•Buying Supplies For a New Cat
Once you bring your new cat home, you've got to scribble down a quick list of supplies to go pick up. Here are the basic items that you will need to help your new cat or kitten adjust to your home.
Litter Boxes
The very first item on your list of cat supplies will be a litter box. That's usually the second thing that a cat will look for after food when he or she arrives at a new house, but it is a first priority if you want to avoid an accident on your carpet. Most kittens learn how to use a...
•Cat Training Basics
Before you train your cat, you will need to know about a cat. If you want to train your cat to sit, beg, and roll over, you should probably switch for a dog. In most cases, a cat is designed much differently than a dog in psychology and behavior. This is why some people either love cats or dislike cats; it is usually one or the other.
When it comes to training cats, we just want them to do the basics. These types of things would be to use the litter box rather than on the floor in the closet....
•Fireworks and Thunderstorm Phobias in Dogs
No one really knows why some dogs become afraid of fireworks and thunderstorms and they don’t seem to bother other dogs. It could be connected to a dog’s sense of hearing or to thyroid levels. Or it could be connected to socialization and general levels of anxiety. Sometimes an otherwise happy-go-lucky dog will become almost hysterical with fear when he hears the sound of thunder. If you have a dog with one of these phobias it can be both perplexing and frustrating.
There is actually a...
•Stop Puppies From Nipping
Nipping puppies are a common occurrence. Puppies play hard with their littermates and when you bring your puppy home he transfers this behavior to you. Those sharp little teeth really hurt, however, and this is a behavior that needs to be nipped in the bud.
Nipping puppy behavior has nothing to do with teething or dominance. It is simply puppy play behavior that has gone wild. Buying chew toys and offering them to your puppy won’t do anything to deter them from mouthing people or teach the...
•Preparing Your Home For Your New Puppy
The big day is here! You have chosen your puppy. Whether your puppy is coming from a shelter or a breeder, it really doesn’t matter right now. You have a precious young puppy coming to live with you and you need to get your home ready to receive him.
Do you have the thing you will need for your puppy? Do you have a bag of the same food that he has been eating? You don’t want to make any fast changes in his diet even if you don’t like his current food. Coming to your house will be a huge...
•Mixed Breed or Purebred Dog?
Which is better? Mixed breed or purebred? It’s always a question that’s sure to start an argument. Both kinds of dogs have their devoted followers who are ready to jump in and defend their beloved companions.
The truth is that both kinds of dogs make great pets.
People who love mixed breed dogs will tell you that when you adopt a mixed breed dog you are saving a life. It’s true that an estimated 3.7 million animals are euthanized in shelters in the United States each year. Many people derive...
•Which Dog For Me?
There are an estimated 74.8 million pet dogs in the United States and many more around the world. Dog ownership is at an all-time high today. At no time in history have so many people shared their lives with dogs as companions.
People today also have many choices when it comes to what kind of dog they will choose as a pet. There are over 400 recognized breeds of dog in the world. They range from the tiny Chihuahua which originated in Mexico to the wide range of ancient breeds that came from...
•Is a Designer Dog or Hybrid a Good Choice?
Ever since they burst on the scene in the 1990s Designer dogs have been in the spotlight and they’ve been much in demand. Any search through the Internet will bring up thousands of Designer dog web sites. They offer Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Schnoodles, Puggles, and just about anything else you can imagine. These Designer dogs, or “Hybrid mixes” as they are called, have also been much in the news, sometimes with unflattering stories. Are they a good choice for potential dog owners?
The...
•Selecting Living Room Curtains
It is time to select your living room curtains and you are in a panic. You have visited all the stores, viewed all the choices and still don’t know what to choose. As with all design decisions, there is no right or wrong choice. But there are some guidelines that might make selecting your living room curtains a little bit easier.
Style is one of the first things to consider. This will be determined by the style of furniture you have chosen, the size and shape of your windows and even the...
•Buying a Turkish Carpet
Turkish carpets have long been considered a desirable addition to any well-decorated home. They can be as much fun to buy as they are beautiful to look at. But whether you are lucky enough to be shopping in Turkey or simply buying one from a dealer closer to home, there are several things you should be aware of to insure you get the best carpet for your money.
• You will want to determine whether the rug was machine or hand-knotted. The hand-knotted version will be more expensive. You can...
•Living on Less Money
If you are interested in living on less money, not just because you want to, but maybe even because you have to, there are many ways to cut down on spending and conserve what you do bring in. Everyone knows the economy is in rough shape these days. How can't you know when the news mentions it every second of the day? In fact, it's so over-discussed it's practically become white noise. It seems there is a lot of discussion about the world's financial problems, but little information offered...
•Boxer Breed Profile
The boxer is a dignified and yet playful dog. Often wary of strangers, they inspire incredible loyalty among those who have had one. This easy to maintain, smooth coated dog loves his people. He is highly trainable and wants to please, and like many active breeds is best kept busy to prevent problems.
The boxer is another German based breed. They are lively and can be high energy dogs. Each is uniquely and individual and although now not as popular as in the past, they hold a special spot in...
•Cocker Spaniel Breed Profile
All breeds have their heroes – those dogs that stand out as exemplary examples of the breed and the Cocker Spaniel is no different. For the Cocker Spaniel she was perfectly groomed, immaculately well behaved, had a fondness for pasta with a mongrel and captured the hearts of adults and children alike. Everyone wanted a dog like Lady from Lady & The Tramp.
The flesh and blood Cocker Spaniel doesn’t always live up to that angelic image but it is never boring with one around! These are popular...
•Beagle Breed Profile
The beagle is an oxymoronic dog. They rank fifth on the 2007 AKC list of breeds - and yet have fallen off the top ten list in many cities, remaining third in Providence, R.I. There are good reasons - this isn't a breed for everyone. More importantly, it's a breed that needs understanding.
The origin of the Beagle, like many hounds, can be blurred. Packs of hounds have long been used in England, dating to Roman times. Both sight and scent hounds were used and it's not uncommon to have hunted in...
•Boston Terrier Breed Profile
The Boston Terrier is a compact, small dog with a square face and a personality bigger than their 10-25 pound size. Although the most common color is black and white, they may be brindle or seal, and have distinct markings required in the standard. They are not a true terrier, belonging to the AKC non-sporting group. As such, they are usually not as driven or high energy as the “typical terrier”.
With the nickname “American Gentleman” the Boston terrier is generally a friendly, loving dog that...
•German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a breed that brings different views from people. Some say they are fearsome, threatening dogs that should be banned - and, unfortunately, in some areas this has been the case. However, those who have had a German Shepherd see the same breed with much different eyes.
The German Shepherd is often aloof - they don't often walk right up to a stranger but size them up, as if silently figuring whether you are worth their time. Some dogs take longer than others to warm up and...
•Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a perennial Top Ten popularity breed for many reasons. The normally calm demeanor, active but gentle nature and eager to please attitude combine with intelligence and trainability. They are friendly, reliable and trustworthy.
What this means to the average owner - you need to actively TRAIN them. They are eager to learn and seek to be busy. They need mental stimulation - toys, games, activities - to keep from being bored and destructive. They want to please and learn...
•Chronic Barking
Whether it is your barking dog or someone else’s, a barking dog is aggravating. Little dogs have that yippy, yappy squealing voice that causes your ears to ring while the sheer volume of a big dog bark can almost take your breath away.
Curtailing the amount a dog barks depends largely on why it is barking in the first place and what the breed is. Dogs that bark constantly are often bored and alleviating the boredom works wonders is cutting the amount of barking to a manageable amount. More...
•Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is again the most popular AKC breed in the U.S.A. Additionally, they lead in nearly every major city. With a generally friendly, happy demeanor, an adaptability to many situations and intelligence to be trained for a wide host of duties, it's little wonder that this breed is so well loved.
The Labrador is so dominant in our culture that nearly any short haired medium sized black dog is deemed a "Lab cross". By the standard they actually are 22-1/2 to 24-1/2 inches at the...
•Yorkshire Terrier
In another land and time the Yorkshire terrier was not a small longhaired show dog and pet. Rather, he was a larger rat killing dynamo. Tracing back to the 1600's the breed was valued in textile mills, mines and farms where pest control was important. In the 1860s era the breed was quite popular in rat killing contests - with the dog credited with being the foundation of the breed showing as well as winning many contests. Huddersfield Ben helped establish the Yorkshire Terrier.
It was 1872...
•12 Ways To Fix Steak
Sometimes we get in a rut and eat the same thing over and over again. Well, if you’ve been fixing steak for the past few years in the same old ways, it’s time for your taste buds to come alive with flavor. It’s time for your spirit to soar with joy when you stimulate your new taste buds in very different ways. Here are some ideas for you on different ways to fix steak.
1. Add a Touch of the Ocean
Cut a slit in a steak that’s one and a half inches thick and stuff a raw oyster in it. Skewer the...
•Feeding a Puppy
You are bringing your new bundle of joy home finally. You have done your research, know you have the right breed and you have complete faith in the breeder of your new pup. You have visited the litter each week to watch the pups develop, bought all the toys and the crate the breeder recommended and you already have her signed up for puppy kindergarten. Now for the most difficult decision – what do you feed her?
Puppies need special diets to grow strong and healthy and thankfully, there are...
•Mastiffs
There are several breeds of Mastiff in the dog world but when standing alone it normally refers to the English Mastiff. These shouldn’t be confused with American, Spanish, Tibetan, Neapolitan or Bull mastiffs.
This is a breed that requires training from puppyhood. If you are not committed to teaching proper manners and instilling discipline into puppies please consider something other than a mastiff. This is a massive, dignified dog that is at least 30 inches for dogs, 27 ½ inches for...
•Basset Hounds
The sad eyes and the long ears endear a Basset puppy to people everywhere. Used primarily to hunt rabbits his low to the ground body along with the hound nose and ears make for a good dog for those without a lot of room. Less than 14 inches in size this is a short legged, heavy bone, long bodied dog that is easy going in attitude.
These are extremely devoted dogs with loose, elastic skin that should be all weather useful. The color may vary somewhat with the typical hound colors allowed. As a...
•Bichon Frise
A little white dog with a big heart wrapped in a coat that can vary from pet to show dog, the Bichon is a study of contrasts in some ways. They are a smaller dog but active. They shed little but need regular grooming. They’re a sturdy dog often confused with a poodle and although most recognized in white they can be white with apricot, buff or cream also.
This is a gentle incredibly loyal dog that is affectionate. They often remain playful for a long time and are highly sensitive to owner’s...
•Miniature Pinschers
This is a unique small dog breed often called a “miniature Doberman.” They are a unique breed in their own right. This German native is a loving, active little dog. They actually date back further than the Doberman. With ancestry that includes the German Pinscher this was a breed that was originally used to kill rats in the stables. At some point it is thought the Italian Greyhound might have been added in to get the higher stepping action.
A distinct picture in very old pictures document the...
•Great Danes
The Great Dane is a big dog that often has no concept of his size. One family fashioned a cowbell on their Dane so they could hear him coming. There was not an aggressive bone in him but when he galloped full bore towards you he’d brush past enough to knock you sideways if you weren’t ready for him!
This is a giant of a breed with a gentle heart. They’re a clown that is the inspiration for Marmaduke cartoons with the impression of power in television and movies. Danes have been immortalized by...
•Pembroke Welsh Corgis
They are small in stature but big in heart. Developed to work on farms the Pembroke Welsh Corgi retains their herding instincts but can do more than herd. “Cruiser” completed the requirements for Tracking dog, Tracking Dog Excellent” and “Variable Surface Tracking” title after having won his show championship for conformation. Proving a pretty dog can work Cruiser was the first conformation champion of any breed to earn a champion tracking title.
“Ceri” was the first Pembroke to win a master...
•Shetland Sheepdogs
A Shetland sheepdog is not a “mini-collie” but a distinct separate breed that actually has roots in the Border collie. A native of the Shetland Isles in far northern range of Scotland he was a dog developed to help on crofts, or small farms, where there wasn’t much food to be had. A small dog was needed for that reason, yet a tireless worker in all kinds of weather which gave rise to selection for a durable coat and a loyalty to their owners.
Shelties are also thieves – they’ll steal your...
•German Shorthaired Pointers
The German Shorthaired Pointer was developed as a hunting dog and today he still excels in that capacity. This is a breed that is more than just a hunter, but those wanting “just a pet” would do well to remember their hunting heritage.
This is an adaptable breed with keen scent senses and intelligence for any job you want to teach them. He loves an active family and requires minimal grooming to keep his short coat in condition.
This is a dog that is as eager to hunt pheasant and waterfowl as...
•Maltese
The Maltese is seen as a ball of hair. Glamorous, difficult and dainty. The Greeks put up tombs for their dogs and a model was found in Egypt as well. They’ve been an aristocrat for 28 centuries, with documentations of the breed as early as 40 A.D.
These have long been household pets for people with means. They were healthy and although small in size large in temperament. They have a long beautiful coat that is hard to overlook when groomed right.
By the standard the Maltese is less than 7...
•Tips For Saving Your Money
Saving money certainly is not easy, especially when there are so many different ways out there to spend money. Whether you are trying to put back money for a special purchase, a rainy day or just to make your money stretch a little bit further it is important to understand that there are many ways in which you can cut back to save money.
The first step of saving money for any purpose is to find out where your money is going. This will help you to identify places where you may be able to cut...
•Selecting Wedding Photographers
The selection of a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions that can be made during the planning of a wedding. Long after the flowers have died, the last piece of wedding cake has been eaten and the band has stopped playing, the photographs of this most special day will remain.
Keeping this in mind, you will want to select a wedding photographer who will provide you with the very best service and photographs possible. Unfortunately many couples wait until the last moment to...
•Tips For Planning a Wedding
Planning a wedding is certainly exciting. It can also be overwhelming for many couples. Even the prospect of planning a small wedding can entail a number of details. Organization is the key to ensuring that everything flows smoothly.
Where should you start first? The first detail that must be decided upon is the date. This is essential because it may help you to determine other details, such as the availability of venues for the reception and the ceremony.
After you have determined the date...
•How to Protect Yourself From Identification Theft
Identification theft is a problem that affects numerous people every year. Unfortunately, many people believe they could never be a victim of identify theft until it actually happens. It is estimated that identify theft is one of the most rapidly growing crimes in the country. Perhaps even worse is the fact that many people do not even realize they have become a victim of identify theft until several months have passed and they begin to receive collector’s calls and overdue bills. By then your...
•Living Within Your Means
Living with your means involves cutting expenses so that there is money left over at the end of the month and expenses do not exceed income. Careful budgeting can help one to enjoy the benefits of living within your means, including reduced interest rate charges and the ability to save money for emergencies or special purchases.
The cornerstone of living within your means is to develop a budget plan. You must know how much money you are spending every month on all of your expenses in order to...
•Tips For Paying Bills on Time
Paying your bills on time is important to ensure that your good credit stays intact. Many people do not realize exactly how damaging it can be to pay your bills late. Even if you only pay a bill a few days late, your account may have already received a late fee and it may have been reported to the credit reporting bureaus as a late payment, which could lower your credit score.
Late payments can be particularly harmful to your credit reports because it could demonstrate to prospective borrowers...
•Tips For Paying Off Credit Cards
Credit cards can certainly be convenient, especially during times of emergency, but there comes a time when they must be paid. Having a small amount of credit card debt is not necessarily bad. When your debt becomes overwhelming, it is necessary to examine ways in which you can begin to pay it down. When you wish to reduce your debt level, it is important to understand the best methods for paying off credit cards.
Experts agree that the best method for paying off credit cards is to begin with...
•Getting Divorced: Steps to Dissolving a Marriage
Dissolving a marriage is never easy, but understanding the process can certainly help you to feel more informed. The actual degree of complexity of divorce will usually depend upon how much money and property is involved as well as whether there are children from the marriage.
First, it should be understood that there are two types of divorces. They are fault and no-fault. Prior to the 1970s most divorces were granted on a fault basis, with one spouse being found at fault of the failure of the...
•Disciplining a Teenager
Well, you can’t really spank them anymore, can you? It’s a little distressing… disciplining a teenager while you are looking up at them. In fact, most teenage boys can simply pick their mothers up and move them out of their way if they so choose. So how does a parent go about instilling strong life lessons in their teenage children and help them grow into wonderful, fulfilled, and responsible adults?
Discipline and punishment, in my book, are two different things. Punishment is about power,...
•Staging a House For Quick Sale
If you’ve watched the news or read a paper, chances are that you know the real estate market is in trouble. So what can you do to make your home one of the ones that will actually sell instead of lingering on the market with the others? The answer is staging.
Staging is the term that real estate professionals use for arranging and decorating a home to show it off and make it as attractive as possible to prospective buyers. In this market, buyers have many houses to pick from, and they aren’t...
•Relocating to a New City
Moving to a new city, especially one in another state, used to be a much more complicated process. But thanks to the Internet, it’s never been easier to make a big move—even all the way across the country.
These days, you can complete nearly every facet of your move without even setting foot in your new city. There are plenty of tips and tricks to take the stress out of relocating and let you focus on enjoying your life in your new home.
Finding a Realtor
The first step to take is finding a...
•Buying A Home In Today's Real Estate Market
If you’ve read a newspaper or watched the television news lately, you know that the real estate market is in serious trouble. There are many homeowners who are desperate to sell and are in danger of foreclosure.
You might think, then, why would I want to be a homeowner? The answer is clear. It’s a buyer’s market. These sellers need to unload their homes before the bank comes knocking. This means there is a wide variety of houses for sale at rock-bottom prices.
Buying a house in this market...
•Motivated Sellers Make This the Perfect Time to Become a Real Estate Investor
If you’ve ever dreamed about investing in real estate, now is the perfect time to make that dream come true. It’s a real buyer’s market out there, with many sellers who are desperate to sell and lots of houses to choose from. Also, since the market isn’t likely to turn around for a few years yet, people who are uncertain about their plans for the immediate future are choosing to rent, not buy—this means there’s less competition for investors who are looking to buy.
If you have the means, you...
•Buying a New House
It’s a buyer’s market out there, and many homebuyers are discovering that new construction is no longer out of their price range. Many builders who built homes in the last few years when the market was booming are now finding themselves desperate to sell. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a brand new home, this is a great time to find a bargain.
The Type of Home for You
Traditionally, there are two types of new homes: finished and customizable.
A finished home is one that’s move-in-ready....
•Selecting Wines at Restaurants
Selecting a good wine off of a wine list can be a real challenge, especially if you have never heard of them before. You meal won’t likely be ruined by your wine selection, but you want to be able to enjoy your food and your wine together. Here are a few strategies to help.
The first strategy is to know which wines are food-friendly. You want your food to pair well with your wine selection. If you are ordering a bottle or two for a whole table, you will want a versatile wine that goes with...
•Wine Trivia
There are several myths that make good wine trivia. These myths and truths are a great way to quiz your wine loving friends and give them and yourself and education at the same time. Here are the top ten wine myths revealed.
1. Aged Wine is Better than Young Wine
Not all wines require aging. In fact, many wines are intended to be drunk young and they do not require aging. Typically, red wines that have high tannins are the only wines that require aging. There are also some white wines that...
•Types of Wine Glasses
The type of wine glass that you serve your wine in can have a dramatic impact on the flavor and quality of the wine. There are many factors associated with wine glasses that may add or subtract from the wine’s flavor, appearance and quality. There are also some glassware basics that should be considered when choosing glasses.
For a home wine-connoisseur, you may need to take your wine glass selection very seriously. For those individuals that enjoy a variety of different types of wine, you...
•How Often Should You Bathe A Pet
Bathing your dog or cat is an important part of pet ownership. Regardless of your pets' breed and coat type, shampooing promotes cleanliness and a healthy skin and coat. Frequency of bathing varies greatly between breeds and individual pets, and how often your pet should get a bath depends on the needs of your own dog or cat.
Cats and dogs may share many things, when it comes to baths and bathing techniques, cats and dogs couldn't be more different. Cats are fastidious self-groomers, and many...
•Benefits Of Grooming A Pet
Regular grooming of all pets can help contribute to longer, healthier lives. The benefits of having your pet groomed regularly can include making your pet more comfortable and clean, as well as having attention paid to often overlooked parts of your dog or cat.
There are many direct health benefits of having your dog or cat groomed. Regular brushing of all pets, despite coat length or type, helps to keep the coat and skin healthy. Most dogs do not require frequent bathing (once a month or...
•Golden Retrievers
Originally bred to hunt in 1800s England, the golden retriever has retained much of its natural curiosity and hunting behaviors. The breed has maintained its standing in the top ten most popular dog breeds in the US partly because of the dog's gentle nature, fierce loyalty and friendly personality. They're the quintessential family pet due to their patience with children.
The female golden weighs approximately 55-65 pounds, and stands a couple of inches shorter than her male counterpart, who...
•Elderly Cat Care
Our cats become a part of the family over time. But unlike humans, who are considered elderly at 60 or 65, cats are considered "senior citizens" at the ripe old age of 10. It is important to understand the proper care of cats at all stages of life. A kitten cannot be fed, groomed, medicated, and treated the same way as an elderly cat. Here is a guide to proper Elderly Cat Care.
Feeding Time
Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health...
•Hydrangea
There several species of hydrangea, but only about five of them are widely grown in the United States. The most popular include the hydrangea vines, the oakleaf, the paniculata, the mophead, and the lacecap. Each of them has both similarities and differences, but they produce enchanting flowers. They definitely brighten the landscape and the flowers are precious to florists and decorators.
Characteristics of Common Hydrangeas
Hydrangea vines are climbing plants that produce awesome flowers....
•Dog Training Harness
One of the many things you may want to get for your dog when starting to train them is a good, sturdy dog training harness, as part of your dog supplies to have. A good harness should fit comfortably on your dog and have enough padding to prevent any escaping or injuries that could occur while wearing the harness. Having your dog wear a harness is a way to keep better control when walking your dog. Pulling a dog by the neck using a choke chain is really uncomfortable. Also a tugging dog will...
•The Cost Of Owning A Dog
When that sweet little puppy face is staring at you, begging you to take it home, it's easy for rational thought to go out the window. And if that adorable face comes complete with a few face licks, you're most likely already sold. The moment you're being bombarded with wet kisses, you're probably not thinking about all the time and energy, not to mention the cost of owning a dog.
Besides the time spent training and caring for it, there are also the basic expenses of food, a warm bed,...
•Stop A Dog From Begging
Dog begging is one of the more difficult habits to break. Nothing can be more heart-wrenching than a dog begging while looking at you with those big sad eyes while you are eating. It almost seems as if their eyes are talking to you, and you know what they would say if they could talk: "Please, just an itty-bitty piece of potato, or chicken, or roast beef. Pretty Please?" You can see it in their eyes; it almost seems as if they have tears. Your dog does not actually have to be pawing at you or...
•Fearful Behavior In Dogs
Just like humans, some dogs are naturally shyer than others. Shyness can be a devastating trait for dog and owner, making both nervous about daily walks, trips to the dog park, and even inviting others into the home. If your dog is scared of strangers, do not be disheartened. With proper socialization, obedience training, and leadership (from you, considered to be the alpha dog), your pooch can overcome his fear of strangers, and become your calm, self-assured and happy companion. Although...
•Marrying Your Best Friend
In a perfect world, people would marry their best friend who they are also madly and passionately in love with. Of course, we already know that we do not live in a perfect world. In fact, we live in a relatively crazy, upside down world with feet that smells like Fritos. Sometimes we make choices or consider choices that we otherwise wouldn't in order to combat different situations. The temptation of marrying your best friend falls into this category.
Marrying someone whom you love but are...
•The Death Of A Spouse
One of the most difficult moments in a person's life is the death of a spouse. Whether the marriage was wonderful, rocky, young or old, losing something so significant can feel so painful that the simple act of breathing hurts, and there doesn't seem to be an end to that type of hurting in sight. There is so much that happens in those first few days, plans to be made, friends and family that are always there, trying to offer comfort, sometimes trying too hard to offer comfort, and that feeling...
•Flying With A Dog
Dog owners who go on business trips or take vacations have to decide whether to board their dog in a kennel or take the dog with them. For many dog owners, leaving their animals behind is not an option; they want the animal to accompany them, even if it means flying with a dog.
The key element when flying with a dog on an airplane is to make plans and work out the specifics in advance of the flight. The following is a list of details to consider before flying with a dog:
1. Dog owners who...
•Dogs Fear Of Thunder And Lightning
There are various environmental sounds that cause a dog to become afraid or frightened. It doesn't matter whether the animal is living in a crowded metropolitan city or a spacious rural town; the chance of inclement weather causing physical and/or mental distress is high. A dog's fears of noise and light are big concerns for pet owners, but there are ways to decrease your dog's fear of lightning and thunder.
Dog owners worry that a dog will become frightened during a thunderstorm. This fear...
•Buying Dog Clothing
There are some dog owners who frequently purchase clothing for their pets, while other dog owners think that buying clothing for a dog is unnecessary. Most people assume that dog clothing has no specific function and is only used to `decorate' the animal. Actually, animal clothing, such as wraps, boots, coats, and collars, has very important and specific functions, not the least of which is to protect animals from dangers in the environment.
Protective Wraps
Protective wraps are similar to...
•The Importance Of Dog Collars
Dog collars provide several functions. A dog collar can be used to hold an identification tag, display the dog's license, or provide an anchor for the dog's leash. Collars come in a variety of types, sizes, and materials. When selecting a collar for your dog, the animal's breed, size, weight, and disposition need to be considered. Most dogs will be suited to a nylon or leather collar. The importance of dog collars is that they allow pets to be identified and help keep them safe, as well...
•Feeding Dogs Bones
For decades, images of dogs happily chewing on bones have been promoted on television and in motion pictures. As a result, pet owners have been feeding their dogs both raw and cooked bones, thinking that they are providing a natural form of nutrition for their pets. In reality, they are compromising the dog's health and unintentionally risking the animal's life. The consumption of bones by dogs has resulted in vomiting, organ puncture, and cancer. Feeding dogs bones is not a good thing to...
•Cleaning A Mattress
Mattresses are home to a whole host of things that we generally don't like to think about. Dead skin cells, along with a wide variety of mites, dust, oils, and some unmentionable bodily fluids end up on the mattress no matter how careful you are. Cleaning a mattress properly will help shed those nasty images that can haunt your dreams while sanitizing the varieties of ook we like to pretend we don't sleep on.
It's not so simple. You can't just throw the mattress in the washer or even wash it...
•Understanding Cat Reproduction And The Birth Of Kittens
A cat reaches reproductive maturity between five and nine months of age, or upon the time they reach 4.5 to 7.0 pounds in weight. It is possible for domestic longhaired and shorthaired cats, as well as feral cats, may reach sexual maturity faster than purebred breeds and indoor cats.
Female cats have heat patterns that last between seven and twenty-one days. If the animal is not impregnated, her heat patterns may become irregular, with periods of non-heat becoming brief, often as short as...
•Guide To Buying An Aquarium
Buying an aquarium is a commitment which should be approached with careful thought and consideration. While aquarium keeping is considered to be an enjoyable hobby by many, it is always best to purchase the largest tank you can afford when you first begin. This will help you to avoid the need to upgrade later on; after your fish have already been established. Keep in mind, when purchasing an aquarium that you will also need the correct equipment to go along with the actual tank including a...
•Horsemanship 101
Taking care of a horse can be a fun and rewarding experience. Just like any domesticated animal or pet, they rely on us for their well-being.
The first basic step in caring for your horse is to provide adequate feed, water, and forage. Grain comes in a variety of forms, such as pellets or textured. The compressed brand being granulated into pellets, and textured grain (also called sweet feed), allows you to visible see the oats, corn, and molasses. The preference is yours, but keep in...
•Family Values
What are family values? When politicians leap to the podium and begin talking about restoring family values, which values are they talking about? Family values can mean many things to different people, and so leaving family values in the hands of politicians means exactly what?
Some attribute family values to the basic biblical principles while others focus family values on discipline and the responsibility factors of becoming an adult. Many people claim that today's parents are too soft on...
•Dogs And Chocolate
Most dog owners are aware that chocolate should not be given to pets. We hide our chocolate treats in high cupboards and sealed containers because we know that it can be harmful if ingested by our animals. But, what if a candy bar gets left within the dog's reach, and you come home to find an empty wrapper? What if your dog eats a bit of chocolate that has fallen on the floor while you are baking? We know that chocolate is harmful, but we need to know the amounts to worry about, the signs to...
•Should Cats Drink Milk
In the movies, cats love a bowl of cold milk. In the real world, giving a cat milk can do more harm than good.
While milk might seem like a natural choice for your cat, the truth is that cow's milk offers no nutritional value for cats, and it can cause digestive problems in many. The reason is that most cats develop intolerance to lactose shortly after they are weaned. This means that they are unable to digest the sugars that occur naturally in milk. This causes problems that include...
•Keeping Up With The Jones
I don't know about you but I work hard for my money. The harder we work, it seems the more "stuff" we accumulate and the more we get the more we seem to need. It is not uncommon for people to get locked into a material battle as they work harder and longer just to keep up with the Jones'. In our world of excess, maybe it's time we all just settle back for a moment and discover what is really important.
Nice things are nice. Nice cars, nice homes, and nice furnishings make us feel like we have...
•Calories In Wine
Most people have a general idea how many calories they consume when it comes to solid foods, although it is quite common to forget that when we drink, we are still consuming calories. Alcohol drinkers, especially wine drinkers, may be surprised at the calorie intake associate with wine. So how many calories are in wine?
The answer depends on your discernment. Most wines come in under the 100 calorie mark per glass. This is assuming that you are using the appropriate wine glasses. There are...
•Honesty In Marriage
Humans are not particularly honest creatures. We pretend we are, but really in the end, when we pile up all the individual little "I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings" lies, we aren't brazenly honest at all. Is this a bad thing? Is being honest with your spouse 100% of the time a really good idea? Aren't there times when we shouldn't spill our guts, not even to our spouse? Or should we pride ourselves on being completely honest all the time no matter what? Unfortunately, honesty isn't as...
•Explaining Death To A Child
Death is a very complicated part of life that even adults tend to struggle with. There are questions as they relate to the fairness or unfairness of death, question regarding what might happen to the soul, and questions about our own mortality that adults don't quite understand. Explaining death to a child doesn't mean that you have all the answers, but that you offer them the best comfort you can. Some of the leading experts have a few recommendations. My own recommendation is that you speak...
•Germs In The Kitchen
Every day you see television commercials for the latest germ-killing products on the market. Companies are constantly reminding you of the pesky, persistent bacteria that apparently attacks your home throughout the day. It's remarkable that something so small, that you can only see with it a microscope, can be so harmful! But germs are real. However, you have to know what they are exactly to truly combat them. Here's a guide to germs and how you can keep them out of your kitchen in particular....
•History Of Mothers Day
Mothers have been venerated for centuries. The tradition continues today, with Mother’s Day being one of the most celebrated occasions of the year.
Ancient Greeks held a spring festival in honor of Rhea, the mother of gods and goddesses. The Greek celebration involved honey cakes, drinks and flowers at dawn on the festival day. Ancient Romans also had a festival to honor Cybele, a mother goddess. The festival of Cybele lasted three days and became notorious enough to have Cybele’s followers...
•How To Serve Wine
Perhaps you have selected an occasion to open that special bottle of wine that you have been saving, or maybe you are hosting a dinner party. Knowing how to properly open, serve, and enjoy your wine will make the experience that much more memorable, as well as allow you to experience the wine that much more fully. Wine service has a few basic elements of importance, including temperature of the wine, opening the bottle, allowing the wine to breathe, choosing glasses, and pouring.
The...
•Caffeine And Pregnancy
A huge controversy exists about caffeine and pregnancy with some conclusive findings suggesting that higher levels of caffeine intake can have negative effects on pregnant women and their babies. The real question up for debate is: What amount of caffeine is safe? While it is best not to ‘overworry’ about the chocolate bar you may have inhaled last night (yes…chocolate has caffeine), if you find the effects of caffeine on your pregnancy worrisome, perhaps you would be best suited avoiding...
•What Are The Best Grilling Steaks?
You have just purchased the outdoor barbeque you have always wanted, and now you are ready to break it in. Your mouth is watering for a juicy steak, and you are anxious to impress your guests with your new barbeque and grilling skills. But do you know what the best grilling steaks are to use? You may have the perfect marinade in mind, as well as your own special blend of seasonings. Choosing the right type of meat is just as important as the type of flavoring you use.
While so much of steak...
•Proposing To Your Significant Other
The reason your favorite person is called “significant other” is because he or she is the human being you’d want to spend the rest of your life with. You’ve met thousands of interesting people, dated hundreds and perhaps even co-habited with a few, but you’ve finally found THE one. When the time comes to ask for her hand in marriage, lots of imagination is needed to make the proposal as significant as her – and as memorable. Proposing, by the way, is no longer the monopoly of men. Women have...
•Why Parents Should Not Spoil Children
If you've ever watched MTV's reality television series “Sweet 16,” in which every episode features a different teenager's elaborate party preparations for his or her 16th birthday party, or the more well-known “Nanny 911” on Fox, you've probably gotten an eerie look into the lives of America's most obnoxiously spoiled children. Are they the exception to the rule or is your child in danger of growing into a moody adolescent who demands you buy them a $100,000 car for their Sweet 16?
The sad...
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