Pets

2006-12-30T12:44:00.000-05:00

1. Are there any size or weight restrictions on dogs within
your condominium or community? Many won't allow dogs over 30-pounds.

2. Do you keep your home very warm? Some dogs are bothered by warm room temperatures. A Chihuahua would be a better choice than Shih Tzu in that case.

3. How much dog can you lift? A Pug is a happy-go-lucky companion but may weigh 18-pounds while a Yorkshire Terrier usually doesn't exceed 7-pounds.

4. How much grooming can you do? If arthritis is a problem, avoid longhaired breeds such as Pekingese or Maltese and look at short, smooth-haired dogs such as Toy Manchester
Terrier. Beautiful coats are beautiful because they're groomed daily.

5. How much exercise does the dog need? Any Terrier is a high-energy dog requiring outdoor exercise. On the other hand, an English Toy Spaniel or Japanese Chin can get all the exercise they need inside an apartment.

6. Is the breed's temperament a good match with you? Some people find Toy Poodles too challenging and would do better with the sweet-tempered Papillon.

7. Are you prepared for the costs of dog ownership? The bare minimum estimate for dog ownership is $1 a day.

8. Can you acquire pet insurance? Many companies offer group rates to their employees and retirees.

9. Would being a "foster" owner satisfy your need for canine companionship? Even if you don't want to take a dog
into your home, shelters always need people who can walk and play with the dogs or provide temporary housing.

10. Finally, have you considered what happens to your dog if you can't care for him? Toy breeds often live 15-years
or longer. Be sure to include instructions in your will on
how your pet should be placed.

With a little forethought and planning, you can select the right breed of dog for your lifestyle and enjoy many happy
years together.

Former dog breed and all-round dog
person, Louise Louis now operates
a website, toybreeds.com dedicated to
helping people select the best small
dog breed for their lifestyle.

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2006-12-29T11:37:00.000-05:00

"THE DOGS WHO GREW ME: A Tribute to the Six Dogs Who Taught Me What Really Matters in Life," by Ann Pregosin, is the winner of the 2002 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. Given by the Dog Writers Association of America at their annual banquet on February 9th, 2003, the award recognizes the work that best highlights the special bond between people and their treasured pets.

"We are pleased to announce the winner of this important award. The competition for the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award is very stiff and typically draws more entries than any other DWAA special award," said DWAA contest chairperson Liz Palika. "THE DOGS WHO GREW ME is a lovely tribute to several dogs who taught the author valuable life lessons while giving her unconditional love. It provides a unique look at how, over time, the companionship of some special canines helped a sensitive young girl become a writer, wife and mother."

THE DOGS WHO GREW ME, released by Capital Books in May 2002, is Ann Pregosin's memoir of a life lived with dogs and the invaluable lessons she learned from living with five distinct breeds of dogs. From love, devotion, and grace, to the value of living life to the fullest, the lessons are seemingly simple but ultimately profound. They are also lessons about perseverance, the foibles of excessive rigidity and self-defeating aggression, developing patience, welcoming joy, birth and motherhood, the gift of good health, the adjustments to be made as youth gives way to age, how death must be accepted as part of life, and how essential it is to really live the life that came before.

Merial, the sponsor of the award, is the world's leading animal health company, with products such as HEARTGARD and FRONTLINE . "When it comes to the bond between people and animals, few are so straightforward, so natural, so unconditional. It's books like this that bring to life the importance of the human animal bond. At Merial, we believe that when we improve the health of animals, we improve the lives of people too," said Nalini Saligram, Ph.D., Director of Corporate Communications for Merial.

For more information or an interview with Ann Pregosin, please contact Jennifer Hughes,
703-661-1533 or jennifer@booksintl.com

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2006-12-28T11:36:00.000-05:00

If dogs were teachers we would all learn a great deal about life, love, and work including the internet.

I received a simple e-mail message from one of my online friends recently that pointed out some of the traits of dogs which are positive. admirable, and worthy of imitation.

For example: Dogs always run to greet you when you come home and they are happy to see you. No questions about where you have been or why you were late. They are just very happy that you are home.

They are great at knowing when to take a nap or on warm days they know when to stop and lie back in the grass and relax.

One of our Poms that we had was good at reminding me when it was time for a break from the computer by jumping up on my leg for some attention.

On hot days, they drink lots of water and find a nice shade tree to get under.

When they are happy, they just dance around and wag their entire bodies.

No matter how often they are scolded, they don't bear grudges...they just run right back and make friends.

Most dogs will avoid biting when a simple growl will do. ( Could this be applied to some people's over-reaction to spam messages ?)

Dogs like to run, romp and play daily, and yet they can find delight in the simple joy of a long walk with you.

They can eat with a great deal of gusto and enthusiasm, but stop when they have had enough.

They are loyal.

They never pretend to be something that they are not. ( gurrrus...maybe ?)

If they want something and it lies buried, they simply dig until they find it.

When someone is having a bad day, they can be silent, sit close by and nuzzle gently.

Well, wouldn't life online and off be simpler and better for all if we adopted many of the qualities that we find in our dogs ?

Hoping that you have a GRRREAT day !

Best of luck in your online efforts .

Larry Johnson, Author

Article may be reprinted with permission by including the following resource box:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Larry is the editor of BIZ SITE BIZ E-ZINE, a Free weekly business promotion newsletter full of timely tips, original
"How-To" articles, resources, quotes and humor. http://www.BizSiteBiz.com/ Come on down and join us as we discover better ways to market and promote on the internet ! Subscribe by e-mail: mailto:BizSiteBiz-on@mail-list.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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2006-12-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cincinnati, OH via PR Web Direct) August 26, 2004 -- Now that the kids are back in school, it's time for the dogs to go, too. Offering training solutions for every dog owner, Cincinnati Canines announces its grand opening.

"There are many reasons that people hire a dog trainer," explains Erin Campbell, owner of Cincinnati Canines. "Positive training strengthens the bond between owner and dog, and helps solve many common problems. A good dog trainer can help you with things such as destructive behavior, pulling on the leash, barking, jumping on people, and problems with housebreaking. Plus, daily training sessions are a great outlet for excess energy, and will help dogs become well-behaved, safe, and valued family members."

"Group classes are very popular because dogs and their owners interact with each other in a fun, social setting," she notes. "There are small and large groups, and there are puppy groups, which take advantage of the best time to influence a dog's behavior and are a great place for young dogs to learn social skills."

For people who prefer individual attention, Cincinnati Canines offers customized private lessons, which are also ideal for those with unusual problems. There is also a month-long board and train program for busy people or owners who would like their dog to receive training while they are out of town.

Cincinnati Canines is conveniently located minutes from the Route 4 exit of I-275. For more information please visit www.cincinnaticanines.com or contact Cincinnati Canines direct to schedule your appointment at 513-841-BARK (2275).

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Erin Campbell
Cincinnati Canines
513-841-2275
http://www.CincinnatiCanines.com

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2006-12-25T07:15:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder why dogs make such good pets? It's not something many people seem to give much thought to, but I've been pondering it lately. I've had cats, snakes, fish, even a bird once, but as pets they all compare unfavorably (in my humble opinion) to playful puppy dogs. But why? It's not like those other species don't have their good points as pets.

I've concluded that the main reason that dogs make better pets is a simple one, although it's not one that most people ever really think about. They show their need for us, openly and honestly. They don't hold anything back. Most other animals tend to be aloof and sometimes downright arrogant at times. Cats come to mind.

I realize that my reasoning involves a certain amount of anthropomorphism (applying human traits to non-humans), but that's my point! I think we can't help but be more attracted to dogs precisely because they appeal to us in human terms. They're loyal, loving, needy, funny, always nice to us, etc. And I think the best pets are those who fulfill those kinds of needs we all have.

And it doesn't matter if you prefer small dog breeds like a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire Terrier, or a larger breed like Golden Retrievers or Rottweilers. I've had dogs as pets in all shapes and sizes, and they invariably exhibit the wonderful traits we all crave. There's nothing quite like coming home from a long day and being met at the door by a wagging tail and happy disposition. Know what I mean? Dogs are simply the best friends we can ever know!

Just some food for thought�

John Schwartz is the owner and webmaster of http://puppies-dogs-supplies.com. He lives in East Texas with his wife, Shannon, who owns a dog rescue 'no kill' shelter.

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2006-12-24T05:05:00.000-05:00

When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's Abundance. The "best food for dogs" are not all created equal.....................

WHY SWITCH TO LIFE'S ABUNDANCE PREMIUM HEALTH FOODS?

Although the maximum life span of our dogs and cats is estimated to be about 25 to 30 years, the average pet lives only approximately 13 to 14 years!

NUTRITION IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR

After all, you are what you eat!

Take a few moments to check your pet food label

Does your pet food contain the following ingredients:

Corn or Wheat

If 2 or more cereals like corn and wheat are among the first 7 ingredients on your label, your pet may not be getting the animal protein it needs to thrive.

By-Products

Animal necks, feet, underveloped eggs, intestines and beaks. Although a comman practice, would you knowingly feed these to your pet?

Chemical Preservatives

BHA, BHT or ethoxquin are considered by many professionals to be harmful to animals.

Life's Abundance Premium Health Foods are formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks

Dr. Bicks is a highly respected and nationally recognized authority on the natural treatment of animals. She is the author of three books on pet care and nutrition and is the recipient of three Presidential Citations.

Dr. Bicks has served on professional boards including the Cornell Feline Health Center. She served as the President of the Veterinary Medical Association in New York and was appointed by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to help start the largest animal shelter in the U.S.

Quality Food + Daily Supplementation = Optimal Nutrition

About the Author

I am Lori Matthews from New Jersey. I have done much research on pet food and the ingredients. I know that it so important what our pets eat. Nutrition affects their everyday life. For more information please visit www.Premium4Pets.com.
zpoopy@aol.com

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2006-12-22T03:09:00.000-05:00

When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I often turn to the family dogs, Frazier (9) and Jake (4), and see the likelihood of a learned origin. My parents' characteristic anxiety has effectively seeped into both dogs' personas.

My mother and father are both card-carrying neurotics with drastically different sensibilities. The former engages in an overt style of panic characterized by covering her eyes when our car seems close to hitting another car that's three hundred yards down the road. The latter is more of a concealer; I would cite one of his quirks in this sentence, but the ensuing disownment would be harsh.

Frazier, a beige mix of Bichon and Poodle, arrived in our home when I was in the ninth grade. For the first few months, he struck us as an emotionally balanced individual, but it wasn't long before the wide, glassy eyes and quivering lower lip set in. Like his human siblings before him, he experienced separation anxiety in the absence of his parents. Unlike his human siblings, Frazier saw it fit to pace around the unoccupied house for hours, howling to the ceiling and holding his paw against his beating heart. Such behavior, though unquestionably neurotic, was at least grounded in recognizable childhood symptomology. It wasn't until the arrival of Jake, during Frazier's fifth year, that Frazier experienced a full-fledged nervous breakdown.

Given the instability of Frazier's ego, the appearance of Jake--an energetic full-blooded poodle with black hair and a trim gray beard--was emotionally catastrophic. When he wasn't lying on his stomach leering into the abyss, Frazier went as far as to commit acts of physical violence upon his younger brother. We knew not to be fooled by the innocent look in Frazier's eye when his leash somehow ended up around Jake's neck.

Jake, who entered our home as somewhat of a free spirit, was oblivious to Frazier's brooding melancholy. He ran and played with the best of them. He developed a flourishing social identity among the locals. However, it wasn't long before the torch of neurosis was passed onto Jake. From whose hands or paws the torch came is difficult to determine, but genetic theories strike me as inadmissible.

Jake's inaugural phobia was a fear of vacuum cleaners. We have various vacuums in our home, and Jake's fear of each is proportional to its size and volume. When the biggest vacuum is about to be used, Jake requires an explicit and descriptive monologue preparing him for what is to come. The monologue is best performed with the speaker's hand firmly applied to the top of Jake's head. We've found that with the aid of such verbal reassurances, Jake's anxiety in the presence of the vacuum cleaners has decreased by 3 or 4 percent.

By now, we're pleased to announce that Frazier has overcome his initial aversion to Jake. Not only do they dine together frequently, but they've also come to display the sincerest form of love in our family: they worry about one another. When Jake's out jogging in the backyard and Frazier's sobbing from the window, his tears run rich with affection.

About the Author

Eric Shapiro is the author of "Short of a Picnic," a collection of fictional stories about people living with mental disorders.
shortofapicnic@aol.com

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2006-12-21T02:58:00.000-05:00

About the Author

Eric Shapiro is the author of "Short of a Picnic," a collection of fictional stories about people living with mental disorders.
shortofapicnic@aol.com

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2006-12-20T02:37:00.000-05:00

About the Author

Eric Shapiro is the author of "Short of a Picnic," a collection of fictional stories about people living with mental disorders.
shortofapicnic@aol.com

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2006-12-19T02:12:00.000-05:00

(August 14, 2002�Kanab, Utah) Abused Maui Dogs Ready for Adoption.

Boomer, Hank, Keiki, and Girlie are delighting in mainland living after being rescued from appalling living conditions on Maui. These four poi (mixed-breed) dogs spend their days romping in the pool, rolling in the dirt, and getting attention from Dogtown staff and volunteers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.

Animal lovers were shocked when 82 dogs and 14 cats were found in Tim and Jean Bermudez' small Haiku, Maui home. Most of the animals were in poor health and one of the dogs was dead after being attacked by others. Of the 96 animals taken from the home, 89 were destroyed. The couple now faces 85 counts of animal cruelty.

Four of the dogs were relocated to Best Friends and now live in custom-designed octagons with indoor/outdoor access, shade, a small wading pool and open running areas. Although they will always have a home at the 350-acre sanctuary, these Maui transplants aren't out to pasture. The Best Friends staff has been preparing the Maui pooches for adoption.

Dogtown staffer Curtis Burgoyne, 34, feeds, medicates, and socializes the Maui dogs. "Hank's bonded with me and he follows me everywhere," said the longtime Utah resident. "He's gained a few pounds, but I'm not saying how many," Burgoyne joked. "He's definitely getting more confident." Burgoyne says Hank has someone ready to adopt him.

The dogs are regularly checked by the veterinarian, walked by staff and volunteers, and even taken home by volunteers on "sleep-overs" to help them get adapted to human living. "At some point, we'll put them on the web site or take them to adoption events in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas," said Burgoyne.

Through their adoption network, 82% of the dogs that arrived at Best Friends in 2001 were placed into good homes.

"When we first get dogs from traumatic situations, they just need time to become dogs again," said Michael Mountain, President of Best Friends. "After that, we will inevitably find a person who is just right for the dog. It might take some time, but we seem to always find a match."

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2006-12-18T00:38:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles, CA February 19, 2004--Dogs Against Bush is accepting dog photos to feature on the Dogs Against Bush website. Dogs Against Bush is a satirical political site launched in early 2004 by 440films|fourfourzero.net. People [and dogs opposed to the reelection of George Bush are invited to submit dog photos for inclusion on the website. Submission guidelines and contact information are posted on site at http://dogshatebush.com .

No tinsel. No fireworks. No presents. Just dogs. . . Against Bush.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Max Adams
http://dogshatebush.com

* Dogs Against Bush is owned and operated by 440films|fourfourzero.net. 440films is a California corporation.

* The political views on Dogs Against Bush absolutely represent the political views held by the owners, designers, contributors, and creators of the site.

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Submit Your Article

2006-12-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RESEARCH SHOWS DIANE WHIPPLE DOG MAULING COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED

West Palm Beach, FL, March 21, 2002 - Diane Whipple is just one of over four million Americans who were bitten by dogs last year, leading to over twenty deaths. "Death by dog attack" is an increasing problem in the United States, with devastating consequences and no apparent humane solution, until now.

Wouldn't you feel safer if you could prevent unexpected dog attacks on your loved ones? While control over dogs doesn't have to take years, it does take a "Miracle." Ramona Redmond, an Animal Behavior Therapist who has been treating problems in animals for over 20 years, has developed a breakthrough technique called "Miracle Methods" that has drastically changed the way dogs interact with people. It is a unique and highly effective approach to rehabilitating a dog, which creates positive results for the dog and his caring owner. "Dogs that have true leaders in their life will never bite," says Redmond. "A lot of people don't realize that loving your dog without combining that love with discipline can actually create aggression."

According to Redmond, "If your dog has the nerve to growl, bare teeth, or snap at you or anyone, grab the scruff of his neck with power, take him to the ground in silence, and don't let go until he stops. This assertive body language does not inflict pain, but rather teaches the dog (in his language) never to show people or other animals gestures of dominance or aggression. If you address the negative behavior with enough speed and strength, the dog will understand, and it will cure his dominance and aggression." Although it may sound harsh, Redmond shows her clients that these methods only strengthen the bond between dog and owner.

Redmond's innovative techniques have helped thousands of dogs with major behavioral problems. By using these "Miracle Methods" we can help reduce the incidence of dog attacks and build a better relationship with our pets. In order to handle the flood of requests for a "Miracle," Redmond has put together a $40 instructional video demonstrating her successful techniques. The requests for her products are pouring into her business Miracle Methods, 2711 Vandiver Drive #110, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 684-1854, http://www.miraclemethods.com

"The kindest and most correct way to raise our dogs is to learn their language -- body language," says Ramona. "Miracle Methods" teaches you how to raise a happy, secure, non-aggressive dog, using both discipline and compassion."

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2006-12-15T23:16:00.000-05:00

"Dear Kilroy is a heart-warming look at the emotional and spiritual attachment that we have with our dogs. What we learn from them is so much more important than what we teach them. Thank you, Kilroy, for showing us that every day can be a celebration if we would just live for the moment." � David Frei, author of The Angel by My Side and spokesperson for the American Kennel Club.

Dulles, VA August, 2003 -- Kilroy is a yellow Labrador retriever. He started life as a potential guide dog for the blind, but when he was dropped from the program, he was adopted by Nora Vitz Harrison's sister Alice and became a treasured friend and companion. Nora, a puppy raiser with Guide Dogs for the Blind, shares Kilroy's story�and seventeen other heartwarming and inspirational tales� in DEAR KILROY: A Dog to Guide Us.

Capital Books released the hardcover gift book June 26th.
"Over the years, I have met hundreds of dogs. Guide pups. Working guides. Adopted-from-the-shelter mutts," Harrison says. "Each one has changed someone's life. Every dog has a story. Now, someday has arrived for writing down some of those stories."

DEAR KILROY, a collection of inspirational stories, photographs, and imaginary canine correspondence, celebrates the magical relationship between people and dogs. The book's true-life stories follow a few special dogs, and the human lives they change. As the dogs in these stories strive to fulfill their potential�whether to become a guide for the visually impaired or to become the best, most-trusted pet of someone in need�they teach us all how to become better human beings.
"Some of the best teachers in this world have four legs and bark," Harrison says. "Dogs help us make friends, transcend tragedies, grieve the loss of loved ones and just plain enjoy life."

"When my sister, Alice, adopted Kilroy as a pet after his �failure' in the guide dog program, I was reminded that success takes many forms," she continues. "The love he brought to her life eased her through a very difficult time�the dissolution of her 18-year marriage. Kilroy �failed' as a guide dog, but he succeeded in changing Alice's life for the better. He became her guide as she made her journey from grief to new happiness." Other stories in DEAR KILROY feature Jessie, who brought joy back into the life of Nora's father, and the trials and triumphs of puppy raisers for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

DEAR KILROY is a 6 x 6 hardcover, containing 30 duotone photos. A percentage of royalties from sales of book benefit service-dog schools and animal-welfare organizations.

Nora Vitz Harrison is a volunteer puppy-raising leader for Guide Dogs for the Blind and active in animal-welfare organizations. She has been a writer for corporate America since 1979. Her human-interest essays have appeared in The Oregonian newspaper and other publications. She lives in Oregon with her husband and her dog, Riley. When she is not writing, she loves to hike which is Riley's favorite hobby, too.

"The author of this lovely book is well aware of that spot deep within us that sometimes only dogs can find. The dogs we meet in these stories touch that spot and make it glow."
�Betty White, actress and author

"A dog may be the only animal capable of flawless unconditional love. And it is in this simple, pure love, as expressed by our canine friends in these tales, that we find the perfect way to live."
�Jason Smith, Editor, Just Labs magazine

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2006-12-14T18:54:00.000-05:00

Here's a fascinating idea..

Having noticed that there always seemed to be many stray cats and dogs in his neighborhood, it occurred to a clever pet shop owner that he could use cheap animal collars and attach an advertising message to those potential 24 hour, walking "billboards".

He also dressed them up with animal "shirts" that had his web site address printed all over them.
After unleashing about 30 four legged "salesmen" into his unsuspecting neighborhood, he struck advertising gold when his local TV and radio stations noticed the unusual "phenomenon" of "uniformed" animals. This got him thousands of dollars worth of mass media advertising almost totally free.

Imagine the media coverage you could get if this idea was used on a bigger scale, perhaps trying to break a Guinness World Record!

Terence Tan is the founder of MLAP.net, a project dedicated towards the development of Multi Level Affiliate Programs as an alternative system of business.
Visit http://mlap.net to learn how MLAPs can multiply your affiliate referral commissions.

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2006-12-13T18:11:00.000-05:00

"The Dog Guys" - Armand "The Hound" Rabuttinio, "World's Fastest Dog Trainer," Guinness Book Of World Records (1984-92) and Rich
"The Barker" Parker, founder of Just Dogs have produced the first music CD collection of its kind for Dogs, the first major technological
dog training and entertainment advancement of the 21st century.

Just Dogs Favorite Melodies: 2010 is used for training & entertainment. A 20 page manual for use is included. Considered for a Grammy
nomination in the year 2000.

Just Dogs Holiday Favorites: 2000 has a unique yuletide sound. This music will put any pooch in the Holiday Spirit.

Just Dogs Touching Tunes: 2001 is a compilation of new age music that includes a fully illustrated 20 page touch therapy manual.

Each CD was produced to enhance the relationship & deepen the bond between dog & owner.

Armand Rabuttinio and Rich Parker are available for interviews anytime. To learn more about the Just Dogs Records music CD collection
for dogs and to review appearances on television, radio and newspaper stories log onto to www.justdogs.com

CONTACT INFO:
Just Dogs Records
Rich Parker or Armand Rabuttinio
106 E Amosland Rd
Norwood, PA 19074
USA
Phone: 610-583-9767
Rich@justdogs.com
http://www.justdogs.com

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2006-12-12T17:51:00.000-05:00

RALEIGH, NC � August 2002 � 74% of dog owners feel their dogs are more like children or family members than pets according to the 2000 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey. The team behind MyDogandMe.com not only understands this sentiment, but they also agree. That is why they are pleased to introduce an affordable opportunity for dog lovers everywhere to celebrate the unbreakable bond between humans and canines by offering hand-painted, custom oil portraits of dogs with "their" people inspired by favorite family photographs.

Ordering is fast, fun and completely user friendly. Logon to www.MyDogandMe.com and complete their straightforward order process in minutes. Choose your portrait size and background, describe you and your four-legged best friend's special characteristics and personality traits, and upload your photos -- all online! Mail-in orders are also welcome.

A MyDogandMe.com custom oil portrait is truly the most original product on the market for dog lovers. Nowhere else will you find the high standards of quality and beauty, artistic mastery, low prices, quick turnaround and dedicated client service professionals that MyDogandMe.com boasts.

"I was speechless when I saw the portrait," says Officer Danny Gooch of the Durham, NC Police Department upon seeing the MyDogandMe.com portrait of him and K9 Officer Duke. "Duke and I are a team. We work together everyday trying to serve and save lives. This portrait shows us as a team and even after his days are gone, Duke's memory will live on. Beyond our partnership, this portrait shows our love for each other too. I really thank you."

MyDogandMe.com is committed to providing Animal Non-Profits everywhere a vehicle to raise funds that provides ongoing income without the need to invest resources. That is why they have initiated their Animal Non-Profit Partnership Program. 20% of portrait sales generated from an Animal Non-Profit's website or newsletter will be donated directly back to that organization.

MyDogandMe.com stands behind every piece of art that bears there name with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. They are members of the BBB Online Reliability Program and use the latest technology for secure online shopping provided by Thawte SSL. Portrait prices begin at $295.

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2006-12-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

Black Dog Bakery treats are all natural, free of preservatives, colors, chemicals, additives or sugar. These wonderful new treat products will please not only the loving dog owner for their price and healthful content, but dogs actually love them! Because these treats are flavorful and fresh, dogs know the difference from other commercial prodcucts containing preservatives and addititives. Each order is baked fresh upon request and shipped immediately to awaiting loyal dogs! www.blackdogbakery.com

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2006-12-10T17:22:00.000-05:00

This article briefly tries to address myths surrounding different breeds of dogs.
There are SO many stereotypes about SO many different breeds of the domestic dog. I would like to clear some of them up. First, I will start with a very well known breed called the American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, for short. They are Very widely known as viscous killers. In some states they are illegal to own, in some countries, you must keep them chained, harnessed, and muzzled at all times when in public, and they must be spayed/neutered. Why? Because people in the 1800s thought dog fighting an exciting sport. The Pit Bull was created solely for Dog Fighting; for fighting, often to the death, with another animal (sometimes multiple animals) because people liked to watch this.

A Pit Bull is a cross between many different fighting dogs, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the now extinct fighting Bulldog to create the "Ultimate Killing Machine" in the fighting pit. A terrier's speed and wits, combined with a bulldog's strength and jaws makes a potentially deadly animal. Because the Pit Bull was bred to be mean, and bred to be pit fighters for so long, every member of the breed today has the potential to be a danger to society. Then again, any breed of animal from any species is a potential danger to society. If an animal has teeth, claws, hooves, even just a tail, it can cause harm.

Pit Bulls, when in the right hands from early on, can make wonderful pets, as well as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German shepherds, English Mastiffs, Bull Mastiffs and other large breeds "known" for being nasty and mean tempered. I've owned at least one of every breed mentioned, and I never had problems.

Now, those breeds and many more CAN be good pets, but in the Right Hands. They may not be the pet for you and only certain qualified people should be able to own one of these magnificent animals, to help prevent more attacks made by dogs that were trained to be mean or beaten. Remember, don't go solely by a breed stereotype or the way the animal looks. Poodles sure look cute, don't they? Poodles; toys, miniatures, and standards, are more likely to bite your ankles than a Rottweiler is.

English Mastiffs are big ... their teeth and jaws are large and powerful ... but that doesn't mean they're going to use them on you. Seeing an English Mastiff, more commonly known as just the Mastiff, is pretty uncommon, as they are one of the largest breeds in the world. They need experienced and strong masters, and need to be handled sensibly. Because of their size, they could easily overpower a smaller person, and can be stubborn when it comes to obedience. Despite their look and size, they are loving family dogs. Mastiffs existed in Great Britain 2,000 years ago, and were exported to Rome as Military and fighting dogs. They require a lot of room to run and eat a lot, so if you live in an apartment in the city and have little money to spare after your own needs are met, I wouldn't recommend a Mastiff.

Bullmastiffs are pretty much the same way. Though smaller than the Mastiff, they still require experienced handlers. The Bullmastiff is faster, and more active than the Mastiff. The males, especially when left intact are more likely to be aloof of strangers and may be troublesome with other (male) dogs. The foundation stock of the Bullmastiff is said to be 60% Mastiff and 40% bulldog ... produced to act as a gamekeeper's assistant, with the ability to chase and immobilize poachers/intruders, without killing them. As a guard dog, this breed is equal to the Rottweiler, but tends to be overly protective of its human family and resistant to obedience training.

German Shepherds, due to being a very popular breed, have been poorly bred in recent years, causing arthritis of the joints, eye disease, gastrointestinal disease, and other medical problems to occur in a majority of the population. Nervousness, fearfulness, timidity, and aggression to other dogs as well as other behavioral problems have become common in the breed. When bred carefully, however, German Shepherds are a wonderful breed ... calm, reliable, responsive, and obedient pets.

Doberman Pinschers,(Dobermans) are affectionately referred to as "Dobies" by their owners. This elegant, often affectionate breed is a result of the purposeful breeding of the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, Manchester Terrier, English Greyhound, and Weimaraner to create a speedy guard and military dog. They are fast and intelligent, but because of unscrupulous breeding and misrepresentation, the reputation of these obedient, alert and resourceful companion and service dogs, has gone bad. Nervousness and fear biting can occur in some individuals but a good breeder will ensure that his/her dogs are neither shy nor vicious. They are often times not very friendly when it comes to other dogs, so early socialization is a must. An unfortunate and serious problem in Dobermans is heart disease. They are good working and companion dogs, but, as with any dog, it is not recommended that they be left alone with small children or animals.

Now to the Rottweiler, which is currently one of the most popular breed in the US. Yet another breed suffering from poor breeding, more and more behavioral problems have shown up in this magnificent breed. Aggression towards humans as well as other dogs has become an increasing problem with Rottweiler, they are a strong-willed, intelligent breed that should only go to dedicated, active owners. They are great guard and family dogs, aloof of strangers and protective of their territory, but can't get enough attention. They are very strong and need a lot of exercise. There are two 'types' of Rottweiler, the German Rottweiler and what's known as the American Rottweiler, which are different mainly in appearance. The German Rottweiler has a slightly heavier build, thicker necks, bigger heads with shorter, broader muzzles, smaller feet and ears, usually the same height as the average American Rottweiler, but weighs Aprox. 15-20 pounds more. The Am. Rottweiler is taller for their weight than the German breeds. The American Rottweiler has the exact same brown on black pattern, but are of a slimmer build, longer legs, with bigger feet, a longer but not overly so or pointed muzzle, they have longer ears and their tails, I find, are usually docked shorter.

I have had problems with the American Rottweilers in more recent times. Americans, I find, have a tendency to be more aggressive with other dogs and strangers. All Rottweilers, considered American or German, are, in fact, German. Bred in Germany as a cattle drover and guard dog. The Rottweilers protected herds of cattle and took them to town, it is said the farmers had them wear heavy spiked collars to protect them in fights and that after the cows had been sold, the money was put in a small box, which was then tied to the dog's neck for safekeeping.

****Myths****

Here are two common myths for you: "My dog will turn on me if I feed him raw meat." This is NOT TRUE, and highly unlikely even if you are feeding your dog YOUR OWN flesh. In fact, for most dogs, raw meat is good for them, and an occasional bone purchased at the grocery store with raw meat on it, it a very tasty treat. Some dogs can get snappy, though, and possessive of the meat or bone, which you have to watch out for. More information about Food Aggression can be seen at the bottom of the page. When you reach down to pick the bone up off the floor and your dog growls at you, let it know that is NOT acceptable behavior, but don't put yourself in a situation where you may be bit. Don't hit the dog, talk soothingly to get it to stop growling, and slowly, very slowly, pick up the bone, or, don't, and just stand up (slowly). But, don't mistake a play growl or "talking" with threatening behavior, a deep, rumbling growl mixed with short, medium pitched yips is most likely a warning, but when it just sounds like a little kid saying "RRRRRRRR," they are most likely playing. My Rottweiler, Cain, growl/barks and dances when he wants my attention, some people would think it is aggressive behavior but most just think he's a nut case. Also, some dogs will smile at you when they are happy or excited by lifting their upper lip and exposing their teeth, and if you watch closely, they most likely also hold back their ears and wag their tail so vigorously their whole body shakes.

"Cats and Dogs are Born Enemies." This isn't always true, I've had cats that think themselves to be dogs, and dogs that don't know exactly what they are (human or cat?). As I said on the first page, every animal has its own personality, meaning it has its likes and dislikes. Some cats will love all dogs, some cats will dislike all dogs, some cats will like some and not like others, and visa versa.Visit http://venturemall.tripod.com for pet supplies and articles.

About the Author

Ajay Patole is a qualified management professional working as sales manager and runs a site 'Venturemall',a cool hangout to play money games,buy and sell in auctions,date and photochat.It is available at URL http://venturemall.tripod.com and newsletter to rediscover true colors of life at http://www.topica.com/lists/venturemall.Also he runs a community 'Venturecon', for entrepreneurs which is available at URL http://groups.msn.com/venturecon.

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2006-12-09T17:21:00.000-05:00

March 25 2004--
Myth #1: A mold inspection done by a mold-sniffing dog is less expensive than one from a certified toxic mold inspector.

Fact: A mold dog inspection typically costs approximately $400 - although I hear now that some mold sniffing dog handlers are giving away their services for free (makes you wonder where they make their money, doesn't it?). We charge $195 to do an inspection. You're going to have to pay $205 more to have a dog come through your home and sniff for mold than what you'd pay to have a professional inspection performed by The Mold Consultants.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), which is an organization that provides standards to the environmental industry, "At places where the dog marks a microbial odor, samples must be taken for a microbial analysis". Read that quote again!

You could pay $400 to have a dog come into your home to sniff around, or you could pay $195 for a certified and professional inspection by The Mold Consultant, and then either way -- someone is going to take samples to send to a laboratory for analysis!!!

The Mold Consultants, LLC charges significantly less than $400 to perform a home mold inspection. If the mold sniffing dog finds mold, and you follow ASHRAE recommendations and take samples, then you are probably not saving any money by hiring the mold sniffing dog to do the inspection in the first place. In fact, you will probably pay more money because either way, someone needs to do sampling.

Myth #2: The dogs nose and olefactory capabilities are cutting-edge technology.

Fact: Who are the people making these claims trying to kid here? The "Nose" is cutting-edge technology ..."'? Oh really? We hope that the people who hire a mold sniffing dog and risk their health, and the health of their loved ones, on that dog, make sure the dog did not have a runny nose the day of the mold-sniff that would affect it's "mold sniffing" ability, and thus throw a wrench in the cutting-edge technology of the dogs olefactory capabilities.

Myth #3: Mold sniffing dogs are proven and trusted.

Fact: We agree (to a limited extent) with this statement, in all of its wonderful simplicity. However, consider this. First, dogs can sniff out ONLY certain specific odors that they are trained to sniff out. In other words, a dog trained to sniff out bombs cannot sniff out drugs. Dogs trained to sniff out drugs cannot be trained to sniff out mold.

And, sometimes, dogs trained to sniff out drugs, fail in that .. as well do dogs sometimes fail to sniff out bombs. In fact, a report aired on the CBS television show "60 Minutes" showed an international expert on the use of dogs to sniff out things like bombs and drugs is fraught with error.

And, as noted below, mold sniffing dogs are only trained to sniff out 18 or 19 toxic species of molds, where there are well over a hundred!

There are tens of thousands of species of mold (counting both the toxic *and* non-toxic ones) that we know about, with each mold having a different chemical/biological composition, and consequently a different odor. Of these, well over a hundred are considered toxic. Plus, literally thousands more species of mold are identified every year. It is quite impossible for any dog to be trained to sniff out all of the existing species of mold, much less the species of mold that are toxic. According to literature from a company that trains and sells these dogs, the dogs are trained to sniff for 18 or 19 different species of mold -- well less than the actual number of molds containing toxins.

Read this again please. Of the well over a hundred different species of toxic mold that we know about, at best, a mold sniffing dog is only trained to sniff for 18 or 19 of these ... leaving the remaining 80+ to go completely undetected. A human inspector sample will not let even a single one of these species of mold go undetected!

Also, when dogs are used to sniff out bombs and drugs, the best they do is to indicate the "possibility" of bombs or drugs. No arrests can be made because a dog sniffs drugs. In other words, a drug or bomb sniffing dog will indicate the "possibility" of a presence of drugs or a bomb, but a follow-up inspection by a human always follows. As was discussed in the previous section, using a mold sniffing dog to indicate the presence of mold will very well end up costing you more money than if you hire a certified toxic mold inspector to do the job in the first place. In most cases, it certainly costs you more money to have the dog come in your home than it costs to have a certified professional, and it potentially could cost you even more if the dog false-alerts, or worse, doesn't alert on a species of mold that is toxic, but which the dog hasn't been trained to sniff.

Myth #4: Dogs are honest.

Fact: Again, I think it is valuable that you read what the television show 60 Minutes had to say about this. Have a look here (http://www.mold-consultants.com/60minutes.php) to read verbatim what this highly respected television show had to say about this.

Dogs are only as honest as they are trained to be, and, dogs make mistakes. Here is a mold sniffing dog horror story we were told that you might find interesting. A mold sniffing dog was hired by a homeowner. When the dog was sniffing the home of the homeowner, he was not able to detect the presence of mold. The homeowner became irate at the thought of paying $400 for a mold-sniff inspection when there was no mold found. To deal with this situation, the dog handler went to his van and rubbed his finger over a patch of moldy carpet that he had sealed in a bag (we suspect because of the preperation that went into this scam that the dog handler had dealt with this situation before). Then, when he came back into the house, and out of site from the homeowner, he rubbed his mold-laden finger over an area of a wall. Then, when the homeowner was present, he brought the dog back in the room and sure enough, the dog alerted the handler to the mold that was placed on the wall. Sure, the dog was honest in this situation, but the handler was not!

Now, we are not saying that only mold sniffing dogs handlers can commit fraud. Certainly, a human Certified Mold Inspector is also capable of committing fraud. The point here is that humans, whether they have invested in a mold-sniffing dog or invested in professional training and certification, are both capable of fraud.

Myth #5: You get greater peace of mind when Fido sniffs for mold. Research supports that if the dog alerts to mold, there's a high statistical probability you should investigate further. If the dog doesn't find mold, you can know with greater certainty that your home, office or school is safe from mold.

Fact: Re-read this statement carefully. First, IF the dog finds mold, and according to ASHRAE standards discussed previously, samples still MUST be taken to properly identify the mold and determine its concentration. Therefore, you save nothing by having the dog sniff for mold, and actually probably end up paying more money. So, you don't actually receive greater peace of mind if the dog sniffs mold. In fact, you will probably have concerns at this point and until you get it sampled because you will know that you probably do have mold, but you won't know what genus or concentration. Second, you will never know with definate certainty whether or not you have a problem with mold in your home as a result of a mold sniffing dog. As you will read on this page, there is NO WAY a mold sniffing dog can give you this level of certainty. However, a professional inspection by a certified inspector will give you certainty about the safety of your home, office, or school in regards to mold. He will write a report, and will stand behind the report. With a mold-sniffing dog inspection, you will get a report, but it will probably include countless disclaimers that free the handler from any liability as a result of a faulty mold-sniff.

Myth #6: Mold sniffing dogs are effective problem solvers. For Realtors concerned about escrow timelines, Mold sniffing Dogs can quickly and more accurately inspect a home, which gives both parties the feedback they need to quickly and effectively resolve issues.

Fact: The only way this claim can be true is if the mold sniffing dog does not alert on any mold. However, if the mold sniffing dog does alert on mold, and since this should trigger sampling, there is no time saved from a mold sniffing dog or an inspection by a Certified Mold Inspector.

Almost all Home Inspectors are trained to look for mold in the process of their inspection. If they see what they think could be mold, they will document this in their report and recommend an inspection by a certified mold inspector. Also, mold sniffing dogs do not have the ability (or a limited ability at best) to sniff for mold in an attic -- they aren't trained to walk on the wood roof rafters and the larger mold sniffing dogs would drop through the ceiling when they stepped on the drywall of the ceiling. Attics are one of the more common places where mold is found, and if a Realtor relies on a mold sniffing dog that only does a partial job of sniffing for mold, then that Realtor is probably not doing as good of a job as he/she could to protect the interests of the client.

Additionally, here are some additional relevant pieces of information pertinent to your decision to hire a mold sniffing dog, or a professional, certified inspector, to properly test and assess the mold issue(s) in your home ...

Distractions: If you have indoor pets, the odor given from these animals frequently distract the mold sniffing dog.

Differentiation: Mold sniffing dogs cannot differentiate one genus of mold from the other. The only thing they know how to do is to "alert" on the 18 - 19 genus of mold that they are trained to alert on. Therefore, a positive indication for mold by a mold sniffing dog cannot be used determine how toxic the mold is, or even the genus of mold. Also, you have absolutely no assurance whatsoever that your residence is free from toxic mold because a mold-sniffing dog does not alert when it is in your home.

Counting Of Spores: Mold sniffing dogs cannot count spores. The concentration of mold that you have is critically important to determine the potential for harm to you and your pets, as well as to accurately describe the correct procedure to follow to clean-up the mold. Of course this will all change when the people who sell these beasts of burden train them to also tap their paws on the ground -- once for each spore that they sniff.

Baseline: One of the things all certified mold inspectors do when they sample a house for mold is to take an outdoor sample to determine a baseline for the mold genus and spore counts found inside the home. This is important to determine if a certain genus and concentration of mold found inside the house is significant and noteworthy, relative to what is found naturally occuring outside. Since the mold sniffing dogs do not have the ability to do this, you are at best left with an incomplete, and probably inaccurate portrayal of the quality of the indoor air at the home, unless the mold sniffing dogs handler takes an air sample.

Analysis: One of the critical components to a mold inspection performed by a certified mold inspector is the interpretation of the lab results received from the samples taken. Without this analysis, the homeowner has no way of knowing what the mold issues in their home mean to them and their health.

Protocol: Another critical component of the service provided by most certified mold inspectors, including The Mold Consultants, is the preparation of a Protocol. A Protocol is a document that describes the steps to follow to remove the mold from the home and improve the indoor air quality to acceptable levels. Without a Protocol, most homeowners do not know what to do to clean-up the mold in their homes. Mold sniffing dogs cannot prepare a Protocol and therefore you lose out. Many "handlers" of these mold sniffing canines are not trained or certified to write Protocols. Therefore, "IF" mold is found by a mold sniffing dog, you will probably not receive a "Protocol" that describes what to do to clean it up.

Animal Cruelty: The people that sell and use mold sniffing dogs are missing a simple, yet cruel fact: They may very well be exposing their dogs to toxic mold many times a day, and therefore risking the life of the animal. In a recent conversation I had with a mold sniffing dog owner who was busy trying to recoup his $13,000 investment in the dog by charging $400 per home visit (not counting sample costs), I was told that dogs are immune to the toxins in mold. BUNK! The fact is that toxic mold is toxic to pets, as well as humans. Take a look at the $20 million lawsuit filed by Ed McMahon over the death of his dog, in which he ultimately received a nice cash settlement. The people that sell and use mold sniffing dogs liken the benefit and effectiveness of the dogs to the dogs that are used by bomb squads and drug enforcement agents, when in reality, there is a fundamental difference here. The bomb sniffing and drug sniffing dogs are not inhaling toxins that could cause nerve and tissue damage. It is our understanding that the ASPCA and PETA are both looking into the ethical considerations of placing mans best friend in harms way by training them to sniff for toxic mold.

Additionally, it is valuable to consider what one of the nations leading experts has to say about dogs trained to sniff for toxic or dangerous substances.

Larry Myers is a professor in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and one of the country's leading experts on canine detection. A doctor of veterinary medicine as well as a doctor of physiology, he's appeared as a witness both for the prosecution and the defense in hundreds of criminal trials across the country and has been interviewed by numerous national publications such as Popular Science and most recently on television's "60 Minutes." In 1989, Myers founded the Auburn Canine Research Institute, originally known as the Institute for Biological Detection Systems and one of the nation's leading developers of canine detection technology. The institute conducts research at Auburn University, and trains dogs, handlers, trainers and program managers for government agencies at a center in Anniston, Ala. No longer associated with that the institute, Myers is researching ways dogs can be used besides uncovering drugs and explosives.

Here are some direct quotes from Larry Myers, as reported in the February 2004 issue of Jewish World Review, which can be seen here (http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0204/sniffers.asp). Remember, these are the quotes from an international expert ...

"Dental tartar can have an effect, (on a dogs ability to sniff mold) ". "

Dogs get allergies. They get colds. (meaning when the dogs has a allergy or cold, their olefactory capabilities are diminished) "

"A dog's sense of smell is not forever,"

"A variety of diseases can destroy the sense of smell."

Myers said that while he'd "bet my life" on certain dogs, he's not sure he'd want to bet on someone else's.

"We really don't know what a dog is picking up on when it alerts,"

"In many ways we're still dealing with a black box. It could be picking up on a lot of things"

" not all dogs are trained well"

"Poor handlers can cause a dog's accuracy rate of 85 percent to 95 percent to drop to about 60 percent."

"Dogs want rewards and so they will give false alerts to get them."

"Dogs lie."

Speaking of programs and schools that train dogs, Myers said "The best programs subtract from that score the number of false alerts, but many do not. They have no accurate measure of their dog's reliability."

He (Myers) said some programs are just in it for the money, but there are some good programs as well. "Some police departments train their own and do a very good job," he said.

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2006-12-08T16:57:00.000-05:00

August, 2003 -- The Mold Consultants, LLC has released an independent report analyzing the effectiveness and utility of "mold sniffing" dogs to perform environmental air quality assessments. This report cuts through the hype and emotional entanglements to disclose how mans-best-friend stacks up when doing toxic mold testing in buildings.

Homeowners are increasingly dealing with mold issues in their homes, and they're finding out that proper identification and remediation is costly. Further, as insurance companies usually deny coverage for mold claims, the homeowner is usually left to their own devices to try to figure out what to do. Since toxic mold inspections done by a professional mold inspection company can range from $95 to well over $1,500, minimizing the cost of mold identification motivates some homeowners to attempt to reduce this cost any way they can. Mold sniffing dogs have been marketed as a way to reduce the cost of a toxic mold inspection.

Popularized by recent media coverage of how these animals are being used to assist in the detection of mold, The Mold Consultants LLC investigated purchasing a mold sniffing dog as a tool to augment their existing toolset used in their business of providing indoor air quality assessments.

Said Jim J. Hobuss, Principal Consultant for The Mold Consultants, LLC, "Our business is growing rapidly, and we began hearing stories of how dogs were trained to detect mold, thus saving time and expense for the homeowner. Wanting to stay ahead of the competition, we wanted to see how effective these animals actually are, and, if they are really more economical and effective than traditional sampling technology.

So, we began a 60-hour analysis, looking into this issue. We wanted answers to a number of questions: How effective are these animals? Are they really more cost-efficient? Are they as thorough and accurate as a human-based inspection? Can the results be counted on as much as the results from a human-being performing a toxic mold inspection?"

The results of the analytical effort, tailored for the general consumer, is available in a free summarized report on the companies website. The URL to the report is: http://www.mold-consultants.com/sniffingdog.php.

"We feel it is important that people understand exactly what they are, and are not, getting when they consider hiring a dog to perform a toxic mold inspection. In many cases, their health is in question, and they need this sort of information to make an informed decision. The people selling the dogs to mold inspection companies won't tell you the limitations that are inherent with the dogs, and the people that work for the mold inspection companies that use dogs won't tell you about their limitations, for obvious reasons.

We at The Mold Consultants, LLC have broken down the hype and tell you exactly what the mold sniffing dogs can, and can't, do.

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2006-12-07T16:56:00.000-05:00

Cary, NC September 19, 2004 -- According to the Center for Disease control and prevention (http://www.cdc.gov) it is estimated that as of 2001 there were 67 million dogs in homes as pets. Each year there are almost 5 million reported dog bites. 800,000 victims require medical care with 400,000 of them being children. Statistics indicate 77% of reported dog bites involve the family dog. Children between the ages of 5-9 are the most common victims with a significantly higher percent being boys. (http://www.dogbitelaw.com)

As a canine behavior consultant I am contacted frequently about dog bites that happen while parents are not at home. Considering the rules for the dog while a Nanny or babysitter supervise the children is often overlooked. I hope to change this.

It is important that anyone caring for children in homes with dogs has an understanding of some basic canine body language and behavior. Learning the signs and signals dogs use to indicate stress or conflict help to decrease the risk of a dog bite.

The dynamics change whenever someone new is in the home. Kids act a bit differently and the dog may react to things differently as well. This is true also when new children come into the home to visit. Thinking and planning ahead about where the dog will be when kids friends visit or while the children are supervised by someone other then their parents is important. Management, obedience and constant supervision are just a few things that must be considered to decrease the risk of an unfortunate miscommunication between dogs and kids. Even good dogs may bite when they have reached their tolerance after other subtle communication fails. Learning how to prevent miscommunication between kids and dog is the way to keep everyone safe.

Family Paws offers Safety Paws for Nannies (http://www.familypaws.com/nanny-teleclass/ ) and child care providers to increase safety and fun between children and their family companions. Dogs are wonderful additions to families but we must remember that they are animals and communicate in their own way. Learning how to recognize the subtle signals of dogs and having a plan for what to do if they indicate stress can help create a safer bond and prevent heartache for all.

Want to begin learning now? Great! Go to http://www.familypaws.com/communication

Jennifer Shryock is a Canine behavior consultant in Cary, NC. She is the owner of Family Paws Canine behavior consulting services specializing in safe kid & k9 interaction. To learn more about Jennifer visit: http://www.familypaws.com/aboutus/about_jen.html

To learn more about our teleconference visit http://www.familypaws.com/ds-online/
Or contact us by phone at 919.961.1608

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2006-12-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs. You can and should do something about it. Overweight dogs may live shorter and less healthy lives and your enjoyment of their unconditional love and companionship may be shortened because of it.

Extra pounds place an excess burden on bones and joints and can make arthritis problems worse. Overweight dogs are less able to exercise and play comfortably and their breathing may be labored. Their bodies may be less able to resist infections, and they may be at greater risk for problems during surgery and anesthesia.

Potential health problems include: Joint or Locomotion Difficulties. Extra pounds add stress to joints, bones, ligaments and muscles. Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal disc disease and ruptures of joint ligaments may be caused or aggravated by obesity. Heart and Respiratory Disease. Excess fat tissue in the chest cavity and around the muscles of the heart can decrease the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Your dog's heart and lungs have to work harder to provide adequate oxygen and circulation. Diabetes. Just as in humans, diabetes is much more common in obese dogs. Liver Disease. Obese dogs are prone to liver disease. Heat Intolerance. The insulating properties of excessive fat make it harder for obese dogs to tolerate heat and they feel uncomfortable. Skin Problems. Obese dogs may have trouble grooming because the rolls of skin built up by fat deposits can often harbor dirt, bacteria and other harmful organisms. Gastrointestinal Disorders. Inflammation of the pancreas is frequently found in obese dogs. It is painful and can be life threatening.

How Dogs Become Overweight?

Dogs most always become overweight from lack of good exercise and from eating more food than they require. Food calories, which aren't burned during their daily activities, are stored as fat.

Overeating can result from greediness, boredom, or overfeeding. Feeding leftovers or giving frequent snacks or treats often contributes to excess weight problems.

Over-fed puppies tend to become overweight dogs. They also have a greater risk of developing orthopedic problems. Properly feed puppies will be less likely to suffer from weight problems later in life.

Occasionally, metabolic disorders can cause a dog to become overweight. But overfeeding and under exercising are much more common causes of excess weight. If your veterinarian suspects that a metabolic disorder is causing your dog to gain weight, he or she will test for that disorder and treat it accordingly.

How Can I Tell if My Dog is Overweight?

A quick check to determine whether your dog is overweight is to feel his ribs with the flat palm of your hand. If you have difficulty feeling his ribs, then your dog probably needs to lose weight.

Helping Your Dog Lose Weight.

Weight loss for most dogs involves increased exercise and eating food with fewer calories. It's generally easier to feed normal amounts of a low-calorie dog food than to feed much smaller amounts of his/her regular dog food. In addition, your dog will not feel as hungry when fed a normal amount of food

Dieting for Dogs.

Your vet will help set a weight goal for your dog and will recommend how much food he should eat each day. A special diet may also be prescribed. The food choice should be designed to satisfy your dog's appetite and provide him all the vitamins and minerals he needs while at the same time helping him to lose weight.

Your dog may need a gradual transition from the old to the new diet. So, you would feed him increasing amounts of the new diet while decreasing the amounts of the previous diet each day over several days until the transition is complete.

To help keep your dog from begging, feed him before your family eats, and keep him out of the room during your meal. It is also a good idea to feed overweight dogs at the same time as other pets to help prevent food stealing from their slimmer companions. Always provide plenty of clean, fresh drinking water.

Regular exercise, such as walks or runs, is good for most dogs because it increases the number of calories they burn. If your dog is old or in poor health, check with your vet before increasing exercise.

The time period your dog will require to lose weight depends upon how much weight he is required to lose. Your dog may need 8 to 14 weeks or longer to reach his target weight.

What Type of Dog Food is Good for Weight Control?

A dieting dog has special nutritional needs. His diet should be balanced with a proper ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. The diet should also provide a normal volume of food to satisfy his hunger and the food should also provide quality nutrients.

Weight loss plans don't need to include high levels of fiber. Fiber is not necessary for weight loss in pets, and in large amounts, it may have side effects such as increased feces and lack of interest in the food because of its poor taste.

We recommend Canine Zone � a revolutionary weight loss dog food based on Dr. Barry Sears' Zone Diet. Millions of people all over the world have improved their health and have lost weight on Dr. Barry Sears' Zone Diet. Now you can get your dog in "The Zone". Canine Zone is based on the Zone's 30-30-40 ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. This revolutionary new dog food will help your dog achieve a balance so his or her body can operate at its maximum efficiency while shedding unwanted pounds.

Always consult with your vet before you start a weight loss program for your dog.

About the Author

Bev Storer is a writer and researcher in the field of nutrition and nutritional supplements. To learn more about Canine Zone, go to http://www.dog-food-zone.com or e-mail her directly at info@dog-food-zone.com.

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2006-12-05T16:28:00.000-05:00

July 8, 2004 -- Is Your Dog an Angel in Disguise?

Has a dog performed an act of compassion, protection, healing, or courage? Have you had a miraculous or mystical experience with a dog? Submit your 1,000-word true story to the 2004 Angel Dogs Contest.

Allen and Linda Anderson, authors of God's Messengers: What Animals Teach Us about the Divine, offer this contest to honor the spiritual connection between humans and dogs and to find potential stories for publication in their upcoming book, Angel Dogs.

One grand prize of $250 will be awarded to the first-place winner. A second-place prize of $25.00 will be awarded to an additional five contestants. There is no entry fee. Submissions must be postmarked on or prior to December 15, 2004.

Complete contest rules and entry form are at http://www.angelanimals.net/awards.html

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2006-12-04T13:16:00.000-05:00

New York, NY June 7, 2004 -- A few lucky dogs awaiting adoption at the Humane Society will be looking better for their perspective new parents as a result of an on going training program. On Wednesday June 9th, 2004 from 3-6pm, Tomy Maugeri Dog Salons will be conducting a professional workshop for their staff to improve and enhance their skills. The young staff participants learn hands on skills while providing free grooming for some of
New York's homeless animals.

The workshop will take place at 450 East 81st Street, in Manhattan. " We love these events because it helps raise awareness of the needs of homeless animals and allows our pet care professionals to improve performance and focus." said Tomy Maugeri.

Media is invited to this event.

Tomy Maugeri was born in Brooklyn. Tomy worked four years as a vet tech before deciding to become a groomer. He is a 1992 graduate of the New York School of Dog Grooming. He has been grooming for more than 12 years. He has groomed celebrity pets both in the United States and in Rome, Italy. He has two shops in Manhattan, one on the Upper East Side and one on the Upper West Side. Today, he is considered one of the best groomers in the country.

Contact: Pete O'Neil 212-861-6700

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2006-12-03T13:04:00.000-05:00

Omaha, Nebraska September 27, 2004 -- Dogs for W was created by David Enarson, a 17 year old student from Omaha, Nebraska. It is an organization that sells �pro-Bush' products for dogs and dog owners.

Included in the Dogs for W branded merchandise is the dog t-shirt, t-shirt, mug, flying disc, sticker, bumper sticker, button, and magnet. These products are sold online via the Dogs for W online store powered by CafePress.com. Dog owners are encouraged to purchase these products to show their support for the President in his re-election campaign.

Dogs for W will donate a portion of every sale to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund. This fund "honors the bravery and dedication exhibited by Americans in our armed forces who have sacrificed life and limb by providing educational scholarships to their children." More information regarding this fund can be obtained via their website at: http://www.freedomalliance.org

The goal of Dogs for W is not merely to sell aptly themed political merchandise. Dogs for W as an organization hopes to encourage support of the President in his re-election campaign and also encourage participation in the election. More information about Dogs for W can be found at: http://www.dogsforw.com. Dogs for W products can be purchased at the Dogs for W website or at: http://www.cafepress.com/dogsforw

About David Enarson
David Enarson, age 17, is a resident of Omaha, Nebraska. He has a combined interest in business and technology. He started Dogs for W after watching the Republican National Convention with his dog, Bliss. Dogs for W is Enarson's second entrepreneurial endeavor. He started Varibyte, a website development firm and Palm OS software company, in 2002. Since its establishment, Enarson has worked to grow the business; acquiring new clients and expanding the software product line.

About Dogs for W
Dogs for W is an organization that supports President Bush and the Republican party. It is composed of dog owners who support the President in his re-election campaign. Canines are loyal animals and it is important to parallel that same loyalty in supporting the President.

Contact:
Dogs for W
David Enarson
5421 Nicholas Street
Omaha, NE 68132
(336) 408-8924

Legal
All brands and product names are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.

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2006-12-02T13:04:00.000-05:00

Immediate Release: January 24, 2003 Reno NV

Has the weather gone to the dogs?

One website say it most certainly has gone to dogs, cats etc..!

www.petweather.com The only website dedicated to weather forecasting for pets says yes.

The site features a search option for weather conditions in a specific area, along with articles that educate pet owners on how to care for pets in various types of weather.

The site was developed by Amanda Sanchez an abc television weather anchor at KOLO Television in Reno, Nevada, and animal activist, making Sanchez the first weather forecaster for pets. Sanchez knew there was a need and wanted people to understand that just because an animal has fur does not mean they can survive certain temperatures. Sanchez was surprised at the thousands of visitors the site has seen since its launch in December 2002.

"People all over the country have emailed me to ask what climates are best for their pets and how to protect them from harsh enviornments". The information on the site could save the life of a pet just by educating its owner of weather related conditions in their area" says Sanchez.

It's a fact that weather and pet related websites are among the most searched for on the internet. This may be the reason it has pet lovers ready for pet forecasting.

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2006-12-01T13:02:00.000-05:00

SEATTLE, WA. June 4, 2003 � ARRFificials and top dogs (Mocha, Chuck & Una) here at Three Dog Bakery, the bakery for dogs, today declared a national HOWLiday for dogs. Friday, June 27th will be "Free PupCake Day," in celebration of dogs everywhere. On that day, Three Dog Bakeries across the nation, including Seattle's Three Dog Bakery across from Pike's Public Market, will give a free PupCake to every customer, with no pawchase required. Thousands of all-natural, fresh-baked PupCakes will be given away on that day. "This is our version of a customer appreciation event," said Three Dog Bakery Owner Randy Randolph. "It's simply another way for us to celebrate the dogs in our community, and to thank them � and their owners/guardians � for letting us be a part of their lives," said Randolph.

In addition to giving away thousands of PupCakes on June 27th, Three Dog Bakery in Seattle will be holding a fundraiser for Seattle Animal Shelter's Help the Animal Fund. All donations will go directly to the care and feeding of animals.

PupCakes are fresh-baked on site at the bakeries, produced with whole wheat flour and decorated with a luscious honey-flavored icing. They look and smell like cup cakes for humans, except they contain no sugar, salt, chocolate, or artificial food colorings or preservatives. All natural and wholesome - just like dogs!

Founded in 1989, Three Dog Bakery is the world's original bakery for dogs. The Company's mission is to fresh-bake the tastiest, most-wholesome dog food and treats on the planet and get them to as many dogs as possible. Each of the more than 20 Three Dog Bakeries in the U. S., Canada and Japan is independently owned and operated. Seattle is home to the world's second Three Dog Bakery, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary

In addition to baking all-natural dog food and an array of wholesome treats for dogs, specializing in Birthday cakes for dogs, the bakery also hosts several animal-welfare groups each month for public education on their group and animal adoptions,

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Submit Your Article

2006-11-30T13:01:00.000-05:00

------------------------------------------------------------
Free Publicity With Dogs, Cats, and Rats
------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a fascinating idea.. Having noticed that there always
seemed to be many stray cats and dogs in his neighborhood, it
occurred to a clever pet shop owner that he could use cheap
animal collars and attach an advertising message to those
potential 24 hour, walking "billboards". He also dressed them up
with animal "shirts" that had his web site address printed all
over them.

After unleashing about 30 four legged "salesmen" into his
unsuspecting neighborhood, he struck advertising gold when his
local TV and radio stations noticed the unusual "phenomenon" of
"uniformed" animals. This got him thousands of dollars worth of
mass media advertising almost totally free.

Imagine the media coverage you could get if this idea was used on
a bigger scale, perhaps trying to break a Guinness World Record!

For More Unusual Web Traffic Generation Ideas,
Visit http://www.hugevoice.com or send blank email to:
mailto:subscribe@hugevoice.com
Terence Tan
Editor, Hugevoice.com

Please feel free to use this article in your website, ezine or
e- book. I ask,though, that you reproduce it in its entirety and
without alteration, including the resouce information above.
Copyright 2002 Terence Tan. All Rights Reserved.

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2006-11-29T12:18:00.000-05:00

------------------------------------------------------------
Free Publicity With Dogs, Cats, and Rats
------------------------------------------------------------

Imagine the media coverage you could get if this idea was used on
a bigger scale, perhaps trying to break a Guinness World Record!

For More Unusual Web Traffic Generation Ideas,
Visit http://www.hugevoice.com or send blank email to:
mailto:subscribe@hugevoice.com
Terence Tan
Editor, Hugevoice.com

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2006-11-28T12:15:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES, CA July 3, 2004 -- Petey is a personal trainer, motivational speaker, etiquette expert� and an author. He's also a dog. And in the illustrated children's picture book, FOREVER FRIENDS (ISBN # 1-931290-54-7, smallfellow press) he helps Skip, his young owner, with the day-to-day obstacles of home, school and social life.

This month he'll also help youngsters in Los Angeles and Pasadena, courtesy of a new literacy trend called Reading to Dogs � where real therapy canines lend their ears to young readers in need of eager, non-judgmental listeners.

FOREVER FRIENDS, by clinical psychologist Barbara S. Cohen, is fast becoming the number one choice amongst four-legged (and two-legged) bookworms across the country. Narrated by Petey, the story depicts the special relationship between him and his best friend, Skip. "He has a hard time waking up for school, so I help him out a little," Petey says as he climbs into bed to lick Skip's face.

Children involved in the after-school program, Barks & Books, in Pasadena will have the chance to read Petey's saga to pups at the Pasadena Public Library on July 8.

On July 10 at 1 p.m. author Barbara Cohen will read and sign books at Storyopolis, 116 N Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. After the signing, children will read to and play with various animals provided by the non-profit organization, Kids-n-Pets, a group that teaches children positive life skills through the humane training of animals. Pet adoptions will also be available. For more details call Storyopolis at (310) 358-2500.

For additional information, or to book appearances by the author, contact Claudia Sloan at Tallfellow Press.

Tallfellow Press is an eclectic publisher located in Los Angeles. Its predecessor, Price Stern Sloan, is best known for the popular word game, "Mad Libs," the ever-true "Murphy's Law," the melodious "Wee Sing" and many other unique books for children.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Claudia Sloan
Tallfellow Press
(310) 203-3837
(310) 203-3893 fax
http://www.tallfellow.com

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2006-11-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

SPOT, a San Francisco based company, today announced what the company believes is a revolutionary new way to carry your pet: the Pet Transport. Offered in two popular, trendy colors: olive and orange, the Pet Transport is a pocketed canvas bag unique for it's clean, modern lines;
truly unisex design and comfort for the pet and their guardian. The bag is lined with EVA (the same soft, durable material in the inside of your tennis shoes), keeping your beloved pet comfortable. SPOT's Pet Transport is an over-the-shoulder or messenger style bag, enabling the
guardian to carry their pet hands free! Other features include: a middle collar clip which provides your pet more freedom and security; exterior pockets for storage, a drawstring mesh top, and a hip design that doesn't even look like a traditional pet carrier! The Pet Transport accommodates pets up to approx. 12 pounds. With SPOT's Pet Transport, you are able to take your four-legged
friend almost anywhere! The company is offering the Pet
Transport at an MSRP of $75.

SPOT designs and manufactures hip gear for the modern dog (and their human guardians too). It
was founded on the premise that dogs deserve hip gear just as much as their stylish guardians.
Style + Comfort + Affordable = SPOT. Our furry children (Miki and Kobe) rigorously test all of our
products before they are launched. SPOT products are available at select boutiques across the
US, Canada and Australia

Contact SPOTsf toll free at 877.531.4591 or visit www.SPOTsf.com to get a full view of our
product line.

Contact Information:
Marietta Bernstein
marietta@SPOTsf.com
877.531.4591 phone+fax.

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2006-11-26T11:52:00.000-05:00

Our products are specially manufactured for today's dogs. The Well'ard Strips are made in England, by a recognised football shirt manufacturer. They are made from a lightweight, cotton/polyester honeycomb material, attached around the neck and belly with Velcro fastening, ensuring comfort and ease for you and your dog! We also sell canine football accessories, dog bowls etc.

There is also a humorous side to the site with 'Readers Wives', where dogs send in pics of their lady friends and a problem page with 'Ask Doggie Adams'�'He's a hit with the bitches'.

The company, FootballFangs.com is run by two friends Gordon James Wild Flynn and Tracey Moira Davies who came across the idea at about 2am on News Years Day. Say no more!

It has taken approximately 3 months from foetus to Bulldog.

Initial market research and response shows that this will be the �Rubik's Cube' the �Nodding Dog' the �Little football kit in the back of the car window' of 2002, with World cup fever just around the corner.

Please direct any questions to either Tracey or Gordon on 020 77788220 or via email press@footballfangs.com

FootballFangs.com

Active House,51 Cloth Fair,

London EC1A 7JQ

http://www.footballfangs.com

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2006-11-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

Williamsburg, VA November 3, 2003 �- Fashion-savvy outfitter for dogs and cats, RuffN'It, combines high style with community outreach and education. Proprietor, Shelly Kwiatkouski puts a decade of experience as a retail executive to work as the founder of a web-based business balancing principles with profits. RuffN'It hopes to provide high quality options for the health, comfort, and vogue of family pets.

RuffN'It had its humble beginnings when Kwiatkouski volunteered at a local no-kill animal sanctuary. Before long she was working for them full-time and fostering animals. Then she adopted India, a five-month-old Labrador Retriever and Pitbull mix who was brought to the sanctuary after being abandoned in a nearby campground. "What I wanted was an old dog � a couch potato," says Kwiatkouski, but she soon found that her new companion was not only full of puppy energy, India was also dog-aggressive. Kwiatkouski says that India's "issues" forced her to educate herself. "Everywhere I went [with her, everyone had opinions� I wanted real answers."

A year-and-a-half later, Kwiatkouski's family has expanded to include Chile, a Boston Terrier and Chihuahua mix. Together, India and Chile, and the dozens of dogs that Kwiatkouski fostered and helped to place are the inspiration for RuffN-It.

RuffN'It's centerpiece is its exclusive line of dog jackets, inspired by current trends in the human fashion world. Kwiatkouski designs the jackets herself, choosing high quality fabrics and attending to such details as searching out the perfect buttons or stitching to enhance style. Jackets are sized to fit dogs up to forty pounds and there is enough variety for every season and puppy personality; from city chic faux-fur and pleather, to trendy camouflage or demure �50's retro. But the online retailer offers much more than it's current twenty-three styles of dog threads. RuffN'It strives to be a source to satisfy all manner of pet needs ranging from canine and feline first aid kits, airline approved carriers and books recommended by the top dog training organizations, to such luxuries as sofas, feather beds and jewelry.

RuffN'It is more than an online pet store, Kwiatkouski is committed to the education of animal lovers about pet care, and inspiring active participation in community shelters and animal welfare programs. The RuffN'It website donates ten percent of profits to The Milo Foundation (www.MiloFoundation.org), the no-kill shelter that started it all for Kwiatkouski. It also maintains a resource page for up-to-date information about caring for sick pets, animal testing, adoption services, pet food options, animal rights, training, and a number of other topics. RuffN'It provides a number of links as well, with the aim of community involvement, education, and support of animal protection groups.

Kwiatkouski is currently working with retailers to get her fashions into stores, and on November tenth, Pampered Puppy will feature RuffN'It in its monthly e-newsletter (which can be viewed at www.pamperedpuppy.com). But while companies from as far as Australia have offers on the table, currently the jackets are available exclusively at the RuffN'It.com website where folks can find the products and information to care for their beloved pets.
Contact Information: Shelly Kwiatkouski, RuffN-It,
1-866-350-RUFF, http://www.RuffN-It.com ;



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2006-11-24T11:14:00.000-05:00

http://www.dogmcuk.com doggie fashion with an english accent
Halloween is nigh on upon us, why should we have all that dressing-up fun! What about our pooches, do they not deserve the chance to sparkle or scare? That's why those hounds at Footballfangs.com have done it again! This time, in the guise of canine fashion designers, dog mcuk. Launching in time for Halloween, Pumpkin, Witch and Devil costumes are available for all dog sizes. Other clothes include, trendy T-shirts, angel outfits, fake furcoats and even little booties are all available from the online shop at http://www.dogmcuk.com.

There is even a weekly diary from Tara Barker-Pupkinson, dog mcuk's fashion expert and pup-about-town.

Gordon Wild Flynn and Tracey Davies from Footballfangs.com said �there was an obvious gap in the market for trendy outfits for the dogs of today. After our success with Well'Ard strips � the original football kits for dogs, our clientele proved that people are nuts about their pets. A large majority of our customers were interested in other doggie fashions but had found them difficult to locate. That's why, with our love of dogs, and the sense to have them well dressed, we came up with dog mcuk - doggie fashion with an english accent. Canine fashion is a big thing in the States, and our product research proved valuable. All of the fashions are especially made for all sizes of dogs, and comfort is an important feature in all of our clothes. The range will be constantly updated to keep in with fashion.

For more information on dog mcuk, see our website http://www.dogmcuk.com or direct any questions to either Gordon or Tracey on 020 77788220 or via email press@dogmcuk.com

Dog mcuk.com
FootballFangs.com Ltd.
Active House,
51 Cloth Fair,
London EC1A 7JQ

http://www.dogmcuk.com

Thank you for your time.

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2006-11-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

White River Junction, VT June 22, 2004 -- Dehydration due to exercise and high temperature can lead to heat-related disorders, ranging from simple heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke and even death. Canine athletes in the field, such as pheasant hunting, need to be encouraged to consume a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink during and after a hunt. Performance is impaired when canine athletes are dehydrated.
The kidney plays a pivotal and essential role in maintaining hydration of the body, or body fluid homeostasis. Exercise has large, indirect effects on acute kidney function via altered blood flow and dehydration.
The clinical staff at the K9-Quencher Headquarters understands a dog's physical needs, and has designed a dog drink formula suited specifically for them. Research shows that dogs will drink more of a flavored beverage than plain water.
K9-Quencher is the Sport Drink for Dogs! Dogs love the taste, so they drink it even when they won't drink plain water. Water has no flavor, so it's challenging for most active dogs to drink enough to stay well hydrated.

http://www.K9-Quencher.com

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2006-11-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

Centerville, Ohio March 20, 2004 - Centerville's first doggy daycare, Club K-9 Doggy Daycare, Inc. will host an open house from 10 am-4 pm on Saturday, March 27 at 95 Compark Road.

Doggy daycare is often compared to a child's daycare center. Dogs are dropped off in the morning to enjoy a fun day playing with their friends and at the end of the day their dog mom's and dog dad's pick them up. At Club K-9 there is 6000 sq feet of indoor space to romp and 2000 sq. ft outdoors to enjoy the fresh air. Dogs play with tennis balls, bubbles and in the summer they can even hop in the baby pools for a little swim. When they need a break they can lounge on a toddler bed just their size and enjoy a nice belly rub. For the dogs that need to learn some puppy manners there are also dog training classes held evenings and weekends through Pawsitive Pet Solutions, LLC.

"There are many reasons that dog owners use doggy daycare," explains Christina Smart, owner of Club K-9 Doggy Daycare, Inc. "Many dog owners hate the thought of their dogs being home alone all day while they are at work. The dogs may become destructive or even show signs of separation anxiety. Doggy daycare is also a great place for young dogs to learn social skills and an outlet for their puppy energy. At Club K-9 we strive to fulfill the dogs social, mental, and physical needs through interaction with other dogs and people."

Club K-9 Doggy Daycare requires an evaluation prior to attending daycare and they also require health records showing the dogs are up to date on all vaccinations and a flea and heartworm control program. Dogs over 6 months must be spayed or neutered. Because Club K-9 is a cage-free environment each dog is evaluated to see if he will be able to play nicely with the other dogs.

Due to the safety requirements above, Club K-9 asks that pets do not attend the open house. Christina Smart will be on hand at the open house to give tours and answer questions. For further information on Club K-9 Doggy Daycare call 291-DOGS or visit www.clubk-9doggydaycare.com.

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2006-11-20T08:11:00.000-05:00

Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at war? It seems that they very often can.

We often hear people claim to be a "cat person" or a "dog person", but browsing through the various pet forums it appears that there are many of us that equally like both cats and dogs.

My son has a beautiful Border Collie who was the only pet of the house until she was five years old. Then three part Burmese kittens were brought into the family. Mollie the Collie and the kittens were introduced to each other slowly, and Mollie was taught that the kittens were not to be harassed. Naturally she was given extra doses of attention and affection, just to show her that the kittens were an addition to the family, and not a replacement for her.

As the kittens grew they soon learned to dominate the dog, after all they are felines and a canine must know its place, besides there are three of them. Often when Mollie is snoozing, or just reclining chilling out, one of the cats will just walk right over her, forgoing the niceties of walking around the dog. Mollie gives the impression that this behavior does not bother her, but sometimes a little sigh of exasperation is heard. Rarely do the cats take any interest in what is in the dog bowl, Mollie on the other hand, will quite often take a sniff of the cats lunch, and if one of the cats is close by it will give a warning hiss.

I don't think that it can be said that the cats and Mollie are great friends, they never appear to play together. They live together in a state of tolerance, rather than friendship, but the relationship works OK, my son's house is free of cat and dog fights.

But from reading the posts on the pet forums, many people report that their cat and dog are the best of buddies.

A lady writes that her Boxer and tabby curl up together on the sofa. Another post from an elderly gentleman reports that his Persian often hitches a ride on the back of his Labrador cross. There are many posts about cats and dogs being taken for walks together, stories of felines and canines being absolutely inseparable, even accounts of dogs pining for cats that have passed away.

All this does not imply that any old cat and dog can be thrown together and get on like a house on fire. Some dog breeds are unlikely to put up with sharing their home with a cat. Hounds and hunting dogs, for example may not be a wise choice. Also not all breeds of cat are sociable enough to live with another species of animal.

When introducing cats and dogs to each other do it slowly and make sure that you are in control. Never leave your pets without supervision while they are learning to get along with each other. Feeding your cat and dog in separate places, and at separate times is probably best until they are used to one another.

Remember that two or more dogs are likely to have a pack instinct, and could see a new kitten as prey. If yours is a multi-dog household and you are adding a cat to your pet family, make the introduction one dog at a time. Remember also that it is not only dogs that can hurt cats, frightened cats can inflict nasty scratches to inquisitive puppies and dogs, and a scratch on the puppy's eyes could be serious.

So can cats and dogs live together as friends? Yes, they can, it may take patience and perseverance on your part, but the result will be worth it

About the Author

Larry Chamberlain is the webmaster of www.best-cat-art.com and a lifelong cat lover. He lives in London England. Want to find that perfectCat Lover Gift?
catarticle@best-cat-art.com

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2006-11-18T07:46:00.000-05:00

From coast to coast, the Iron Dogs Training Camps are bringing dogs and their owners closer together and making life easier in the home.

The camps are all inclusive camps where everything is included. Lodging in locations that include some of the most beautiful setting in North America. Wonderful home-made style meals and plenty of it. Not to mention the training and dog activities that will be remember for years by not only the people, but the dogs.

The Iron Dogs Training Camps are held in six states: California, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Washington. Each camp is completely self-contained with modern facilities isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world outside. No televisions, no radios, and the only phone is usually locked away in the camp office. Even cell phone reception is a rarity.

The meals at the Iron Dogs Training Camps are always high in the ratings with hot food, and plenty of it. Each camp has its own unique flair that highlights the regional flavors of the location. The peach pie at the Georgia camp is indescribable. The BBQ of Texas is mouth watering. The fresh fruit and vegetables and salad bar prepared at the California camp is beyond great. No one goes away hungry.

The training and activities for the 3 days is non-stop. From sunrise to late into the night, the camper and his/her dog is on the move. Some of the activities include; Agility, Flyball, Tracking, Canine Frisbee, Canine Freestyle, Clicker Training, Canine First Aid, Canine Good Citizen Testing, Canine CPR, Canine Massage, Human Massage, Canine Communications, and the list goes on and on. The main "complaint" that is given is "too much to do!"

Information about the Iron Dogs Training Camp can be found at http://Iron-Dogs.com/camp. A video of the Georgia Camp can be viewed at http://CanineTV.com. Contact person is Andrew Mouser at 818-335-9889 or AndrewM@K9Sports.com

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2006-11-17T05:46:00.000-05:00