Puppies As Child Gifts during the Winter Holidays

For many this year Christmas brings the joy of getting together with family and friends to celebrate. And Parents and Grandparents are trying hard to make their child’s Christmas the best!!! And usually with gifts of toys, gift cards and puppies.  

Puppies are not meant to become gifts under the Christmas tree.  Don’t get me wrong, there are some families, but very few, that will actually keep the puppy they introduce to the family this Christmas. 

If you are familiar of what happens after Christmas day you would know that people return items they don’t want to the stores.  Tons of items go back through customer service desks.  But those are not the only unwanted gifts that get returned or tossed to the side.  Puppies are also on that “gift return” list.  People become discontent because they didn’t realize how much responsibility the puppy would be or that their child would become uninterested in the puppy.

So what happens to the puppy that was under the tree for Christmas?  That same puppy that was in a warm home, with a bow on its head is taken to the shelter or pushed to the side feeling unwanted. 

Please understand that a puppy is a LIFE with feelings, not just an object that stands still until you decide to move it. Let a child grow and have a passion for animals before you get a puppy that will become unwanted. The only exception is if you are an adult that has had a dog before and you know what it takes to care for one.  So if the child doesn’t want the dog then you can have your very own best friend.  

Pet Supplies Plus is a HIT in Concord, NC

I went to the new pet store in Concord today, Pets Supplies Plus. That's me in the blue sweater. The store has been having their Grand Opening Saturday, Dec. 8 & Sunday, Dec. 9. I enjoyed sniffing and playing with the dogs for adoption! And there were some wonderful ones!..... Like Storm, Nana, Gina and Ellie. The rescues I met were from Concord & Greater Cabarrus County and HS Cabarrus County Rescue. Hey, I'm for adoption too!

I also walked on leash while there looking at all the smell good dog treats( they had tons!!!), fun squeaky and chew toys, soft dog beds,
oH...and even the other animals .... fancy gold fish, fuzzy rabbits and different breed & colored birds! You should of seen the 11 year old dog that came out looking like royalty after he was groomed. 

The customer service was great and the store is very clean. I loved walking down the dog food isle!  There are isles just for cat food and isles just for dog food...and lots of it!!!  So chances are you'll find the one you're looking for. 

The store also has a rewards card for Preferred Pet Club members that includes a birthday reward coupon for customers who supply a birth date for their pet(s), up to 3 per household.

I had soooo much fun at Pets Supplies Plus...what an awesome NEW Place!!! You and your babies ought to check it out sometime!
BTW their address is: 1237 Concord Parkway North, Concord, NC in the Shoppes at Davidson Corner plaza with Harris Teeter. 

N.C. LOW COST Spay / Neuter THANKSGIVING SPECIAL!!!

Are you looking for a Low Cost way to have your pet spayed or neutered soon, but don't know a GREAT place to get it done?

Take advantage of the November THANKSGIVING SPECIAL at SPAY / NEUTER CHARLOTTE!!!

-Cats are $35.
-Dogs are $65.
Dogs that weigh 50 to 84 lbs pay an additional $15. 

Rabies vaccine is $10.
All animals must have their rabies vaccine up to date or receive it on the day of surgery. If your pet already has its rabies vaccine, just bring in the certificate the day of the surgery.

An E-Collar can be provided for your pet for only $10.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY or RESIDE IN CHARLOTTE!!!

Call 704-375-2009 to set up an appointment.
You can also choose to set it up through their online form.

Appointments fill up quick!

I personally had my dog fixed with their pitbull spay/neuter special in September and was I am very happy! My dog was sent home with meds and had NO complications at all! She is now healed up and has a spay tattoo. I'm also going to have another dog done there in November!

Their staff is very detailed, personable and orderly!
Check them out and give them a try! Information is right on their site.

http://SpayNeuterCharlotte.org
http://facebook.com/SpayNeuterCharlotte

3 Bonding Secrets To Dog Training

Tweet

Are you having trouble getting your dog to listen to what you want it to do? Do you find yourself becoming frustrated with training your dog to sit, calm down or go potty where you want it to?

There are 3 need to know Secrets for dog owners that most dog trainers don't teach. They will help create a lasting bond with you and your dog.  

When I was a teenage girl, I loved caring for stray animals.  People in the neighborhood saw what I was doing and started telling me about strays they saw and one person actually left a puppy on my doorstep one morning. Although I couldn't have pets in my home then, I had 2 cats that would stay around my home and greet me whenever I came outside.  

As I grew up, those who knew me would say I was the "animal lady" because I spent lots of time with animals and connected with them so closely.  I would take strays in, bathe them, feed them, and find them a place to stay.  

In the process of caring for animals, I learned 3 Bonding Secrets that no one can learn from a book.

Secret #1.  Connecting with an animal is not much different than spending time with a person you love.  What do we do to people we love?  We make sure they eat, give them what they need to be in a good environment and most of all, we show them that we love them.  The bonding love from an animal can be a very heart warming experience. Take heed though.  Animals are not DUMB. Most of your domestic animals, if you give them love, they give love back. But your ENERGY has to be right because they know a bluff.  

Secret #2. Animals do not want to be around negative energies.  Those are energies that mean to  harm them or approach them with the wrong attitude. So if you ever become frustrated with training or play time with your dog, take time out until you can come back to the situation.

Secret #3.  Its best to get an animal that matches your level of energy activity. And sometimes its not all about the breed of dog. If you like to go hiking and do lots of outdoor activities, then a high energy dog would be good for you.  On the other hand, if you are an average walker, then you need a dog that fits your lifestyle and that energy level. 

Please go share these 3 Secrets so more animals' lives can be happy.

5 Fun Things To Do With Your Dog While Staying Safe On Halloween

Tweet

Are you wondering what to do with your dog on Halloween? Well here are 5 things you will want to do after you read them!

Fun thing #1.

Put on Clothes, Hats and Wigs:

Do your kids like to put clothes on the dog? Well on Halloween let them have a ball! Maybe put on an outfit, a wig, hat, whatever fits your dog's fancy or funny bone!

Now if your dog is fussy and doesn't like putting things on, that's ok! There are still ways to enjoy putty clothes on him or her. Read on.

How to decorate a fussy dog? Be gentle and talk softly. Then when your dog gets one piece of clothing on reward it with a “good girl” or “good boy”! Say it like you really mean it and feel it. Your dog will start to realize that its something you enjoy to do and that's why you do it, not just because it needs to be done. And if you plan on dressing your dog up often or even every Halloween, and your dog is young, you will want to start now because as your dog ages it will become accustomed to dressing up and be less fussy.

When your dog puts a few things on and lets them stay on, then do things as normally and don't be tense. See how funny your dog looks with what you are putting on it in your mind? Have fun! Laugh at your dog a little! Those are the feelings that encourage your dog to do more!

Fun Thing #2.

Take Your Dog out of the House:

Yes! Take your dog out with you if you can! Let it socialize and become part of your family. A socialized dog is a happy dog. You don't have to take it all around town. Try to do something outside of your dog's everyday surroundings so it can smell new things and see new people and dogs.

Now if you are not sure how your dog is going to act you may want to wait til you know what its temperament is like on a consistent basis. Some dogs just won't get along with other dogs or people. But if you can bring him or her out and away from home for awhile, even if its to the pet store then do it.

Make sure you can handle your dog on its leash! And please DON'T let a child hold the dog leash if the child is young and not old enough to know how to hold your dog's leash! A young child can easily be swayed to putting his or her mind on something else and totally forget to hold on to the dog leash tightly or forge to hold on to it at all. And please, please, PLEASE, don't say it won't happen to you because that is usually the time when accidents happen, when you think it can't happen to you.

Fun Thing #3.

Go to a Dog Halloween Costume Party

These are very fun events for both you and your dog! There are usually game prizes and FREE gifts just for coming! There are also different breeds of dogs to see, costume contests and special offers for exciting buys you may not know about yet.

Vet practices have them, you may find them at pet stores or maybe someone has one at their home. Lots of times these are public events open to anyone to come and have Fun with their dog. Just look out for them locally online or ask around at different pet places.

Fun Thing #4.

Take The Dog Trick or Treating With the Kids

Doing this is great for socializing your dog! He or she will get to meet different people. Maybe even meet new pets they have.... And will see how much fun the kids have. Dogs are a lot like us, Monkey see Monkey do. And that's how they learn.

Fun Thing #5.

Dress Up With Your Dog

Yes, I said it! Its always more fun with 2 than just one, isn't it? Your dog will also get to understand just how much fun it can have!

This is also something you can go back to “Fun Thing #1” with. If the “good girl” or “good boy” tactic doesn't work, try dressing up yourself then dressing your dog. Some dogs may like that better. Although if you dress all up then try to dress your dog may be a little harder or your dog may get silly seeing you get dressed, then trying to dress them up while they sling the clothes off will be funny to them, you may really want to try this, because its still Fun and you will have yourself and others in stitches with laughter!

So there it is! 5 Fun Things to Do With Your Dog While Staying Safe On Halloween

Pictured is one of our rescues at age 5 months Halloween 2011.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe During the Scorching Summer

THE SUMMER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TIME OF YEAR TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE FROM THE HEAT

So, how do you keep your pet safe?

WARM BLOODED PETS

Cats and Dogs can suffer from heat stroke and dehydrate quickly. So keep water bowls filled. Be sure the water you give them is at the appropriate temperature your pet needs. Some dogs cannot have very cold water from the fridge or ice in their water.Keep Rodents, Rabbits and Birds' bowls filled also.

HOW ABOUT FISH?

You can actually put ice in a fish bowl or tank if you have Betta or Goldfish. But make sure to test the water temperature before putting in the ice. The water will most likely be at the home temperature when it just sits. You may NOT want to put ice in the water if you have tropical or salt water fish. Any kind of change in their environment may cause them to become stressed, or die. Just keep an eye on the water temperature and move them to a place inside where they are most comfortable, if possible. Betta and Goldfish are hardy fish and can take a little more change.

KEEP YOUR REPTILES WARM

Reptiles need the warm temperatures because they are cold blooded. Some can be put outside to absorb the sun on a nice, sunny day. Water turtles do very well absorbing vitamin D from the sun outside. Just be sure to keep a top on your container your reptile is in so other critters won't come along and hurt it. Reptiles include snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, alligators....animals with protective scales or shells.

AMPHIBIANS CAN BE KEPT SOMEWHAT WARM

Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders are another story. They are cold blooded, but because they mostly have soft skin, they need to stay in the shade, under something or in mud. They can become injured if they get too warm or sit in the sun. So if you have a pet amphibian, make sure to keep it away from a sunny window or very hot environment. Being outside is NOT good for it either, unless its in the mud or the rain. Amphibians are unable to maintain their body temperature above that of their environment and only become active when the temperature is high enough. (kind of muggy)