Funny Pet Memories Bring Smiles

By Tamara L. Waters

When it comes to our pets, they make us smile, they melt our hearts and yes, they make us laugh. Admit it, funny pet videos featuring the crazy antics of our favorite critters are some of the best and most entertaining. We love LOL'ing at our silly pets, and they always seem to provide us with plenty of material. Check out a few of these funny pet memories, then think about your own. You're sure to find a giggle or two somewhere.

For myself, I have a few funny memories of favorite pets that I enjoy sharing with friends. One is of my beloved dog Skynyrd, a Yellow Lab and Golden Retriever mix that had the personality of sunshine. She was given to me as a Christmas present by my then-husband when she was about eight weeks old, and she was the best dog ever.

Skynyrd developed a funny quirk almost immediately after coming to live with us: she liked to sleep underneath the couch, the chair and the bed. She liked crawling underneath the furniture and there were many times when she was a puppy that we would miss her, only to find her snoozing under the couch or bed.

Unfortunately, Skynyrd was also a big scaredy-cat. She was afraid of loud noises and especially storms. She would often hide under the bed when it stormed or when I ran the vacuum. This was all fine until Skynyrd grew into her full size – a 65-pound dog. By then she had stopped hiding under the furniture, because she preferred to be ON the furniture instead.

She forgot this fact once when a storm came up and suddenly reverted to her puppyhood. She dove under the bed, but there was only one problem – she was really too big to fit under the bed! Somehow she made it underneath, but she was stuck and wasn't going to make it back out without help. Some people don't believe dogs can show expression but on that day, Skynyrd certainly did. Her face spoke what her mouth could not: "Ummm. . .uh oh. . ."

Another funny pet memory of mine involves a kitty that I rescued from the ditch in front of my house, where someone had apparently dumped him. This little black and white sweetie was dubbed Boo and became the ruler of our home. Boo quickly developed a favorite habit: he loved to sit on my lap while I would work on the computer. This turned into another habit: a desire to sit on my keyboard.

This became funny when Boo would manage to sit on the keyboard and somehow send messages to people on my Yahoo! Instant Messenger contact list. I had several friends who received messages that read something like "dfjdkfjdfkjdfldjfldjfdlkj" or some such kitty nonsense. It became such a regular occurrence and joke with my friends that many times I would see that Boo had been chatting and I would simply send a message that said "cat." My friends understood. In the same manner, Boo once even posted a status on Facebook for me. It said "lklklklklklklk/.././." and my friends thought it was brilliant.

Fellow writer and friend Theresa Leschmann related a couple of funny stories about her pets. One year around Halloween, her puppy – a white Great Pyrenees – became a little too curious about the Halloween decorations. Theresa had set out plastic pumpkins (actual candy buckets) around the outside of her home for decoration. She recalled that she looked outside to see her puppy wandering around the yard with one of the orange Jack-o-Lanterns stuck on his head!

Another funny memory from Theresa involves her cat. She noticed that her cat had caught a mouse and was playing with it out in the yard. Kitty paused during the play and the mouse took the opportunity to fight back. It lunged at the cat, chomping down on the cat's lip. Theresa watched the cat swinging its head back and forth in an attempt to dislodge the biting mouse. It managed to send the mouse flying a few feet away where it landed, only to be nabbed by a hungry chicken. Such is life on a farm!

Fellow friend, writer and cat lover Kate Kirkman recalled the time she and her hubby had to do some deductive reasoning to figure out what had happened in their kitchen. They came home to find an upper kitchen cabinet had the bottom broken out of it and their kitties were remaining mum on what had happened.

Upon closer examination, they discovered feline footprints on the countertop, then up on top of the cabinets, across the top of the cabinets, then discovered the top of the cabinet broken in. It appeared as though kitty had taken a stroll, then whoops!

Oh those crazy pets! They keep us laughing and certainly make life worth living, don't they? Do you have a favorite funny pet memory to share?

Photo by Vegan Flower

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5 Items You Don't Need When You Have a Pet

By Tamara L. Waters

A pet can enrich our lives in so many ways, but there’s one way we probably never counted on –saving money. That's right! There are some normal household items you just don't need when you have a pet, so imagine the money you can save!

Back Massager: Kitties make perfect back massagers, provided you keep their claws trimmed. Instructions: Make sure kitty is in good mood. Place kitty on your back. Hope kitty decides to knead your back. If kitty complies, sigh loudly. Appreciate kitty.

Now, if your kitty isn't a kneader (seriously, what cat isn't?), perhaps you could demonstrate to them what type of a massage you need. After all, cats are known for their spectacular ability to follow directions. Or not.


Alarm Clock: This is my cat Garfield's favorite job around my house. I seriously don't need an alarm clock because he wakes me up. Oh, he doesn't just gently rouse me from my sleep, he stands on my chest batting at my face or rubbing my face with his own furry orange mug.

If I don't get up or I attempt to roll over and go back to sleep, he starts purring loudly while being more persistent in his personal "rise and shine" greetings. I only get to sleep in when Garfield allows it and thankfully, he knows that Saturday is my personal sleep in day.

Vacuum Cleaner: I only have cats in the house and they're not as inclined to clean for me, but my parents have a Jack Russell and he keeps their floors spotless! If food hits the floor, you can bet Odie makes sure that floor is sparkling clean in no time. He also does a fair job of sweeping the floor as he runs and plays with his stuffed toys. Low center of gravity makes little dogs perfect floor cleaners, and they can vacuum up any crumbs. The next time you spill some of your CANIDAE dog food on your floors, don't bother with the vacuum – let the pooch do his job!

Alarm System: Who needs an actual alarm system when you've got a dog? Canines are awesome early warning systems. My outside dogs let me knows the second a car hits the end of my driveway. I don't have to worry about anyone sneaking around my yard because I'll know. . .oh yes, I'll know.

My dogs have distinctive alarm system barks. One type of bark means "There are cats!" while another means "Some other small furry animal!" and another means "There's another darn dog in my yard! Get outttttt!" These alarm system barks are very similar and sometimes difficult to determine which is which. Fortunately though, they have very distinctive barks when there are people in the yard or driveway. These barks mean "Person we don't know! Red alert! Red alert! All hands on deck!"

Thankfully, they have not needed to escalate to the serious person alarm bark that means "Person up to no good! Everybody freak out!"

Dishwasher: Yeah, admit it – you've wondered if it would work. Can your pooch do the work of a dishwasher? Sure! Not only can your canine clean your floors, but he can do the dishes. Dirty plates are no match for the tongue action of your dog. Just umm, don't expect him to use dish soap, and don't tell your guests. Seriously. Don't tell anybody.

Photo by Jonathan Crowe

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Can Your Pet Become a Therapy Animal for Seniors?

By Tamara L. Waters

There are two things that can almost always bring a smile to any face: Children and animals. As my elderly grandmother's health and mind deteriorated in the years prior to her death, a child or an animal could still make her smile. This fact is not lost upon senior centers that use therapy animals to bring joy to their patients.

According to The Delta Society – a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting therapy through pet ownership and interaction – the health benefits pets have on seniors are undeniable. The Delta Society website cites studies asserting that seniors with pets have fewer doctor visits and have lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Those of us who’ve had the privilege of being pet owners know firsthand that a pet offers unconditional love and companionship. My own pets seem to know when I need some furry affection, and their presence is calming.

What does it take to provide pet therapy to seniors with your favorite pooch or kitty? If you are interested in using your pet in a senior therapy setting, the first step would be to find out what your local senior living facilities require. For the safety of senior residents and patients, most senior facilities may require any visiting pet to be certified for animal therapy. State and local regulations will also need to be explored. Other centers may only require proof of immunizations or a form from your veterinarian stating that your pet is recommended for therapy. You should also check with your insurance agent regarding liability if something were to happen. You will need to make sure you are covered in the event of a problem, and the senior facility you visit may want some type of liability waiver.

Ask your veterinarian for advice and information about health regulations and concerns. Any pet that spends time around people for therapeutic purposes must have a calm temperament. They need to be willing to tolerate strangers and a lot of touching. Your vet should be able to help you determine if your pet would be a good candidate as a therapy pet. My cat Garfield would be a great therapy pet, as he has a very laid back temperament, loves strangers (especially those who offer affection) and is not the least bit high strung.

Therapy animals also need to be up-to-date on their vaccinations and have regular checkups to ensure their health and the health of the seniors they visit. Your best bet would be to make an appointment with your vet for a checkup and a consultation about your pet's potential as a therapy pet.

The Delta Society advocates the use of pets for therapy purposes and offers tips on how your pet can become a therapy animal. In order to have your pet certified for therapy with The Delta Society, there are a few prerequisites. You may also need to contact your county's animal control office for any local requirements regarding pet therapy. Some regulations may vary from state-to-state, city and county.

For further reading, check out Julia Williams' article about the qualities a therapy cat needs, or Suzanne Alicie's article about therapy dogs in the CANIDAE Special Achievers program.

Photo by Federico Scotto d'Antuono

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Can Computer Games Teach Kids about Pet Care?

By Tamara L. Waters

Computer games have become a way of life for kids and adults alike. When it comes to pet-related games, do any of them actually teach skills or instill learning that will help a kid become a responsible pet owner? My own children have enjoyed computer games that involve caring for pets and while some are silly and useless entertainment, a few can actually introduce responsible pet care to children who have never owned a pet.

Pet Vet 3D: Animal Hospital

With this game, the player becomes a veterinarian who takes care of an assorted variety of animals – from horses and ponies, to cats, dogs, bunnies and even piglets. My daughter really enjoyed this game as she learned facts about the animals “she” was treating, and it piqued her interest to learn more about these animals and their care.

There are other similar computer games that allow the player to “become” a veterinarian and provide care for furry patients. There is Paws & Claws Pet Vet, Paws & Claws Pet Vet 2, Pet Vet 3D: Wild Animal Hospital, and Happy Tails: Animal Shelter which allows you to care for animals and find them a forever home.

Petz 5

This has been a favorite game for my kids. While the pet care obviously isn't realistic, I found that this game helped my kids learn about caring for pets in a fun and easy way. With this game, you choose a pet (a dog or a cat in your choice of breed and color), name it and then set out to play with and care for your pet. The animals in Petz 5 want affection (just like a real pet), need to be fed, played with, and paid attention to. If you don't feed your pet, he or she might run away.

What I found with this game was that while it was mostly for fun and entertainment, it introduced my kids to the concept that pets aren't toys that you just put away or care for when you feel like it. After the first time or two my kids forgot to care for their virtual pets and they ran away, they were more vigilant about making sure they took care of and fed their pets.

Petville

The Facebook game Petville is a game that my nine-year-old daughter enjoyed but it was simply for entertainment purposes. I played it with her several times and found that it wasn't a game that really provided more than that. The care for the pet isn't very realistic and even though a pet will run away if you forget to feed it, you can easily pay to get it back from the pound.

In real life, this isn't how it works. Thankfully, my children have real pets to care for, and they understand that feeding, socializing and regular care is just part of daily life when you have a pet.

How can these computer games help kids learn about responsible pet ownership? I do believe they provide value by introducing kids to the concept of pet care, but all in all, they are just games. Nothing is the same as the actual hands-on care of pets. If you would like an opportunity to teach your children hands-on pet care with real pets, check with your local animal shelter. Many shelters appreciate and need volunteers who are willing to come in and play with the animals, walk them, brush them and provide actual care. This is a better way to help your kids learn about caring for real pets prior to bringing a pet into your home.

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5 Things Every Kid Should Know About Their Pet

By Tamara L. Waters

Learning to become a responsible pet owner can start at an early age. Children can begin by learning important things about their pets. Here are five things every kid should know about their pet.

1. Your pet isn't a toy. A pet is a living creature and is nothing like a stuffed animal. Your pet cannot be forgotten about or ignored, or simply taken out to play when you feel like it.

2. A pet needs to be cared for even when you don't feel like it. Even if you are sick, your pet will still be hungry and need to be fed. Just as you can't ignore your pet, you also can't make your pet understand when you feel too tired or busy to take care of him. Just think of how it is when your parents are sick – they still take care of you even when they don't feel good. See yourself as your pet's parent, and remember that your job never ends (just like Mom and Dad's job as a parent!).


3. Taking care of a pet is a long-term commitment. Just like you can't ignore your pet and you must take care of him even when you don't feel like it, taking on the responsibility of a pet is not something that only happens when you feel like it. Many pets live for years, and caring for them requires an investment of time that could last a long time.

4. It takes an investment of your time to be a responsible pet owner. Caring for your pet isn't just about feeding them healthy food (like CANIDAE!) every day. Your pet wants and needs your time and attention. A pat on the head isn't enough for your pet to become socialized and form a bond with you. Spending quality time playing and interacting with your pet is an important part of being a pet owner. Make sure to plan time for playing with and showing affection to your pet.

5. Know your pet's likes and dislikes. Get to know your pet well enough to know what he likes and what he doesn't like. Why is this important? Isn't it important to you that your Mom and Dad know the things that you really like (such as pizza or Sponge Bob)? How about the things you really, really don't like? You want your parents and anyone who takes care of you to know that you hate peppers on your pizza or prefer the tags cut out of your shirts. While your pet can't tell you this, they have the same needs. If your dog is afraid of men, or thunderstorms, this is important for you to know so you can help your pet when he is scared or upset. In the same way, if your pet has a favorite blanket or toy – well, that's a great thing for you to know as well.

It is also important to know how to approach your own pet and unfamiliar pets. Read RPO blog writer Linda Cole's article about how to approach an unfamiliar dog, which can also help you understand your pet a little better. Now is the time for you to learn how to be the best pet owner you can become – for the pet you have now and for pets you will have in the future.

For more information about becoming a responsible pet owner, read How to Help Kids Learn Responsible Pet Ownership.

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The Right Way to Walk Your Dog

By Tamara L. Waters

Have you ever seen a dog walking a person? Perhaps you have even been walked by your own dog. If so, you know how exhausting it can be to walk a dog incorrectly. The ideal way is for YOU to be walking the dog. Check out a few of these tips to help you learn the right way to walk your dog and ensure that you aren't the one worn out at the end of the exercise.

Walk in Front

From my own experiences with walking my dogs, the proper way to walk a dog is with you in front and the dog following along. A better way to look at it is for you to lead the walk, not your dog. Putting yourself in the role of leader during a walk allows your dog to relax and follow along.

To help start the walk out correctly, do not allow your dog to go first out of the door or gate of his pen. Begin the walk in the position of leadership so your dog understands that his only job is to enjoy the exercise – not to lead you along.


Use an Anti-Pull Harness or a Chain Collar

If you have a dog that tends to pull when you are walking (my Chocolate Lab did this), I found that an anti-pull harness did a great job with helping her learn to not pull and to follow me. I also found that a pull chain (sometimes called a "choke chain") works well when it is put on properly. The proper method for using a chain as a walking lead is to form it into a P before putting it into place around the dog's neck. I make sure the chain is high on the dog's neck, directly behind the jaw and skull. This helps keep the dog from pulling (yes, it really does work) and also doesn't choke them if they do pull.

Keep Your Dog on a Short Lead

Yes, those long leashes might seem like a good idea, but when you are walking your dog you want to keep them close to you and under control. A long leash gives them too much distance, and what happens if they try to run while you are walking in traffic? Don't take a chance on having a tragic accident while walking your dog.

A short lead helps you maintain control and leadership as you are walking your dog. In the event of a problem (another animal, vehicle or person) that upsets your dog or puts him at risk, you have him close enough to take care of the issue.

Use a special lead or leash just for daily walks. My dog Scooby came to recognize her leash and knew that when I had it in my hand it meant we were about to take a walk. She would get very excited just to see the leash. Store your leash in a place where your dog can see it and he will probably let you know when it's walk time by standing next to the leash or even bringing it to you.

Walk Your Dog Regularly

Dogs of every breed need regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. If your dog runs laps around your yard, living room or pen, chances are they aren’t getting enough exercise. Be sure to walk them regularly and you will probably notice a calmer attitude and demeanor.

Finish Your Walk with a Reward

After a proper walk (which includes your dog following and not leading), be sure to offer a reward. A reward can be as simple as a good session of belly scratching and affection, or a delicious treat like CANIDAE Snap Bits™. Remember to be consistent with your walks and with your rewards, and your dog will love the daily exercise and time spent with her favorite person.

For more dog-walking tips, check out Linda Cole's article, How to Teach Your Dog Proper Leash Etiquette.

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Ways to Help Your Local Animal Shelter

By Tamara L. Waters

Most local animal shelters are not-for-profit organizations and work on a shoestring budget while relying upon donations and volunteers to help the animals in their care. This year, why not make plans to give a helping hand to your local animal shelter with a few of these ideas.

Volunteer

Your local animal shelter is probably understaffed. Most often, these organizations need every willing body to keep things running and to take care of the animals that end up here. There are so many ways to volunteer your time to help out.

Are you handy with a screwdriver and good at fixing things? Your local shelter may appreciate having someone who can come in and replace and repair things in the building. How about volunteering to do some laundry? Blankets and towels that are used for the animals always need to be washed.

Shelters always need people to clean cages, show affection to animals, do maintenance, answer phones, sweep floors and many other necessary tasks. Maybe you don't have the time to go and do physical work at the shelter, but you might be able to spread the word about the shelter and its needs. You can volunteer to do fundraising or share information about the shelter. You can write letters, post fliers, help with newsletters and many other tasks.

Donate

While your first thought when you hear the word "donate" might be "But I really don't have any extra money," that's not the only type of donation shelters need. Sure, they need funds, but they’re also glad to have donations of items they spend their money on. Cleaning supplies, paper towels, blankets, pet toys, pet cages and carriers, and many other pet supplies are always needed at local shelters. Maybe you could make a donation of healthy pet food like CANIDAE and FELIDAE.

If you don't have anything to donate, perhaps you could collect donations. One barrier to a shelter receiving donations is often that the person making the donations has difficulty finding time to stop by and drop it off. Offer to pick up donations for the shelter.

You could also organize a donation drive among friends, family and neighbors. Create a collection box to place in a central location and outline specific donations needed. Take the responsibility of collecting and delivering the donations to the shelter.

Spread the Word

In the same way your local shelter is always in need of volunteers, they also need caring people who will help spread the word. In my area, there is a Facebook page for the local no-kill shelter. When they have a fundraiser, they post on their Facebook page. It takes very little effort to share posts on my own Facebook wall about fundraisers and needs for this shelter. This is an easy way for me to help out without leaving my own home.

Do you have a way with words? Offer to write press releases for the shelter and contact local media sources to get the information out to the public. Do you have a knack for computers and web programming? If so, offer to help the shelter with creating and maintaining a website.

Advocate for the animals at your local shelter. Write letters to your local newspaper about the shelter and show your support for its purpose. Encourage friends and family members to be responsible pet owners and get their pets spayed or neutered to cut down on the population of unwanted pets – which is one reason why so many shelters are full.

Transportation

My local animal shelter is always in need of people to transport animals to other locations like rescue groups and veterinary appointments.

Call Your Local Shelter to Find Out More

If you are trying to think of ways to help your local shelter, your best bet is to pick up the phone. Call them and find out what their specific needs are. Their needs may already be on this list, or they may have a completely different need. Become familiar with what the shelter uses for day-to-day operations and let them tell you what you can do to help. The animals in their care may not be able to express it, but the people involved with the shelter will be very appreciative of every caring person who makes the effort to help out.

Photo by Bethan Hazell

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Humor: Why You Shouldn't Choose a Lame Dog Name

By Tamara L. Waters

Growing up, I had lots of dogs as pets, but it wasn't until I was 18 years old that I picked out my very first puppy of my own. He was a mixed-breed puppy, blond with a stripe of white on his forehead (see photo at left). I'll admit he was spoiled, and I named him Twinkie.

Yes, Twinkie. That’s right; I named the poor little guy after those delicious cream-filled sponge cake treats. Why did I name him Twinkie? My brother made the comment that he looked like a Twinkie due to his blond fur and the white stripe. My immature teenage mind thought “Awwww, Twinkie! That's such a cutesy wutesy wittle name for the puppy wuppy! *squeal*”

Looking back, I can see that my choice of name for this little guy doomed him to being the butt of every doggy joke, and friends and family alike viewed him as a frou-frou dog, even though he wasn't – all because of his name. He developed a little dog attitude that said to the world “Pamper me. I am the sweet Twinkie baby!”

Yeah, Twinkie wasn't exactly a good choice. My experiences with Twinkie are the perfect example of why a good name – and not a lame name – is important for a dog's self-esteem and behavior. After all, what self-respecting dog wants to be called Poopsy or Boopy?

The truth is, the name can make the dog. What would you think if one of those brave K-9 police dogs was named Puppy Wuppy, Cupcake or Twinkie? Mind you, these are all great names for cats, who couldn't care less about their name (well , except Puppy Wuppy; any cat worth his salt won't appreciate that, but they might let you live).

We choose names for our dogs based upon emotions, a sense of their personality and how we would like them to be perceived. If you have a guard dog, Fluffy may not be the best choice (unless you have a bizarre sense of humor and enjoy a good oxymoron or juxtaposition).

Why is it important for your dog's sense of self-worth to have a name that doesn't rate high on the lameness scale? Sure, all the experts insist that dogs only recognize repetition of sounds, words and phrases and don't actually understand. What if they did understand what you were saying though? Imagine the doggy conversation that would go on!

“Hey, get a load of Puffy there! Look, it's Puffy Snuffy Wuffy in his cute wittle collar!” Yeah, being bullied is never pretty and in the pack world of your dog, being called Snooki can be equal to a 12 year old wearing the Sesame Street sweater his grandmother made to gym class. You get the picture.

If you love your dog, be a responsible pet owner. When you choose a name for your dog, start by making a list of the lamest names you can think of. You know, the names that make you roll your eyes and snicker. Write them all down. Ask friends and family to help you come up with the lamest dog names they can think of. Add them to your lame list.

Then for the love of all that is holy, DO NOT choose a name from this list! Don't even choose a name that's not on the list but sounds like a name on the list. Steer clear. Avoid any association with these lame names like you avoid an angry skunk because just like skunk spray, a lame dog name sticks with you and causes you to make an ugly face. You know the face – where you scrunch up your whole face and it's obvious that something really stinks? Just don't do it!

Instead, choose a great name for your dog that will stand the test of time. Your dog will thank you. I am spreading the word in memory of my Twinkie, who deserved a name like Puddles, or Itty Bitty…or maybe Pooter.

Photo: Twinkie

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Fun Songs for Dog Lovers

By Tamara L. Waters

Sure you love your dog, but how about go another step and create your own play list of songs that make you think of your canine buddy? Take a listen to these 13 tunes that are about dogs or make you think about dogs – for the dog lover in you.

Atomic Dog - George Clinton. This song will get you and your puppies moving while you get your funk on. You can't sit still when "Atomic Dog" starts playing.

Hound Dog - Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll sang this great cover song, and it's a classic. I'll bet you knew it would be on this list!


Who Let the Dogs Out? - Baha Men. Who can resist this catchy tune that was heard everywhere – and I mean EVERYWHERE – when it was released in 2000. Even if you don't know all the words and verses, I'll bet you know the chorus to this one.

Snoopy vs. the Red Baron - The Royal Guardsmen. This particular doggy song brings back memories for me. As a child in the late seventies, I had an old 45 record of this song that had belonged to my dad and my brother, and I used to listen to it all the time. We definitely knew the song about Snoopy in his Sopwith Camel, fighting that Red Baron!

Puppy Love - Donny Osmond. Yep, it's young Donny Osmond in his pre-pubescent voice singing all about puppy love.

Scooby-Doo Theme Song. What song list for dog lovers would be complete without including the most famous mystery-solving dog's theme song? Scooby-Doo, really, where are you?

I Love My Dog - Cat Stevens. His name might have been Cat, but this singer really loved his dog and he sang this great song which says it all.

How Much is That Doggie in the Window - Patti Page. This song is a classic and may be one of the first songs I learned in grade school music class (complete with barking sound effects!).

Big Dog – Akon. This song, from the Disney movie "The Shaggy Dog," is plenty of fun (and the movie was too!).

The Chihuahua Song. This is just a cute and fun song that I found on YouTube. Even if you don't like these little dogs, you'll get a kick out of the song that goes "Cha cha cha Chihuahua!"

I Think I Might Be a Dog - Daddy a Go Go. This song is a humorous dog's view of life and is full of funny lines and catchy tunes for all ages.

Dog-Gone It Baby I'm in Love - Carl Smith. This country song from 1954 is a catchy tune about being in love with somebody – dog-gone it!

Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone. This song, like "How Much is That Doggie in the Window," was one that I learned early on. I believe I first learned this in a book of nursery rhymes, and there are several versions of the song available on YouTube. Pining for your lost dog – isn't that the way it works with those of us who love dogs? We miss them when they are gone and if they get lost, we anxiously wait for their return.

Create a play list using some of these suggestions, or search and put together your own favorite songs about dogs. You'll howl with pleasure (yeah, I know, really bad pun)!

Photo by Kristina Rogova

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New Year's Resolutions for Responsible Pet Owners

By Tamara L. Waters

Every year, folks ring in the New Year with a few resolutions – those good intentions they have for the coming year. As a responsible pet owner, you can make resolutions for the New Year and plan to make your pet's life better. Here are a few resolutions that you might want to make for the sake of your pets.

I resolve to play with my pet more often. While your dog or cat might love special treats, more than anything they probably love playing with you. Resolve to set aside time each day just to play. Whether it's a rousing game of fetch or some fun with a ball of yarn, your pet will enjoy playtime with you.

I resolve to learn from my pet. There is so much we can learn from our pets. They can teach us valuable lessons about living well and loving every part of our lives. RPO Blog Editor Julia Williams has a great article about lessons learned from cats.

I resolve to slow down. Just as we learn so much from our pets, we all need to learn the importance of slowing down. We hurry through our days and ultimately our lives, rushing to get through the day and on to the next. Slowing down to follow the examples set by our pets is a great way to live life – savoring each moment.

I resolve to feed my pet well. Because we love our pets, feeding them good, nutritious food – like CANIDAE and FELIDAE is one way we can show them how much we care.

I resolve to exercise my pet regularly. We always have good intentions, but helping your pet exercise regularly is a great resolution. If you've found yourself short on time and unable to keep up with regular walks and exercise, start the New Year right with a resolution to make it a priority in the coming year.

I resolve to show my pet love and affection often. Just as we get busy rushing to and fro, to work, school and activities, sometimes we can get caught up and forget to show our pet how much we care. Make the effort to take the time. A little love and affection goes a long way, so resolve to make time for belly scratches, back rubs and ear scratches.

I resolve to get regular veterinary care for my pet. With the coming New Year, make a resolution to plan for regular checkups for your pet. Make a plan to put aside money to help with the financial burden of veterinary care, but try to make it a priority, for your pet's sake.

Making New Year resolutions is a great start and is easy, but keeping them is the hard part. Write down your resolutions and keep them handy somewhere – on a bulletin board or even your fridge. Keep them posted somewhere that you can see them often so they will stay fresh in your mind.

The important thing is trying to keep the resolutions. Not only will you have the personal satisfaction of keeping your resolutions, but you can feel gratified that you are doing the best you can for your pet. Your pet will enjoy what you are able to do for him, and you can be proud that you are working hard to be the best responsible pet owner you can be.

Photo by Claudio Matsuoka

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Tips on Choosing Winter Accessories for Your Dog

By Tamara L. Waters

You might be thinking it's a simple thing to choose which winter accessories your dog needs to be warm and cozy in cold weather, but there are a few things to consider.

Winter Coats and Boots

There are winter accessories that would be good choices for your dog based upon his time spent outside. When going out for a walk, the snow and salt on sidewalks, roadways and yards can hurt your pooch's paws (or at least make them very uncomfortable) so buying him some boots would be a good choice. You can choose disposable boots or reusable ones.

It is usually recommended that short-haired dogs wear some type of coat or covering on super cold winter days. Long-haired dogs have extra hair to help keep them warm, but the slick coated, short-haired dogs can benefit from a little help.

There are a number of style choices for doggy coats. You can choose snowsuits that cover part of the legs, or actual “coats” that wrap around the body and keep the underside of the dog warm. There are also coats that simply go over the dog's back to keep his back and sides warm. If the winter weather in your area is not extreme, a simple coat that just covers your dog’s back may be sufficient. On the other hand, if your area gets bombarded with nasty winter weather, choose a snowsuit or dog coat that is heavier and covers the underbelly. Some retailers offer dog coats that have a built-in harness, which makes it easier for daily walks or a winter trip to the vet or groomer.

Pay attention to how the coat fastens. You will want to choose a coat with fasteners that are easy for you to handle and manipulate. For example, plastic snap fasteners would not be the best choice if you have arthritis or strength issues. Instead, look for accessories that use a hook and loop closure. For more tips on choosing dog coats, read Linda Cole’s article, The Best Winter Clothes for Dogs.

Beds and Blankets

My parents' Jack Russell Terrier has a favorite blanket and pillow for the cold days and nights of winter. He started out by “stealing” a favorite winter blanket from my mother. In order to keep her own blanket for herself, she found him a pillow and blanket of his own. Some retailers offer pillows that include heating coils (similar to an electric blanket) to provide warmth in the winter. This is a good option, but if your dog is like my parents' dog, he will never want to leave the warm pillow!

Insulated Dog House

If your dog spends any time outdoors during the winter, you might want to invest in an insulated dog house. Check at local farm stores for the best deals and offerings. Farm customers usually have outside pets, and I have found that my local farm store has the best selection of tough and rugged accessories for dogs that spend time outside. An insulated dog house will help keep your dog warm during the winter and provide shelter on those snowy nights. Read Caring for Outside Pets in Cold Weather for some tips on doghouses and other ways to help pets stay warm in the winter.

Browse Accessories

Your best bet for choosing winter accessories for your dog is to make a trip to a local pet store to actually look at and handle items. While I am a big fan of online shopping, sometimes you need to actually see and touch an item before buying it. Being a responsible pet owner means choosing wisely for your dog – you can bet he will enjoy this cold season better when he is warm and cozy with his new winter accessories!

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Great Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Feline Fan

By Tamara L. Waters

Christmas,  Christmas time is here, time for joy and time for cheer. . . chipmunks may sing about what they want for Christmas, but what do cat lovers want? Is there a song for that? Probably not, so instead, here are a few ideas for your favorite feline fancier. Give them something that appeals to their love of cats and you're sure to make them purr (sorry, bad pun).

Cat Pattern Blankets - Buy or make fleecy blankets that have a kitty pattern on them. Your kitty lovin' friend will enjoy a snuggly blanket with pictures of their favorite animal scattered all over it – great for a chilly winter evening!

Coffee Table Books - Pictures of cute kitties are always a hit. How about a collection of pics? Check your local bookstore or an online retailer like Amazon for a coffee table book filled with pictures of cool kitties.

Kitty Calendars - Cats might rule over your household, but they're not the greatest when it comes to keeping track of what day it is. Get your favorite cat lover a kitty calendar to help them stay on track in light of their cat's lack of date keeping.

Stuffed Kitty Cats - How about some whimsy for that kitty collector? Stuffed animals are not just for the kids; grown up cat lovers can enjoy them too. A cute stuffed kitty cat will put a smile on your friend's face and add a touch of fun to their decor.

Jewelry - Because I am an animal lover, my kids know it's always appropriate to give me fun and funky pet jewelry. Take a browse through a novelty jewelry store in your local mall for some cute cat-inspired jewelry. At my local mall, I have found necklaces with kitten charms, earrings, hair accessories, watches and more.

Tree Ornaments - While most of us with cats presiding over the household know that the cat spends time in the Christmas tree, give a Christmas tree ornament for those times when kitty is occupied elsewhere. After all, what is a Christmas tree without a cat? Better yet, if you can snag a picture of your friend's kitty cat, look for a ready-made ornament that will hold their kitty's picture. You can bet your friend will love it!

Christmas Decorations - Deck the halls with cats and clawies. . .okay that's lame but it's a great idea! How about a fun set of cat-themed Christmas decorations?

Framed Art or Statues - Does your friend like art? Look around for cat statues for the home or garden, or framed artwork featuring cats.

White Elephant Gifts - This is probably my favorite cat loving gift idea. Browse through your local thrift stores for anything cat-related and fill a box or a gift bag full of gently used items. Small knick knacks, decorations, pillows, clothing and more can be a fun and unique Christmas gift for your friend.

Kitty Socks - This is a perfect gift for me or any sock-loving friend who also loves cats. Funky socks with cats are a must have for any cat lover. My favorite cat socks have a puffy kitty face on the top of the foot and they're adorable – they keep the tootsies warm and they're cute too.

Take a look at what is available in local stores and browse through some websites for fun cat gifts. Check out websites like cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com or great-gifts-for-cat-lovers.com for more great ideas.

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Choosing the Best Low-Maintenance Dog Breed

By Tamara L. Waters

It's just a fact of nature: some pets require more work than others. If you are like me and enjoy things that are uncomplicated, you might be interested in finding a low-maintenance dog breed.

What exactly does low-maintenance mean, though? For some it can mean a dog breed that doesn't require excessive exercise, while other definitions mean a dog breed that doesn't need a great deal of grooming. How about a dog breed that doesn't require a lot of cleanup? All of these factors need to be taken into account to come up with a list of low-maintenance dog breeds.

Exercise – All dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation. There is no such thing as a dog that doesn't need exercise, although some breeds are more high energy and require more physical exercise than others. Regular walks and playtime will keep your dog in good shape and can help curb behavior issues that stem from boredom and lack of exercise. Some dog breeds, though, are a little more satisfied with lying around and do well in small homes and yards.

Grooming – All dogs need some type of grooming whether it is nail trims, tooth cleaning, regular brushing, hair trims, etc. Some dogs, though, require a little less in the grooming department due to coat length and other physical attributes.

Veterinary Care – If you have any type of pet, as a responsible pet owner you know that veterinary care is a must. Some dog breeds tend to have more health issues, thus requiring more trips to the vet and perhaps even regular medications while others are relatively free of health concerns.

Cleanup – When choosing a low-maintenance dog breed, you have to take cleanup into account. Some dogs make more messes than others. Whether it is drool, destruction, poop piles or just messy eating, you have to keep in mind how much you will be cleaning up after your dog.

When choosing a low-maintenance dog breed, you should take into account your family's ability to meet the needs of the dog. It’s not fair to bring a high energy, hairy dog that requires a lot of human interaction and makes lots of messes into a household that has no intention of attending to such demands.

One of the best ways to figure out the best dog breed for your family is to do extensive research. Read about different dog breeds online and at your local library. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Ask other dog owners about their experiences with specific breeds and their recommendations for your family. The American Kennel Club website has information about specific breeds, and is a great site to start your search.

You can also visit the Dog Breed Info Center which has an online quiz to help you determine the best dog breed for your family and your lifestyle. The quiz asks about your family members (such as age of youngest child), your intentions on grooming and exercise (how often you intend to groom and walk your dog) and other questions to help determine the best breed for you.

Check out these suggestions of great dog breeds for the lazy –  I mean, low-maintenance loving responsible pet owner (based upon information provided by the Dog Breed Info Center). Remember, there is no such thing as a NO-maintenance dog. If you want that type of dog, stick with a plush toy dog.

Goldendoodle – this hybrid dog is bred from a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, and may also be called Goldie Poo, Golden Poo or Groodle. This low-allergy dog breed loves people and is very intelligent. The coat generally requires brushing to keep it from being tangled. Goldendoodles do not shed much which makes them a great dog breed for allergy sufferers. Regular exercise is necessary of course, but a Goldendoodle generally does well in smaller homes and yards. I’ve never owned a Goldendoodle, but have owned a Golden Retriever and can attest to what a great breed they are. My Golden was a great family dog with a wonderful, obedient personality that just oozed love and loyalty.

Labradoodle – like all dogs, Labradoodles do need regular exercise, but if you are looking for a dog that doesn't require excessive grooming, this may be a good choice. Look for a Labradoodle that has a short or medium-length coat for easier maintenance and less shedding. Remember that Labradors do have exercise requirements that make them a little more high energy.

Pugs have great personalities and love people. They also love to just hang out and don't require excessive exercise. Pugs do not require a lot of grooming but they do tend to shed a great deal which may mean you will be brushing them daily. So the shedding doesn't make them exactly the most low-maintenance dog, but their laid back and easygoing personality coupled with their low-energy lifestyle makes them part of the list.

Other breeds suggested by the quiz are Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Pomeranian, West Highland White Terrier, Bichon Frise and Chinese Crested (hairless). Again, don't take my word for it – do your own research, ask around and make a sound decision based upon the information you discover. Adding a dog to your family should always be done after making a responsible and informed decision.

Photo: Labradoodle, by Searchtempo

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10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers

By Tamara L. Waters

If you have a friend who adores their canine pals, consider getting them a gift that caters to this special love. You can rest assured your friend will appreciate a present that remembers their favorite four-legged pal. Check out these ideas for perfect Christmas gifts for your favorite dog lover.

Dog Calendars

The Pink Ribbon Puppies calendar features adorable yellow lab puppies, and all proceeds go toward breast cancer research. Local book stores and online retailers offer a multitude of dog themed calendars too. Choose a wall calendar, a desk calendar, a planner or all three that feature dog photos. Whether your friend has a special dog breed that’s their favorite or they squeal over cute puppy pictures, they can stay on schedule with their favorite pet breeds. Some specialty stores even offer pet calendars that include special sections for veterinary records. This is a great option for your favorite responsible pet owner.


Fleece Blanket

Keep your favorite dog lover warm and cozy this winter with a decorated fleece blanket. Don't settle for just any fleece blanket though; many retailers offer blankets featuring dog photos, dog drawings and even paw prints and bones. If you are a little crafty, check your local craft store for fleece blanket kits. At my craft store there are blanket kits dedicated to almost any hobby or interest. These blankets have fringe that is used to tie two pieces of fleece together to form the blanket. It's a fun and easy craft project (especially if you have kids wanting to help out) and a useful gift.

Holiday Decorations

Does your favorite dog lover decorate a Christmas tree? If so, search for some adorable doggy tree ornaments to give them. Many stores offer holiday decorations in a variety of themes, and dog and cat themed decorations are really easy to find.

Gift Certificates or Gift Cards

If you can't figure out exactly what to get for your dog loving friend or they could use a practical gift, get them a gift certificate for their favorite pet boarder, groomer, obedience school, trainer or pet store. Non-pet stores can also provide great gift card and gift certificate ideas (book stores, farm supply stores etc.).

Dog Food and Treats Gift Basket

Find out your friend's preferred formula of CANIDAE dog food and put together a “care package” along with Snap-Bits™ or Snap Biscuit® dog treats.

Decorative Clothing

Check around local stores for clothing items that feature “man's best friend.” A sweatshirt and a pair of socks featuring a cute dog would be a hit.

Stuffed Animals

If your favorite dog lover doesn't currently have a pet for one reason or another (perhaps they live in a home or facility that doesn't allow dogs), give them a stuffed toy dog! If you have kids, let them pick out the stuffed dog to make it more meaningful.

Magazine Subscription

Purchase a gift subscription to a favorite dog-related magazine for your friend. Check at your local pet store or book stores for titles.

Coffee Mug

Does your favorite dog lover enjoy coffee or hot chocolate? Pick out a coffee mug that features a dog photo (or some other type of dog theme) and create a gift basket that includes specialty coffee or hot chocolate mix, and a dog magazine for some great reading material!

Cookie Cutters

Dog-themed cookie cutters make a fun gift for a dog lover who also likes to bake. Along with dog bones and paw prints, there are cookie cutters featuring Poodles, Labs, Schnauzers, Collies, Corgis, Boxers and many other dog breeds.

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Homemade Christmas Gifts for Pets

By Tamara L. Waters

Ho ho ho, it's almost Christmas! When you are decking your halls and getting your presents ready for the family, don't forget your four-legged family members. If your budget is tight or you just prefer to create cool gifts with your very own hands, making gifts for your pets can be a fun project for you and the kids. Make a few of these easy gifts to put under the tree for your pet.

Pet Pillows and Blankets

Whether you have a cat or a dog, you can bet they like to lay around on occasion. Why not make them their own pillow or blanket for snoozing and relaxing on? Fleece is a great fabric to use for either a pillow or a blanket for your pet. To make a quick, no-sew pillow, use an appropriately-sized throw pillow and cut two pieces in the same shape as the pillow but much larger (allow a six-inch border all around). Tie the corners of the fleece pieces together and you've got a quick and easy pet pillow.

To make a simple fleece blanket, sew two square pieces together or cut two-inch fringe the whole way around each piece, then use the fringe to tie the two pieces together. These pillows or blankets can be made in any size that would be best suited for your pet.

Simple Pet Toys

Making toys for your dog or cat is a fun way to cut your expenses and keep your favorite four-legged friend happy and entertained. Easy pet toys can be made using regular items found around your home, or inexpensive items you can pick up anywhere. Responsible Pet Ownership blog editor Julia Williams has a great article about how to make your own homemade cat toys,  and Ruthie Bently shares about making your own homemade dog toys.

Decorate Pet Accessories

Buy plain pet collars, leashes and food bowls, then decorate them for a not-quite-homemade but still-personalized pet gift. Use fabric paint to decorate a collar and leash with your pet's name and other little designs.

Many craft stores sell pet charms in the bead section that can be added to any collar to jazz it up. While your pet won't exactly love the collar (truthfully, they won't really care), you will enjoy seeing it on them.

A flat rug can be painted with your pet's name and other decorations for use as a food bowl mat. Decorate food bowls with your pet's name and other creative effects (paw prints, fish and mouse shapes, dog bones etc.).

Christmas Ornaments

Okay, so a Christmas tree ornament isn't exactly a gift FOR your pet, but you will certainly enjoy it. Create a homemade ornament using a picture of your pet. Cut out a holiday-themed shape (Christmas tree, snowflake, stocking or something similar) from construction paper, felt or cardboard. Be sure to cut two identical shapes. Cut an opening in one of the shapes for the photo, then glue the pieces together with the photo in between the two shapes.

Add a hanger, maybe a little glitter glue or some other type of decoration and there you go! Be sure to write the year somewhere on the ornament, and you've got a cute little keepsake of your favorite pet's Christmas.

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Simple Dog-Inspired Crafts to Make

By Tamara L. Waters

Are you a dog lover, or know someone who is “doggone crazy” about their canine friend? Whether you are looking to decorate your own home with man's best friend or you want a cute gift for someone else, homemade dog crafts are a great way to show your personality and creativity. If you have kids in the house, they will enjoy making some doggy crafts just for fun. Check out a few of these dog-inspired crafts, and get busy!

Toilet Paper Tube Doggy

Recycle an empty toilet paper tube into a simple craft little ones can make. The website dltk-kids.com has great printable templates for toilet paper tube dogs. These are simple to make and always a hit with the kids.

Clothespin Dog

Use a tongue depressor craft stick and two spring-loaded clothespins to create your own little doggy. Clip the clothespins to the tongue depressor, one on each end to start. One clothespin should be more toward the middle instead of directly at the end of the tongue depressor. This end part of the tongue depressor will become the dog's head.  The clothespins will be your dog's legs and the tongue depressor will be the body.

Once you have assembled the body you can create the rest of the dog. It is really your own choice. You can paint the whole dog or just the head, tail and clothespin legs, then add felt to create a "fluffy" body. Cut a felt piece to wrap over the body and the tops of the clothespins and glue into place. Add any other decorative features (collar, etc.) and this little guy can sit on a desk or a dresser.

Juice Lid Doggy Magnet
This fun craft combines recycling (hang on to those metal juice lids!) and dogs for an easy craft. First, collect what you will need: a juice lid, wiggly eyes, pom poms, black or brown felt, craft glue, adhesive magnet, scissors, and creativity.

Start by cutting two ears from the felt. Make the ears however long or short you prefer.  I chose to make my doggy ears long and floppy. Next, glue the components of the face onto the lid. You will need two black or brown pom poms (about 3 mm), one red pom pom (about 1 mm) and one black, brown or pink pom pom for a nose (about 1 mm). Position the wiggly eyes (these can be any size) toward the top of the lid and glue into place. The black or brown 3 mm pom poms will become the dog's muzzle, the 1 mm red pom pom will be the dog's tongue (positioned under the muzzle) and the 1 mm pink, black or brown pom pom will go at the top of the muzzle.

After you glue the face, glue the ears into place and add a magnet to the back. There are some variations you can do with this doggy craft. Cut a circle from white felt to glue inside the lid, then glue the face on to create a more interesting look. You can also tie a piece of ribbon into a bow (add a small jingle bell to the ribbon) then glue into place underneath the dog's tongue. To create a girly dog, tie a small bow and glue into place over one ear. These are cute and easy for all ages to make.

Check Your Local Library or Bookstore

Make a stop by your local library or favorite bookstore for a book on dog-inspired crafts. I found this particular book on Amazon that would be worth a look, "The Dog Lover's Book of Crafts: 50 Home Decorations that Celebrate Man's Best Friend" by Jennifer Quasha. I also found "Dog Crafts (Kids Can Do It)" by Linda Hendry. Check them out for more great dog-inspired craft ideas.

Top Photo: Toilet Paper Tube Doggy, dltk-kids.com
Bottom Photo: Juice Lid Doggy, Tamara L. Waters

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Humor: Eight Reasons Your Dog Adores You

By Tamara L. Waters

Your dog loves you. Better yet, he absolutely adores you. There are many reasons why he thinks you are the best, but here are eight to start with.

Your Affection

Your dog loves affection from you. Whether it's a quick scratch between the ears or a leg-thumping back or belly scratch, your dog loves you for the physical affection you give him. Keep your dog happy by bestowing plenty of affection and attention on him, and he will reward you with his adorable antics and a slimy tongue in your ear.

Those Delicious Trash Cans

You dog adores you because of the wonderfully aromatic and delicious things you keep stashed in the garbage can or trash bag, just for him! He loves that you save wonderful “treats” and make him work for them, because as we all know, the anticipation and effort to get to those trash-can treats make them even tastier.


Your Bed

Sure, you might think your dog doesn't jump up on your bed, but the truth is, when you're not looking he's making himself at home. He loves you because you tolerate his bed hopping and when he sleeps with you at night, he loves that you don't mind sleeping on a tiny sliver of the bed while he sprawls out and gets comfortable.

You Clean Up After Him

What a great thing it is to have someone who will clean up every mess you make! Most dogs are lousy housekeepers and don't do well with cleaning up after themselves. They leave their business in a pile in the yard, then simply walk away from it. What do you do? You clean it up. What's not to love?

Your Kitchen Floor

The kitchen floor is a source of great treasure and your dog loves it. Not only does he love your kitchen floor but he loves you for not cleaning it immediately. Your dog will sniff around and find all the tidbits you drop and consider them a wonderful treat. This is a give-and-take part of your relationship. You can rest assured your dog will help you clean your kitchen floor (despite the fact that he is a terrible housekeeper) as long as you continue to drop bits of food now and then. It's a win-win situation.

You Don't Mind His Snoring

Sure, you probably complain about the log sawing your spouse does, but how about your dog? Dog snoring is much more endearing than human snoring. In truth, your dog doesn't care about his own snoring, or your snoring either for that matter. He loves you for tolerating his little habits.

You Put Up with His Gas

It might be a small thing, but your dog adores you for putting up with his smelly farts. Not only do you put up with the noxious odors that come from your pooch, you actually laugh about it. “Oh man! Bowser, now why did you do that? Hahaha – oh that's awful!” If your child or spouse passed gas that peeled the skin off of your face, you wouldn't be laughing. When your dog does it, you smile, pat his head and hold your breath while telling him how special he is. He really does love you for it.

You Take Care of Him

It's a dog's life… and it's really great. Your dog doesn't have to do anything, except eat, sleep, poop, play and hang out. You even give him CANIDAE Snap Biscuit® dog treats and affection. He doesn't have to clean his room, clean up after himself, take out the trash, get a job, do homework, do laundry or anything else except just be a dog. Yep, he loves you for it!

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Cute Cat Crafts to Make

By Tamara L. Waters

Meow! Cats inspire more than just cartoons and humor, they can inspire crafts too. If you are a cat fan or know someone who is, try out a few homemade projects to decorate your home or give as gifts. If you have kids, they will also enjoy these kitty cat crafts on a rainy day or to bust some boredom.

Printable Cat Crafts for Kids

For young children, printable paper crafts are fun and easy to do. Whether you are looking for templates to create toilet paper tube kitties, cross stitch patterns or other simple cat crafts, this website has lots of them. This is my favorite go-to site for simple crafts for the kids.

Kitty Treat Jar

Save a plastic peanut butter jar with lid to create a cute kitty treat container. Wash the jar out thoroughly. Use felt to cut out cat eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Glue them onto the jar to create a cat face. Be sure you don't glue anything in such a way as to obstruct the lid. Store your kitty treats in the jar.

Assorted Cat Crafts

I found a great website that offers a variety of cute crafts: daniellesplace.com has cat-inspired crafts that are fun to make and appeal to all ages. From a decorated tuna can food bowl to placemats for feeding your kitty on, to simple paper plate crafts and more, you can find it here. There are step-by-step instructions and links, and it is definitely a craft site worth checking out. About.com also has a listing of assorted cat crafts and links to websites featuring cat crafts.

Cat Face Luminary

For this craft you will need craft paint, slick puff paints, clear spray paint (to seal the paints), a glass jar and a candle (a battery operated tea light will be safest).

Start by making sure the jar is clean and dry. Use the puff paints to create a cat's face on one side of the jar. Leave parts of the face open (the mouth, the eyes) to allow the candle to shine through. Paint and decorate the rest of the jar so it looks like a cat. Use a fine-tipped paint brush and black paint to create whiskers. After all of the paint has dried, take the jar outside and spray the outside with clear spray paint to seal it. Allow the jar to dry thoroughly, add a candle and you've got a unique decoration!

Sock Mouse Toy

This craft is more for your kitty than for you, but you will benefit from the fun of watching your kitty play. Cut the toe end off of a sock – any color will do. Put a jingle bell and a bit of crinkly cellophane (or use a piece of a grocery bag – you know, the noisy kind) in the sock piece. If you have catnip, add some of it.  Sew up the sock piece then sew a length of yarn for a tail onto one end. Tie another jingle bell onto the end of the tail. For a variation, use a pipe cleaner instead of yarn (you might have to attach it by pushing it through the sock material then twisting it back onto itself). My cats seem to adore pipe cleaners. Don't forget the jingle bell on the “tail.”

Books

There are lots of books that offer instructions for fun cat crafts. I checked Amazon.com and found "Cat Crafts (Kids Can Do It)" by Linda Hembry, "Cat Crafts: More than 50 Purrrfect Projects" by Dawn Cusick, and "Sassy Cats: Purr-fect Craft Projects" by Sheila Haynes Rauen. Browse through your local bookstore or library to see what is available, and enjoy your crafting fun!

Photos:  paper plate cat crafts, daniellesplace.com

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Taming a Feral Cat

By Tamara L. Waters

Having lived in the country my entire life, feral cats have always been a way of life. They are everywhere, and they multiply at the rate of two or three litters per year. Each litter averages four to six kittens that can begin reproducing at around five months of age. It’s easy to see how feral cat populations grow out of control.

It's estimated that there are more than 10 million feral cats in the United States. The only difference between stray cats and feral cats is that strays were once someone's pet. They became lost or abandoned and live wild, scavenging as they are able. Cats later born to these strays have not had close human contact and become feral cats. Feral cats generally stay far away from humans, presenting another tricky issue: how do we cut down on the population?

While there are several Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs available in various parts of the United States, they aren't always available in rural areas. Many individual home owners and animal lovers take on the role of caretaker for these wild cats in an effort to tame them, feed them, give them a home and eventually stop them from reproducing and increasing the feral cat population.

I have personally tamed more than a dozen feral cats in the last few years with the intention of spaying and neutering them to cut down the population in my area, as well as give the cats a home of their own. How do you tame a feral cat? It's not hard, at least in my experience, but it does take patience and commitment.

Feed the Kitties

The reason most cats hang around a specific area is because they've found a food source. The first step in taming a feral cat is to feed them. When you notice a feral cat hanging around your home, you should begin to put out food for them to start the taming process. If they are not brave enough to approach your home but simply hang out along the perimeter of the property, begin by putting food where you see them the most.

Make sure to use your bare hands to handle the food you put out for them. This is important as the food will pick up your scent and the cat needs to begin relating your scent with the food. Since food is necessary to their survival, they will begin to see you as also necessary to their survival. At first you may see only a fleeting view of the feral cat as it hides from your presence, but eventually you will see more of it. A feral cat – even one that is being tamed – will be wary of humans and keep a safe distance, but their curiosity and developing trust of you will eventually win out. They will begin drawing closer and allow themselves to be seen.

Name the Cats and Talk to Them

This is a personal rule of mine. I name my cats and consistently call them by name, even when they won't allow me to get anywhere near them. Talking to them allows them to hear the sound of my voice and a regularly-used word or name for them. It might seem crazy, but talk to the kitties hanging out around your home. Use a low, soothing voice at all times, which will help calm the cat.

Don't Force the Issue

Once the feral cat begins showing itself, don't force contact with it. The cat will come to you on its own terms. Continue putting food out and handling it, but don't approach the cat.

Take Time to Sit and Wait

At some point you can attempt to sit near the food you’ve put out when you know the cat is around. Don't sit too close to the food, just within a few feet of it. This will help the cat become accustomed to your presence for a longer period and not just when you are leaving the food.

You may need to do this a few times before the cat approaches the food while you are sitting nearby. The cat may also approach several times before feeling brave enough to begin eating. Once the cat has started to eat the food in your presence, you may start moving closer on subsequent visits. My rule is that I put out the food, then sit down and wait for 5 or 10 minutes. If the cat hasn't approached the food in that time, I leave. After a few days, you should be able to sit within arm's reach of the food.

Don't Make Sudden Moves

Cats are jumpy to begin with, but a feral cat who is wary and afraid of you is like a cat on a hot tin roof – pun intended. Never make any sudden moves when the cat is near you, as it could destroy any progress you've made.

Pay Attention to Body Language

It is important for your own safety, and the cat's safety, to pay close attention to the cat's body language. Laid-back ears, fluffed up tail, arched back and hissing are signs that the cat is upset and you should probably leave. Don't take chances when it comes to feral cats. Always remember the rule: if it has jaws or claws it could hurt you. On the flip side, if the cat presents its back to you, that usually means it is developing trust toward you. You should take that as a good sign.

Take it Slow

Taming a feral cat doesn't happen overnight, so don't rush it. Once you've sat next to the food for a few days, you can try to touch the cat – just make sure you watch it closely for signs that it’s agitated or could become aggressive. There will be a few fits and starts when you first try to touch the cat. Don't try to pet the cat, simply reach out with your hand and attempt to touch its fur. Try to touch only the back, not the head. The cat will jump away at first, but the more times you are able to simply touch their back the more used to it they will become.

I have found that once I get to this point, I will touch the cat's back briefly then walk away. After a few times doing that, I will try to touch them again. When you try to touch them and they don't jump away, then you can try to pet them gently. Usually by this time they have tamed down significantly and will actually want you to pet them.

Once you notice the cat arching its back when you touch them, you know you've seen the checkered flag. After this point, the cat will (hopefully) start to seek you out for company and affection. Remember, though, that just because the cat lets you pet it, it may not be keen on you picking it up. Don't push that issue too fast, and remember that the cat may not become completely tame. He will let you know how much attention and interaction he is willing to accept.

Once you have established a trusting relationship with the cat, you can now consider it more of a pet cat than a wild or feral cat. After you've had time to cultivate this special new friendship, you should plan to take the kitty to the veterinarian for shots, deworming, and spaying or neutering.

Read more articles by Tamara L. Waters

How to Create Your Own Pet Emergency Kit

By Tamara L. Waters

You never know when a natural or man-made disaster will occur. Perhaps you already have a family disaster kit stashed somewhere, but what about your pets? To prepare for something that is unexpected and unpredictable, you should plan ahead by putting together your own pet emergency kit. Use some of these tips to get started.

A Container for Your Pet Emergency Kit

To keep all of your supplies in one place, you will need some type of container. A lidded box, backpack or duffle bag can hold your pet emergency kit and keep all items together and ready. Protect your kit from water damage (in the event of flooding) by putting all emergency kit items inside a plastic garbage bag, tie it tightly, and then put the bag into your container. Be sure to label your container “pet emergency kit” with a permanent marker. Mark it prominently in more than one spot.


Necessary Items for Your Pet Emergency Kit

* Leashes and extra collars (one for each pet).

* Tie-out stakes and cables to contain dogs temporarily when necessary.

* Pet Food – enough for three or more days. Depending upon the size of your pet and the number of pets you have, you might be better off stocking your emergency kit with canned food (or a combination of canned and dry) in order to save space within your container. I have three large dogs, so dry food for all of them for three days would take up a great deal of space within the kit. Don't forget a package of treats for your pets and a can opener (if needed).

* Water – stock your kit with regular, 20-ounce bottles of water. Store one bottle per pet, per day. You should stock your pet emergency kit with enough water to last for three or more days.

* Towels can be used for warmth, bedding, comfort, cleaning or first aid for your pet. Stock one or two towels for each pet, depending upon how much room you have in your container.

* Toys – just like people, pets can get bored or anxious. Throw in a few chew toys or other items that will keep your pet entertained and comforted during an emergency disruption.

* Cat litter – fill a plastic zippered freezer bag with a few cups of cat litter. In a pinch during an emergency, a cardboard box can be dug out of the trash for a temporary litter box.

* Emergency numbers and plans – keep at least one printed copy of an emergency plan in your kit. You may need to refer to it if you become upset, confused or simply frazzled during an unexpected emergency. You should include phone numbers for your veterinarian, pet sitter or kennel, as well as any other pertinent information.

* Records – have an up-to-date copy of immunization records for each pet as well as a list of all medications and, if possible, copies of veterinary records for your pets.

* First aid supplies – check with your veterinarian for recommendations on first aid supplies. I include general first aid supplies like scissors, tweezers, bandage rolls, Betadine, stypic stick (to stop bleeding), and a book on animal first aid and medical care. If they are available, you can include various medications your pet needs.

Pet Carriers

While pet carriers probably won't fit into your pet emergency kit, keeping them stored with the kit is a good idea. Folding or pop-up pet carriers are ideal for limited storage space, especially if you have to travel due to an emergency and need to stash the carriers in your car when not in use. If you have hard shell pet carriers, be sure they are all together in an accessible place. A pet carrier that is buried under boxes and boxes of stuff in your garage or storage shed won't be any good in a sudden emergency.

Final Thoughts

Keep your emergency kit in an accessible spot where you can easily grab it and run if a disaster or emergency happens. You don't want to waste precious time looking for it. Keep an inventory list in the container that details each item in your pet emergency kit. Resist the temptation to take things out for daily use (as in, you're in need of an item and it's quicker to just grab it out of your emergency kit). If you must dip into your pet emergency kit, make sure you replace any item used. Check your kit regularly to make sure there is no damage from insects, rodents or water.

Planning ahead and preparing for an emergency or natural disaster (which you hope never happens) is how a responsible pet owner keeps their pets safe and sound in the event of an emergency.

Read more articles by Tamara L. Waters