the bathroom with potty breaks. A hedge will do nicely, thanks.No need for the aforementioned coloring books and distractions. A warm sun spot on the floor keeps him happy.No need for special menus that include chicken fingers and plum sauce. He’ll happily eat a version of whatever you’re having or spend the evening chewing on a soup bone.No running around the restaurant. See #3 re: sun spot. What’s your opinion? Ban kids and bring on the dogs? Which would you rather sit beside during your meal? We go for a doggie date, every time! [Source: Business Insider Australia]

Wirehaired Vizsla

Wirehaired Vizsla Basics Also known as the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, this breed is known for its energy, stamina, and its reddish coloration. This breed is sometimes confusing because there is another breed called the Vizsla which has a short, close-lying coat. Both breeds are known for their hunting prowess and their intelligence – they also make good family pets. Also known as the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, this breed is known for its energy, stamina, and its reddish coloration. Origin The origin of this breed can be traced back to the 1930s when a hunter named Vasas Josef decided to develop a new breed using his kennel called Csaba Vizsla. With help from the Hungarian Vizsla Klub and kennel owner Gresznarik Lazslo, Josef set about creating a breed that had the same color and major characteristics of the Vizsla but the heavier frame and protective coating of the German Wirehaired Pointer. This breed was developed for its pointing and retrieving skills as well as its ability to excel in the extreme winter conditions found in upland Hungary. The Wirehaired Vizsla was also developed as a family companion. Pedigree

Kids With Cancer Team Up With Sled Dogs To Take On The Great White Nor

Teens, cancer and dog sleds – it’s an unlikely trio that breaks stereotypes in the spirit of adventure. They take on the cold Canadian tundra in order to shed light on how physical activity helps kids with cancer. Most of us don’t picture kids with cancer participating in sports. Racing dog sleds across snowy Canada is an even bigger stretch. But, that’s just what 11 kids and teens fighting cancer did. The kids, plus five chaperones that included doctors and nurses, were part of a pilot evaluation that considered the physical and psychological effects of the trek. The official aim of the study: “To evaluate the feasibility and to measure the effects of a six-week-long adapted physical activity programme (APAP), including five days of intense dog sledding, on the physical and psychological health of children and adolescents treated for cancer.” Related: Dogs Get A Kick Out Of Kicksledding

Top 10 Pawsome Back-To-School Supplies

Make sure you take notes, as you will be quizzed on this shopping list later.It’s time to hit the books… but not until you’ve stocked up on all your back-to-school essentials. Before you groan (or cheer, if you’re a parent), these school supplies are super pawsome! That’s because they’re all inspired by dogs. And what better way to learn (while making friends at the “cool” lunch table) than with this top 10 pet-acular must-haves list for A+ students.

How Much Should I Feed My Cat?

The term “Fat Cat” isn’t reserved for shifty politicians. If your cat looks a little too round for her own good, it’s time to evaluate how much you’re feeding her. In addition to the type of food that you feed to your cat, you also need to figure out how much food you should be giving her every day. Ultimately, every cat is different, and how much your cat needs will depend upon factors like age, size, medical condition, how much exercise she gets, her metabolic rate, and even the temperature in her environment. Figuring out how much to feed your cat also becomes more complicated when you consider the fact that the same volume of various foods may contain different numbers of calories and nutrients. To get a general idea of how much food you should give to your cat every day, check out the following tips. Related: What’s Wrong With Feeding Your Cat Kibble? Start with the Feeding Guide on a Cat Food Label Look for the feeding guide on the label of your cat’s food to get a rough idea of how much of that food your cat will need. These guides will be based upon weight, and they’ll tell you how much you should feed your cat every day, not at every meal. Although this is a good starting point, there are other things you should do to ensure you’re feeding the right amount of food to your kitty. Related: How To Read A Cat Food Label Kittens Need More Food than Adults According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, a kitten will need more food per pound of weight in order to grow big and healthy, so you’ll need to feed your kitten more often every day. As a general guideline, kittens up to six months old might need three meals each day, whereas those aged six months and up may be fine with two meals a day. Adult cats one year or older can be fed once or twice daily, and senior cats aged seven and up can also maintain this schedule. Assess Your Pet’s Body Condition It’s a good idea to assess your pet’s body condition every couple of weeks so that you can adjust the amount of food you’re feeding as necessary. This will help you find the ideal amount of food that will maintain your pet’s healthy body condition. Your cat shouldn’t be too fat or too thin. Determine your cat’s body condition by first checking her ribs. Place your thumbs on your pet’s backbone and then spread your hands across her rib cage. You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs with a little bit of fat layered over the bones. If you can’t feel the ribs at all, your cat is overweight, but if you feel the ribs too much, your cat is underweight. Next, take a look at your cat’s abdomen from the side of the body. Ideally, you should find that it’s tucked up behind her ribs. You can also check your cat from overhead to ensure that there’s a waistline behind her ribs. Too much tuck and too thin of a waistline means your cat needs to gain weight. Too little shape means your cat is overweight. Reduce Dry Food if Also Feeding Wet Food If you’re feeding your cat a combination of dry and wet food and you find that your kitty needs to lose some weight, you can reduce the amount of dry food that you provide throughout the day to prevent overfeeding. Some Common Feeding Mistakes Overfeeding is a common mistake pet parents make. Although every pet is different, the general rule is that a cat needs an average of about 24 to 35 calories per pound each day. Cats who consume a lot of calories but are too sedentary will end up gaining weight. Therefore, avoid overfeeding your kitty, and also make sure that she gets some much-needed exercise to stay in shape. You can also avoid overfeeding by not free feeding, particularly if your cat can’t exercise self-control. Offering several small meals throughout the day may help you better control how much your cat eats, and it may also make her feel less hungry. Talk to Your Vet The best way to know exactly how much to feed your cat every day is to talk to your vet, as he/she knows your kitty best and can give you the recommendations that will work for your particular cat, especially if your pet suffers from a health condition.

Frozen Applesauce Dog Treat Recipe

It’s been said before, so we’ll say it again: An apple a day keeps the heat at bay! Here’s a frozen treat that uses applesauce to keep your dog cool during the long summer months. You’re probably sweating as you read this. There’s only one time of year when we all seriously and sensuously fall for frozen treats. Of course we’re talking about the summer. Specifically, the sweatiest and most oppressive months of summer when the mere concept of cooling down with a frozen treat feels like heaven. The thing is that while we all are more than happy to fill our own mouths with tasty frozen goodness during those sweltering months, we often forget that our dogs enjoy these sort of thing just as much! There’s no need to leave your dog out of the distinct summertime joy of cooling down with a tasty treat. In the middle of this heat wave, our dogs are begging to cool down. So, there’s never a better time to toss your pooch a cold one – and by that, I mean one of these Frozen Applesauce Dog Treats. It’s a simple recipe that I came up with to help my pooch cool down with a little something tasty. My dog absolutely loves these little frozen numbers. I’m a big fan as well because even though my pup prefers these to store bought treats during the summer months, they are actually quite easy and affordable for me to make. There are just four ingredients to this recipe and takes no time at all to whip them up in the blender. The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze and enjoy! So, if you’ve noticed your dog has been panting a little more in the summer heat, help the lil’ pup cool down with one of these delicious Frozen Applesauce Dog Treats. You’ll find that your pooch will absolutely adore snacking on these following a long, satisfying, and sweaty summer walk. So, give them a shot. You’ll be surprised by how easy they are to make and how much your dog will adore them. . Frozen Applesauce Dog Treat Recipe

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Gretchen

We bet you’ve never seen a mix like this before! Gretchen, our Adoptable Dog of the Week, is a Affenpinscher/Pekingese Mix, which explains her gorgeous black and silver coat. This 2-year-old young lady lives in Austin, Texas, and is already spayed, housetrained, up to date with shots, not good with kids, good with dogs, and not good with cats. Gretchen’s Story: My mom says if she had not named me before she met me, I would have been Firecracker. I have no idea what she is talking about, my name is Gretchen! It is a very ladylike name, don’t you think? So, I like to leap five feet into the air just because I can; what is wrong with that? There is a need for that sometimes. So, I chase my Great Dane foster sister just because I can; what is wrong with that? She runs away doesn’t she? I love this new life I have after being a street dog and having to fend for myself. Now, I lie around in the luxury of A/C, two squares a day and have a little extra energy to spare. Looking for a like-minded human to help me in my quest to experience everything there is to do in this new world. If you love sitting on the couch for hours, there are plenty of other dogs who would dig that lifestyle. Me, I want action. I’m good in the house and don’t do stupid things like relieve myself inside. I sleep in a crate at night because it makes me feel all safe and secure. I know the difference between toys and shoes – love my toys! I get on fine with my four foster brothers and sisters, ranging in weight from 15 to 130 pounds. I’ve just finished heartworm treatment and have to rest for a bit longer but when I’m cleared by the vet, I’m ready to go on most any adventure you might have in mind. Complete your application and let’s meet up to see if we’re a match! To adopt Gretchen, fill out an application at Austin Dog Rescue.

New York City Takes Small Step Forward By Starting Animal Abuser Black

New York City passes a law that will set up a do-not-adopt blacklist, preventing pets from going to abusive homes. But will this “voluntary” register be effective enough to deter crime against animals? Thanks to a tenacious former City Councilman and his brother, New York City is planning to lead the charge when it comes to nipping animal abuse in the bud. Peter Vallone Jr. said his catalyst behind introducing the bill back in 2012 was the killing of a dog that was thrown out a window by his body-builder owner. Vallone worked to get jail time for the “creep” but realized that upon release he would be free to adopt another dog. His original bill was passed by City Council in 2013, and then over-turned by then mayor Michael Bloomberg. Hmm… am I the only one wondering why? Related: FBI Deems Animal Cruelty A Top Tier Crime Vallone’s brother Paul joined Council in 2014 and since that time has worked tirelessly with his sibling to over-ride the veto. They won and the city’s first-ever blacklist that will help prevent animals going to abusive homes, is now up and running! The list functions like a sex offender registry and will ultimately contain the names of those convicted of specific animal abuse crimes as of October 2, 2014. My excitement over this slam-dunk wanes a little when I read that those managing the data base are reaching out to the city’s district attorneys so they can alert people convicted of hurting animals to register for the list. Huh? It’s voluntary? Related: New York Senate Votes For Bill Allowing Dogs In Outdoor Dining Areas After a brief interview with said individual, officials will determine whether the abuser is required to register. Again, I’m thinking that if the D.A. already has your name, doesn’t that suggest you should be considered a bad risk? Why the waffling? Abusers will remain on the registry for a mere five years and if they have been incarcerated, the five year period will kick in after release. I think I prefer the one adapted by Orange County, New York where anyone convicted of animal abuse has to register with the sheriff within five days of being convicted /released from incarceration or be subject to a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a year in jail and maximum fine of $2,000. Abusers will stay on the registry for 15 years, but would be reinstated for life if they are convicted again of abusing an animal. And those caught selling to a registered abuser face fines and penalties as well. The less aggressive New York City’s list is intended to tip off law enforcement, pet stores, and animal shelters of the abusive histories of potential owners and to prevent them walking out the door with another victim. Peter Vallone Jr., states that “Other cities and states have looked at what we have done here in NYC to protect our animals, and are doing the same.” Actually Peter, they’re doing more. But baby steps – it’s all about baby steps in the right direction. [Source: NY Daily News]

Jack Tzu

Jack Tzu Basics A small, spunky pooch with a heart of gold- that’s the Jack Tzu for you. These utterly adorable designer dogs have a happy-go-lucky attitude, they’re friendly and always up for playing or snuggling. No wonder that everyone who meets them instantly falls in love! The Jack Tzu, or Russeltzu, as it is also known, is a popular hybrid breed, developed by crossing two purebred dogs. The mix of Shih Tzu and Jack Russell Terrier results in a compact dog with a cute shaggy coat, often in two colors, that can have an adorable underbite and short nose, or simply looks like a long-haired Jack Russell. The appearance of Jack Tzu, like all other crossbreed dogs, is quite unpredictable- apart from the guaranteed cuteness, that is. Owing to his unique parentage, the Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu mix will be an energetic, intelligent dog that needs a fairly active owner. These dogs are a good choice for apartment dwellers, though, as they are still a small breed and can meet their daily need for exercise even without a backyard. With proper socialization and training, Jack Tzu is an adaptable dog that will get along with anybody, and thrive in almost any living situation. If you’re thinking about getting a Jack Tzu, read on- and find out everything about this lovely mixed breed dog. The Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu mix will be an energetic, intelligent dog that needs a fairly active owner. Origin

How to Protect Your Dog From Fleas and Ticks

Flea and tick season is here - so how do your protect your dog from these nasty pests?

Scottish Straight

Scottish Straight Breed HistoryThe Scottish Straight is one of the feline breeds that make up the Scottish Breed Group, along with the beloved  Scottish Fold. More specifically, according to  The International Cat Association (TICA), the Scottish Breed Group consists of the Longhair Scottish Fold and the Shorthair Scottish Fold, as well as the Longhair Scottish Straight and the Shorthair Scottish Straight, for a total of four breeds. The group is quite unique in many ways, and it is known for being smart, affectionate, and attractive. Let’s learn more about these Scottish felines, and what makes them so special! This breed of cat has an interesting history. The very first Scottish Fold was a barn cat whose name was Susie. She was found by William Ross in 1961 in Scotland, on a farm near Coupar Angus in Perthshire. He quickly recognized that she had a standout feature: folded ears that made her look a bit like an owl. This kitty was later bred with other breeds, such as the  American Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, and Persian.    One important thing to realize is that the Scottish Straight is almost identical to the Scottish Fold, and they can actually be born within the same litter. The only difference is in the ears. While Scottish Folds have those iconic ears that fold down, Scottish Straight cats do not. As the name implies, their ears are straight like other breeds. The reason for this difference lies in the breed’s origins. All Scottish Folds can trace their ancestry back to that first kitty with folded ears, Susie. However, the selective breeding program did not solely produce kittens with those unique ears, as some had straight ears. Thus, all Scottish Folds that do not develop the unusual folded ears are simply called Scottish Straights. So, when you learn about the Scottish Fold, you’re also learning about the Scottish Straight, and vice versa. Again, they can both be born in the same litter, and will, therefore, showcase the same personality traits and physical attributes. Today, the Scottish Straight is known for its wonderful temperament. Many pet parents all around the world absolutely love having these kitties as part of their families. Not only are they super cute, but they also have a personality that makes them lovely companions for people of all ages. Of course, like other breeds, there are certain qualities that Scottish Straight cats will exhibit, both in looks and behavior, and it’s those qualities that help them stand out against other felines.   Breed Traits

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