Why Adopting Senior Pets is the Perfect Choice

Both of my dogs are now seniors, but they continue to give me joy and love despite advancing age.  I know that my time with them is quite limited, but I intend to enjoy every minute I can with both of them.  My oldest is 15 years old and he has a heart condition.  My second is 14 years and she suffered pancreatitis not too long ago and almost died. 

So, believe me when I say, I understand the hesitancy of adopting senior pets. However, I also know the pleasure and love you receive from these older, more experienced pets.  Despite possible health conditions (most of which are treatable) an older pet still has love to give away and will do so willingly.

If you stop to think about it, the cost of adopting a senior pet is comparable to that of a puppy; but what you get is a developed personality who is already trained and able to live in your home without all the shenanigans that a puppy may bring.

A senior dog will not chew up all the things on the floor. They also are usually already house trained to potty outdoors.  They already understand many words and movements so communicating with them is easier. They are normally calm and can interact with small children without harming them.  They will be loyal to a fault because they appreciate having a home.

Think about what you must spend on a puppy.  Puppy shots, deworming, food, beds, toys, crate, chews, treats; then also consider the cost of replacing items that end up being chewed up or torn apart. Puppies end up being a costly choice.

When you get a senior, there are usually medical issues to consider, but current veterinary treatments can normally take care of most of those.  With a senior, you will probably need to get a bed, treats, chews if their teeth are good, special diet food, maybe medicine to treat them.  They also will require the same regular vet visits as a puppy would.  

When considered by cost, senior pets seem to be the best investment for your money.  Your return on investment is large in that you get a pet that fits right into your family without any drama and loves you unconditionally.

This post is all about the reasons to consider an older pet when you are looking to add to your family:

The Perks of Adopting Senior Pets

While puppies and kittens may be adorable, there are many reasons to consider adopting a senior pet instead. Not only will you give an older animal a second chance at happiness, but you'll also gain a wonderful companion who is already trained and full of affection.

Senior pets have so much love to give, and they often make the best companions. Unlike younger animals who require constant attention and training, senior pets are typically calmer and more laidback.

They have already developed their personality and know what they like - whether it's lounging on the couch or going for leisurely walks around the block. Plus, senior pets are often grateful for any attention or affection they receive, making them incredibly loyal and loving companions.

Why Adopt a Senior Pet?

One of the most significant advantages of adopting an older pet is their calm demeanor. Senior pets have usually lived with humans before, and they have already become accustomed to household routines, which means that they are less likely to be anxious or nervous in a new environment.

Furthermore, senior pets mostly sleep for more extended periods than young animals, which makes them great for those who want a relaxed lifestyle. They typically don't require as much exercise as younger animals, making them perfect for those with busy schedules.

The Importance of Giving Older Pets a Loving Home

Most people tend to overlook senior pets when it comes to adoption. In many cases, these animals have been surrendered by their previous owners due to age-related health issues or changes in lifestyle. As a result, senior pets often spend more extended periods in shelters without receiving adequate love and care.

Senior pets tend to settle quickly into new homes because they crave attention and affection from their owners. If you adopt an older pet, you'll provide them with the love and care they deserve while experiencing all the benefits that come with pet ownership.

What to Consider Before Adopting a Senior Pet

Adopting a senior pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Not only will you be giving an older animal a second chance at love, but you will also be rewarded with the companionship and joy that comes with taking care of a pet. However, before bringing home an older animal, it is important to take some time to think about your lifestyle and living situation in order to determine if adopting a senior pet is right for you.

10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

Assess Your Lifestyle

The first thing you should consider when thinking about adopting a senior pet is your lifestyle. Do you work long hours? Are you frequently away from home? If so, adopting an older pet may not be the best choice for you.

Senior pets may require extra attention and care, especially if they have medical issues or mobility problems. If you are unable to provide this type of care on a regular basis, then it may be better to adopt a younger animal instead.

Determine Energy Level and Medical Needs

Another important factor to consider before adopting a senior pet is their energy level and medical needs. Some older pets may still have plenty of energy and enjoy going on walks or playing fetch, while others may prefer quieter activities such as napping or cuddling on the couch. It's important to determine what type of energy level will fit into your lifestyle before bringing home a senior pet.

You should also consider any medical needs that the animal may have. Senior pets are more likely to have health issues than younger animals, so it's important to make sure that you are able and willing to provide them with appropriate veterinary care if needed.

This can include regular check-ups, medication management, or even specialized diets. By taking these factors into account, you can determine if adopting a senior pet is the right choice for you.

Remember, adopting a pet is a commitment, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. If you are ready to provide an older animal with a loving home and the care they deserve, then adopting a senior pet may be the perfect choice for you.

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet 

Adopting a senior pet can bring countless benefits to both the animal and their
new owner. These animals have already spent years being loyal companions to
their previous owners, and they have so much love left to give. Older pets are
typically more relaxed and less demanding than their younger counterparts,
making them ideal for those who may not have as much time or energy to devote
to training or grooming.

Additionally, senior pets often come with fewer surprises in terms of personality and behavior,
as they have already developed their own unique quirks that make them who they are. Adopting
a senior pet can also be incredibly rewarding for the owner. Watching an older animal flourish in a new environment and form a special bond with you can be life-changing. It's hard not to feel good about giving an aging pet the opportunity to experience love and comfort in their golden years.

The Benefits of Opening Your Heart to a Senior Pet

Dental Care for Dogs and Cats

 Today is the day my 15 year old dog, Austen, goes to the Vet for his teeth to be cleaned.  It is way past due and I know he will lose some teeth, but at least he will be getting his teeth cared for properly.  Dental cleanings are truly very expensive in today's economy and many pet owners choose to skip them due to the cost.

Unfortunately, my Austen has a significant heart murmur and takes daily medication to prevent worsening of his heart muscles. Having a pre-existing condition, especially heart condition, makes dental care a top priority as infection in his mouth can travel into his heart and kill him (which I am not prepared to deal with yet).

He is my heart.  I love this dog very much and want to do everything I can do to help him stay healthy and happy for a few more years.  Since he is a small dog (14 lbs.) he should be able to live to 20 years if well cared for.  Not only do I give him daily medications, I also have him on special Veterinary prescribed food and treats.  We walk every day to keep his heart strong. I am doing as much as I can for his physical health and this has to include dental cleanings and care.

He had his pre-surgery lab work done and his labs are even better than my own! That made me happy to know that what we are doing is working.  Good lab results gave the vet a go-ahead for anesthesia during his dental cleaning.  Since he is a heart patient, the vet used anesthesia that is gentle on his heart. 

I followed the pre-op instructions and withheld food that morning, although I did get him to take his medication prior.  We made that short trip to the vet and the tech came out to get him.  As they were walking away, I began to cry.  I just wanted to grab him back and go home because I was so worried about him and this procedure.

I didn't grab him and left instead.  When I got home, I was a basket-case of nerves and anxiety, but I knew he was in very capable and competent hands and he really needed to have his teeth cleaned.

While I fretted, of course I researched online about what was happening to him and what to expect when he came home.  Here are some of the things I found out:
In the article, "Pet Dental Health Facts and Fiction", there is a list of several myths about dental cleaning and dental health for your pets.  Each of these fictions is discussed at length in the article.

1. Fiction: Dental disease is only a problem of older pets.

1. Fiction: It is impossible to effectively brush my pet’s teeth.

1. Fiction: I can save money and get just as good results with non-anesthetic dental cleanings and they are better for my pet because they do not involve risky anesthetics.

1. Fiction: I would know if my pet had a serious dental problem or painful mouth.

1. Fiction: My pet can live with bad teeth, it just gives him/her bad breath.

1. Fiction: I just give my dog bones and chew toys to chew on and that naturally cleans his/her teeth.

In another article, "9 Little-Known Facts About Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats",
the author talks about things you may not know about dental disease in animals. 

One such nugget of information is, "As many as 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease by the time they’re just two years old[1]." This fact blew my mind. I did not know this! The other 8 facts are just a mind-blowing so be sure to read the article.

In another article, "Tips for Better Dental Health in Dogs", the author gives 10

great tips on ways to keep your dog's mouth healthy.  One of the list is an in-depth technique for brushing your pet's teeth at home.  I found this article to be really helpful and I plan to initiate some of these steps when he feels better.

Then I found this article, "What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Procedure"

that gives you a very thorough look at what happens during your pet's dental cleaning.  It was good to learn exactly what my baby was going through so I will be better prepared to take care of him afterward.

And finally, in this article, "How to Care for Your Pet After a Dental Procedure"

I learned exactly what I was to do for Austen when I got him back home.  It was really nice to have this information so I would know what was normal and what was not. 

Reading these articles helped me deal with my anxiety and when Austen was ready to come home, I felt I was well prepared.  The vet called and said to come get him around 4pm and I flew to the hospital to pick him up and bring him home.

He lost 7 teeth! That is all my fault and I feel horrid because of it! He was very groggy and all he wanted to do was sleep so I let him sleep in his bed next to me.

  I am so glad that is all over and I will not let it go so long in the future.  Yes, it is expensive, but if done regularly it is less costly.  Now, I have to get this paid for and schedule my other baby, Diva, for her cleaning next.  Pet ownership of elderly dogs is a never ending process of medications, special food and treats, and treatments, but I love my dogs and I am responsible to keep them healthy.

What the Heck is TNR?

 When I lived in an apartment complex in Texas, there were so many feral cats there.  They were not friendly, not pets.  They roamed the complex and made messes when plants were set outside.  It was obvious that this was their home, even though they belonged to no person.  I used to sit on my porch and watch them; soon you get to know each one by their personality.  

When spring came around, there would always be a huge number of kittens roaming with the adult cats.  Unfortunately, they did not understand about living with humans and many of the babies met terrible fates.  About half of them would live to adulthood and go on to have babies of their own.

I was saddened by their plight.  They were not very healthy, they were always hungry, and they fought incessantly over food and territory.  One day, while sitting on my porch, I decided to see what I could do for them because, although I am a dog person, I do love cats as well.

What is TNR?

I researched rescues in the area and was told that feral cats cannot be adopted and are summarily euthanized in shelters.  I was appalled.  These cats should not meet such a terrible fate.  I then found out about TNR at a cat rescue.  

Trap-neuter-return, or TNR, is a humane and effective approach to managing community cat populations. It involves trapping cats, having them spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then returning them to their outdoor homes. By sterilizing the cats, TNR helps to reduce the number of kittens born and stabilizes the size of the cat colony over time.

I agreed that this was a great solution to the population problem at my apartment complex. I borrowed a trap from my neighbor and set it with a can of sardines that I punched holes into the top. I placed the trap about 15 feet away from my door and went inside.  In less than 10 minutes, I had trapped my first cat.

How to TNR:

When you are following this program, once you trap your cat, you make an appointment at the SPCA through TNR for a free spay/neuter and exam of the cat.  They also receive a rabies vaccine while under anesthesia.  Another thing that happens while the cat is out is the clipping of one ear tip. Once all this is done, you go pick the cat back up and take it home to recover in a safe, quiet, dark place.  I used a dog crate with a cover in the corner of my living room to recover my cat.  Once I saw the cat up and eating, I took the crate outside and let it go.  

Over the course of the next few months, I probably trapped 60 cats.  I followed the protocol of the TNR and once they were taken care of, I returned them to their homes.  There were fewer and fewer babies roaming the neighborhood, and I was so glad I would not be picking up dead kittens everywhere because people would run over them.

Benefits of TNR

• Reduces cat overpopulation: By preventing cats from reproducing, TNR reduces the number of kittens born each year, which helps to control the size of the cat population.
• Improves cat health: Cats that are spayed or neutered are less likely to roam and fight, which reduces their risk of injury and disease. Vaccinating cats also helps to prevent the spread of diseases.
  
• Saves taxpayer money: TNR is more cost-effective than traditional animal control methods, such as trapping and euthanizing cats. TNR programs rely on volunteers and donations, which helps to keep costs low.
• Supports a healthier ecosystem: Cats are natural predators and can help to control the population of rodents and other pests. By managing the cat population through TNR, we can maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem.

Why TNR?

While TNR has been criticized by some who believe that cats should not be allowed to roam outdoors, it is important to note that community cats are often too wild to be adopted into homes. TNR provides a humane solution that allows cats to live out their lives in their outdoor homes while also managing their population.

Support TNR in your Community:

If you're interested in supporting TNR efforts in your community, there are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer with a local TNR organization, donate to support their efforts, or advocate for TNR policies with your local government. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of community cats and create healthier, more humane communities for all animals.

How to Read and Communicate with Your Pets

If you own a pet, you probably know that there are ways to communicate with them.  They do talk to us, but we sometimes don't take the time to understand what it is they are telling us.  Here is an interesting article about pet communication, "Yes, We Can Communicate with Animals", that talks about a couple of dogs who learned many words.

Animals in the wild have very developed ways to communicate with each other.  This communication keeps them safe, helps them mate, and maintains their sense of community with each other.  This communication serves to make them feel less anxious and afraid in such a scary environment. Here is an article that explains how this works, "25 Amazing Ways Animals Communicate That You Never Knew About".

Our pets have been with us (humans) for centuries and they have developed a language to help them interact with us that serves them in ways that promote health and safety.  Unfortunately, we don't learn this language in school, so we have to pay attention to our pets to understand what they are saying, just as they must pay attention to what we say to them.  It is a mutual learning situation.

By understanding your pet's body language and vocalizations, you can improve your communication with them. In this blog post, we'll explore how to read and communicate with your pets effectively.

Understanding Your Pet's Body Language

Pets communicate a lot through their body language, and understanding it can help you better understand how they are feeling. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Tail position: A wagging tail doesn't always mean a happy dog. The position of your dog's tail can tell you a lot about how they are feeling. For example, a tucked tail can indicate fear or anxiety.
• Ears: Your pet's ears can tell you a lot about how they are feeling. If your dog's ears are up and alert, they are likely interested or curious. If their ears are pinned back against their head, they may be feeling scared or anxious.
• Posture: Pay attention to your pet's overall posture. A relaxed, loose stance typically indicates a happy and relaxed pet. Conversely, a stiff, rigid posture can indicate fear or aggression.

Understanding Your Pet's Vocalizations

Just like body language, your pet's vocalizations can also tell you a lot about how they are feeling. Here are some common vocalizations to pay attention to:

• Barking: Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including to alert their owners to potential danger or to express excitement.
• Meowing: Cats may meow to get your attention or to communicate that they want something, like food or attention.
• Chirping: Some cats will make a chirping noise when they are feeling playful or excited.

Using Positive Reinforcement

We talked a little bit about this in the post, "Potty Training a Puppy: Why It Can Be So Hard" here on the blog, so this is not a new concept.  Positive reinforcement has been around for quite some time.  It is currently being used by parents to help educate and reinforce behaviors in their children; so it is no surprise that it works just as well with pets.

Positive reinforcement is an effective way to communicate with your pet. When you reward your pet for good behavior, they learn to associate that behavior with positive outcomes. Here are some tips for using positive reinforcement:

• Reward your pet immediately after they exhibit the desired behavior.
• Use treats or verbal praise to reward good behavior.
• Be consistent with your rewards to reinforce the behavior.

Avoiding Punishment

Punishing your pet can actually make communication more difficult. Instead of understanding what they did wrong, they may become scared or anxious. Here are some tips for avoiding punishment:

• 
  Instead of punishing your pet, focus on rewarding good behavior.
• If your pet exhibits unwanted behavior, try redirecting their attention to something else.
• Seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist if your pet's behavior is causing problems.

So try understanding your pet's body language, vocalizations, and using positive reinforcement  to communicate with your pet. By paying attention to their signals and responding appropriately, you can strengthen your bond with your pet and ensure a happy and healthy relationship.

Adopting a Dog: Things to Think About

The Definitive Guide to Adopting, Rescuing and Fostering Dogs from Shelters

Why you should consider Adopting, Rescuing and Fostering Dogs from Shelters?

Adopting, rescuing and fostering dogs from shelters can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can also be a difficult and challenging process. Knowing the steps to take in order to ensure that you are providing the best possible home for your new four-legged family member is essential. From researching the right breed for your lifestyle, to visiting local shelters, and finally bringing your new pup home; there is a process that needs to be followed in order to ensure a successful adoption or fostering experience. By understanding what this process entails, you can provide your pup with the best possible start in life.

Adopting a pet is a big decision, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get a furry friend to cuddle with, but you're also helping an animal in need. While some people choose to buy pets from pet stores or breeders, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization can have many benefits.

First, adopting a pet is often less expensive than buying one. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer adoption fees that are much lower than the cost of purchasing a pet. Additionally, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization means that you're getting a pet that has already been spayed or neutered and vaccinated, saving you additional expenses.

Another benefit of adopting a pet is that you're giving an animal a second chance at a happy life. Many pets in shelters are there because their previous owners couldn't care for them anymore, or they were found as strays. By adopting a pet, you're giving them a loving home and the care they need to thrive.

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs – Which Should You Choose?

Choosing a puppy or an adult dog is a difficult decision that requires careful consideration. Puppies are undeniably adorable and bring lots of joy, but they also require more time and attention than adult dogs. On the other hand, adult dogs have already been trained and can provide companionship for years to come. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of puppies versus adult dogs so that you can make an informed decision when deciding which one to bring home.

Benefits of Adopting Senior Dogs From Shelters

Adopting a senior dog from a shelter can bring tremendous joy to the family. Not only do they provide companionship and unconditional love, but they also come with a host of other benefits that make them an ideal choice for families looking for a new pet. From being pre-trained and well-behaved, to being less expensive and easier to care for, senior dogs from shelters can be the perfect addition to any home.

When it comes to adopting a pet, senior pets can often be overlooked, but they can make wonderful companions. Senior pets may be slower or have special needs, but they still have so much love to give. Adopting a senior pet means that you're giving them a chance to spend their golden years in a loving home.

Fostering Pets - The Most Rewarding Experience

If you're not ready to commit to a permanent pet, fostering can be a great option. Fostering a pet means that you take care of them in your home for a short period of time, usually until they find their forever home. Fostering can be a rewarding experience because you're providing a pet with a safe and comfortable home while they wait to be adopted.

Fostering a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. It can bring joy, companionship, and a sense of purpose to your life. Not only do you get to give an animal a safe and loving home, but you also get to help the animal in need while getting all the love they can give back in return. Fostering pets is not just about providing food and shelter - it's about providing emotional support as well. From playing with them to teaching them basic commands or even taking them for walks, fostering pets can be incredibly fulfilling. 

In conclusion, adopting a pet is a great way to give an animal in need a second chance at life while also adding a furry friend to your family. Whether you choose to adopt a senior pet or foster a pet temporarily, you'll be making a positive impact on the lives of animals. If you're looking for an experience that will make a lasting impact on your life, consider fostering a pet today! 

Rescue dogs, so many to choose from!

 My daughter has lost two of her dogs this last year and it was heartbreaking.  One was an older rat terrier and he was grumpy but loveable.  The other was a mixed breed rescue dog that came from a terrible hoarding situation and had many issues because of it.

We loved these two very much and miss them to this day; but I think my daughter is finally ready to get another dog or two and has been viewing rescues, shelters, and the pounds on the internet looking for just the right one.

I have been appalled at the sheer number of dogs that are currently looking for homes just in our area of this state.  It breaks my heart that so many dogs need a forever home.  These are all good dogs, but do not have pedigrees so they are viewed as less-than worthy.  

I have always had rescue dogs my whole life.  I currently have two; they are getting up there in years and I worry about losing them but for now they are mine and I love them so much.  I cannot tell you how much love and entertainment you get from a dog.  It seems that rescue dogs, unlike pedigree dogs, seem to realize how lucky they are when they find a forever home and they give back in large amounts of love.

In this current time, there just is no reason for so many dogs, cats, and other animals to be waiting for homes.  If people would just spay and neuter their pets, we could completely erase this problem.  However, for some reason, there are so many people who refuse to spay or neuter their pets.  

Maybe it is a money thing; but if so there are numerous low and no cost spay/neuter clinics around. Maybe they are misinformed about the overburdened pet population in our country and don't see the issue of having puppies all the time.  If so, there are so many ways to learn about how to be a responsible pet owner that you wonder why they don't already know this.

I firmly believe that we need to become a "No Kill" country and with a concerted effort by us all we could make that happen.  No Kill supports shelters and rescues in spay and neuter for their animals.  Trap-Neuter-Return programs catch feral cats and spay or neuter them then return them to their home communities to live out the rest of their lives without offspring.  

It is doable sometime in the future that we could have a No Kill country.  That is my prayer and hope.

Pet owner Mistakes and how to Fix them

 You get a pet and have the best of intentions.  You want to love and care for your pet, but maybe sometimes you forget that dogs and cats (as well as other pets) are very different from humans.  They do not speak your language and must be taught what things mean. Here are some of the mistakes we all make at times with our pets:

Not making sure your pet is properly socialized-

When left with their mothers, most dogs and cats are exposed to others of their breed, whether their litter mates, or just others around them.  They learn the rules of being the kind of animal they are from this experience.  When they are removed from their mothers early, as most are, they miss this experience.  They then are confused about who they are and what they are supposed to do.

You don't know enough about what your pet needs for health-

Dogs are omnivores and can eat both meat and plant based food.  There are, however, many things that are toxic for dogs like onions, chocolate and more.  It is your responsibility to learn about what your dog can and cannot eat.  You also should talk with your vet about what the optimal weight is for your dog and learn the proper proportions to feed. Feeding table scraps, while it seems okay, can cause your dog upset stomach due to the seasonings, fat content, and any sauces added.  Dogs need food plain, not drenched in sauce.

Cats are carnivores.  They eat meat.  This is the type of diet they are genetically predisposed to eat.  Feeding your cat vegetables seems normal, but actually cats cannot digest any plant based food, so it may cause upset stomach and diarrhea. As a cat owner, you should talk with your vet about optimal weight for your pet and proper amounts to feed.  Cats fed too much or fed incorrectly have a predisposition to develop diabetes and they also can develop kidney stones due to lack of running water.  Cats much prefer moving water to drink, so a bowl of stale water is unappealing to them and they may not take in enough fluid.

You don't spay or neuter your pet-

There is some type of mind-set in our society that removing reproductive abilities for pets is harmful or cruel.  Actually, the opposite is true.  Spaying or neutering your pet causes no long term harm and research shows that doing this can extend the life of your pet. It is not cruel to prevent a dog or cat from having one litter after another, which causes the female animal a great deal of distress and diminishes her ability to stay healthy.  Not to mention the overpopulation problem we are faced with today.  Contrary to popular thought, pets don't have to have at least one litter to be happy.  So, please spay or neuter your pet.

You don't give your pet enough attention-

You get a pet and enjoy spending time with it until you have other things more important to do.  Unfortunately, to your pet, you are their world and they do not have more important things to do.  Pets require attention on a regular basis, whether grooming, feeding, playing with them, or walking them; they deserve your attention and your time.  When you ignore them and leave them to their own devices, you invite trouble.  This is when they become destructive or they become very needy.  You are their whole world and they expect you to spend some of your time focused solely on them.  One of the problems with lack of time is lack of exercise for them.  As I covered earlier, weight management is as important for your pets as it is for yourself.  If you don't give your pet enough exercise, they become lazy and fat which leads to major health issues.

You don't learn how to read your pet's body language-

Your pets speak and it is up to us to learn their language just as we expect them to understand some of ours.  Dogs give cues to how they feel and what they are thinking.  Unfortunately, we don't always listen or pay attention to what they are trying to tell us.  Therefore, there are sometimes unfortunate but preventable accidents. People get bit every day by "friendly" dogs simply because they cannot distinguish between a tail wag and a tail flag. Take the time to learn what your pet is telling you because your pet is having to learn what you are saying, too.

You don't have a disaster plan for your pets-

No one wants to think about being in a disaster, but the truth is that there is always the possibility that you may experience one.  I live in Oklahoma, so we are all watching the skies for signs of tornadoes.  People all over experience traumatic events like mud slides, sink holes, flooding, fires, and other emergency situations. When making your family's disaster plan, don't forget to include your pets.  They will not be able to fend for themselves without you.  Make a plan and make sure everyone knows what it is.

These are just a few of the mistakes we often make when we get a pet.  All of us are guilty of one or more of these.  Our pets expect us to take the lead and keep them safe and healthy.  Don't let them down.

You can read more about this issue here.

Search and Rescue Dogs at work

 Since I live in Oklahoma, I am no stranger to disasters.  We frequently have tornadoes that leave people and animals in dire straits.  I was trolling the internet yesterday and came across an article about an Oklahoma Search and Rescue dog that was, himself, a victim of a tornado.  He went on to become an impressive search and rescue dog.  Here is the article if you choose to read about Little Man.

That article, of course, led me down the "rabbit hole" and I found numerous wonderful stories about these amazing dogs and what they have to go through to be called search and rescue dogs, as well as the type of work they are trained to do.  I also read about the health hazards and dangerous activities they willingly take on to do the job they love. You can read about that here.

Dogs are truly a remarkable thing.  I have said before, and I will repeat here again, the dogs truly are a gift from God.  

These dogs are trained to find missing people, like an 82 year old Alzheimer patient that wandered away from his home in 33 degree temperatures wearing only a thermal top and pajama bottoms.  He was outside for approximately 7 hours in the weather before Tick, the search and rescue dog, found him and barked to alert his handler.  All that man could remember about his experience is being licked in the face by a dog! Amazing.  

Tick was a stray that had been picked up by police and taken to a shelter but the officer noted that he wanted to adopt him if no one came to get him. Once Tick was with the officer, he underwent rigorous training and became the search and rescue dog that saved this man's life. Here is a link to the article about Tick.

Not only do the dogs undergo rigorous training, but the handlers must also be trained to interact with the dogs in such a way that it encourages the dogs to do their jobs without distractions.  Here is a story about one of those handlers and all she had to do to become a search and rescue dog handler.

Search and rescue dogs find missing people, dead bodies, crime scenes, disaster victims that are buried in debris, they also find bombs in war torn areas.  Here is an article about Children against Mine Programs where a little girl in New Hampshire helps to raise funds to train mine sniffing dogs.  This is an amazing program and I was totally unaware of it before reading here.

This was an amazing "rabbit hole" adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed and I hope you will too.  Below, I have listed several videos about these dogs for you to enjoy.

https://youtu.be/CzgbambZVPI

https://youtu.be/8Q5r6fm_Dwg

https://youtu.be/qdDmCJ-A2-M

https://youtu.be/OuuB4JsvRU8

https://youtu.be/8-1MjvKdJSo