We recently visited a new vet who is much closer to our home to pick up some needed supplies and make an appointment to have our young males neutered. While there, we discovered that they keep several large cages of kittens. These kittens were from litters by local feral females. There are several individuals in our community who find these young wild families, trap the mothers (who are then spayed), and begin the work of socializing the young kittens, while treating them for the parasites, skin conditions, etc. that commonly plague these kittens who are uncared-for except for what their mothers (usually very young and unhealthy cats themselves) are able to provide for them.

When the kittens are brought to the clinic, they are further socialized, and taken home by employees to learn “house manners.” When they are in good health and friendly, the clinic offers them for adoption. The very nominal adoption fee of $30 covers any medication the kitten may still require, further boarding and treatment until it is ready to be discharged, if any is required, as well as all vaccinations (including rabies) and spaying or neutering. All vet care necessary for the first year is included for this low $30 fee.

Normally, these services would be worth several hundred dollars, depending upon the animal’s sex and condition. We were touched and surprised that a local professional and his employees are doing so much to help with the pet overpopulation in the community and find the animals good homes and help ensure their ongoing health at the same time.

The next time you are looking to add a pet to your family, call around to area vets and see if anyone is doing a community service of this type in your area. Support these businesses, and give a pet a good home.

Pets are members of our families, and anyone who has ever had a pet go missing knows the heartbreak and anxiety an owner feels when faced with lost pets. We were unfortunate enough to experience this a couple of years ago when our black Maine Coon cat sneaked out through an open door and disappeared.

My daughter was heartbroken, as he was her special pet. We visited the shelters, and the neighborhood was plastered with fliers with a photo of Lucky on them, begging people to call if he was found. Weeks went by, and our hopes began to fade. We still checked the shelters, and still looked hopefully around nearby neighborhoods, but the chances of getting him back were becoming slimmer.

Unfortunately, we discovered him on the side of the road, a month and a half after he had gone missing. He had been killed by a car. But other than that, he was in good condition. Obviously, someone had taken him in and been caring for him. We never found out how near he was to us the whole time, but perhaps the person caring for him didn't see our fliers. I wish there had been a better way to contact everyone within the nearby area to search for him during that time he was missing.

We have found such a service available, started by another cat owner who hasn't recovered her pet either. (By the way, the photos of her cat on the site show a well-named cat, a very lovely "Cutie McPretty" ... our condolences to Cutie's owner, and hopes that she finds her pet, especially since she is helping others to find their pets.)

The service at FindToto lets owners who have lost dogs, cats, or other pets fill out an information form about the animal and where it was lost along with their contact information. FindToto then contacts hundreds (you select how many based on the population where the pet was lost) of people in the area by phone to let them know your lost pet's information and how to contact you.

The service seems to be quite effective. I read the testimonial page and was surprised to see how many people found dogs and cats based on calls from people who had been notified. In many cases, several people call with information about the missing pet, because a number of people will have seen the pet and hopefully someone has taken it in and will also respond. Even in cases where the pet is frightened and hiding, it is possible to find the cat or dog when a neighbor calls to tell you that your pet is hiding in the field near their house.

We thought this was a wonderful service. We hope that you never need to use a service like FindToto.com, but if you do, it's good to know that such a service is available. It's also nice to keep it in mind in case someone you know loses a pet too. I only wish we'd had such a service available when our Lucky went missing. It's been a couple of years now, but our daughter still thinks of him and we all still miss him. He was a wonderful companion.

I just wanted to share a website I ran across with a unique and witty twist ... it's written by a dog! Gary, the Sensitive Brown Dog, uses his keen dog-sense perspective to provide you with great information about man's best friend!

Including everything from Gary's perspective on designer dogs (essentially mutts) to his opinion of homemade vs. commercial foods, and much more. You'll find guidance on choosing your pet's name and dealing with nuisance barking. There are tips on boarding your furry friend while you are away, such as leaving a t-shirt belonging to the owner to comfort your pet. As a rescue dog, Gary encourages those seeking a pet to consider rescuing an animal from a shelter.

I'm not quite sure why the doggie necessities list includes "one toy" ... but I'm pretty sure Gary means it as a minimum. On the other hand, Gary considers doggie clothing a necessity only "if you want your dog to hate you"!

We found the site amusing, and look forward to future developments there.

A scratching post can offer your cat hours of enjoyment. Depending upon its design, a good scratching post can promote enticing play including both physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Some models provide platforms for cats to rest upon or to hide within, allowing them to choose a spot that is raised up high or one that is secluded, depending upon the individual cat's preferences. Your selection of a scratching post should take into consideration your own cat's personality and needs in order to provide the maximum enjoyment for your pet.

For cats that need to use the post to actually scratch upon, the surface should be rough in order to encourage the cat to dig its claws in. Sisal is a favorite of many cats, but we also thought the rough cedar scratching posts were a great choice. Carpet-covered posts may encourage scratching, but you run the risk of training your cat to scratch carpet, which may then transfer to your floor carpeting. Our recommendation for most cats is to choose a scratching post that incorporates some other rough surface in addition to carpeting, if your cat is to actually scratch it. Corrugated cardboard is another favorite rough surface that many cats enjoy, and can be used to apply dried catnip directly into the corrugating, though these posts or trays will need to be replaced periodically.

Another important feature to look for when evaluating the entertainment value of cat furniture is toy anchoring spots. Look for the ability to anchor toys that will hang / swing / spin. Another great feature shown in this cedar scratching post is the "mousehole" effect that encloses a small ball that will retreat when a cat tries to reach in for it, but returns to entice the cat to attempt to capture it when released.



For the best value in cat furniture, look for a piece that will suit a variety of needs all in one unit. Some of the Armarkat scratching posts offer some of the best value by offering high open perches, closed in hidey-hole cubbies, staggered tiers for climbing, horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces, and toy anchoring spots all within a single piece of furniture. Their prices also tend to be quite competitive, and consumers rate them as being sturdy enough to withstand their cats' antics.

Having a larger piece of cat furniture can be especially important in multi-cat households. Giving each cat a place within the scratching stand can help cut down on fights and keep all the felines happy at the same time.


To search for scratching posts, we used an pet product shopping site that returned a lot of relevant results that can easily be searched by category or arranged by price, etc. Pet owners can easily find a wide variety of styles suited to their particular pet just by browsing through such services. It can be helpful to discover products you may not even have realized existed. (On the same site, we discovered that noise-sensitive dog owners can purchase squeaky dog toys that squeak only in the range of doggie-hearing, so the dog can squeak to his heart's content and the owner never has to hear it!)

In response to a reader question, we want to cover the common topic of cats that urinate outside of their litterboxes.

Unfortunately, I can't easily address the problem our reader is having, because there can be a number of reasons why a cat may begin to do this. It is important to find the cause, for the sake of the cat's health and so that the problem can be solved.

The first thing the cat owner should consider is the health of the cat. Today's commercial foods have unfortunately caused a much higher incidence of FLUTD (Feline lower urinary trace disease) ... you might be more familiar with the older term of FUS (Feline Urinary Syndrome). FLUTD causes the cat to have painful urination, which he may then associate with the litterbox. Because he is afraid that going to the litterbox will once again cause the pain during urination, he is likely to seek out other places to urinate. FLUTD also causes more frequent need to urinate, and the cat may be unable to reach the litterbox even if he wants to.

The reason this needs to be considered first is that the health of the cat can be at stake, and if FLUTD is the cause, the condition can deteriorate while the owner tries to determine if other reasons are the cause of the problem. (If you KNOW why your cat is doing this, that may be another story.)

If that is not the cause, then there are other things to consider. First, if you have recently had the cat declawed, he should be given something soft in his litterbox until the wounds heal. Many vets recommend shredded newspaper, but there are products available. You should NOT use clay litter, clumping litter, sand, or any other abrasive substance, as this will be very painful on paws that have just had surgery.

Cats will often urinate to show their displeasure. If they are urinating on a particular person's belongings, bed, carpet, etc., consider whether that person has done anything to upset the cat. Cats can take a long time to forgive, and are masters at holding a grudge!

If you have recently added a new cat to the family, that may be the cause as well. If the new cat is using "his" litterbox, your cat may feel insecure, jealous, or for some other reason unwilling to use the same litterbox. Often multi-cat households must have multiple litterboxes to keep everyone happy.

Have you recently moved to a new home, moved the litterbox, changed the box or brand of litter, or made any other changes? Cats are creatures of habit, routine, and territory, and upsetting any of these can result in problems with urinating outside the litterbox. If things can be returned to normal, that may solve the problem. Otherwise, the cat may need extra attention and might benefit from being confined in a smaller area until he gets used to the new surroundings.

Is the litterbox clean? I used to have a cat that would urinate in the litterbox, but if he used it to defecate, he refused to re-enter it until it had been cleaned. He would then give me a "warning" by going into the bathtub for the next visit, but if I somehow missed cleaning up before he needed the litterbox again, the next time he needed a toilet, he'd visit my bed! Some cats are VERY meticulous. In such cases, it might be wise to have several litterboxes to choose from so he can select one that meets his cleanliness standards.

Cats may also have had some unfortunate experience around the litterbox. Did a broom fall and bang loudly on the litterbox cover while he was in there? Did a strange dog rush in and bark at him while he was using the litterbox? Anything that upsets him while he is in there can make him reluctant to return.

And cats do mark their territories, by spraying urine. This is most common in intact adult males, but neutered males and even females will sometimes do this. If you see the cat urinating, you can tell whether this is what is happening. Instead of the normal semi-squat, a cat who is spraying will stand with his tail quivering in the air and spray behind him -- usually onto a vertical surface. This is usually territorial, but can be brought on by having another cat around, stress, changes in surroundings, a new person being introduced, etc.

All of these are just to give you some ideas of some of the most common reasons cats may begin to avoid their litterboxes. Knowing the cause is the first step in solving the problem.

There are some general guidelines to follow whatever the reason may be. The first step is to find a litter your cat likes. Many cats like the fine clumping brands, and don't usually care for heavily perfume ones. The cheaper clay brands are, unfortunately, not popular with cats (nor do they do a good job of absorbing odor or offer easy clean-up). Make sure the litterbox is large enough, and the cat can comfortably and easily get in and out. Place the box in a quiet location so that the cat can be relatively undisturbed and have some privacy. Some cats like the covered boxes, while others do not. If you have multiple cats, make sure you have boxes for each cat (and an extra or two is a good idea too). Scoop the box frequently ... at least once a day. Change the litter completely once a week or so, and wash the box as well, rinsing well too, if you don't use a liner.

You will want to thoroughly clean the place the cat used outside the litterbox, to cover the scent so the cat won't be tempted to return. As our reader mentioned, ammonia-based cleaners (or those that contain any ammonia) can make the problem worse, because when the cat smells the ammonia, he will usually want to urinate over it to give it his own scent.

If the urine is fresh, you may be able to take care of it simply by blotting it up, wetting the area, blotting again, and cleaning with vinegar or baking soda.

First, blot the area with a clean white cloth, removing as much of the urine as possible. Follow with a warm-water rinse, and blot that up. Repeat if needed. You can then sprinkle baking soda over the area and rub it in (a toothbrush works well) and allow it to dry, and then vacuum it up. If you'd like to try vinegar instead, go through the same blot-and-rinse process, then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to a quart of warm water and apply that to the area (test first on an inconspicuous spot). Place a white towel over the area and apply pressure (you may want to place something very heavy there and leave it for a few hours.). Blot it up again after a few hours. Hopefully one of these methods will take care of fresh urine. However, if it has set for a while, soaked in, or stained the area, you will need a specialty product.

Cleaners are available to remove the urine scent ... check with a local pet shop or veterinarian for the best chance at locating one. Look for a product that uses enzymes and/or bacteria to "consume" the odor rather than a simple detergent-type product that you might find at mass outlets (like Wal-Mart). It is worth it to buy a product that will accomplish the job rather than have to keep cleaning the same mess and meanwhile having your cat more and more convinced that he should be urinating outside his litterbox.

Several such products include Just for Cats (Nature's Miracle), Urine Off, Urine Gone, Outright Pet Stain Eliminator, and Pet Oops Remover.

Abyssinians may be one of the oldest breeds of cat ... so much so that their true beginnings are lost to history. As fitting such an ancient breed, they resemble the wild African cat assumed to be the ancestor of domestic cats, and also have the same physical characteristics of ancient Egyptian portrayals of cats with their lithe, muscular bodies, large pointed ears, smooth coats, and exotic almond-shaped eyes.

Abyssinian cats should be muscular, of medium size, with slender legs, oval feet, and a long tapering tail. Ear tufts are desirable, and the eyes may be amber, hazel, or green but should be deeply hued. The short coat must have the Aby ticking, which again makes them resemble wild cats. There are, of course, much more detailed breed standards available as this is just a generalization.



As pets, Abyssinians are outstanding. Highly intelligent cats, they are also very people-oriented, though not in a sit-in-your-lap-all-day kind of way. Instead, Abys have ample curiosity to go along with their intelligence, and prefer to be around people but actively exploring and getting involved with their surroundings. Carolyn Osier of the Abyssinian Breeders International describes Abys as, "a cat that likes to be with people, a cat that wants to know what you are doing - then wants to help."

The short coat makes cat care simple where Abyssinians are concerned. Brushing regularly will keep the coat clean and free from mats and remove any loose hairs. Attention to the teeth is also recommended, to keep them healthy. If you are purchasing a purebred Abyssinian kitten, ask the breeder about the occurrence of PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) in any cats related to the breeding stock.


Abyssinians are intriguing pets and, once you have been owned by one, you will probably never want to be without one. Along with a few of the other breeds we have profiled, Abys are outstanding in their devotion to their owners -- almost more doglike than catlike in that characteristic. For this reason, we believe that Abys combine the best traits of pet dogs and pet cats in one elegant package.

I was raised in Louisiana, and I've spent some time on farms that raised and trained Thoroughbreds for racing. My cousin worked with the young horses, and I used to enjoy watching them exercise and train. I've seen different methods used to exercise horses, but I have to admit the horse exerciser I saw online today is in a class of its own, and very interesting.

Generally, the farm owners have had two options for exercising the horses that I have seen. One is to pay an employee to work each animal and assure that each one receives enough exercise. This is great practice for the horses, but expensive in terms of payroll. It can also be difficult to find enough employees that are light enough not to put more stress than desired on racers if the farm is a large one. The other option involves some kind of mechanical horse walker.

While some farms use a type of treadmill, the horse walkers I am familiar with have all been spokes radiating out from a central hub, with the horses each tied to one of the spoke ends. The horses walk around in their pattern, either with the machine turning, or else providing the energy to move the equipment themselves, but either way they had to be tied to the spoke.


This horse walker has such an innovative design, allowing the horse to move more freely because he is not tied at all. Instead, a partition is attached to the spoke and the partition is moved around the circle, which is enclosed by fencing panels, allowing the horse to walk naturally around the pattern. This freedom of movement is safer for the horse, alleviating the strain caused by the position the animal is brought into by being tied to the other type of walker. I can also easily see that this is the perfect conditioning for an animal who will need to be able to enter starting gates and to negotiate turns well.


I was really impressed by the idea. Another great part of this is that these horse walkers are available for rental as well as purchase, so anyone who is considering purchasing some new exercise equipment, hiring a new exercise boy, or just interesting in improving his methods can easily try one out and evaluate it before committing to buy one.

This is another one of those great products we love to share with our readers. For those of you in the market, take a look at this equipment!

Just like pet dogs, cat breeds also vary in their personality and looks. Some cats are more laid-back and accepting, while others can be more demanding. Some cats are large and spend a lot of time napping compared to other breeds which are active and curiously explore everything they can poke their noses into or fish out with deft paws.

Siamese Cats are among some of the most popular cat breeds, for very good reason. They are very distinctive in their personality ... this means that they are not a breed for everyone, but for those that enjoy Siamese, many wouldn't want any other kind of cat.

Siamese are very intelligent cats, and very social. Because of this, they are not well suited for homes where they will be left alone too much of the time. They need to be actively involved with people or at least other pets for a portion of each day. A Siamese cat won't let you wonder whether or not they are pleased either ... Siamese are among the most "talkative" of cats and will express their opinions and feelings about everything going on around them. They are great companions for this reason though. One can hardly feel alone with a playful and friendly little sidekick that goes everywhere with you about the home and comments upon everything with a wide range of vocalizations that the owner will easily learn to distinguish.

Siamese are also very lithe, limber, and active cats. Their bone structure is very fine and they tend to be athletic. They don't do well being closely confined, and it is a good idea to secure any items you don't want them investigating. However, they are also very intelligent and can easily be trained to respect the boundaries you set for them, especially if they are happy with their lives otherwise.

Among all of the cat breeds, Siamese are also perhaps the most recognizable. Their slender bodies are a white or cream color, with darker points on the face, ears, tail, and legs. Traditionally, these points should be chocolate, seal, blue, or lilac. Other colors of points are made by crossing out to other breeds of cat and may be red, tortoise, tabby, or cream. Tails are long and thin, and eyes sapphire-colored and are a slanted almond-shape.


Many people will remember Siamese cats as being more robust than the cats one commonly sees today, and with a lot of contrast between the dark and light areas. When I was growing up, almost all Siamese cats I knew had kinks in the tails as well. These are some of the characteristics associated with "traditional" Siamese cats, which may still be seen, but most of the cats bred today have the lighter body frame and un-kinked tails. The personality is quite similar, though.


Training of Siamese cats is much like training any other cat. Being very intelligent, the basic training is usually accomplished very simply. Just showing them the litter box is usually enough to let them know, although you may want to hold their paws and gently show them how easy it is to dig in the litter. The most important thing about raising and training a Siamese kitten is to keep them with you, interact with them, and talk to them. They will learn your tone of voice and be more interested in interacting with you than getting into trouble. The best method of discipline is often to say "no" and turn away from them, ignoring them for a bit. This is especially effective if they play too roughly with you.

Training them to stay out of an area should first be done by removing them and saying "no." If that doesn't do the trick, you can later resort to a means such as spraying them with a tiny stream of water or canned air, but be aware that Siamese will quickly come to realize that you are the source of the spray and will avoid the forbidden area only if you are around. If they don't expect to be caught, they might feel free to explore what is off-limits. Also, many Siamese are actually fond of water and may not be deterred by this method in the same way that many other cat breeds would be.

We will discuss more tips for cat training in a later post.

Increasingly the use of alternative medicine for humans is crossing over and helping to benefit the health of our pets as well. One interesting development is the use of massage therapy. Advanced massage therapy training is offered at a variety of schools, such as http://www.sanford-brown.edu/, for use on humans. Often pet massage therapists learn massage at such an institution.

However, they may also learn (or continue their education) at a school intended just for massage therapy of pets. The uses of massage and alternative treatments for pets are widely varied. Massage can be especially helpful for handicapped pets, for example. A number of other resources regarding pet massage are available on dmoz. Dogs and horses are the two species most commonly mentioned regarding pet massage therapy, but we were interested to find that a book was written about massaging your pet rabbit.

Pet massage may be practiced by holistic veterinarians for health concerns, or by massage therapists at shows, obedience events, etc. for the relaxation of competing dogs. More and more pet sitters are offering pet massage as part of their services to help calm and relax animals that are left behind when their owners are away. Groomers also offer massage more and more frequently, both as a means of calming animals stressed by the grooming experience and also as part of a spa-like treatment to be enjoyed by the dog as part of his overall grooming session.

Sometimes it's almost impossible to find a good dog bed, particularly if you own a large or giant breed or your dog has special orthopedic needs. We were pleased to find a website that caters to owners of big dogs and offers furniture-quality luxury dog beds.

"Mammoth" seems a suitable name, with beds as large as 50 to 60 inches. Now large breeds can enjoy the comfort of a bed sized to fit them and ease the stress on their skeletal structure and pressure points while resting. Dogs with special orthopedic needs can benefit from the special support provided by the orthopedic dog beds, though all of the beds featured on the site have orthpedic properties.

We were impressed with the quality construction too, with the durable beds being made of industrial strength canvas, memory foam, and other quality materials. These beds are furniture quality and should give years of comfort to your pet.

Ease of cleaning is often high on the list of factors most pet owners consider. All covers are removable and can be machine washed and dried. The fabrics are treated with anti-odor Scotchgard and are stain, mildew and soil resistant and water repellant. Beds feature polypropylene liners and are antibacterial. Bolsters and many cushions are reversible. The foam is antibacterial and does not clump.

A large number of designs are available to suit any dog, from simple mats, to large donut-style bed, to couches with wrap-around bolsters for your dog to rest his head upon, tufted styles, and more.

Lastly, even though you might think you would have to sacrifice style for the sake of such a high quality dog bed, the additional good news is that a wide variety of designer colors are offered, making it possible to choose a dog bed that will look stylish in any room of your home. Personalization is even available.

We are especially pleased to have been asked to share an offer from Pearl Paradise with our readers.

Pearl Paradise is celebrating their ten-year anniversary with a admirable program called "Giving Back" in which they are donating pearls to non-profit groups for fundraisers. A total of 2,007 pieces of fine pearl jewelry, each worth around $500.00, will be donated to non-profit charities. The pearls are to be used as fund-raisers in silent and live auctions.

We have been asked to share this information on Pets-n-People because Pearl Paradise is especially interested in helping animal rescue groups. It is our hope that in sharing this information with our readers, qualifying animal-rescue organizations will hear about this program and apply to receive a donation of pearl jewelry to help in their upcoming fundraisers. We plan to directly notify deserving animal rescue groups in our area and among our online network as well. So if you know of a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a fundraiser coming up within the next 3 months, please pass this information along to them.

Pearl Paradise is interested in other kinds of charities that benefit society as well, and has expressed particular interest in societies helping disabled children, environmental groups, those involved with cancer research, and groups involved with cruelty prevention. So please help spread the word and help Pearl Paradise give back and make a difference!

Ever since I first saw Maine coon cats at a cat fancier's show, the breed totally captivated me. I decided then and there that I wanted my next cat to be a Maine Coon. The cats I saw at the show were all beautiful, large cats with wonderfully thick coats. They watched me with a friendly interest that you don't often see in cats. I asked several of the exhibitors about them, and each one told me essentially the same thing. Their cats acted almost more like dogs, loving to spend time with the family, travel with them, responded well to training, and displayed other similar qualities. I was hooked.

I like cats, but at heart I am more of a "dog person." I have met a few cats, though, that were even better than a dog as companions. One was a Maine Coon that came into our lives a few years ago. Although a wonderful family pet, he chose my daughter as his "special human." He slept with her and followed her like a puppy, came when called, and was ready to play at a moment's notice, even as an adult cat. He also adapted well when a dog was added to the family, becoming great friends with the dog and inventing games to play with her. He grew to be a huge boy, over twenty pounds of lovable lap cat, and was the darling of our home with his furry tufted ears, thick ruff, and long twitching tail.

Unfortunately, he accidentally got outside (we lived in the city then) and was tragically run over by a car. My daughter was heartbroken. Our other cat became withdrawn. After some time passed, we started looking for kittens for sale or adoption. I tried to find a local breeder of Maine coon cats, with no results.

One day about a year later, I heard a tiny cry from the woods near our new house. Going to investigate, I found only brambles too thick to penetrate. My daughter was there that day, and insisted on fighting her way through them. She managed to reach and rescue a tiny kitten, only a few weeks old. We checked with everyone who lived nearby, but no one was missing any kittens or owned a cat that had recently given birth to a litter.

We nursed the little guy, who looked quite a bit like the Maine Coon we lost. As he grew, his personality emerged, and he became more and more like the cat we had loved so much. He isn't pure Maine Coon, but we have been so fortunate to find that the temperament is there anyway. He's almost a year old now, and when we go out to do chores on the farm, the young cat always trots along beside like a dog, investigating all the latches we open, running ahead to hide in a bush so he can leap out and "surprise" us as we walk by, wrestling and playing with the farm dog. Inside the house, he chases stuffed animals and brings them back to us. Like our other cat, he always comes when called, and "answers" us whenever we talk to him or mention his name. He is even learning to sit on command! He's very adept with his paws and uses them like hands.

We still miss our much-beloved Maine Coon that we lost, but we are so pleased to have our new little guy as our constant "doglike" companion, even though he probably isn't pure-bred. The Maine Coon personality is the absolute greatest, in our books! If you are interested in adding a purebred cat to your family, we can fully recommend searching for a breeder who offers Maine coon cats for sale.

There are several things to look for when deciding on a dog kennels boarding facility. Location is of course a first consideration. Most people look for a boarding kennel near their home, to drop their dog off before leaving on their trip. This of course saves from having to travel with the pet, and keeps the pet near their own veterinarian as well. However, in some cases you may want to also consider a boarding kennel near your destination, particularly if your pet travels well. This will give you another location to search, in case there are no ideal facilities near your home, and also gives you the opportunity to visit with your pet and be available in case of emergency.

When deciding whether a particular kennel is a good choice, you will want to visit and check on things yourself if at all possible rather than just asking questions over the phone. An unannounced visit can give you a more accurate idea of how the kennel is run on a day-to-day basis. Check for factors such as cleanliness, condition of runs and dogs, and whether clean food and water are available (keeping in mind that some dogs will eat their food immediately). You especially want to make sure that the places where animals are kept (and any areas they move through between sleeping and exercise) are well-secured and safe. Watch to see how the staff interacts with other boarders. Find out whether pets are screened for immunization records and checked for parasites before being allowed into the kennel. Make sure your pet will receive adequate exercise while there.

It can be important to consider a particular pet's need. I once left a pair of German Shepherd Dogs together in a boarding facility. These were house dogs, and didn't appreciate the outdoor runs with dog houses provided for large breed dogs. The boarding kennel owners realized this immediately, so they instead allowed my dogs to sleep in the largest indoor cages (normally intended for smaller dogs), but allowed them to play outside together in an exercise yard most of the day. I really appreciated the owner's concern for my pets and understanding of their particular needs. Although my dogs were very happy to see me when I returned, they showed no signs of being upset by the boarding experience.

Also be sure to find out whether you can provide certain items for your pet's comfort. Dogs generally do best when kept on their own food, so find out whether it is possible for you to provide the food they are accustomed to (or whether the facility can feed this brand). Also consider bringing something your pet is familiar with and will be comforted by, such as a blanket or bed he is used to sleeping on, a favorite chew toy, or some other familiar object.

Don't forget to leave full information regarding your pet's medical conditions, contact information for his veterinarian as well as yourself during your trip, perhaps including a number of someone local or within your family if you may be difficult to track down. Provide permission for any emergency medical care while you are gone.

When the time comes to drop off your pet, be cheerful and matter-of-fact rather than giving a long-drawn out tearful good-bye. If there is a word your pet understands to mean that you are going but will return, be sure to tell him that before you leave. I used to always pat my dogs on the head and leave them with a "be good!" before leaving for work each day, so I did the same whenever I had to board them at any time. Being calm will help your pet remain calm and help him to understand that you will be returning, even if it's longer than a normal day. A sad good-bye may make him worry that you won't be returning.

While away from home, call and check on your pet's well-being. Being reassured that he is fine will help you to keep from worrying and better enjoy yourself (or take care of business) on your trip.

Are you taking down a fresh-cut Christmas tree and wondering what to do with it? There's a great way to recycle your old Christmas tree, make a feast for the birds, and treat yourself to a show all at the same time. Stand your Christmas tree in the backyard, where it is visible from a window. (If you don't want to use your tree stand, you can nail boards directly into the trunk to make an x-shaped base.) Then get busy decorating the tree for the birds! If you have kids, get them involved in making the treats too.

String edible garlands by using a strong thread or fishing line, threading it through a needle, and use it to string peanuts in the shell, raisins, cut up pieces of fresh or dried fruits, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, etc. Some birds will eat Cheerios as well. Drape these garlands on your tree.

Slices of oranges and persimmons are especially attractive to many birds and can be hung on the tree. Many birds also like corn. It's a bit more work, but you can use a nail to pierce slices of corn on the cob and hang them as well. (Be careful and protect your hands and work surface. This should be done by an adult.)

Wrap a piece of wire (or string) around a pinecone to make a hanger. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, then roll it on a plate filled with birdseed until it is well coated. Hang the finished treat on the tree.

If you want to get more creative, you can make lovely shaped ornaments out of birdseed. Heat 1/2 cup water and dissolve a package of gelatin (like Knox) into it, then add 3 tablespoons of corn syup. Add about 3/4 cup of flour and mix it all together. Let cool a bit, then add 4 cups of safflower, millet, or other seeds (or a mixture). This can be pressed into molds to shape, cut with cookie cutters, or shaped by hand on waxed paper. Allow to dry before removing, then tie a ribbon for a hanger and attach it to your tree. Decorations of cranberries, raisins, etc. can be pressed into the mixture while it is being formed.

There are other recipes for bird treats online. Some things to remember ... if it gets too far above freezing, don't put out a lot of high-fat foods all at once. If they spoil, birds can become sick from eating them. High-fat foods ARE idea for birds in very cold weather, just put out as much as they will eat within a day or so. Also, remember that if you feed birds regularly, they will come to expect it and may depend upon you for a source of food. They may not find enough if you then stop.

There are any number of problems that are associated with doggy misbehavior. Ranging from an annoyance like having holes continually dug in the yard to a potentially life-threatening situation for your dog such as having a dog that tends to escape or won't come when called to even more dire situations as when a dog becomes aggressive or overly fearful and bites people. Dogs that display problem behaviors are often sentenced to the backyard or tied up because they are a continual annoyance, or worse, the owners may simply give up on their problem dog and turn him over to a shelter where he may be euthanized. The sad part is that good dog training methods and taking enough time with the animal to implement them could have prevented the problems in the first place, or solved them as they began to show up.


Dog owners have a variety of options for training their dogs. There are a number of good training books available, and we will make it a point to review some of these in the near future. Such information is also available online, and if we find a website with good information, we will be sure to post that here as well.

Professional trainers are another option. These generally operate in one of several ways. Some trainers require the dog to be sent to their facility for an extended period of time to be trained. While this can be appropriate for dogs working in a professional capacity who need extensive training, we do not generally recommend this for family pets. This type of training is generally quite expensive, and because the dog is being trained in another location by another individual, the behaviors learned may not transfer back into the home environment. The risk of non-transference is very, very high if there is no period in which the owner becomes involved in the training.

Another possibility is group training classes, where the owner and dog meet with a number of other pairs under the guidance of a trainer. These can be useful in some situations, giving the owner some guidance in dog training methods that may be sufficient if the dog is an easily trained one with no real problems. Socialization also benefits both the dog and the owner. These can be a good environment for getting dogs used to other dogs (if they don't already have problems) and can help them learn to work with distractions if they are doing well otherwise. The downside is that the professional trainer's time is necessarily limited with each dog and owner, and can generally only impart the basics in this environment.

A third option is a professional trainer that visits the dog in his home environment. This is an ideal situation, because the trainer can see the dog as he normally behaves at home, how the owner interacts with the dog, what the behavior problems are, and can often easily discern the cause of the problems. Having all of this information helps the trainer to quickly assess the situation and make suggestions about the best course of action to deal with your particular dog. In cases where there are already behavior problems, this can be especially helpful, since all of these factors can have an impact on the success of various methods and simply using a "cure" from a book or an uninformed trainer may not have the best outcome if the one giving the advice doesn't know the whole situation.

When evaluating a particular trainer or other resource, it is important to consider the methods used. There are many differing opinions about what constitutes good dog training. We do not recommend any method that is harsh or relies on punishment (especially punishment that comes directly from a human). While such methods may demonstrate quick results, the dog's behavior in such cases is almost always motivated by fear, and if a dog doesn't trust his owner, it is impossible for them to have a good relationship and the dog's behavior will not be reliable.

Look for a trainer that understands "doggy language" ... that is, there are certain ways of handling a dog that the dog will naturally respond to. Sounds, hand signals, and body language that give the impression that your dog is suddenly "already trained" in at least some areas. We don't mean to imply that there are magic methods to get every single response you may desire from your dog, but rather that there are natural ways to communicate with a dog that he will instantly understand and respond to. A trainer that understands these communication methods is already miles ahead of one who doesn't and can make training smooth, fun, and much less stressful for both you and your dog.


Having said all of that, we looked at online information for dog trainers and wish to share with you one that looks promising. While we do not have personal experience with BarkBusters, it appears that their training philosophy fits perfectly with what we have recommended, and their network involves many countries. Within the Canadian site we located links for dog training Toronto and dog training Vancouver. Other links are available for various cities and countries worldwide.



So if your dog is showing problem behaviors, please don't give up. Find out all you can, get help, and commit to provide them with proper training. They will reward you with years of companionship and love, and both of you will enjoy one another much more.

We found a great source for saving money when making online purchases for your pets (and there are great deals for just about anything you'd want to purchase for yourself as well!). Try an online coupon server, like CouponChief, to search for coupons offering discounts on a wide variety of merchandise and services.

For example, we found coupons for PETsMART offering $10 off a $50 purchase, free shipping, or 75% off clearance items (your choice). (Note: PETsMART is currently offering free shipping on purchases over $50 anyway, so it would be a smart move to combine that offer with the $-off one to maximize your savings.)

PETCO also offers coupons for 15% off a purchase of $70 or more, and $5 off plus free shipping if you choose a bill-me-later option during checkout. PETCO also has a 50% off holiday section that can be combined with the other discounts right now. Holiday merchandise includes Christmas cards that can be bought now to send next year, animal costumes for Christmas, reindeer antlers, etc. that would make adorable props for your holiday pet photos.


Looking to save money on meds for your pets? Compare prices and the wide variety of discount offers available from PetCareRx to get a good deal. National Pet Pharmacy is also currently offering free shipping on some products.

And, unfortunately coming after the holidays but still good information, Animal Den offers discounts on a wide line of gifts for animal lovers. Images of cats, dogs, wildlife, farm animals, reptiles, fish, marine animals, insects, birds, and more are available on products such as wearables, mugs, license plates, mouse pads, mugs, address labels, calendars, picture frames, jewelry, note holders, signs, flag holders, and much more.

I selected my favorite breed, the German Shepherd, and found address labels, a blanket, a bobble head dog, calendars, caps, Christmas ornaments, a clock, coasters, a collar & leash set, a cookie jar, dish towels, figurines, flags, floormats, hand towels, note holders, assorted jewelry, license plate frames, magnets, mousepads, mugs, angel ornaments, pet food bowls, picture frames, plush toys, many shirts, signs, socks, an umbrella, videos, and a wind chime, all featuring my favorite dogs! We were very impressed with the selection. Whatever the animal of choice and the product, you can surely find great gifts for any occasion for the animal lovers in your life at Animal Den.



Related gifting information ...

This year, animal print is the fashion trend for designer handbags and perfectly suits your animal-loving friends. If you're looking for a special handbag for your girl, Prada handbags are one of the most sought-after gifts this year. Once you've bought the engagement ring, you'll also want to get a special promise gift for your fiancee. For the jewelry loving woman, what better gift than diamond stud earrings. If your budget will allow, you might even consider diamond necklaces to match her earrings.

Would you love to share your love of horses with others, build a network of friends with similar interests, or find trail-riding companions?

BarnCulture.com is an online community devoted to people who love horses. When you join, you can post a profile for yourself, and one for your horse. You will be able to meet people who love horses, who share your particular interests, and if you are interested in meeting other horse owners who live near you, you might find new trail-riding friends!




BarnCulture lets you share photos of your horse, videos of your latest ride or competition, etc. You can meet and chat with other horse lovers, post questions and get them answered, find non-profit horse groups where you can help others, watch videos posted by other members, and more. You can develop your own groups based on your personal interests (particular horse interests or other interests) or your area, and let others join in order to meet and talk to new friends. You can also tell others about a horse-related product or service, if you are offering one, or promote an event related to horses and riders.



It's easy to sign up and create your profile! Or, if you prefer, you can add color, backgrounds, upload photos, use graphics, and more to create a profile that really reflects your personality.

Also, if you are connected with a non-profit organization that relates to horses, you can submit an application to have it published in BarnCulture's special non-profit section so others can find your group and have an opportunity to help.

Horse lovers should check out Barn Culture, you'll be glad you did!



Pet-related bride and groom gifts

If your wife-to-be is a pet lover, consider elegant pet jewelry such as cat earrings for her birthday. She'll surely be excited to see them, but even more so after you show her the wedding ring! Real diamond rings, earrings and necklaces are many a girl's dream. So secure her heart to yours with a pair of diamond stud earrings. For the groom we recommend a Swiss watch.
Check the variety of mens watches available from top designers.

Sometimes the holidays can be a very bittersweet time, especially when we have lost a loved one, or had some great personal loss, or even when a beloved pet no longer sits beside us at the hearth.




Many pet owners find comfort in keeping the ashes of their beloved friend in a pet urn. A design that honors the special memories of your pet is an especially comforting sight. Photo pet urns memorialize your pet in exactly the way you want to remember him, as you select the photo you want to feature. Some designs are dignified and unobtrusive, such as the elegant wooden box with frame. There are particularly discreetdesigns that resemble a simple wooden frame alone. Or for an extra measure of comfort, some designs include an angel figures poised protectively over the image of your beloved pet.


Another option are dog urns featuring particular breeds. Most of these are offered with your choice of a dog figurine in any one of a variety of coat color choices and positions. The dog can be placed atop a lovely wooden box with an attached engraved nameplate, or can be poised upon a rocky ledge with an angel figure gazing down upon the dog.

Such lovely urns can be a comforting way to keep your pet's remains. It is never easy to lose someone we love, but a visual reminder that honors your cherished memories can serve as an encouragement in your grief.

Pets are members of our families, and as such, would enjoy having their own Christmas stocking filled with treats to dig into on Christmas morning. Children often delight in helping the pets discover what is in the stocking, and it's a good way to introduce younger children to the joy of giving, and focusing on someone else's pleasure other than own on Christmas morning. (Many children can focus on the pet's happiness before they are able to focus on another person's emotions.)


You can purchase a stocking for your pet along with other family member's stockings at the same time. If you like, write the pet's name in glue on the stocking and sprinkle with glitter for a glittery name tag. Or, find a stocking made for pets at a pet store or specialty outlet. Craft stores often have lots of designs for cross-stitched and other handmade pet stockings. Many cute options are available!



You can also make the pet's stocking if you like to sew. Patterns are easily developed, or many versions are available online.



There are lots of options for fillers. Gourmet pet treats are available (watch an upcoming post for recipes if you want to try making some yourself!). Regular treats are also good options, or maybe you'd like to splurge and buy a variety of flavors or a type you don't normally buy. Just remember to limit the treats when doling them out ... make them last and your pet's tummy will thank you!



Toys are another staple. Commercial toys are readily available. If you want to fill a stocking with lots of toys, look for value packages with lots of toys. Dollar stores are also a good source if you are familiar enough with the quality of toys, so that you can select a sturdy, safe, non-toxic toy.





Practical items are good stocking stuffers too. Consider collars (maybe a fancy one, or one decorated with rhinestones or ribbons), leashes, brushes, combs, and other grooming aids. This year there is an even wider variety of pet clothing available in discount outlets, from those that truly dress and warm the pet to simpler dress-up bandannas and bows.




Have fun selecting items for your pet's Christmas stocking. Get the family involved, especially if you have small children. Be sure to hang the pet's stocking with the family's stockings, but keep it out of reach. (If your pet knows the items are something he wants, and is very persistent about jumping or trying to climb to reach it, you may have to hang the stocking empty until almost time to give him the contents.)


Above all, have fun and enjoy your family members, both human and furry ones!




For the human members of your family who love animals ...

If you compare the women's shoes and prices from Ann Taylor Loft and winners, you'll see a great difference. All shoes at the loft are up to date with the latest fashion style. Many shoes at the loft feature animal prints, which is the latest fashion trend this season, and would be a great gift for animal-loving family members. Other stylish gifts include dresses from mexx which have
incorporated geometric designs and african prints. Swing jackets are styling at juicy couture. Grab a matching watch for all of your special outfits this season from Swatch.

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!

But now we sit here and think of the days
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways.
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew,
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children:, "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew,
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse - left to roam,
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye,
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."

So now here we are, all confused and alone,
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer,
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads,
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears,
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn,
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year,
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

Written by David, the Dogman
Permission given to crosspost poem with author's credit.

Maybe your children have everything and you're trying to think of a gift that will really excite them. Or maybe they've been BEGGING for a new puppy, and Christmas seems like a good time. Not to mention, it's about time they learned some responsibility, and a pet would be good for them, right?

Maybe not ...

Remember that a pet isn't just a gift for Christmas, that can be enjoyed and put away when the excitement wears off. A kitten may be with your family for the next 15 or 20 years, while a puppy, depending on the breed, can live 8 to 14 years or so. They will need feeding, cleaning up after, attention, training, medical care, and much more for all of that time. And if you are considering a small caged pet or an aquarium instead, to cut down on the commitment, remember that even these pets will needing feeding and cleaning, and many caged pets still need attention.

Before you add a new member to the family, be sure that you can afford the commitment of time. And of money ... remember initial cost, supplies, ongoing feeding, toys, care during your vacation, veterinary costs, etc.

If you DO decide that you do want to add a pet to your family in the near future, first please consider very carefully whether Christmas is the time to do it. Most households have a lot of excitement and bustle going on, which doesn't leave a lot of uninterrupted time for a new pet. The pet will not understand the usual household routine either, if Christmas is very different from the norm. Also, typical holiday decorations are very tempting to pets, and potentially dangerous (not to mention, do you really want your favorite ornaments chewed to tiny bits?).

If you are going to be home, and not expecting lots of visitors, Christmas CAN be a good time to add a new pet to the family. This just won't be the case in most homes. If you do decide to add a new family pet, consider adopting from animal shelters and give the gift of life to a pet that might otherwise be on death row. While not usually free, the cost from a shelter will often include spay/neuter, which is a good idea for almost all pets in order to prevent unwanted litters.


If you really want to delight your children with a new pet, but realize that the holidays are not the best time to add a new family member, consider giving pet supplies as a gift instead, along with a promise of choosing a pet AFTER Christmas when things have settled down a bit. Including a book is a good choice, so the children can read about pets before choosing one, and it also helps to motivate them to use books to study something they are interested in.

It's also great fun for the children to be involved in selecting their own pet, which they will miss out on if one is gifted to them on Christmas as a surprise.

We found a great site we want to share with our readers! Online price comparison sites are a great tool. They compile information from hundreds of sellers on many products, allowing you to search their site and get the best prices on whatever you are interested in buying. Savebuckets has a pet section that lists over 12,000 products ... everything from dog treats to wild bird food, squeaky mice to head collars, 150-gallon aquariums to iron parrot cages, rabbit hutches to cat trees, books and Science Diet canned food, and much, much more.

They offer not only pet supplies, but just about everything else as well. To give you an idea of the variety, we searched for an mp3 player and returned nearly 1,000 products with the players themselves starting at £3.96.

So not only is the site great for shopping for pet supplies, but have a look for anything else you might be interested in as well. But we were definitely impressed with the offering of more than 12,000 pet products!

Being a dog isn't as easy as it sounds!

There are rules concerning food:
1. I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it.
2. I will not beg for food at the supper table, and especially not eat someone's food if they leave it for just a moment.
3. I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard or house depending on which end processes them first.
4. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
5. And most importantly, "Kitty box crunchies" are not food.

Rules about protecting our lives and property:
1. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff even though I haven't gotten the chance to rip the bag to shreds to see what was in it.
2. If Mom let them in the house, they are not burglars. I do not need to maul them.
3. My family is not deaf. Howling at sirens is not required.
4. We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
5. Again, most importantly, I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and car registration.

Rules about hygeine:
1. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
2. I will not throw up in the car.
3. I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up or have an accident.
4. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.
5. The toilet is NOT my water bowl.
6. I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
7. And especially, I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.

Rules about living in a house:
1. I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
2. I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.
3. The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad's laps.
4. My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
5. I will not take whatever I please and hide it under the bed so my people can have a scavenger hunt looking for it.
6. I will not stand around Mom when she is cooking or when she is carrying her coffee, so she won't trip over me.
7. I will not tear up the patio furniture, or put holes in the screen so I may jump in and lounge, just because I don't want to stay outside for more than two minutes.
8. I will not chase the cat and knock over breakable things in the process.

And rules about not REALLY upsetting the humans!
1. I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
2. When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
3. I will allow Mom and Dad some room and covers when we go to bed.
4. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.
5. I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose on her bottom.
6. I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.

Pets can not only make our lives more enjoyable, they can make us healthier too. Pets provide a variety of health benefits.

An active dog can help his owner make time for exercise in his busy daily schedule, strengthening his bones and making his heart healthier. Exercising with a pet can seem more like play than drudgery, and those soulful eyes and dancing paws can be a great source of motivation.

Stroking a cuddly companion can also decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness for the human caretaker, as well as decreasing blood pressure and slowing respiration and heart rate.

Just having a pet in the room with you, or watching a fish tank for a few moments can lower blood pressure as well as feelings of stress and anxiety. (How many times have you seen an aquarium in the waiting room of a doctor or dentist’s office?) Watching birds and other small wildlife visit feeders outside the window can provide similar benefits.

Pets can also help persons suffering from low self-esteem or who have difficulty interacting with other people. Pet therapy visits to in-patient facilities have also demonstrated that those suffering from a host of emotional or mental problems can become more communicative and interactive and less depressed by interacting with an animal. Generally speaking, the greater the emotional disability, the more the patient benefits from interacting with an animal.

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Related information:

First time pet owners may not know how to take proper care of their pet puppies and kittens. The first step (best taken before the pet is even brought home) is to make sure you purchase all the pet supplies needed for your pets. The supplies for a dog include training, feeding, grooming, and bedding supplies, as well as toys. The supplies for a cat often focus on the comfort of your kitty, which can mean anything from a private hideaway bed to even a cat spa! For your bird, you will need proper bird houses or birdcages as well as feeding supplies, food, and toys. Owners should also consider appropriate pest control.

We wanted to add another post ... some people like to dress up AS their pets. These sites are also useful for those who need animal costumes for plays, etc.

Some fun websites:

Coolest Homemade Animal Costume Photos and Tips

About.com's page for making animal costumes (Pets for Sale shown at right was really cute!)

Easy animal costumes for infants and up

Fleece Farm has a lot of useful, general costume-making tips


A little more difficult to make, but could be purchased (or inspire those crafty ones out there) are the Wrap-Around costumes

A site offering patterns for animal costumes

An interesting idea using stuffed animals to create an animal costume for two people to wear

And a forum with some useful ideas, if you don't mind searching through it


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Pet information offers from other sites on the web --

If you're considering purchasing a puppy, we have puppies for sale! With any purchase of a pet from our store, you will get 6 months of free pet supplies. All pet supplies include food and supplies under $100. Pet clothing such as dog clothes is not part of the free pet supplies. We can order any breed of full-grown cats or dogs from any place in the world. You can even order kittens or puppies from other countries.

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(Before anyone comments on the informational sites quoted above, I checked out the resources before I allowed them to be placed. These websites do not actually offer puppies, kittens, cats, or dogs for sale but rather offer resources to contact local shelters, breeders, rescue organizations, etc. as a resource for finding pets available all over the world. You can purchase pet supplies from these websites, and enjoy their entertaining and informative links and articles.)