Choosing the Right Dog Breeder
January 31, 2009
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to search for a breeder from which to purchase the creature. This can typically be as simple as opening the advertising part of your local newspaper, however you need to be sure that you’re choosing a reputable breeder. There are many ways to verify that the breeder you’re contacting is dependable, knowledgeable, professional, and trustworthy.
The first thing to do is ask for references. All good breeders will be happy to show you references from clients he’s previously worked with. These will be individuals or families who have bought a puppy or even used a stud service and will be eager to share their experiences. Someone you know is also a very good option recommends picking a breeder that. If your friend or family member was happy with the treatment and service he received, you will probably be pleased also.
Mabeke: Gorilla Teacher
January 30, 2009
Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity and then returned to the wild with several other gorillas of similar birth. I had an opportunity to meet Mabeke during one of the workshops I teach in Telepathic Communication with Animals.
A young woman workshop participant named Fleur was employed by a Dutch organization that sponsored the gorilla program. Fleur’s job involved teaching the gorillas how to survive in the wild and encouraging them to form a family group.
Fleur brought photographs of the gorillas to the workshop, and during one of the practice sessions, I had a few minutes to speak with Mabeke telepathically.
The first thing I experienced was the sensation of hands touching my face. The hands felt cool, soft, and dry. They explored my entire head, then each of my hands. I waited patiently for the gorilla to finish. I had my eyes closed and could see him in my mind sitting in front of me.
Then I heard “You human…?” It was both a question and a statement. “You talk to me. Why?”
I replied telepathically, “Do you remember Fleur?”
“Yes, ” said Mabeke.
Dog Hygiene Basics
January 29, 2009
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as critical as most people seem to believe. If your dog is healthy, he really doesn’t need to be bathed more that once every few months, but most of us put them in the tub or under the hose more often to get rid of that doggie smell and look shinier. Although most dogs do not enjoy getting a bath, it is a good bonding experience. They will appreciate the contact and attention they get from their owner.
This is also an excellent time to do some other required "maintenance" tasks that we often forget about, such as ear cleaning, brushing their teeth, and checking for fleas and ticks. It is much easier to do all these things at once since most dogs don’t enjoy sitting through these activities for very long.
Let’s go into further detail about these maintenance tasks to make sure your dog stays healthy and happy for a long time.
Preparing Your Home For a New Puppy
January 29, 2009
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of the list when bringing home a new puppy for the first time, preparing for his arrival should rank highly on the list. Just as you would have to prepare a home when you have a toddler, pet owners also have to take certain precautions when "puppy-proofing."
Before you begin preparing your home for a puppy, you should think about the front yard and garden. First, check fences and gates to be sure there are no holes massive enough for him to get his head stuck in or escape through. Watch for litter and trash cans, which can be knocked over, giving your new puppy the opportunity to eat things that might make him sick. Also, know where you are treating your lawn and garden with pesticides, and then don’t let your puppy in that area. In addition, produce sure that all chemicals and more harmful products are put away out of your new child’s reach.
Next, you will have to inspect your home as if a strange toddler is coming to live with you! Just like toddlers, puppies will think everything is new and exciting. They don’t know when something is dangerous or can’t tell if that "interesting" remote control will get them into trouble.
Glow Light Tetra - A Lovely and Peaceful Member of Your Community Tank
January 28, 2009
Brings live to your community tanks
Many freshwater fish-keepers have a warm spot in their heart for a little fish with a big name, the 1 ½-inch hemigrammus erythrozonus? or mush easier to say, the glowlight tetra. Like its little cousin, the neon tetra, the glowlight is an easy fish to keep in a community tank. In fact, many neon keepers, tired of battling neon disease, move towards the glowlight tetra.
The glowlight tetra is pastel peach in color with a horizontal red-gold stripe that spans the length of its body. Originating in Guyana, South America, the glowlight does well in a fresh water tank of slightly acid but peat-softened water that is kept between 74F and 82F. Glowlight tetras generally occupy the bottom third of the tank, except for feeding time when they will swim to the top.
The Optimum Cichlid Aquarium Set Up
January 27, 2009
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise a vast group of, generally larger and more aggressive fishes from Africa and South and Central America with a few species being found in Asia. They offer such a large variety of bright colors, shapes and habits that they have become one of the most popular fishes kept by hobbyist’s world wide.
Such is the diversity of species, breeding habits and feeding that it becomes necessary to set up different groups of Cichlids in different tanks. Some of these include African Cichlids, American Cichlids, Dwarf Cichlids or Discus. It is usually recommended that you keep these like minded fishes together and don’t mix them in general.
Selecting and Positioning Your Tank
Always try to choose a tank with the largest possible surface area and volume as most cichlids grow quite large. Make sure you always have a glass cover to stop your fish jumping out.
Position your new aquarium so that you avoid direct sunlight hitting the aquarium for too long as this can cause excessive algae problems.
Choosing Gravel, Decor and Setting Up
Cichlids are quite territorial and the more holes, refuges and interesting "zones" you can create make for a much harmonized community.
Safety Tips for Moving With Pets
January 26, 2009
Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the first one in the car when the door opens, or the kitty who runs to hide at the first hint of travel? Both kinds face dangers on the road, but there are steps you can take to protect them. Even the happiest traveler can get into trouble, and it can happen even on a short jaunt to the grocery store.
What can you do?
1. Always use ID tags. When traveling, add an extra tag with your cell phone number. If you don’t use a cell phone, add the number of a trusted friend who will be at home while you’re on the road.
2. If your pets are microchipped, be sure to call and update your address and phone number. If they aren’t microchipped, consider having it done.
3. Keep your pet contained. The back of a pickup is NOT a safe place, but if your pet must travel there, either put him in a secure carrier, or cross tie him so there’s no chance that he can fall or be thrown over the side. Falling from trucks is a major cause of lost and/or injured pets. Sometimes the fall is fatal. Also, remember that the temperature of your metal pickup bed corresponds to the weather. Use a liner so that you don’t burn his feet, or freeze them!
Living With a Pet Serval
January 25, 2009
Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval is no more challenging than feeding your pet goldfish. At the other end of the extreme spectrum, many sanctuaries and animal rights activists paint servals and other exotic cats as unmanageable creatures that no ordinary mortal could hope to deal with successfully. As is usually the case, the truth lies in a rational world between the two extremes.
Servals are much more challenging and time consuming to raise than a domestic cat. In order to end up with a tame, safe, and loving serval that can live in your house, you are going to have to spend a lot of time socializing, training, and housebreaking him. These things don’t happen automatically with a serval.
There will be problems to overcome. In order to do so you will need a solid understanding of how animals learn and how to humanely modify their behavior. This is not an animal for an inexperienced pet owner, or even for an experienced pet owner who has only had “easy” animals!
Media Influence on Public Perception of Exotic Cat Ownership
January 24, 2009
What makes something news? The fact that you take good care of your pets isn’t newsworthy. Neither is your recent trip to the supermarket; If something is normal, it isn’t news. Only aberrations capture our attention enough to warrant screen time. Why is murder reported on the six-o-clock news? Because it’s unusual; it’s a shocking deviation from routine events. But when we are repeatedly exposed to the abnormal, it begins to seem normal. If we see murder on the news every night, we begin to view it as a common occurrence. This naturally leads to fear of falling victim ourselves, thus we start buying guns and installing security systems. As Gavin de Becker writes, "We’re hard-wired to entertain every thought of danger that’s put in front of us."
How do you hold the attention of a nation that just watched a war fought on live television? You start looking for tiger attacks.
Before rushing to judgement on exotic cat owners based on a few negative headlines, we might be wise to realize that we only get to read about the horror stories…. News stories about responsible people and happy animals don’t sell.
Owning a Wild or Exotic Cat; Information, Laws, and Advice
January 24, 2009
Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or having a pet tiger? You’re not alone, and many people share their lives responsibly and safely with such animals. My beloved companion is a African Serval, a very affectionate 33-pound spotted feline. However, this dream come true brings with it some very real challenges and responsibilities far beyond those facing the average pet owner.
A huge number of visitors to my exotic feline site are trying to make very important decisions. Should I get a exotic cat? Is this species the right fit for my family? Can I provide for one properly?
There are a number of things to take into consideration when deciding if exotic cat ownership is for you, and if the answer is yes, which species of exotic cat is suitable for your situation. They include:
