The Pet Paradise

Shelter Cat Showcase

2007-10-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is Toby. He is a senior cat who is a male.

Toby is an 11 year old white male Persian. Toby was unfortunate enough to be born with a jaw deformity, and therefore, is not really the most attractive kitty out there (we think he's cute!). Although this jaw deformity does not cause him any pain, he can only eat wet (canned) cat food. And he makes a mess when he eats! He is listed as special needs due to this. Otherwise, he's a happy, healthy guy! Toby is social and friendly and is good with other animals. He's a sweet boy. His coat does need to be groomed regularly, and he sometimes needs help keeping his face clean. Toby was well-cared for all his life, but was surrendered to a humane society due to family problems. He's looking for a new family to retire with! And don't take his age too seriously....Toby has plenty of energy and love to give for years to come! Toby is neutered, front declawed, feline leukemia negative, and vaccinated. His adoption fee is $30.

For information: info@angelofhoperescue.com

He is located at the Angel of Hope Rescue Shelter in St. Paul, MN.

The Loose Cannon Case

2007-10-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

So, I know I said I didn't feel like typing at all today, but things change. My law class brought out anger, sadness and guilt.

We watched a video on a dog biting a small girl, and therefore the dog was to be euthanised, but the neighbour brought the dog home unexpectedly and then the father went over and shot the dog. So everybody in my class agreed that the dog should have been killed and how could anybody love a German Shepherd? During the video I had to hold myself together, really. My eyes were watering, people are just so cruel to animals. The guy got off not guilty. Fuck the Justice system. I wish they would have shot the guy who killed the dog. It just isn't fair!! If it was a person who injured the girl, that person wouldn't die, they would probably get charged. A dog is part of the family ... not just a dog; a companion; a best friend.

But what was even worse was that my law teacher doesn't think that dogs should have rights. I would have bitched his face off if I could. Dogs have just as much right as a human being, if not more. They don't have the voice to speak for themselves; to defend themselves. I hate how cruel and selfish people can be.

Puppies, puppies and more puppies!!

2007-10-05T09:37:00.001-07:00

Since today is Friday and I am not much in the mood to type a whole essay, we are going to enjoy some adorable pictures of puppies today!!

PS: I am doing great on not feeding table scraps to Abbey & Emma, only one mini-wheat each in like 4 days!! Hopefully they will slim down soon, the 30-day challenge will be starting verrrrryyyy soon!! Watch for it!!

Animal Health Week

2007-10-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

It is officially Animal Health Week!! What are you gonna do to celebrate it ?? Take your pet the vet? Or simply just not feed your dog table scraps for the whole week ? That is my goal this week, no table scraps for my dogs, as of ... now ... because I gave Emma a few Mini-Wheats this morning. Even Abbey is getting a little bit porky lately.

Here is a few tips on how to keep your dog at his best:
In order to have your dog lose weight, you must be able to admit that there is a problem. Then, you must increase the intake of calories, whether you get your dog weight control dog food, or simply stop the table scraps (Like I am doing). Also, increase the amount of energy and exercise the dog gets a day. The first thing is to have your dog examined by a veterinarian and set a goal weight ... well, we all know how much vet visits are, so you could just leave this out. I mean, you be the judge on how much your dog needs to lose.

Three to four small feedings a day gives the animal more energy, therefore will burn more calories. That is kind of the same with all of these celebrity diets is eat smaller portions and a few more times a day. Not rocket science. An article that I read said that you should completely cut out treats and snacks, but how is that fair? That is like somebody taking away every single snack that you eat, VERY unfair. So, I say just lessen the intake.

Make sure to schedule in about 20-30 minutes of exercise, like a walk or playing fetch each day for your dog, and make sure that there is 2 15-minute intervals of playing time with your cat.

Hopefully, you got a few tips and come back soon!!

source: http://www.animalhealthcare.ca/contents/content.asp?id=60&cat=dogs

Harry Potter

2007-10-01T09:50:00.001-07:00

Harry Potter

This is Harry Potter (wonder why I picked him to show off, did ya? haha). He looks like a very sweet dog and very adorable colourings. I found him off of www.petfinder.com.

This is his description:

Breed: English Setter
Sex: Male
Age: Adult
Size: Large

Harry Potter is 6 1/2 years old. He is good with other dogs. He is an owner/foster.

For more information contact:

Happy Tales Humane

Franklin, TN

Phone: 615-791-0827, ext 14

If you live in Tennessee, check him out, he looks adorable!!!!!!!! I'd take him home if I could.

The Animal Rescue Site

2007-09-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today, I just wanted to brief you on a very important website that I have visited nearly everyday for the past year.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com

You can click everyday for sponsors to give food to homeless animals. You can send e-cards to your friends to raise awareness and buy some amazing clothes and 100% of the profits go to homeless animals. I bought some amazing boots there last year, and they are still in great shape!! I definitely recommend checking out their store, and with the dollar so great right now, what could possibly be your excuse not to save the animals ?! They also have amazing rescue stories that make you feel so happy inside.

So, I encourage everyone of you to visit this website, it is definitely worth the look!!

How Could You?

2007-09-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

This is long, but DEFINITELY worth the read. *Hint* - have tissues with you. I bawl my eyes out everytime I read this.

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?"

- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub. My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person"

- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me.

These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

source: http://jimwillis0.tripod.com/tiergarten/id21.html

STOP THE SEAL HUNT!!!!!!!!

2007-09-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

I know my blog is for pets, but I couldn't help putting the awareness out there for these awful seal hunts that take place every year! They need to be stopped!!

Here is some information from stopthesealhunt.ca and how you can get involved in stopping this cruel and unusual abuse! Seals need rights too!!!

"On the opening day of the Gulf seal hunt, IFAW monitors bore witness to the astounding cruelty of baby seals being shot in loose ice. One sealing vessel followed by an IFAW team searched out small pans of ice for seal pups, firing at seals on slushy, moving ice.
Seals were seen in agony after being shot at and injured, but not instantly killed. One seal was hauled alive onto the deck of the boat with a steel hook before finally being beaten to death."

Go to stopthesealhunt.ca to learn more and how you can help by sending a letter to the prime minister and more!

Pedigree Dog Food

2007-09-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Pedigree; "nutritionally complete and highly digestible food formulated for the growth and maintenance of dogs" right? wrong! Pedigree is high in wheat and corn, and the actual lamb is 5th in the ingredients list after wheat and corn. That means that there is more wheat and corn in the dog food than the actual lamb and rice, ironic, huh ??
Corn makes your dog crap a lot more, and there is no need for corn, wheat or soy to be anywhere near your dog's diet. In World War II, they used to give their dogs the leftover cereals and grains, but slowly realized that this wasn't enough. Therefore, they started to feed their animals more meat and definitely saw a difference. And that is where dog food began. I got that information from a wonderful video I saw on the internet the other day, if I find it I must put it on here for all of you to see!

The ingredients are as follows:
Ground Corn: the first ingredient, when it shouldn't be there even at all? This means there is more corn than anything else. Corn does nothing for a dog's diet. If anything, it makes them fill up on junk and crap it all out. Pointless.
Chicken By-Product Meal: Meal makes it sounds okay, but the word 'by-product' is definitely not okay. This can include the crushed skull, feet and necks of the chickens. Does that sounds like something you want your dog to eat ??
Ground Wheat: Another pointless ingredient.
Animal Fat(Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols, source of Vitamin E): This is the tissue of animals and poultry, and with the name 'animals fat' you have no idea what animal it could be from, it is very possible that it could be from a fellow canine or feline. Crazy, right? Mixed Tocopherols on the other hand are good for you animal, as like it says is a source of Vitamin E.
Lamb: Finally the actual ingredient that is healthy for your dog. Meat; one of the only ingredients in here that is actually good for your dog's diet.
Rice: Another ingredient that is supposed to be in the name of the dog food, sixth down ? That is not okay. At this rate your dog is not getting the right kind of nutrition.
Natural Poultry Flavour: Flavouring doesn't really consist of any nutrition. There is really no point for this. Plus, poultry could be any kind of bird, they should definitely be specific.
Salt: There is no need for salt, it is an additive so the dog can get addicted to the dog food and you will keep buying it for them. Same goes with sugar, which surprisingly isn't in this one.
Dried Egg Product: Eggs are good for your dogs coat. It provides omega-3's. Here is where the good stuff starts coming in ... right at the end where there is barely any of it actually in the product, tsk tsk.

So, after all of this ... Do YOU still want to buy Pedigree ??

Any questions? comments?

First Shelter Dog Showcase

2007-09-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

I thought I would showcase a dog here in my hometown first. This is Ty. I personally volunteer at the Brandon Humane Society down here, and I know that Ty is one of the nicest dogs that you could possibly meet. He is lovable, loves food, and loves other dogs. He has very high-energy, but loves to burn it off by going out for a long walk.

Here is what the Brandon Humane Society's website says about him:

TY - Lab/Shepherd Cross,

Neutered MaleBorn: May 2006

Arrived at the Shelter: September 1, 2006

This little boy always has a smile on his face - you'd never know he was a stray puppy. Ty is a friendly puppy who plays very well with others. He also loves to give kisses. Ty will definitely need to find a family who won't mind that sort of thing, as he's extremely affectionate. In fact, at times he may ignore his toys, at the chance to spend some quality time with someone. Ty has discovered he enjoys the taste of peanut butter! It's as cute as ever watching him too, with his sticky little mouth. You may need to keep the peanut butter jar high, high up. Especially because he'll be a lot taller in a few months and able to reach the counter no problem!

Contact the Brandon Humane Society @ 1-204-728-1333

Source: http://www.brandonhumanesociety.ca

Welcome Pet Lovers!

2007-09-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

My first official post will give you a taste of what is to come in this new blog of mine.

I will be showcasing different animals from animal shelters all over the world
Sharing my knowledge on pet food, care, training, toys, etc
Question of the week
The 30 day challenge (once the blog gets up and running, plus more readers I wll provide information about this, I'll keep you posted, so keep checking back!)
Animal health tips (this up and coming week is Animal health week!)
Many other tips and facts and how YOU can help out with my mission of saving the animals!

So please bookmark and comment me! You will definitely not be disappointed!

To start things off to just get a feel of you and your pet, tell me a little bit about yourself and your pet. I am looking forward to hearing from you!