Holiday Cards that Support Pet Causes

Your holiday cards can help pets too! If you purchase any of these dog and cat themed holiday greetings, a portion of the purchase price will benefit hard-working animal causes.

1. ASPCA
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is committed to “alleviating pain, fear and suffering in all animals” through national programs, education and government advocacy.
These cards feature 5 different designs with whimsical photos, such as this bulldog pulling a sleigh of kitties! All net proceeds benefit ASPCA programs.



2. Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
This organization provides guide dogs to blind and visually impaired people, or people with other special needs who seek enhanced mobility and independence. These cards feature a sweet guiding eye puppy with a snowglobe. Approximately 67.37% of the purchase price goes to the Guide Dog Foundation.



3. Canine Companions for Independence
A national nonprofit organization that provides trained assistance dogs and support to children and adults with disabilities. A mixed pack of three different designs with pictures of CCI puppies. Proceeds support CCI programs.





4. Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society works "to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals, including people” through education and advocacy programs. Some of the cutest color illustrations and photographs of dogs and cats around. Choice of all dogs, dog and cat combination, or
wildlife designs. Proceeds support Humane Society programs.



5. The Animal Rescue Site
The Animal Rescue Site helps provide food for the thousands of animals rescued by shelters each year. There are so many different adorable cards on this site you won’t know which one to choose.

If you love pets, consider ordering any of these cards and support a worthy cause.

Why Dog Walking is Important

By Linda Cole

Dog walking is an activity that takes time and energy. After a hard day's work, it’s not always easy to pull yourself out of your chair to take the dogs for a walk, especially if they don't have good leash etiquette. However, walking your dogs on a daily basis creates a unity in your pack that helps them learn they belong together. Dog walking as a group teaches dogs they are a family and you are the one in control.

When you have more than one dog, their personalities can get in the way during playtime. One may be a ball hog and another may be shy and won't play because their personality holds them back. Another dog may be jealous and does everything in their power to interfere in your playtime with others in the pack. And trying to reward with treats can bring out food aggression issues in some dogs who don't want to share. You may be tempted to just give up because of the hassle involved with interacting with more than one dog. But since you are the leader, it's up to you to find that one activity that can bring everyone together as one, and dog walking is the best way to do that.

Going for a walk helps them bond with you and with each other. It's a special activity that provides them with much needed exercise and stimulation to help them stay fit both in body and mind. Going for a walk allows a dog to explore and learn. A boring day is broken up when their senses are given a chance to investigate smells and sights. How would you like to be coped up inside your house day after day? Even dogs that have a large pen where they can run and play need walks to help break up the same old routine.

Dog walking around the neighborhood gives dogs a chance to find interesting scents, like another dog who left a calling card on a fence post or next to a bush. Don't be in a hurry when dog walking. Give them a chance to experience the joy of being with you and each other as they “window shop” along the way. Let them sniff under a bush or around a tree because they are learning about the dog or animal who left the scent. Walks are educational for dogs. Let them fill their minds with all the wonderful scents they are processing.

My dogs love their pen. It's large enough for them to chase each other around and they're excited every time they go outside. We have possum, coons and neighborhood cats that leave their scent around the outside of their fence and sometimes, inside. Yet, when we pick up the leashes, their bright eyes and happy tails tell us we are about to make their day. They may have just had a tussle over who gets to sit beside me on the couch, but the minute a leash is dangling from my hand, the argument is forgotten as they wait their turn to have their leash snapped onto their collar. They know there's excitement waiting for them outside the front door.

When dog walking, it's good to have different routes. Since my dogs never know which direction I'm going to go, they have to watch me. It keeps the activity fresh and new when they have different routes and teaches them to follow you. I’ve never had a dog that didn't enjoy going for a walk. Even a couch potato enjoys a stimulating walk. Like humans, dogs need mental stimulation to keep their minds healthy.

It's important to be the leader of the pack. Dogs need to know who is in charge, and the owner who takes charge allows each dog to be a dog who doesn't have to worry about making decisions. Taking your dogs on a walk creates unity and equality in a dog's mind. No one dog is more important than the others because they all walk together behind or beside you as they find new sights, sounds and scents that keep their mind active and alert. The most important thing about dog walking is that a dog who is tired won't have any pent up energy left. After a healthy and stimulating walk, all they want to do when they get home is relax. Running with your dog is also a great way to give them exercise and Ruthie Bently’s article has some good tips on that activity.

Read more articles by Linda Cole

Great Quotes Inspired by Cats and Dogs

By Julia Williams

Our pets have inspired many witty sayings over the years. Considering the extraordinary bond many of us forge with our four-legged friends, it should come as no surprise. Pets make us laugh and they make us cry; at times they even make us shake our heads and wonder “why.” Pets are, above all else, a source of great inspiration to me and to so many others. I could fill a book with all of my favorite quotes about cats and dogs. Here are just a few of them. 

Great Cat Quotes

“A kitten is the delight of a household. All day long a comedy is played by this incomparable actor.” - French novelist Champfleury

“It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens.” - Cynthia E. Varnado

“The cat is above all things, a dramatist.” - Margaret Benson

“No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch.” - Leo Dworken
“I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It's not. Mine had me trained in two days.” - Bill Dana

“Some people own cats and go on to lead normal lives.” - Unknown

“If there were to be a universal sound depicting peace, I would surely vote for the purr.” - Barbara L. Diamond

“Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.” - Anonymous “I gave an order to a cat, and the cat gave it to its tail.” - Chinese Proverb

“In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.” - English proverb

 “Most cats, when they are Out want to be In, and vice versa, and often simultaneously.” - Louis F. Camuti, DVM

“I put down my book, The Meaning of Zen, and see the cat smiling into her fur as she delicately combs it with her rough pink tongue. Cat, I would lend you this book to study but it appears you have already read it. She looks up and gives me her full gaze. Don't be ridiculous, she purrs, I wrote it.” - from Miao by Dilys Laing

 “There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast.” - Unknown

“As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat.” - Ellen Perry Berkeley

“Time spent with cats is never wasted. - This quote, by French novelist Colette, is my all-time favorite.

Great Dog Quotes

“The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.” - Anonymous

“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” - Andy Rooney

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.” - Ben Williams

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” - Roger Caras

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” - Josh Billings

“If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.” - Unknown

“You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, My God, you're right! I NEVER would've thought of that!”- Dave Barry

“Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well.” - from the 1991 book, Old Dogs, Old Friends: Enjoying Your Older Dog, by Bonnie Wilcox

“I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better.” – from the book Troubles with Bird Dogs by George Bird Evans.

“Even the tiniest Poodle or Chihuahua is still a wolf at heart.” - Dorothy Hinshaw Patent in Dogs: The Wolf Within (Understanding Animals)

“To err is human, to forgive, canine.” - Unknown

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.” – Unknown

“I used to look at [my dog] Smokey and think, If you were a little smarter you could tell me what you were thinking, and he'd look at me like he was saying, If you were a little smarter, I wouldn't have to.”- Fred Jungclaus

 “If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.” - cowboy wisdom

So there you have it, my personal list of favorite quotes inspired by cats and dogs. If you have some great quotes of your own that I’ve not mentioned, please do share them with us!

Read more articles by Julia Williams

How to Winterize Your Outdoor Doghouse

By Suzanne Alicie

The temperatures are dropping, and if your dog spends time outdoors in winter, it’s important to make sure his doghouse is properly winterized. Responsible pet owners have no problem spending an afternoon making sure their pet will have a nice warm place to spend the winter. It is advisable that if possible you prepare a space for your dog in your garage or basement, but if that is not feasible you can still make sure your dog will be warm and safe throughout the winter.

Doghouses come in all shapes and sizes; there are igloo shaped houses, large kennel type houses, and even homemade wooden doghouses. When choosing a doghouse, keep in mind that for winter you need something that will block the wind. The smaller the entrance or the longer the entrance to the dog house extends, the better for keeping your dog warm and cozy inside. It is pretty easy to affix an extension tunnel entrance to nearly every type of doghouse that doesn’t already have one. It may take your dog a few days to get used to moving through a longer space before being in his house, but he will quickly adjust and appreciate the warmth.

Because fleas and ticks aren’t quite as prevalent in the winter, many pet owners forget to treat the bedding and doghouse for these pests. Linda Cole’s article explains why winter is the ideal time to fight fleas. Fleas and ticks are also looking for somewhere warm with lots of food for the winter, so what better place than your dog’s bedding? All bedding should be removed from the doghouse and cleaned thoroughly or replaced before winter begins. There are several ways to treat your dog’s bedding, using purchased products or natural additives to repel fleas and ticks.

Straw makes an excellent warm padding and mud preventive. Simply surround your doghouse with a thick layer of straw to keep your dog from standing in cold mud or tracking mud inside the doghouse. Your dog’s paws may also require some extra care during the cold season; read our Winter Paw Care article to learn just what to do.

If you happen to have a homemade wooden doghouse, you can make it nearly as warm and draft free as your own home. The easiest way I’ve found is to use spray insulation. It fills the cracks and crevices that allow cold air to seep in. You can also apply roof shingles to prevent leaks and water damage throughout the winter.

Although it may be cold outside, your dog isn’t going to want to spend all winter in his doghouse. By affixing a simple tarp to your fence and covering the whole area where the doghouse sits, you are providing an area for your dog to sit, lay, walk and eat that doesn’t send him out into the wind.

Be sure to check your dog’s food and water a few times each day; water freezes and food can become soggy if there’s snow or rain. You also need to make sure your dog has fresh water that is not covered with a layer of ice at all times.

The winter doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable season for an outdoor dog. By spending just a few hours winterizing the doghouse, you can keep your canine buddy warm and cozy on even the coldest nights. Keep in mind that in times of extreme cold weather and sub zero temperatures, it is always best to bring your dog inside.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

Koala Bears - cute & endangered

Most of us, by now, know that koala are not really "bears."

But did you also know that koalas are social animals and can communicate with each other over long distances? But the most important fact about koalas is that the impact of intense urbanization has resulted in the destruction of their habitat, while the attacks of other animals, like domestic dogs and foxes, and traffic accidents, are causing the koala population to decline.

Source: Environmental Graffiti