| Ernie the skunk catcher, in repose |
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| Here's to Mrs. Twinkie (1995-2009) |
4 Points to Ponder
=============================================================================1. ASPCA SPEAKS
OUT ABOUT PUPPY MILLS
Check out this information about PUPPY MILLS from the ASPCA The ASPCA has been investigating
puppy mills, and what they've found is horrible. Dogs are not cared for adequately or properly in puppy mills. They do
unspeakable things to the dogs, in the name of profit.
The bottom line: DO NOT BUY
PUPPIES FROM PET STORES OR THE INTERNET.
Please take time
to visit the link above and tell your family and friends about this. The less demand there is for puppy mill dogs in pet stores
and over the internet, the fewer puppy mills there will be.
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2. WHAT WE FEED OUR DOGS
So I've been thinking
about dog food lately. Actually, if you look on the web, you can find many different opinions regarding exactly WHAT dogs
should or should not eat. (I do recommend that you check the ASPCA website for foods that are not good for, or downright harmful
to dogs. They have a list. See link below.)
However, along with this real information
seems to circulate rumor after rumor about what to feed your dogs. One of the biggest misinformation things I've seen
is that you should not feed "people food" to dogs. Of course, we're talking REAL food, not junk food. Junk food
(ice cream, chips, cookies, etc.) should not be fed to dogs. It is not food; that's why it's called 'junk food.'
:)
Hmmm....then what did dogs eat a hundred years ago, before all these fancy designer dog foods existed?
They ate "people food," that's what. So I started noticing that there's not much real research about this
topic on the net.
Of course, in my opinion, the dog food companies would not like
you to even think about feeding your dogs "people food" but I think it's worth some consideration, after perusing
some of the ingredients on the dog food packages. Do you know what chicken by-product meal is? I've been told it's
ALL parts of the chicken--including such palatable items as beaks and feet. Yea, I want to feed my dog bird beeks and feet.
NOT. And the list of chemicals, even on the natural dog foods, is staggering. I'm not so sure I want my dogs eating this
stuff every day. (Yes, they have to add those chemicals in order to package and preserve all those beaks and feet.)
I have a couple dog food 'cookbooks' and I've been experimenting with different
formulas of my own. You can buy grains like barley in bulk and add some meat or fish and some veggies or fruit. I mix it all
together and form it into single serving balls that I freeze and take out as needed. My dogs go wild over this real food.
They are at a healthy weight and they love the food. A friend said I should start a business making this "Real Food"
for dogs.
BTW, making dog treats/biscuits is even easier and they love them! ===================================================================================================
TOP
3. WE CAN LEARN FROM OUR PETS
On a different note, here's a picture that was circulating through email after the
tornado devastation in the Midwest on May 11, 2008. These are rescued pets. None of these pets knew one another before climbing
into the back seat of this rescuer's car. Somehow, though, they managed to sort things out and live together here peacefully.
Imagine if people could learn how to live together like this!  =============================================================================
4. WE SHOULD RESPECT THE LIVES OF OUR PETS Have
you ever considered dogs that live their entire lives on the end of a chain, attached to a doghouse? Can you imagine what
kind of life that must be for the poor dog who lives in that situation? Consider these points:
Dogs are PACK animals---this
means they are SOCIAL, and therefore do not like to live alone, let alone tied to a box and forgotten for all but once a day
when someone brings food. This is not living, it's surviving. If your dog can't run loose where you live, then get
off your butt, invest in a leash, and take him/her for a DAILY walk. Your dog will be much happier, as he/she perceives you
as the leader of the pack of two, you and your dog. (There will also be the side benefit of getting in some exercise yourself.)
Dogs need jobs; no, I'm not talking employment per se, but dogs are more balanced
when they have jobs to do. Barking to alert you of visitors is a good dog job. Gathering the paper is another one.
Engaging the dog's brain at least once a day, too (games like frisbee, fetch, etc.) will lead
to a much happier, balanced pet. Look around and read up on various
dog training methods before choosing one to try on your own pet. Remember, you're the one who will have to reinforce whatever
method you choose, so make sure it is one you are able to commit to yourself.
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