What is Your Favourite Breed to Pet Sit?

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Talk back pet sitting This week the AKC released it’s registration data from 2008 and announced the most popular dogs in the US. You can find the results here.

This got me to thinking about what my favorite breeds of cats and dogs are that I pet sit for. Here are my favorites:

Dog : Dachunds and Beagles - I like the hounds as they are so good natured and because I know that I can’t really have one of my own as they don’t get on well with cats. I’m sure if I found the right one or trained them right I wouldn’t have a problem.

Cat: This one is harder as I have plenty of lovable moggies that I can’t classify into any breed. I do love the British shorthairs though - their round faces and big eyes. I’d love to get one of these one day. Maybe when my little Burmese female calms down in her old age! She hates any other cats - we looked after a friends cat in our house for 2 days a couple of years ago and she took her rage out on our other older male Burmese and wouldn’t sit with him for months - they usually snuggle all the time!

What are you favorite breeds to pet sit? Tell us in a comment and tell us why!

Do You Have a Favorite Pet Radio Show?

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Talk back Tuesday This week I was interviewed by the Doggie Chronicles Radio Show to discuss my article Holiday Pet Hazards. Each week the Doggie Chronicles show interviews diffrent experts about dog related topics. Sharing my show they also interviewed a lady who makes matching jewellery for dogs and their owners.

You can listen to my interview at http://www.doggiechronicles.com/product-reviews/barneys-bling-holiday-pet-hazards

This week for Talk Back Tuesday I’d like to ask - do you have a pet related radio show that you regularly listen to?

Let us know by leaving a comment after this post. Look forward to your suggestions!

Is a Peruvian Hairless the right dog for the White House?

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Talkback Tuesday When Barack Obama made is speech on election night he said that he would be getting a new dog for his daughters when they move into the White House next January.

In an article that I found on Google today it was reported that the Friends of Peruvian Hairless Dogs Association in Peru have offered to give Obama’s family a male four month old pedigree puppy. The Peruvian Hairless dog would be suitable for them as it won’t provoke his daughters allergies.

Wikipedia describes the Peruvian Hairless Dogs temperament as:

“Peruvian Hairless dogs are affectionate with family but wary of strangers. They are typically lively, alert and friendly with other dogs but can be protective as well. These dogs do not like to be alone, but when trained, can do well. These dogs are intolerant of extreme temperatures and are agile and fast. They generally require an owner that understands dog language and are not recommended for beginners.”

If you were to recommend a dog for Barack Obama and his family - which dog breed would you choose for them and why?

Dogs Best Friend - Libby the Seeing Eye Cat

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A friend sent this to me today and it is just so sweet I had to share with everyone. Cashew sure is lucky to have Libby around.

I wish my cats would associate with my dog let alone them being best friends!

Seeing Eye Cat

What Can You Do to Stop The Epidemic of Homeless Pets

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August 19 th was National Homeless Animals Day. I know I’m a little late but I wanted to share some tips to help you play your part to help out homeless animals.

The Human Society of the United States estimates that between six and eight million cats and dogs enter shelters annually. That number grows exponentially during times of distress. Everyone can remember the sad faces of lost and homeless pets during Hurricane Katrina however each year national disasters such as the tremendous flooding in the Midwest this year, cause the number of homeless cats and dogs to spike.

Homeowners simply don’t have a place to go or a way to care for their beloved pets. This is much the case for people who’ve had their homes foreclosed on too. When most rental homes and apartments don’t allow pets, the large and growing number of foreclosures nationwide has caused homeless pets to become an epidemic.

With almost half of the animals who enter shelters each year being euthanized, that’s four million cats and dogs annually, something must be done.

What can you do to stop the epidemic?

First and foremost if you or someone you know is looking for a pet, consider adopting from a shelter. The benefits, beyond saving a life, are paramount. Adopted animals come with a full veterinary check. Adopted animals are quite often mixed breeds which tend to be significantly healthier than pure bred dogs and cats.

When you adopt an animal from a shelter you know what you’re getting. Shelter animals are evaluated for personality traits and temper. If you have small children or other animals in your home a shelter employee can tell you which animals would best meet your current lifestyle.

Additionally if your heart is set on a purebred dog or cat, check with your local rescue society. There is a rescue organization for just about every dog or cat breed available. They’re always in need of happy homes for their rescues.

But there’s more you can do if you don’t have room to adopt!

If you currently own animals have them spade or neutered to help prevent overpopulation.

Donate to your local animal shelter so they have more time to adopt our their animals rather than euthanize them. You don’t have to donate just money, many animal shelters are in drastic need of pet food, kitty litter, toys, bedding and medications. If you have the ability to donate any of these items check with your local shelter and find out what you can do.

If money is tight and donating just isn’t going to happen, consider volunteering your time. Even a couple hours a week is a tremendous help. Your time can be spent not only helping to care for the animals in the shelter but also on awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts.

Have your pets micro chipped so that if they do get away from you, you’ll be able to find them and they’ll stay out of overcrowded shelters.

Our pets are our responsibility however when disaster strikes and we can no longer take care of them it’s up to us as a society to do what we can to ensure these animals get a fair shake. Adoption, having your pet spayed or neutered, and giving your time to the organizations which are at their capacity trying to help these small creatures will help curb this sad and growing problem.

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