Beautiful Ways To Remember Your Pet

I’ve had a few pets over the years, so I know the likelihood is they will depart this earthly plane before me. Now I have the kids, I think it’s harder when they pass. I feel their heartbreak, and it makes my own so much worse. It certainly made me more reluctant to have any new pets after our bunny died. But we now have a new furry baby in the family, and life is carrying on.

Our Pomeranian, Chelsea

This doesn’t mean that any of us has forgotten about our beloved bunny or that we miss him any less. But it does mean we are realistic in our expectations. We all have so much love to give to animals. It would be criminal to waste that. And we are ready to receive that love back from our new furry baby too.

Our JRT, Champ

None of my past pets has been forgotten. I take the time to look at the old photographs every so often. And each of the new furries that come into my life will remind me a little of those I’ve lost. We’re big fans of scrapbooking in our family. I love making up a scrapbook for each of our pets. Of course, I’m always saddened when the last photo goes in.

With Bolt

The kids have written stories and poems about our lost pets before. I too have had creative flurries when grieving. I think each loss does affect you in a different way. And I think you do go through the full grieving process and stages, just as you would for a human. There is anger there, and guilt. But most importantly, there is love.

With Maximus

We do like to do our pet funerals quite formally too. We have a little service in the garden. Some pets from my family are resting with other people’s furry babies in the pet cemetery. Others are laid to rest in the garden. I think it is a wonderful way to say goodbye to those furry members of the family who can’t continue with us.

Our late Bunnies, Matilda and Wubzy

I’ve recently heard about turning ashes into diamonds for jewelry and other keepsakes. You can do this for human ashes as well as pet ashes. I can see how this would help people feel their pets were still close and with them. There are lots of lovely ideas like this out there. After all, most of us carry photos of our pets in our wallets.

I’m capturing more and more video footage of our pets, especially when they’re playing with the kids. Perhaps one day I’ll start putting them together into some kind of video scrapbook. It’s nice to sit and remember them like this occasionally. When I’m watching with the kids, it’s a good way for them to talk about their feelings too.

Rest in peace Wubzy
Posted by Pets & Critters Nook on Tuesday, April 7, 2015

We all have so many wonderful memories of our pets past and present. Remembering them all is important as they have all touched your heart and soul in so many ways. You might have a memorial, or you might keep their ashes in a drawer. Perhaps you even have a piece of jewelry in their memory? How do you like to remember your pet?

Guinea Pig

After our bunny died, I told the kids that I don't want anymore pets other our two dogs . When Rylie's birthday came, she asked if she can have a guinea pig. I meanhow can you say no for a birthday wish?    So we got her one and we named him Dunkin. Dunkin was very aloof when we first got him.  I think that  he got used to being left alone at the pet store. 

I did not know it butaccording to Wikipedia, the guinea pigis  also called the cavy.  It  is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Despite their common name, these animals are not in the pig family, nor are they from Guinea.

 The way they ake noises though reminds me of pigs. They are actually very cute and very social as long as you let the know that you care for them.

 Now that he is used to us. He does not run away anymore when we are around.  He  did not like any fresh  fooood when we first got him but I am starting tp introduce him to  fresh vegggies. For now, he likes lettuce and dandelion leaves.

 They can be stinky so a bath is neccesary.  He did not like t a first ut now he is used to it.

 My daughter salso lettting hm swim in the ath tub. I have yet to film that, it's so cute.

 My kids get him out of the cage  every time they come ome from school.  

Dunkin is a nice pet!

Amazing Animals You Should Never Keep As A Pet

There are lots of amazing animals that live all over the world. Some of them are dangerous, and others are pretty friendly. However, you should never keep any of the species listed on this page as a pet. There are some countries in which you can legally buy them if you have the right facilities, but it’s still a bad idea. You’ve probably seen those TV documentaries that show the world’s most dangerous pets, right? Well then, you should understand how much hassle they can cause. Also, it’s not very fair on the animal. Most of the species mentioned on this page are considered wild. You should not try to tame them.

Presuming you’re looking for a new pet, get a dog, cat, or guinea pig. They are warm and friendly animals that are perfect for your home. You should only buy the ones listed below if you have special licenses. Even then, I think it’s a pretty bad idea. Some of them are strong enough to overpower you can cause serious injury. However, they’re all fantastic creatures that we should celebrate. Just make sure you do that without putting them in a cage. You wouldn’t like it, and neither do they.

Snow Leopard

The standard snow leopard habitat is not something you can create at home. Those animals need lots of space to run around, and prey to catch. You will have seen how gorgeous they look on wildlife programs, and that might make you think they are friendly. That is not the case. A snow leopard could try to attack if it feels under threat. You would struggle to keep your family safe with one of these in the house. So, you should look at alternatives. People who love snow leopards and want to see more of them should visit their local sanctuary. Don’t bring one home because that would be stupid. It’s cruel, and the animal will be unhappy at the very least.

Chimpanzee

In the US, it is possible to keep chimpanzees if you build a large enough enclosure and undergo assessments. Even so, it’s a terrible idea. They might be cute and cuddly monkeys when they are young, but that soon changes. Chimpanzees are some of the loudest and most mischievous animals in the world. Adults are strong enough to kill a human in seconds. They’re very clever too. Many people who keep them at home claim they learn how to get out of their enclosure quickly. Again, anyone who wants to spend time with chimpanzees can do so in a safe environment. Just contact your local sanctuary or zoo for more information. The staff will be more than happy to help.

Lemur

Lots of people think that Lemurs are some of the cutest animals around today. However, they are awful pets for the same reasons as chimpanzees. They are known to launch into a rampage without warning. Also, they won’t think twice to injure you if they feel under threat. While Lemurs aren’t as strong as most other primates, they will still cause lots of damages. Head down to your local safari park if you don’t believe me. There, you can observe them in their natural habitat and see how troublesome they can become. Lemurs are also known to love the art of throwing feces. You simply can’t have one in your home because it’s too dangerous. Many carry the HIV-1 virus.

Rattlesnake

Over the last few years, lots of people have begun to purchase rattlesnakes as pets. They think the sound of their rattle is interesting, and that is why there is so much appeal. However, keeping any venomous creature is not sensible. That is especially the case if you aren’t specially trained in dealing with them. A rattlesnake bite could kill you in a matter of minutes, and it would do the same to any of your guests. You might think that isn’t an issue because you keep it in a secure tank. However, those are the famous last words. Rattlesnakes are strong and sneaky animals that can escape from almost any situation. The last thing you want is to wake up in the night with one looking you in the eye.

Black bears

Some extreme pet enthusiasts try to keep black bears at home. They think the animals show many humanistic traits, and so they presume they are safe. While some bears can remain calm their entire lives, that is not the case in most instances. As soon as that big boy gets hungry, he’s going to feel different. Bears are strong enough to rip a human apart in seconds. They don’t tend to do that because most folks are not silly enough to keep them as pets. The famous bear Hercules was an exception to the rule. That doesn’t mean you will get so lucky. Bears are wild animals, and so you never know what they are thinking. Even if they seem like they love your company, they could still attack.

Bats

Keeping bats is a massive mistake. Lots of people think it’s fine because they are happy in standard bird enclosures. That is not true, and you should change your perception as soon as possible. Bats carry so many dangerous diseases that it is impossible to list them all today. Just to give you an idea, many of them carry Rabies and SARS. So, they could send you to an early grave with the smallest of bites. Only those with special training should handle bats because they are nocturnal animals. The species is not used to human contact, and we should try to keep it that way.

Please take notice of the information in this article. I would hate to read yet another story of someone dying because they purchased the wrong pet. I know all animals are stunning, and I know you want to take them home. However, it is not realistic or safe to do so. If you want to spend a lot of time with the species mentioned above, you need to get a job at an animal sanctuary. You could spend eight hours with them every day if you do that. It’s much better than keeping them in an unfamiliar environment that is not tailored to their needs.

Dragonfly: Mosquito Hawks

Growing up in the farm with a huge rice field, my brother have great memories of watching so many dragonflies when we are tasked to  guard the rice from birds who try to feast on it.  Sometimes, we get in trouble because we are busy chasing   dragonflues instead of scaring the birds lol.  Anyway, I just remembered those  memories when I saw this dragonfly in my backyard.  

According to wikipedia, a dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera. Adult dragonflies are characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body.

I am always fascinated by  dragonflies.  Aside from birds and  butterflies, dragonflies are also a treat for me to watch during summertime in the garden.

I also love the fact that dragonflies are natural predator of the mosquito, they are  often referred to as "mosquito hawks" for their supposed ability to kill thousands of mosquitoes.

 I also learned that the one thing that makes the dragonfly a better predator is the fact that in the aquatic larval stage,  one of their food sources is mosquito larvae.  It is during this stage that they will do their most damage to mosquito populations, the reason being that as adults they typically like to feed during the day which is when most mosquitoes are hiding in bushes and timberlines. These dragonfly naiads as they are called are voracious and bold little predators and will take on almost any aquatic animal including other naiads. (uinfo derived from wbrcouncil.org)

I a,m so glad that they are around our  backyard because our daughter  is allergic to mosquito bites so they help us out in that aspect.

How To Keep Your Furry Critters Clean & Healthy

Just like humans, your animals need plenty of care and attention to stay fit and healthy. When you care for your little ones properly, they’ll live a long and happy life. But, caring for an animal, whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, or something else, is a big job. There are lots of small factors to take into account, and you’ll have to take daily action to keep them healthy. Regular readers will know that we’re obsessed with our fur babies! So, here’s how we keep them clean and healthy every single day.

Dental care

Your animal’s teeth are perhaps the most important aspect of their daily care. Unfortunately, too many owners neglect teething problems, and it can lead to terrible health problems. Dogs, for example, need daily teeth cleaning, just like us! They also need chew toys to keep their teeth sharp and strong. The same goes for cats and rabbits. Bunnies, for instance, will stop eating if they experience teething problems. This can be fatal within 24 hours if not taken care off. If you’ve got animals of any sort, take care of their teeth!

Washing and bathing

This is easier said than done for some animals! If you’ve got a pet who loves the bath, then congratulations. You’re one of the lucky few! For everyone else, you need to come up with some tricks and techniques for washing and bathing them. We’ve picked up a few tricks from our friends at Pet Bath House over the years, but bath night is still a struggle! The dogs don’t mind too much, but have you ever tried to bathe a rabbit? Trust me, they don’t like it!

Grooming

In our house, we have a soft spot for furry and fluffy animals. The more hair, the better! Unfortunately, that means a lot of grooming. Without regular grooming, your pet’s hair will grow matted and dirty. It creates a thriving environment for ticks and fleas, which we all know is bad news. Of course, you must also consider your own living environment. If you don’t groom your animal regularly, they’ll malt and shed their fur all over the house. It’s bad for allergies, and for house cleanliness.

Good diet

It goes without saying that your little one needs a balanced and healthy diet. It all depends on the type of animal, and their size and weight. Our best advice here is to speak to your vet, and discuss the best course of action. Again, it’s not dissimilar to humans. They need lots of protein, vitamins, minerals and water. Try to avoid too many treats, fats, and sugars.

Plenty of exercise

If you already look after an animal, you know they’re excitable and full of energy. (Unless, of course, you own a tortoise). Most animals need lots of space to stretch their legs and release their energy. Dogs need walks up to three times a day, while other animals need a dedicated space to play in.

Follow our advice, and you’ll keep your furry critters in wonderful health.

A Guide To Preventing Common Health Issues In Dogs

As a dog owner, keeping your dog in great health is a priority. You always try to employ good routines and precautions. But with so many potential afflictions that could affect the pup’s health, keeping on top of things can be tough.

You should be quick to visit the vet if a serious problem arises. Nevertheless, the best way to treat your dog well is to take preventative action against the most common and serious issues.

Here are four regular health issues, along with the best ways to battle against them. Employ them now and your dog should stay healthy and happy.

Eye Infections

As with humans, eyes are extremely important to dogs. Unfortunately, there are a number of conditions that your pup could encounter. Knowing how to react when this does happen is a must. However, you can also take various precautionary measures.

There are several dietary changes that you could make to reduce the risks. More importantly, you should employ a good grooming routine. Wipe dirt away with cotton pads to avoid harmful build up.

Try to keep hair around the eyes short too, as this can irritate them.

Skin Irritation

Many dogs suffer issues with their skin. It’s quite common to see them scratching. Funnily enough, this can often be a result of over cleaning the pet. One of the best improvements you can make is to reduce the amount of baths your dog takes to two per week.

Another common problem is dandruff. Dry skin can contribute to dog dandruff, and understanding how to battle against this will make life a lot easier for your pup.

Skin irritations might seem like a small issue. If they are left unattended, though, they can evolve into quite serious conditions. The key is to act fast before it snowballs out of control.

Oral Hygiene

A dog’s teeth are arguably even more important than a human’s. Not only do they play a vital role, but they are also used to play and explore their surroundings. Quite frankly, if your dog starts suffering oral problems, it will impact its life greatly.

The first thing you should learn is how to clean your dog’s teeth properly. This is the foundation of great oral hygiene. You can enhance this with dental sticks and other food treats that promote healthy teeth and gums.

Oral hygiene is one of the most important parts of great dog care. Don’t forget it.

Joint Problems

Another common issue suffered by many dogs, especially in later life, is problems with their joints. Dogs are naturally very active beings, so this is the last thing that you want them to encounter.

One of the best ways to prevent these potential troubles is to keep the dog active. If your pet is anything like our Champ, then playing with balls is a great way to achieve this. However, you must also take your pooch for regular walks. Besides, it’s good for your health too.

There are also various supplements that can reduce the risks.

Jammin' Salmon - Chicken and Salmon in Pumpkin Soup #ProductReview

September is International Pet Blogger Month at Chewy.com so I got  another  dog food  for our  fur babies.  This time, I wanted them to try this Weruva's Jammin Salmon, it's a combination of chicken and salmon in a pumpkin soup.  Our dog Champ is very fond of seagood but Bolt is not.  However, they both love chicken so I was hoping hat they would like this as much as they loved the  Beef Stew.

This Jammin Salmon has  boneless, skinless, white breast chicken and wild caught salmon.  It is loaded with Omega-3s for their healthy skin and coat.

It is made with tomatoes, green peas and sweet potato in a pumpkin soup and it is made without added antibiotics or hormones.

What I like is  that, it is grain-free.   As usual, I mixed it in with their dry dog-food.  When introducing new dog food to  our fur babies, I only put a little bit for the first time to   gauge if they like it or not.  

At first, Bolt smelled it and walked away, but when Champ started eating, he came back and started eating his.  I think the smell of the salmon turned him away but later on find out that  it's nothing bad.  He  polished his bowl nd wanting more.  With the three  varieties of  dog food that we got   Champ and Bolt, they love the Beef Stew the most.  

Disclosure: The owner of this blog was NOT financially compensated to write this review.  I was provided with the product/s mentioned  to help me  facilitate this review but  opinions are my own.