Articles of Information

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has become especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our fiends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special, someone who was left behind. They all run and play together, but the comes when suddenly one stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he breaks from the group, flying over green grass, faster and faster.

You have been spotted and when you and your friend finally meet, cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge.

-Author Unknown

1. Keep your dog on a leash every time you go for a walk. Even the best-behaved dog can forget his training if he encounters an unfamiliar smell or sound, another dog, or a squirrel that simply must be chased. A good walk daily is a great way to spend time with your dog and you both get exercise from it.

2. Keep your cat inside all year round. Cats do not need to go out the way dogs do, and will lead to longer safer lives if kept indoors. Or purchase an outdoor cage for your cat to play in, but make sure it is secure from predators, and safe for cats.

3. Turn your pet into an easy car rider. Take your pet for a short uneventful rides so your pet will become accustomed to the car’s sound and movement.

4. Check your pet’s water often. All pets need a steady supply of fresh water.

5. Feed your pet a diet that is appropriate to your pets time of life.  Puppies & kittens should eat a pet food especially formulated for their growing bodies. Older pets need to beware of weight gain, and may need a different pet food than they enjoyed as younger adults. Discuss your pets changing dietary requirements with your vet.

6. Groom your pet daily. Make it a part of your pets daily routine and your pet will come to expect it, and even welcome it as a special time spent with you. You will also notice a decrease in shedding and an improvement in your pets skin and coat.

7. Make sure all open windows have secure screens. Some pets have been seriously injured falling from upper-level windows.

8. Bad pet breath is not normal. Bad breath can be an early sign of dental problems. Which could lead to other problems if not taken care of. Mention bad breath to your vet.

9. Choose a quite spot for your cats litter box. They really do like privacy. Also make sure that it has easy access.

10. Never give a pet chocolate. It can be poisonous. In fact most human food is not good for pets and their digestive system. Let pets eat their food and we eat ours. So no leftovers for the pet.

11. Many common house plants are poisonous to your pet. Please check out your plants before bringing them  into your home.

12. Keep an emergency list on hand at all times. You never know when an accident may happen.

13. Get your pet spayed/neutered. This prevents unwanted pets, especially in shelters. If you do not believe in shelters putting pets down then help solve the problem by spaying/neutering your pet. There is 3x the amount of pets per people.

For decades the overpopulation of pets has been an issue in the U.S. As a result over 7 million pets are euthanized each year in animal shelters. Why?.....Simple mathematics. 10,000 humans are born each year and 70,000 pets are born daily. There are not enough homes to handle all of these animals.

WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM?

Humans have big hearts and are careless. We do not realize the consequences of our carelessness.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

Sterilization. By spaying/neutering all pets, we can gain control of overpopulation. Spay/neuter clinics nationwide are needed in order to stop the cycle of  pets living on the streets, in fields, in warehouses and roaming neighborhoods. Also leads to a healthier life for the pet.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. Spay/neuter your pet as soon as they become old enough.

2. Do not breed your pet. One female dog and her offspring can produce up to  87,000 dogs in 6 years. One female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7 years. One female human can produce 1-2 humans a year, without meds. You do the math, are there enough homes for these pets?

3. Adoption! Animal shelters are the best source and the cheapest source for acquiring a pet. They have pets of all ages and all kinds. Did you know that shelters house 25-30% purebreds. Most shelters will spay/neuter, give them a microchip (that you may have to activate) and up to date vaccines before you adopt.

4. Adopt from a purebred rescue group. They are pets that have been found, rescued from euthanization, or just given away to find a better home.

5. Be a foster parent for a pet. By fostering you can help to socialize the pet. Interaction helps the pet get ready for its new forever home.

6. Volunteer. Check your local animal shelter, they are always in need of volunteers. Time is up to you, volunteer as much or as little as you can.

7. Donate. There are many things that shelters need. Stop by and ask what they need, they will tell you.

PETS ARE NOT OUR WHOLE LIVES, BUT THEY MAKE OUR LIVES WHOLE

· Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

· When loved ones come over, always run to greet them.

· When it is in your best interest, always practice obedience.

· Let others know when they have invaded your territory.

· Take naps and stretch before rising.

· Run, Romp, and Play daily.

· Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

· Be loyal.

· Never pretend to be something you are not.

· If you want what lies buried, dig till you find it.

· Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

· On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shade tree.

· When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

· No matter how often you are scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have on this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog. A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health, and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his masters side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were the prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant I his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

The Language Of Cats As cat owners, we love the companionship and interaction that our cats provide. But have you ever wondered what your cat is trying to "say" to you? Here are some clues: Let's talk: Cats are very vocal and usually communicate by meowing or purring. Meowing can be used as a greeting, to request attention, or sometimes to show pain, depending on the pitch and frequency of the meow. And although purring is usually a sign of happiness, it can sometimes indicate fear or distress. By observing your cat closely, you can learn to tell the difference. Playful behaviors: When cats are happy, they sometimes paw their guardian while purring to show contentment and affection. Don't be alarmed if your cat gives you a light "love bite"-this is a natural sign of feline playfulness. However, hard or aggressive biting can indicate distress, fear, or pain. Tale of the tail: For real clues, watch your cat's tail. A tail that is curved gently downward, and then curved up again at the tip means your cat is relaxed. A friendly, cheerful greeting is being offered when the tail is fully erect and the tip is vertical. Signs of anger are evident if the tail is swishing vigorously from side to side, and your kitty is afraid if the tail is lowered and fluffed out. Keep in mind that any sudden, persistent changes in your cat's behavior could indicate a problem, so watch closely. And remember that the associates at Pet Supermarket can assist you with everything you'll need for a happy, healthy cat. From Petsupermarket

For A Happy Puppy, Don't Forget The Toys! For any happy puppy, playtime is essential. But which toys should you get for your dog? Here are some suggestions: Soothing and Chewy toys: To help comfort your puppy, choose a plush cuddly toy. Puppies will often carry these around in their mouths and sleep beside them. For chewing, toys like Puppy Kongs(tm) and Gumabones(tm) are fun, safe choices. Some toys can even serve a dual purpose; for example, a rope bone soaked in water and then frozen makes an excellent teething bone for a small puppy. Interactive toys: Tugs, Frisbees(tm), and other throw toys are excellent interactive toys. A favorite toy can be used to encourage and motivate your puppy to perform many tasks, which makes them great for training. Interactive toys also allow you to build a great relationship with your puppy through play. General play toys: Your puppy will also need toys he can play with in order to amuse himself on his own. Balls and rope toys are excellent choices, and toys with squeakers add to the excitement. Toys that puppies can shake or chase are not only fun, they allow your puppy to act out natural canine behaviors without damaging furnishings or other items such as your favorite pair of shoes. Always purchase toys with safety in mind. Avoid small parts that puppies can remove through chewing. To keep your puppy interested, rotate his toys frequently, and be sure to replace any toys that become worn or broken. Pet Supermarket has all the toys you'll need for playtime with your puppy-have fun! From Petsupermarket

No! Vaccines, spay/nueter, declaw (if need), microchip, all will set you back about $500+ depending on your vet. Not to mention food, dishes, collar, leash, bedding, housing (cage, crate, carrier, etc..) litter (if needed) toys and grooming. Check your local animal shelter. It will be cheaper and more informative. Don't forget a pet is like a child in that you are responsible for them and their care for about 18 years or more depending on the pet.

KEEP CATS INDOORS ONLY! Cars kill millions of cats each year. Outdoor cats are exposed to serious, and often fatal, infectious diseases such as feline leukemia and rabies. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms pose a health threat to your cat. Some of these can be transmitted to humans. Outdoors,cats can be chased by dogs or other cats, and killed, injured, or lost. Cats are often shot at, poisoned, trapped or tortured by neighbors who are annoyed by cats using their gardens as a litter box or hunting grounds. Coyotes, Great-Horned Owls and other wildlife are known to kill and eat cats. Cats that spend much time outdoors require more medical treatment and have a much shorter life span than indoor cats. If you want you cat to experience the outdoors, build an outdoor inclosure for your cat so that he is safe at all times.