Why is it that every time a world wide occasion comes up someone gets it in their head to get their girlfriend or boyfriend a puppy or any furry pet to co-own and be a substitute fur-kid? Year in and out rescue groups and animal shelters have had to double up on effort to try and save former pet dogs and cats from being euthanized. Last year, lawmakers sought it right to pass a law protecting pets owned by abused women, often like the children being held as pawns to stay in the abusive relationship.

A small victory for rescue and animal shelters but this year ushers in more abandoned  pets due to foreclosures, housing and apartment rules and a family filing bankruptcy. Reasons to get a puppy or a cat are endless and valid. The promises and the dedication to keep them is often forgotten when the going gets tough.

This Valentine's Day, get a non-living gift for your loved one. If a gift of a pet is called for, please NO SURPRISES! Talk it over and decide if the “giftee” can provide the pet with love and attention even if your not an item anymore. Getting pets for kids has to come with a heart to heart talk about responsibility and patience. As a parent you just have to set the example of being loving to the pet. And for those who need a dog in their lives and fit the criteria of dog owners, please get a rescue dog. Rescue webs for dogs with breed or the mixed breed you want are available in your local animal shelter or and ASPCA office in your county. This Valentine's Day keep in mind,  the heart is made to love and nurture and not to destroy.

Family holidays with pets in tow  are enjoyable and there's never dull moment. Most of the dogs we've had never really had any problems with water…Whether in the  bath or at the beach they'd enjoy it. Just like any nature's fluke, there is always an exception to the rule…a water-TERRIFIED pet dog. Be assured if you own one that you are not the only one who has had a pet pup or dog ultra-mega scared of water. Tracing it to trauma or an unfortunate accident can help start its water therapy.

*Bathing your pet should always involve luke warm water. Just like our warm showers, it is a better feeling for your dog than stinging cold water.

*Most pet dog parents take their pets near the water in an assuring manner to build its confidence. Allowing your pet to get wet by the break of water at the shore introduces the dog to a harmless form of water.

*Some pet parents who live in the city often can get in touch with dog therapists who give swimming sessions for water-shy pets dogs. Some techniques make use of a pet dog's favorite toy which will be retrieved (make sure it floats though).

Pet parents are advised not to feed their pets fear and help our furry kids to get over it and live life by our side doing what we do…well most of the time.

From our family and pets to you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Pitts have always gotten the rotten press when it comes to dog aggression. This dog breed is among the oldest and known fighting dogs in the world. Comparing its size to the Canes and Mastiffs which were used (some say still are?!) for dog fighting the Pitts are smaller yet considering popularity they make a big impression.

Chad Zetrouer is the expert in Pitt Bull rearing. Unlike Pitt breeders, Zetrouer recognizes the Pitts capability of being a zealous protector to strangers that get into its territory just like any normal dog. Pitts get the raw end of the deal because some Pitt-looking dogs have come from aggression laden dam and sires.

In The Pitbull Guide, a new or an old-hand breeder will learn intensively more about the breed. Attempting to own a Pitt Bull without the needed guide will be bad for you and your future dog. Contrary to ignorant theories, Pitts don't need  beating they are smart yet need the pet owners' patience and commitment to train it properly.

The other day, I got an e-mail recommending a book called “Canine Courage”. Being a dog person usually gets you into dog people company, and its not just owning dogs but anything about dogs. More intrigued than convinced, I sampled a few pages from Tiffin's (author) book and found myself laughing and welling up to several entries that just got you in the gut.

The book to me is a collection of remakable and amazing feats of selfless-ness done by pet dogs. The oldest account of dog heroism was in Roman times with Hyrcanus the dog. This dog never left his master's side even in death (he offended the Emperor). This dog took the meat soldiers used as bait for him so he'd leave the body. But he'd be fast in bringing it to his master and try and feed it to the corpse. As with all dead offenders Hyrcanus' master was thrown in the Tiber River. My heart ahed when I read that the dog dove in and tried to keep its maters body afloat…eventually I assume, the dog Hyrcanus dies doing his master service.

A dog's faithfulness and loyalty is the same before as it is now. In my mind, its the pet owners who have changed. A pet dog who makes up its mind that you are its master will die for you. Yet if you fail to make that mark on your pet dog with abuse or neglect it is propably not meant to give you its gift.
Reminds me of the saying about the dog biting the hand that feeds it, I'd like to think the owner being incapable and not worthy of the dogs' life.
Canine Courage is more of a collage of dog heroes that have been an example of love, loyalty, bravery and courage which says a lot of what we are missing because of all the concerns we have in life..

A recent news feature hit one of the most debated topics in dog owning. The rise of fanciers, hoarders and fighting dog breeders/ sadistic owners have made dog owning a gray area. The dog loving is different from caring for your dog, and vice-versa.

Dog loving has long been mistaken with a deep feeling for a pet dog. How far does an owner go to show its love for a pet dog? Fanciers are characterized as collectors and responsible owners since they can afford to house, feed,bathe and clothe their lovable pooches. Because of being part of a pet menagerie and as one of the owners acquisitions, does the pet have a one on one relationship with its owner? Herein lies the Fancier's claim to dog loving. Hoarders have acquired numerous pets in the belief that no one can love these pets better than they can. In a hoarder's mind, their love for pets exceeds any other person's. Typical of hoarders, lack of food and proper health care of pets is noted, often the reason for their being banned from owning pets. Dog lovers on the other hand come in varying levels, sometimes in extremes while others are defined in a limited translation of the phrase “dog lover”. Fighting dog breeders have been known to love their dog breed of choice, more for their fierceness and their killer-instinct rather than their intrinsic characteristics (loyalty, playfulness and protectiveness). The love for a pet dog due to it's terrorizing ability is much of a way a sadistic owner.

Though the debate remains debatable, one thing is for sure: pet dog owning is not a gift it is worked at with patience and selflessness.