No Pet Left Behind!

Here's something for you crazy pet lovers:

At the VCLA (Virtual College of Learned Animals), your pet can earn a PetDegree! Browse their site for "Campus Life" events such as a concert by The Monkees and readings that are Co-sponsored by the departments of Engleash and Litterature.

Take a look at the "course catalog." Maybe your pet would like to take Barkeology, Barkitecture or Doo-Doo Economics.

VCLA obviously has some creative management. I found the site quite entertaining!

In VCLA's words, this is why you might want to consider this purchase:
"With a PetDegree diploma from VCLA, you can instantly build a pet’s self-esteem and stroke that furry ego until the cows come home. A VCLA PetDegree diploma is recognized throughout world as the ultimate bark of distinction in virtual animal education. It can open doors, rattle cages, and lead your pet quickly up the social ladder and rapidly down the career path to success."

And of course, the VCLA does not discriminate on the basis of the color or creed, gender or breed, or number of legs.

Send your pet through the mail - his picture, that is...

A picture of your pet can be turned into a customized postage stamp by uploading a digital photograph at www.photostamps.com. Photostamps are available with a variety of borders and in several different postage stamp values.

The process is easy, and what a fun way to show off your pet!

Halloween: Pet Safety

Halloween Safety for Your Pet

Author: Brent Goodman

Soon enough the season of costumes and Jack-O'-Lanterns will fill our neighborhoods with an endless parade of trick-or-treaters heading for our doorsteps. This year, be prepared to make the season a safe one for all members of the family. Here are some important veterinarian-recommended tips:

· Halloween season is a time of mischief and pranks, and too often dogs and cats become unwilling participants. Keep your outdoor pets well supervised in the yard or, better yet, keep them indoors and safe from neighborhood hooligans at night.

· If your dog has the personality and temperament to accompany the kids trick-or-treating, there are a variety of costumes available in pet-friendly sizes. Just make sure the costume doesn't interfere with his ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark. Always make sure the fit isn't constricting, and keep an eye out for signs your dog may be getting stressed out.

· Like any other night you take your dog for a stroll, make sure he's wearing his collar & nametag/ID. And with so many other people on the street, it's important to keep him on a lead or leash.

· Just as you'd make sure your kids aren't eating unsafe candy, never let your dog get a hold of any bite-size sweets. Candy and wrappers are potential choking hazards, and chocolate is particularly dangerous for dogs - a toxin. Instead, pick up a container of baked cookies for Dogs to share or any other of your pooch's favorite biscuits and treats.

· No other time of year will so many strange kids in even stranger costumes be knocking on your door. This can be especially nerve-wracking for the territorial dog. With the door opening and closing all night, be careful of them darting out. You may even want to put up a temporary gate in the entranceway, or keep your pup in a separate room.

· For especially nervous animals, the haunting screams of kids and endless chiming doorbells can get to be too much for comfort. There are a variety of calming products designed for storm- and travel-shy pets, which are also useful on Halloween.

• Finally, decorations and Jack-O'-Lanterns are tempting for pets to get their noses into. Needless to say, it's too easy for them to get hurt if left unsupervised, whether it's in a tangle of crepe paper or a singed coat from an open flame. Always keep these Halloween favors out of your pet's reach!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/halloween-safety-for-your-pet-548817.html

About the Author:

Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

National Dog Day August 26

Happy National Dog Day!

National Dog Day gives us a reminder of the value and importance of dogs in our lives. Dogs do a lot for us and deserve an extra pat on the head today.

Some dogs are working dogs that make it possible for people to stay safe and live a more normal life. I send my appreciation and thanks to all the dogs who:

* Lead the blind
* Provide search and rescue services
* Sniff out arson sources
* Watchdogs who provide safety (I think that's almost every dog)
* Find bombs and drugs
* Sense an oncoming seizure of their owner

Of course we also must honor dogs who are simply our pet and:

* Give love and companionship
* Give us someone to care for and forget about our own problems for a few minutes
* Save a life of their owner who may be considering suicide, but the love of their dog keeps them going another day
* Help us stay healthy by insisting on us going for a walk each day
* Provide a sense of security (bark to tell us when someone is coming to the house)
* Are our most faithful friend

On this National Dog Day, consider saving a dog from homelesness and abuse. Visit your local shelter if you think a dog might be a good companion for you, or to make a donation to help dogs who have been rescued and are waiting for a new home.

Cat Furniture: Not a Nicety, a Necessity

I just received my email newsletter from Drs. Foster and Smith that included an article about why cats really NEED cat furniture. The timing was perfect, as I recently purchased the Cat Cottage and my fuzzy feline loves it!

Let's Go Bye-Bye!

Walking your dog on a leash is one way to take your dog along wherever you may go, but checkout these alternatives. How fun!

No More Dog Hair Messing Up Your Car

Does your dog love to ride in the car, but you hate to deal with the dog hair left behind? You'll want to checkout rear seat protectors.

Any quality pet supply store sells rear seat "hammocks" that protect the seat while Fido goes for a ride. No more messy hair to clean up, and his claws won't cause any problems with the seat. Most are very easy to install, and vary in price according to size.

Every Pet Needs a Favorite Toy

Every pet needs a favorite toy, and Lexi's favorite is this big orange gorilla dog toy. It squeaks and is good for cuddling.

Lexi, (black lab pictured) carries it around the house and has no intentions to share it. Sometimes she teasingly tosses it over by the nearly 2-year old toddler she lives with, but quickly tugs it back when Lily tries to grab it.

Lexi sleeps with her gorilla too---uses it like a pillow. The toy is obviously durable since it's over 6 months old and a black lab hasn't destroyed it.

Dog toys help keep your dog mentally healthy and give great opportunities for you to bond with your dog while playing. Shop at your favorite pet supplies store and get your dog's next favorite toy!