How To Keep Your Pet From Being Lost Or Stolen!

Photo by cliche

We've all heard the terrible stories of our pet pals being lost or stolen, or more likely - yipyipyip! - hit by a car or a coyote. Losing a pet is like losing another family member, and can be devastating.

Many pet owners don't think about the safety of their precious pups and kitties when they let them outside! All kinds of dangerous things can happen to them, from abduction to injury to death.

It would be best for pet if they never went outside unsupervised, but for most people that's not an option. So here's the rundown on how to keep you licking loved one outside, and out of danger!

To begin with, it's important to know why your pet may stray from your home.
Cats and dogs don't always "run away". It's true, we love to explore and sometimes this takes us around a new corner - but in general, we pets are very territorial. We defend our homes every way possible!

8 Reasons Why Pet Is Missing

1. Local animal control picked them up

2. Someone "rescued" your pet, thinking it needed help

3. Someone "adopted" your seemingly lost pet

4. Your cat crawled into a car and the car was driven away

5. (This one's really terrible) Someone abducted your pet to abuse them, or sell them

6. Your neighbor wanted to get rid of your pet

7. Your animal was hit by a car and injured or killed

8. Your pet was injured in a car/dog fight, or by a wild animal


Photo by hotash

How To Find Your Pet!

Any of the above realities can fill you with fear and sadness, but no matter what - if your pet is missing you have to act fast! We can travel even when we're injured, and chances are we could be hiding. If we're still alive, we probably need your help right away. FOllow the steps on this checklist, to make sure you are thorough in your search:

Petfinder Checklist

- Start with your own home. We may be inside, hanging out in the closet or sleeping under something. Shake our food dish around - if we're there, we'll come running.

- Check your yard, under patios and in the garage. Again, we could be hiding.

- Grab a photo of your pet, and take a ride around your neighborhood. Ask if anyone has seen your pet recently.

- Make flyers and put them up everywhere businesses will let you. Go door to door. And offer a reward!

- If you suspect we've been stolen, call law enforcement right away. Make sure you have photos of us from many angles, so they can recognize us by our specific markings.

- Call your local pet shelter or dog pound - use Petfinder or Shelter Finder online to find out the closest one to you. If there isn't one nearby, call local law enforcement.

- Visit your local vet. Someone may have brought your pet in for treatment! You never know, there are angels out there.

- Look online for lost cat or dog forums, to see if anyone in your area has any news.

And don't give up! I've heard amazing stories of dogs and cats showing up months after they've gone missing.

Photo by cefeida

How To Prevent Your Pet From Going Missing

Finally, the best way to handle our disappearance is to never have to handle it at all. Preventing us from being lost or stolen is remarkably easy. Aside from keeping us indoors at all times (and by the way, most officials I know say that cats should always be kept inside), a responsible pet caregiver will do these things:

3 Simple Steps To Avoid A Lost Pet

Neuter or spay your pet! We won't be tempted to stray for a roll in the hay. And by the way, HERE'S a few other reasons why you should do this!

Microchip! The smartest thing Dog gave Man, ever.

Safety Collar! Keep our id in plain view, so no one can ever suspect us of being a lost pet. And most people don't have a device to read our microchip.

Missing your best friend, your beloved baby, is among the most tortuous experiences humans can have. Make sure that you are the most responsible caregiver, by taking the steps to ensure our safety!

Love, Buster

Thinking Of Adopting A Pet? Everything You Should Know Before Heading To The Pet Store!

Photo by aydingrace

There's isn't much that brings out feelings of happy, fuzzy, warm love like a bundle of furry joy. Your new baby's arrival is one of the joys of life, and an experience that will never be matched!

But choosing the right pet for the right reasons isn't as simple as picking cat or dog. As a pet owner, you are responsible for another beings life - and hopefully, a long life! You need to know what kind of animal you're best suited to care for.

But first: it's important that you, dear human, know exactly why you want to take care of an animal, and what the best type of pet would be for you. Here's how to figure it out!

10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Adopting A Pet

1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?

The number one thing to ask yourself is WHY? Is this pet to replace one lost or passed away? Are you looking for companionship? Is the pet for your family or child? These questions will help you to figure out what kind of animal you can look after.

2. Are you ready to commit for (the animal's) life?

Your new furry family member will hopefully live up to 20 years of age. Chances are in that time you may move, create or grow a family, change jobs, etc. Can your pet handle the changes in your life, and be part of them?

3. Can you afford your pet?

Let's be more specific: vet bills, food, grooming, and even daycare and obedience classes can all add up. If you're wondering how much your pet can cost, check out the ASPCA's Pet Ownership Costs chart - it will tell you per year what you may pay.

4. Are you ready to take care of us in sickness and in health?

We get sick, we need you. End of story. Pet trouble can range from allergies to animal cancer, so it's important to make sure you can afford the cost and the time to take care of us.

5. Will you be able to spend quality time together?

Some pets are way more social than others (ie. puppies and kitties). Anxiety disorders and other issues are just as common in animals as in humans, and pets need affection and one-on-one time with you! We need you around, not out all day and night and away on trips. If your lifestyle doesn't keep you close to home, then we probably shouldn't be there, either.

6. Do you have the time and patience to train us?

It's so sad when pet owners turn their animals over to a shelter or someone new, just because they think we're "untrainable". Chances are, it's the owner and not the pet. We all need to know where to pee, eat, how to listen, and what to do and not do. If you don't have the time or patience, then we won't behave.

7. Are you ready to pet-proof?

Speaking of behavior, it's way easier for us new pets to keep the house clean if your house is pet-proofed. Much like proofing a house when baby starts crawling around, the same goes for us. Beautiful decor, expensive furniture, and toxic plants probably aren't suitable for us to be around. We don't want to see you choose between your pet and your pad!

8. Is your home a pet-friendly place?

Speaking of your pad, can you have a creature live with you? If you rent, are you allowed to have pets? If you don't have a yard, perhaps a dog is not a good idea. Learning what kind of environment your pet needs is key in choosing the right pet for you.

9. Is your family ready for a pet?

Pregnant with first child or kids still super little? Then you may want to wait until the children have grown enough to know how to treat an animal (check out this post, HERE). Some pets don't gel well with children, so this is important to know as well.

10. What kind of pet is right for you?

All of the above will help you to determine if you're really ready for a pet, and what kind. If you're ready to find out what kind of pet is best for you, then read on!

Photo by seasideshelly

Choosing The Right Pet

I've heard stories about people adopting their soul-pets, and stories about adoptions that weren't a great fit. Once you answer the questions above, you'll be in a much better place to be able to choose the best pet, breed, age etc. to fit your lifestyle. Here's a run-down on some of the top pet picks, and why:

Tha Dawg

Ah, human's best friend. We canine creatures loves you so much, it's hard not to love us back. We are so into becoming part of your pack, that most of us convince ourselves that we're actually one of you! We need you though, ALOT. We are extremely sensitive and needy, so forget about us if you're not interested in having a child. Seriously, cuz that's practically what we are.

On that note, little kids (ie. toddlers) don't mix well with dogs (or kitties) since they tend not to be so gentle. And we can react (bless us), as we are, after all, animals. You don't want our sharpness near your kid, for that reason.

For a complete guide on doggies, check out this post HERE.

The Kitty

Soft and cuddly, and they purr. Cats can sure be demanding, but they aren't as needy as your pet pal described above.

Cats are primarily nocturnal, so if you don't want to be woken up by a frisky feline you may not want a cat. They also tend to leave "love treats" lying around, like, on your pillow. Considered by them the highest of gifts, but also really high on your human gag factor. And they don't play around with you as much. But still, they do really well with the family. The little darlings.

The Fish

Well, they won't rub up against you or kiss you good-morning-good-afternoon-good-night-you're-just-good-good-good. And they're low maintenance (almost). But fish can be educational, pretty to look at, and boy does the bubbling of their tanks give good-night white noise.

Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Mice and Rats

Excepting the mice, these pets can be sort of affectionate and easy for kids to take care of. They do need daily exercise (IN their cages!) and must be secure in their cages. But they can make great first pets for kids!

Now, like cats they are also nocturnal, so if you don't mind hearing them running in their wheels or eating and scratching, great. If you have a kitty already and now one of these guys, expect to have some sleepless nights until you figure out how to keep the cage out of site and reach of your cat. Actually, in my opinion don't mix the two. Just saying.

Rabbits

Rabbits are surprisingly amazing pets. They can be litter trained, are affectionate, come when they are called, and can do tricks. But they do NOT make good pets for kids under 12. They can actually die from fear, and hate to be lifted off the ground.

That said, rabbits can live long and are great indoor pets.

A time machine isn't available yet, but this site could be the next best thing. To help you find out which pet is right for you, RightPet has detailed descriptions, ratings, and recommendations of thousands of dogs, cats, birds and fish.

If you're still having trouble figuring out what kind of pet to pick, you can just take a quiz: Take The Quiz. Or not.

Photo by sayheypatrick

How To Adopt A Pet

Finding your pet should take you some time, since you want to find one that you (and family) are compatible with. Once you know what type of pet you are looking for, you need to know where to find it!

Of course there's always the pet store, but I like to advise pet owners to adopt a baby or adult animal from a shelter. Not only will you help a pet in need, often you will find one already trained, neutered/spayed, and healthy.

Pet Finder is "the virtual home of 288,370 adoptable pets from 13,184 adoption groups" (from their website). If you're looking for a pet adoption shelter near you, you can check out this link .

Pet shelters like the ones operated by the American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) can help you pick a pet, too. Often times you can walk in and spend time bonding with different animals, and return again to revisit if you're just not sure. You can sign up to volunteer as a dogwalker, for example, and maybe fall in love on the job. Many pet shelters have animals hospitals attached, so that your pet will be known already to staff.

Of course you can always check community boards and classified ads for adoptions and litter announcements - even craigslist.org. But beware this sort of thing!

What Not To Pick

Now that you know what to pick and where to find your pet, it might be worth mentioning some "pets" that may not be suitable. All manner of exotic, strange, unique and dangerous pets can be obtained, but for a gazillion reasons I advise against them all. Here's a short list!

So there you are, people. A little guide to help you discover if indeed a pet is in your immediate future, how to choose the best one, and where to go find it.

Remember people: choosing a pet is for life. It is a life-long commitment. Be there for us, and we will love you and enhance your life for as long as we can.

Love, Buster

Happy Birthday, Pisces!

Here fishy, fishy, fish! Slithery pal, you are one fine catch. You`re, er, almost all the things I love in a friend: understanding, romantic, sensitive, and trustworthy. And I love daydreaming with you! You`re the one who loves to float, gazing at the clouds while letting those creative juices flow.

But when it comes to rolling with the pack, you tend to flit away - you can`t stand getting down and dirty! Cleanliness, according to you, is next to Dawginess, so Dog forbid you get a little grubby. You`re highly conscious of where your money current flows, too - so picking personal products that pull triple duty, like a soap/shampoo/insect repellent, pleases you pink (and keeps you silky clean).

And of course, dear water-lover, if I can suggest that you adopt one habit this year, it`s to only drink crystal clear water. No more sipping out of the toilet bowl! Oh no, a fresh, clean flow available 24/7 is exactly what you need.

Just keep swimming, pal.

Happy Birthday!

Love, Buster

Photo Credit: dinogen

The 5 Most Dangerous Legal Pets Ever

We pets are cuddly. Fuzzy. Loyal and cute. Well, most of the time.

But just because you love us doesn't mean we're safe to be around! Let's face it, our animal natures can make our behaviour unpredictable, and sometimes downright dangerous.



Throughout history, humans have kept animals for reasons beyond companionship. Men have kept rare, exotic creatures to demonstrate how worldly and rich they were; great beasts have roamed about castles, showing just how strong and virile their owners were.

Thinking about keeping an exotic, dangerous animal into your home? Chances are you can find, purchase and have it, er, snuggling up to you (probably with a cage between you) in no time. But you may end up housing an animal that can end up harming you or your child, or worse: cause grave injury and even death.



The 5 Most Dangerous Legal Pets, And Why!

Here is a list of pets that you shouldn't even think about owning:

Snakes - Some are deadly poisonous, and some are bone-crushingly strong. If you like living on the edge, then sleeping next to a python may thrill you to no end. You've heard the horror stories of the missing snake waking up its owner with a "hug"? Don't let that be you!

Worse, you may end up being poisoned by the jaws of your precious snake. For those of you who would think nothing about leaving your cage open, dropping prey into cages without protective tools (rather, your bare hands) and grabbing your snake whenever you feel like it, then power to you. You're the kind of crazy who probably french-kisses your dog while you drive, too.

Scorpions - For the yap of me I can't tell why anyone would want to "take care" of a scorpion! But some people keep them in cages at home. They are sold through stores and dealers who cater to humans who want to be "different" and "unique". I thought all humans were different and unique?! Well, I never.

These scary things are super strong: they can lift lids, squeeze through tiny openings and climb over obstacles. Not only are their stings painful and poisonous, they can be deadly. Save your love of this stinger for the rock band!

Monkeys - Some humans believe that they are descended from apes. So it makes sense that some of you humans think that living with a monkey would be the same as living with another human! So many people have trouble living with others, I have no idea what makes them think they could live with a monkey.

Monkey tricks aside, apes can also be extremely dangerous! First of all, they can share diseases with you humans, since the viruses are transferrable. And once they reach maturity, they can be very aggresive - and even small monkeys are really strong. Monkeys develop strong attachments to their caregivers, and can be territorial - attacking friends and other family members in a jealous rage is common. Add to that their strong canine (ahem) teeth, and you've got a dangerous, wild animal on your hands (if you didn't already know that).

Lions and Tigers and... - Seriously folks, this one is a no brainer. I'm already a little biased against kitties gaining entry into the home, but a 450+ lb. cat? With knive-like teeth and razor sharp claws? Take a tip from the famous Siegfried & Roy incident, when Roy Horn (one half of the training duo) was attacked by his tiger during a live show. The 600 lb., 7 year-old tiger had been raised from 6 months old to perform with the duo, and no one suspected he would ever attack anyone. Roy suffered a stroke directly after the attack, and needed 2 surgeries to recuperate.

Still, according to the Humane Society of the United States, "the number of captive tigers living in the United States is roughly the equivalent of all the tigers living in the wild. Between 5,000 and 7,000 captive tigers are estimated to live in the U.S., where less than 10% of them are kept in professionally run zoos and sanctuaries. " Translation: they're house pets. Yikes.



Dogs - Now, I love my brothers and sisters. But not all canines are created alike, and some of my sibligs just aren't family pet material! Many dawg breeds are trained as attack and guard animals for a reason. They strike mean and hard. Little children, other animals and even big humans can risk their lives if one of these pups go crazy!

Below is a list of dogs that have been described as having "man-stopping" capabilites, meaning an attack by any of these can be fatal:

Boxer
Chow-Chow
Dalmatians
Doberman Pinschers
German Shepherds
Husky
Pet Bulls
Rottweillers

Pet legislation varies from state to state. In some places, exotic animals must have permits, and in other places tough bylaws make sure that vicious dog owners pay steep insurance rates. Still, dangerous pets are available to the humans who want to keep them! If you are considering an exotic pet, here's a link to tell you how to find out if you can actually house one. In my opinion, this doesn't make it a good idea!

Dangerous animals are dangerous, no matter what. Stick with us domesticated dawgs and cats, and stay safe!

Love, Buster

Photo Credit: spiderdog

Photo Credit: claudiogennardi

Photo Credit: 2295820345

Photo Credit: dvids

Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?

Many, many, many humans have been dogging me with these questions lately: "Why is my pet pal chomping down in the garden?" and "my kitty took an extra long prowl through our lawn today, and - hey, what the heck that big green mess on my carpet?!". Shtuff like that. So I thought that today I would discuss a very common occurance: why pets eat grass.

Why Does My Pet Eat Grass
The answer is not, pardon the pun, clear cut. It seems as though some mammals can't digest grass, but one class of mammals can: the ruminants. These are grass-eating mammals that digest their food in two steps. First, the ruminant chews and swallows its food, then brings it back up into the mouth to re-chew before swallowing again. We refer to this second stage as "chewing the cud". Ruminants include cattle, goats, sheep, camels, alpacas, llamas, giraffes, American Bison (buffalo), European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, wildebeest and antelope.

Obviously we dogs and cats are not in this special class of mammals (although my next-door neighbor's cat can be a real cow sometimes). Still, you do find us from time to time out in the fields (or lawn, or grass patch) mowing away.

We Like The Taste
Some of us simply like the taste (I know some of you do too, as well as the smell). It's pretty darn yummy.

It Has Nutrients
Grass provides some pets with nutrients, which can be missing from commercially prepared pet food (remember this post? Dawg mark it, yaw'll!). We dogs tend to be able to use the nutrition in grass more than cats, but on the whole most commercially prepared pet food is mostly grain-based, with little to no nutrients. Make sure your pet food is mostly protein and vegetable based, with little or no grain products. We may still head for the hills, but it won't be to vomit up bad foods.

Which is another reason we eat grass.

Grass Induces Vomiting
When one of us has a little too much to eat, or something that doesn't agree with our tummies, we'll chow down on the green stuff. It really helps to bring up and out anything that is disturbing our digestive systems. Ain't we smart?

And kitties eat a ton of their own fur, so eating grass can help them hack it up better.

It Should Be Organic
If we're eating grass to get rid of poisons in our system, what's the point if the green stuff isn't "green"? Take another tip from another one of my posts: please don't treat your lawns and gardens with chemical pesticides. See, we love rolling around in that green stuff. We bury things in it. And to the point of this post: we eat it.

If you don't have a yard, you can actually buy specially grown grasses for pets to eat inside! Or try sprouting your own: I know of a great grass site HERE!

Know Your Greens! The Difference Between Grass And Toxic Plants
So there we go, the answer to your questions about furry friends and our love of grass. On a final note, I think it's a good idea to mention that not all green stuff is ok for us to put in our mouths! Grass aside, many house plants can actually be toxic for us. Here's a list of plants we pets (and kiddies, too!) should stay away from.

Heading out to graze, Buster

Photo Credit: pinksherbet

Congratulations Lisa H., You've Won Testimonial Of The Month!

YapYapYap! I've read the most incredible testimonials this month, but this one made me put my paw to my heart in gratitude. Thanks to some herbal-lovin', a kitty's life was saved! Congratulations Lisa the Naturalist, from Madison, Tennessee - you've won this month's testimonial of the month! Look for your prize in your email inbox! Here's what Lisa has to bark:

"My kitty was slowly starving to death.

My kitty is 15 yrs. old. About 5 years ago she started losing weight. She was diagnosed with feline hyperthyroid disorder. Her weight dropped from 9 lbs. to less than 5-1/2 lbs. with most of that loss in the past 2 years. The vet wanted to put her on thyroid medication that had horrible side effects, or cut out part of her thyroid, or give her radioactive iodine. At her age, all of those options scared me. I refused, and have been treating her with supplements. The weight loss slowed drastically but still did not stop.

The situation became critical during the holidays. Her bones were prominent, her appetite was gone, and she felt like a feather when I picked her up. She was starving to death right before my eyes, and I couldn't figure out what to do.

A few weeks ago I was searching again on the internet and I came across testimonials for Resthyro. What these people had to say sounded like hype and was just too good to be true, so I went on with my search. However, the more I looked the more references and testimonials I found for this product.

I finally decided that God must be trying to tell me something, so I ordered a bottle not really expecting much. I began giving her the drops on January 8. After only a few days her appetite improved. I waited 2 weeks and weighed her on January 24. You can't imagine my shock to find that she had gained 6.75 ounces. I just sat down and cried. I weighed her again on Jan. 30 and she has gained another 2 ounces. I believe that we have turned the corner, and that given time she will recover completely.

I can't thank you enough for providing this product. It is easy to use, has no side effects, but more importantly, it works fast. I would recommend this product to anyone who has a cat with hyperthyroid disorder. You have a customer for life. Thank you again for saving my kitty. "

Lisa and kitty, many more warm, healthy, best wishes to you! Keep us on the update!

Love, Buster

Each month I post one of your inspiring stories, so have your human send me one! Email them to me at

IIf I post it, you get treats. Who doesn't love that? Love ya, Buster

2010 Doggie Olympics - Everything You Need To Know About Best In Show!

It`s that time of year again, when we`re all watching some sort of sports. Well, my human is watching the 2010 Winter Olympics, while I watch the 134th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This year`s all around winner: a bitch named Sadie, the Scottish Terrier! I have to admit, she really was top dawg (sorry red-hair, I still love you!). The Proud Princess was crowed last night, and has begun making the various laps to promote her win. She`s already appeared on CBS`s The Morning Show, The View, and apparently was off to meet Donald Trump today. Ah, it`s a dog`s life after all, bitches!

Highlights!

In case you missed yesterday`s show, here`s a round up of highlights.



What stars, what class! These pooches are practically perfect! All that hard work really pays off.

Want To Become A Show Dawg?

Many of my pals want to know just what makes a show dog a show-off! The American Kennel Club has a great listing of info, for the new dawg and old, alike. Here`s the low down on how to get started (courtesy of the AKC):

The best place to start is by joining a local kennel club, whether an all-breed kennel club or a breed-specific specialty club. A listing of clubs by state can be found on The American Kennel Club Club Search page or through their customer service department by calling (919) 233-9767.

Local clubs will have information on training classes for the show ring, and for obedience and agility classes. It`s a great place to start the doggie/human relationship, and to practice with your other pooch pals. Handling your dog is an exceptional and enjoyable experience. From the grooming table to the show ring, you and your dog will develop a bond. While training classes offer the best hands-on way to practice for the show ring, attending shows and observing your breed is also a great way to gain understanding of what judges and other competitors do. If you do not wish to handle your dog yourself, or have a friend or family member do it, you may contact a professional handler who charges a fee for showing your dog.

Tips For The First-Time Exhibitor

• Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC.
• Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.
• Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting your dog in the ring.
• Join your breed Parent Club, or a Local Specialty and or All-Breed club in your area.
• Become familiar with the AKC rules and regulations for dog shows.
• Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and how others present your breed.
• Get a Judging Program at the show to find out ring number and judging time.
• Use the knowledge of your breeder.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Attend handling classes with your dog.

Tips For The First-Time Spectator

• If the grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and talk with professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog looking his best.
• However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.
• At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
• Wear comfortable shoes - you will be doing a lot of walking. Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually limited.
• If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and exhibitors - they are experts in their breeds
• If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not run over any dog tail, and that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows prohibit baby strollers.

Dog Show Terms

Angulation - Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.

Baiting - Using liver or some treat to get the dogès attention and have him look alert.

Bench Show - A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned benches when not being shown in competition, so they can be viewed and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.

Exhibitor - A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the appropriate class.

Fancier- A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.

Gait - The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of structure and condition.

Groom - To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dogès coat neat.

Handler - A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who works the dog at a field trial or other performance event.

Heel - A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.

Match Show - A usually informal dog show at which no championship points are awarded.

Miscellaneous Class - Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.

Pedigree - The written record of a dog's family tree of three or more generations.

Points - Credits earned toward a championship.

Soundness - Mental and physical well-being.

Stacking - Posing the dog's legs and body to create a pleasing picture.

And there you have it, yapalots! Think you have what it takes to be Best In Show? Go for it! I will be watching for you... And remember, winning is not everything. Sometimes you just have to laugh:

Love you like ham, Buster