Dog Tails From The Barkside

SELECTING THE BEST DOG BREED FOR YOU

Finding the right dog breed to fit with your lifestyle can be simple when you have the right facts. Will you choose a small dog breed, extra large dog breeds or somewhere in-between?


Whether you are choosing to add a purebred or mixed breed mutt to your family, it is important to know the characteristics of the dogs included in the mix.  And remember, check your local shelters and rescue groups first.  Many purebred dogs are there awaiting a new loving home.  

Dogs sold in pet stores or on-line are often from puppy mills which essentially are a cash crop business where dogs are continuously bred in horrid conditions.  Even if you find a dog for sale through your local newspaper, check to see if the advertiser has been continuously advertising dogs for sale.  Don't support this kind of torture for profit.


While all puppies (and adult dogs) are adorable, you need to know such facts as:

• How large will the dog be when fully grown
• What is the lifespan of the dog breed
• What health problems are associated with the dog breed
• What is the temperament of the dog breed
• How much maintenance and grooming is required with the breed

Every Home That Includes A Dog Needs A Dog First Aid Kit

A First Aid Kit for dogs should be in every family's home that includes a dog as a member of their family.  Just as children get into mishaps that require antiseptic and bandages, so do your four legged family members.

Not so long ago, we would have settled for human first aid supplies but as the pet industry has grown, we have become aware of a pet's sometimes unique needs.

The impact of Hurricane Katrina made many dog owning families more aware of the need for a dog first aid kit.  Many dogs needed to suddenly be evacuated to areas that had no immediate access to veterinarian care.  And, even once they returned home, professional medical care was not readily available.

Most mishaps are usually minor in nature such as cuts, bee stings or perhaps cutting a nail a bit too close.  Rather than rushing about trying to gather the necessary supplies when this type of event happens, it is so much better to be prepared.  First aid kits for dogs are available for purchase from some pet supply stores.  Or, with a little effort, you can make your own first aid kit for dogs.

Presidential Dogs

Obama has no dogs and McCain has admitted to owning several.
Dogs have held a Presidential presence throughout history.  The executive officers of our country have consistently exhibited a fondness for dogs.  They have often chosen a canine friend to be by their side as they lead the country.  And this is one decision that both parties seem to agree upon.  Democrats and Republicans alike vote for dogs as the White House Presidential pet of choice.

Greatest American Dog - Stupidest American Producer

What were they thinking?  Oh yeah, ratings! 
Last night's show had the dogs climbing a steep ramp, crossing a narrow walkway, high in the air and then jumping off the edge of a platform with nothing below them.  Most of the dogs obediently but reluctantly obeyed their owners.  Two were too afraid to do so and ultimately one of those, Star and her owner Bill were sent home.  You could see that Star clearly wanted to please Bill but fear won out.  One of the dogs that did jump, Galaxy, was somehow injured and was limping at the end of the show.  The dogs were wearing harnesses but still, how stupid were these producers?

Ohio Amish Dog Auctions

ACTION NEEDED NOW!

Once again the "gentle" Amish are gathering to collect on their cruelty to the most helpless. These people have a lucrative cash crop known as puppy mills. In buildings behind their well-kept homes, in tiny (often only 2'x2')filthy cages, they raise puppies for profit. These animals are poorly fed, watered and cleaned. Vet visits are often non-existent. A sick animal is just bred until she finally and mercifully dies. They are left to lie in their own waste. What a horrible hopeless existence. Meanwhile, their owners are well fed. The dogs don't know what grass beneath their feet feels like. Hugs or kind words are not in their lives.

MEET JAKE & LIBBY (some real sleeping beauties)

Rescue-dogs can be the best choice for great family pets.  So often, through no fault of their own, they have been abandoned on the street or dumped in a shelter. They have so much love to give  and deserve so much in return.

Two of the most frustrating, curious, stubborn, spoiled and totally wonderful creatures entered our life just about seven years ago.  New additions to our family of rescue- dogs.
 
Libby joined us first.  Our business UPS driver told us about her.  Another business owner had witnessed her being thrown out of a car.  She kept attempting to get back into the car  (Such Loyalty!).  Angered because she would not take the none-too-subtle hint to leave,  the man proceeded to try to back over her.  Not sure how the business owner angel intervened but he ended up saving her.  He took her to his Vet. and had her spayed.  Her choker chain was so tight, it was embedded into the muscle of her neck and had to be surgically removed.

We named her Liberty Belle because it fit the freedom she now had. She is such a joy!  In spite of her horrible beginnings, she is such a happy loving dog.  She loves toys, unlimited hugs and an assortment of soft furniture to lay on as she chooses.  It took her a while to trust Dan but once she did she was hopelessly in love. The only reminder of her ordeal is the fact that she still, after seven years, doesn't like feet anywhere near her.  She probably associates them with kicking.  It is such a pleasure to watch her sleep peacefully as in this picture; not worrying about anything. That's as it should be for all animals.