Dogs
Hound Dog Answer Man By Raymond L. Atkins
Ever since the recent post ran about my hound dog, Hotep, I have been inundated by emails asking my advice on all manner of hound dog issues. Apparently there were quite a few hound dog puppies in that dumpster behind that tavern in Carrollton, and I am considered to be an expert on the breed. Since I don’t have enough time to respond to all of these questions in person, I have attempted to capture the essence of some of them in the following composite question and answer session. Please don’t be upset if your question did not make it into the column! The Internet is only so large, after all, and there simply wasn’t room for all of them.
Pet Photo of the Week
I love little fox terriers, but I don’t love what they did to this dog. Tattoos?
Find Your Lost Pets! by Tim Link, Animal Communicator
As you know from your own past or present experience, a lost or missing pet situation can be a very stressful time. These feelings are understandable because your pet is part of your family and you sincerely want your pet to return home.
In the information below, I have included some of the reasons that pets leave their homes or run away from their homes, what techniques I use to help locate them and why they may or may not return home on their own or be found. There is also a list of helpful tips at the bottom of this page that you can implement in conjunction with what I am doing to search for, and hopefully locate, your lost pet.
It is never guaranteed that a lost or missing pet will be found. Nor is it guaranteed that they will return home on their own even if they are roaming freely. No animal communicator would make these types of guarantees. In my experience in working with lost animals, I have had a significant amount of animals located either because of the information I relay to their human companions from their pets or return home on their own with the instructions that I provide to them.
Why Pets Leave Their Homes or Run Away:
In addition to the obvious reasons (i.e. something frightened them, neglect or abuse, they are in heat and/or they have an overwhelming desire to go out and explore their surroundings) that pets become missing, there is also a not-so-obvious reason that I have found. Like us, animals come into this realm of existence with a mission. Some refer to this as your life’s path. Not all animals have more than one mission during the same lifetime, but some do. So, some animals, therefore, have been known to leave because their life’s mission may be taking them in another direction. For example, if your pet’s mission is to help their human companion through a major life change and that has been done, then they may leave their home and find another human companion where the same mission can be fulfilled.
The Techniques I Use to Help Locate Lost Animals or Help Them Find Their Own Way Home:
I use map dowsing in combination with animal communication to assist in locating lost animals. Dowsing has existed in various forms for thousands of years. In modern times, dowsing has been used to detect water for wells, mineral deposits and archaeological artifacts hidden in the earth. Using a map, this same practice can be used to determine the general location of the lost animal.
Why Lost Animals May Not Return Home or Be Found:
In addition to the obvious reasons why lost animals may not return home immediately, or ever, (their life’s mission is taking them in a new direction, they have transitioned, they are injured and have entered into a protective state while they recover from their injuries, etc.), there are a few more reasons that also need to be considered. There are animals that I have encountered that have been stolen and cannot return home on their own. I have also had animals tell me that they believe there are too many animals in the house and, therefore, they leave. One lost animal in particular told me that she would not return home because she believed that the predator (coyote) that scared her away in the first place will come back if she tries to return home.
Tips for Finding Lost or Missing Pets:
There are many things (in addition to contacting me as soon as possible for assistance) that can be done to increase your chances of being reunited with your lost or missing pet.
1. Create a laminated ‘lost animal’ sign that contains the word ‘REWARD’ at the top, a recent color picture of the animal in the center of the sign and the phone number to contact if the animal is seen by someone or found. It is very important not to list any other details.
2. Post the sign around your neighborhood, at local veterinarian’s offices, at the county animal control shelter and at local animal rescue shelters.
3. If you live in a major city with a lot of restaurants nearby, provide each restaurant with the ‘lost animal’ sign. After all, the animal will find food wherever it is convenient.
4. If your animal is micro chipped, contact the company (i.e. Avid) to ensure that they have your current information on file in case someone contacts them about finding your pet.
5. Visit the local county animal control shelter and local animal rescue shelters to see if your pet is among those at the shelters. Do this as often as possible because new animals come into the shelter frequently.
6. Place an ad in the local newspaper about the lost animal. Include the same information that you have on the ‘lost animal’ sign.
7. Check ‘found’ pet ads in the local newspaper and on local shelter web sites.
8. Canvas a three-block radius around your neighborhood from your home and talk to your neighbors about your lost pet’s description. But, unless you actually see your pet, please do not call for them while you are searching for them. The reason for this is if they do happen to hear you, you may be gone by the time they get to where you were when you called for them. Instead, either call for them from the front yard or backyard of your home or, if you do look for them by car, look silently.
9. If your lost pet is a cat, set up a humane trap, pet taxi or crate in a safe area around the exterior of your home (upper deck or outside porch) at night and leave it out until morning. Put a bowl of fresh soft cat food and water in the enclosure to lure the cat into the enclosure. Also, cover the trap with a towel, blanket or other familiar item with their scent on it. You may catch other animals as well, but you might also catch your own pet.
10. If you live in a neighborhood that has a homeowner’s association, contact one of the board members and ask them to post your pet’s information on the neighborhood web site and to also send out an e-mail to everyone in the neighborhood asking that you be called if someone sees your pet.
11. If you live near a location that your pet frequently visits (dog park, pet sitter, groomer, vet, etc.), contact the individuals who frequent those areas and ask that they keep an eye out for your pet.
12. Actively keep searching for your pet no matter how much time has elapsed. Lost animals can turn up weeks, and sometimes months or years after they’ve been lost.
Tim Link is an author, writer, speaker, animal communicator and Reiki energy healer for animals. He is also the past President of the Humane Society of Forsyth County (Georgia). For more information about Tim, please visit http://www.wagging-tales.com/.
Most Popular Dog Names – Top 15
Dogs
RANK MALE FEMALE
1 MAX MOLLY
2 BUDDY BELLA
3 JAKE LUCY
4 BAILEY MAGGIE
5 ROCKY DAISY
6 CHARLIE SADIE
7 JACK CHLOE
8 TOBY SOPHIE
9 CODY BAILEY
10 BUSTER ZOE
11 DUKE LOLA
12 COOPER ABBY
13 HARLEY GINGER
14 RILEY ROXY
15 BEAR GRACIE
My dog’s name is Maggie – I guess she’s unique!
Ever Wonder Why Your Phone Bill has Calls to Moscow?
Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary Helps Pets
I was in an 8th grade biology class when we celebrated the very first EARTH Day. I cannot believe it was 40 years ago – but today is the anniversary of that brave new world. I read Silent Spring by Rachel Carson and couldn’t believe what was happening to my home planet. It was also that same biology teacher that taught me the simple act of recycling my cans and bottles. Unheard of in 1970. Since then, I’ve rinsed and crush many, many cans and recycled tons of newspaper.
But, we can all do more. If we don’t care for our earth, this is what our pet’s lives will be like in the deforested future we’re handing over to them.
Can Anyone Help this Cat Owner?
Chester my 7 year old, 20lb cat. Has driven me to the wall. We just moved and he lives in garage but we don’t trust him in the house. Once we moved before and he pee’d all in the house. All night he scratches at the door and meows like hes dying. What do we do?
Any suggestions anyone?
Pet Photo of the Week: Dogs are Smarter than Cats: Here’s Proof
Can your CAT do the NY Times Crossword Puzzle?
Happy Administrative Professionals Day – April 21, 2010
New Study Finds Pets Are Big Trippers
A new report by the Society for Safety finds that 80,000 people a year are injured in falls related to their pets.
I know what this report is talking about. Every other night or so I have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Our dog, Maggie, sleeps in our room and I never know where she’s going to be sleeping. I bought her a dog bed so that I could keep her out of the pathway between bed and bathroom, but she sometimes chooses to sleep sprawled across the floor, with her legs and tail in all different directions. Sometimes she’s asleep and doesn’t hear me coming and we’re both surprised.
I thought up a brilliant solution to the problem of tripping over the dog in the night time. How about a “glow-in-the-dark” shampoo that you could use on your dog. I thought through the reflective collar thing, but those collars only show you where your dog’s head is, not the various other parts., which are still remain trippable material.
Baby Boomer Pets are Aging, Too.
Tips On Caring For An Aging Pet |
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(NAPSI-As people age, their health care needs change. The same is true for their pets.Many Americans already have firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to care for an aging pet. According to a recent survey at the Global Pet Expo, over 69 million U.S. households have at least one pet, and about 75 percent of those have an older pet in the house.To help your pet get the care it needs as it gets older, here are some tips to assist you as you work to maintain his or her health:• See the vet-Because pets age faster than people, annual checkups are a good idea for younger pets. Once your dog or cat reaches midlife, around 7 years old, it’s a good idea to check with your vet to see if more-frequent visits may be necessary. Regular checkups will allow your vet to establish a baseline for examinations and thus more easily identify changes and illness.• Be a weight watcher-Obesity is the No. 1 problem in the pet population. Exercise, reducing treats and checking with your vet on appropriate portion size should help them shed extra pounds. Some pets may need to switch to a lower-calorie diet as well.• A hidden concern-Along with doing a routine physical exam, encourage your veterinarian to check your pet’s blood pressure. High blood pressure in dogs and cats can lead to blindness and strokes and is often a symptom of high thyroid levels in cats.• Exercise-Exercise not only helps keep off extra pounds, it also helps you keep an eye on their mobility to help watch for early signs of arthritis. Dogs should get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. Use a toy and play with your cats often to keep them moving. Just like with humans, joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin ease some pain by helping heal cartilage damage. Cosequin® is the No. 1 veterinary-recommended over-the-counter supplement for both cats and dogs to help keep them moving.• Digestion-Poor digestion is a common problem in aging pets. Adding more fiber to the diet can help them better absorb needed nutrients. Probiotics, such as those available in Proviable-DC, may also help normalize your pet’s digestive health during times of stress, travel or with any changes in diet.• Supplement their diet-Much like with humans, your pets may benefit from nutritional supplements designed to address specific needs. Omega-3 fatty acids help support normal heart rhythm, your pet’s immune system and kidney function, and help keep their skin and coat looking their best. Dermaquin and Welactin for dogs and cats both provide healthy doses of omega-3 in a convenient administration form.Founded in 1999, EntirelyPets offers nonprescription medications and supplies, providing high-quality, brand-name products at low prices. To learn more, visit www.entirelypets.com.Once your dog or cat enters midlife, it’s a good idea to let your vet look at him or her at least once each year. |
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