Pet Fun

Presidential Pups

by Melissa on February 20, 2012

President’s Day is on February 20 this year (that’s today!), and according to DogTime.com, 32 presidents had dogs! Abraham Lincoln was one of those dog lovers, and had a faithful friend named Fido. Famously, Lincoln had this to say about the treatment of animals: “I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.”

The nineteenth president of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes, had several pets in his family, including canaries, goats, and Siamese cat. He also had a greyhound named Grim, an English Mastiff named Duke, and has also been said to have a Newfoundland, German Shepherd, and terrier during his life.

Our first president, George Washington, was a prominent dog breeder and had a hand in developing a new breed. Passionate about hound dogs as an avid and educated hunter and farmer, Washington spent time developing the breed that is known today as the American Foxhound. These dogs are very high energy and have a natural independent streak, as they were bred to find foxes by scent.

Gerald Ford, the 38th president, had a Golden Retriever named Liberty who frequented Ford on many occasions in the Oval Office. Liberty gave birth to eight puppies while living at the White House, and the Ford family kept one of them. The dogs were so popular that the public demanded photographs, so a rubber stamp paw print was made to accompany the photos as autographs. One of Liberty’s puppies became a Leader Dog for the Blind.

Bo Obama is our most current presidential pup, and he is a Portuguese Water Dog, chosen by the Obamas for the breed’s hypoallergenic status, as Malia Obama has had trouble with allergies. Bo was a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy. Bo is registered with the American Kennel Club under the name “Amigo’s New Hope”, and was featured on Animal Planet’s Dogs 101.

One of the biggest animal lovers to grace the White House and lead the country was our thirtieth president, Calvin Coolidge. He and his wife, Grace, had a variety of pets, including: Chow Chows Tiny Tim and Blackberry; Paul Pry, an Airedale Terrier; Boston Beans, a Bulldog; Enoch, a goose; gifted lion cubs, and a pygmy hippo named Billy. Coolidge had this to say about dogs and their role in presidency: “Any man who does not like dogs and want them about does not deserve to be in the White House.”

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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War Hero Sergeant Stubby

by Melissa on February 18, 2012

American Pit Bull Terriers are loyal dogs that have an abundance of energy. The APBT is also a brave dog and highly intelligent, which Sergeant Stubby, one of the most historically famous pit bulls, demonstrated during his service in World War I. Sergeant Stubby is the only dog that has been promoted up to sergeant through his actions in combat, and he is the most decorated WWI war dog.

Stubby began his military life in the 102nd Infantry Battalion of the 26th Yankee Division in Connecticut when Private J. Robert Conroy (also known as Robert Conroy) found the brindle puppy during training at Yale University. Stubby joined the routine of the division, and according to the Governor’s Foot Guard, “Stubby would would put his right paw on his right eyebrow when a salute was executed by others around him.”

It wasn’t until 1918 that the 102nd Infantry reached the front lines of WWI and found themselves immersed in trench warfare. Thanks to Stubby, an entire company of men was saved against a gas attack from the Germans. Stubby even captured a German solider without the help of others. As the German spy called out to Stubby, he began to bark. As the spy ran, Stubby took down the solider just as the soldiers came to see why Stubby was barking. Because of his bravery, Stubby was awarded Sergeant status and became the first dog to receive a rank in the armed forces of the United States (however, he is not the first dog to participate in serving the United States military).

After the war, Stubby’s celebrity did not fade, and he went home to live a comfortable life with the man who found him, Robert Conroy. Stubby became Georgetown University’s mascot when Conroy attended the law school there, met several presidents, and participated in parades as a lifetime member of the American Legion. When Stubby passed away in 1926, his obituary was half a page long and took up three columns in the New York Times.

Sergeant Stubby’s remains are housed at the The Price of Freedom: Americans at War display at the Smithsonian Institution.

To read Stubby’s obituary, click here.

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Mysterious Cat Grass

by Melissa on February 17, 2012

Does your cat have a green tongue? If so, it might be difficult to keep your cat from chewing on delicious sprouts from vegetables, rye grass, chia plants, catnip, oat grass, or wheat grass. Although cats are obligate carnivores, some theorize that they enjoy nibbling on greens because of the plant material found in the intestines of their prey. Interestingly, very little is known about why cats like to munch on greens, but there have been some hypotheses made about why some felines can’t get enough greens.

One reason often cited for cats liking grass is that it helps to soothe an upset stomach. Another reason is that cat grass induces vomiting. Other theories include that cats receive valuable vitamins from consuming healthy grasses, and that cat grasses help hairballs pass easily. According to All Animals magazine, Benjamin Hart, a veterinarian at the University of California-Davis, believes that “eating plans is an innate behavior that played a role in feline evolution.” All Animals also states that:

Researchers have found that leaf eating reduces intestinal parasites in wild chimpanzees; the same may be true for tigers, lions, and other wild felids, Hart says. Through the generations, those animals with a taste for greens would have been healthier and more likely to survive and pass on this tendency to their offspring.

Some cat owners have had success in using cat grass to deviate cats from chewing on other household plans that are off limits. Poisoning from houseplants is one of the most common things that makes cats ill, and growing cat grass is an attractive alternative that adds greenery in the home while providing function as well. Catnip plants and their uniquely shaped leaves provide variety when it comes to decorating with greenery that is safe for felines.

Cat grass can be obtained by purchasing potted plants or seeds. At some pet stores, like Petco, grass can cost as much as $6 for a small organic container. Some convenience or grocery stores offer wheat grass in the produce section for a lower price, but it might not be organic. Another option, which is usually the best financial option, is to grow it from seed. Hundreds of seeds can be purchased at affordable prices from pet stores online and locally.

Do your cats enjoy nibbling on greens?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Cat Communication Tail Signals

by Melissa on February 16, 2012

When it comes to communicating with cats, the tail is a big indicator of what a cat is currently feeling, and what messages it is sending to another animal or a person.

If the tail is raised high and straight, and completely vertical, this is a very happy cat. An article from Pets: Part of the Family Magazine, “For adult cats this is borrowed from the action of a kitten greeting its mother. The kitten’s signal is an invitation to the mother cat to inspect its rear end.” You may have noticed this action if you have two cats that are really bonded to each other.  If the tail is erect and quivering, the cat is very happy to see her owner and the shaking indicates the greeting.

If the tail is held vertical with a slightly curled hook at the top, this means that the cat is interested and curious about something. It also indicates a friendly demeanor with just a hint of caution.

A tail that is wagging quickly from side to side means the cat is very angry about something. Sometimes cats do this if they don’t like the way they are held, or feel uncomfortable. They also do this before making an attack, or while they are hunting prey. Slight irritation is communicated when the tip of the tail twitches ever so slightly. If it begins to move faster, it is a sign to steer clear of the cat.

Bristles on a tail that is held straight in the air is another sign of aggression and an angry cat. This might happen when a cat is scared suddenly, or when a feline pal returns home from the vet with new and unfamiliar smells on her.

A raised, curved tail is a sign of curiosity. If you have ever noticed your cat sniffing the shopping bags after returning home from the store, it is likely that their tails are in this position. Cats love to explore new things, and this position shows their interest.

Knowing how cats communicate with their tails can help to avoid sudden bites or hisses by knowing when to leave them alone, and gives the green light for a cuddle session!

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Six New Breeds at the Westminster Dog Show

by Melissa on February 13, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 139th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show airs this week on February 13th and 14th. This year, six new breeds are allowed to compete, as they are now recognized by the American Kennel Club. Check out these new and unique breeds!

The Xoloitzcuintli is not only a mouthful to say, but it is the national dog of Mexico. This dog is an ancestor of hairless dogs that were renowned by the Aztecs, and hailed for being guarded dogs for the dead. They are intelligent dogs that come in three sizes. If you can’t figure out how to pronounce the breed’s name, it also goes by the nickname”show-low”. This dog is a member of the Non-Sporting Group.

The Finnish Lapphund is a member of the Herding Group and known for herding reindeer throughout Scandinavia. This dog has a historical background, known for helping tribes thanks to their agility skills, intelligence, and drive. With a thick coat, they are prepared for the cold winters, but they are also devoted members of the family, especially in Finland where they originate from.

The Cesky Terrier of the Terrier Group are wary of strangers, but faithful to their families. These dogs are smart hunters that do well hunting in packs. Upon first glance, the Cesky Terrier could be confused for a Schnauzer. These dogs are muscular and sport a long coat in a variety of silver shades.

Another Non-Sporting Group newbie is the Norwegian Lundehund, also known as “Puffin Dog”. These dogs were used in Norway for hunting and retrieving puffin birds. Now that puffins are protected in the environment, these dogs are settling into their new role as companion dogs. One unique fact about the Norwegian Lundehund is that it has six toes on each foot, a trait used to navigate the steep terrain that puffins occupy.

The American English Coonhound, from the Hound Group, is a skill hunter. This breed is known for hunting fox during day and raccoons at night. This breed needs an abundance of exercise due to being a strong athlete, blessed with the gifts of endurance, speed, and grace. This dog enjoys being around people and other dogs.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is another member of the Herding Group, and hails from Switzerland. This dog is a guardian dog that needs a lot of socialization, as it is known for having a strong bond with his owner. This dog is highly regarded for being highly trainable like many Herding Group members, and also possesses a keen work ethic.

More information about these breeds can be found at the American Kennel Club website.

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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Obtaining A Talking Bird

by Melissa on February 11, 2012

Talking Bird

Adopting a pet bird requires just as much research as taking care of a cat, dog, or other pet. One attractive quality that some birds have is the ability to speak, or the capacity to learn how. Teaching a bird to talk requires a lot of patience, and some birds learn more swiftly than others. While the only true way to get a bird that talks is to find one that is already trained, there are still birds out there that are willing to learn.

Quaker Parrots are active and social birds that are known to thrive in captivity if they are fed properly. Known for their charismatic personalities, Quakers like to spent time with their human families and can learn how to say words, phrases, and mimic environmental sounds. It is illegal to keep Quaker Parrots in some climates and locations, so make sure to research the laws in your area first.

Budgies (a parakeet) are very active birds that enjoy exercise and are one of the world’s most popular bird pets. They enjoy people, but are also independent, making them a good choice of bird for people who are gone for long hours. With a lot of training and socialization, Budgies can learn to whistle different songs and can also learn how to speak, although this is not the easiest bird to train and will take more diligence.

The beautiful African Grey Parrot is widely known for its intelligence and learn to speak more easily than other birds, as they can mimic household sounds like phones, doorbells, and other pets. Urban legend claims that one African Grey revealed a woman’s affair when the bird called out the other man’s name in front of her husband. Keep in mind that the African Grey is not the best choice for a bird novice, as they require a lot of space, exercise, and a steady schedule.

The Cockatiel is one of the most popular bird pets and are loved for their magnetic personalities and charm. These birds are very social and need to spend time with family to be happy and well-behaved. Cockatiels can learn a few words, but will spend most of their vocal energy on mimicking other sounds.

To teach your bird to speak, a bird must have a bond with the owner. Using simple words that are said enthusiastically is one place to start with training. Choose an initial word to be your “training word”, and use repetition. Soon, the bird will likely catch on with practice.

Have you ever trained a bird to speak? Was it difficult or easy?

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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.

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