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I have started back to work and haven't been
posting much.
I love my new job and hope to start writing more
once I get settled in.
This picture is possibly my favorite photo of all time!
It makes me feel like ALL IS WELL!

Until next time,
Kelly

 
 
 
 
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JUST FOR FUN -
Take the Test your Animal Knowledge Quiz # 2

Record your answers on a separate sheet of paper,
then, check your answers at the bottom of this post.

1) How often should you check a puppies' collar for the
     correct fit ?
a) monthly
b) weekly
c) every 3 months
d) daily
.
2) What intestinal parasite can cause blindness in humans ?

a) whipworm
b) tapeworm
c) roundworm
d) hookworm
.
3) What can cause pancreatitis ?
a) eating bones
b) eating onions
c) eating fatty foods
d) eating raw meat
.
4) What is the most common cause of allergies in pets ?
a) dust
b) food
c) grass
d) fleas
.
5) A puppy or kitten should have a series of vaccinations through what age ?
a) 8 weeks
b) 16 weeks
c) 12 weeks
d) 6 months
.
6) What is the most common illness in shelter animals ?

a) parvo
b) upper respiratory illness
c) giardia
d) mange
.
7) What is the vaccination name for " Kennel Cough " ?

a) parvo
b) distemper
c) bordetella
d) corona
.
8) What is the name for feline " Parvo Virus " ?
a) Panleukopenia
b) Rhinotracheitis
c) URI
d) Calici

9) What type of external parasite is NOT contagious ?
a) Demodex mange
b) Sarcoptic mange
.
10) What animal is a marsupial ?
a) turtle
b) rat
c) skunk
d) opossum
.
11) What is a common illness of UNSPAYED female dogs ?
a) anemia
b) pyometra
c) allergies
d) obesity

Hope you enjoyed the quiz!
Check your answers below


Test your animal knowledge quiz # 2
Answers
1) B            7) C
2) C            8) A          
3) C            9) A
4) D          10) D
5) B          11) B
6) B

Keep scrolling to see all previous posts.
Contact me with any questions or comments!
Thanks, Kelly

Mixed-breed DNA test to find out the breeds that make up you dog.
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Create your own poll
 
 
I wanted to share this interesting video with you.
It shows the X rays of a few pets who have eaten some very strange things.


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Puppies aren't the only ones who chew up and eat strange things!
I have seen cats who have eaten string, yarn, a bag of hair ties, tinsel, a needle with the thread attached and a chain necklace.
I have seen dogs who have eaten rocks, toys, plastic, coins, carpet, rags, socks, tinsel and a fishing line with the hook attached.

I remember one dog who had a habit of eating rocks. He had to have surgery 3 different times to remove rocks from his stomach. I've known several dogs that love to eat socks.

If you find evidence that your pet may have possibly ingested a foreign object you should take them to a veterinarian right away. The first symptoms of a blockage are usually, going off feed and/or vomiting.
By seeking veterinary attention before any symptoms develop, your veterinarian may have more options regarding removal of the object than they may have if you wait a few days.

With Christmas approaching, never leave your dog or cat unsupervised around the tree and decorations.
It's been my experience that both dogs and cats seem to
enjoy eating Tinsel!

Thank you for reading!
Until next time, Kelly
Scroll down to see my previous posts.

If you are in need of any pet supplies,
check my discounts and promo codes page
for money saving offers!

PetSmart - Dog
Your Holiday Wishes could win a $200 Cash Code! Pet Products from My Favorite Pet Shop. Ends Dec. 25. Learn more.
 
 
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Remember to check collars

Believe it or not, collars are a very common cause of problems for your pets.

While working at Veterinary Hospitals and Animal Shelters, I witnessed many, many unnecessary problems due to ill fitting collars. These problems ranged from sores to lacerations to flesh literally growing through the links of a chain collar!

The most common problem is when a puppy or kitten is growing and their collar isn't adjusted often enough. When your pet is growing, you need to check the collar weekly!  Adjust the collar so that you can easily place 2 - 3 fingers between the collar and the neck at all times.

If you are using the collar for leash walking, a properly fitted collar will pull off and isn't the best choice, anyway. I recommend using a harness for leash walking. Harnesses are much safer for walking your pet. They won't pull off, they won't cause an injury to the neck and you will have much better control of your pet. It's best to remove the harness after walking because I've also seen harnesses cause pressure sores and lacerations when left on for extended periods.

Choke chain collars can also cause problems if they are placed on the neck improperly. The end of the chain that pulls and tightens should be placed above the other ring, not below it. If it is placed below the stationary ring, the weight of the chain and ring will hang and tighten around the neck. I have seen this cause problems, as well.

Remember to check collars, weekly, on growing puppies and kittens. Adults dogs and cats need to be checked periodically, as well. Adults can also get pressure sores and lacerations if the collar is too tight or heavy.

If you want a collar on your kitten or cat, make sure it is a thin, very lightweight, break away collar. A breakaway collar will come apart if it gets stuck on something. I don't recommend collars for cats or kittens because when they jump, they tend to get their collars caught on things.

Now that you are aware of some of the problems that neglected and ill fitting collars can cause pets. Please help me bring awareness of this problem by checking the collars of all dogs and cats you come into contact with. Friends, relatives, etc. You will be surprised at how many collars need adjustment. Thank you for your help!

I hope this information was helpful!
Thank you for reading!
Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Until next time,
Kelly
If you need any products or supplies,
check my discounts/promo codes page to save money!




 
 
As Featured On EzineArticles
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" Can't Blame the Dog "

This story takes place while I was working at a very large Animal Shelter.
When you work at an Animal Shelter, you should NEVER take any animals aggressive behavior personally. In fact, that is one of the biggest mistakes people make when working with shelter animals. Very few of the shelter dogs are truly aggressive, most are just reverting back to a survival mentality! And can you blame them? They are scared, they don't know what your intentions are and they are in a strange and loud environment.

I have only been bitten once in my entire life, and it was my fault for not listening to what the dog was trying to tell me. If you pay attention to their body language, you should never get bitten!

My bite experience was actually more like an attack! I had removed a large mixed breed dog from his kennel and had already examined and vaccinated him outside the kennel. He was possibly a Shepherd / Akita mix?  When I was finished, he did not want to return back into his kennel. There was another large dog in the kennel that must have been dominating him. I was in a big hurry and didn't pay attention to his body language. I proceeded to place him into the kennel and blocked the gate opening with my body. As I backed out of the kennel,  he ran towards me and tried to escape. My legs were blocking the exit, he grabbed a hold of my leg. I pried his mouth off my leg and he then grabbed my wrist!  He started shaking my arm and when I moved aside from the gate opening, he let go and ran loose onto the shelter grounds.

I was in shock and devastated!  My feelings were hurt more than my physical wounds. I respected and loved every one of them and I felt that they understood that. Also, because I had already examined and vaccinated him with no problems, the aggressive behavior was totally unexpected!

I realized later that it was my fault. I should have payed attention to his unwillingness to return to the kennel. He was trying to show me something and I was not paying attention. I was too rushed to notice and I don't blame him for my mistake. The signs were there and I wasn't appreciating them.

I think that experience was actually a good lesson for me because I was in a rush and not listening to him. He obviously felt that he had to go to plan B. When a dog goes to plan B, it's usually only because you missed the warning signs.

The signs are usually very clear and if we will take the time to listen, there is no reason to ever get bitten. Most dogs only resort to aggressive behavior when they have no other option.

Thanks for reading my story!
Many more to come...
Until next time,
Kelly
Please scroll down to see all previous posts!



 
 
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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Remember to keep your pets happy and healthy too!

Every year thousands of pets get sick following the Thanksgiving Holiday Feast. That well intentioned " Thanksgiving Plate" made for your pet can easily end up with a trip to the vet or worse.


Remember the most common things to avoid!

                                                      NO BONES -
                                                      NO FAT -

                                                                   NO SKIN -
                                                      NO PORK -
                                                      NO ONIONS -
                                                                   NO RAISINS -
                                                                   NO CHOCOLATE -

Bones are very dangerous to dogs! They can easily cause a blockage or a perforation!

Dogs do not digest fat well! Too much fat, which includes the skin , can easily cause
Intestinal Upset, Diarrhea and Pancreatitis.

Pork has a lot of fat and is very hard for your pet to digest.

Onions, Raisins and chocolate are toxic to dogs.


If you want to feed them something from your Thanksgiving Feast.
Give just a small amount of Turkey only.
No bones, no skin, no fat, no side dishes.


I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
Until next time,
Kelly


 
 

Stacy Westfall gives a beautiful performance in this video!
Without the use of reins or a saddle she and her horse communicate perfectly!
What an inspiration to anyone who loves horses!

*******************************************************
To see more of Stacy go to Stacy Westfall's website---
http://westfallhorsemanship.com/

 
 
 

                                                      Because of Love

This true story was sent to me by a friend. I wanted to share it with you.
Caring for our animals is never a matter of convenience, it's a matter of love...

A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre- Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.

Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"

The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair of new boots.

His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley.

The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?

So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.

And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand.

The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.

Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.

Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe.

At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new year's crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife.

Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift---

Because of love. Only Because of love.

Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy...
And again the peace of love filled their hearts.

This is a true story.

Willy Eagle  ( author ? )

Thanks for visiting!
Kelly

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    Words to live by

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