The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed and is described as “kindly, friendly and confident.” They are not “one man dogs” and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them Their trusting, gentle disposition, therefore ,makes them a poor guard dog.
The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent with an exceptional eagerness to please.
This information is provided by barkingmart.com
We love our pets. Americans will spend $43.4 billion on our pets in 2008, a 5 1/2% growth from 2007, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. That’s more than double what pet owners spent more than a decade ago, the group noted.
Contributing to that growth are high-end products and services such as pet spas, day care, and luxury gifts for pets. Another fast-growing area is pet insurance according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. “Pet owners want to protect themselves and their pets against unexpected medical expenses,” says Bob Vetere, president of the association. More than 2 million pet owners currently subscribe to pet insurance. By 2010, APPMA estimates that 5 to 7 % of all pet owners will carry a pet insurance card.
The aging baby boomer population is filling their houses with pets as grown children move out, and this is also contributing to the change in the pet industry, Bob Vetere says. “For empty-nesters, pets are filling a void in their lives, and they’re showing their appreciation to their pets,” he said.
Despite concerns of an economic slowdown as Americans spend more cautiously, the pet industry appears somewhat insulated from recession talk, the association said. “Pet owners and the companies providing pet products and services show no sign of letting up,” Vetere said.
This information is provided by barkingmart.com.
When “Desperate Housewives” star Felicity Huffman isn’t gossiping or getting out of a predicament on Wisteria Lane, she is on a mission to save orphaned animals.
More than four million orphaned dogs and cats are euthanized each year because of overcrowding in animal shelters. In an effort to save them, Huffman has teamed up with Iams Home 4 the Holidays to help find loving homes for pets in need. Help Iams’ pet food and Felicity Huffman reach the goal of 1 million pets adopted this holiday season. We hope you’ll be interested in adopting, donating or volunteering for a great cause.
Iams’ goal is to have a million dogs and cats adopted. Of that million, 750,000 of them would have been killed otherwise, according to Huffman.
“What is great about Iams Home 4 the Holidays, they have 3,000 shelters all across the world, even in Iraq and any participating shelter you can go on their Web site and find one that is closest to you, and not only can you adopt your best friend who is there waiting for you, but they also give you an education program,” says Huffman. The education program includes how to train your dog, how to pet-proof your house and how to introduce them to your children as well as the right vaccinations to give them.
Two years ago, Huffman adopted her dog, Tucker shown above, in Los Angeles from Pet Orphans of Southern California.
Huffman pointed out a common misconception that shelters don’t have purebreds. “There are all sorts of rescue programs for purebreds. You can go online and find them everywhere,” Huffman explained.
Like many animal lovers, Huffman has had a rewarding experience with Tucker, who sometimes visits the “Desperate Housewives” set and even runs through a few shots, which have to get cut. “I think he is really grateful. He’s the sweetest dog and my children are all over that dog. I mean, they have their fingers in his mouth and up his nose and dress him up with tutus. Our adopted rabbit rides on Tucker’s back so he is just the most gentle loving soul,” Huffman gushed.
This information is provided by barkingmart.com.
Mitzi, a pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua accustomed to riding in a purse, goes for a spa vacation in Mexico with her owner. But when she gets lost, she is forced to find her way back hone with the help of some furry friends.
This movie should be a big hit, especially of Chihuahua owners and lovers. However, animal shelters warn us of hastily going out to purchase one of these cute pets. They can be a handful if the potential owner is unaware of their temperament. So proceed with caution. And enjoy.
Mitzi would love this matching dog ensemble when lunching in Beverly Hills with her friends.
This puppy would look great and feel cozy this winter in a beautiful brown winter coat.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a delightfully affectionate, playful, intelligent little dog that repays his owner’s care and attention with an endearing devotion. They make wonderful companions. They are happy, outgoing, loving little dogs who want to love you and be loved, to run and play, and to sleep in a soft bed - preferably yours, but they’re willing to negotiate on that point! They get along well with children, cats, and other dogs. Because young Cavalier puppies are so small (12″ to 13″), some breeders are reluctant to sell a puppy to a family with children under age five. Such families may find that an older puppy or grown dog may be more suitable.
Cavalier puppies do not thrive when left all day alone. They are highly intelligent and require the same consistent and loving discipline as does a child. Because Cavaliers never become “street-wise,” some Cavalier breeders require a fenced yard as a prerequisite ownership.
While Cavaliers are clean, intelligent, and easy to groom and train, they do shed, occasionally chew things, and sometimes forget their manners by barking, making a puddle, and so on. In other words, they really are first and always dogs, in spite of their ethereal faces!
• Keep Your Pet Fit and Trim
To help your pet maintain a normal weight(you should be able to feel ribs), measure its food, keep treats to a minimum, and exercise your pet daily.
• Learn to Do Things Yourself
Learn to handle pet grooming at home, from brushing to bathing to nail trims. Learn to brush your pet’s teeth to save money for expensive cleanings at your vet’s.
• Minimize Risk from Accidents
Keep dogs in an enclosed area and always walk them on a leash. Keep cats indoors to prevent injuries and disease.
• Work with Your Vet to Cut Costs
Ask your vet if he/she offers discounts for senior citizens, multiple pets, and promotions such as Dental Health Month.
• Shop Smart for Pets
Buy in bulk. Choose largest bag of food or litter. Split food purchases with a pet-owning friend.
• Trade Goods and Services
You can provide one service such as tax prepartion for another, such as pet sitting or pet supplies.
Date: October 25, 2008
Time: 1:00 - 4:00PM
Place: Humane Society of Sonoma County
Phone: 707 542-0882
Come to this fun, annual event that benefits an important cause. All dogs are welcome on leash. The festivities include a dog costume contest, K9 demos, prizes, bobbing for hot dogs, pet photos, paws painting, pet psychic, wine tasting, and much more. $10 donation per dog.
All proceeds benefit the Humane Society and SPCA of Sonoma County
It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting a bit cooler, and there is something in the air that reminds us of fall. It’s time to start preparing. Though Halloween isn’t really an official holiday, it is a fun-filled time for children and adults alike. Children might already be thinking about what costume to wear. And we also need to be sure our pets are decked out to go trick or treating with us. There is a wide selection of pet costumes to choose from. It’s never too early to begin planning. Trick or Treat!
We need to make sure that our homes and yards are pet friendly. Here are some important tips.
In the Home:
Household environmental toxins can be a major concern to our pets. According to a report from EWG (Environmental Working Group), industrial chemicals show up in our pets at even higher rates than those of the average person. The chemicals most detected are stain and grease proof coatings and flame retardants used in furniture and flooring.
It stands to reason that if our homes are safe for our pets, they will also be safe for humans.
For sofa loving pets, hemp mixed with raw silk or wool are often the best fabrics. Because pets are sensitive to chemicals in products, cat scratch posts made from polyester carpeting or pet beds of polyester batting should be discouraged.
Household Toxins:
• Fabric softener sheets • Ibuprofen • Most cleaners and detergents
In the Garden:
Aside from not using toxic fertilizers and plants in gardens, there are other pet friendly approaches. Create pathways of hardscape along the pathways where your pet naturally walks. Plant durable foliage like grasses that can withstand a dog chasing a ball or toy.
Toxic Plants and Substances:
• Azaleas • Geraniums • Lilies • Mistletoe • Mushrooms • Oleander • Snail & Slug baits • Weed killers • Fertilizers • Cocoa mulch
This informatiion is provided by barkingmart.com
Congratulations, Presley! You’re awesome!
The final portion of the competition consisted of one serious obstacle course, and Presley, the boxer, was perfect. AND THEN his last challenge was to retrieve his toy from under an elephant! Presley was very reluctant, so Travis, Presley’s owner, finally had to lead Presley under the elephant himself, which was worth the $250,000 grand prize right there.
The second place winner, Andrew, had a tougher time on the course, but fearless little Andrew had no problem running under the elephant — twice!
In the end, either Andrew or Presley would have worn the Greatest American Dog title well. In fact, all of the dogs competing from the very start were remarkable.
Andrew would look adorable lounging and relaxing in a soft fleece sweatshirt to celebrate his new-found status.