Pet Fun

Positive Black Cat Folklore

by Melissa on February 24, 2012

Superstitions both lucky and unlucky seem to follow the black cat wherever it might be found. While many people are chilled to see a black cat cross their path, in other parts of the world black cats are hailed as good luck charms instead of unlucky. Unfortunately, many black cats are not adopted at shelters due to negative superstitions, and many shelters do not adopt out black cats during the month of October or Halloween.  The negative associations with black cats are closely tied to witches during the Middle Ages. Some people believed that witches could actually turn into black cats. This bad reputation definitely needs to be changed to help save more black shelter cats, and there are many cultures around the world that find black cats as a symbol of good luck instead of bad.

Many cat lovers know that in ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred. People who killed cats, even accidentally, were put to death. Goddess Bast (also known as Bastet), is still known today as the “Cat Goddess” and is depicted as a cat or lioness’s head on a human body.  Many people brought black cats into their homes in the hopes that Bast’s spirit would join with the soul of the cat to bring good fortune. Many cats were mummified in ancient Egypt (because they were sacred to Goddess Bast), and it has been written that archaeologists have found entire cemeteries resting with only black felines.

Similarly, the black cat has positive mythological associations in Latvia, which is a small country that rests between Estonia and Lithuania in Northeastern Europe. Black cats are said to carry the spirit of Rungis, the god of harvests. If a black cat was found in the barn, a successful crop was predicted.

In Japan, a black cat waving is considered good luck. In many countries around the world, mostly across Europe, fishermen’s wives kept a black cat in the home to ensure their husbands would arrive home from dangerous expeditions safely. More black cat folklore claims that French peasants believed black cats could find treasure, while in Scotland, to find a black cat on the porch meant the person would be blessed with prosperity. In England, King Charles I had a black cat that he felt was lucky. The day after the cat died, King Charles was arrested. Also in England, it is said that black cats will attract suitors for those who are single.

The next time someone preaches black cats and bad luck, maybe some of these tidbits will help to spread the word about these misunderstood feline companions.

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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.

The Most Expensive Dog in the World: The Tibetan Mastiff

by Melissa on February 23, 2012

A coal baron in Northern China purchased a red Tibetan Mastiff for 10 million Chinese yuan. That comes out to 1,587,680 in US dollars. The 180-pound dog is named Big Splash (Hong Dong in Chinese) and breeder Lu Liang called him the “perfect specimen” according to the Daily Mail. Liang also stated the price was justified and that breeding with Big Splash could cost as much as $16,000 for just one time, but why is this dog really so valuable?

Tibetan Mastiffs are highly valuable in China, as they are considered “a holy animal, and legend has it that Tibetan mastiffs provide their owners with a blessing to their health and security”, according to an article from the Huffington Post. The Tibetan Mastiff has also become a status symbol, with the upper class trading cars and jewelry for the coveted dog. Also, because Big Splash is red, he is considered more valuable due to the symbolism for luck.

With a history that dates back to 1100 BC, the Tibetan Mastiff started out life as an isolated dog that guarded property at night. Today, they are part of the Working Group breed and can live up to fifteen years. In the family, the breed is quiet and intelligent, and enjoy protecting their families. Because they are so smart and have a tendency to be aloof, these dogs need an abundance of socialization and training to be at ease with other dogs and strangers. Tibetan Mastiffs are also known to be gentle with children.

Tibetan Mastiff Rescue, Inc., is the only Tibetan Mastiff rescue in the United States. Their mission statement reads:

TM Rescue is the only rescue organization in the US dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of Tibetan Mastiffs. It is the only organization that actually pulls TMs from shelters and other situations, houses them, trains them for family living, deals with any and all of their medical issues, and, most importantly, evaluates their temperaments prior to placement.

TM Rescue has a wonderful list of reasons to adopt, and not to adopt this breed. The number one reason they stress to NOT get a Tibetan Mastiff is for breeding. All of their dogs are spayed and neutered. TM Rescue is also dedicated to providing loving homes for these dogs, and the knowledge that this is a demanding breed that takes time to adjust to their new families. The rescue also stresses that they do not place the dogs as “trophy dogs”.  Like any dog, the Tibetan Mastiff requires breed research and preparation to adopt.

Do you think the United States and other countries will see a demand for Tibetan Mastiffs as the story and legends from China are published and become well-known?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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