BRINGING HOME A RESCUE DOG – THE FIRST WEEKS

  Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing, but bringing home a rescue dog requires a little understanding, a lot of patience, plenty of time, and buckets of love.  Here are a few suggestions to make the process easier on you both. SUPPLIES NEEDED Before you pick up your new dog, you’ll need to make sure you have a few things.  Don’t go overboard at this point. You can pick up additional items as needed or wanted in the coming weeks.  Necessities are: Collar – Ask the shelter staff to measure your adopted pet’s neck. If this measurement is at the end of the range for a collar, go up one size. (For example, if the collar is 18” to 22”, and the neck measurement is 21.5”, choose the next size up.) Collars should be snug, but you should be able to put two fingers comfortably between the collar and the neck. Leash – Standard webbed or leather leash. Do NOT buy a retractable leash – these prevent you from having control of your dog, and can be dangerous to children…

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, OR “JUST BECAUSE”. 16 INEXPENSIVE GIFTS FOR CAT LOVERS IN YOUR LIFE.

  UPDATED FOR 2021 Below is just a small smattering of inexpensive gifts for cat lovers in your life.  Perfect as teacher gifts, Secret Santa presents, holiday stocking stuffers, or hostess gifts, please browse the selection below.  There is no more appreciated gift to a cat loving friend than one which showcases that affection. Maybe you'll want to buy an extra or two to keep on hand for a thoughtful last-minute gift. Many of these would also be quite charming as "thank you" gifts to your local shelter workers.  They work hard, often for low pay, because of their love for animals - why not get them a special treat as a token of appreciation? All the inexpensive gifts for cat lovers listed below are available through Etsy.  I have also chosen items that will ship relatively quickly so as not to disappoint a recipient due to late arrival.  All sellers have ratings of at least 4.5 stars.   I have also been careful not to list any strictly holiday gifts, so that you can return to this guide anytime you…

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12 BEST PET FOOD BOWLS – FEEDING TIME DOESN’T HAVE TO BE BORING!

12 BEST PET BOWLS – STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL CHOICES Below are the best pet food bowls that are handcrafted. Everyone who has a pet has at least one or two bowls specifically for them. They can range from the simple plastic or stainless-steel ones found in most big-box and pet specialty stores such as Walmart and Petco. Or they can be specialized ones which ease your pet’s digestion. A third option is a pet bowl which enhances your home décor, instead of just being practical. Here are a few different types so that you can choose the best dog bowl or best cat bowl for your furry friends: STANDARD PET BOWLS PLASTIC BOWLS These pet bowls are simple, practical, and inexpensive. Plastic bowls, the general standard, are the least expensive and come in various colors. However, these bowls can crack or break easily, and are not as easily cleaned as stainless steel or ceramic.  Plastic bowls are also more difficult to clean, as food residue can remain in crevices.  Plastic is also not recommended for teething puppies or kittens, as they…

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8 HUNGARIAN DOG BREEDS – THEIR STORIES

  Different environments and needs determine which type of dog a region develops. In Hungary, there are three different types of dog breeds – livestock protectors, herding dogs, and hunting hounds. HUNGARIAN DOG BREEDS - HERDING DOGS PULI The Puli is a small, herding dog with a long, corded coat. They have been described as a “mop on springs” due to their high energy level.  This breed will need a lot of exercise, and will do best in a very active home. Weighing no more than 35 pounds, the Puli looks to be much larger due to its weatherproof double coat. Lack of size doesn’t make it any less effective as a sheep herder – they’ve been known to jump on a sheep’s back to turn the flock. STATUS Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936, the most popular dog breeds rank Pulis at 160 out of 197 registered breeds. Due to their high grooming needs, and near constant need for activity, they are a difficult breed for new dog owners. HISTORY Although the Puli can trace his lineage…

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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG’S TEETH. WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T, AND HOW TO GET EVEN THE MOST DIFFICULT DOG TO COOPERATE.

Just like with humans, dogs collect bacteria from food, stray sticks picked up outside, and anything else that goes into their mouths. Until relatively recently, it was highly unusual for owners to brush their pet’s teeth, so all of that matter was left inside the mouth to rot.  Eventually infection sets in, and results in pain.  You should create a systematic plan for your dog to prevent things from ever getting to the infection stage. HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DOG'S TEETH As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. REGULAR TOOTH BRUSHING If your dog will tolerate it (and most will, given the proper introduction), daily, or, at minimum, three times a week, tooth brushing is the best way to prevent dental issues.  Train your pet to allow this, the earlier in life, the better, but even older dogs can be acclimatized to dental brushing. TRAINING YOUR DOG TO ALLOW BRUSHING To start, use a strong smelling, moist food that your dog likes. Beef bouillon, moist dog food, chicken broth are good examples. Get some on your finger and massage…

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UNIQUE GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS AVAILABLE ON ETSY. FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR CANINE LOVING FRIENDS FOR $25.00 OR LESS

  There are loads of unique gifts for dog lovers available on Etsy for the person you want to remember. Whether it's a teacher, hairdresser, distant relation, neighbor, or the mailman, we want to find the perfect little remembrance that makes a present more than just an obligation.  The gifts below would be perfect as stocking stuffers for close friends and family, or "thank you" gifts for the people who make your life a little easier each day. I've limited the sellers to those who have at least a 4.5 star rating.  All items are under a $25.00 price point, but this does not include the shipping charges. All products are reachable by clicking on the photograph. For inexpensive gifts for cat lovers - click here. As an affiliate for Etsy, I earn from qualifying purchases. UNIQUE GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS AVAILABLE ON ETSY- JEWELRY I'm a semi-fanatic for cute earrings - the more out of the ordinary, the better.  I'm known for my massive collection, and often get comments from complete strangers about my jewelry.  If you're looking for a…

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Continue ReadingUNIQUE GIFTS FOR DOG LOVERS AVAILABLE ON ETSY. FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR CANINE LOVING FRIENDS FOR $25.00 OR LESS