DOGS & CATS

How to Teach a Cat Tricks

2013-09-19T03:28:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, cats are trainable. You can teach them useful behaviors as well as novelty tricks. You can even train them to compete in agility tournaments.

There are some differences between the way cats and dogs are trained, of course. According to the ASPCA website cats aren’t as likely to be motivated by praise as dogs. Cats are also less instinctively driven to work in partnership with their human companions. But that doesn’t mean they’re not superstars in waiting. With the right methods — and a little creativity on your part — your cat will soon amaze you with the things he can learn.

Remember: Cats respond to positive reinforcement, not negative punishment

Cats should only be taught new behaviors with positive, reward-based training. Punishment and dominance are not healthy methods, nor are they effective. “Punishment creates stress, and stress is one of the most common causes for problem behaviors in cats, including eliminating outside of the litter box and compulsive grooming,” says the ASPCA website. So with that in mind, here are some steps to get you started:

1. The best reinforcements you can use are treats — but not just any treats. ”My foster cats love to train with me,” says Jane Harrell, Petfinder’s senior producer and long-time cat foster mom. “But they won’t work for just anything. They want the soft, gooey, stinky treats.” And Jane’s fosters aren’t alone. Many cats need something special to motivate them. This means you should toss the kibble back in the cat food bin and look through your cabinets for the good stuff your cat loves. Diced chicken or turkey, low-sodium tuna, meat-flavored baby food and commercial cat treats might be effective, depending on your cat’s individual preferences.

2. Get your cat used to receiving rewards in response to specific behaviors. Start with a simple trick like “high five” to show your cat that good things happen during your training sessions. Watch this video to learn how to teach a cat high five.

3. Practice, practice, practice… but not too much. Repeat this training process several times in a row so that your cat learns why he’s getting rewarded.

You don’t want to wear your cat out or bore him, but you do want to drive home the relationship between a particular reward and behavior — as well as the command associated with that behavior. Petplace.com recommends teaching only one command or trick at a time and limiting sessions to 10 to 15 minutes of practicing. You will, however, want to repeat the routine again the next day and continue it on a regular basis so that your cat doesn’t forget what he’s learned.

4. Try using a clicker to reinforce timing and – eventually — cut down on treats.

It’s important for your cat to be rewarded as soon as she performs the desired action, but it can be difficult for many people to time their rewards precisely with their cat’s behavior. A clicker can help with timing by introducing a sound that tells the cat that what they just did was good. To teach your cat what the clicker means, “charge” the clicker by clicking and treating your cat without requesting any action. After a few times your cat will learn that the clicker noise means good things are coming and, eventually, the clicker can be its own reward. You now have an aid for perfecting the timing of a reward.

5. Once your cat has fully mastered his first trick, move on to others. Using treats and your clicker, you can introduce common tricks like “down,” “stay” and “come.” But feel free to get creative. You might also want to consider teaching your cat practical behaviors like how to walk on a leash.

If you’re committed to teaching your cat tricks but are having trouble with the process, contact a trainer in your area. Just be sure that he or she has expertise in working with cats. Also be certain that anyone you hire shares your belief in positive reinforcement.

Are Black Dogs Really Less Adoptable?

2013-09-19T03:04:00.001-07:00

Petfinder has designated this week (September 17-23) as Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week, and aims to build awareness about adopting pets who have black fur, are older or have special needs.

Photo: Second Chance for Dogs Facebook

Black dogs have a reputation for taking longer to get adopted at shelters or through rescue groups than lighter-colored dogs. This phenomenon, called Black Dog Bias (also known as Black Dog Syndrome), may be due to a number of factors, including fear stigma against certain breed types; the fact that large, black dogs are often portrayed as aggressive in books, movies and on television; or due to superstition. Some potential dog adopters may associate the color black with evil or misfortune (similar to the common superstition surrounding black cats), and this bias transfers over to their choice of dog.

Photo: Second Chance for Dogs Facebook

Shelter staff and rescue group workers have repeatedly said that black dogs take a longer time to adopt. However, researchers are divided as to whether the color of a dog’s fur is a legitimate factor when choosing a dog to take home. What is clear is when shelter dogs are photographed to display their best features, it increases their chances of being adopted.

A 2011 study by the ASPCA found that looks do play a role in potential adopters’ selection of a dog, with more than 27 percent of adopters citing appearance as the single most important reason. But the study doesn’t go any further to specify what looks were preferred with potential adopters.

Animal behaviorist Dr. Emily Weiss cites in an ASPCA blog post a recent study that dispute the black dog syndrome. The researchers used Poodles with four variations: large black, small black, large white and small white, and instead found that black Poodles were rated as friendlier than white Poodles. The researchers’ conclusion was that because there are more black dogs in the dog population, there are more black dogs in need of adoption, and this is why it appears that black dogs take longer to be adopted.

Stock photo black dog.

Black dogs often don't photograph well. Their facial features disappear, which can make the dog appear less expressive. Most shelters have websites and also promote dogs for adoption through social media channels, so the prettier the picture, the quicker a potential adopter will fall in love.

Here are some tips for taking better photos of black dogs:

Avoid harsh sunlight and shoot outdoor photos on a cloudy or overcast day. If this isn’t possible, snap the picture during the early morning or late afternoon/evening hours. Hollywood directors refer to this time of day as “golden time” because of the lack of shadows and flattering warm glow.
Get down on the dog’s level for a better perspective.
Avoid having a busy background that may take away attention from your subject.
If you’re shooting indoors, select an area that has a lot of natural light. Use a fill light or bounce the flash for best results.
Add a white or bright-colored background, such as a quilt, so that the black dog stands out.
Another idea is to shoot the dog in profile, to show off his or her features.
Seth Casteel runs Second Chance Photos, a nonprofit that teaches volunteers how to take photos of shelter pets. He suggests taking the dog on a vigorous walk or run before the photo shoot, “so that he or she will pant, which looks like a smile.”
Tie a brightly colored bandana around the dog’s neck to add color and contrast.
If you have an image editing application such as Photoshop, you can adjust the contrast in the shadows to help make a black dog's eyes stand out.

Avoid harsh sunlight when shooting a photo of a black dog. Photo: Second Chance for Dogs Facebook

Do you have a black dog? Did the color play a role in choosing the dog? What do you think about Black Dog Bias? Let us know in the comments

How to Figure Out Your Cat's Personality Type

2013-09-17T02:04:00.001-07:00

Years ago, at a job I've mostly forgotten, our boss had us all take the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality profile. While I'm not always a fan of labeling or pigeonholing people, this test changed my life. It helped me understand myself and the people I worked with.

Many of you may have heard of the MBTI, or other personality profile instruments like it. Take a simplified version online if you're curious about how it works. Basically, it ranks you on four spectrums:

Introvert-extrovert
Thinker-feeler
Intuiting-sensing
Judging-perceiving

It got me to thinking, can we personality-type our cats? Why not? Maybe it can help us understand our cats better! It may be that the science behind this is completely ridiculous and doesn't apply to cats at all, but it's fun to imagine what your cat's personality type could be.

Use this simple assessment for your cat, and you may end up understanding her better, yourself better, and your interactions better!

1. Is your cat an introvert or an extrovert?

Does your cat love to be the life of the party? Or does she prefer her alone time? More importantly, what seems to give her more energy, being alone or spending time with other cats, pets, or her people? Does she talk incessantly or is she quiet, with a tiny or nonexistent voice? Does she practice the silent meow (one of the cutest cat things I've ever seen)?

Little cat sleeping after party

Introverts need quiet time to recharge their energy. Extroverts are energized by large groups of people. So, watch your cat! If she seems to need her quiet time to recharge, let her have it. (Of course, if the behavior is unusual for her, use your common sense and make sure that something else isn't causing the changed behavior -- medical or otherwise!)

2. Thinking or feeling?

This one may be harder to transpose to our feline friends, but I'll try. In the MBTI world, a thinker is a logical decision maker. The feeler makes decisions based more on feelings, others' feelings, or harmoniousness. If you have a cat who loves to see everyone get along (other household cats, pets, people, etc.) then your cat may be a feeler. On the other hand, when instinct takes over, there's no time for feelings! I don't imagine that a cat stops to consider the mouse's feelings before the cat pounces.

Still, watch your cat closely. I have a friend with a very logical, methodical kind of black cat. I think of him as the "manager" of her household. He knows if the kids are late for the school bus; he places himself where he can watch all the goings-on in the house. This seems like a thinker cat (more so than a feeler cat).

Girl with a cat looking out the window

3. Sensing or intuition?

Do you make decisions based on that indescribable intuition? Or do you need details, facts, and the five senses to arrive at conclusions? And what about your cat? Personally, I think cats can ride both sides of this spectrum. Absolutely, their behaviors are led by their acute senses. Just watch them alertly spotting something in the yard that you can't see. Or jumping and smashing a bug in a nanosecond.

Yet, how do you explain when your cat knows you're sad and comes to comfort you? Or when your cat knows you're reaching for a can of cat food, even before you've moved to the cupboard? Is this intuition or extremely honed senses that we don't even understand? Who can say?

Child hugging a young Scottish Fold cat

4. Judging or perceiving?

Does your cat complete a task one step at a time, or is she all over the place, easily distracted, and a multitasker? Does she make decisions easily, or waffle? When I first took this test, my "P" (perceiving) was almost off the charts, meaning that I'm very spontaneous and can have a hard time focusing or making a decision. I have learned to take things one step at a time, but it definitely takes some effort. Observe your cat -- what's her M.O. when it comes to getting things done?

5. Putting it all together!

Now that you've figured out where your cat (or you) fall on each spectrum, put the letters together. You'll have your personality type; one of 16 possible combinations. For example, I am an INFP (introverted-intuitive-feeling-perceiving).

My highly uneducated guess is that Chester is a feeler -- he loves harmony and wants everyone to get along -- but don't most orange cats?

I can hardly do the MBTI justice, but I think it's a fascinating way to understand people, and possibly, our cats.

Dogs and Fireworks: The 5 Stages of Grief

2013-09-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

We're just a few days away from the Great Misery, according to your dog. Despair. Suffering. Blackness. Fireworks.

When the BOOM begins, your dog will undergo a wrenching emotional journey there in the back of the closet, while you drink your beer and eat whatever is left on your friend's plate -- dill pickles? Hope you're happy.

1. Denial

Wow, that was loud. I'm sure it won't happen again.

What a nice -- BOOM! -- day. I feel -- BOOM! -- great. There's nothing the matter at --BOOM! -- all, though I am having a little trouble trying to get to -- BOOM! -- sleep.

2. Anger

Are you kidding me with this?

Who authorized this? Why wasn't I consulted? You think you can drop a stunt like this on me without any warning? Think again, hot-shot. This ends NOW or you might as well throw the poop bags in the trash because I'm crapping on your pillow for the next nine years.

Don't try me. It's your social life.

3. Bargaining

This is negotiable, right? Tell me this is negotiable.

Okay, I get it, I understand you are now insane and have to make loud booms. So how about you do just one more and call it a day? BOOM! Please? BOOM! Just one more?BOOM! Come on. BOOM! Just one more. BOOM! Please? BOOM! Just one more.BOOM! Just. BOOM! One. BOOM! More. BOOM! Please? BOOM!

SCREW IT I'M EATING THE WINTER COATS.

4. Depression

I remember when I thought things were funny.

I can't eat, I can't sleep, I am trapped in a black pit of despair, wedged next to the suitcases in the hall closet that nobody ever goes in. It is so dark.

Would it kill you to put light in here?

Whoa, that was a big one, but I feel nothing.

Well, not true, I felt that one in my pancreas. What's going on with fireworks? Maybe it's time to cool it on the fireworks technology, ya think?

I'm depressed. I'm not really depressed. Dogs don't get depressed. Let's move on.

5. Acceptance

I'll just be here under my hat.

This is life. The boom boom boom. The bam bam bam. I can't go on. I'll go on. It's going to be okay. Life continues. There is still a soft couch, there is still a bowl of food, there is still running around barking at cars, there is -- BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM.

[Pause]

BOOMITY BOOMITY BOOMITY BOOM ... pop.

[Cheering, then quiet. The dog detaches her snout from a hole in a suitcase and spits out a loafer.]

What's this? We're finished now? The fun is over? We're brushing our teeth? We're turning out the lights? Just like that? We're patting my head? We're all just going to go to bed like good little boys and girls and dream of nice things? Is that what you think?

Oh no, my friend.

WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED.

Now THIS is a celebration.

Yes, this was all fun and games, but on Thursday, July 4, we'll have a real post on how to help your dog survive the Fourth of July. Be sure to catch it.

8 Things You Should Know About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats

2013-09-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

One day I walked into my vet clinic for my cat’s regular checkup. In the back room I could hear lots of action and a cat screaming in terror and pain. I’d waited about 15 minutes for the vet to come in for my cat’s exam when one of the receptionists arrived. “I’m sorry for the wait,” she said. “but an emergency came in just before you got here. They’re working on a cat that threw a clot.”

“No problem. I totally understand,” I said. “If my cat were having an emergency, I’d expect the same treatment.”

I have no idea what the outcome of the cat’s treatment was, but when I went back home and researched blood clots in cats, I found out that the most common cause was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, also known as HCM, a disease that even the most conscientious cat caretakers and vets might not be able to discover until the cat has a health crisis. Here are some things you might not have known about the most common heart disease in cats.

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the walls of the heart's left ventricle enlarge.

1. What happens in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

You probably remember from science class that the heart is a muscle and it has four chambers, two atria and two ventricles. In HCM, the muscles of the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body, enlarge and become abnormally thick. This overgrowth reduces the heart’s ability to squeeze and relax, thereby causing less blood to be pumped to the body.

2. The causes of HCM are largely unknown

A genetic mutation or predisposition can lead to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -- this is best documented among Maine Coons and Ragdolls -- but for most cats, the cause remains a mystery.

Maine Coon cats are known to have a higher than average predisposition to HCM.

3. It occurs mostly in middle-aged cats

HCM is most often found in cats between the ages of five and seven years. In older cats, cardiomyopathy may be caused by hyperthyroidism or high blood pressure. In these cases, the progression of the disease can be halted by appropriate treatment.

4. The first sign may be a heart murmur

Because HCM affects the heart’s ability to pump blood, some of the blood from the enlarged ventricle may swish back into the left atrium, which causes a sloshing sound veterinarians refer to as a murmur. Heart murmurs are graded on a scale from I to VI, with I being barely audible with a stethoscope and VI being so loud you can hear it with a stethoscope barely touching the cat and sometimes causing vibration throughout the chest cavity..

Vet listening to a cat's breathing and heartbeat

5. As the disease advances, more serious symptoms can occur

Symptoms of HCM such as lethargy and loss of appetite can mimic that of many other diseases. But clues related to a heart problem include limited exercise tolerance, odd heart sounds, difficulty breathing, weak pulse and a bluish discoloration of the paw pads and nail beds due to poor circulation. In a crisis, a cat with HCM may collapse, develop congestive heart failure, or throw a blood clot that blocks the artery that provides the blood supply to the rear end, like the cat I mentioned above.

6. Two primary tests are used to diagnose HCM

If a cat goes to the vet presenting the above symptoms, your vet will do an X-ray or ultrasound to determine the degree of thickening of the ventricle wall. He or she may also do an electrocardiogram (EKG) to determine what is going on with the electrical signals your heart is sending to create its rhythm.

A health crisis caused by HCM may require hospitalization and intensive treatment.

7. HCM is incurable, but it can be managed

Although HCM is a progressive disease -- it will get worse over time -- a number of medications are used to manage the symptoms. These include medications to manage the heart rate, alleviate congestive heart failure and eliminate fluid buildup in the body, prevent blood clotting and improve the flow of blood from the heart.

8. Research on HCM is ongoing

The Winn Feline Foundation is doing extensive research into HCM, which is being supported by its Ricky Fund, which was started by nationally syndicated pet columnist Steve Dale.

What Does a Cat Fashion Icon Have to Do to Get to New York Fashion Week?

2013-09-16T02:00:00.001-07:00

Every Fashionista looks FURward fur New York Fashion Week, and this year Fancy Feast sponsored Malan Breton and he made three looks inspired by the Fancy Feast kitty. How MEGAPAWsome is that? The dream of every Fashionista is to become a MUSE (when God when?!?). Anyways since I'm feeling especially superbitchy I'm getting my claws out fur NYFW. Let's start with the three looks the Taiwanese designer made fur Fancy Feast!

Malan Breton I was waiting more from you!

Okay it's elegant and stylish fur sure but come on Malan you have a silver Purrsian as a muse! Didn't his huge beautiful emerald eyes strike you?? What about the shade of silver fur?? Maybe you got intimated in front of such majesty beauty -- mmm I will give you a hall pass! Of course I complained with Fancy Feast fur not taking me with them, I had to do it I'm a good customer and no other kitty is into fashion as I am.

Maybe next year will be my year!

As usual NYFW was full of celebrities (except me as we already stated!) and of course most of them try to dress their best fur the shows.

As I always say be careful with the light! Can be your worst enemy!

Sometimes I'm like WTDP (What the Dog Poop) is the designer thinking!!! In this case like Lisa Perry REALLY?? What was she thinking? The following dress might be kitty inspired but that doesn't mean that is CUTE or ACCEPTABLE at all.

Futuristic whore uniFURm??

On another paw Marc Jacobs collection was very into black and white stripes/polka dots, sequins and pastels! Very retro feeling.

Sorry but nobody models like me!

Fur last I want to show you the Rebecca Minkoff designs that were inspired by Frida Kahlo! I think the collection is very colorful and wearable! I think the clothing would look good in different body types.

One of my FAVES fur sure!

Does Your Cat Inspire You to Be a Better Person?

2013-09-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

I try to be a pretty good person. I don't necessarily align with a religion, but my moral compass is something like "try to be nice" or "do good in the world." Pretty simple. Naturally, I'm human, and I don't always live up to my aspirations. In this way, my cats have been some of my greatest teachers through their behavior and through my caring for them. Not only do they help me "be good" or "do good in the world" -- but they take it even further. They raise the bar for me, and I end up being an even better person.

Here's how:

They teach me courage

I can safely say that going through illness or end of life with a beloved cat is one of the scariest experiences I've had in my life. If there's ever going to be a time in your life when your bar gets raised, this is it. Thing is, can I jump over the bar?

These experiences have taught me that I have untapped depths of courage I had no idea resided in me. When I'm handling a drawn-out illness or possible end of life, every decision seems like stepping on a tightrope. How much food should the cat be getting? Is the cat withdrawing? Do I leave her alone? Take her in? Do I have to learn to do an unfamiliar procedure? Can I handle it?

I'm not one of those people who'd do naturally well in the medical field, and I'd make a horrible first responder or EMT. The first time I had to give a cat subcutaneous fluids, I almost fainted. But I got over it and it became very easy. My cats have placed me in situations where I've had to draw on courage I didn't know I had. Every time I face illness or decline with a cat, I'm reminded of this, again and again.

They help me trust my intuition

I'm pretty intuitive, but I'm pretty good at ignoring my intuition! I guess this is because it often seems that the world ignores intuition, so I do, too. Intuition is a different kind of knowing -- something that requires me to get out of my own way. (And that is a huge challenge for me most of the time!) But because cats can't talk our language (and even that's debatable -- just listen to some cats and it seems that they are certainly trying to talk our language!), sometimes we have to read between the lines or see beneath the surface. Bingo -- that's intuition. It's nothing mystical, and I bet a lot of us do it daily without even knowing it.

Have you ever had the sudden feeling that your cat wants something very specific? Such as a meal, or assistance of some sort? I have had this experience, for example, with a declining cat who needed help going to the bathroom. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I just knew that he needed help. So I helped him and got him to the litter box. Simple things like these enhance my understanding of that quiet intuition that may reside in us all. It can get drowned out by the noise of the world, but it's there and your cat can help you access it.

They teach me compassion

Sometimes, it's easy to get frustrated with other humans. Here's where our cats can help us! Doesn't it seem like it's much harder to get frustrated with a cat? They're so pure, loving, fun, and so cat. I think they can help train me to get along better with the rest of the world. They bolster that sense of compassion and caring in me. Not only am I a better person when I am with my cats, but I can try to take the compassion out into the world. Cats are my greatest teachers!

They teach me how to play

When the world turns too serious, I turn to my cat. Nothing can make me laugh more naturally, or make me feel better instantly, than the antics of my cat. It's impossible to remain grumpy for long when your kitten is rolling around on his back, waving his paws, demanding to play. It's impossible to be crabby when I'm working on a deadline at my laptop and my big Turkish Van plops down onto my lap. It just makes me concentrate on the work harder, since one slip of my wrist might send him sliding on to the keyboard and wreck my work. Who can NOT laugh when the cats are at it, playing and racing around, being cute, sucking up for attention, and all the mannerisms I've come to know and love? I certainly think they make my days better, and make ME better as a result.

Do you think your cats make you a better person? What have they taught you about being a good human? Share your thoughts in comments!

Incredible Photos: Two Dogs Escape a Burning Building

2013-09-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

On Monday, two dogs faced a horrific situation in McMinnville, Oregon. Nobody was home, their apartment was on fire, engulfed in flames, and they were badly burned, huddled on the second floor balcony.

The Pit Bull mixes, Simba and Brandy, had nowhere to go but down. Firefighters had just arrived and began fighting the fire when one of the dogs made his decision. He climbed on the railing, balancing himself, and then jumped. The second dog wasn't so sure, so a fireman went up on a ladder and removed some of the railing. The second dog jumped.

The images were caught on camera by Dan Belderrain of the McMinnville Fire Department.

After the dogs jumped, they ran off, and Animal Control was only able to capture them later that day. Unfortunately, they were badly burned, but they are undergoing treatment at the McMinnville Veterinary Hospital. However, with the owners newly destitute because of the fire, the hospital has been forced to donate much of the cost of medications and staff time, according to the News-Register.

Veterinarian Aaron Sears says the cost could run into the thousands of dollars, and the clinic is asking the public for help. It has set up a donation fund at Chase Bank, under the account name "McMinnville animal welfare," and donors may specify that they are donating for the care of Simba and Brandy.

Sears says that the burns are extensive, and some are "severe." Simba is able to walk, but he is in pain. Brandy is not yet mobile, according to the News-Register, and has burns on 30 percent of her body. Sears expects a complete recovery, however, albeit a lengthy and costly one.

What You Need to Know for Traveling With Your Dog By Plane

2013-09-14T07:46:00.001-07:00

Dogs may have been one of the first mammals in space (remember Laika?), but it doesn’t mean that taking them on an airplane has become any easier. There’s a lot of planning involved with taking a dog on holiday, both mentally and physically. It’s not a choice to be taken lightly, and due to the amount of time that’s needed to plan, it’s often not a great choice for a long weekend away.

If you’re going to take a dog away with you, you need to get ready well in advance. Adding your dog to the family holiday can’t be a last-minute decision.

Here's what you need to know to have a great time flying with your dog:

First things first: Can your dog fly?

The first judgment you need to make is whether your dog can cope with a plane trip. There are some legal restrictions on dogs flying: The very young and the very old aren’t allowed to fly, nor can pregnant or ill dogs. Some breeds may face particular discomfort when flying, such as those with shorter nasal passages, like Pugs or Boston Terriers. If your dog may safely fly, then you need to judge his mental strength. It will be a stressful time, and if you think he’ll spend the entire journey terrified and whimpering, then leaving him with a pet-sitter, trusted friend, or at boarding kennels would be the kindest thing.

Make sure your travel carrier is airline-approved and that your dog fits

in it comfortably.

Do your homework

Once you’ve established that your dog will be able to fly, you need to prepare him for his destination. Check what vaccinations he has to have and make an appointment with a vet. This needs to be done around seven to eight months in advance. You’ll need to have a certificate of health, usually verified from around a month before arrival, but some countries demand one as recent as 24 to 48 hours before the flight.

Find an airline that’s happy, and equipped, to take dogs onboard. Some are great, and will have their own pet flying guidelines, but make sure you read reviews and ask around. Read the airline's policies and regulations as often as possible, as rules can change quickly, and record all conversations you have about bringing your dog, just in case it goes wrong on arrival. It may also be worth bringing a copy of the section of the airline’s policy that covers animal travel, just in case officials aren’t entirely sure.

Your dog may actually enjoy flying.

You’ll also need to get your dog used to the crate he’ll be flying in, so spend lots of time (and treats!) playing in and around it at home. You want to make sure he’ll be happy spending a long time in it, and that he’s comfortable and safe in there. Sedation is a possibility, but you should check with your vet first, as it can sometimes have adverse or stronger effects at high altitudes.

Some airlines will let you transport your dog in a carrier stored under the seat, though these flights are usually limited to domestic journeys. Airlines that do allow pets to travel in the cabin include Air France, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and Swiss Airlines. Others, such as Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Qantas, require any animals to travel in cargo. Each airline has individual weight restrictions and crate size requirements, so make sure you read these carefully, especially if you have a larger dog.

Guide dogs and other kinds of assistance dogs are often exceptions: Usually passengers will be given seats near the front, so no matter how big the dog is, he can be kept with his person. However, it’s imperative to check before you travel, as not all airlines will be happy to accommodate this or even think to give extra space for a large dog.

Your dog may be allowed to travel in the cabin with you.

Making the flight easier

Try to choose direct flights, to save your dog from being bundled around between airports, as well as picking flights that won’t land during the coldest or hottest part of the day. There are strict regulations about how long an animal can stand in severely hot or cold weather, and you need to adhere to these.

Choosing the right crate is especially important. It needs to meet regulations set out by the airline, as well as be comfortable for the dog. It isn’t recommended to feed your dog while you fly, to save upset stomachs, and water is best stored as ice cubes. Make sure you have every bit of information attached to the crate, including all of your travel details and a 24-hour feeding plan, as animals and their owners are sometimes transported on separate planes.

On the day of travel

While you should be making the most of your preparations before the flight, there are plenty of things you can do on the day to make the journey as comfortable as possible for your dog. To minimize chances of an upset stomach, don’t feed him for around two to four hours before the flight, though water is fine. Take him on the longest walk you can. A tired dog is more likely to be peaceful (and sleepy) once on the plane than a dog bursting with energy. Most important, make sure you can take him out for a toilet break at the last minute.

Ensure your dog and his crate has plenty of identifying information. Use everything from a collar to a microchip, just in case the two of you are separated.

Know the symptoms for motion sickness. It should dissipate once your dog is back on the ground, but if you’re still worried, get to a vet as soon as you can. The main symptoms of motion sickness include excessive drooling, yawning, whining and crying, nausea and vomiting, shaking, shivering, pacing and unsure footing.

Taking your dog away with you, whether you’re relocating, traveling, or going on a special holiday, can make for the best time away, as long as you make sure you and your dog are both prepared, relaxed, and ready to go.

Get Off! How to Discourage Your Cat from Jumping on Counters

2013-09-14T05:36:00.001-07:00

If you have been reading a bit about feline behavior, then you should know by now that cats and discipline don't mix; in other words, you should never punish your cat. Cats are not dogs and you simply can't take your cat to obedience class… That said, sometimes you need to lay down some rules in the house and get an educational point across to your cat.

Punishment, in the human ethical and moral sense of the word, does not work with cats. In this article I'm going to try to explain the negative reinforcement principles of one common behavioral issue: cats jumping on counters.

This article will show you how to discourage your cat from jumping on kitchen counters and what techniques should not be used. If you're not in the mood for big words and long sentences, just skip to the last technique: surface covering. It's the method of choice, as it's both effective and non-stressful for your cat.

Why Do Cats Jump on Tables and Kitchen Counters?

Before you even begin teaching your cat to stay away from certain places, let's look at the causes for this type of behavior. Cats require a sufficient amount of living space, including enough vertical space. So before restricting your cat from accessing some areas, make sure that your kitty has plenty of roaming and climbing space within your home. Invest in cat trees, cat gyms and designated cat shelves. This stage is crucial! Giving your cat very little climbing space will result in a stressed and frustrated kitty and even more behavioral issues down the road.

Using Negative Reinforcement with Cats

Once you've made sure that your cat has enough space (vertical space included), it's time to learn how to teach your cat right from wrong and "explain" to her which surfaces are off-limits. Since we are trying to prevent a certain type of behavior, rather than encourage one, we'll have to use Negative Reinforcement.

Remember, we are not talking about punishing the cat! We are simply trying to create a certain connection in the cat's mind by associating undesirable behavior with a negative outcome. .

Before I review the various methods for achieving this, there are three principles to keep in mind when attempting any kind of negative reinforcement with your cat –

Keep the human out of the loop - We want to make sure that the cat associates the negative result directly with the action we want to prevent – never with you, the cat owner.

Keep the reinforcement consistent – This is true of any behavioral learning process and is crucial when it comes to negative reinforcement. It means the cat has to receive a negative reaction every single time it attempts the behavior we wish to discourage.

Keep stress levels down – Remember that cats are individuals and may have different reactions to sudden sounds, or any other type of sensory stimulation you may opt to use. Aim at making the unwanted behavior result in something unpleasant, but make sure it's not too frightening and doesn't cause your cat unnecessary stress.

Here are two options that are to be avoided:

1. Water Squirting

This is probably one of the best-known techniques of negative reinforcement. The idea here is for the cat owner to always be on guard, ready with a squirt bottle.

If you take a look at the principles outlined above, you'll see that water squirting is not a good method for negative reinforcement.

First, it could possibly associate you with the punishment. Ideally, anyone using this method should try to attract as little attention to her or himself as possible. In reality, this is extremely difficult to achieve, as ‘hiding’ and squirting is really problematic and also most owners project their own nervousness and agitation into the process.

Secondly, in terms of consistency, this method is far from perfect. It's difficult to be on the alert at all times, or even around at all times, and you end up with having a non-consistent pattern.

Thirdly, and probably most importantly, the water spray is too stressful for most cats. Fourthly, it could very well make them frightened of water.

2. Can Shaking/Compressed Air Can

Another well-known technique, it involves an empty soda can with some coins in it, or even a compressed air can. It relies on making a loud and disturbing noise to disrupt the cat’s activity.

It has most of the problems associated with water squirting: You, the ‘can shaker’, can be seen as the source of the negative reinforcement, there is a big problem with continuity, and of course, it can create a strong stress response in many cats.

In both of these instances you could end up with a stressed cat and a multitude of behavioral problems.

Booby Traps: Common but Problematic

Another popular negative reinforcement technique is booby trapping the area you wish your cat to avoid. One way to achieve this is to prepare a few empty soda cans, fill them with some coins or beans, and tie them one to the other. Then, place them on the edges of any high surface that you wish to keep your cats from jumping on, such as the kitchen counter. Should your cat jump, the cans all tumble down creating a loud racket.

The mousetrap version of the same idea entails setting up several wooden non-baited mousetraps, and placing them upside down on the surface you wish your cat to stay away from, and then cover them with a sheet of newspaper or even a towel. Should the cat jump on the counter, the triggered trap snaps with a loud noise, scaring kitty away.

Booby trapping surfaces like this has the advantage of getting you, the owner, out of the loop. The loving owner is never associated with the loud noise produced by the mousetrap or line of cans. It is also more consistent, as you can set up your booby trap and leave the room. Your cat will still create the negative reinforcement if she or he jumps on the counter. However, if you are away there is a consistency problem as it will only work once before you reset it.

The downside of booby trapping surfaces like this is that the surprising noise can be too startling for some cats, and again, you could end with a stressed feline instead of a trained one.

So what is the answer?

Here’s a good option:

Surface Covering

The idea is to make the surface that you wish to keep your cat away from uncomfortable to walk on. This can be done by using plastic carpet runners with points up, or using some double-sided adhesive tape. You don't have to stick any of the tape directly on your counters. What worked best for many of my clients was taking a thick plastic sheet and covering it with double-sided tape, creating their own homemade sticky mat. Then, whenever they were not using the counters, they would cover them with that sheet of plastic.

When taping directly on surfaces, we would usually use regular adhesive tape, creating small loops of tape, with the adhesive on the outside of the ring, and then placing/sticking them across the surface. This would create a similar effect of a sticky surface, but easier to lift off the surface than double-sided tape.

The end result is the same: The surface becomes uncomfortable for cats to walk on. They may jump once or twice, decide they don't like it, then jump off. Usually within a few days to a couple of weeks, the cats would stop jumping on the treated surfaces altogether, at which point you can take off the adhesive tape/sticky mat.

With this method you get very consistent negative reinforcement, as your cat will get a negative reaction generated every time she jumps on that surface, whether you're around or not. In fact, you, the cat owner, are completely disassociated from any discomfort caused. As an added benefit, there is no startling factor here, no loud noise or sudden movement.

This is the right way of teaching cats to stay off counter tops. It does take some effort, but you will end up with a trained cat without creating new behavioral problems.

The Solution that Works for You and Your Cat

Negative reinforcement can be very effective as way to teach your cat what not to do. Hopefully this article has provided a better understanding of how negative reinforcement works and why some methods, such as water squirting and booby trapping, should not be used.

Remember you must always provide your cat with plenty of space, including appropriate vertical space for climbing and jumping. Only then implement the sticky surfaces method. Be consistent and give it time. Some cats can take up to three weeks to stop trying.

Can Cats See Ghosts?

2013-09-14T02:05:00.001-07:00

When a cat stares off into space, is he thinking deep thoughts, trying to remember where he left his favorite toy or could it be he’s seeing a ghost? It’s unnerving right before bedtime or when a cat stares out of a lighted room into the dark hallway.

What is a ghost? Janice Gilligan, animal communicator, says, “I think of ghosts as spirits stuck in the physical world, attracted to places or energy sources, as opposed to beings that have transitioned and choose or have the ability to continue relationships with their loved ones.”

JellyBella says, “I don't know if it's ghosts or not, but Stan and Bella are always staring at things I can't see. Of course, our house was once a funeral parlor, so I guess there may be a few "late" guests passing through!”

“Cats are very sensitive creatures. They hear and smell things beyond our ability,” saysCheylink.

Gilligan agrees, “Consider the electronics ghost busters use, devices that amplify what our ears are incapable of hearing. They use lights, meters and thermometers. Cats are very self-aware and capable of evaluating their surroundings. They, like other animals, haven’t been programmed to rely solely on their five ordinary senses.”

Cat ghosts? TTMom says her cat Penny came back to visit. “When Penny died we were living with my in-laws. When we moved back home, Toes looked all over the house for her. I started seeing cat shadows out of the corner of my eye. I even felt Penny get up on the bed.” Many owners experience similar experiences after a pet has gone on but TTMom had an actual sighting. “I was in the kitchen and saw Penny cross the living room and go down the hall to the back of the house. Toes watched her walk by and then took off after her. He came back and looked all over before complaining to me. All I could do was say, "I know. I saw her too."

Gilligan says, “I asked a cat if she was able to “see” ghosts. Her response was “We’re at least as able to discern presences as humans are.” I’ve sensed that cats aren’t always (or even, usually) napping when they’re in that sphinx position, eyes closed, relaxing in the sun. I believe they meditate. I think they experience the presence of a ghost on a more intimate level than seeing.”

“Lynx was on the vanity counter in my bedroom while I was getting ready for work. All of a sudden he looked over my shoulder. I turned and there was nothing there,” says Telynn. “His eyes were following something. It really gave me a creepy feeling. I've seen him stare at a spot on the wall before but I never felt like that. That morning, I really got goose bumps over it.”

Whether you truly believe in ghosts or just know that creepy feeling of not being alone, perhaps the best attitude to take is the one Chausiefan used as a child. “Can some cats protect us from evil ghosts? I used to pretend that they could when I was a kid, just to help me sleep at night.”

How Much Do You Love Playing Fetch with the ChuckIt?

2013-09-13T07:13:00.001-07:00

They are ubiquitous in urban dog parks, like strollers at playgrounds or headphones on public transit. They poke their colorful stems from purses and tote bags, flying a flag to mark an afternoon of excitement. Arching across the space between a dog and her owner, it is a fishing pole with an invisible line that casts forth and then tows back a joyful, panting dog. The mere sight of the bag in which it slumbers is enough to run Ace in circles, her eyes fixed upon the object of her desire.

I’m talking about the ChuckIt.

If you don’t own one, you’ve probably seen it: a plastic ball launcher with a long handle that allows even the most clumsy of dog owners (me) to send a ball soaring effortlessly across the grass or sand. All hail its sublime power!

Because Ace loves nothing –- indeed, nothing -– more than to fetch, the ChuckIt is a regular part of my weekend routine, as much as my favorite pair of broken-in sneakers. For the uninitiated, the skeptical, and even for other devoted ChuckIt groupies, I will expound upon my love of this simple, reliable tool of doggie fun.

A variety of sizes

So many of the dog products I review are limited to use by dogs of a certain size. TheChuckIt covers dogs from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane and every size in between. For the smaller-mouthed of our canine friends, which includes Ace, the ChuckIt Sport 14, which holds the size-small balls, is perfect. These balls are smaller than a tennis ball, and the ChuckIt is molded to perfectly scoop and throw this miniature size. The Sport 14 is designed and made of the same quality hard plastic as even the largest ChuckIt, the Sport 26. ChuckIt also offers launchers with a “control grip” handle for the medium- and large-sized balls. Ace is able to cram a medium into her mouth if she’s playing with her larger friends; it is the same size as a tennis ball.

A variety of balls

I keep Ace away from tennis balls, which can grind down a dog’s teeth if they play fetch as obsessively as she does. ChuckIt offers a vast array of balls that fit into their launchers. Ace prefers the Ultra balls, which are made from durable rubber. They are easy to clean and are highly visible; the bright orange contrasts strongly with green grass. It also bounces well on packed dirt and even on grass, though perhaps next we will try the Fetch balls, which are described as designed for high bounce. I haven’t tried the other types of balls yet, but they look like fun. If you dog likes to play fetch in a lake or pool, they have several options that float!

Clean hands, dirty maw

Fetch is gross. Ace slobbers on the ball; the ball bounces in soil, dirt, or sand; Ace picks up the ball, runs, slobbers, and lays at my feet a sticky, muddy mess. Multiply that by 50 or more throws, and all the hand sanitizer in the world won’t make me feel clean. The ChuckIt eliminates the ick factor by allowing you to pick up the ball with the launcher itself, directly off the ground. The ball easily clicks into place and launches without difficulty.

I have found it is helpful to knock off any large chunks of debris after picking up the ball but before throwing it. This prevents the ball from getting stuck in the launcher or showering you with whatever horror was stuck to the ball as it is launched. I just pick up the ball with the launcher and then gently knock the ball against my shoe, a fence, or the hard ground to dislodge the accumulation of pebbles or mud. I never have to touch it.

The perfect throw

Fetch is an athletic game for humans as well as dogs, and I love how the ChuckIt makes it so much easier for me to keep up with Ace when we play. I can vary the kind of throw I give her: bouncy, high in the air, long, rolling. The stamina of my throwing arm increases exponentially.

While the ChuckIt makes me a more worthy opponent for my dog, I’ve never played a game of fetch where Ace didn’t outlast me -– this little dog is a tank.

Dogster Scorecard for the ChuckIt Ball Launcher

Quality: Made of hard plastic, my launcher is still going strong after almost two years of regular use.
Style: ChuckIt sports a simple design in bright colors.
Function: ChuckIt throws balls exponentially better than I do –- and I get to avoid picking up a dirty ball.
Creativity: Shake up your typical fetch routine with a variety of ball choices, including balls that whistle, float, and glow.
Value: For less than $15, you get a durable, reliable source of fun.

Bottom line

Do yourself and your ball-loving dog a favor and go get yourselves a ChuckIt! Already have one? Maybe it’s time to mix up your routine with a different kind of ball.

25 Ways Cats Are Keeping Cool in the SoCal Heat Wave of 2013

2013-09-13T05:00:00.001-07:00

For several weeks, Southern California has been gripped by a heat wave, with temperatures soaring to the high 80s. The low 90s! And 100 or so in the inland communities. As you can imagine, utter pandemonium, with Targets selling out of personal misting fans and Banzai Wiggling Water Sprinklers. But cats in the area have handled the higher temps with their traditional aplomb.

How has your cat been keeping cool?

Cat on edge of pool

1. Walking around naked.

2. Asking for a little more cold on the bathtub tap when she wakes you at 3 a.m. for a sip of water.

3. Not buying your stories about how great the water park was that day.

4. Sleeping in the closet for 12 hours, just like during winter. Or spring, for that matter. Also fall.

5. Not going anywhere near the beach.

6. Not going anywhere near the community pool.

7. Not going batcrap crazy when the ice cream man comes by for the 15th time that day.

8. Running away from sprinklers.

9. Yachting.

Skipper cat

10. Enjoying dinner outside, which is pretty much licking an ant trail in the warm breeze at sunset.

11. Slow walking out to the patio and laying in the hot sun like a badass on the Serengeti.

12. Pretending your spouse is an elephant who wandered past the wrong apex predator.

13. Finding new places to keep cool, like your crisper bin in the refrigerator.

14. Getting really close to the fans you've got going all the time. Like, 50-feet close.

Cat on beach

15. Eating Popsicles, or rather the puddles of Popsicle that have been forming under you for the past week.

16. Sleeping in the ice buckets at Applebee's.

17. Watching you silently as you sit on the couch in your bathing suit.

18. Knocking your water glass off the nightstand to make a Splash Zone.

19. Listening to Miles Davis and smoking thin cigarettes while living in -- wait, wrong cool.

20. Just loving the frigging heat so much.

Cat walking in snow

21. Telling the dog that she's old and washed up, because that's cold, man.

22. Ordering one ton of frozen anchovies from PetSmart.

23. Watching you silently as you sit on chair in your underwear, misting yourself with water and reading the Restoration Hardware catalog.

24. Moving into a penguin exhibit for the week.

25. Trying to not move so much, which has been terrifically easy.

Do Your Dogs Demand Cuddle Time Like Mine?

2013-09-13T04:21:00.001-07:00

My wife and I are lightly awakened from sleep, but not by your traditional alarm clock blaring out a sound that sounds like a French police car siren. We’ve already experienced that sound too many times after scheduling a vacation in Paris and, unknowingly, booking a hotel around the corner from the police station. The alarm clock isn’t a radio playing the latest Lady Antebellum or Sugarland hit, two of our country music favorites. Rather, it’s the light shimmy-shake from our little eight-poundSchnauzer, Dusty.

We are so in tune with her that the slightest noise or movement usually will awaken us no matter how deeply we are sleeping. There’s no need for us to wipe our eyes, stare at the clock, and squint to see the time on the display. No, our little Dusty girl has waking up to a science. 7:30 a.m. Eastern time is always the exact time for our wake-up call. It doesn’t matter if it is daylight savings time. It doesn’t matter if the window blinds are pulled tight and the curtains closed. This is when our petite furry girl notifies us that she’s ready to start her day.

Dusty always kisses us before going night-night.

Some dogs can’t wait to get up, stretch, and run to the door to be let outside for their potty session. They may wag their tails and get a quick pet or two before bounding out of the room and to the door that will take them to the great outdoors. But this is not the case for our little white Schnauzer. For her, it’s time to let the morning cuddle session begin. The stretching, running, and pottying can wait.

Some dogs will even snuggle up at bedtime.

Our little girl likes sleeping in her own crate. We refer to it as her private space to retreat, relax, and rejuvenate. She loves her crate and knows that she can fluff her bedding the way she likes and stretch out as long and far as her little body will take her. Besides, allowing her to sleep in our bed would keep us awake all night. Not because she is a light sleeper -- it’s more about me worrying about rolling over on her, or her falling off our tall king-sized bed.

I give Dusty a little loving massage before bedtime.

When she’s ready to get out of her “bedroom,” she always lets us know. We will then roll out of bed to greet her at the door of her crate. Her short nub of a tail wagging rapidly back and forth, she is anxious to get out and see us. From the crate, we put her immediately on the bed with us. We lay beside her, one on each side, and the cuddling begins.

She’ll usually start with me. Yes, she is a daddy’s girl! She will give me a kiss or two on the face, rub against my legs, spoon me as close as possible. Roll on her side and demand her belly rub. The belly rubbing session will last for about five minutes or more.

Then she will get up, stretch and head over to my wife. She gives my wife a kiss and immediately lies on her pillow. She likes the smell of the hand lotion my wife uses each night, and knows that this is the only time and location where she will get to sniff the sweet flower aroma. After a lengthy sniffing session she will lie down beside my wife and request another lengthy belly rub from her. The whole session will last for approximately 15 minutes, although we think our little Schnauzer girl would be more than happy to stay there for twice as long if we’d let her.

Getting Belly rubs from Momma is always nice.

After the morning cuddle session has been completed, we head downstairs and out the door and she is finally ready to start the other parts of her daily regimen., which usually includes a dozen trips outside to explore her big back yard. We have plenty of playtime including fetching the ball, playing with her favorite toys, and her barking at any people or animals she can see.

We’ll go for a ride to our local coffee house and then off to the park for more exploring and a good run. Of course, a few meals and multiple healthy treats throughout the day are always welcome. She especially likes our game of “Find It,” where I will toss a fresh piece of vegetable, fruit, or treat and she needs to find it. It’s one of the many highlights of her day.

Puppy love session done? Check! Let's start our day.

Things usually wind down in the evening. While we watch a little television, she’ll take a nap in her favorite downstairs dog bed, on a throw, a couch pillow, or on Big Joe –- a giant overstuffed bean bag chair. At 10 p.m., she’ll gently awaken from her nap, stretch and head to the back door that leads to her big backyard. With her nose, she will push the jingle bells hanging from the door into the air. This is how we trained her to let us know she needs to go potty. Once the nighttime bells ring, we know it’s time to call it a night. A quick potty outside and a check of the yard is all that’s needed. Our little furry pup is now ready for bed.

We make our way up to our bedroom and get ready for bed. Looking very sleepy, you’d think our little Schnauzer girl would be ready to go to her private space. Oh, contraire! It’s now time for the nightly cuddle session. The nightly cuddle session is the exact same as the morning cuddle session. She honors each of us with some dedicated puppy love time. We sing a few special songs that we have penned especially for her. We tell her to have a good night’s sleep and let her know we love her and that she’s the best girl ever. We escort her to her private space and she proceeds to fluff her bedding and make a nice nest for the night.

Dogs love to be close to us
.

The cuddle times were at the request of our little Schnauzer girl when we adopted her at two months of age. She is now 14 months old and the cuddle sessions are still part of the daily routine. It’s something that Dusty loves and frankly makes all of our lives complete. We look forward to many more cuddle sessions –- morning and night.

Do your dogs like to cuddle? Do they have a special morning or nighttime ritual with you? Let us know in the comments!

Are the Hours You Spend with Your Cats "Wasted Time?"

2013-09-13T00:42:00.000-07:00

Is any time spent with cats really time wasted? Most of us would probably say, "No way!" And really, the definition of time wasting is relative. One person's wasted time is another person's fun. Yet, with plural cats in the household, a lot of time goes to the cats. Do I beat myself up saying, "I could be working!" or "I could be making more money!" or similar things? Not usually. Here's how I entertain my cats. You decide whether it's time wasted or not.

1. We watch TV

This activity is highly unusual for me, because I have very little time to watch television. But I've discovered the show House, and I enjoy its tight writing and its bizarre characters. So, we watch it on Netflix. The deal is, the cats LOVE it when we watch TV. They get instant lap opportunities. Since we both sit on the futon and the cats plop down instantly to join us, it gets pretty crowded. We have to find our spaces fast, and first, or there's no room for the humans.

I also love Downton Abbey, but we'll have to wait a few months for the new series (alas!). If it arrives here during Minnesota's long winter, we'll have a great time on dark nights providing lap space for cats. It's easier to justify watching TV in the winter, anyway, when there's nothing to do outside once it's dark. The cats will be waiting!

2. We play musical rooms when it's time to feed cats

With multiple cats in what's basically a two-room house, feeding gets very interesting. If I had cats that nibbled daintily all day, I could leave out food and let them free-feed. But my cats usually turn into horses (not overweight, just big), and they love their food. So I feed them twice a day and move them into various rooms and watch while they're eating. I make sure that no cat tries to hog another's food. This takes time! They also get any required meds -- traditional or holistic.

3. We play "chase the pellets"

This is a great game you can try at home. If your cat likes it, you'll have a great time, and your cat will get lots of exercise. Find a place in your home or apartment where your cat can run for a long distance. A hallway might work well; stairs might work if you have them. I use a runway from the open kitchen through the bathroom. Take dry food, one pellet at a time, and throw it across the floor, aiming low as if you're skipping a stone across water. Some cats love the sound of the pellet skidding across the floor. Watch them chase it and capture it. You may even be able to train your cat to come back for another pellet toss by standing at one end of the runway and dropping a pellet into a bowl for noise effect. You'll certainly get their attention.

4. We play "chase the sheet"

Same idea as "chase the pellet." The cat is still doing the chasing, although you'll get a lot more exercise doing this than your cat will. Drag an old sheet or piece of material on the floor. A hard floor is best, as the sheet will move fast and make your cat crazy with play. Drag the sheet and watch your cat jump and ride it! Or, use this cool cat toy that I found at Target once. Not all my cats have figured it out, but some have, and they love to be dragged around the house in it -- head sticking out proudly as they ride and you pull.

5. We do yoga

Yoga is never a waste of time -- not for me, not for the cats. And I'll admit, I'll extend my practice if the cats are hanging around. I let my cats shape my day to an extent. Waste of time? Maybe. But I get yoga, and so do my cats!

Yoga is always best with cats!

I'll drop whatever I'm doing to entertain the cats. As I write this, my new kitten is racing around the office for the first time. I've interrupted my writing several times to throw him toys and make sure he's safe and having fun. It's all about the cats!

Kale is worn out after a hard play and exploration in the office!

How do you waste time with and entertain your cats? Share your thoughts in comments!

Do Cats Make Good Pets for College Students?

2013-09-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

September is quickly approaching and kids are loading up on pencils, folders and $150 calculators. I need to invent an emoticon for my checkbook's dismay on that last one. $:( ? Maybe that just looks like a sad guy in a fancy pimp hat. Whatever. I like hats, so maybe that's OK.

My daughter won't be sharing her dorm with a cat.

My kids are gearing up for a September 3 start date. My son is an incoming high school sophomore and my daughter is entering her senior year. She's been visiting colleges and is a major lover of every sort of animal. She, of course, has been fretting over what kind of pet she will bring to school with her next year. This has sparked many a conversation about responsibility and truly considering how one's life will change if they move away from home to attend college.

As a college student, I adopted a cat named Daphne. I've always adored kitties and my 20-year-old brain thought it was a good idea. I was well into my college years and my parents didn't really have much say in the deal. And if they had, I probably wouldn't have listened. I attended classes full time and worked a part-time job. Basically, I was rarely home. And do you think I had the finances for proper medical care? Of course not. I only took her to the vet when she was sick, and even then I often had to borrow money for the bill. She was spayed, but I can't take credit for that -- she was altered when I adopted her. And to top it off, I shared a house with four roommates, so the door was often left open and Daphne escaped more than a few times.

I lived in a big house with four college roommates and my cat, Daphne. Wasn't the best idea.

I eventually moved out of state and was unable to bring her with me, so my friend helped me find a great home for her, where she thrived. I'm embarrassed to even admit my past behavior, but I was young and honestly didn't know any better. I loved my cat and thought I was doing an OK job taking care of her. The bright spot in all of this mess is that now I can counsel my daughter because I've been through it. I can't stress enough that when you adopt a cat (or any animal), it's for life. They are not disposable.

Bringing a cat into your college lifestyle requires a lot of consideration.

In our search for colleges for my daughter, we're finding that in most dorm situations, students aren't allowed to have cats as pets. Many of them have a rule about only allowing pets who live in tanks. This would include mostly fish and reptiles, which still require regular care. My daughter seemed excited about the prospect of a reptile of some kind. I asked her if she'd thought about how she'd feed him if she came home for a weekend or went out of town? Would she bring him with her? Would she line up a sitter? She hadn't even considered it. It's a small thing, but still something to think about. If you remember being that age, you'll probably recall periods of bad judgement or not-fully-thought-out decisions. I certainly do, and Daphne was only one of them.

Do you have the time and finances to properly care for a cat?

So, are cats ever good pets for college students? Honestly, I think it really depends on the situation. I've known some students who are homebodies. They shared a house or apartment with maybe one other person, went to class during the day and weren't employed. They didn't go out much, weren't partiers and rarely had people over for visits. Some of these individuals shared their homes with a cat and the cat was well cared for. Their parents footed the bill for everything and all was well. This was a good situation.

Cats can be great study partners!

Students who still live at home and attend college may have a similar set-up. I think that in order to take on the responsibility of a cat, a student -- like anyone considering cat adoption -- should fully consider every aspect of their lives. Back in the day, most college students I knew either lived in dorms or had many roommates, full schedules, were very social and had no money. And by social, I mean there were constant visitors in their houses -- especially at night. And there may have been drinking involved. This is a terrible situation for a cat.

So, as I move through this decision with my daughter, I feel well-informed and hope to impress upon her the commitment that comes with taking on a pet for which you will be solely accountable. The more adults who take the time to have this conversation with these young adults, the more these students will grow into individuals who live and hopefully spread the word about responsible pet ownership.

Did you have a cat in college, or do you know anyone who did? Tell us about it in the comments!

Get to Know the Australian Shepherd: A Jack of All Trades

2013-09-12T11:08:00.002-07:00

Skilled at herding, agility, flyball, Frisbee, and obedience, this do-it-all breed is up for anything.

The Australian Shepherd may have a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to part of its name. The breed originated in the United States, not Australia. But there's no question about the Shepherd designation; this is a talented and versatile herding dog ready to tackle any challenge. Most Aussies today turn their talents to being active and attentive companions. But give them a chance, and they'll prove themselves at just about anything.

Aussies are especially talented at herding, agility, flyball, Frisbee and obedience. They are smart and active, a great combination if you want to do a lot with your dog, but a bad combination if you expect your dog to entertain itself.

The breed came to America by way of Australia, and they came to Australia by way of Europe. They accompanied Basque shepherds (the human kind) to both locations as they followed the sheep industry to new frontiers. These dogs had to be much tougher and hardier than traditional European herding breeds to withstand the rugged terrain of Australia and the western United States. They were skilled at working cattle, which made them especially valuable in the American West. As they evolved even more they came to be called Australian Shepherds.

The Aussie's herding style is termed "loose-eyed" (as opposed to "strong-eyed"). This means they herd with an upright posture, tending to use their body and movement to intimidate and thus move sheep rather than staring and stalking. They will also bark to control livestock, but not as much as many other breeds. And they will at times grip (meaning bite) the livestock if they are challenged. Despite being called shepherds, they are equally good at herding cattle.

Because they work so closely with the shepherd, herding dogs are especially good at learning complicated tasks, including tricks. In the 1950s and '60s, a group of highly-trained Australian Shepherds appeared in a rodeo trick-dog act. You can find videos of them online by searching for their trainer, Jay Sisler.

Sisler's trick dogs were featured in the Disney movies Run, Appaloosa, Run and Stub: The Greatest Cowdog in the West, bringing the breed national attention. Many of today's Aussies trace back to Jay Sisler's rodeo dogs.

In the late 1950s, Australian Shepherds began to be registered with the National Stock Dog Registry and, later, the Australian Shepherd Club of America. Working Aussies are still primarily registered with these organizations rather than with the AKC.

The AKC recognized the Australian Shepherd in 1993, amidst much controversy. Many breeders did not want AKC recognition, and chose not to accept it. Because of this, the non-AKC organization, the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), is still equally important for registration and competition.

The Aussie is in the AKC Herding group.

The Australian Shepherd is the 22nd most popular AKC breed, but because so many are registered with ASCA or with the National Stock Dog Registry, their true popularity is probably higher.

Aussies come in a variety of colors, including (but not limited to) black and tan, red and tan, blue merle, red merle, all with or without white trim. Merle refers to splotches of dark and light grey (blue merle) or dark and light chocolate (red merle).

Never breed two merle Aussies together. The merle color is caused by the action of a single dominant gene. Dogs with two copies of the gene are mostly white and very often have serious eye problems, including blindness.

Merle Aussies often have blue eyes. These eyes have perfectly normal vision (unless associated with two merle genes).

Some Aussies are born with natural bob tails, and the tails of others are traditionally docked in some countries. Natural bob tails do not breed true.

Like many collie breeds, Aussies may carry a gene that makes them sensitive to several medications. Most well-known are certain heartworm preventives, but other medications can actually have more serious effects. A DNA test is available to determine if your Aussie is at risk.

Owners include Mel Gibson, Steve Jobs, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Tim Robbins, Sally Field, Susan Sarandon and Flip Wilson.

A miniature version of the Australian Shepherd has been developed. These dogs are now known as Miniature American Shepherds.

Do you own an Australian Shepherd? Have you spent time with one? Let's hear what you think about this fascinating breed in the comments! And if you have a favorite breed you'd like us to write about, let us know that, too!

5 Tips for Saving Money on Your Cat Care

2013-09-12T10:38:00.002-07:00

It might not be the financial crisis of 2008, but many of us are still struggling with how to best allocate our money. It seems that there are so many things demanding dollars, and costs continue to increase everywhere. Bringing a cat into the picture, or keeping a cat or cats, complicates our finances further.

We all know that it costs money to care for a cat well. But you don't need to dig a deeper financial hole with worries about cat care. Apply some mindfulness to your finances and your cat expenditures, and you'll be able to keep cats in your life.

Here are five tips for saving money on your cat care:

One dollar under paws of a cat

1. Make choices and prioritize

Does your cat need to have the best of everything? Well, sure, of course we want this! But sometimes it isn't realistic if your supply of money is finite. So, get mindful. What do you want your cat to have? What is not so important? Would your cat really be happier with a $200 cat tree, or could you perhaps build one yourself for less or concoct something that serves the same purpose? Would your cat be happier with a paper bag? Some are!

If you have a set budget for what you can spend on your cat, decide where you want to spend money for quality, and where you can improvise if needed. For example, I think diet is really important, so I spend quite a bit of money on good, grain-free cat food (canned and dry). I could surely save a ton of money if I bought the cheapest food on the market, but I believe that much of health starts with good food. On the other hand, I don't have the $$$ for a fancy cat tree, so I don't have one. My cats play with boxes, bags, a $10 nylon cat tent that they love, a number of small toys, and the Feline Fisher (worth every penny). Mostly, my cats seem happy when they get time with me -- regardless of how fancy or unfancy the toys are.

White cat under money on sofa

2. Don't free-feed

You may be draining money from your household if you're letting your cat graze on food throughout the day. I know that some people do this successfully. I have never done this. Certainly it'd be easier logistically -- simply set out the food and forget about it for the rest of the day. But some of my cats would likely overgraze and gain weight -- and I don't want that.

Like I said above, the food I'm feeding is too expensive to waste. My cats get measured amounts twice a day. For a very senior cat, who might do better with several small meals, I've fed three times a day.

Little girl feeding a cat

3. Set up an emergency fund

This is basic personal finance 101, and it is so easy to overlook! You've heard it all before. Pay yourself first. Sometimes that's easier said than done, but it can be done -- it just takes discipline. You'll feel good when you put this habit into place, and you'll also gain a feeling of security when you have cash for emergencies.

You might consider setting up a sub-emergency fund specifically for cat emergencies. Don't you want to be prepared if something happens to your cat? Veterinary expenses can add up fast. (Ask me, I know.) You'll have peace of mind if you can stash some money aside for unexpected surprises. Yes, it may only be a few dollars at first. But with regularity, and time, those dollars add up.

4. Take advantage of low-cost preventive or vet services

Don't let the perceived expense of a spay, for example, stop you from adopting a new female cat or spaying your already-owned cat. Are there low cost spay/neuter options in your area? Ask around, or get creative. Can you negotiate with your veterinarian? I understand that vets have huge overhead and expenses, and that it can be a difficult business to run, but there may, in some cases, be leeway, especially if you've been a historically good customer.

If you're looking to adopt, some shelters offer discounts at particular times, or discounts for seniors, etc. While I'm not sure that giving pets away free is a good idea (it could serve to devalue the pet and possibly attract people who may not be serious about pet guardianship), I also understand that there are times when people are strapped and need to be watching their dollars.

5. Shop around for the stuff you use often

Decide where you most want your cat dollars to go -- there are times when the cheapest choice is not always the best choice. This is going to depend on you and your approach to caring for cats. I spend a lot on food, but I don't spend a lot on cat litter, because I'm not sold on clumping litter and I love a particular brand of litter that is cheap and unscented. If you love another litter and it makes your life better to buy it, than allocate your cat budget toward this and cut back elsewhere.

Come to think of it, always have an eye toward your entire budget. Would you give up _______ so you could buy _____ for your cat? Fill in the blanks. For example, would you give up ice cream so that you could afford something for your cat this week or month? I would. Or a latte? Yes. You get the picture. Look at your entire budget and prioritize as to what's important overall and what is not so important.

How do you juggle your budget so that you can care well for your cat? What tips can you share? Share your stories in comments!

An Apology Letter from Your Cat

2013-09-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

I, Professor Friskers, have a number of things to get off my chest, dear human Feeder.

Dear Feeder,

I hope this letter finds you well.

It has recently been brought to my attention that some of my behavior over the course of our time together has been less than exemplary. I feel it is remiss of me not to address this.

You’ll understand that recognition of these actions is in no way a LEGAL acceptance of guilt, and is inadmissible in any court. It is merely a missive to set the record straight.

Firstly, let me explain the whole bird incident. You and I are very different creatures, Feeder. To me, that bird represented a gift: a fine gift, an extraordinary gift. A gift for you from me. A token, albeit a bloody one, of my sincere gratitude.

You discarded the last gift I caught you, so now you only get store-bought gifts.

I thought you would appreciate being surprised with it in your bed and that I had already opened it up for easy access to innards. I had no idea your new female companion had such an attachment to it, so I can only suggest that, in the future, she should secure her vulnerable, delicious pets more durably. Though, from what I understand, she will not be troubling us again. In my opinion, you had a lucky break. A bird? As a pet? There is something very wrong there.

I think many of the other problems that have arisen between us are down to our divergent senses of humor. While you enjoy the comic stylings of Rob Schneider and Mike and Molly, my funny bone is considerably more sophisticated. And so while you don’t recognize the humor attached to leaping onto your lap, claws extended and screeching wildly while you watch Friday the 13^th Part 5 with a date, I’m afraid that I do.

In retrospect, my actions during your movie date night were reprehensible.

I had no idea your reaction would be that extreme, and I obviously extend my sympathies to the young lady who suffered the nacho cheese burns. Perhaps if you’d stuck to the low-fat diet that had been recommended, we wouldn’t be in this mess. But, as the sages state, comedy is never universal. Perhaps one day you will catch up with me and understand my jokes and japes. I pray that day comes soon.

Now I know you feel that those mucus-matted balls of hair that I regurgitate are quite unpleasant. You are not alone in this. We all do; you are not special. I would just like to point out that this is a MEDICAL condition.

If you carried a similar sort of affliction -- for instance, if you had a lacerated shin (for which I apologize; it was a case of mistaken identity) or a heavily damaged scalp (again, I’m sorry; from that angle your new haircut did resemble a small mammal), I would not judge.

I can't help it if I have to produce hairballs occasionally.

It just so happens that I needed to cough up this unfortunate by-product of illness, right at the moment I was passing your cereal bowl, shoes, and your former fiancée's neck, hair, and quiche. (How is Linda, by the by? Are you still in touch?) Though I obviously cannot be blamed for this, I do realize it is not conventionally wholesome.

Finally, I suppose we must rake over the coals of what you only refer to as (rather dramatically in my opinion) "the Incident." I recognise now that it was not a good day and no one emerged from it covered in glory. All I know is that I was tricked -- TRICKED -- into entering a small meshed box.

Once caged, I’m afraid I entered a highly emotional state. I am not proud of this. But, you will remember that last time I was similarly boxed I was taken to a place where vile things were done to my body. I was never the same again. I could only assume that once that box was reopened, a similar fate awaited me. And so my subsequent violent actions, upon release, were entirely in pre-emptive self-defense. I felt obliged to latch myself onto the nearest available surface. Unfortunately that proved to be your mother’s face.

I urge you to reconsider the cage option in favor of this. I may not be responsible for my actions.

How was I supposed to know? I wasn’t even told that you had a mother. I haven’t seen my mother for years and you don’t hear me bleating about it. I know I do constantly make that noise which sounds like bleating, usually in the early hours of the morning into the ear of yourself or anyone sleeping nearby. But that has nothing to do with anything parental.

But I would now like to draw a line under the Incident. I know the rest of that festive season was quite tense and tear-filled. And, in my defense, I was finding particles and skin and flesh under my claws for days afterwards. I don’t know what your mother is made of, but it is really quite adhesive.

And so, in conclusion, for all the terrible, though perfectly justifiable, behavior listed above, and for that whole thing with the litter box/wool cap confusion, I am truly sorry. I hope we can now move on.

Thank you for your time.

Your cat,

Professor Friskers

P.S. That name explains a lot as well.

5 Dog ID Tags That Don't Jingle

2013-09-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

Sick of hearing your pup's dog tags clink together as she goes about her day? So are we.

When I first brought my Moxie home, the sound of his dog tags clinking together as he ate, played, and made our apartment his personal playground was a welcome noise. A sound that screamed, "WE CONVINCED THE LANDLADY! AND NOW WE HAVE A DOG!"

Four years later, it's not quite as endearing. And I can't imagine how the parents of multiple dogs keep their sanity hearing several sets of tags jingling like jailer's keys all day.

Tag silencers are one way to solve the problem, but a few years ago, I discovered the slip-on collar tags from Boomerang (pictured below), attached them to a supple leather tag collar from Sit Up N' Beg, and never looked back.

Here are some of my favorite picks for those of you looking to fuse dog tag with collar:

Boomerang Tags come in a variety of sizes and slip easily onto any collar.

1. Boomerang Tags' Collar Tags: As mentioned above, this is the method I prefer. Moxie is now on his second tag collar in three years (he wears a martingale on top of it for walks), but the Boomerang tag hardware remains the same. I like that you can slip it off one collar and onto the next if you're one of those fashionable multi-collar-owning pet parents. The tags run $9.20 to $10.99; collars are also available.

How clever is Mimi Green?

2. Mimi Green's Engraved Collar Buckles: How smart is this? A belt buckle that doubles as a dog ID! When I first saw these dog tags by Mimi Green, I had one of those "Crap, I wish I'd invented these" moments. You can personalize yours with up to 15 characters per line. The buckles are a metal and plastic hybrid, and $29 gets you tag plus nylon collar with your choice of 18 colors.

Nylon ScruffTags collars.

3. Nylon ScruffTags' Personalized Dog Collar: Similar to the Mimi Green collars, these collars are made of hardy nylon webbing. Instead of an engraving on the buckle, though, they offer a built-in tag reminiscent of the Boomerang Tags. These collars ($24 each) feature a side-release buckle and are made in the U.S.

Brass nameplates from Doctors Foster and Smith.

4. Doctors Foster and Smith Brass Nameplates: These run $3.99 to $4.99 and come with rivets so you can attach them to your collar. Doctors Foster and Smith also have their own line of collars, and can attach the nameplate to them for you if you leave a note with your order.

Italian Leather collars by DogIDs.

5. Personalized Italian Leather Collars from DogIDs: How pretty are these? I almost want to wear the light blue one myself! (Only kind of kidding.) These collars feature two layers of leather stiched together -- the outer layer is water-resistant and colorfast while the inner layer is an extra-soft tan leather. U.S.-made and $49.

Which is your favorite? And what would you add to the list?

A Girl with a Diabetic Alert Dog Is Turned Away from School

2013-09-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

The district says the dog would be "a distraction, scare other children, and aggravate allergies."

On Friday, 11-year-old Madyson Siragusa, a diabetic, arrived at school in Henrietta, New York, for the first day with her new service dog, Duke, a yellow Lab who is trained to sniff out her blood sugar swings. Madyson's family paid $20,000 for the dog, raising the money by selling bracelets, fundraising online, and digging into savings.

Madyson and Duke didn't make it far. They were turned away by the school and sent home, according to the Associated Press.

"We have no idea what changed their mind," Keri Siragusa, Madyson's mom, said of district officials.

She said that the school was receptive to the idea when she brought it up before summer break. But before school started, the district sent her a letter, barring the dog because he would be "a distraction, scare other children, and aggravate allergies."

Madyson's parents are pressing the Rush Henrietta Central School District to reconsider. The district, however, says the dog isn't necessary and that the nurse can monitor her blood glucose levels just as well as any dog.

According to a statement sent to the Associated Press, "Our schools are staffed by a school nurse and supported by a district nurse practitioner. They use long-established, well-tested protocols -- including the prudent monitoring of blood glucose levels -- to safeguard the health and well-being of students."

"The presence of a service animal trained to monitor these levels is redundant," the statement said.

Lily Grace, founder and chief executive of the National Institute for Diabetic Alert Dogs, which provided Duke, isn't so sure. The dog would be with Madyson all the time, between visits to the nurse.

"Within a 10-minute window, this child can go from having a good number to a dangerous number," Grace said. "Yes, the nurse is there, too. That's a great thing to have, but the more tools the better."

NIDAD says it has placed 400 dogs with diabetics, and about one quarter of those attend schools. Duke has been trained to detect Madyson's particular scents during episodes of high and low blood glucose. If the dog detects high levels, he paws at Madyson.

The school district hasn't said much else beyond the statement, fearing legal action. Madyson's parents, meanwhile, are gathering evidence about diabetic alert dogs in the hopes of changing the district's mind.

Madyson has not returned to school and is instead receiving at-home tutoring.

Do Your Dogs Have Sensitive Stomachs?

2013-09-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

We have to monitor what my boy Kramer eats or we'll be cleaning a mess. Sound familiar?

By the time we brought Dusty home at two months of age, I had already done plenty of research on different types of food. I researched the premium brand canned food, kibble, dehydrated, freeze dried, raw and homemade diets. It had been 20 years since we had a puppy and a lot had changed in puppy diets since then. All of our other dogs we adopted were past their initial puppy stage. After my extensive research and on the advice of a local veterinarian and nutritionist, I decided to go with a homemade diet that I read about from a Hawaiian veterinarian nutritionist name Dr. Basko.

The diets were based on a healthy boiled protein, combined with fresh vegetables and a seaweed and kelp mixture. The recipes he illustrated in his book allow you to choose different types of proteins, vegetables and antioxidant mixtures based on the dog’s lifestyle, climate and age. It was actually fun for me to cook and prepare her meals daily and she thrived on the fresh food that was being provided. I also didn’t have to worry about pet food recalls or too much grain being added to her diet. I knew exactly what she was eating.

Dusty likes her homemade food and treats.

A year later we adopted our boy Kramer. He was born at a breeder’s home, sold to a couple, returned to the breeder, adopted by a rescue where he was fostered in two wonderful homes, and then brought to his forever home with us. He was 15 months old when we adopted him and had already lived in five different homes. He is a brilliant and handsome boy that is still trying to figure life out. He is sweet and gentle with us and his new sister Dusty. However, it takes a long time for him to warm up to others who visit or that he meets in public.

Along with his overall sensitive nature, he has an extremely sensitive stomach. The first few days with us was a nightmare of diarrhea from him being so nervous. It was the worst case of uncontrollable bowel movements I had ever seen. It looked like something out ofThe Exorcist!

I have learned never to switch a dog’s food immediately to another type or brand. The process needs to be slow and steady over a few weeks time. Start with slowly introducing a small amount of the new food mixed with his present food. After the first week increase the new food by a third, mixed with the present food. Each week increase the new food by a third until you are 100 percent on the new food. This also works out well since her present food should be empty by then and you don’t have to throw it away. I figured this would work well with Kramer, especially since I had little clue of what he was eating at his previous stops. I only had a small bag of what the last foster family was feeding him. Fortunately, it was a decent food from Wellness.

"Oh, I'll just have what you're having."

I started mixing in the new fresh food that Dusty was eating with Kramer’s present kibble. Kramer immediately loved the fresh beef, fish or chicken that was cooked for him. He would sit within two feet of me while I prepared it at the stove. He wasn’t quite sure about all the veggies, since they were likely foreign to his diet. He often looked at them and then looked back at me as if to say, “What the heck is this stuff, man?” He eventually decided that bell peppers were acceptable but, forget the romaine lettuce, carrots or broccoli crowns. Yuck! Vile weeds!

Kramer says, "You are under my spell and you will give me an extra treat."

The first week turned out okay and he was adjusting to his new diet. Then, he suddenly digressed and developed diarrhea again. Fortunately, I didn’t have to call in the priest this time since his bowel movements were not projectile. However, I knew something in the mix was not right. We had visited the veterinarian a couple of times regarding this and nothing was found to be medically wrong with him. He simply has a very sensitive stomach.

I started to realize, as much as he loved the fresh protein in his diet, his stomach would not tolerate much of it. Through trial and error it was determined that the higher fat content found in some proteins, food and treats was causing him issues. It wasn’t the fact that he was overweight himself. Quite the contrary, since he is at his ideal weight. It’s simply that his body doesn’t process fat as well as it should.

So, back to the doggie food research studies it was for yours truly. I reviewed the best ranked foods that were low in fat and listed on Dog Food Advisor’s website. This is an independent site that evaluates all brands and types of dog food on the market. They list the ingredients for each food and red flag by-products and fillers. They list the protein, fat and carbohydrate percentages for each food. Then they rank the foods based on a five star rating, with five stars being the best. It really is an excellent site full of wonderful information on dog food.

We certainly don't feed table scraps, but that can be an easy way to give your dog indigestion.

We tried several brands of food that were low in fat. Most had very little taste and were not very well received by my finicky little furry man, despite the fact that he loves to eat and get treats. We found one brand that was ranked five stars, was low in fat and received four paws up from both our Schnauzers. It was Fresh Pet. Its Vital brand is grain and potato free as well. The food can be found in most major pet food retailers and grocers. It is a fresh refrigerated product available in rolls or pre-cut bites. We like to mix it with some fresh veggies, but it is not necessary since it has key vegetables and fruits inside the product.

Since finding the right food and Kramer becoming less sensitive to his surroundings, all is well in his world. He is happy with his new home, his new sissy and his mom and dad. His belly is very happy, too!

Do your dogs have sensitive stomachs? Do you have to feed them special diets? Share your stories and pictures in the comments!

Two Tragedies, One Balcony: A Dog and a Cat Plunge Off the Same Chicago High-Rise

2013-09-11T02:42:00.001-07:00

The condo owner says the events, separated by only three days, were accidents, and police agree.

It's a horrible story you might have seen in the news: A dog fell to its death from the 43rd floor of a high-rise condo building in the Lakeshore East neighborhood on Wednesday, according to CBS Chicago.

You would be tempted to write this off as a tragic accident -- things happen -- until the rest of the story comes out. A cat fell off this very same balcony, and died, just three days before the dog fell.

What on Earth is going on in that condo?

The condo's tenant, a 26-year-old musician named Ryan, is claiming both are simply accidents. He's been in the process of moving. The dog who fell, a Rottweiler/Shar-Peimix named Duke, belonged to Ryan's mother. She brought the dog with them when they came over to help Ryan move. They had piled boxes and furniture on the balcony while cleaning the apartment.

“It created a ladder that no one was thinking of,” Ryan told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Nobody was home when the dog fell. After Ryan's step-dad returned to the apartment and couldn't find the dog, he tracked Ryan down at a friend's apartment a few floors away.

“He was in shock and he was like, ‘Where’s the dog?’ and since this had just happened to the cat ... I already figured the worst,” said Ryan.

They went back to the balcony, peeked over the edge, and saw police cars by the front door of the building. Ryan said his step-dad “couldn’t even hardly talk. He put this dog almost as high up as my mom and my little sister.”

One woman and her boyfriend were walking their dog outside when Duke hit the ground. The boyfriend said Duke hit on his side and died instantly.

“He can’t get the vision out of his head, or the sound,” the woman told CBS Chicago. “He’s pretty torn up about it. I’ve never really seen him like this before.”

Investigators, of course, were skeptical.

“Police were questioning and threatening to arrest me,” Ryan said. “Slowly but surely they, thank God, they believed what I told them.

They were skeptical because three days before, one of Ryan's cats went over the edge and died. This, too, was a tragic accident related to his moving, according to Ryan. He says the cats, Ash and Oak -- one of them a two-month-old kitten, according to the Huffington Post -- were old hands on the balcony. But then Ryan's mother came over with Duke. The cats were on the balcony, with the glass door shut. The dog ran up to the door, startling the kitten.

“I’d convinced myself thoroughly that there’s no way these cats would even slip off because they had that instinctual fear that right over this edge is a big drop ... but, I guess they freaked out because they never had a dog in their face before," Ryan told the Sun-Times. "I’m assuming one of them got skittish, went on the edge and just kind of jumped when they saw [Duke] through a glass window.”

Three days later, Duke would go off the same balcony.

Would You Pay $55 Million for a Balloon Animal?

2013-09-11T00:33:00.000-07:00

Someone will -- it's the famous "Balloon Dog" sculpture by Jeff Koons, which is being auctioned.

It's arguably the most famous dog in modern art -- Jeff Koons'Balloon Dog (Orange). It's also arguably the most famous pet in art. I don't see any cats vying for that title. I don't see any Warhol Parakeets and Renoir Sheep trying to take the trophy from Balloon Dog (Orange). (Art majors: There really aren't any Warhol Parakeets and Renoir Sheep.)

Christie's calls Balloon Dog (Orange) "one of the most recognizable images in today’s canon of art history," and we can't argue with that. We always recognize it when we see it. I think one time we thought it was a boat, but that was years ago.

Christie's describes Balloon Dog (Orange) thusly: "This monumental work, with its flawless reflective surface and glorious color, is the most beloved of all contemporary sculptures. ... Creating the illusion of weightlessness with reflective stainless steel of gigantic proportions, the work is considered the supreme example from Koon’s highly desired and acclaimed Celebration Series."

"The Balloon Dog is the Holy Grail for collectors and foundations," confirms Christie's Brett Gorvy.

The reason we're telling you all this is because now, you can own Balloon Dog (Orange)! Here's how to get it: Just leave a comment on this post telling us why you love Balloon Dog (Orange) ... uh, and then (here's the important part), on Nov. 12, attendChristie's Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale in New York and bid something in the neighborhood of, oh, I don't know, $55 million. (The comment will do nothing. That's just us being funny.)

Yes, Balloon Dog (Orange) is going to fetch $55 million, according to experts, because everything is crazy. Also, because Koon's last big stainless steel thing to auction, Tulips, went for $33 million, andBalloon Dog (Orange) BLOWS DOORS on Tulips, according to people who love dogs (Christie's).

If you don't win, don't worry. There are four otherBalloon Dogs out there, in yellow, blue, magenta, and red. They are all owned by people richer than the sun.

You can also buy one for $49 at Park Life. Koon tried to sue the little store in 2011 for making a balloon dog, but he dropped the suit, because it turned out Jeff Koons was not the first person to make a balloon dog.

Still, he made one hell of a balloon dog. What do you think -- Poodle? Australian Shepherd? Collie?

Would You Call 911 After Seeing a Dog Locked in a Hot Car?

2013-09-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day, my partner and I took our dogs out of New York City for a long weekend upstate. We have cottages that we love to stay in, we open the door to a yard, and we are next to a meadow where at twilight you can see deer and hike down a short trail to the forest and a swimming hole. For city people and city dogs, this is paradise. We spent the weekend playing outside, dodging thunderstorms and hiking in the nearby nature preserves. On Saturday afternoon we crated our dogs at the cottage and drove into town. We spent the afternoon wandering shops and then late in the afternoon got ready to head back to our cottage to take the dogs out for some fun, and were met with a terrifying sight and an ethical dilemma.

happy dogs after a day of hiking

When we got back to our car, I was startled by hearing lots of barking in the deserted parking lot. Then, I saw him, a little black dog sitting in a white SUV next to our car. It was hot and the worst kind of soupy humid. The windows of the SUV were cracked, but we all know that doesn't actually make a car safe to leave a dog in. The little dog was clearly distressed and unfortunately seemed even more upset by seeing us near his car; he became more and more agitated the longer we stayed. Reluctantly we climbed into our car. I didn't know what to do, but I knew I couldn't leave without doing anything. Pulling my cell phone out of my purse I dialed 911 ...

The benefits of vacationing in a small town was that the 911 operator didn't laugh at me for making this sort of call. Instead he took down the information about where the car was parked, as well as the license plate number, and said that an officer would be coming by to check on the dog. It was a small town, I think officers have time to do things like check on dogs left in hot cars in places like that. I need to believe that's the case. As I hung up the phone with the police and we drove out of the parking lot and back to the cottage where our dogs rested comfortably, I wondered how anyone could be so cruel to leave their dog locked in a car on the last day of August.

Dog sculpture I found in town right before we found the dog in the car

That afternoon I posted to my Facebook and Twitter that I had made the 911 call and got a lot of feedback from friends. Most were supportive of my having made the call, talking about how it was the right thing to do, and their shock that someone would have been so cruel to a dog. Other, more radical friends suggested that a 911 call hadn't been enough, that a dog's life hung in the balance and that I should have acted. They suggested that after calling 911 I should have broken a window on the SUV to free the dog. I'm not suggesting that someone who does that is in the wrong, more so that it's not an approach I would feel comfortable doing.

I don't know what happened to that dog I saw this weekend. I like to think that the police got to him in time and somehow educated his family about the dangers of keeping a dog in a parked car. Of course I don't know if this is what actually happened, if the police responded to the call, if the dog was OK by the time that they got there, if the family even would have cared about the dangerous situation they left their dog in. It was difficult to know what to do in that moment when we saw the dog. Although I have no way of knowing if my action of making the phone call was able to help the dog, I still believe it was the right decision, and in a really challenging situation was the most I was able to offer the poor dog.

I wish all dogs could be this happy

How about you? Have you ever been put in a position where you have seen someone abusing or otherwise endangering a dog? How have you responded? Are you more likely to call the authorities like I did, or do you adopt the take-things-into-your-own-hands approach to situations like this?