Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog

To have a happy home and a happy dog, it’s critical to choose a pet that fits your needs and also the realities of what your household can accommodate. Here are 8 questions to consider as you decide what kind of dog you want:

1. What is your main requirement from a dog?
If it’s important for your dog to help protect the household, make that a priority. Consider sticking with one of the bigger or more aggressive breeds that are known to make good guard dogs. If you are looking for a companion to sit in your lap, select a small breed of dog like a Chihuahua or Pomeranian.

2. What kind of family environment do you have?
If you have small children, for example, make sure to choose a dog that is less likely to react negatively if startled by noise or poked by little kids. Consider choosing a breed that has a calm nature and socializes well with children such as golden retrievers, collies, pugs and boxers. Other breeds like the Dalmatian and Kerry blue terrier are less tolerant to the excitement that comes with kids running around. If you have other pets, you want to select a dog that gets along with other animals. If you live alone, and have no other pets in your home, these questions may not be as important.

Keeping Your Cat Happy While You’re Away

Summertime is vacation time and we often leave our beloved felines alone in the house for a few days while we soak up some sun and sand. How to make sure the kitties are happy while we’re gone?
Here are several great, simple ideas that will make your cats purrrr! As well as finding a trusted pet-sitter to care for your cat, you could also:

1. Fill special treat balls (available at pet stores) and hide them around the house. While you’re away, your cat can hone her predatory drive. She will focus on the hunt and not have the time or desire to destroy things out of boredom or anxiety.

2. Keep the radio playing on low. Some cats like jazz; others prefer talk radio.

3. Invite trusted neighbors or friends to stop by and play with your cat.

4. Telephone home twice a day and leave a friendly message for your cat on the answering machine. Sample: “Hey, Callie, how’s my good cat doing? You’re the No. 1 cat in the world. I’ll be home soon.” Be sure the volume on your machine is turned up so your cat can hear it.

5. Set the timer to turn on the television for 15 minutes. Set the channel to your cat’s favorite show–maybe the Discovery Channel or Animal Planet. Or play a video with birds flying cross the screen or mice scampering

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A Different-Kind-of-Dog Fight

Well hellooooo, little birdies! Oh, do you see something you like…? Is it this delicious walnut? Too bad the tastiest treat on the planet is jusssst out of reach…

Oh my. OK, I did not foresee this seriously terrifying hopping and pecking. How about we go split-sies?

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Dickens' Dog Collar Fetches $11,590 In NYC Auction

A dog collar that belonged to Charles Dickens has fetched $11,590 at a New York City auction.The leather and brass collar is inscribed with Dickens’ name. It had been estimated to sell at $4,000 to $6,000. The buyer’s name was not immediately disclosed.

The collar was auctioned Tuesday at Bonhams New York’s sale of dog art.Like many Victorians, the author of “David Copperfield” and “A Tale of Two Cities” was fond of dogs.Last year, an ivory and gold toothpick that belonged to Dickens sold for $9,150 at auction.

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Dickens' Dog Collar Fetches $11,590 In NYC Auction

A dog collar that belonged to Charles Dickens has fetched $11,590 at a New York City auction.The leather and brass collar is inscribed with Dickens’ name. It had been estimated to sell at $4,000 to $6,000. The buyer’s name was not immediately disclosed.

The collar was auctioned Tuesday at Bonhams New York’s sale of dog art.Like many Victorians, the author of “David Copperfield” and “A Tale of Two Cities” was fond of dogs.Last year, an ivory and gold toothpick that belonged to Dickens sold for $9,150 at auction.

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