7 Reasons Why Every Family Needs a Dog
There are many pleasures that we may enjoy life but one that most of us would never live without is having a dog by our side. Not only are they a loyal companion, they provide more love to us than we could ever hope to give back to them. These are the most obvious benefits of having a dog but there are many more reasons why you should have a dog as part of your family. Here are 7 reasons why every family needs a dog in their life:
Dogs Are Always Happy to See You – When you or any member of your family walks through the door, the dog is always going to be the most excited individual in the room. There is nothing quite like coming home after a difficult day and being greeted like you are the best person in the world! After all, you are the best person in their world.
They Protect Your Children (from Allergies) – Most people will automatically assume that dog-related allergies will be a problem in their household. In reality, the opposite may actually be true. According to a study by the Department of Pediatrics at the University Of Wisconsin, children who lived in a home with a dog as newborns were less likely to experience wheezing and eczema by the time they were three years old. Early exposure seems to be a factor and it is thought to be associated with how quickly the immune system develops in a child shortly after birth.
Play Time Is Anytime – It doesn’t matter what you might be going through in your life, you can always count on the fact that you can take a moment out of your day and enjoy some playtime with your dog. This is also something that you will come to love about having a dog around your children as well. There is nothing quite like sitting on the floor with your kids and having some fun time with the dog.
You Will Be Healthier – Dogs provide many benefits to our health, including reducing the risk for heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, dogs provide many benefits to their owners, including engaging in physical activity. In addition, people who had a heart attack were more likely to survive when they own a dog. You can’t argue with the numbers.
You Will Understand “Dog People” – There is a measurable phenomenon that occurs when people own a dog. Suddenly, they become dog people and it seems as if their entire life is surrounded by that beloved pet. Some people may tend to look at them as if they were a bit unusual but once you are a dog person, you will understand.
You Bond with Your Dog over Everything – It doesn’t matter if you are curled up on the sofa with your dog watching TV or if you are taking them to obedience training classes, the bond between the two of you will just continue to grow stronger. Dogs are naturally eager to please but as the bond grows, you will find that it runs in both directions.
Dogs Keep You Safe – There are certain dog breeds that are well known for providing security to the family but regardless of the dog that you have as a family member, they will add to your safety. In part, it is due to the fact that they will hear and see things that might escape your notice. Additionally, dogs keep you safe by providing you with companionship and when you have a dog around, you will never be alone.
For additional information and tips, please check out this website http://www.lovealldogs.com
Tails Untold is very happy to have this great Guest Blog from Tim Shank. Please consider adopting from a Shelter/Rescue first. We want every dog, cat and all pets to find loving and forever homes.
Hello All you Pet Lovers,
I am pleased to share this information from Canine Camp Getaway’s Veterinarians. This is excellent advice and something I think all pet owners should review every summer, so please pass along.
1) Be cautious walking your dogs on hot pavement or cement — their pads are tough, but can burn just like your skin.
2) A summer haircut CAN help keep your pets cooler, but a too-short cut can make them even more vulnerable to the effects of sun and heat.
3) This seems like a no-brainer, but every year dogs die in hot cars. There is no “okay” time frame to leave a dog in a car in the summer.
4) Summer pests don’t only trouble humans — be sure your dog is protected from both internal and external parasites.
5) Drive carefully! More outdoor activities and open doors/windows can mean more dogs outside, on-leash and off, so slow down — and don’t get distracted by cell phones, texts or changing radio stations. Be sure to regularly inspect your yard for any holes or breaks in perimeter security.
6) Practice water safety — not all dogs can swim, especially in ocean water with waves and currents.
7) Be cautious of which pesticides, fertilizers, and mulches you or your landscaper are using; not all are pet-safe.
8) Wildlife is out and about — be sure your dog is current on vaccinations such as rabies and leptospirosis, if appropriate.
9) We see far more dog fights in the summer months than others — when socializing your dog at the park, be alert to his or her activities. Avoid distractions such as talking on your cell phone which may impede your response time.
10) Access to fresh, cold water is even more important now than other times of year.
11) BBQs can be great ways to visit with friends in the summer months but can be dangerous for your dog. Alcohol, hot BBQ drippings and coals, skewers, and even ingesting certain (or too much) food can all cause your pet harm. Be mindful of the grill and remind guests to please not feed your pup!
12) Buckle up! Remember to restrain your pet in the car. This will keep them safe if the event of an accident, and also keep them from jumping from an open window.
If you are thinking about a summer vacation to include your special furry family member, please chec
k out Canine Camp Getaway Vacation . It is a wonderful place to go and located in the beautiful Lake George, NY area. Maybe all your friends with Tails Untold Personalized Pet Books http://www.tailsuntold.com will see you there.
Did you know that petting your dog or cat has mutual benefits? It seems obvious that your pet gets pleasure from petting and shows it in many ways like rubbing up against you, nudging you, and often we see a smile and a gleam in their eye from petting.
For humans, petting often triggers the release of a hormone called oxytocin, which is a bonding hormone. They say that petting a dog for only 15 minutes can also release other feel good hormones such as serotonin and prolactin. Another benefit is that the stress hormone called cortisol, has been known to be lowered by petting. Studies have shown that the same effect happens with cats.
For those suffering with mild depression, by petting your pet, it stops you from focusing on your problems and looking inward and digging into a deeper hole. Your energies are now focused on your pet and it helps to take the worry and the depressive thoughts and turn them toward something positive and loving, outside of your own mind. What is amazing is our pets can usually tell when we are feeling blue and will often stay closer to us and want to snuggle more.
Many studies have shown that not only do we get the positive effects of petting, but our pets get the same kind of benefits, too.
So keep petting your pet so you both enjoy that mutual benefit that has been termed “the love loop”.
P.S. Do you think a cat and dog petting each other has the same effect? [Photo: Courtesy of Funagram]
There is nothing more beautiful than the joys of new birth. Puppies are tiny balls of softness, innocence and cuddly cuteness. There are many things you can do to help prepare for your female dog’s pregnancy. Your dog should be over one year of age and have had its 2nd or 3rd heat. Most dogs will have their cycle every 5-7 months. Be sure your female is in good shape prior to becoming pregnant. An overweight dog may run into more complications with pregnancy than a lean, healthy weight dog.
As with any pregnancy, your dog will likely go through emotional changes. Give her lots of love and attention with gentle words and lots of strokes. She may not feel very well in the first few weeks so this extra love will be very soothing.
After the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, your pet will need to consume more food, as well as after the birth of the litter. You should increase her food intake by about 25%. She may need several small meals as the puppies growing inside of her put pressure on her internal organs. Providing clean, fresh water is very important. The need for extra food and fluids increases at this time and helps your dog and her puppies have the nutrition they require.
Exercise is very important as well. Even though she is pregnant, she needs to run and play as she always did. Playtime makes your dog happy and gives her a boost towards a happy pregnancy. Walks alone won’t do it. You will need to walk her more, however, because she is increasing her fluid intake and the puppies put increased pressure on her bladder.
It is important to get her checkups with the vet. Prior to breeding she should test negative for heartworms and intestinal parasites which can be passed along to the pups. All of her immunizations should be up-to-date. The mother’s immunity to infectious diseases is given to her puppies during their nursing of her milk.
Be sure to set aside an area with an easy to clean surface where she can have her pups when the time comes. A low, shallow box lined with clean old blankets, sheets or old clothing will give her a soft and comfortable place to give birth. Get her used to it ahead of time, even offering treats there to get her to go to that spot. If she were to have the puppies outside of that area, move them right to the designated spot so she will follow. Since this will be her resting spot for several weeks with the puppies, it is important to keep it clean and comfortable.
The joys of motherhood will fill the air when the puppies are born. It is a wonderful experience that is best when you have taken the time to prepare for it. All of these suggestions will help to ensure a happy, healthy new litter of puppies!
We love to surprise our favorite person with an unexpected gift. Imagine finding a brand new car in your driveway! With children, we think of a special gift of a new pet. Having your child run downstairs on Christmas morning or the first day of Hanukkah to find a cute little kitten or puppy with a red bow under the tree or by the menorah sounds so exciting! But, and there is always a but, there are several ways you can give a child a pet. Putting a live pet under the tree or by the menorah on the 8 days of Hanukkah can have its problems. Many children are too young to know what caring for a pet means. Especially children under 10 years old. It is not a wise idea to get a pet to teach your child responsibility. A child who is not usually responsible may not know what it means to care for a pet. What is a better idea is to have a pet be a reward for demonstrated responsibility.
There are many other things to consider. The cost of having a pet can run as much as $400. a year for a cat and $500. for a dog. They need food, supplies, basic shots and other vet care. Having a pet means a great deal of commitment, considering the love, care and time to play with him. Then there are the inevitable accidents, furniture damage and other requirements to make a home pet-safe. The average cat or dog can live 12 to 15 years or longer. They need the security of committed owners with the ability to accept the bumps along the road.
If you really wish to surprise someone with a new pet, consider this alternative. For adults you can purchase a pet gift certificate from Petfinder.com. This way, the gift recipient can search for more than 350,000 adoptable pets. For children, you might buy a stuffed dog or cat, equipped with supplies like food dishes, leashes, collars and treats. Then you can attach a note saying that the family can go to pick out the pet after the holidays. This way the whole family is involved in choosing the type, size and breed of the animal you’re considering. Explore websites that identify breeds that work best with your family’s personality. Kids will enjoy being part of the process and you can teach them what the responsibilities of owning a pet include.
Finally, keep in mind that animal shelters are great places to go for a new pet. The cost is low and they often have discounts on spaying and neutering. Petfinder.com allows you to search by breed, location, size and more. With this kind of planning, your family can have a wonderful longtime family member that brings joy throughout the years!
Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito and Jorge Bendersky’s, “There is no Poop Fairy” Workshop Held on Saturday, August 25, 2012, at the Thomas Jefferson Park Recreation Center in East Harlem was a Great Success!
New York, New York – August 28, 2012 – On Saturday, August 25, 2012 the “There is no Poop Fairy in East Harlem” Campaign took place at the Jefferson Park Recreation Center on 112 Street and First Avenue in East Harlem, New York City. The event began at 10:00a.m and ended at 1:00p.m. The launching of the campaign along with the various informative workshops gave attendees information, tips and advice regarding responsible pet ownership. Attendees also had the privilege and opportunity to meet celebrity dog groomer, Jorge Bendersky during the workshop as well.
In response to a growing number of dog poop piles, and a growing number of constituent complaints, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito took a page from the very successful “There is no Poop Fairy Campaign” introduced by the Jefferson County Animal Control office in Colorado, to address this serious health hazard with humor; as a means to encourage dog owners to pick up after their dogs in our parks and neighborhoods.
Over 100 people from the community came out to volunteer and Scoop the Poop at Saturday’s event. The afternoon consisted of attendees visiting the many informative booths set up, along with playing games in order to win prizes, raffles, tee-shirts and more. At the workshop, Jorge explained and demonstrated to attendees the importance of properly grooming our pets to ensure a longer and healthier life. Petmate Dog Toy and Espree grooming kits were given out to attendees who answered grooming and pet health questions correctly, asked by Jorge. A special thanks to Petmate and Espree for making this raffle happen!
Lickety Sticks were also taste tested (and approved) and then given away to our furry four-legged friends who attended the event. Many animal organizations joined together on Saturday, and other exciting events happened throughout the day. The ASPCA was there with their spay and neuter truck along with a representative who explained the city benefits for low income families. There was a representative from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) who talked about pets in public housing as well.
The “There is no Poop Fairy” workshop was a great event with a lot of volunteers to help and spread the word. Hopefully, other city councils will take this idea and implement it on other districts too. It is essential that as pet owners we clean up after our animal companions and also look after our community and neighborhoods too!
About Jorge Bendersky: Expert celebrity dog groomer, Jorge Bendersky has been seen on Animal Planet’s reality show, “The Groomer Has It”, as a Judge on TLC’s Extreme Poodles and as the new Grooming expert on Animal Planet’s Dogs 101. Jorge’s skills, talents and also his love for animals has made him committed to “giving back” through a series of pet care workshops in NYC’s inner-city neighborhoods and by conducting seminars to help other groomers carry on this mission. To learn more about Jorge Bendersky visit www.planetjorge.com. Twitter: @JorgeBendersky. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JorgeBendersky.
Summer is here and our pets are enjoying romps in the yard and long naps on the grass. It is a time for feeding and weeding the yard to obtain that lush green look. However, we need to be careful about what we put on our grass. Some lawn fertilizers are generally low in toxic additives. But some contain toxic ingredients like high concentrations of iron, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. Cocoa mulch contains the compound theobromine which is enticing to pets but quite toxic. Certain types of organic products can be just as poisonous. These include blood meal, bone meal or fish meal. They are designed to increase nitrogen content in our lawns and gardens but can be very palatable to dogs and cats. Meal based fertilizers can create bowel obstructions or severe inflammation of the pancreas. Even small ingestions of these many products can result in stomach upset or even bladder cancer.
After a walk or romp in the grass, watch your pet for signs of poisoning. These include drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or muddy colored gums. Remember that dogs and cats like to lick their fur and that can lead to ingestion of unwanted substances. Call your vet if you suspect poisoning.
Take care that your pet does his business in an area away from a recently fertilized lawn or garden. If you use fertilizers, be sure to put a sign on your lawn to let other neighbors know to keep their pets away from the area. After treating an area with fertilizers or pesticides, wait until the substance dries or, if recommended, water the lawn after fertilizing to allow the chemicals to wash into the grass.
The best rule of thumb is to look for pet-friendly fertilizers that keep your lawn and pets healthy!
A new baby is on the way and your pets will need to adjust. After all, they were the new babies first. It is a lot like preparing a sibling for a new family member. Pets, like children, may feel resentful that they are no longer the center of your attention. Work on this by gradually pulling back on the amount of time you spend with your pet before the new baby arrives. Have another family member become closer and more engaged with your pet, especially if he is very attached to you. Invite friends over with their babies so your pet can get used to the sights and sounds of a little one. You can even play recordings of baby’s crying and let them hear the sounds of the baby swing or crib toys.
Before you come home with the new baby, have a family member bring home a blanket with the baby’s scent for your pet to become accustomed to. Give your pet lots of exercise on the day the newborn will arrive so he is relaxed and tired out. When you arrive, have another family member take the baby so you can calmly give your pet a warm welcome. You can help your pet associate the baby with something positive by giving a treat for good behavior as you sit by him with the new baby. Always supervise the pet and baby interactions and never force them on your pet. Maintain your regular routines as much as possible and spend quality time with your pet each day.
Your calm demeanor and positive rewards will go a long way in helping your pet know this new family member is one more person to love!
(Photo courtesy of William Beil)
Happy New Year all you Pet Lovers!
We all know about The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden, but did you know about the Upcoming Pre-Westminster Fashion Show? This will be Tails Untold ‘s first time participating as a Gold Paw Sponsor. Come and visit us and see samples of our Tails Untold Personalized Pet Books! It is going to be a paws-atively exciting event! Some of the proceeds from the event will be going to The Animal Care and Control of NYC http://www.nycacc.org/. So get ready to PAW-TY. This year’s theme is Venetian Masquerade. For more information please visit http://www.pre-westminsterfashionshow.com/ We hope to see you there! Your friends at Tails Untold. www.tailsuntold.com
Today one of my students shared a picture of the newest acquisition to his family…”Bruno” , a rescue dog. He had a sample picture of himself, his brother and “Bruno” which they will use as a Christmas card. He could not wait to show his friends and teacher. It is not uncommon for people to use their pets in their holiday greeting cards. As many as 58% of pet owners do this, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. My student is language learning disabled, but he had no difficulty when it came to talking about his new pet. His eyes sparkled and the words just poured out as he described how he got his dog. Just one more instance of how pets can give back to their owners!
| Name: | Weezie |
| Nickname(s): | The Boss |
| Gender: | female |
| Characteristics: | One eye, white face, very large pointy ears |
| Personality: | stealthy, determined, quiet, funny |
