Adoptable Dog of the Week – Abby

Furbo 360 Treat Tosser and Camera Review

Now that many of us are back in the office after months of working from home in our PJs and dogs by our side, being apart from our pets feels more difficult than ever. A great way to stay connected with your four-legged bestie while you’re working or traveling is pet cameras, but not all of them live up to the hype – at least not when it comes to my mischief-makers. I wanted something that gives me a crystal-clear picture of everything that’s going on in the house while I’m gone, and still allows me to communicate, reward, and play with my dogs remotely. When I found out that Furbo, a pet camera that wowed the team at PetGuide with its innovative design a few years back, was getting a much-awaited upgrade, I was more than enthusiastic to give it a try. The main reason I got excited over the new design was the wide-angle rotating 360° view camera, which leaves no blind spots where my dogs could hide – I can simply rotate the camera until I spot them, wherever they are. And no, it’s not something I have to do manually, as the camera itself has a dog-tracking feature so it will pinpoint your pet as they move to keep you up to date with their shenanigans. What’s more, the new Furbo pet camera is also equipped with automatic infrared LED night vision, which provides color images in low light, so visibility isn’t reserved for daytime only. Of course, the camera is Full HD 1080p vision with 4x zoom, so you can always expect perfectly clear pictures. Another great feature is the two-way communication, so I can talk to my pets when I get a bark alert to stop them from yapping their heads off at the sight of a squirrel (my neighbors are super appreciative of this feature, too) or beckon them to come to the camera to treat them to a yummy snack. Or two. And yes, in case you’ve missed it, Furbo does have a bark alert feature that sends notifications to your smartphone when your dog is being loud, which is a heaven-sent for pet owners that live in apartments or those whose dogs have a form of separation anxiety and start barking (or wailing) as soon as you step out of the house. The two-way communication is great as you can promptly react and give out a command they are trained to respond to and stop barking, or, if you’re like most of us, just use the feature to baby talk to your dog and redirect their attention from whatever it is that got them yapping and treat them to something tasty to get them to behave. Hey. if it works – it works.Of course, when talking about the treats, let’s not forget Furbo’s treat-tossing feature that’s the best part of the camera if you’re a dog. My pets don’t care about fancy new wide-angle rotating 360° view camera or night vision, but boy oh boy, do they care about treats. As before, Furbo can toss out treats on command, which has my boys wagging their tails with joy, and it’s a feature we all appreciate (me because of the perks of bribery, and they because they are the ones being bribed). This feature also got a makeover – with the new adjustable mechanism, the sound of tossing is much quieter, and you can now choose between small or large treats to suit any doggo’s preference. The capacity of the treat container is around 100 treats so I don’t have to worry about refilling it for a good long while and I’m always ready to flip the switch and toss the treat when needed. I found that smaller round treats work best, something that’s around 0.4” or 1cm in diameter, and that works perfectly for me as both of my dogs are small. My advice, if you have a large breed dog is just to double up on the treats if they are smaller than what they’re used to – or use their kibble in place of treats.The VerdictThe Furbo 360 is a must-have for pet parents who are stuck at the office all day and want to keep their pets (and themselves) entertained. I love the 360° view camera, which was a feature the original Furbo treat tosser sorely needed. And the price is still great – the new and improved Furbo is $210, not much more than the original (plus, there’s a 20% coupon that drops the price to $190).You can pick up the new Furbo 360 on Amazon.Note: PetGuide.com was NOT compensated for this review. Our reviewer received a Furbo 360 to review. The opinions expressed in this post are the author’s. We provide unbiased feedback of the products and share products we think our readers would enjoy using and learning more about.

10 Best Rabbits for Beginners

If you're thinking about getting a pet rabbit but you’re not sure where to start, you should first consider which breed would be the best match for your lifestyle and preferences. Some bunnies are too big to be kept in an apartment, others are a bit too high-maintenance for a first-time owner, and some have a personality that won’t click with yours. That’s why it’s important to do your research and make sure that you’ll be able to properly care for the rabbit you pick and that you’ll enjoy their quirks and unique traits as well.To help you find the right companion for you, we’ve rounded up the 10 best rabbits for beginners, whose traits make them perfect for first-time owners. These rabbit breeds are relatively low-maintenance, tend to be friendly and sociable, intelligent and easy to train, so even a complete beginner could manage to train and socialize them with a bit of patience and effort.

Why Enrichment Is Important for Rabbits and How to Provide It

It is no secret that rabbits make wonderful pets – they are fun, affectionate, and so sweet. However, when their needs are not properly met, these positive traits never come to the surface and your pet can instead display abnormal behavior such as aggression or apathy. As a responsible rabbit owner, you will need to provide environmental enrichment to your pet to make sure they thrive. Enrichment is a way to increase mental and physical stimulation, provide new daily activities, and make sure that your pet is enjoying their everyday routines. In turn, it keeps your bunny healthy and happy and keeps those negative behaviors at bay.What Is Rabbit Enrichment? Rabbits are intelligent animals, as well as sociable, and in the wild, they display various behaviors, habits, and quirks that are unique to their species. Rabbit enrichment is a way to recreate certain conditions and provide your pet with a safe and engaging environment that stimulates those natural behaviors, puts your rabbit at ease, and contributes to their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Now, there are a number of ways to provide this enrichment and improve your pet’s quality of life – it’s up to you to find out which works best for your bunny’s needs.Best Ways to Provide Rabbit EnrichmentThe goal of rabbit enrichment is to improve your pet’s quality of life, and, quite literally, enrich it. Provide them with a number of daily activities that will stimulate their natural instincts and promote good behavior. Puzzles, toys, interactive gadgets, and makeshift burrows and tunnels will all entertain them and keep their brains working properly. Rabbits are very curious and intelligent animals, and this type of stimulation is very important in their daily lives. Another important part of enrichment for rabbits is socialization. Rabbits are very sociable and will need interaction on a daily level. Your company is great, of course, but won’t always be enough. Sometimes, rabbits require mates and friends of their own kind, and you might have to provide them. You can also introduce them to another owner’s rabbit, a kind and caring child, a gentle small doggo, and so on. Any form of new and friendly social interaction can really boost your rabbit’s mood and healthy development. A great lack of socialization can cause a string of abnormal behaviors, such as lethargy and violence, and in turn even health issues.The best way to provide proper enrichment to your pet is to build your own special rabbit enclosure that will be equipped with everything needed to provide stimulation. Let your imagination loose as you assemble a true bunny funhouse – a shelter with burrows to dig in, hideouts, nooks to be explored, toys, puzzles, hay to be nibbled, and anything else you might think of. ConclusionEvery rabbit owner should provide enrichment for their pet to stimulate their natural instincts and behaviors, and ensure their mental and physical wellbeing. Whether it’s rabbit toys, hideouts, burrows, or the company of another rabbit – it will depend on your preferences and your pet’s needs.Remember that routine is important in all pets’ lives – rabbit’s too. Knowing that fun times are just around the corner each day will make your rabbit a fun, inquisitive, sociable, and loveable pet to have. A big no-no in rabbit care is lack of enrichment. Keep your pet alone, neglected, or cooped up, and they can become bored, angry, lethargic, and in the end, depressed.

Dolly Parton Launches ‘Doggy Parton’ Apparel Line for Pooches

The country music star, philanthropist, and pop culture legend Dolly Parton just added another title to her long list of achievements – designer of pet apparel and accessories. And, as Dolly is well known for her humanitarian and charity work, it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that part of the profit will go to an animal rescue organization! She teamed up with SportPet Designs and the result was a stunning pet product collection of 20 items that will definitely turn heads at the doggie park.Aptly named Doggy Parton, this line of pet products includes everything from toys, clothes, collars, and leashes to fun accessories such as wigs and costumes. Naturally, all of the pet apparel products have that distinct (and universally loved) Dolly flair, so you’ll find an abundance of pink, faux feathers, faux pearls, Dolly-themed merch, and southern country outfits for your four-legged belle or beau! There’s even a Dolly Parton costume that your pet can wear this Halloween – they’ll definitely stand out from the crowd with a guitar and a big blonde wig, that’s without a doubt.Let’s go, @ShaniaTwain! Wearing my new @DoggyParton outfit. Impress you much? Happy Friday, everyone! https://t.co/wF7NULE4lB pic.twitter.com/tApMQa0gDy— Billy The Kid (@btkthefrenchie) September 2, 2022 While Dolly herself doesn’t have a dog, the main model and brand ambassador for this line, a French Bulldog named Billy the Kid is actually her god-dog. He is owned by Dolly’s manager and absolutely adores his godmother, so it was only logical that he’d be the one to try out all the goodies first! In addition to being super adorable, lots of fun, and very well made, these pet products also give back to the community with each purchase. Part of the proceeds go to Willa B Farms Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that rescues animals of all shapes and sizes, from dogs and cats to horses and pigs, and gives them all a loving home where they can be safe and cherished as they deserve. Happy Labor Day! @btkthefrenchie is ready to show off our Pink Cowgirl Hat with Tiara 💖Get yours here while stocks last https://t.co/Y8dETXxq3o pic.twitter.com/yyX4yA4Yiq— Doggy Parton (@DoggyParton) September 5, 2022 If you’ve been on the lookout for some amusing costumes for your pet to wear this Halloween, want to treat your pooch to some new toys, or you’re simply a fan of Dolly Parton and want your pooch to be one to – head on over to Amazon and grab a few fun items from the Doggy Parton line!

Dandy Pet Wellness: Personalized Supplements for Your Pup

That goes for our furry best friends, too. After all, we’re in charge of keeping them healthy so we can keep playing fetch with them for as long as we can.The pet supplement market has expanded over the last several years, much as the human supplement market. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that up to a third of all dogs in the United States are given nutritional supplements for their health.So how’s a dog parent to find the best supplements for dogs? Every dog is different, and every dog’s needs are different.And that’s just what dandy decided to tackle with their customized pet supplements (in delicious treat form) that come each month right to your door.All About dandy

Pumpkin and Cheese Dog Treat Recipe

Pumpkins are for more than just carving, they’re also for eating. And not just for humans – your pooches can get in on all the goodness and benefits of eating pumpkin. And in our Pumpkin and Cheese Dog Treats, you’ll get that and so much more. Did you know that pumpkin is a wonderful source of Vitamins A, E, and C – these are important for your dog’s immune system, brain function, eyes, and skin health. On top of that, pumpkin also contains minerals such as potassium, copper, manganese, and iron, all of which play a role in cellular functions. And when you add cheese into the mix, you’ve got a homemade cookie that will have your doggie drooling!Makes about 40 cookiesIngredients:2 cups whole wheat flour1 cup pureed pumpkin2 cups shredded cheddar cheese1 teaspoon baking powder2 eggs2 tablespoons olive oilDirections:1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.2. In a large bowl, beat eggs, then mix in oil and pumpkin. Stir in cheddar cheese.3. Add flour and baking powder, mixing until combined. You may want to get your hands into the mix to make sure it’s all combined.4. Flour your countertop and roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter. Place shapes on cookie sheets.5. Place in oven and let bake for 17 - 20 minutes, until golden brown.6. Remove cookies from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 hours.7. Place treats in an airtight containers and store in refrigerator or freezer.

How to Train Your Cat to Use Speech Buttons

If you want to teach your kitty to talk to you with the help of speech buttons, there are some things to keep in mind. There’s no guarantee that your cat will use the buttons, as every pet is unique and some might not be interested in learning this technique. If you have a multi-cat household, you might find that certain kitties are willing to use the buttons while others ignore them. Also, the entire process takes a lot of time and patience, so try not to get discouraged if you don’t get results right away.Below are some basic tips to help you get started.Purchase the Right Buttons for Your CatThere are several options when it comes to speech buttons for pets. Some are larger than others, and some are pricier than others. Check product features and customer reviews so you can uncover the pros and cons of various sets. Consider how easy they are to press, how clear they sound, how long the batteries last, etc.Also, think about what your kitty would prefer. For instance, would she prefer using small buttons or big ones? It really depends on your cat, and you can find videos of kitties using different types of buttons to get an idea of how they work.Choose Your WordsOnce you have your buttons, it’s time to consider which words you’ll use to begin teaching your kitty to talk to you. It’s also wise to start with just a few, or even just one button, before adding more over time. It may be best to begin with words that represent items and actions. For example, you might record one button for “treats” and another for “play” or “cuddle.” If your kitty is already familiar with these words because you use them often, it may help her better understand what the buttons are saying.Use Modeling to Teach Your Cat to Use the ButtonsPlace the buttons in an area where you and your pet will be able to use them with ease. Some kits come with mats that make it simpler to organize your buttons, or you might use stickers to differentiate between them. Then, use what’s known as modeling to teach your cat that each button corresponds with something she can ask for. For instance, if you have a “play” button, you can ask your cat if she wants to play, press the button, and then grab a toy. Remember, you’ll also need to teach your kitty to press the button herself, and target training could work well for that.By being consistent and using the buttons every day, you may increase the odds that your cat will learn to use them. And, before long, you might be communicating with your pet in a whole new way.

Reports Reveal Military Families Go Into Debt Just to Keep Their Pets

Life of a military family is not without its challenges – but sometimes, even when you think you know what to expect, something entirely unplanned tends to creep up on you. In this case, it’s the actual cost of moving around when you’re in active service. You see, when the military needs to transport you to a new base (which can be anywhere in the world, really), they might be paying for the costs of transportation for the human family members, but they certainly don’t do it for the four-legged companions. Of course, anyone who has a pet knows that they’re as much part of the family as any other member, so this leaves service members forced to shell out thousands of dollars out of their own pocket to be able to take their pet with them when they move. Needless to say, this puts many military families at risk of going into debt or worse, losing their pets because they are unable to afford to keep them when they move.Unfortunately, it only gets worse from there. With the unsteadiness of the housing market and the rising costs of living, Veterans United says that “approximately 36,000 active members of the military have recently requested financial help due to large debt threatening to annul their clearances”. What’s more, currently, due to the pandemic, both military and commercial flights have reduced capacity for pet transport, which makes it particularly difficult for military families stationed overseas to be able to board their pets with them – and even if they are among the lucky ones that manage to snag one of the few available spots, they are left with a hefty bill to pay as the military doesn’t reimburse any amount of transportation costs for pets. Sadly, this is why there are more and more cases of pets being re-homed or surrendered to shelters around military bases.This is why Veterans United has started a petition to put this terrible situation to an end – no one should be faced with a choice of either going into massive debt or leaving a family member behind. The organization is asking the Department of Defense to cover all transportation costs for military families and their pets as they move to new duty stations (which is something they should already be doing, in all honesty). If you want to support this cause, you can follow this link to sign the petition – hopefully, it will make a much-needed difference.

Treats More Likely to Get Your Dog's Attention Than Calling Their Name

Did ever crinkling a bag of chips or opening the fridge door manage to get your pooch’s attention even when they’re seemingly deeply asleep, in another room? Yup, we’ve all been there. It’s no secret that treats are the favorite thing in the world for most pets, but did you know that their love for yummies is so strong that they even react to the very word treat? A new study showed that it’s much likelier for a dog to respond to their owner by saying the word treat than by calling out their name.The study was commissioned by Cliff Pet, and the survey included around 2,000 dogs and their owners – around 52% of those dogs were reported to come running when they hear the word treat or cookie. On the other hand, when called by their name, only 37% of dogs would consistently respond. I mean, who’s to blame them – it doesn’t guarantee you a yummy reward when you show up! Furthermore, 67% of dog owners reported that their pets are very food motivated, and 47% of them say their dog comes running when they open the treat container. With all that in mind, it doesn’t really come as a surprise that 4 out of 10 pet owners used treats as a reward, and 3 out of 4 believed that without using treats, they wouldn't have been able to successfully train their dog. In fact, the surveyed dog owners concluded that around 20% of their dog's vocabulary is treat-based, and that treats make for almost a third of their overall caloric intake, at 27%.However, there can be ‘too much of a good thing’ when it comes to treats. While it’s undeniable that delicacies are a great motivator and a way to reward good behavior or a job well done, experts agree that treats shouldn’t make up for more than 10% of your pet’s diet. Instead of pampering your pooch with the canine version of junk food and snacks, it’s best to opt for moderate portions and treats made with wholesome, healthy ingredients that will nourish your pet’s body instead of contributing to issues such as obesity. When it comes to training, you might want to look into specific training treats that are small and low on calories precisely so they can be given more often as a reward for successfully learned commands and tricks. And it’s not only using treats as bribes that should make you more mindful about the quantity and the quality of treats you’re giving to your pooch. When you consider that over 60% of owners said that they give their pet treats to cheer themselves up – seeing your pet happy is a quick way to boost your mood, after all – it’s clear that it’s very important to consider the quality of treats and canine nutrition overall. The best thing you can do for your dog is to feed them healthy foods – even though they might wag their tail for a treat that’s artificially flavored and calorie-laden, in the long run, it can only cause trouble for them and that’s the last thing any dog owner wants.

Can Shock Collars Damage a Dog’s Vocal Cords?

You may even be thinking that a shock collar might be the quickest way to train your pooch that barking at the neighbor, the cat, or a leaf blowing by the back door, is no longer acceptable. But you would be wrong.Let’s start by saying that no reputable dog trainer uses a shock collar to modify the behavior of a house pet. The only caveat to this rule might be hunting or guard dogs, where imminent danger often requires a quick signal to the animal to heed a command. That said, punishment-based training – which is what the pain from a shock collar delivers – can damage both the bond between you and your pet as well as his self-confidence. It’s discouraged by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and humane societies throughout North America.How Does a Shock Collar Work?Also known as training collars, e-collars and remote training collars, the shock collar looks similar to a regular dog collar but has two thick metal prongs that rest up against your pet’s vocal cords. When he barks, the vibration causes an electrical current to pass through these contact points. The level of current can be modified remotely by the owner and typically ranges from a milder tingling effect to a full-blown, painful shock. Because you don’t know what your dog’s tolerance to pain will be, this can become a dangerous exercise in trial and error. And that’s why only professional trainers working with large breed guard dogs should be at the controls.And be aware that while the shock itself may be temporary the fear and psychological damage caused to your pet can be long-lasting. Because dogs may not immediately connect the dots, he isn’t going to understand what he did to cause this painful outcome. As a result, he may become fearful and cautious, losing the confidence needed to develop into a happy, secure pooch.Can Shock Collars Damage Vocal Cords?The short answer is yes, with continued use a shock delivered from this type of collar can damage your pet’s throat, and vocal cords and under certain conditions, cause electrical burns if the unit malfunctions. These injuries can happen if the fit is too tight or the electric current used, is too strong for the size of the dog. And for smaller dogs or animals with health issues, the high levels of stress caused by wearing a shock collar and the resultant increased heart rate that comes from painful shocks can be lethal.Alternative Solutions:So, we agree that a shock collar isn’t the right way to bring a sense of calm to your home workspace. But that still begs the question of what to do with a yappy dog and those workload deadlines.Before you can teach your dog to “curb his enthusiasm” you need to understand what’s causing his need to continually speak up. As recommended by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a few questions you could try asking yourself are these:1. Where does the barking typically occur? Front door? Window? Outside your closed office door? Back door leading to the garden?2. When does the barking happen? Around a meal period? When he typically goes for his walk? After eating when he may need to go out?3. Who or what is the target of the barking? Has another dog just walked by? Is Amazon delivering a package? Is he peckish and barking at the treat jar?You’re looking for both random drivers such as the doorbell ringing unexpectedly to routines that may have been broken – like forgetting to let him out for a comfort break after he’s eaten his morning meal.If you’ve noticed a pattern, congratulations. You may well be on your way to modifying his behavior when these situations present. And while there are several online training sessions worth checking out, we’re sharing some recommendations from the guru of all things “dog”, the American Kennel Club (AKC).Cause: He Can’t See YouWho’s that barking and scratching at your door? He knows you’re in there and is determined to reach you. I’ve had both cats and dogs scratching at my door during an important Zoom call, so I know the frustration. What AKC suggests is that you leave the radio, TV, iPad or other device turned on and play music or a Netflix classic in a separate living space. The idea is that these sounds approximate the noises your pet hears when you’re there with him. He doesn’t feel quite so isolated and with a little background noise, may not hear those pesky outside noises either. Tip: Spotify and other streaming services offer Music for Dogs that are designed to soothe.Cause: BoredomHo-hum. Are you done yet? If your dog’s impatience is causing him to bark to get you up and to interact with him, it’s time to break out the toys. And puzzles. And interactive videos. Bury some treats in a Kong, hide some high-value treats in a puzzle board, or get him one of those flavored nylon bones that seem to last forever. The trick is to give him something else to do. A snuffle mat where he has to root around for pieces of dry kibble can also act as a feeding mat to keep him busy, longer.Cause: Too Much EnergyThis is a likely cause for barking with dogs whose pet parents work from home and tend to forget about those morning walks that help to burn off energy. Don’t underestimate how well-behaved (and quiet) a pooped pup can be when you’re trying to get work done. And if timing is tight but the budget isn’t, consider hiring a dog walker to pick up your pooch at a set time each day. They get a workout and you get at least one full hour of total peace.Cause: You Always RespondThe solution is right there in the cause. You always react to your pet’s barking and that’s what he’s looking for. Whether you’re turning to him and telling him to settle down, are putting him outside for a little “you” time, or are handing him a bone and asking him to go to his crate or bed… he’s getting what he wanted - you. Solution? Don’t respond. When he finally quiets down, reward him with a treat. But only after he’s been laying quietly and not barking for a few minutes. And yes, ignoring his yapping while you’re trying to get some work done, is going to be a challenge.Cause: You’ve Not Asked Him to StopOne of the more popular methods of training your pooch to think twice about barking s called “Quiet” training. When your dog begins to bark – regardless of whether it’s an unexpected trigger or he simply wants your attention – say “quiet” in a calm yet firm voice. When he stops, call him away from the source (window, door, another animal) and ask him to sit. Upon him obeying this command, provide him with his treat as a reward. In some instances, you may want to gently hold his muzzle to get his attention, then issue the command.The above training tips are effective alternatives to shock collars. They’ll help build a bond between you and your pet along with a tacit understanding of what you expect from him. And in the end, help bring a little peace and quiet to your working world.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Shiloh

Sweet, smart, and ready to be pampered, this pooch is looking for a family to love and cherish him forever! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Shiloh, a 2 years old Shiba Inu and Shepherd mix from Ballston Spa, New York. This handsome fella is neutered, current on his vaccines, and knows basic commands. Shiloh does well with larger dogs but needs a home without small animals or children in the family. Shiloh’s TaleThis gentle-hearted, charming pooch will steal your heart if you give him a chance! While initially a bit shy, especially around men, Shiloh turns into the sweetest, cuddliest guy as soon as he warms up to you. He will happily snuggle with you on the couch and lazily nap while you watch Netflix, but if you’re in the mood for hiking and exploring nature – he’ll be up for that, too. He’s really well balanced and will make a great companion to an active owner or a person that’s not too big on daily hikes or long walks, but wants a buddy to motivate them to ramp up that step count.A smart cookie, Shiloh already knows sit, down, stay, and come, and since he’s very treat-motivated, he might learn a few more tricks to flaunt if you’re willing to bribe him with yummies. He’s also very well-behaved on the leash and loves going on walks. When it comes to potential four-legged siblings, Shiloh does well with dogs his size or larger but doesn’t get along with cats or small breed dogs – or any other small animal, for that matter. Shiloh needs a quiet, peaceful environment to thrive and feel at ease, so he’d do best in a home without any children in the family. If you’re interested in learning more about Shiloh or how you could be the one to adopt him, contact Saratoga County Animal Shelter for more information.

Ask the Animal Communicator: My Dog Is Always Hungry!

Dear Shannon, My dog, Maxie, is a seven-year-old Border Collie. She is a delightful companion – smart, sociable, and very gentle with our kids and their friends. There is just one problem. She is a bottomless pit. I swear she is never not hungry! We’ve had to dog-proof the refrigerator because Maxie figured out how to open it. We can’t store food in the bottom kitchen cupboards or the lower shelves of the pantry because Maxie will steal it and make such a mess. And when our family sits down for meals she paces and stares and whines and visits each of us, nudging us with her nose and paws and just generally being a pest. We don’t have people over that often, but when we do we have to confine Maxie to the bedroom to keep her away from the appetizers….and the guests. I’ve tried feeding Maxie more often (she gets a special kibble that her veterinarian recommends for her age and life stage) and we’ve tried using treat toys and slow feeders, but nothing works to take the edge off her hunger. Her vet says she is healthy and her latest labs look good. I don’t know what else to try.Can you talk to her?Polly, mom to Maxie, the all-you-can-eat dogShannon’s reply:Hi Polly,First things first – I want you to know I can personally relate to what you share. We have a dachshund who acts like we haven’t fed him in a week every time he eats….and every time we eat. Just so you know I get how irritating and frustrating your situation can feel!It sounds like you have an excellent canine veterinarian who is doing all the right things to make sure Maxie’s constant hunger doesn’t point to an underlying health imbalance. I think when you hear what Maxie had to share with me, her behavior will make more sense and generate some new ideas you can try.Maxie does come across as very intelligent, high energy and playful. She is a joyful being who loves her life and her family – you. But when I asked her about food, her energy turned chaotic. By that I mean – she showed me that she is clearly as frustrated by the situation as you are.I asked Maxie what her favorite food is, and she showed me a big plate piled high with all kinds of different colorful foods. The platter was steaming hot and had the most enticing aromas. It definitely looked a lot more like “people” food than dog kibble. This food had a lot of different tastes and textures and she showed me herself sitting around the table eating with you just like she was a person instead of a dog.When I showed her a mental picture of herself eating the kibble you described out of her dog bowl, her energy suddenly felt very subdued and sad. When I showed her a mental picture of the yummy platter again and her sitting at the table with you, her energy perked back up again.Next, I used some applied kinesiology to ask Maxie if she would benefit from more of a home-cooked diet rather than dog kibble and got a strong “yes.” Of course you should talk with your veterinarian to choose the best fresh food diet, whether raw, reconstituted fresh or something in between. Then I asked Maxie to tell me about her begging behaviors and she showed me an image of a whole group of dogs gathered together having fun. Then off to the side, away from the happy group, she showed me herself looking sad and lonely. The feeling that came with this image was one of being left out rather than hungry. Maxie comes across as a dog who loves to be the life of the party and chairperson of the guest greeting committee. She wants to have a part to play in your family – it almost feels like she is asking for a job to do and a way to participate. You may want to brainstorm some special “jobs” Maxie could do when you have parties and even when you are preparing daily meals. For example, if she knows how to open the frig, perhaps this could be a job she does for you to “help” you as you are getting dinner ready.Polly, I truly hope this information helps you to find some balance between mealtime harmony and meeting Maxie’s needs for meal variety and socialization. Please do keep in touch and let me know how it goes.From my heart,Shannon

Top 10 Best Gentle Horse Breeds

Those who are new to the world of horses, and looking to take their first steps as proud horse owners, will often have issues finding the right breed to start with. Some horses can be hot-tempered, full of energy, and difficult to handle – not good for first-time owners. The ideal horse should be hardy, calm, loyal, and gentle, embodying all the positive traits that every owner will learn to appreciate and cherish. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best gentle horse breeds that are fantastic for beginners in every way. If you are looking to lay a good foundation with your very first horse, one of these breeds is bound to be a perfect choice.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Rickey

This handsome boy is looking for his forever home – could you be the one to give him the happy ending he deserves? Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Rickey, a one year old Beagle and Chihuahua mix (a Cheagle, if you prefer), from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This ginger beauty is neutered, up to date on his shots, microchipped, and current on heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives. Rickey is housetrained, and does well with other dogs and older children, but hasn’t been tested around cats. Rickey’s TaleRickey was left at the shelter by his previous owner due to landlord troubles – but he’s more than ready to get his second chance with a family that will love and cherish him forever. He weighs only 13 pounds, so he’d be a great choice for an apartment dweller looking for a small pooch that is well-behaved and would do well in any setting – Rickey is house trained and crate trained, so he really is very well-mannered. A loving soul, he is eager to please and could learn so much more with a patient, committed owner that would like to teach him some new tricks – he’d be more than happy to show off his smarts! A friendly dog, Rickey gets along with other dogs and wouldn't mind a canine sibling in the family, even though he would do just as well as the only pet in the home. He does well with older, respectful children but hasn’t been tested around cats since coming into the rescue – if you have a feline and are considering adopting Rickey, it’s best to contact his rescuers for more information. If you want to be the one to show Rickey what real love means and pamper this adorable boy just like he deserves, contact Dogs As Family, Inc. to learn more about him and the adoption process.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Mocha

Looking for a bestie that will always be up to go to Starbucks with you? Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Mocha, a 5 year old Labradoodle from Atlanta, Georgia. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccines, and currently working on her housetraining. Mocha does well with other dogs and gets along with cats, but hasn’t been tested around children in her foster home.Mocha’s Tale This gorgeous gal is truly a joy to be around! She is very sweet and cuddly, and loves spending time with her humans – she’ll shower you with love and expect the same in return. Mocha is also very smart and eager to learn: she’s currently working on her potty manners and is doing great. She quickly caught on to follow the lead of other dogs in her foster home and knows you need to go outside to do your business. However, since she’s used to going outside in the yard, if you don’t have one, it might take a bit for her to readjust to go potty on a leash – just something to have in mind. A friendly, loving doggo, Mocha does well with other pets in her foster home. She’s good with cats and enjoys being with other dogs, although she’s not very playful with her canine siblings – it would be better if her new four-legged friends are as easy-going and laid back as she is. Mocha is afraid of thunderstorms and can be a bit anxious in general, so she needs an experienced adopter that has experience with mild dog anxiety and would be willing to help her cope in stressful situations.If you’ve fallen head over heels for Mocha and think you could give her a great life, contact Orphan Annie Rescue to learn more about her and the adoption process.

Ask the Animal Communicator: My Cat Is Always Hiding From My Friends

Dear Shannon, I have a beautiful Persian cat named Cheetah. I’m a pretty outgoing person and my last cat, Dodi, was a real people-lover. When people came over, he just loved to be loved and petted and adored. Cheetah is so different. As long as it is just me in the house, Cheetah is a cuddler and she loves to be with me. But the moment my friends or my boyfriend shows up, she heads straight to the top of her cat tree or under the bed and won’t come out until he is gone. This is really frustrating to me. I’m afraid she is unhappy and it is also awkward because my guests and my boyfriend thinks she doesn’t like them and that is why she hides. I’ve tried everything I can think of, including putting out her favorite cat treats, baiting her scratching post with catnip and even holding her on my lap when my boyfriend and I chill in front of the television. But the moment she can escape, she does and heads right back into the closet or into her cat hide again. What am I doing wrong? Help! Sereniti, mom to an antisocial catShannon’s reply:Hi Sereniti,It is always so interesting when this happens (although I get that right now “interesting” probably isn’t the word you’d choose). What you are experiencing with Cheetah is one very common reason pet parents reach out to someone like me, an animal communicator. But what the heck does that even mean – animal communicator? You can think of me like a translator with a particularly unique skillset. I have learned to speak the universal language of all species, an intuitive language that makes use of nonverbal, sensory, and emotional communication pathways.So that is how I am able to tune in with Cheetah to talk with her about this behavior pattern. What is going on? Why is she hiding out in her cat condo when you have company? Is there anything you can do to encourage her to be more interactive with your boyfriend? Let’s find out.The first thing Cheetah shares is that she is a highly sensitive being. If you are not familiar with the highly sensitive personality trait, or HSP, it impacts about 20 percent of any given species population. Not to go too much into the science behind it, but just to say that Cheetah has her emotional perception volume turned up to a “10” all the time. She feels deeply, whether she is feeling her own feelings and sensations or those of others who share her space. The second thing Cheetah shares is that she is also more of a solitary or introverted cat. While not all HSPs are also introverts, Cheetah happens to score high on both counts. This means she partakes of companionship more sparingly than most. Unlike your previous cat Dodi, who was a non-HSP and an extrovert who loved to socialize, Cheetah is happiest alone or with you only. The third thing Cheetah shares is something you may find challenging to hear. I have a deep knowing your boyfriend is not a cat person or a pet person for that matter. He would be happier if you did not have Cheetah. And I receive the sense that that is not the only aspect of your life that your boyfriend would like to control or change. Cheetah is telling me that she is sending you a message about your boyfriend – she doesn’t feel like he is the right match for you. The fourth thing Cheetah shares is that she is not willing or able to engage with your boyfriend in a way that feels healthy to her. But she is willing to engage a little bit more with your friends, and one in particular whom she really likes. This feels like another female and someone whom you see frequently. Her energy presents as yellow – sunny, bright and joyful, the creative energy of the solar plexus chakra – an independent woman after Cheetah’s own heart. So there is some promise there, providing one thing happens first. Cheetah says that before she will become willing to be a little more social, it is important for you to be able to accept her exactly as she is – introverted, highly sensitive, deeply intuitive about the inner character of the other beings in her life and willing and able to keep her own counsel about how best to behave. She feels it deeply that you wish her feline personality was more like Dodi’s and is inviting you to recognize that you were drawn to her and you chose her – a cat who is as unlike Dodi as possible – for a reason. And that reason is so that you can begin to tune in to your own deeper intuitive knowings and gifts. She is in your life to show you aspects of yourself that you and Cheetah share in common. Sereniti, I hope this information is helpful and supportive to you and Cheetah. She is a wise and sensitive cat who loves you very much. And she wants to thank you for giving her so much love and such a good home with you.From my heart,Shannon

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Scooter

This cutie pie is looking for some real special peeps to love him! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Scooter, a 4 years old Maltese mix from Sandston, Virginia. He is neutered, microchipped, up to date on his vaccines, and crate trained. Scooter needs to go to a home without any kids or other pets due to his resource guarding issues.Scooter’s TaleSweet, loving, and oh-so-cute, Scooter will be a perfect companion to a couple or a single looking for a four-legged companion to share their adventures with. He is affectionate, loves going on walks, and is quite smart to boot – he is already crate trained and behaves well on a leash. There’s no saying how much he could blossom and thrive with the right people by his side!However, Scooter needs an experienced adopter as he has issues with resource guarding – he guards his toys, food, and treats. He’d need people willing to work with him to overcome this issue, and might even need professional training to deal with it, which is something to consider before adopting this pretty boy. For this reason, it is recommended for Scooter to be the only pet in an adult-only home, even though he does get along great with other dogs – but can get feisty if they go near his food or toys. You might try to feed him separately from your dog to prevent this, but you’ll need to have previous experience with these types of situations. He doesn’t like cats, and young kids are a risk due to resource guarding, as he might nip and growl if a child tries to take his toys or treats.If you’ve fallen for this pretty little pooch and are willing to help him work through his behavior issues, contact Capital Area Rescue Effort (CARE) to learn a bit more about him and the adoption process.

Senior Cat Care Tips: The Basics

See the Veterinarian for Checkups and Advice When your cat was young, they didn’t have any problems getting around, and they probably impressed you with their ability to run fast, jump high, and land on their feet. But as your pet gets older, you might notice that they move more slowly or aren’t able to jump as well as they used to. It’s a good idea to have your pet checked by a vet regularly to be sure they aren’t in pain and don’t require any medical support to feel good. Also, consider talking to your vet about your pet’s dietary needs. They might recommend a high-moisture diet or advise switching to a different food that’s more appropriate for your kitty’s health and weight. Help Your Cat Get to Their Favorite ThingsOnce you know what your senior cat needs, it’s time to work on making everything easy to access. One thing you might not realize is that your senior kitty might have some trouble seeing, and this could be particularly hard for them at night when it’s dark. Plugging in a few nightlights may help your kitty get around with greater ease. Other things to consider adding to your home:Multiple bowls and litter boxesIn addition to making sure your cat has easy access to multiple food and water bowls, it’s worth getting extra litter boxes that you can set up in different areas of your home. That way, your cat won’t need to walk far to get to the box when they need to use it. And you might also find that switching to a different type of litter box, such as one that your cat can get into and out of more easily, is necessary too. Cozy places to restIf your cat is used to sleeping on your bed or couch but they’re having trouble jumping onto it lately, consider getting pet stairs or pet ramps to make it easier for them to still nap where they wish. And it’s a good idea to add more cat beds throughout the house, such as near a window that your kitty likes, so they can be warm and comfortable whenever they want to rest. You could even buy some orthopedic pet beds that provide extra support. Encourage Playtime and Snuggle TimeEven though a senior cat might sleep more than they used to, try to encourage them to stay active. Sure, your feline companion may not jump as high or have as much energy to play, but they may be excited to unleash their inner hunter. There are many types of toys, from those for interactive play to those for solo play, that can prevent boredom and entice your pet to get some exercise.Your senior companion might also want to spend more time with you, whether that means sitting next to you on the sofa or napping on your lap. Give your kitty the attention and affection they crave so they won’t feel lonely or stressed.Help Your Cat with GroomingSenior cats might not be able to groom themselves as well, especially when it comes to hard-to-reach areas like their back. Help them maintain a smooth and healthy coat by brushing them often. Remember, taking your senior kitty to the vet for checkups can help you stay on top of their health. Your vet can also answer questions to ensure you’re able to provide everything your pet needs in their golden years.

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