Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Jai

Adoptable Dog of the Week-Jai

When you are as gorgeous as this little guy, you can get away with a lot! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Jai, a 5 years old Australian Shepherd from Dodson, Montana. This gorgeous dog is neutered, up to date on his shots, and housetrained. He would do best as an only pet in an adult-only home. Jai requires an adopter who has experience with shepherd breeds. Jai’s Tale Jai is one of those dogs that just don’t have much luck- he’s been waiting for the right people to come and adopt him for too long. And it’s not that there’s something wrong with Jai, it’s just that he needs a patient owner who would have experience with the intelligent shepherd breeds and know how to meet their needs. Jai is a sweet, goofy boy with a playful personality that will charm you from the get-go. He’s really a joy to be around! Unfortunately, Jai’s ruff start meant that he was very poorly socialized with his previous owners. He can be timid and shy in the beginning, and he is not a good choice for a family with kids or other pets in the household. If you already have a pet and would like to welcome Jai into your family, there could be wiggle room here- cats are a no-go for Jai, but a canine friend could be good- if they’re laid back and friendly. Ideally, his new family would help Jai blossom even more with the right training and socialization. He really has a lot of potential, he is housetrained and very smart, he just needs someone to help him shine. If you want to offer Jai his happily ever after, contact RezQ Dogs for more information about him and adoption process. Who knows- maybe this stunning pooch is the furry soulmate you’ve been waiting for!

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Asher

Are you looking for a high-energy dog that can keep up with your many exciting adventures and activities? If so, this boy may be the perfect new addition to your family! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Asher, a 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog patiently (or not so patiently) waiting in Studio City, CA, to find his forever home. Like many Cattle Dogs, Asher often displays herding behaviors. For this reason, he would be best suited to a home where he is the only dog, and there are no young children. He is neutered and up to date on his vaccinations. Asher’s Tale Asher was found wandering the streets as a stray. He had suffered an injury resulting in a neck wound that appeared to have been caused by a dog fight at some point in his attempt to survive on his own. Since being found, he was given the medical care and attention needed, and his wounds have fully healed. Like most Cattle Dogs, Asher has a lot of energy. He is a working dog and needs to go to a home where he will be given plenty of exercise daily. He would do best with an experienced adopter that knows how to train and handle a working dog. Asher thrives in situations where he is given a job or a task to focus on. For many working dogs, this could include trick or obedience training, agility, hiking (especially carrying a properly weighted pack), scent work, or long games of fetch. Working dogs also love the mental enrichment from puzzle toys and snuffle mats. There is nothing that Asher will love more than getting out and spending time at his owner’s side, enjoying that quality time whatever the task. When not working, Asher is a loving companion. He will happily relax next to you while you work and cuddle all night if his exercise needs are met. While he will bond closely with “his person” or people, cattle dogs are often wary of strangers. If Asher sounds like the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle, contact The Rescue Train for more information. 

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Nacho

If you lack some fun in your life, this goofy boy is more than ready to provide it! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Nacho, a 2 year old  Labrador Retriever from Salt Lake City, Utah. He is neutered, up to date on his vaccinations, house trained and crate trained. Nacho gets along well with other dogs, loves kids (but older children are a better fit), and hasn’t been tested around cats in his foster home.Nacho’s TaleNacho is like a big puppy trapped in the body of a 45-pound adult dog – he’ll gladly wiggle, jump around, and even nibble if given a chance. Of course, all of this just adds to his charm! He’s really just a silly, lovable boy that will thrive when given love and attention. Nacho adores people and will want to cuddle and snuggle whenever you get the chance – he’ll shower you with his slobbery smooches! In addition to being sweet and affectionate, Nacho is also quite smart. He is already house trained and crate trained, and walks well on a leash, too. He is the teacher’s pet in his obedience class and already has a few tricks up his sleeve, such as commands sit, watch me, and down. There’s no saying what more he could learn with the right people to guide him!While Nacho loves people the best, it’s not only humans he gets along with. He plays beautifully with his dog friend in the foster home and generally does well with other dogs, especially those that are playful like he is. He is good with children too, but as he’s big and plays a bit rough, it’s best if the kids in his new family are 9 years or older. He hasn’t had a chance to spend some time with a cat yet, so if you have a feline, a meet would be a must!If you’re interested in Nacho, contact the  Community Animal Welfare Society for more information. Fingers crossed!

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Sandy

Sweet, playful, and full of life, this striking gal is looking for someone to give her a forever home! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Sandy, an almost 2 years old Border Collie and Shepherd mix from Lincoln, Nebraska. She is spayed, up to date with her vaccinations, microchipped, given flea, tick, and heartworm preventative, as well as dewormed – she has a clean bill of health and is ready for adoption! Sandy is a friendly dog that would do best in a family that already has canine(s) in the home, but needs an adult-only home.Sandy’s TaleSandy came from a rural shelter in Oklahoma where she was in grave danger of being euthanized due to limited space at the shelter, but luckily, she was rescued and given a second chance at life. Despite her bad experiences, Sandy is a sweet loving gal – she is a bit shy when meeting new people though, and will need a while to warm up to you once she first meets you. After that, however, she shows her true colors and her beautiful, loving personality.While she might be a little unsure about humans at first, the same can’t be said about dogs – Sandy absolutely adores meeting other dogs and playing with them! She is great at taking behavioral cues from other canines and adapts quickly, so she’ll probably get along perfectly with most dogs – her rescuers would prefer it if she goes to a home that already has one or more dogs in their family. She is also very outdoorsy and spends most of her time outside, playing with her foster canine siblings and chasing squirrels, so her adopters would have to have a securely fenced-in yard where she could play and explore. Sandy needs a home without children in the family, and preferably a calm environment where she could relax and feel safe.If you want to adopt Sandy, contact Dolly's Legacy Animal Rescue for more information about her and the adoption process.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Blizzard

This adorable girl is waiting for her forever family to take her home! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Blizzard, a 2 year old  Siberian Husky mix from Pekin, Illinois. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccines, and knows some basic commands. Blizzard could do well with other dogs (but a prior meeting is a must), does well around cats, but hasn’t been yet tested with kids. Blizzard’s TaleIf you want a pooch that will always keep you on your toes, be a perfect companion for your active lifestyle, and be up for any adventure, you’re in luck! Blizzard is definitely your gal. She is full of energy, loves to run, and is a champion at zoomies – she really looks like a blizzard when she gets going. Naturally, this also means that she needs a family that can keep up with her needs and is able to provide her an outlet for all that energy. Ideally, her new home would have a securely fenced-in backyard where she could play and explore safely.Blizzard is also a very smart dog that’s treat motivated to boot, which means she does great with training – with a patient, determined owner by her side, she could learn so much more. She already walks very nicely on a leash, she will sit, lay down, and roll over for a treat, and there’s no saying what other fun and useful tricks she could learn yet. A sweet and loving dog that will shower you with love in return for your affection, Blizzard does well with cats but hasn’t been tested around children yet. She’d probably do well with dogs of her size and similar energy levels, but if you already have a pooch in the family, it’s best to contact her rescuers for more information.If you want Blizzard to be a part of your family, contact  T.A.P.S. No-Kill Animal Shelter to learn more about her.

Peanut Butter & Jam Frozen Mini Cups

As we gear up for those warm and sweaty months, it’s always a good idea to stock up on items that will help cool things down. That’s important. And it’s not just people who deserve these sweet, cooling treats. Your pups deserve them too! With summer racing towards and temperatures rising exponentially, the time has come to find ways for you and your dog to cool down. The good news is that beating the summer heat can be both fun and delicious. In fact, I have a little secret that I’ve used for years to keep me and my pooch cool and comfortable until September: my Peanut Butter & Jam Frozen Mini Cups! I miss my school-standard PB&J sandwiches… I’m pretty sure I ate one every day. There are few things in live more delicious than the special level of deliciousness that can only be reached when peanut butter meets jam! It’s not just humans that go ga-ga for that flavour combination either. Dogs love it too. My fur baby Oscar loves his frozen treats, and these ones are no different. He lights up and cools down every time I put one of these in front of his face. Plus, they look super cute and already come portion perfect. There’s really no downside to these frozen treats, which is why I can’t keep this recipe to myself any longer. It’s time for every dog to enjoy them! The Peanut Butter & Jam Frozen Mini Cups Recipe

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Tidbit

Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Tidbit – a happy little guy with so much love to give. Tidbit is an adult male Chihuahua mix from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. He’s already neutered, housetrained, up to date with shots, good with kids, good with dogs, and good with cats. Tidbit’s Story: A few weeks ago, I traveled to a shelter in West Virginia to pick up a few puppies that are being fostered by our rescue. When I arrived, I was greeted by a sweet little Chihuahua who had been stuck there for way too long looking for a family to adopt him. It broke my heart leaving him there, but I already had a full house and couldn’t take another dog. I promised him as soon as one of my fosters got adopted, I would be back for him. Yesterday, Tidbit got to come to PA. He got to play in the grass with my other dogs, cuddle up on the couch and actually sleep in a real house. In the one day that he has been here, he has shown us that he is even sweeter than I could have imagined. He is so happy, gets along with dogs and cats and is just an awesome little dog. He has so much love to give and deserves a family to spend the rest of his life with. If you want to meet Tidbit, please fill out an adoption application at 2nd Chance 4 Life Rescue.

What You Need To Know About Dog Seizures

As one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs, pet parents need to know the causes, symptoms and treatments of canine seizures. Nothing is worse for a pet parent than watching your dog go through a seizure without being able to stop it. Seizures can happen unexpectedly and for a variety of reasons, so how do you prepare for them? All pet parents should know the basics about dog seizures including their causes, what a seizure looks like, and what to do if your dog has one. Causes of Seizures in Dogs A one-time seizure might be caused by a variety of things, but recurring seizures are typically indicative of an medical problem. A seizure is most likely to occur when your dog’s level of brain activity changes – that is why seizures are most commonly seen when a dog gets excited or around the time that he falls asleep or wakes from sleeping. In between seizures, the dog may act completely normal. Related: Magnolia Paws For Compassion Raises Awareness For Seizure Detection Dogs Epilepsy is a seizure disorder characterized by repeated episodes of seizures. These seizures may occur singly or in succession and they might occur at regular intervals or they can be entirely unpredictable. Idiopathic epilepsy is an inherited condition in dogs, the cause of which is unknown. Other medical conditions which might induce seizures include kidney failure, liver disease, brain trauma or tumors, and poisoning. What Does a Seizure Look Like? Seizures can vary in duration and severity but every seizure consists of three parts: the pre-ictal phase, the ictal phase, and the post-ictal phase. During the pre-ictal phase your dog may exhibit signs of altered behavior – he might be nervous, shaking, restless, or drooling. This phase can last for as little as a few seconds or as long as a few hours. The ictal phase is the phase during which the seizure actually occurs and it may last anywhere between a few seconds and five minutes. Your dog will typically lose consciousness during a seizure but it is possible to have “absence” seizures characterized by a change in mental awareness (hallucinations). A grand mal seizure is characterized by a complete loss of consciousness during which all of the muscles of the body contract erratically. During a grand mal seizure your dog may fall over and peddle his legs – drooling, urination, and defecation may also occur. After the ictal phase, your dog will go into the post-ictal phase during which he will appear confused and disoriented; this phase varies in duration. Related: Study Finds High-Pitched Noises Set Off Seizures In Cats What to do if Your Dog Has a Seizure If your dog had a seizure before, you may recognize the pre-ictal signs leading up to an actual seizure. You can’t do anything to stop the seizure once it starts, but there are a few things you can do to help protect your dog from harming himself. Stay away from the dog’s mouth to avoid being bitten but, if it is safe to do so, move your dog away from furniture and surrounding objects. Do not put anything in your dog’s mouth – he will not bite his tongue. After the seizure, monitor your dog closely and reassure him with your voice and by petting him gently; if you remain calm it will help your dog to feel calm. If you can, record the duration of the seizure to report to your vet. Any seizure lasting longer than five minutes is considered extremely dangerous and you should seek emergency veterinary care for your dog for anticonvulsants to stop the seizure. Seizures, no matter what the cause, can vary greatly in severity, so talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog needs to be put on a treatment plan. In cases of canine epilepsy, anticonvulsant medications may help to prevent seizures. Once the medication is started, however, it must be given for life so make sure you are prepared to follow through with the treatment plan if your veterinarian recommends it.

7 Annoying People Peeves Your Dog Hates (But Can’t Tell You To Stop)

Humans have pet peeves; dogs have people peeves. You may not know it, but there are certain things you do that your dog can’t stand. Oh, if only dogs could talk. I bet they’d go on about all the things that humans do that they just can’t stand. But hey, we just can’t help ourselves! Even though dogs don’t speak human, there are a few things we know that they’d like us to stop doing. Here’s a list of their demands: I Will Love Him and Hug Him and Call Him George Sure, we’d like to believe that our dogs love getting scooped up in our arms as much as we love scooping them up. The reality, though? Most dogs would rather be loved in a more arms-off manner. Skip the hugs and give your pup a pat down instead. Related: Product Review: Neato XV Signature Pro Running the Monster Vacuum What the hell, humans?! Why do you insist on chasing that loud, scary monster around the living room carpet every few days? Truth: If our pets stopped shedding, we wouldn’t have to vacuum so much. Since that’s not going to happen, we have to run the monster, er, vacuum. Make it easier on your pup; give him a food-stuffed toy to work on in another room. Staring Them Down Continuous eye contact is a human thing. And it makes dogs uncomfortable. Teach your dog to look at you on cue, but don’t force her to sustain it. It’s creepy. Rushing a Walk Dogs sniff. Sniffing is their jam. By rushing a walk and not allowing them to sniff, we’re taking away what is arguably the best part of the walk for them. Break walks into two components: sniffing time and exercising time. Related: Walking Your Dog Helps Men Pick Up Women Blowing in Their Faces If your dog is into that, great! If not, and most aren’t, cut it out. If you’re doing it to be silly, find a less annoying behavior. If you’re doing it to get your pup’s attention, consider teaching a “look” cue instead. Sneezing Loudly This one is harder to control, but try to contain them when there’s a pooch in the vicinity. Loud sneezes startle even the steadiest dogs. Diminish the sound: Grab a tissue. Step out of the room. Sneeze into your elbow. You should be doing those things anyway. It’s just good manners. Talking in a Baby Voice We took a dog training class with a woman who insisted on talking in a squeaky, high-pitched baby voice, “Oh, good job Boo-Boo! Who’s a good Boo-Boo?” The other dogs would squirm, cry, lose focus and, in the case of one fearful German Shepherd, climb into his person’s laps. Dogs hear sounds much more acutely than we do, especially at higher pitches. Curb the baby talk, and you’ll probably notice your dog get a bit calmer (and a lot less strange looks from other humans in the room).

Pedal Pooches Ride Snug And Comfy In Hip Dog Bike Baskets

Bicycles can be built for two – just add on a dog bike basket and your pooch can tag along for the ride. We think these baskets offer your dog a safe and comfortable vantage point. Remember Miss Gulch from The Wizard of Oz? If you don’t remember the name, who can ever forget the image of the nasty neighbor to tornado poster-child Dorothy, pedaling off into infamy with poor Toto tucked into a picnic hamper on the back of her bike. (Of course we’ll now have that maniacal song playing in the back of our head all day long). You’ll also recall that the moment they were on the road, clever boy Toto was pretty quick to quietly exit that basket and make a bee-line back home to the farm. Related: Snazzy Jazzy Pet Rattan Pet Bike Basket Fast forward 75 years and our fur-kids are still the same clever little monkeys they were in Toto’s time. However, today’s carrier does a much better job at securing these furry little travelers all the while ensuring our two-wheeled rides look a damn sight smarter than Miss Gulch ever did. In fact, urban pet parents never had such a wide range of options when it comes to transporting their pooches for longer distances and in greater comfort. New carriers on the market include chin rests (should your pooch become bored with the scenery), soft liners, reflectors for safety as well as sun/rain visors (hey, no need for you both to get wet). Related: Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat Review

Why A Dog Nutritionist Is Much More Than A “Fido Foodie”

Do you know what goes into your dog’s dinner? It turns out that a balanced diet is more than just throwing a bunch of ingredients in a bowl. We talk to an expert about what it takes to be a dog nutritionist. Humans go to a nutritionist when they want to make sure they’re getting everything they need in terms of nutrition. To those of us who regard their dogs at part of the family, it makes sense that we would take the nutritional health of our pets just as seriously. However, most people don’t take their pooch to a dog nutritionist – that’s why most dog food manufacturers employ one in their facility. Take Petcurean. This Canadian-based pet food company has a solid reputation for quality noms, thanks in part to Jennifer Adolphe, MSc, PhD, RD (that’s (Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, Registered Dietitian, respectively), who happens to be Petcurean’s Senior Nutritionist. Because I was interested in learning more about what a dog nutritionist does and why they’re needed, I asked Jennifer a few probing (no, not that kind of probing, you perv!) questions about what she does and why she does it. PG: How did you become a Dog Nutritionist? Jennifer: I have been interested in nutrition since high school because I discovered early on the impact of nutrition on my personal health. I decided to study human nutrition for my undergraduate degree and Master of Science degrees. Shortly thereafter I realized that I wanted to combine my passion for nutrition with my love of animals and started a PhD program in companion animal nutrition at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. In total, I have had 11 years of post-secondary education specializing in nutrition. Prior to completing my PhD, I knew that I wanted to work in the private sector and I have now worked in the pet food industry for three years. Related: What You Need To Know About Dog Feeding Guidelines PG: How and why did you end up at Petcurean? Jennifer: I believe that it is very important to work for a company that is aligned with your own personal values. Prior to working at Petcurean, I had met some of the other employees and I was very impressed with their knowledge, dedication to pets, and their personal attributes. When the opportunity to work with Petcurean as the Senior Nutritionist became available, I knew that it would be a good fit. I highly value the organization’s integrity, transparency, and commitment to quality. PG: How do you determine what’s nutritionally best for a dog? Jennifer: Many decades of nutrition science has determined the nutrient requirements of dogs. This research is the basis for the nutrient requirements reported in the Official Publication of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the National Research Council’s report on the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, and the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). These nutrient profiles are the basis for formulating dog foods. Since there is no absolute nutrient requirement that meets the needs of all dogs, instead there is an optimal range, nutritionists can then adjust the nutrient content of a formulation for the life stage or physiological condition of the pets for which the food is created. It is important to remember that not all foods work for all dogs and that it can take some time to figure out which food is best for a particular animal. PG: What’s the most surprising thing you think that pet parents don’t know about their dog’s nutrition? Jennifer: There are a lot of intricacies to formulating pet food. You cannot just throw together a bunch of ingredients and hope that they meet the nutrient requirements of dogs. Dogs have unique nutrient requirements. Nutrition is a very complex science as it overlaps biochemistry, biology, chemistry, food science, and even sociology and psychology. When formulating a diet, many factors are taken into account, such as nutrient requirements, ingredient availability, costs versus benefits, animal health and food safety. Balancing all of these can be tricky but must be done to create the best foods possible for dogs. Related: An Inside Scoop On Running A Professional Dog Poop Scooping Business PG: Do you have any pets? If so, do they eat better than you because of your background? Jennifer: I have had pets all of my adult life. My first dog was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Quinci. She was an absolute sweetheart and a fantastic dog for a beginner pet parent. Next, I decided I wanted to get a dog that could be my running partner and fell in love with the Australian Shepherd breed. They’re definitely not a breed for everyone because of their high energy, strong will, and intelligence, but they suit my lifestyle really well. I currently have three Aussies: Roxi, 12 years old; Timber, 9 years old; and Chip who was a rescue of unknown background who we estimate to be 5 years old. I would say that because I am trained in both human and pet nutrition that we all eat quite well, though my dogs eat Petcurean foods so they might even eat slightly better than me! PG: Why would pet parents reach out or hire a dog nutritionist?

Beverly Hills Ban Means Pet Shops Can Only Sell Shelter Animals

Shelter dogs are the latest “in” trend in Beverly Hills, thanks to a new ban that only allows pet stores to sell rescue animals. When it comes to trend-setting, few of us would argue that LA-LA-Land’s hub for the rich and famous- Beverly Hills – probably leads the pack. Home to famed Rodeo Drive (described as the “epicenter of luxury, fashion and lifestyle”) and multi-million dollar abodes, one would assume that designer breeds toted in designer bags are the accessory of choice. Well hold on to your Pucci for this news blast: it seems that the Beverly Hills City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits pet stores from selling commercially bred animals. And it passed unanimously! Yes, the times they-are-a-changing and it was deemed that area pet stores may only offer cats, dogs, and rabbits that come from animal shelters and rescue groups. Effective next month, the import of animals from any other source (specifically puppy mills) has been outlawed. Okay, so let’s be honest. The ultra-rich don’t typically hit the local pet store to pick their furry little friends and the ordinance does not ban internet sales or sales directly from breeders – meaning there is a work-around for those who are determined to avoid the shelter dog approach. Additionally, massive protests several years back shut down the last pet store that was drawing “stock” from less than credible sources. So why the big woo-hoo? Because as any trend-setter knows, followers are key. And with Beverly Hills adding their name to a list of 80 other jurisdictions throughout North America, this type of initiative is going to make others sit up, take notice and want to be part of the “in” crowd. Best Friends Animal Society’s puppy mill specialist Elizabeth Oreck worked closely with council members in this instance. She confirms that the goal is not only to curb sales but by getting the initiative passed in such a high-profile city, get folks around the world thinking critically about where their furry family members are coming from and to do what’s necessary to ensure puppy mills do not thrive. For the first time in my life, the folks in Beverly Hills and I have something in common!

5 Smart Tips For Curing The Back-To-School Dog Blues

After a summer of fun frolicking with the kids, parting can be such sweet sorrow for your pooch. But Kevin Roberts, an elementary school teacher and dog dad, has a few ideas to keep your pup’s mind occupied until school lets out. It’s back to school time – woo hoo! For many parents, it’s the most wonderful time of the year (okay, for ALL parents). But for the family dog, heading back to class can be stressful. The end of summer can spell the end of the good times – trips to the beach, constant play dates, lazy days on the deck, Frisbee in the park. Hey, they don’t call them the “dog days of summer” for nothing! When the days start to shorten and back-to-school sales are rampant, it’s a sign of the return to regular activities for the family. This often means that the dog is going to be home alone, and after the summer he just had, he’s not going to be happy. Here is my list on how to beat the Back-to-School Dog Blues: Get back into a routine now: Get your dog used to being home along again by starting small. Plan on running an errand or engaging in a non-dog activity at the same time the family would usually leave on a school day. Gradually increase the length your dog is home alone. Avoid making a big fuss when you come or go – you want to show him that leaving is okay and you will be coming back. If your dog shows signs of anxiety when you leave him alone, contact a dog behaviorist right away. Separation anxiety is more easily treated when caught early. Related: Back To Dog School Classes Ensure Your Pooch Is The Teacher’s Pet All About Exercise: A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is going to be sleeping all day when you are gone, rather than eating your couch. Whether you take your dog out before work, or after, or hire a dog walker during the day, dogs are on their best behavior after exercise. Skip the dog park as your dog’s main source of exercise. Going for a walk or jog will not only increase the bond you share, but will help to meet your dog’s movement needs without over stimulating him. Regular Feedings: What goes in must come out. Ensure your dog is fed with enough time to be able to go to the bathroom before he’s left alone. Holding it is not only uncomfortable but it’s also unfair. Feed your dog at the same time each day, as dogs thrive on routine… especially if that routine is about food! If summer meant lazy days and sleeping in, it’s time to get your dog back on his regular meal schedule. Related: Top 10 Pawsome Back-To-School Supplies Quality Time: Once the family is back at school and work, life can get busy. Be sure to set aside some quality time each day with your dog. A walk to the park or playing ball in the yard can be fun for the whole family. Spend time training your dog to do some new tricks, which will help keep his mind sharp. And quality time will reassure your dog that he is still loved and part of the family. Consider Another Dog: If your dog was home all day with a doggy buddy, he’d still miss you, but he wouldn’t be alone. Shelters are full of dogs and cats looking for a forever home. The fact that you already have a dog, who is trained and used to a routine, will make adding a second dog to the pack much easier.

Top 10 Quiet Dog Breeds

SHHHHHH! Be very, very quiet. You don’t have to worry about these quiet dog breeds making a ruckus. If fact, we’d be surprised if your heard a peep (much less a bark) out of them.

Stop, Drop & Learn: Kasey Program’s Dogs Teach Kids About Fire Safet

Firefighter Jeff Owens doesn’t let a little thing like retirement slow him down. With the Kasey Program, Owens and his pack of black Labs tour schools to teach kids about fire safety. We all know that kids learn by example, but how cool is it when the example being set is by a big old black lab dog? While we’ve always known this gentle breed is a pretty quick study when it comes to learning the service dogs ropes, I never thought this furry student would do so well when it came time for him to be the teacher. Apparently retired Indiana firefighter Jeff Owens sure did and he started the Kasey Program 20 years ago using his own black labs to teach schools kids about fire safety. The original Kasey has since passed, but bringing up the rear are look-alike stand-ins KD (the senior of the pack), 4-year-old Kohl, and 14-week-old Kali – who will replace the soon-to-retire KD. Related: Show And Tell: Pets In The Classroom Get An A+

Top 10 Best Virtual Vets: Veterinary Telemedicine For Your Pets

While a global pandemic may have made the need for virtual vet visits much greater, online health care for pets has been a growing industry for a while. With convenient times, options and pricing, telemedicine for pets makes a lot of sense. We’ve scoped out the best veterinary telemedicine services around. What Is Veterinary Telemedicine? Veterinary Telemedicine is very similar to human telemedicine/telehealth appointments in a lot of respects. Obviously, if your pet is in need of in-person veterinary care for whatever reason, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian and schedule that appointment. But sometimes, the anxiety of the vet can be overwhelming for a pet, particularly if it’s essentially something that can be talked about or is a fairly easy-to-identify issue. Veterinary telemedicine allows you to speak to either a veterinary technician or a licensed veterinarian over video, voice or text and that peace of mind can be priceless. Sometimes, what you think may be a major issue is minor and a quick talk with a licensed professional (without having to go into the office with your pet) can make a huge difference for you both. Do Veterinarians Actually Diagnose And Prescribe Online? The answer to that is “Yes, they do, ” and, “No, they don’t.” True telemedicine will be able to offer (some) diagnosis and prescription services, but typically requires a vet client-patient relationship (VCPR) according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. What that means is that a vet must have seen your pet in person first, typically within a year, in order to do phone/video diagnosis or prescribing of medicine. More and more online practices are encouraging their patients to participate–having them come in for that initial meet-and-greet and look over so that should emergency pop up, they’re able to schedule a telemedicine appointment with you at your convenience. Telehealth services for your pet also include what is typically called Teletriage and generally speaking, that’s what most pet parents are lookng for when they feel like their dog’s poo looks a little off or their kitty seems to be eating less and hiding more than usual. Pet parents want to be able to get in touch with a professional with ease and when they need to. That’s where Teletriage comes in handy. Most of the time, pet parents really just need triage, general advice, guidance and support from their veterinarian and vet techs, and that’s just what most veterinary telemedicine services will offer exactly when they need it. Experience speaking here, but we find that’s often at 1:00 am after Fifi has lost her cookies twice that night and your vet’s office is obviously closed. Why Choose Veterinary Telemedicine? In a nutshell? Veterinary telemedicine is a great option for the same reasons that many telehealth for human appointments are. They are typically offered on super-convenient schedules for you, which makes them easily accessible for most. They’re an affordable way for your pet to ‘see’ a vet at almost anytime of the day or night, and can often preempt an otherwise super expensive trip to the local emergency animal hospital just to find out a teaspoon of salt may have been all your dog needed to barf up that sinus infection antibiotic of yours they scarfed off the counter. True story, and for the record, our vet said that the medicine wouldn’t hurt our dog, but it sure was nice to just be able to do a quick telehealth chat with our vet to find that out. And most of all, though virtual vet vists can obviously replace the need to see the vet in-person sometimes, the peace of mind you can get about your pet’s well-being from the comfort of your own (and their) home is priceless. It can mean the difference between that expensive emergency hospital run or just waiting until the morning when your vet is in the office and can see your pet in-person (if needed) and is often much less stress on your pet too. The Best Veterinary Telemedicine Services 1. Vetster

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

Cavamalt

Cavamalt Basics Petite, pretty, with a fabulous personality to boot- that’s the Cavamalt for you! This fairly recent designer dog breed was developed by crossing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Maltese. This hybrid is also known as Cav-A-Malt and Maltalier. In addition to their adorable looks and small size, these toy dogs are popular for their easy-going, friendly attitude. The Cavamalt won’t need much exercise and will feel at home in a cozy apartment in a big city. Sweet-tempered and affectionate, this hybrid is a natural-born charmer, so it’s no wonder that is popularity is rapidly growing. Due to the unique combination of traits that this breed owes its purebred parents, the Cavamalt is a perfect pet for seniors, singles, or families with older children. These dogs won’t ask much but will offer a lot of love and joy in return! The Cavamalt is a friendly, good-natured dog that needs very little exercise. Origin Not that long ago, mixed breed dogs were referred to as mutts, but now they’re flaunting the title of designer dogs. What changed? Well, a mix of two purebred dogs was usually a product of an “accident”, but with designer dogs, the crossbreeding is intentional. People are creating mixed breed dogs in an effort to create a new separate breed, with (hopefully) improved and new traits and appearance. As this is still a practice in development, a lot about designer dogs and their origin remains a mystery. Same goes for the petite Cavamalt. There is no verified information about the breed’s creation, but it’s safe to assume that the first litter of Cavalier and Maltese mix puppies was born in the US, sometime in the last twenty years. Luckily, both of the parents have long histories as treasured pets- which speaks volumes about their designer dog offspring. Pedigree

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