Showing posts with label Is. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Is. Show all posts

Monday, October 26, 2009

What Is That? It's A Ferret By Jim Worthington

Jim Worthington

Ferrets can be extremely lovable pets. They just have that adorable face that makes you smile. Ferrets are so lovable, people of the world have been making them their pets going as far back as the ancient Greeks. Perhaps Socrates even had one. Even better, ferrets make great gifts to love ones; Queen Elizabeth I of England thought so. The first things I think of when I imagine a new pet are chores and added responsibility, but ferrets are actually very easily manageable.


But let's get back to the real reason anybody is ever interested in a ferret. They're just really cool looking. I think of a ferret as an exotic pet, even though millions of people have them. A ferret is just something you don't see everyday. Dogs and cats are everywhere, hell it even rains cats and dogs at times. Ferrets are just cool, there is no doubt about it. When you're friends come over and see this animal their going to have one of maybe two responses. First, 'What is that?' or Second, 'Is that a ferret?' These questions will be quickly followed by adjectives describing the ferret, such as Cool, Awesome, Crazy, How Cute!


What's most important to learn about ferret's as a pet is this: They are like precious baby kittens that never grow up.


Like cats, ferrets are carnivores. However, ferrets need more protein in their diets, so substituting ferret food with cat food may not be a wise idea. Ferrets also enjoy the sweet tastes of fresh fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, raisins. These should be given as a treat and used sparingly. Even though ferrets are most active during dusk and dawn, they easily adapt to any owner's schedule. Cool thing about ferrets is they love to sleep. They can sleep all day. But watch out when they get up. They are just a bundle of energy and fun when they are wide awake. Ferrets enjoy games of hide and seek, tag, and playful wrestling. Ferrets get along great with children, as long as they are handled correctly. Young children should not be left alone with a ferret. Young children tend to squeeze small creatures to the point of discomfort. Many times a small dog, even ferret may bite as a response.


For some reason, ferrets have been given a bad reputation as nippers. Nipping is like biting, but much softer. Most ferrets lack the jaw power to break the skin of a human if bitten. However, this does not mean a neglected ferret will not become a biter. If given the proper attention and patience, a ferret will rarely, if ever, bite a human. I must over emphasize that neglected and mistreated ferrets make bad pets. They do not just sit back with the cat attitude of, 'Look at me.' Ferrets are very curious to their surroundings and are always on the prowl snooping around. With that said, many times ferrets' curiosity get the best of them. Electrical cords and reclining chairs are a ferrets worse enemies. The obvious would be that ferrets can be electricuted when they chew on electrical chords, but many ferrets have been known to climb into the inner workings of a reclining sofa, only to be squashed to death when a person sits down on the sofa. Common sense is the best way to keep your home ferret-proof.


Ferrets are also known for their exploratory and gathering skills. Like little detectives they scurring around seemlingly in search of something. If there's a hole in the wall, a ferret will definitely have to check it out. The temptation is too great for a poor lil' ferret. He's got to know what's in that hole. And what happens to the items a ferret deems colllectable? Only a ferret knows for sure.


Lastly, like all pets, proper health care is needed in order to ensure a happy, healthy ferret. Ferrets do not smell, but it's only common sense to know that if you fail to clean an animal's cage, odors may linger. Besides, ferrets love to take baths, and are so small that it takes only a couple of minutes to fully groom a ferret. So remember, if you clean your ferret's cage and bath him once in a while, your ferret will smell like peaches.


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=121007&ca=Pets

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Is An Australian Shepherd Puppy The Right Choice For Me And My Family? By Mitch Endick

Mitch Endick

The Australian Shepherd is a working sheep and farm dog that might do quite poorly in an apartment. They are vigorous dogs with high intelligence that were bred to think and work. They require at the least, a properly fenced in enclosure and at the best, a farm to run and work. They form strong bonds with their family and demand a great deal of attention and time. They will follow their master from room to room in a house and want to ride in the car, help with chores, etc. If left alone for long periods of time, they may invent their own entertainment which can include destroying the furnishings or garden. They need to be properly socialized with children and pets and may nip at the heels of children. She is a very protective dog of both body and property.


*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Australian Shepherd is 20 to 23 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and from 50 to 65 pounds. The female should run about 18 to 21 inches to the withers and 40 to 55 pounds.


*Special Health Considerations. Some heartworm medications may be toxic to this breed due to a gene mutation.. Your veterinarian can test for this. She can suffer from canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), hereditary eye problems, hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), discoid lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), cleft palate, seizures, von Willebrands disease (a problem with blood clotting), and patent ductus arteriosis (a circulatory abnormality).


*Grooming. Brush this breed often with a firm bristle brush and wash when necessary. She will shed quite a bit. Brushing will help keep your pets coat clean and healthy, help avoid tangles and help keep your house more free of shed hair. Brushing will also help you keep a closer eye on your pet health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her coat is of moderate length and medium coarseness. Be prepared to become real friendly with your vacuum cleaner if kept indoors. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.


*Life Span. The Australian Shepherd can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.


*History. The only working livestock breed actually developed in the western portion of America, although she does have some roots in Australia. She was developed from sheep dogs that were imported with flocks of sheep from Australia, France, Spain, New Zealand, Latin America and England during the late 1800 and early 1900 period, especially during the California gold rush. Australian Shepherds were popularized, especially in California, after World War II by horse shows, rodeos and movies.


*Registries:


ASCR Australian Shepherd Club of America


UKC United Kennel Club


NKC National Kennel Club


CKC Continental Kennel Club


APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.


AKC American Kennel Club


*Category: Herding group.


*Terms To Describe The Breed: Intelligent, good natured, even disposition, good stamina, agile, muscular, balanced and devoted.


*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS


He is a loyal companion.


Easy to train.


Excellent farm dog.


Easy to housebreak.


Eager to please.


Wants to be with their master constantly.


Makes a great family dog.


Her pretty coat comes in amazing colors.


*SPECIAL BAD POINTS


Needs lots of exercise.


Needs a job to do.


Wants to be with their master constantly.


Can be very territorial.


May bark at neighbors too much.


May become destructive if bored.


Can have health problems.


May shed copiously.


Can by shy, especially with strangers.


*Other Names Known By: The Aussie, wiggle-butt


Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=112120&ca=Pets