Archive for the 'Pet Gear' Category
At nights when we go to sleep, first I roll up on her chest and purr for long minutes and I just want to be petted. She would talk to me, tell me nice things that always feels good to hear. Then I move to my own side of the bed, as I expropriated the right side from her. Never better. It is fluffy, cozy and comfortable. I also got my own bed, but it feels a little small. I guess my Mom somehow missed the size, cause I can only roll up in it, but I am not able to stretch out. And it is so warm that sometimes I just can’t stand it.
Otherwise the whole house is mine. The living-room couch is another spot where I often sleep, especially if she is around. I know she wants me on her lap all the time, but it is just not my nature. I like to be petted occasionally, but then I need my own space. You could say that this is not a real cat’s behavior, but this is the way I am. And I think this is why my Mom picked me out of those so many others. I am a Diva, and I like to be treated like that for sure.
In the beginning I was just exhausted from all the new stuff it was around me. I was up every morning at 4:00 a.m. , however I think my Mom did not like that at all. She would come and chase me, then just luck me up in a room till I calmed down, and it was a reasonable time for her to get up. It took me a while to get used to and respect the “new rules”, but I was happy again, and that all it mattered.
First few days when she left me alone in the house I cried for hours. I did not wanted to be alone, and felt a little insecure that she might never come back. As the days passed by, I got used to being left alone for hours. I stopped crying and I found better things to do, like looking out on the window, sleeping and playing with my favourite blue cotton ball. When she would come home, she would play with me with my ball or the laser pointer that I like so much, and brush me and talk to me without end. I just loved it.
So, before I tell you more stories of my life, let me introduce myself. My name is Diva Princess and I was born in April of 2006. I’m not sure who and when gave me this name, but apparently suits me very much. Well, you know, I do have an attitude, I do like things my way and I like to be treated like a Princess. I like to be pampered, however I have my limits. Sometimes it feels good to be petted forever, sometimes I just don’t need it.
I am a clean cat who does not go for the second time in the litter box if it’s not cleaned. I am also very finicky when it comes to food, which of course I know that causes lots of headache to my mom. Mom?? Did I just say that?? Well, you know, I love her, she saved my life, and she always shows me enormous amount of love, so I figured I just call her Mom.
Life at a foster home then came to an end one night. I remember, the doorbell rang and of course all the cats would run to see who it was, not me however. Then I heard a voice, a voice that was full of love, passion and care. And I realized that she was here for one of us. I thought, well, at least one less cat around me and one of us can start a new life. I was not even dreaming that would be me. But it was. She came to look for me as I was hiding beside the bed. I did not wanted her to touch me, but I guess I had no choice. This lovely lady picked me up and started talking to me in a very different language that I was used to so far.
She then asked me to jump into a black cat carrier, but that was the last place I wanted to be again. I was forced into it after all and my road trip started. It seemed the end of the world where we were heading, still, somehow I just felt that something good was coming. After about an hour (eternity for a cat believe me), I found myself in a nice cozy apartment, free from other cats. I didn’t know where to start exploring, I just kept meowing and thanking my new owner that she saved me.
Another few days must have passed by in the shelter, as I went through a lots of examination, they gave me needles that scared me to death, washed me, shaved me in a few places, and I really didn’t know where was all this leading to. Then one day, I was taken out from the cage, placed in a carrier, put in a vehicle and driven to a house. The lady was very nice, she kept talking to me, saying whatever she was saying, but when we arrived at her house, hell started. She had seven more cats, as I finally understood that I was just placed to a foster home.
I am a nice cat, but I don’t really like other cats. I prefer to play with my own toys and a human, rather than more cats. I was frightened, angry, scared and I just wanted to die. And as much as I didn’t like the others they all wanted to play with me, or just pick on me. I could not sleep, eat, and go to the washroom without being followed by at least two or three of them. It was bad, bad and bad. But I had no choice. At least I had a roof over my head, I had food and the lady tried her best to make my life easier.
There was one of those days you know….I got lost…How? Why? Where? Only God knows… Then a good person found me and brought me to the shelter. It must have been in 2008, because they were telling everyone I was 2 years old. A two years old, spayed Himalayan. They put me in a small cage, gave me some food and said: “Don’t worry, someone will take you”. I did not really care, I was too scared, hungry, cold and disappointed. What was going to happen with me, I did not know, I just hoped for the best.
I remember just couple of days before I wondered away (or was I thrown out?), I had my own bed, plenty of food, a person who always talked to me and I talked back…I had a good life, but for some reason all of a sudden everything changed. Now I was in a small cage, in a shelter, surrounded by other cats, dogs, all complaining for something. It was so much noise I could not even sleep. I did not say a word, because I knew nobody would listen anyways.
Many people enjoy taking their dogs on vacation with them. While it is true that dogs are resilient, they need a few things for long car rides and trips, just like people do.
Perhaps the most important thing to pack for the dog is water and a bowl to put it in. A leash is also vital for walking the dog at every stop. A dog that is obedient off the leash at home is still likely to become nervous when travelling. This will stop the dog from running away, even if it becomes frightened. Dog food is also important and should be offered along with water during stops. Many dogs may not feel like eating during a trip though as it is a natural dog response. Keep some treats on hand to offer occasionally to get the dog through the drive.
Take the dog’s favorite bed or pillow and toys along on the trip. The pillow will come in handy in the car to give the dog a comfortable spot. However when travelling long distances with old dogs, small dogs, or puppies, consider a pet carrier that they are kept more safe, without being able to move around and eventually harm themselves.
Pet identification is highly required in these days and can be done in many ways. The identification of your pet may be done by personalized tags, some times by the municipal license tag, rabies tag, and more. Nowadays also many electronic gadgets are available like microchips which are embedded into the dog for a very accurate and fast identification. Most of the time though, you’ll be using tags where your telephone number and your name will be added. Therefore if anybody encounters your missing dog accidentally, they will become capable of reporting the facts to you or any officials.
Plastic and metal pet identification tags are available in multiple colors dog owners can choose from. Many seem to select the reflective type of dog tags along with the collars to hence the visibility of the dogs even in darkness. Make sure your dog wears one for their safety and which also will give you a piece of mind as well.
Cats are very intelligent animals. An adult cat would inspect everything new, search everything in details and that would give him/her valuable information that they will remember very well. They are very capable of forming “learning methods” through observation, imitation, trying and of course, mistakes, just like people. A cat however cannot reflect upon the past or think in perspective, so punishing them for something they’ve done only minutes earlier is useless, because a cat is not capable of connecting the punishment with her actions.
Don’t never underestimate the intelligence of your cat! Try and know your pet better, what is it that they want, how they like certain things. Enjoy your moments together, play with them, teach them and then reward them time to time with something different, something unique, something that they need to explore again and again, and they can never have enough. Something as unique as a cat stroller.
Most of pet owners experience the situation when they have to leave their pets at home for different reasons. A pet sitter could be a good choice to leave your dog with, but you have to feel comfortable and confident towards your pet sitter’s skills to take care of your pet.
Establish a clear list of duties and responsibilities you will be requiring your pet sitter to do and the schedule he/she is required to be there for your pet. Dogs would generally need to have a regular visiting schedule. You should seek for references of his/her previous employers to ensure the honesty and reliability of your sitter. It is just wise for you to discuss important information concerning your pet that may include medical problems, personal requirements and veterinarian’s contact details in cases of emergency. Bear in mind that this person will have the full access to your house on top of managing care for your pet. That is why it is exceptionally important that you have complete trust in them. By finding and hiring the right pet sitter who can be trusted, you will have that peace of mind and be able to leave your pet in safe hands.