A lot of “firsts” has come my way since I started this pet blog. Here’s another first for me and maybe for you too.

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Buckaroo Leather, the place where you can get some of the finest long lasting horse tack in the world is supporting Safe Haven Horse Rescue. So, horse people pay attention-you can be a winner at Bucaroo Leather.

They are giving away a 4 Stall Horse Barn from Barns by Harrahs valued at $14,750. If you know Barns by Harrahs then you already know the quality and workmanship that goes into each and every product. They have just about anything in any color you could imagine and, they back it up with a really great warranty.

So let’s say you already have a Barn by Harrahs or another manufacturer. Well the great folks over at Buckaroo Leather have thought of you as well.

If you don’t need the barn you can select $5,000 in cash they have waiting for the luck winner. Who knows, you might even talk the Buckaroo Folks into a pair of saddlebags to put your loot into.

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Feel free to click the Harrahs Barn image or the Buckaroo logo for more information.

Know that the Buckaroo family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the western horseman the safest most durable Quality American Made Leather Horse Tack and Equipment available any where in the world.

They are here to deliver to you the highest quality available and unmatched customer service to assure your peace of Mind in owning and using Quality Buckaroo Leather Horse Tack….

Lastly, in full disclsure, you should know that I am a proud affiliate with Buckaroo Leather and do participate in a small percentage of each sale I bring to them.

Remember:  Buckaroo Leather  and Remember: Made in the USA both the products and the actual Leather used to make the products.

Enjoy your visit to Bucaroo Leather.

I recently found this most interesting article entitled “Alpha Dog: The Labrador Retriever Reigns Supreme as the Nations Top Dog.” It’s very informative so I thought I would share it with you. It will also give me an opportunity to try out my new Apture plug-in. While reading the article just mouse over the appropriate dog breeds and you should see a pop-up photo of that breed.

NEW YORK – The Labrador Retriever has claimed the title of America’s top dog for the 19th consecutive year, according to a recent announcement from the American Kennel Club. But this year’s ranking of the nation’s most popular pooches also included some surprising upsets.

The German Shepherd unseated the Yorkshire Terrier for the title of runner-up, attaining a level of popularity the breed hasn’t seen in more than 30 years.

“Labs have been America’s top dog for nearly two decades due to their loyal and gentle nature,” said Lisa Peterson, a spokesperson for the AKC. “But the German Shepherd dog has gained ground recently, quite possibly due to the increased attention they receive for their security efforts at home and abroad.”

Based on 2009 registration statistics, the AKC ranks five small-bred dogs among its top 10 list, which includes the Yorkshire Terrier at No. 3, the Beagle at No. 5, the Bulldog and Dachshund trailing at No. 7 and No. 8 respectively, and the Shih Tzu rounding out the list at No. 10.

With even more detailed demographics, smaller dogs emerge as a popular trend, especially in urban areas.

In New York, Philadelphia, Oakland, and Tampa, the Yorkshire Terrier reigned as the coolest canine in the city, but star power might have influenced the rise of the bulldog in Los Angeles. Celebrities such as Adam Sandler, Kelly Osborne and John Legend owning the wrinkled pooch may have triggered the breed’s popularity in the region, speculates the AKC, which also placed the bulldog as No. 2 in San Diego.

Interestingly, the Bull Terrier ranked No. 1 in Newark, NJ, where the overall violent crime rate is 1.64 times the national average per capita, according to CityRating.com. While Bull Terriers are known for being great guard dogs, this same spirit of “protecting” contributed to high rankings for service dogs, who garnered four of the top 10 breed spots.

German Shepherds, Labradors, Beagles and Golden Retrievers, ranked No. 4, are breeds used by law enforcement, military and homeland security personnel for tasks ranging from border patrol, bomb and narcotics detection, to searching for missing persons and tracking down fugitives.

“The loyalty, intelligence and hardworking nature which make these breeds desirable as K-9 partners in the field also contribute to their status as valuable companions in the hearts of dog owners around the nation,” Peterson said.

For the German Shepherd, this desirability meant that the faithful dog turned up in more families’ homes than any other breed in many cities, including Detroit, Memphis, Honolulu, Miami, and Providence.

“Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, this energetic and fun-loving breed is a loyal family pet, ideal companion and dependable K-9 partner when duty calls,” Peterson said of the German Shepherd.

Also making the 2009 AKC’s list of the most popular dogs in the U.S. was the Poodle, which ranked No. 9.

Play our “Meet the Breeds” game to test your breed knowledge: www.zootoo.com

And to learn more about your favorite breeds, or these top 10, tune into the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Saturday, February 6 on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, 8 to 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Tell us what you think about “Alpha Dog: The Labrador Retriever

Reigns Supreme as Nation’s Top Dog”.

Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at hfinnegan@zootoo.com.

Yes, everyone loves Labs don’t they. Sweet, gentle and loyal as they are beautiful. Feel free to leave a comment since this is a “Do-Follow” blog. Let everyone know about your dog and get a backlink at the same time. All the best. (By the way, where was the Chihuahua in all these calculations?

A Dog’s Purpose  (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound  named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ‘I know why.’

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
So live like a dog:

• Live simply.
• Love generously.
• Care deeply.
• Speak kindly.
• Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it..
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Enjoy every moment of every day.

And my favorite anonymous quote regarding our best friends is;

“She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion.”  ~~Unknown

I’ve entered a blog contest. This is not like me at all but I am very proud of my Down Home Pets blog so I say…. “Why Not?”

If the Down Home Pets blog has helped you with information or if you have been entertained during your visits I have a favor to ask.

Please visit the link below. Enter the code shown below. This will be a vote for the Down Home Pets blog. I’m selling anything here. I’m just asking for a moment of your time to vote for the Down Home Pets blog.

Go To: www.TrainPetDog.com

Enter Code: jNF2m

My thanks to you in advance.

Bill Beavers

It was only yesterday when I posted information about  animal psychics which brought up the subject of how smart are our dogs, really. Today I found this short video about a dog in Austria which the BBC is suggesting just may be the smartest dog in the world. This is based primarily on how many human words the dog understands.Take a look at this short video and decide for yourself. I wasn’t surprised to find that is was a Border Collie, one of the most intelligent and responsive dogs anywhere.

At TopTenz.net they have a list of the 10 smartest animals in the world. The Border Collie is listed as number 7 and according to them is the smartest dog breed in the world.

See what a 3 1/2 month old Border Collie can do. This video was a pleasure to watch.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s another short video of the Austrian Border Collie showing understand of a number of words.

Enjoy this 90 second video from the BBC

No matter what dog breed you have I know that if you are like me, it doesn’t matter if they are the smartest dog in the world. They are our pets and to us they are just as smart as they need to be which leads me to unconditional love and I will leave it there.

Dictionary.com says a “notion” is a “vague or imperfect conception or idea of something”, “an opinion, view, or belief” and “a fanciful or foolish idea.” I mention that simply to be sure we are all on the same page here. When it comes to Animal Psychics I have mixed emotions. I haven’t made up my mind as yet. I’ve lived long enough to know that “anything is possible.”

I came across this article today and I read every word, something most unusual for me. I wanted to expand its’ reach so I am bring it to you here. I hope you enjoy it and please do feel free to leave a comment about this controversial issue.

Who doesn’t talk to their dog or cat? C’mon, admit it – we all do it. Some of us talk to them as if they can actually understand us (I’m one of those). Others talk baby-talk because their pets are little kids, to them. Still others use their pets as a sounding board after a tough day, or when life is throwing rotten apples at them.

The thing is – most of us think our cats and dogs do understand and do have empathy. How true is that? Do pets feel what we feel? And, what about the ability to connect to them thought-to-thought?

Over the weekend our local paper had a lengthy article about “animal psychics” – citing the practice of “animal awareness” being practiced by veterinarians these days. The thought is that the strong human-animal bond has created this new practice, and that interest in “inter-species communication” is growing.

I’m all for it. How about you? Now, that said – I have my misgivings about pet psychics. I hope we have one or two at our conference. In the meantime, I found the Denver Post article fascinating. It opens with the story of Moby, a Rottweiler/Lab (wow- what a combination!) who was having some issues with his diet. He’d stopped eating.Nose-to-nose

The pet psychic who was called in apparently hit it off with Moby – something the dog’s parents say is very unusual. The dog put his head in the psychic’s lap and she reports that she received images of “green beans.” Moby, apparently, wanted more variety in his diet. He gets green beans now and he cleans his bowl!

Hmmm… my daughter took Twiggy, her Greyhound (a handful from day one) to a pet psychic and I don’t remember it being all that helpful. Twiggy remains a needy pet – delightful, wonderful, affectionate and beautiful, but needy. They dare not leave her alone in the house without proper preparation (things to occupy her while they’re gone; this is a pic of Twiggy as a puppy – who could resist that?). Trouble-maker-twiggy

I always wanted to talk to a pet psychic about Carmie, my Shepard/Lab, who went over the Rainbow Bridge over a year ago. She spent several years annoying a lick granuloma on her leg – and I got so frustrated over it – I sometimes got a bit stern with her. Then, I got the idea of putting a sock on her leg, and the problem resolved itself. Her leg healed, she liked her sock (at least, I think she did), and life was good. Until she got sick and passed.

At any rate, I do believe in the human-animal bond. I do believe our pets like it when we talk to them. I don’t know how much they really understand – of the words. But, they can sense what our mood is by our voice and our body language. And, that’s what they respond to. If we can do the same – learn more about what they feel and think, it’s all good. I see it when my other daughter talks to her cats and they listen…maybe it’s just because they like the sound of her voice, I don’t know.

What do you think?

I will tell you that my two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels don’t always need me to say anything. I can simply think “I’m going to the garage” and they are up and at my feet before I can get to the door. I can think “it’s time to feed the babies” and they are up and moving the sound of feet on the hardwood floor getting into their appointed place where they are fed.I almost forgot to mention that in past times they needed to hear the jingle of their harnesses and leashes before they got excited. No more. Today all I have to do is think it and they are ready and waiting at the place where their harnesses are kept.

This then would be my reasoning for thinking that some with intuitive minds may actually be able to sense what a pet is wanting to communicate. On the other side of the issue, it all sounds all too easy to come up with something, as a psychic, that might or might not work for your pet. And, by the way, green beans were recommended to me by a veterinarian once. Dog love them. No need for butter, salt, bacon or anything. Simply mildly cooked they make a great diet food.

Are animal psychics real or just a notion. Time will tell. Give us your opinion or tell us your story.

I think this unique product is worth a look. This auto pet carrier and kennel from Pet Gear offers everything I can think of in a combination multi-function product. This is truly the All-In-One pet carrier.

In the spirit of full disclosure let me say that I do sell this item. I have not used it but if my Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were small enough I would absolutely own this product.

This product is a kennel or small dog crate that snaps into place in your car just like a baby’s car seat. You can leave the base in the car. This means that when you are ready to travel the kennel simply snaps into the base.

Here is a video that will explain far better than I ever could with a thousand words. It may take a moment to load for you.

If you have a small pet or know someone who does head on over to the website and check out this auto pet carrier and kennel from Pet Gear a safe and versatile product. This is the most “bang for your buck” I’ve seen in a long time.

If you’ve read some of my posts you know that in addition to fun, facts and love I’m all about pet health and safety. An example of this is a post regarding auto safety and your pets.

Go get this product and keep your small pets happy and safe. You’ll be glad you did and hey…..it’s an attractive product too-one you will be pleased to take anywhere.

A friend of mine, knowing I sell dog crates, sent me this picture. It brought to mind the thought I hear from time to time and that is “a dog crate is like jail” for my dog.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Dog parents who over use the crate to house their dog, even when at home, may have created a “jail” environment. This is something that none of us want for our pets.

There are many reasons to provide your dog with his or her very own dog crate. If you have a dog with separation anxiety or a dog that is a “chewer” the dog crate is a way to improve quality of life for you, your dog and your family.

Many dogs are just fine when the family is out of the home all day. Many dogs are not. These are the dogs that will tear up-chew up-rip up-mess up anything they can. Even more important these are the dogs that will eat anything while the family is gone.

These are the dogs that appreciate their dog crate, their den, where they can rest and wait in safety and security until the family returns from their day out of the home.

If you don’t already own a dog crate then save yourself some money, save yourself some grief, do your dog a favor and get him or her their own crate.

This really happens folks. Whether it’s your new couch, your chairs or your drapes it can happen depending on the personality of your dog. Remember, A dog crate is not Jail!

I’m sure that most who own horses already know a lot of this that I bring to you from experts on horse ownership and management. Here is an article that will inform and perhaps save your horses some pain and save you some veterinary bills or worse. Take a look at this straight forward article: Tips for Keeping Your Horses Safe During Extreme Winter Weather.

Tips For Keeping Horses Safe During Extreme Winter Weather
By Lynn Baber

Even though the news media is still talking about global warming, many areas are experiencing record cold and extreme amounts of snow and ice. Horses who are acclimated to severe winter weather usually do well with their natural haircoats and the care experienced owners provide. However, if you are new to horse ownership or new to the weather outside your window this year, here is a short list of tips to get through till the mercury rises and the sun comes out.

Water

Make sure your horse has access to open water. This can be the biggest challenge in winter. If the water tank is iced over the horse can’t drink. The colder the water the less horses will usually drink. When hanging a bucket, begin with hot water. Your horse will have a chance at warm water and it will stay open longer. If you don’t have hot water close to your horse’s pen or pasture, use an electric bucket heater to heat the water. All you need is a regular outlet or extension cord.

Shelter

Shelter is necessary. If your horse has to depend on grazing for part or all of his roughage, standing in a shelter isn’t really an option if they need to eat. If the weather is wet, you may need to invest in a lined, water-proof blanket. The good old canvas blankets do well and stand up to pasture wear. If you just can’t provide shelter from the wind and wet, a quality blanket is a must.

Hoofcare

If you experience a freezing, thawing, re-freezing cycle, or a day where rain turns to snow, check your horse’s feet for ice build up. In extreme weather one small problem may quickly lead to another. To prevent ice from collecting on the sole of your horse’s foot, spray the bottom with WD-40. Some folks swear by the stuff!

Feed

Horses need more fuel to keep warm in extremely cold situations. Consider adding a high fat, high protein pelleted feed or sweet feed mix to your horse’s diet to help them cope.

Blanket Use and Choosing-Using Hoods and Neck Covers

Do not let your horse sweat under their blanket. If you have a night that dips to 10 degrees followed by a sunny afternoon at 45 degrees, run your hand under the blanket at your horse’s shoulder to make sure they aren’t getting over heated. If your horse feels warm, remove the blanket and vigorously curry the coat to lift the hair up and allow air to circulate throughout the hairs.

Behavioral Changes

Watch your horse carefully so you will notice any changes in their behavior immediately. Horses are prone to colic in severe weather, many times because they don’t drink enough. The first clue that your horse isn’t drinking enough may be a reduced appetite. Make sure they continue their normal routine. If your horse lies down in an odd place or at an unusual time, go out and check on him.

Plan Ahead

Extreme weather conditions are hard on everyone. Just as you need to plan ahead to keep food in the house and water flowing to the sink in your kitchen, advance planning is required to get your horse through the challenges of cold and snow until the weather moderates. When you stock up on soup, bottled water and firewood for yourself, take the time to be sure your horse blankets are clean and in good repair, that you have arranged to keep water available in the barn, and take careful note that your horse is eating, producing a normal amount of manure, and moving normally.

Lynn Baber is a Christian writer and retired equine professional. She shares lessons learned in thirty-five years at the business table and round pen with her clients and readers. Highly credentialed in issues of leadership, relationships and most things equine, Lynn has a unique perspective not found elsewhere. Whether the topic is achieving personal success or training stallions, Lynn brings years of experience to presentations and articles.

To receive free email excerpts from the book “AMAZING GRAYS-AMAZING GRACE: Pursuing relationship with God, Horses, and One Another”, go to http://AmazingGrays.us.

For the best in Horse Tack to keep your best pals in great shape be sure to check out my favorite Made in the USA source for Horse Tack.

I hope you enjoyed “Tips for Keeping Horses Safe During Extreme Winter Weather.” I’m it will be helpful to you or to someone you know. Special thanks to Lynn Baber for her expert advice. For more, and I do mean more, videos on how to choose a horse blanket and other items to keep your horse warm you may wish to visit Expert Village on YouTube.

I just saw this article about the reporter’s own dog entitled “One Sick Pup.” It has some really good information in it that, if you are anything like me, you’ve never thought about before.

Fortunately, I don’t have this problem at this time. I do know that yeast infections in dogs can become a very serious problem and many times we as dog parents don’t see the signs. Here is that very helpful article for your review.

My dog peered up at me through his swollen eyes this morning as if to say, “Are you really leaving me? Can’t you see how sick I am?”

And he is.

I came home from the vet’s office yesterday feeling good about being on the right track to get him healthy again, but there was no denying I had one sick pup to take care of.

He’s got four prescriptions — an antihistamine, a steriod and two other pills to help his body combat the secondary infections he created through his persistent itching and licking. Plus, I picked up an anti-itch leave-in conditioner. Sensi needs to be bathed twice a week until his skin is healthy again and this time of the year, that’d dry him out for sure. With the conditioner to use, it will make sure his baths are the most beneficial they can be for him.

Well, let’s try to learn a thing or two from Sensi’s state. Here’s what you need to know about a dog who is licking excessively.

Stop that!

All dogs scratch and lick themselves periodically, just as we humans often scratch an itch. When the scratching and licking is not excessive, don’t worry about it.

However, an excessive licker or scratcher needs to be examined by a veterinarian.Dogs who lick their paws for hours on end, day in and day out, can easily contract yeast infections. On the front of the paws, dogs have spaces in between each of their toes. On the back of the paw, there is another space between the large pad and the individual toe pads.

These spaces are havens for yeast infections. They are semi-closed environments lined with skin and fur that keep the spaces warm.

Add in the moisture from excessive licking and these spots become the perfect storm for nasty yeast infections. How can you tell if a yeast infection has developed? If the skin in these spaces is abnormally red and moist, there’s a good chance you have a problem. Dogs have a more difficult time licking their rear paws, so comparing the spaces in the front paws to the same spaces on the rear paws can often be a good indicator of what healthy vs. nonhealthy looks like.

If you find the rear paws to have white, dry skin but the front paws have moist, blaring red skin, you have a problem. If both sets of paws have blaring red skin, definitely make a vet appointment or at least call your vet to get some professional advice.

Most dog owners have combated yeast infections in a dog’s ear, but the paws are a whole different beast. Once yeast infections have taken root in the paws, a vicious cycle is created where the inflammation from the yeast infection intensifies the dog’s desire to lick.

Yeast infections can also spread easily and, worst of all, with the dog’s immune system working hard to stave off the yeast infection, the immune system becomes strained and leaves the dog open to contracting even worse infections.

There are medicated shampoos that can help a chronic paw licker, but these need to be ordered through your veterinarian.

It is important to have your veterinarian examine your paw licker because the licking is often just a symptom of an underlying problem, like food allergies, and oftentimes, prescription pills are needed to get rid of the yeast infection.

One last note: If you examine your dog’s paws this time of the year, remember to wait until he’s been inside for several hours. A dog coming in from the cold, wet snow will have red paws until they warm up and dry out!

Karen Workman is a reporter covering communities located in northern Oakland County. She and her husband, Brent, are the proud owners of 5-year-old Sensibull, a pit bull and Labrador mix. An animal lover who has studied dogs with particular interest during her life, Karen will share a variety of information, including training tips, behavior, breed and health information, as well as heart-warming and comedic stories about her own dog and others. Join her for a look into life with Sensibull.

Since my business is dog crates, pet carriers and strollers I would like to tell you that a dog crate or some product I have would solve this problem. So far I haven’t been able to come up with a sincere application except that when your dog gets back from the vet he or she can relax in their own den or crate to recoup if necessary.

Let me leave you with this which will bring into focus my feeling about our responsibility toward our pets.

“She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion.”  ~~Unknown