I searched some of the pet forums and the most common question for the Spring/Summer season was the following:

“We're an expectant family so very soon, and we're looking into getting a puppy in the autumn, but are having trouble selecting a dog breed that is workable with an infant."

There are a few things to consider, the first is that all puppies are a handful, regardless of breed. Freedom was a handful and at most times, seemed like a little infant himself. Puppies, like children, demand a lot of attention and care. For example, puppies need to be let out every hour to ensure proper housebreaking, combined with the demands of a newborn, it's always best to wait until the child is at least 7 or 8 before considering such addition so that the child can participate in the care of the puppy.

From the child's perspective, there are some advantages such as children who grow up with dogs or cats are less likely to develop serious allergies when they're older. Also bonding for both at a young age is both emotionally and health beneficial.

Luv Sheila & Freedom

The following is a testimonial over our Resthyro supplement.

"Since we started the resthyro our cat has not lost any additonal weight. He may have even gained a half pound. Originally our vet wanted to medicate him and run blood tests every two weeks. I would have been giving our cat an injection daily. Due to the high costs involved and two children in college I could not afford a $1,000/ month vet fee. Our cat is still higly active every day. He goes on his morning and evening prowls as if he was a young cat again. The medication has not only kept our cat alive but it has also improved his activity level. "

Disclaimer: Results may very depending on, however, not limited to: age, breed, stage at which the pet was diagnosed, previous medical history and associated medication(s), allergic reaction(s), proper or improper administration, viral, bacterial or emotional. These products are not drugs nor are we making any drug claims. If you suspect your pet has a medical condition, seek out a trusted veterinarian to assist you with proper diagnosis and ongoing clinical verification.

It's no secret that dogs get far better medical care than humans. No wait lists, no dealing with insurance companies, few red tape etc. So why is it that our pets don't have to wait more than a day to see a specialist whereas most of us have to wait for weeks even months to book a check up?

I spent a few days last week trying to resolve this issue, many answers came from both vets as well as people in general.

1. There are a fewer liability issues for vet(s)
2. No wrangling with insurance companies (the large majority don't own pet insurance).
3. It's an easier pay as you go service with fees paid up front.
4. Less risk of very costly litigation.
5. Very sick animals in most cases are humanely euthanized without political or religious views interrupting said procedure between pet owner and pet.
6. Pets don't have the option to say "no" to anything, hence a speedy more efficient in and out procedure.
7. Veterinary medicine is still a free market system. This means that the client has some say in how services are performed.
8. Most offices are not supported by the government or insurance companies but by the public just like any other small business. In other words if the vet office messes up, most will know without major political cover up, therefore, it's in the offices best interest to make sure they offer top service.

Luv Sheila & Freedom

I had a customer ask a serious question. She wanted to dye the fur of her white cat for a city parade and was wondering if it would be safe to use the same brand of hair dye her teenage daughter uses.

Using any sort of drug store brand hair dye for you animal is not recommend 'cause the pores in both a cats and dogs skin differ both in size and reaction than that of humans. Because a cat's fur is extremely sensitive to begin with, even simple bathing with the wrong shampoo can cause such skin conditions as dermatitis, therefore, the wrong hair dye is no better.

I love dying my hair blue, green, yellow, red, orange and every other color of the spectrum, however, those are not natural colors. Cats are not meant to have their fur dyed pink or blue but then again, neither are we, however, our hair is genetically designed to tolerate such harsh chemicals. Anything you use to dye your cat will be ingested by your cat, so don't use anything you yourself would not eat.

I have been noticing a trend lately, especially in celebrity gossip magazines, of pets with dyed fur, especially around Halloween, however, finding a reputable groomer who uses vegetable based dyes in a safe controlled environment is far and few between. If you're lucky to find one, you're looking at spending an average of $150 per coat.

The benefit of going to a professional groomer is not only do they have access to pet hair dye, not available to the public, but also you will be avoiding a large mess around the house from either the cat shaking off the dye or from hair dye rubbed on the floor and or furniture.

Because these special formulated dyes only color the animals hair and does not penetrate the skin, less irritation will occur.

If you must go the DIY (do-it-yourself) route, There is a great, temporary, beautiful magenta dye you can use: beet juice. Many also use fruit juice crystals which come in a wide variety of colors.

Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any illness that may occur during at home dye jobs (through the pores or orally). Always speak to a groomer before making any sort of vanity decision on the behalf of your cat.

Luv Sheila & Freedom, my black lab (whose hair is still naturally black).

originally posted on petwellbeing.com blog

The following is a testimonial on our Es Clear supplement.

"Steroid drops and other stuff I got from the vet just irritated his ear. Certainly the cancer won't go away, but I believe the products I've gotten from your site have improved his quality of life and slowed the spread of the cancer a little bit. He was diagnosed 3 mos. ago and is still here, I hope for a month or two more, and I believe the 'cancer kit' I bought from your site has helped. His comfort has been better because of it, and I get more time with him. He's the best cat I've ever had, so I appreciate that very much.

Disclaimer: Results may very depending on, however, not limited to: age, breed, stage at which the pet was diagnosed, previous medical history and associated medication(s), allergic reaction(s), proper or improper administration, viral, bacterial or emotional. These products are not drugs nor are we making any drug claims. If you suspect your pet has a medical condition, seek out a trusted veterinarian to assist you with proper diagnosis and ongoing clinical verification.

The following is a testimonial on our Mellit supplement for diabetes.

"Overnight improvement with just one dose She seems to like the taste."

Disclaimer: Results may very depending on, however, not limited to: age, breed, stage at which the pet was diagnosed, previous medical history and associated medication(s), allergic reaction(s), proper or improper administration, viral, bacterial or emotional. These products are not drugs nor are we making any drug claims. If you suspect your pet has a medical condition, seek out a trusted veterinarian to assist you with proper diagnosis and ongoing clinical verification.

Over the weekend I took my niece to the science center here in the city. She stumbled upon a very interesting fact about cats that I thought that I would share. I found this fact in the bathroom stall of the science center of all places.

A cat's urine glows under black light.

This fact is a perfect segway into a question that a customer e-mailed me on Monday which motivated further on-line research on my end.

A cat's urine is one of the worst smells, especially aged cat urine. Very often we can't see these stains with the naked eye which is where the portable black light, purchased at most hardware stores, comes in hand. The black light will visibly detect stains missed by the naked eye.

The customer was inquiring as to why a cat's urine smelt worse than a dog's. Cat's don't drink as much water as dogs, therefore, their urine is more concentrated. In general urine is made up of bacterial strains. Cats detoxify the most through their urine in comparison to dogs, therefore, the concentration in bacteria causes the pungent odor.

The second part of the customer's question was if whether or not I had any specific recommendations for cleaners, which unfortunately, I don't have, however, what consumers should look for is a formula specifically designed for removing pet urine stains. Regular house hold cleaners will just remove the moisture, however, the bacteria will still be present, therefore, the smell will still live in the area. Overtime the aged bacteria will create a stale, even worse smell around the living area if not treated with proper cleaners.

Luv Sheila & Freedom originally posted on petwellbeing.com blog

The following is for cushings supplement

"He is feeling much better since we have used your product and his energy level has returned and he is starting to act like his old self!"

Disclaimer: Results may very depending on, however, not limited to: age, breed, stage at which the pet was diagnosed, previous medical history and associated medication(s), allergic reaction(s), proper or improper administration, viral, bacterial or emotional. These products are not drugs nor are we making any drug claims. If you suspect your pet has a medical condition, seek out a trusted veterinarian to assist you with proper diagnosis and ongoing clinical verification.

Through a pt related Q&A community message board, a member inquired as to why her dog rolled on the ground, especially in fecal matter during their walks. Upon some research on-line and in a pet care books, I was able to find the following:

If the dog is itchy or requires a different method of grooming, it will either vigorously roll on the ground or rub up against a couch or wall.

If rolling on the floor is accompanied by aggressive tail wagging, it's usually the indication of content and enjoying independent activity.

In the wild, especially with wolves, many will roll around in offensive odours such as dead carcasses and or droppings to mask their natural odor from predators and or for hunting purposes. A house dog, part of the wild nature of the beast, may by instinct roll around in the grass if it notices the scent of another dogs pee or poo.

Of course no one enjoys their dog smelling like another's fecal matter. Because we can't change the nature of the beast, we can, however, associate the action with something negative to "train" our dogs not to roll in fecal matter.

Every time he/she rolls in poop, squirt a light water mist on his/her nose. If consistent, she will pair the action with the water misting.

Luv Freedom & Sheila.

Originally posted on petwellbeing.com blog

Bonding with your pet not only increases your life, it also increases the pet's. Playing and bonding with your pet is also a great natural stress reliever.

My favorite game to play with freedom is balloon toss. Freedom loves bouncing the balloon off his nose. I to participate by doing the same. The first person to pop the balloon by accident obviously loses. The objective is to make sure the balloon never hits the floor.

This game encourages the dog's balance and general muscle toning. As the balloon floats slowly, the dog will be forced to follow by standing on it's back legs, toning the muscles.

Happy Monday. My cousin told me this funny joke over the weekend which I thought that I would share. Please comment with your favorite pet jokes and I will post a joke to start off the work week for everyone every Monday.

Our son had adopted a stray cat. he began to use the back of our sofa as a scratching post. "Don't worry," my husband promised me. "I'll have him trained in no time."
I watched for several days as my husband patiently "trained" our new pet. Whenever the cat scratched, my husband deposited him outdoors to teach him a lesson.
The cat learned quickly. For the next 16 years, whenever he wanted to go outside, he scratched the back of the sofa.


Luv Sheila & Freedom

The following are fun pet names, thought of by yours truly, for both cats and dogs who have black and white fur. Please comment and make your own fun suggestions.

Oreo
Tuxedo
Cookies and Cream (twin cats and or dogs)
Chess
Zebra
Panda

Originally posted on petwellbeing.com blog

The following is customer feedback in regards to our Milk Thistle.

"It is just possible your Milk Thistle liquid, along with all natural foods we prepare and some other supplements, has added a year or more to our pets life, almost a normal qualilty life at that, two vet's had written him off but we just persisted with our plan beacuse there was only one other choice and we would do that when it was time, but so far so good."

Disclaimer: Results may very depending on, however, not limited to: age, breed, stage at which the pet was diagnosed, previous medical history and associated medication(s), allergic reaction(s), proper or improper administration, viral, bacterial or emotional. These products are not drugs nor are we making any drug claims. If you suspect your pet has a medical condition, seek out a trusted veterinarian to assist you with proper diagnosis and ongoing clinical verification.

Dogs like to play Pirate and burry treasure. Although I haven't witnessed Freedom, my black lab doing this, I've heard of other dogs whom like to burry "treasure".

What prompted my research in this matter was a customer inquiry, in addition to praising our service. Her Dalmatian kept burying things in the yard.

Through some on-line and general research at the library I was able to acquire the simple and logical explanation.

Although domesticated dogs are well feed and taken care of, they are by nature wild animals and their instinct to burry culinary treasures for later storage is part of their survival instinct. They are essentially preparing for "what if" situations especially in the case of natural disasters.

This is why at times, completely domestic dogs will even scrape the carpet to try and "move" the foundation for burrying.

Originally posted on petwellbeing.com blog

The following is a testimonial we received last week on Lessstress.

"Using Lesstress. She sleeps through the night. Car rides are more enjoyable. She is more confident."

Disclaimer: Results may very depending on, however, not limited to: age, breed, stage at which the pet was diagnosed, previous medical history and associated medication(s), allergic reaction(s), proper or improper administration, viral, bacterial or emotional. These products are not drugs nor are we making any drug claims. If you suspect your pet has a medical condition, seek out a trusted veterinarian to assist you with proper diagnosis and ongoing clinical verification.

Originally posted on Petwellbeing.com blog.