Paws In The Air, Bitches!

My pack and I have a friend, Friska*, aka Tiny Trouble. As her name suggests, she is one crazy kitty. There's not one place she won't pounce to keep herself amused. Annoying, yes - cute, super. And so, we her loyal friends put up with her monkey business (I've got the swat marks to prove it). She's a kitten with 10 lives, and unless her human gives her a momentary time out there's nothing stopping her. But in other parts of our great country, Miss Mischief would be clawing metal and chowing Meow Mix for 20 - her shenanigans would have her put away! Or at least her human fined big bucks. In other words, she'd be treatless for life.

In keeping with my vow to advise and protect my fellow beasts, I have collected the most outrageous pet laws in our very own land for your pet-i-fication. Take note:

In Ohio, it is against state law to get a fish drunk (even though some humans drink like one).

In Boulder, Colorado, it is illegal to "own" a pet - the town's citizens, legally speaking, are merely "pet minders". I had to include this one, yip-yip-hooray!

In Kingsville, Texas, it's illegal for two pigs to have sex in the city's airport. Obviously.

In Norfolk, Virginia, it's illegal for hens to lay eggs before 8 am and after 4 pm. We all need to sleep.

In New Jersey, ducks aren't allowed to quack after 10 pm. Quackers in bed = crumby, we all know that. No fun!

In Quitman, Georgia, it's against the law for a chicken to cross any road within the city limits... but presumably it's ok outside the city limits. But only to get to the other side.

In McDonald, Ohio, farmers can't walk a goose down a city street. And poultry, particularly roosters, are not allowed to go into bakeries in Massachusetts. No one wants to see all their eggs in one basket - I approve.

In Kansas, it's illegal for chicken thieves to work during daylight hours. They would get caught, hell-ooooo!

In Pennsylvania, it's illegal to shoot bullfrogs on a Sunday. Dog's day, people. No work please.

In Vermont, you can be fined if your pig runs in a public park without the permission of a selectman. Otherwise it's a performance, and pigs are only licensed for one thing: bacon. Well, maybe also ham.

French Lick Springs, Indiana, passed a law requiring all black cats to wear bells on Friday the 13th. Blame the French.

Madison, Wisconsin, will not allow joint custody of a family pet when a couple gets divorced. I have nothing on this one.

In Texas, it's illegal to put graffiti on someone else's cow. But you can decorate your own until they all come home - of course.

Horses may not wear cowbells inside the city limits of Tahoe City, California.

In Washington, every cow wandering the streets of Seattle must wear a cowbell. They trade places often with their Californian cousins, and no one is the wiser.

In Burns, Oregon, horses are allowed in the town's pubs and bars, if they pay an admission fee. See: you can lead a horse to the watering hole, but you can't make him drink. Or something like that.

You can't blow your nose in public places in Leahy, Washington, because it might scare a horse and cause it to panic. Which leads them to drink.

So, I understand that sometimes we just can't repress our animal instincts, but if you find yourselves wanting to do THESE things in THESE places, keep it on the downlow. Dig?

Love your pal, Buster

*The name in this story has been changed to protect her true pet identity.

Win A $250.00 Gift Certificate From PetWellbeing!

Hey my little furry (and sometimes hairless) friends, it's contest time again! Many of us have been seriously helped by PetWellbeing's amazing products - and your humans are the ones we should thank! And what do humans love just as much as us? Winning something.

Want to help your humans - and in your case kitties, your staff - win a heap of fabulous prizes? Of course you do (in other words: more treats for you!). Get them to send us a testimonial that tells how a PetWellbeing product has changed your life, and your human will automatically be entered into a draw!

First Prize
$250.00 online gift certificate and a dog/cat drinking fountain (no more excuses for that white bowl, pals!)

Second Prize
1 of 2 $125.00 online gift certificate and a dog/cat collar (bling!)

Third Prizes
1 of 2 replacement bottles of your favourite product
1 of 2 cat food
1 of 2 dog food
1 of 1 cat fountain
1 of 1 dog fountain

All they need to do is send in the following information:

- Their human name
- Your name and age (in human years please)
- Your city or town
- The testimonial: what product they gave to you, why, and how it worked for you
- Would they recommend it to a friend?
- Tell us what their favorite local newspaper is
- Tell us their trusted source for pet information ex. blogs, magazines, websites - and their sites/names

They can send their testimonial to violet@petwellbeing.com by December 11.

Don't miss this chance to help your human spoil YOU - their beloved pet this holiday season! I'll do a bark-out for the winner December 15th on my blog and in our holiday newsletter, so be sure to have them join our feed if they haven't already! Winner will be contacted by email/phone prior to announcement, so make sure you include your proper contact information!

Not to disappoint, but it won't be me calling. I'm not allowed to dial.

Good luck!

Your pal, Buster

Legal Dawg-ument stuff: Contest closes December 11/09. Registered members will automatically be eligible for the contest/draw after emailing required information to PetWellbeing courtesy of violet@petwellbeing.com. Entries generated by a script, macro, robotic or other automated means will be disqualified. Duplicated registrations will also be disqualified too. Prizes will be - First Prize $250.00 online gift certificate and a dog/cat drinking fountain - Second Prize 1 of 2 $125.00 online gift certificate and a dog/cat collar - Third Prize 1 of 2 replacement bottles of your favourite product, 1 of 2 cat food, 1 of 2 dog food, 1 of 1 cat fountain, 1 of 1 dog fountain. The contest/draw winners will be selected randomly, and must not have been awarded any other prizes by PetWellbeing during the contest/draw. Winners will be notified by PetWellbeing by email/phone within one week after the contest closed. Winners will receive their prizes within one month after the contest has closed. PetWellbeing reserves the right to make any changes to the contest/draw rules at any time without prior notification, and reserves the right to replace any prize with another of up to equivalent value without notice. PetWellbeing also reserves the right to disqualify any members/entries without having to enter into any correspondence on their decisions. PetWellbeing reserves the right to, in their discretion, cancel, vary or suspend the contest/draw should technical errors or other causes beyond Pet Wellbeing's control affect the administration, security or proper operation of the contest/draw. PetWellbeing is not required to enter into any correspondence regarding the administration of the contest/draw, and its decision on any matter is final. Should you have any questions regarding this contest/draw, please send your inquiry via violet@petwellbeing.com Information collected through the contest/draw by PetWellbeing can and may be used for purposes of marketing and advertising, printed or online. All names and contact information collected will remain strictly confidential and will only be used if/when PetWellbeing needs to contact registrant. All names and contact information collected will be changed in the event that information collected is used for marketing and advertising, printed or online. Registrants agree upon entrance of draw by email that they agree with and will comply with the rules/regulations of the contest/draw.

Photo Credit: kimrose...

Introducing Pet and New Baby

How I Coped With The New Addition (Not Well, Apparently, But Boy Is My Human Smart)! I love human babies. I love the way they smell, I love the way they laugh, I love the way they eat (it's everywhere, I get to lick it off) - and when they start solids, oh my Dog. Do I feel lucky.
I can say this now, since my favorite little human is a fine, strapping young man who was once a foreign blob - we've had time to learn how to appreciate each other. But pre-kid, I knew nothing. And that not knowing almost ran me - and my human Sage - up the wall.

Sage and I were the best twosome on the planet. She brought me home as a puppy and fostered my intense border collie nature, giving me beyond enough stimulation to temper my stalking needs. I never even tried to manipulate her with my wily collie ways - she had me at "that'll do". I grew, and our routine together remained a blissful combo of noshing, fetching, walking, gallivanting, and grooming. Mine was definitely a dog's life.

And then one day, Sage had a new pet. It was a strange one, one that I was not familiar with - it was attached to her belly. "What IS that?" I thought, before I yipped. And yipped, and yipped, and yipped.

It appeared as though she liked petting it more than me, too.

The more it grew, the less time she seemed to spend with me. Where we once had adventures together through the woods around our house, I was now relegated more often to the back yard to the tune of foreboding words like "tugging" and "pulling". Being the boundless creature of energy that I am, I took the opportunity to carve a perfect circle into the earth with my paws; possessing a rather creative flair I imagined decorating it with bones or socks.

I became curiously obsessed with daily happenings, and the need to continually broadcast, "The curtain is moving! The curtain is moving! The curtain is moving" or "The cat is near! The cat is near! The cat is near!".

I got hoarse.

Don't get me wrong, my human Sage spent lots of time petting, brushing and loving me, but things just weren't the same. And I felt it.

I couldn't take it anymore. One day I finally totally regressed into my terrible-twos - major chewing, major destruction. Temper Tantrum Central - Dawg, I took the ride to Bad Pup Town! I was out of control. It was when Sage arrived home that afternoon to find me cramming my chops with pillow stuffing, that I think we both knew things had to change. I hung my tail in shame - she popped a hit of Matricalm for Dogs into my mouth. I tasted, I swallowed. I gave her my "My Dog, you're right! I never would've thought of that!" face. And then I napped.

When I woke, I felt at peace. Sage was not around, and in her place was her sister who began to leave strange, sweet smelling things around the house. Normally a new blanket or sock would be "paws off" territory, but this time around it was all free game. I mean she practically threw the newbie stuff at me! I investigated, I licked, I rolled, I circled. I slept with my new pack. I was happy.

And then, Sage came back with a new bundle that smelled EXACTLY like my herd. Was I glad to see her! And if I may woof, relatively calm. I knew what to do. Sitting obediently by her side, I waited patiently until she gave the signal to approach for pet. I obeyed, I reaped the caressing reward. And when I finally got to meet the new addition, it was puppy love all over again. I just knew everything was going to be ok.

For many families the arrival of a new baby can be an exciting, but challenging time. So many of my cat and dog pals have spent one too many nights in the dog house, only because they didn't know how to manage the feelings that came with the changes. Sage and I both swear by Matricalm, which helped bring me back to dog, and a collection of tips our friends at the Humane Society put together. Check them out here:

www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/introducing_your_pet_and_new_baby.html

Will I ever lose my cool in the face of change again? I don't think so, baby.

And now I hope, neither will you.

Your pal, Buster

Happy Birthday Scorpio!

A little obsessive compulsiveness never hurt anyone: i.e. I am obsessed with my new doggie Kong (paws down the best chew toy ever), i.e. my feline friend Sheba compulsively hunts for critters on her owners' farm (she loves it, they love it, love all around)...

We furry family members are simple and instinctive.

Big breath, read fast: you, Scorpio, tend to find yourself clawing at anything softer than cement or spinning at 75 mph while yapping unstoppably, and this, well, this kind of compulsive/obsessive behavior is, really, not your best side - even though it is rather passionate and exciting (2 qualities from your better side).

And while you're at it, you tend to bury your feelings like a bone, causing you to withdraw and isolate. Talk about a moody creature!

Don't stress, you intense thing you - for this birthday give yourself, and your owner (and the furniture) a break with Lesstress for Cat or Dog. It's the perfect treatment for both hyperactive/hypermoody Stressor and Stressee! Chill out dear Scorp, and let your powerful magnetism shine through - you'll be sitting in your fave human's luxurious lap just in time to enjoy your special day.

Your pal, Buster

Video: What is Kennel Cough?

Any dog can contract Kennel Cough and this video explains exactly what it is, what it sounds like and how to help your dog.

How To Keep Your Pet Safe On Halloween

Ah the fall season is upon us once more. The chill in the air, the leaves turning orange and brown, the gardens bounty has been harvested, the goblins are knocking at the door… Wait a minute…GOBLINS? Oh that's right, it's Halloween again!

Being that it is Halloween, you will probably want to show your cat or dog off to the world so that they too can see how much of a little devil or angel they can really be. However you need to keep in mind that your pet may not be as receptive to the idea. The ASPCA makes the following recommendations when choosing a costume for your pet:

* Make sure you go slow and reward your pet so that they are comfortable with the idea of wearing something.

* Examine the costume and remove anything that could be chewed off or be a choking hazard.

* Check the fit of the costume so that there are no restrictions to movement, sight or hearing.

* A loose costume may get them caught on something causing them injury.

* If for any reason your animal companion is not comfortable with the idea, consider a festive bandanna or collar.

* Masks are nice for people, but a dog may have issues with them blocking peripheral vision. Enlarge eye holes if possible for added security, as sometimes even a secure dog may get snippy when frightened.

* No matter how your pet's collar looks with their costume keep it on them and make sure your pet's info is up to date.

Other Things To Consider

Is your pet scared of big hats or masks on you or other people? Our beloved canine family members see us all the time and associate what we look like on a regular basis as the 'norm'. So here we have a holiday where we dress up in bizarre clothing, big hairdos, masks, fake weapons, and strange hats and masks, and our pets may become frightened or aggressive towards these objects thinking that they are harming us. Introduce these objects slowly, lay them out, let them sniff them, see you hold them and remember to offer reassurance that the objects are ok and not going to harm you or them.

If you are having an indoor party for Halloween, make sure you take extra precautions for your pet's safety. Keep all people treats out of reach of drooling mouths, and remind house guests that feeding them is not allowed. Keep in mind that your pets may have problems with the noise of the party, strange costumes on your guests and the constant knocking on the door from the neighborhood goblins. You may consider showing off your dressed pets for a little while before settling them down for the night in a separate room with food, treats, water and other entertainment until the night's festivities are over. If you decide to keep them out, make sure all decorative candles and Jack-O-Lanterns are out of reach from inquisitive cat noses and wagging dog tails. Another thing to keep an eye on is escaping pets when the door opens, they may just want to go trick or treating on their own.

Outdoors on Halloween is truly a frightful time for your pets. Strangely dressed people walking around and intruding on the property to trick or treat are a minor concern compared to the untold thousands of pets injured by maliciously intent youths and other human predators. Across the U.S. there has been many horrific tales of peoples' pets being harassed, injured, stolen, tortured and even murdered on Halloween. Even pet shops and rescue shelters are aware of the brutality of some people and refuse to sell or adopt out black cats around Halloween. This is due to several so called sacrifices or rituals and other brutal things done to them in the name of 'wannabe' Satanists and Witches. There are even stories of youth who are on a sugar buzz going around setting dogs ablaze in their owner's backyards just for 'fun'.

And of course there is the candy. While yes we humans love the foil wrapped chocolaty treats on this eerie holiday they are fatal to our lovable pets. No matter how much they whine, beg or do playful tricks, never give a dog chocolate. Chocolate contains Theobromine and as little as 50 grams of chocolate can poison a dog; and remember that an once of bakers chocolate contains 450mg of Theobromine! The wrappers are another safety concern as well, as they may eat them causing a blockage and require expensive medical procedures to remove. There are several homemade treats available that you can either buy or make yourself for your favorite animal this spooky holiday Halloween.

Photo Credit: Beau B

National Cat Day

Thursday, 29 October, 2009, is National Cat Day.

It is a national holiday designed to celebrate cats for all of their unconditional love and loyalty that they give to us. It is also a day to accept new cats and kittens into our lives through fostering and adoption.

Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist, Colleen Paige, founded National Cat Day in an effort to help educate the public on the vast numbers of cats sitting in animal shelters across the US waiting for a forever home.

Ms. Paige also hoped to encourage owners of cats to celebrate the cat or cats in their life for the companionship that they provide.

The Animal Miracle Network

The objective of the National Cat Day is to assist in at least 10,000 adoptions of shelter cats throughout the USA on 29 October. National Cat Day is one of the multiple national holiday events dedicated to dogs, cats, horses and other animals and pets, which have been established by The Animal Miracle Network.

The Animal Miracle Network is a network that aims to connect animal rescue organizations, animal shelters, and animal related businesses with like minded animal lovers who care deeply about helping homeless animals to find new, forever homes through their direct involvement in national holiday events.

These national holiday events allow animal lovers the opportunity to honor their dearly loved pets with a special holiday dedicated solely to them and to the unconditional way in which they bestow their love upon their human caretakers.

These national animal holidays also allow animal shelters and rescue organizations with an opportunity to raise awareness of the many cats and kittens currently residing in the shelters and in foster care arrangements.

The Animal Miracle Network's main ambition is to assist in finding homes for all of America's homeless animals. They also approve of the disabling of puppy mills and are against Breed Specific Legislation. Pet shops that sell animals and other businesses that deal in animal fur products are not allowed to vend at any of the national events that are sponsored by The Animal Miracle Network. They are also big advocates for spaying and neutering of cats and dogs.

This year's National Cat Day will be the first year that The Animal Miracle Network will endeavor to track the total number of cats adopted from animal shelters and rescue organizations throughout the USA. Whilst this is a first for the cats, the National Dog Day event in previous years has surpassed their yearly goals for dogs that are adopted by more than 12,000 dogs.

The founder of the National Cat Day, Colleen Paige, explains, "We put a lot of manpower into communicating with our affiliate event promoters and shelters around the country that signed up to participate. We'll only take credit for the numbers we directly receive from our adoption sources."

National Statistics

The Animal Miracle Network has estimated that there are about 4 million cats that arrive at various animal shelters and rescue organizations in the US each year. The majority of these cats are taken in because they lack the proper identification to locate their missing owners. The rest are handed over by their owners because they are not as appreciated as dogs are.

Sadly, approximately 1 to 2 million of these cats are euthanized each year before they have the opportunity of finding forever homes.

What Can You Do To Help?

Most probably you are already the caretaker to one or more lovable cats. If so you can take full advantage of this national holiday to totally spoil your kitty! Buy your cat a few new toys or some yummy treats.

"In this difficult economy, if all you can afford is time, spend some of it with your furry feline," says Paige. "That's more important to them then all the catnip in the world."

If you are able to adopt a cat, please visit your nearest animal shelter or contact your local cat rescue organization. Providing a forever home for homeless cat and giving it the love and attention it so deserves is one of the most selfless acts you can do.

If adopting or fostering a cat or kitten is not an option for you, you can still show your support for National Cat Day by volunteering to help out at your local animal shelter. You could volunteer to clean the cats' cages, or just simply play with them for a while.

Another great idea is to host your own event in honor of National Cat Day, such as a cat party or bake sale. You could donate any proceeds to your local animal shelter or cat rescue organization.

No matter what you do on 29 October just make sure that you celebrate all that cats have to offer.

Photo Credit: Mendocino Animal Care