PETS AND ANIMALS

As many of parents seem to be more concern about looking for some type of toys that suitable for their children and also to make them develop creative skills. Having pet seems to be one of the most favorite choice. However, having real pets can be either pleasure or trouble. Kids may not have enough responsibility to take care their real pets and this brings a lot of problems to parents. Therefore, some parents can see the opportunity of having pet toys for their children. This may not be as good as having the real pets but it seem to be a better choice for many of them who do not want to get any trouble of having real pets. Animal dolls or animal toys are also known as virtual pets as so many people love to have in the past. The electronic one like Tamagoshi was really popular in Japan during ten years ago, but not it seems that the trend has changed. People change to looking for the virtual pets that look as much alike the real pet, particularly for children who love to have their own dogs and cats etc.

Do you like stuffed toys? We’re sure everyone loves furry and warm stuffed animals to cuddle up with. They are so cute and soft. Most of us as kids had one or the other stuffed animal to play with. Such a stuffed toy was the one you shared your bed with as a child. It felt so wonderful to have a companion who listened to you all the time and never complained about anything. Your stuffed animal participated happily in every game you played. It was a magical world for you. Now why deprive the kids of today from the pleasure of having a pet?

Most of us hesitate to have a real pet due to the cost and responsibilities involved. Go for a virtual pet instead. Check out you local shops where so many wonderful animal dolls are waiting to be your pets. Give your children a playmate. Go for one of these amazingly cute animals. All you need to do is load the pet using the secret code we generate for you. Your child could then get online whenever he wishes to play with the pet. You could name the pet what you want. Not only that, this is the only place where you can decide the gender of your pet! Sure sounds like fun, doesn’t it?

Many of our young (and adult) customers have walked away happily with their new virtual pet. You too can join the happy club now. Relive your make-believe adventures all over again with your enthusiastic pet. Once you own a pet, you will enjoy the entire experience so much that you will come back for more: Which is why we have an assortment of pets from the regular to the most unusual (like unicorns!). So ditch all the hesitation and find out all information you need about when you want to have quality and adorable virtual pets.



By: Bonun

About the Author:

 

While the concept of pet astrology may seem odd to many people, there are many people who believe that the date of birth of your pet, related to astrological signs of the planets, the sun, and the stars, have a significant impact on the basic behavior and mood of their pets. There are particular character behaviors that are associated with each zodiac sign for pets. These include all of the following:

Aries: Aries pets are known to be very active and also hypersensitive to the environment around them.

Taurus: Taurus pets seem to have a passive nature normally, but if they are ever caught in a fight where they need to defend themselves or family members, they will not give up a fight.

Gemini: Gemini pets tend to be extremely intelligent, so they are usually very easy to train. But their intelligence also means that they can require a lot of attention, and always need to be in the company of their owners.

Cancer: Cancer pets are extremely sensitive. Because of this, when they get attached to a person, they are loyal to that person for life.

Leo: Leo pets tend to be very independent and almost always end up leading the pack. These pets will be more difficult to train, as they won’t want you to take the role of leader. Be persistent, and the Leo pet will eventually succumb.

Virgo: Virgo pets have a multitude of wonderful characteristics and behaviors that make them perfect human companions.

Libra: Libra pets tend to be extremely easygoing. This means they will make fantastic family pets for families that aren’t very active. Unfortunately this also means that Libra pets are typically somewhat lazy and eventually get overweight without being forced to exercise.

Scorpio: Scorpio pets are extremely possessive of their owners. While this typically makes for an extremely loyal pet, it can also become a problem if the pet believes their owner is being attacked and they aren’t. They can be overprotective at times.

Sagittarius: Sagittarius pets make great pets because they are both fun loving and very intelligent. However, their energy level can be difficult for families that aren’t used to active pets.

Capricorn: Capricorn pets tend to remain very young at heart, and remain very playful even into their old age.

Aquarius: Aquarius pets are extremely intelligent, but for some reason that intelligence can come across as a level of stubbornness that makes them appear ill-tempered and sometimes difficult to handle.

Pisces: Pisces pets are very introverted and extremely gentle. However, their sensitivity means that they can easily sense the moods of their owners. This pet is perfect for people who are naturally calm, but not so good for people who can be very emotional.

Astrology.com

The family section of astrology.com features a great section on pet astrology that lets you select your pets sign from a drop down list in order to get a detailed description of the personality of your pet, how to manage their personality and traits, and how to care for them while taking into account the natural inclinations that are a part of their personality because of their astrological sign.

This website also features fun quizzes, such as “What kind of dog would you be?” or “Are you a cat or dog person?” Additionally, you can find a “pet grid”, which rates several personality traits including “affectionate”, “energetic”, “friendly”, and “loyal” on a scale of 1 to 3 for each zodiac sign. This grid helps you to determine which traits your particular pet is likely to have. There is also a chart that helps you to determine what sign your pet is based on their birth date.

Express Your Pet’s Sign With a Portrait

When you fully educate yourself regarding your pet’s zodiac sign, it may be something that makes you very proud of your pet. You may wish to commemorate your pet and his or her zodiac sign through a painted pet portrait utilizing an astrology theme that integrates the pet’s zodiac sign.

Pet portraits are very popular and sweeping the country. Nikky Hughes, of Los Angeles, offers amazing pet portraits that utilize unique backgrounds and themes. She is always happy to do portraits on request, and a pet’s zodiac sign would easily fit into the creative and witty existing portfolio of pet portraits that are displayed at her website.

Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. Pet astrology can provide a great deal of insight into the behaviors of your pet, but it also brings great pride in knowing how your pet fits into the cosmological universe. Feature your cat in a beautiful painted portrait that incorporates the zodiac, and you have an astrological masterpiece that will last a lifetime.

 



By: Nikky Hughes: Pet Portraits

About the Author:

Whether you’re greeted at the door by a furry four-legged friend or prefer another kind of pet, there’s no denying the importance a pet plays in your life. That’s why you should take special caution to keep your beloved pets out of harm’s way. Here are a few things you might not have even considered that can be harmful to your pet — and healthy alternatives!

Pet Food:

Most good pet owners know that the quality of the pet food you choose can determine your pet’s long-term health. Inexpensive foods can contain animal by-products, chemical additives, fertilizers and more that can be detrimental to your pet’s health. Consider purchasing organic pet food for your critter; Newman’s Own (www.newmansownorganics.com) has a line of pet foods specifically formulated for health — your pet’s and the environment’s. It even eliminates wheat and corn due to their tendency to cause allergies in some dogs and cats.



Insecticides:

If you’ve taken the time to read the back of the can of bug spray, you’ll discover that its contents may be hazardous to your family and especially your pets. Animals’ proximity to where you spray makes it particularly dangerous for them. That’s why companies like EcoSMART (www.ecosmart.com) have created organic, botanical formulas to keep your home pest-free without putting your pet’s health in danger. And, it’s been proven that EcoSMART’s plant oil formulas are both effective and have no known pest resistance. That way, you’ll rid your home of pests safely and effectively.

Additionally, using a product that’s safe for your pets means that you won’t have to find a place to put them after the insecticide is sprayed. Unlike conventional products, you can apply EcoSMART’s botanical products with your pets and family there in the room.

Household Cleaners:

Household cleaners are a particular risk for pets. Unlike humans, pets often have more exposure to these chemicals, even licking or eating off of the surfaces on which harsh cleaners have been used. Similarly, pets have a tendency to eat or drink the things they discover, whether it’s a treat or toilet cleaner.

Seventh Generation (www.seventhgeneration.com) is a company that provides natural alternatives for the household spills and stains that come along with pet ownership without the toxins other cleaners might have. With exciting, unique scents, Seventh Generation products can replace the smell of Fido with smells like lemongrass & Clementine.

Plants:

What’s a green lifestyle without greenery? Be careful, though. A lot of beautiful, ornamental houseplants can be hazardous or even deadly to your pets. By knowing which plants pose a threat, you can easily opt for a more pet-friendly alternative.

Some plants that are toxic to house pets according to the Humane Society of the United States include azaleas, day lilies, English ivy, holly, mistletoe, wisteria, and more. Visit http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/common_poisonous_plants.html for a complete list.





By: EcoSMART

About the Author:

If your pet animals are suffering from food allergies, then there is the prescribed trial of the hypoallergenic pet food material containing some essential ingredients which will enhance the diet of your pets.

For verifying the skin problems of the pet animals, which are caused by food allergies or intolerance, hypoallergenic pet food diet is carried out for a particular period. If you see progressive improvement in your pet’s condition, the previous diet is carried out for 15 days to analyze if the condition relapses. If there is the feeling of revival from the test diet and itchiness from the previous diet, then the veterinary doctor either makes a diagnosis of the pet animal to the test diet or prescribes any suitable hypoallergenic pet food.

As far as the varieties of the hypoallergenic food are concerned, it consists of two types. In the test diet, there is the inclusion of the food material, which is non-allergic to the pet animals. The protein and resource of carbohydrate material used in the traditional kind of method can contain food material that is very unfamiliar to pet animals.

The need to supply the hypoallergenic pet food to the pet is very important to keep the pet animals safe from various kinds of food allergies. The allergies suffered by pet animals are generally considered to be caused by parasites and dirt which stream in the atmosphere. However, the pets largely suffer from the food allergies. Pets suffer a lot from different types of allergies which makes them physically scrawny, and become more traumatic towards particular incidents and places. However, most of the pet animals suffer from allergies of foods, which are unconditioned or unsanitary.

If these symptoms are ignored then they can lead to various types of brutal type of wounds and impediments to pets. Sometimes, pet foods contain heavy substances like enzymes and proteins, which are not safely absorbed by your pet if it has some allergies. Hence, it can cause critical skin problems like soreness, exasperation and suffocation.

Therefore, for relieving the stressful conditions of your pets, hypoallergenic pet food can be used. The hypoallergenic diet is instrumental for the pet dogs, who are suffering from the allergic conditions like pancreatic deficiency, hyperlipidemia, tenderness, dermatitis, gastroenteritis.

We find a wide range of hypoallergenic pet food products that can be brought from local pet store. The contents of such type of pet food have been made from recipes in which aliments that tend to incite allergies are gotten rid of.

By using hypoallergenic chemical like lice shampoo which are generally non-toxic, pets can be made free of parasites, bedbugs, nits, and ticks. Hypoallergenic pet foods contain enzymatic contents that are pH balanced, hypoallergenic, pesticide free and eco-friendly. So for sensitive pets, such hypoallergenic pet food proves to be safer and more trustworthy.



By: Muna wa Wanjiru

About the Author:

Do you love dogs? Or do you like pet dogs? There are a lot of people anywhere in the world that loves and cares for their pet dogs. Whether they are cats, dogs, snakes, birds, or any type of animal for that matter most people like to have them. They are great for companionship and security too. They can be amusing too and for some they serve as their helper in some ways. They can also relieve you of some of the stresses of daily life.

To some ranchers, dogs act as their companion in the wild and a helper at the same time. Imagine yourself in the wild or in the bushes all alone, that can be lonesome and scary to some. But if have your favourite pet dog with you it would more relaxing stroll and hike into the woods. When ranchers try to gather all their cattle to the barn, their pet dogs can lend a hand by corralling the herd to the barn. Now you need another person to do the job for you.

Your pet dog can also help you relieve your daily life stress. You will notice if you go for a walk in the park that people have their favourite dogs with them. It is very relaxing to go and walk with your pet animal since they can make run and have fun with them. Pet dogs are very playful too, that can motivate you to go out and have fun running around or simply play with them. Especially at night and you decided to have a walk in the park, having your pet dog with you can give the sense of security.

In terms of security, there are many types of dogs that are easily trained to be guard dogs. Just like the American Staffordshire Terriers, they are gentle and good natured towards people. They are always the happy type, sociable and good with children. These breed makes a good companion because they are very protective and affectionate about their owners and families. But sometimes you have to properly train and socialize this type of breed to avoid temperamental behaviour.

Take a walk with your terrier to relieve stress. Take a walk with your German Sheppard to reduce your sugar or glucose level for diabetics. Take a walk with your favourite Dalmatian and have some fun in the park. Take a walk with your golden retriever to watch the autumn leaves in the park. Whatever you want to do in the park or in the farm or in your house, take your favourite pet dog with you. It will be worth your while.

Your pet dogs can be one of the best companion you can have nest to your spouse or children. Feeling secured at home or any place when you are with your pet dogs is a very relaxing feeling.



By: Shellaine Enfesta

About the Author:

For healthy growth of the pet animals, it is very vital to give them various kinds of pet food nutrition. So we always watchful and give preference to the pet food material incorporating with various types of nutrients. A balanced pet food nutrition plan should contain all types of vitamins, proteins and it always have fat free ingredients.

Having a good pet food nutrition plan is vital for health and development of pets who are suffering from food allergies.

Different dietary regimes can assist in preventing skin troubles like vexation, tenderness and suffocation that arecaused due to enzymes, proteins which are not plainly digested by pets with sensitive metabolism. So in particular, the pet food nutrition of the allergenic pet animal always gets rid of the heavily absorbing substances like enzymes and proteins. So the inclusion of the hypoallergenic food in the pet food nutrition plans is always helpful for the pet animals as it provides them relief from conditions like tenderness, dermatitis, gastroenteritis and hyperlipidemia. By using highly effective pet food nutrition, the pet food becomes safe from various kinds of parasites and dust.

The pet food nutrition like hypoallergenic pet food, which is specially designed for the sensitive animals like dogs. It makes them more resistant to unconditioned food that causes problems like physical scrawniness and various kinds of vicious injuries and hindrances. The Innova pet foods are also recognized as the healthiest pet food nutrition. Such pet food nourishment are specially designed for the pet animals like dogs, cats, puppy, kittens, etc. in the Innova pet food nutrition, the food material are specially designed from five types of fresh, clean and fat free foods such as meat, fruits, vegetables, milk and grains.

Pet food nutrition like Innova foods play a significant role for endowing with various types of instrumental vitamins, fats and other nutrients. Such pet food nutrition contain dry dog foods, stored canned foods, meat, etc. some kind of pet food nutrition also incorporated with cottage cheese, curtsy meats, vegetables, fresh fruits and green vegetables. Also the pet food nutrition plans can be endowed with antioxidants material like vitamins and varieties of fatty acids like Omega 6 and 3.

Some kind of pet food nutrition are facilitated with canned food material which supply pet foods like blend of chicken soup and lean meats, fruits, potatoes having full of vitamins and vegetables.

Some kinds of pet food nutrition are specially designed for the small puppy and kittens that are very simple for digestion and contain the micronutrients that are instrumental for the healthy growth of the small puppies. Such pet foods for small puppies and kittens are pressed cold oil of sunflower, ground flaxseed and chicken plump. Also this type of balanced pet food nutrition containing the fatty acids are highly instrumental for preserving the cell membranes and healthy growth of the skin and fleece of the small puppies and kittens.



By: Muna wa Wanjiru

About the Author:

First Principles

Teach respect, a dog has to be taught to respect its owner. You have to be his leader and not let him be yours. As you communicate with your dog he learns to understand you, he will forever be willing to please. Once the dog knows you are his leader, he will be a happy follower by teaching your dog the basic training commands and discipline.

It is next to impossible to have a normal, well-behaved, even-tempered dog without discipline and some training. Once a dog is trained he is a better pet and greater companion, and he himself will be happier for knowing that his owner is pleased with him. There are many books devoted to discipline and training and free online resources for dog training than ever imaginable! There are also many great obedience-training classes for low cost to no cost, one for example is PetSmart and I highly recommend this form of training, it helps your dog or puppy learn to socialize as well as get his basic obedience training from a professional source, helping you and your dog learn together. You must be willing to accept the fact that if your dog fails the course and becomes a dropout, it is entirely your fault not the dogs. He is a willing subject, it is your complete responsibility to ensure you and he complete all training classes and continue to adhere to the lessons learned.

Any sincerely interested dog owner can train their dog, and it can be a most rewarding educational experience for both. Patience and consistency is the key to successful training, at times you will have to be firm, but gentle and always, always give praise for each and every one of his positive efforts.Basically dog training is built on reward, repetition, reprimand and again praise. Although it can be too early to begin training, it is never too late. Most puppies form a strong attachment to an individual which may persist or wane, and there is often a phase of disobedience and defiance. Discipline is needed during this crucial period, but it must be with patience and never overbearing or intimidating. Don’t listen to the old cliché “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. There is nothing further from the truth, I don’t for one moment believe that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, he can be taught new tricks and all the basic commands whatever his age.



It is bound to be a more difficult to break old habits like barking, chasing cars, sleeping on furniture etc., and can be resolved with proper training aids, such as no-bark collars, sonic bark control devices, citronella spray collars, indoor radio fences, and scat mats, if all other resources have been exhausted to resolve these and various other undesirable habits develop or exist. You and your dog must be relaxed before you begin any training session. He can and will know when you are tense or uncomfortable, he can’t learn while he is tense or timid and if your dog or puppy is showing signs of stubbornness or defiance they may be more resistant to teaching, but don’t give in, stay firm, consistent and have a routine, all animals are creatures of habit, so stay with the training. In essence complete relaxation is essential for both dog and trainer, also, make lessons fun for both you and your dog. He will learn much faster, and give you a greater reward for your training efforts, vise-versa.



Getting To Know Your Dog or Puppy



To train your dog or pup to the best advantage for both, you must get to know their personality, for example there are sensitive or shy dogs who squeal at the slightest noise with disciplinary action and the merest jerk of a training lead, grooming comb or word of discipline, causing you to hurt his feelings and mistrust. Take caution and try to understand this dog or puppy’s personality, this is vital to their mental health and needs to be taken in a very slow, easy manner. If a stronger, more aggressive training method is used with this type of personality it cannot be reversed, and will ultimately result in a very scared, confused pet. Then there is the more assertive type dogs, they may need a stronger form of training and attention spans may need to be focused on, “Fearless” Fun loving, and go for it types of dogs always pushing himself at you for your attention, he jumps on your guests, slobbers on them, forces his “Here I am” on you, your guests, children or the elderly. This personality may or may not need a more aggressive training method, depending on the breed and the owner’s training abilities.

Make the Lessons Fun

Dogs get bored with long training sessions. If you work them for over 20 minutes at a time, they will lose interest and stop listening to you. For a younger dog or puppy, 5 to 10 minutes is long enough for one training session. But do it frequently, and again with, praise or training reward treats.

Basic Dog Training Commands

(1) Leash Training: This is the first and foremost of all dog and puppy training. Say you need to take your pet to the Veterinarian for a check up…this cannot be done without a well leash trained dog or puppy. Work with your dog or puppy daily DO NOT: pull, drag or force your dog to follow the leash, take it easy…..let them walk to you, stop…say “Good Dog” Reward them with a treat, and let them sit, then, pet, praise them. Give them time, always be patient, they will respond soon to your leash training, it is so very important not to scare them while leash training!!!! They will never feel safe with you!!



(2) Heel: You teach your dog to walk on you left side without pulling in front of you; he always walks beside you, comfortably, easily and will never pull at the leash. When he tries to walk in front of you, you jerk back on the lead and say the word “Heel”. Use this command with easy, gentle commands, do not “Yank” on the lead, be very, very gentle or this will cause your dog to become scared and try to bolt and make the “Heel” command frighten your dog, therefore, reversing your training and all trust established with your dog or puppy. Please always use good sense and respond to your dogs action or “Reaction” to “Leash and Heel” Training.

(3) Sit: Pull the leash straight up and while pushing down on his hindquarters, saying the word “Sit”. Most dogs learn this very quickly.

(4) Down: You don’t want your dog or puppy to jump on people, especially, elderly guests, children or anyone else that is coming to visit your home. Your dog needs to learn this after he is confident with his leash training. Grasp the leash or collar just under the dog’s neck and while gently pulling in the downward motion as you say, “Down”

(5) Stay: This is a very important command, as it can save your dog from a situation were harm or injury may occur, and this can be beneficial to the both of you. This command can save you or your dog from being hit by cars, or any other dangerous situation, this can your dogs life. To teach the “Stay” command put your dog in a sitting position and talk a few steps away, and if he attempts to come to you, firmly say “Stay” and stop walking, ask your dog to sit, and start again, keep repeating this procedure until he stays, this may take some time, remember keep the lessons short, and be consistent.

(6) Come: Be sure to do this with a leash or long lead. First put him on the “Stay” command, use the word “Come” and give the leash a light tug toward you, when he responds a comes to you give him praise and or a reward treat and repeat this lesson until your dog is responsive to the command, then you can remove the leash or lead and repeat the lesson. This is one of the easiest lessons dogs learn very quickly. With all said and these simple, easy to follow training guidelines, you should have a long and happy relationship with your dog or puppy. Note: Never give up, be patient, consistent and always praise!!!! Love your dog like he loves you.

YOUR DOG

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

Author unknown:











By: WoodCreek Pet Products

About the Author:

Anyone who has ever started looking around for an animal to add to the family knows that getting a new pet can be very expensive, and it seems almost impossible to find a free pet. Many breeders ask for several hundred dollars, even for the smallest dogs or cats. Golden Retrievers are usually $700 to $800, Maine Coon cats can cost up to $900 or $1000, and rare exotic animals run much higher.

However, considering all of the pets in the world who are currently homeless, and are living in animal shelters without a loving family, it seems unreasonable and nonsensical to spend hundreds of dollars for a pet when there are so many who need to be saved.

While there are a number of animal rescue organizations and pet shelters around the country, there is only one resource which you should always start with, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Healthy Pets Aren’t Always Free

Before we examine why it’s best to start with the ASPCA, which does charge some fees for adopting and rescuing pets, it’s important to note that it is possible to find a free pet, if you are careful and follow a few important guidelines.

Searching through the classified ads in the newspaper or online classified ads like PetsAds or PetsClassifieds.us, you can locate listings for free pets that people are giving away. It’s critical to understand that most free pet ads are from people who are giving away their pets for the following reasons:



They are moving to a place that doesn’t take pets.

They can no longer afford to have a pet.

They found a stray, but can’t keep it.



These are usually well-meaning people, but keep in mind that if they have a pet that they can no longer afford to keep, the pet may not be 100% healthy. If you do decide to take the classified ad route, just remember that most of the things that the fees pay for at the ASPCA, you will have to pay for anyway – including all shots, medical checkups and neutering.

It is perfectly okay to find free pets on your own, just remember that pets are never “free”. You will need to pay for the up-front (and continuing) health care for the rest of it’s life.

ASPCA and Pet Adoption

The ASPCA is a wonderful organization that helps to promote animal shelters and rescue organizations that take excellent care of animals across the country. At the ASPCA Website, you can adopt and save homeless animals in the following ways:

Find a Shelter

By clicking on the “Find a Shelter” link, you are taken to a search page where you can search for local animal shelters by city and state. The ASPCA doesn’t technically endorse the shelters listed by this utility, but it provides the search function to animal lovers who need a resource to find local shelters.

This is a very comprehensive National Shelter Directory, and it is a service to help families with lots of love to offer to connect with animals that need the love. Buying a pet from a local shelter is essentially like getting a free pet, because the fees to adopt a pet cover many of the upfront medical costs you were incur if you’d picked up the animal as a stray or free from a classified ad. Animal shelters take care of the upfront health concerns, so that when you adopt a pet from a shelter, you can be certain that the animal is healthy and well cared for.

In addition, many shelters offer a unique incentive for people to have their pets properly neutered by offering a discount or refund for the procedure with local vets.

ASPCA Adoption Center

The ASPCA Adoption Center provides listings of hundreds of cats and dogs who need a home. The main page of the adoption center explains everything you will need in order to adopt a pet. This is good to read even if you aren’t going to the ASPCA, because most shelters require the same information. Things you will need if planning to adopt a pet:

· Two forms of identification with your address on it (at least one picture ID)

· Two personal references who can be reached by phone

· Proof of vaccination for the pets that you already own.

· Proof of income

While this may seem excessive to some people, it’s important to understand that there are a lot of people out there who would not think twice about harming or being cruel to animals. The job of the ASPCA and all animal shelters across the country, is to protect animals from cruelty, and to make sure that animals are placed in homes where they have the best chances of being as loved and cared for as they deserve to be.

The benefits of adopting through the ASPCA (many animal shelters offer these same benefits):



14 days of free follow-up vet care

A leash, collar, and pet carrier to help bring the animal home

Educational literature about pet behavior and pet care

Free spay/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and registration, all provided as part of the adoption fee.





Obviously, the only good option for finding a free pet is going through the ASPCA, or through a local animal shelter. This will ensure that you are getting a healthy pet, and you can feel good about doing your part to save an animal from a live without a home, and without love.

Support Animal Rescue Efforts With a Portrait

When you adopt your new pet, show people how much you love your new furry friend by having a pet portrait done by professional artist Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. She will accept photos through the mail of pets, and then create stunning portraits from those pictures. Pet portraits are ideal because they can be done from a photo (as apposed to getting the pet to “pose” at a studio.)

The great thing about Nikky is that she’s a pet lover herself, and this is reflected in how she runs her business. Nikki donates 5% of every commission to an animal rescue foundation. This is a wonderful way that you can help to support the cause of animal rescue – and receiving a stunning portrait of your new pet in the process.



By: Nikky Hughes: Pet Portraits

About the Author:

During the terrible destruction of hurricane Katrina and other storms over the past year, thousands of animals were separated from their families during evacuation efforts. This was either because evacuations are set up primarily to save the lives of humans, not their pets. Secondly, even if families evacuated on their own and could have brought their pets, many might not have been able to find them during the chaos of natural disasters.

In response to this important need to reunite families with their pets, Petfinder.com and the Maddie Fund formed the Animal Emergency Response Network (AERN). According to the AERN website, 3,200 animals caught in the destruction of hurricanes Katrina and Rita were united with their families, or were relocated to new homes, thanks to the AERN database.

What is Petfinder.com?

Any organization that would do such wonderful work to save animals across the country deserves recognition. So what is Petfinder.com? Petfinder is a wonderful service that provides an online database of animals across the North American continent which need a home. It includes, and is supported by, over 10,000 animal shelters and adoptive organizations. Petfinder essentially serves as a central database for the country’s lonely and homeless pets, and a wonderful method for families who have loving homes for such pets to easily find a perfect pet that would fit into the family.

Surprisingly (because the website is so professionally done, and the operation is so well managed), Petfinder is a non-profit organization that consists of professionals and members of the public who volunteer their time to update and maintain this database. This is proof that there are some very good people out there.

How Does the Petfinder Database Work?

The Petfinder database provides searches through thousands of pet listings using various criteria including:



Animal

Breed

Age

Size

Gender

Location



And an advanced search section provides searches based on:



Animal type and breed

Age

Pets with a certain name

Only particular pets such as special needs, declawed, or only those recommended for children.



The results will return the name (if appropriate), the breed, gender, and even a photo. Clicking on the link will take you to the shelter or rescue organization which listed it.

A Pet Portrait Featuring Your Pet’s Name

If you are an organization considering listing a pet, one very unique way to provide an image of the pet that will really get noticed is to have a portrait done of the pet’s photo. Not only would this attract a great deal of attention, but you could also offer the portrait as a bonus to the lucky family who takes this animal back to a loving home. Pet portraits are sweeping the country as a very popular form of recognizing how pets mean to families.

The best pet portraits in the country are created by artist Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. She will accept photos through the mail of pets, and then create stunning portraits from those pictures. Pet portraits are ideal because they can be done from a photo (as apposed to getting the pet to “pose” at a studio.)

Other Options at Petfinder

Petfinder provides other great services at their website, including a monthly newsletter that you can receive monthly. Just click the “Sigh up today!” button on the lower left part of the web page. There is also a search box to find Animal Welfare groups in your local area. There is an online library where you can learn more about the various breeds, a section where you can learn how you can personally volunteer locally to help pets, a training section with dog and cat training videos, lost and found pet classifieds, a blog and forum community, a shop where you can find animal-oriented gear, and even a “fun” section for kids where there are free Ecards and some fun games.

Petfinder isn’t only a website where you can go to find a pet, it’s a place that does a great service for communities across the continent, and it’s also a website you can go just to spend some time and take part in activities that are available for animal lovers from around the world.



By: Nikky Hughes: Pet Portraits

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Most people are familiar with healthcare insurance for themselves and their family but what about their pets? Animal cover is a new idea in insurance to help cover the four-legged members of the family.

Granted, your workplace may not cover the insurance but it is very valuable to have in case your mammal becomes sick. Routine veterinary care may not be expensive but if your mammal was to become sick or injured, costs could quickly mount up and be beyond your ability to repay. The old adage of “better to be safe than sorry” is very true when it comes to insurance.

It is better to have it and not need it than to find yourself with a sick animal and no way of paying the vet bills. Most people are unaware or inexperienced when it comes to mammal cover but this article will cover some of the basics when it comes to what to expect in it.

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is healthcare insurance for your pet. Primarily this insurance is taken out by dog and cat owners. Really expensive pets can be insured for their value. Chances are that if you can afford a $500,000 horse, you can pay for the veterinary bills out of your own checking account.

Pet insurance is used by those who would not be able to afford if their pets became seriously ill and required extensive care. It is a way to manage veterinary costs in the same manner as normal healthcare coverage.

Is there a co-pay or deductible?

Just as you pay a deductible for your own health insurance, pet insurance also has a deductible. But it is a significant amount lower. Most pet insurance deductibles are $50.00 per accident category.

Pet insurance does not work in the same manner as typical healthcare insurance. At the time of the vet visit you will pay for the entire amount and then fill out a claim form that is then submitted to the pet insurance carrier.

The carrier will pay you a set amount for that procedure. The costs allowed per procedure vary and only the insurance company can determine what percentage you will have to pay after the deductible.

How much out of pocket will I be expected to pay if my pet needs surgery?

Unfortunately the downside to pet insurance is that you will have to pay for the entire amount out of your pocket before the cover company pays you a portion back. When you take your animal in for surgery you will need to take along a claim form that the veterinarian will complete.

After completing the form and filling out the claim information, along with attaching copies of the receipts and invoices, you will mail or fax the information to the insurance. After reviewing the information the cover company will mail out a check for the amount of the procedure they cover.

Some veterinary clinics will make payment arrangements with you in case of an emergency. If you have a long history of good payments to your vet, you can discuss this at a visit.

Chances are high that he or she can work with you. The ultimate goal of both you and the vet is a healthy and safe animal.

Is there a limit on what my pet insurance will pay out?

Yes, there is a limit on how much of the procedure is covered by the insurance company. This amount varies depending on which cover plan you select, what your deductible is and how much the actual procedure runs. When you sign up for pet insurance the company will provide you with a list of procedures they cover along with how much per procedure is covered.

Can I buy my pet’s medications online and then be reimbursed for the expense by the insurance company?

All FDA approved medications will be reimbursed. All you have to do is include the receipt from your purchase of the medication, fill out a claim form and submit the information to the insurance company. The insurance company can provide you with the allowed amounts they pay for medications.



By: MIKE SELVON

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