PetSource.org Forums

Today was an historical day in our country's history. For many it just have been one of the most important events they will ever see. Today was a day when the spirit of freedom that fuels this country spoke to the world. A day of remembering what is most grand about living in these United States. A day for hopes and dreams. But for some it's also the end of a very large chapter in their lives.

You may have not caught this mornings issue of the Wall Street Journal, but in it buried beneath the headlines focusing on the incoming president elect lies a very touching article written by out going first daughters Jenna and Barbara Bush. Written as an open letter to Barack Obama's daughters Sasha and Malia, Jenna and Barbara shared some of their fondest memories of their timing living in and around the White House and gave a bit of advice on how to brave the life of a presidents daughter. Amoung their words of wisdom they wrote "Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history....If you're traveling with your parents over Halloween, don't let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.....In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all."

One of the most touching pieces of advice and the reason I am sharing this with you here on a website devoted to pets, is a very touching sentiment about the importantance of having a furry friend to turn to. "A note on White House puppies--our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there's Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide."

After reading this I can't help but wonder if this doesn't hold true for all of us who own pets. Life is never easy and not always fair, but those of us who consider a pet as a member of our family as much loved as grandma and grandpa those quiet moments of comfort with our animals are often all we need to pick ourselves up and carry on. If you are thinking about owning a pet or simply want a friend who will be loyal to the very end, there's an animal shelter near you full of pets that desperately wants your love and attention. All it takes is the ability to care.

Waaay back last October, I brought you the story of one soldier's love for a stray dog and her efforts to bring it back to the states safe and sound. For those who may not remember "Ratchet was saved by Sgt. Gwen Beberg who intended to have the pup accompany her as she transferred out of Iraq, but ran into a road block of sorts when a high ranking official confiscated Ratchet sighting the Army's rule that prohibits stray animals."

Well this weekend thanks to the help of Sgt. Beberg, her parents, a petition signed by 70,000 people, and a little bit of governmental flexibility, Ratchet and Beberg were reunited in her home town of Spring Lake Park, Mn. While Ratchet actually made it to the U.S several months ago, Beberg's tour wasn't over so her parents opted to taking care of the pup for their daughter who they hadn't seen in almost two years. But time couldn't do any damage to this bond, as Beberg and her beloved puppy were reunited to a gathering of 60 well-wishers. Talking like a true pet owner the first thing Beberg said to Ratchet was "Hey, baby. Oh, you got so big -- Oh, you got so big,. Yeah, who's home? Who's home, huh" adding to those in attendance "I wish every soldier in the world, past, present and future, came home to a welcome like this."

One of the best and most rewarding things about owning a new kitten or puppy is the tons of playtime that is had those first few months. As your new pet gets older play time will still take place, but there is nothing like those first few months when you are getting to know each other and everything is new. With all the fun though a little bit of discipline needs to be mixed in so that you new kitty doesn't grow up to be a mean old cat. Just like toddlers learning the rules of the house for the first time, new pets are constantly testing their boundaries and discovering what is appropriate and what can get them into some serious trouble. For pets if not taught early biting, chewing, and scratching can become a serious problem. So what should a new pet owner do when their loveable furry new pet turns into a biting machine? Well believe it or not Time Out works for both toddlers and pets.

The next time you are playing with your new puppy or kitten and the playing starts to turn rough, try this easy 1,2,3 step technique:

1. Stop playtime immediately! Even if the pet persists stop participating in the fun.
2. Ignore your pet. I know this sounds mean, but by leaving the room or turning your back on the animal you are adding consequence to their actions. Consider this the opposite of giving them a treat for following a command.
3. Give it time. Don't just wait 20 seconds and then jump back in. Let enough time pass so that the animal realizes something occurred to change the situation and stop the fun. A couple of minutes should be plenty

Remember, just like everyone else pets need a certain amount of structure in their life in order to avoid getting hurt or hurting others. With a little consistency and some repetition soon your pet will be playing fair once again.

It didn't take long for recent Golden Globe winner Mickey Rourke to announce his next project following his win this past weekend. The long time acting veteran and star of the critically acclaimed "The Wrestler" picked up a Golden Globe for Best Actor. During his speech to the millions watching on television as well as attending the star studded event, Rourke proclaimed his love for dogs in his acceptance speech. In one of the nights most touching moments Rourke thanked his pups "ones that are here and the ones that aren't here anymore" adding that "Sometimes when a man is alone, that's all you've got is your dog," he said. "They meant the world to me."

After hearing Rourke's speech, PETA contacted the actor about possibly appearing in their new ad campaign. Now he can be seen posing with his Chihuahua Jaws in the new PETA campaign, which centers around the importance of having your pets spayed and neutered. In the ad Rourke urges pet owners to" have the cojones to fix your dog. When dogs get (pregnant), puppies get put down because there aren't enough homes for them." After admitting that he felt guilty for buying pets at a retail store instead of adopting them from a nearby shelter, Rourke recently posted a video on PETA's website in which he states  "I became a little more aware of how many dogs are abandoned or put to sleep each week - it's staggering. The most important thing about having a dog and loving a dog is keeping the dog its whole natural life. You have a responsibility to communicate with your animal how much he means to you" If you are interested in helping spread the word about how important it is to have your pet spayed or neutered follow this link to the ASPCA to locate a shelter near you.

In today's rough and tumble housing market those wishing to move and in the process sell their old home are having a tough time finding anybody willing to pay what they feel the house is worth.  Now more than ever it's the little things about a home that ultimately have the greatest impact on deciding if it will be sold and those first impressions have to really amaze perspective buyers. Recently MSNBC did a report on 10 Ways Not To Sell Your Home in which they talked about how home owners really need to take an in-depth look at how their homes appear in the eyes of another and what just has to be gotten rid of in order to get that great first impression so strongly desired. Among ideas on "toning it down" and "getting rid of everything you wouldn't want your mother to see" are a couple of gems that I think all home owners who are also pets owners should keep in mind. Specifically "Does your home pass the sniff test" and what to do about that "distracting doggie"

As I mentioned above, when selling your home the trick is to snag potential buyers with that all important first impression, so imagine this scenario: You've been working for months getting ready for your open house. The yard is immaculate. The floors are spotless. That fresh coat of paint transformed your living room into something out of Home & Gardens.  Suddenly just when a potential buyer is about to pronounce their love for your home....Rover runs in, jumps all over them, and licks them in the face. Suddenly you cringe as you hear how much they dislike dogs and you see that offer that was moments away sail out the window.  Honestly while this may all be hypothetical it's not a situation that is all that farfetched (excuse the pun). Animals can be distracting to those looking at your home for the first time, that's why it's best to find a way to keep them out of the picture. When trying to hide your pet think about asking someone to pet sit at their place for a few hours, or take the opportunity to send your pup to the groomers, or if all else fails keep them away from the action where they won't interfere with the open house.

Now let's talk about that Sniff Test.  Nobody sells their home overnight and for those with cats this is probably a good thing. Not to say that cat lovers smell, but even those that change their litter box daily have those occasional not so fresh moments. This is why it's so important to make sure your home is odor free come time to open your house for public scrutiny. Remember it's those first few moments that a prospective buyer is either won over or lost forever. Even if you think your home is odor free, get a second opinion and at least for the day think about removing your litter box from the home (while your cat is getting groomed as mentioned above).

Selling your home is never easy and in this current day and age it's nearly impossible. For pet owners this holds especially true since our homes also contain animals that though may be loveable can also be distraction for those looking to make you an offer.

A major part of being a husband is dropping off your spouse so that she can "run in real quick" and pick up that latest must have blouse that has caught her eye. Of course every husband will tell you that A) real quick means 45 minutes to an hour and B)that blouse of course might get lonely without the matching skirt, shoes, and purse that goes with so naturally they must be purchased also. What you inevitably end up with every weekend is a parking lot full of guys just hanging out in their cars listening to whatever game happens to be on, while praying for some type of relief. As a  husband who is continuously finding himself in this type of situation it's in these moments that I find myself watching the goings on of the parking lot. One thing I have noticed is that a large number of people like to leave their pets sitting in their cars while they (you guessed it) "run in real quick". I've never understood the reason for bringing your pet along with you to the store and honestly the only person who it seems convenient for are the criminals out there who are just dying to get their hands on a great dog for nothing.

When it comes to wrong do'ers, pet snatching is a very easy way to make a quick buck. Nobody can be with their pet 24hrs a day and with a little patience a rare breed can easily be taken in a matter of seconds. Recently in the February edition of DogWorld magazine, one contributor listed 7 Tips To Keeping Your Pet From Being Stolen:

• 1. Never leave your pet alone in the car. Most who are caught taking pets out of somebody else's car claim they are taking the pet because they thought it was in danger of overheating. While this may be a noble reason the fact is they are taking what is not theirs
• 2. Print your last name and contact info as well as your pet's name on their id collars
• 3. If you have an outside pet, keep things private. The easiest way to avoid prying eyes is either add a fence or create some natural privacy by planting trees and large shrubs.
• 4. Don't advertise that you have a specific breed of animal. Meaning if you have certain toys that a specific breed of dog is known to enjoy, keep them put up when not in use so potential thieves are not alerted to their presence
• 5. Let people know who is taking care of your pet while you are away. Pick a neighbor you trust and let them in on the fact that you will be gone and if they see anyone other than the person you have chosen to visit your pet daily then the need to contact yourself and the police ASAP.
• 6. Carry a recent photo of your pet to prove that it is yours and help in the search should it go missing
• 7. For inside pets who have their own room or for outside pets, installing a surveillance camera could just be enough to keep your pet safe and sound.

The most important thing to remember about preventing your pet from being stolen is to be aware of your surroundings and to make sure you've done enough to deter any potential pet-nappings from being committed.

A few months back we brought you the tail of Tama the Super Station Master cat which single handedly changed the entire economy of one small Japanese town thanks to a creative add campaign by a local train station. Well as it turns out Tama isn't the only cat that is helping bring a community together. Meet Sammy The Post Office Cat! For the past several years Sammy has been calling the tiny little post office located in Notasulga, Al. his home. The way the locals tell it, Sammy has more friends that anybody in the entire county and not a day goes by where he doesn't find himself taking a catnap on the bench inside the post office.

Recently though Sammy found himself homeless when an anonymous citizen wrote the officials of the post office saying that until he started paying taxes, Sammy shouldn't be allowed to live in a federal building. Unfortunately whether they liked it or not, town officials had to agree with the complaint and Sammy was tossed out on his ear. As is the case with small towns, it didn't take long before residents got wind of Sammy's eviction and began to protest.

Among the Sammy supporters, several told reporters "One of the pleasures of living in a small town is having a post office cat." "He doesn't bother a soul", and that "Most of the time he just slept on the table all day."  Soon everyone in town couldn't quit talking about Sammy and even the town's most famous resident himself got involved. Former Auburn University football coach Pat Dye made it clear what was bringing him and other together everyday in front of the post office "We ain't worried about football. We're worried about the cat."

It was then that somebody decided that if you can't beat the system you may as well find a solution that works with it, so this week to the delight of all those who show up to check their mail everyday Sammy can once again be seen lounging on his favorite table taking a nap....right next to his very own post office box paid for by one big hearted animal loving resident. 

I'm the first to admit that too often we spend most if not all of the week talking about dogs and cats exclusively. Occasionally we will discuss those issues facing pet owners of a different variety, but for the most part our stories do center on the two most popular pets. This is something we want to change and are making an effort to include posts on all pets not just the main two. After all Petsource is your one stop spot on the web for the latest tips, stories, and info on your pets, not those that just bark and meow. With this in mind, I thought today we'd talk about all those little bunnies everyone will be receiving this Spring and just what they need to have on their menu.

Most people think that rabbits only eat carrots and lettuce, but in fact there are tons of foods that are great for a bunnies diet. According to the San Diego Chapter of the House Rabbit Society rabbits can be feed:

Vegetables:

Alfalfa, radish & clover sprouts
Basil
Beet greens (tops)*
Bok Choy
Broccoli (mostly leaves/stems)*
Brussels sprouts
Carrot & carrot tops*
Celery
Cilantro
Clover
Collard greens*
Dandelion greens and flowers (available in produce aisle)*
Endive*
Escarole
Green peppers
Kale *
Mint
Mustard greens*
Parsley*
Pea pods (the flat edible kind)*
Peppermint leaves
Radicchio
Radish tops
Raspberry leaves
Red or Green Leaf lettuce
Romaine lettuce (no iceberg lettuce)*
Spinach *
Watercress*
Wheat grass

Fruits:

Apple
Blueberries
Melon
Orange (be sure to remove the peel as it can harbor pesticides)
Papaya
Peach
Pear
Pineapple
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries

The most important thing to remember when deciding what to feed your pet rabbit though is that everything must be given in moderation. In terms of leafy vegetables i.e. lettuce, parsley, kale your new rabbit needs to have 1 cup for every 4lbs they weight everyday of the week. These types of foods provide Vitamin A, which is essential to their diets. However like with all foods on the list when attempting to feed them something new, make sure you give it to them in small amounts so that you can monitor how they will react to the new addition to their diet. Fruits can be given a couple times a week and only in tiny portions and never give your rabbit chocolate. Chocolate and other "human treats" can be very deadly for your bunny.

With a bit of moderation and some close attention to what best works with their personalities, in no time you will have your bunny eating a healthy variety of foods in no time.

You may remember a few months back when I did a whole week on all the great things you can find at Petsource.Org (besides yours truly of course).  It was then that I first introduced you to all the fantastic resources that can be accessed with a simple click of the mouse. This week one such resource, the AVMA (American Veterinarian Medical Association) is alerting pet owners of a new internet scam that could potentially be stealing millions from unsuspecting victims.

The way the scam works is that fraudulent ads are placed on internet market sites such as Craigslist and Ebay each offering popular breeds of pets at great prices. Once somebody expresses interest in purchasing the animal, they are told that the pet can be theirs with a simple wire payment to a bank in Cameroon or the U.K. In order to give the scam some credibility legitimate shipping companies are given as potential carriers of the pet even though in reality they have nothing to do with the crime. Once they have received the first payment, the unknowing buyer is then told more funds are required due to added insurance costs, permits, or medical expenses. As longs as the buyer keeps sending money, the scam continues until they eventually realize they have been taken for a ride.

According to Dr. Gail Golab of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division "Many reputable breeders, who are concerned about making sure the pet receives a suitable home, will not sell animals unless they are able to meet and interview their potential owner or owners. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from meeting with a breeder face-to-face, you should check references and credentials first, and never send money without speaking to the breeder."

If you feel you have become the victim of such a crime as this please contact your local Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org

Sadly with the way the economy here in the states is going lately another story about how our nation's animal shelters are overflowing as more and more families decide they can no longer take care of their pets would probably go unnoticed by many. The truth is thousands of articles are being written everyday on the subject with every passing day each with another horrible tale of a shelter on the verge of closing due to lack of funds and too many animals. However as one Nevada woman recently learned, it's one thing to hear about how overcrowded our local pet shelters are and an entirely all too real thing to see it firsthand and up close. So she decided to do something about it.

After losing her beloved 2 year-old pointer Barney to a car accident back in November, after just a few weeks Colleen Spalioni decided it was time for another dog to fill the void. When she got to the animal shelter though, Colleen got the shock of a lifetime "I didn't realize so many animals were dying every day until I saw it with my own eyes." With the sole intention of just adopting one new puppy, within hours Collen found herself unable to resist the urge to save 27 dogs who were each days from being euthanized. According to reports Spalioni soon arrived home with "10 Chihuahua mixes, one purebred Chihuahua, a Jack Russell, a poodle, two shepherd mixes, two miniature pinschers and an Australian cattle dog mix." Little did she know that not all her neighbors would be wagging their tails in excitement over her houseguests. "I didn't realize I was going to be in so much trouble or that so many people would be so angry at what I did." In fact as it turns out not only were Colleen's neighbors unhappy with all the barking, local law enforcement also took issue with her decision to break a law that only allows three pets per household.

Still though Colleen wasn't about to just return the dogs back to the shelter and to the horrible fate that surely would lie ahead for them, instead she quickly spread her story to anyone who would listen and today she's proud to announce that all but four of the dogs have been adopted by a new owner.

I mentioned yesterday that the New Year has brought with it some major soul searching and a need to take stock of what life has become post holiday chaos. One thing is for sure if your home is anything like mine it's time for some major spring-cleaning. Before we just jump right in there though, it's important to consider our pets and how they might be affected by all the work that is planned. In addition with all this housework comes the promise to raise the bar in terms of daily chores. Thankfully the Soap and Detergent Association is there with 7 helpful tips on cleaning a pet friendly home:

1. Vacuum frequently! Depending on what type of pet you have this may not be something you want to do daily, but a couple times a week is definitely a good idea especially during times of the year when pets begin to shed more heavily
2. It may not be something you want to tackle now, but a synthetic carpet with a stain-resistant finish is a must have for all those with children and pets.
3. Cover your pet's favorite hangout with an easily washed blanket or throw.
4. If you're tired of your pet sleeping on your pillow or in your favorite recliner, try getting them a bed or large pillow of their own. Give them a treat whenever you find them laying on it to get them used to the idea of making the spot permanent
5. Fabric Refreshener is your friend. Use is often and don't let pet odors linger
6. Groom your pet frequently. Regardless of whether you have somebody else do it or take care of the task your self, by keeping your pet clean your are essentially keeping you home free of dirt, hair, and other pet problems
7. Put your pets up when cleaning. Not only will this limit their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals used in the cleaning process, but this will also help stop them from making a mess while you are trying to clean one.

Last week I talked some about New Year's resolutions and how important it is to consider your pet when making this year's list. In fact some even go as far as making an entirely separate list of yearly goals specifically for their pet. As we jump head first into the first full week of 2009 like many of you out there I seem to be doing some soul searching and taking stock of things now that the holidays are finally over. By "taking stock of things" I of course mean I keep looking at myself in the mirror and wondering how I'll ever get back to my pre-Thanksgiving weight. The bottom line is it's going to take some work and a drastic change in my eating habits. Since this isn't something I want to do alone and since it appears my oversized cat has been enjoying in the endless buffets himself, I thought what better partner to help me get back in shape than my giant "Garfield" sized kitty.  As we all know though an animal's body is vastly different than their human counterparts, so it's important to tailor a new diet specifically for their unique needs.

Tips On Keeping Your Pet Healthier

• Rid your home of preservatives- Preservatives are good for no one man or beast. When searching for healthier pet food, look for organic or free-range ingredients.
• Clean your water- This year do yourself and your pet a favor and buy a water filter attachment for your sink. Not only are they inexpensive but also they are more than worth any extra costs when compared to the benefits they provide.
• Exercise with your pet-If you own a dog, take them for long walks/runs in the morning or late afternoon. For cat fans out there make sure your kitty is getting enough exercise by picking up a few toys that will drive them crazy and have them literally jumping to new heights.
• Do away with chemicals- The next time you go to clean something or are outside spraying for bugs, remember your pet and choose alternative items that avoid putting your pet at risk of being exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals.

Changing your lifestyle is never easy and there are new challenges at every corner, but with a little self-control and some help from your furry friend, in no time both you and your loyal pet will be on the road to a newer healthier life in 2009.

We've reached the official end of the holidays and I can't believe I'm going to say this but....I'm sad to see them go. Yes they were hectic and nerve racking and were filled with non-stop errands, visits from the family, and mile long buffets, but through all of it there's a magic in the air that just doesn't exist throughout the rest of the 11 months of the year. With the end of the holidays so to comes the final post revolving around this week's theme of all that is NEW. I want to wrap things up with a look back at just how pet owners in 2008 put a NEW twist on naming their pets by coming up with some of the most creative names we've seen in years.

Of course the old standards were still there when it comes to dogs and cats:

Cats Top 10

1. Lucy
2. Molly
3. Oreo
4. Kittens
5. Smokey
6. Princess
7. Shadow
8. Tigger
9. Angel
10. Missy

Dogs Top 10

1. Buddy
2. Max
3. Daisy
4. Jack
5. Lucy
6. Molly
7. Charlie
8. Sadie
9. Jake
10. Lucky

In ‘08' it seemed as if the entire world was turned upside down. The economy took a turn for the worst and with it came a sense of change that inspired an not only a change in politics, but a change in how we view things that are typically considered traditional. It's no wonder that this new desire for something new brought an entirely new generation of never before heard of pet names.

Top 10 Unusual Names

1. Woe Izmee
2. Gwyneth Poultry
3. SoSueMe
4. 54cent Swee'T
5. Imaredneckwoman
6. Angry Chef Soup
7. Ms. Cornflake Especially
8. Bon Jo Flea
9. McLovin
10. Joe The Plumber

So what will 2009 bring? A new pup in the White House? A return of our once healthy economy? A kitty cat named Ihearttuna? While the answers may not be clear now one thing is certain, you can check back here everyday in the coming year for the best in pet news and tips from your friends at Scribbles N' Bits!

It's New Year's Eve and as part of the celebrations, Scribbles N'Bits is proud to kick off the first week of 2009 with something new for everyone. So far this week we have discussed tips on how to help your pet get adjusted to that new baby and we even got around to make 10 Pet Resolutions that we all promise not to break. If you're like me there's no greater celebration than the countless New Year's Eve parties that will be taking place all around the world tonight. Since the party is sure to last all night long, it would be nice if there was someone to call on to come to your home and care for your pet while you are out.  In fact forget about tonight, wouldn't it be nice if there were somebody that could pet sit for you on a daily basis? Well recently Camp Bow Wow announced it's brand NEW in home pet care service call Home Buddies.

Now obviously not every town in America has a Camp Bow Wow in their area, but if you are lucky enough to have one nearby, you'd be crazy not to give them a try. Not only does Home Buddies offer in home care for your pets, but also offers grooming, training, food delivery, and shuttle service to and from your veterinarian's office. Plus this isn't just for dogs or cats, Home Buddies promises to help out with birds, fish, reptiles, hamsters, rabbits, and small mammals. According to CEO Heidi Flammang "This is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive pet care service opportunity in the country. Now pet parents can have one trusted, in-home pet care provider capable of delivering the same dependable service our customers enjoy at Camp Bow Wow locations around the country "      

If you are stressed about what to do with your pets while you are away at work or out of town on vacation look for Camp Bow Wow's Home Buddies near you. Oh and if you can't locate one nearby, franchises are currently being offered as low as $69k!

It's a NEW day and that means a NEW post about something NEW from your old pal here at Scribbles N' Bits.  Sometime over the next couple of days people all around the world will spend at least a moment or two focusing on one topic....New Year's Resolutions. Some will write theirs down in an effort to cement them in stone and thus make them last all year long. Others will break them minutes after they are made and then will make them again....and then will break them once more after a few more minutes. Still others will languish on and on about just what they want to change until they eventually realize that February is simply too late to start anything new.  For pet owners Lorraine Corriveau at Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine suggests that a separate list of resolutions be made to ensure that their beloved animals stay healthy in 2009.

1. Spay or neuter your pets, adding more years to their lives and improving their behavior.

2. Provide them age-appropriate health care so that you develop a good idea about their health and build a relationship with your veterinarian.

3. Give them a diet suited to their age and medical condition. Pets kept at their ideal body weight live longer. Look for foods designed for different stages of life and medical conditions.

4. Give them medicines regularly to prevent heartworm and fleas.

5. Groom them at home, especially the minor grooming procedures, because it causes less stress.

6. Exercise and play with them more often, each day if possible.

7. Ask your veterinarian or seek expert advice on behavior problems. A basic training class might be useful, especially for a new puppy.

8. Socialize pets with other animals and people by enrolling them in a dog park, an agility/training class or socialization classes.

9. Donate time, effort or resources to a local animal welfare group.

10. If your pet is especially social, patient and people-oriented, consider certifying it as a therapy animal. Studies have confirmed that pets increase a person's life span, help speed recovery in case of young and old patients, and are a great moral booster to people in various psychiatric and medical programs.