The cat we know today as the Birman is thought to have originated in the country of Burma, where this unique feline was considered sacred, and kept as the companion animal of priests. One look at the stunning good looks and crystal blue eyes of the Birman and you will understand just why these beautiful animals were held in such high esteem. The Birman is known as a large and stocky cat, possessed of a long and silky coat. The coat of the Birman is not as thick as that of other long haired breeds, such as the Persian, and owners will also be happy to know that the coat does not mat. The Bir... [continue reading]

We all love our dogs and our dogs love us. They show us affection by slobbering us with kisses but when accompanied by canine halitosis we may not be so accepting of our pet’s affection. Most dog owners are all too familiar with what can only be referred to as horrendous dog breath. Teeth and gum problems are the most likely cause of canine halitosis. Tartar buildup and plaque can give your pet’s breath its unpleasant odor. The best treatment is prevention. Periodic checkups with the veterinarian and good dental hygiene can prevent tooth decay in your pet. Halitosis can also be a sign of ... [continue reading]

Most people just look in their telephone book or some go on the internet to search for dog behavior training programs. The telephone book is probably quite limited, especially if you live in a small town, and the internet is so vast that it can be overwhelming trying to sort through the information to see what is relevant. So many companies claim to have the best program. The secret is to narrow your choices down so you end up with the best dog behavior training program for you and your dog. The first step is to take a good look at who has written this program. Does this person have any real ... [continue reading]

What is Canine Ear Infection? Ear infection in dogs, as in humans, is an inflammation of the ear. There are three types of canine ear infection: Otitis interna, which is an infection of the inner ear. Otitis media, which affects the middle ear. Otitis externa, which affects both the outer ear and the ear canal. Symptoms An ear infection in dogs is very painful. Symptoms include: The dog shaking its head more often than is normal. The dog rubbing or digging at its ear excessively. A strong odor coming from the dog’s ear. A painful reaction when the infected ear moves or is touched. ... [continue reading]

The good-natured and playful Boston terrier is a happy companion to both adults and children. Smart and stubborn, yet sensitive and playful, this could be the ideal family dog. If you are looking for a dog that seems to care about you, and responds to your moods, a Boston Terrier could be the breed for you. The companionship that these dogs offer is only matched (and more often than not surpassed) by its look-alike breed, the French Bulldog. This dog will want to be with you 24/7. Be prepared for jealousy (as in his mind and world he really IS your best friend), and an unwillingness to be al... [continue reading]

Has your dog been working hard today? After a long training session or obedience class, you will want to reward him. These canine cookies take a little bit of work, but he is worth it – isn’t he? Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups flour ½ cup wheat germ ½ cup milk 6 tablespoons vegetable shortening 1 egg 1 teaspoon brown sugar In large bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Add shortening. In smaller bowl, beat egg and sugar together. Add to dry mixture, and mix well. Roll out on floured countertop. Cut out shapes, and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 325 (F). Cool on cookie r... [continue reading]

Everyone has heard of the animal shelter, sometimes referred to as the dog pound. What most people do not understand is that your local Animal Shelter is one of the best places to find the newest addition to your family. Most people have a misconception about the animals that find themselves at these shelters. They assume that these animals are problem animals, they are sick, or possibly aggressive. That is not true. You can find the most lovable animals at the shelter. Please don’t turn a blind eye to the shelters. These furry creatures cannot help that they have wound up at such ... [continue reading]

A flea-infested pooch is miserable.  The constant scratching can lead to hair loss and infection.  A flea-infested house will make you miserable.  Here’s how to get rid of the little devils quickly and inexpensively. The Dog Bathe the dog in Ivory dishwashing liquid.  Before I found out that Ivory would kill fleas, I used to sprinkle Sevin-5 dust on my dog as per the label instructions.   It never seemed to bother or hurt her in any way, but it really does kill fleas. Your Home Most of the fleas will be in the carpet.  This is surprisingly easy to fix.  Just sprinkle Sevin-5 or Twent... [continue reading]

Next time you’re preparing a whole chicken reserve the little bag of giblets for making this delicious, nutritious meal for your kitties: 1 bag of chicken organs– neck, liver, heart and giblets 4 ounces chicken liver 1 Cup chicken broth or reconstituted bouillon 3 Tablespoons olive oil 1 carrot, grated fine 1/2 Cup cooked rice 1 Tablespoon parsley Simmer chicken giblets in bouillon and saute liver in olive oil. When the meats are cooked thoroughly chop them finely. Tear neck meat off bones and chop fine. Remove to a mixing bowl and stir in remaining ingredients. Cool to room temp... [continue reading]

My husband and I have been married for seven years, and I have not once been awakened in the middle of the night with snoring.  Until the dog came to live with us. Braun the big brown dog (also known as a Chocolate Labrador) became a part of our family in the summer of 2005.  His previous owners could no longer care for him, since they were moving house and couldn’t take Braun with them.  I told his previous owner that I would be glad to take him into our family, and he moved right in.  It didn’t take him long to decide that his two favorite people in the world were my three-year-old s... [continue reading]