Monday, December 29, 2008

Good Thoughts of the Day

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.

-Ben Williams

A dog is the only thing
on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.

-Josh Billings

If you think dogs can't count,
try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.

-Phil Pastoret

Sunday, December 28, 2008



These are some "relatives" of ours. They are both Pekingese, with the white one being a relatively unique color.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

New Year's Pet Safety Tip


It's almost time to celebrate the start of a new year. Hopefully things will be better in the new year then they were around the world in this one. With celebrations also come tips on how to make sure your pets are safe this coming new year's eve.

Balloons and confetti are fun party decorations, but they can cause your pets to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested. Keep an eye on your pets when they're around these items or move them to an area that is not decorated.

New Year's is typically a noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises frighten some pets and can cause them to react in ways that are uncharacteristic for your furry friend. They might run off, bark more often, and act defensive by biting or attacking people and other pets. Even the friendliest pet can show signs of aggression and violence when they are spooked by loud noises. Keep your pets in a separate room, away from noisemakers, music, and other loud sounds that may startle them.

Also, watch out for other common holiday decorations such at plants, Christmas tree water, decoration hooks, Styrofoam, ornaments, and tinsel. All can cause problems if chewed on or swallowed by your pets.

Happy and safe new year to you and your pets!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008



Happy Holidays from all of us at The Pet Haven Blog.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Canines Battle Bed Bugs

Canines Battle Bed Bugs in New Business Venture

Bed Bug Finders, LLC announces the launch of a new business serving Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. It's a business that was created to help homeowners and businesses deal with the ever-growing bed bug population in North America.

The detects bed bugs by using highly-trained dogs. They are quickly
able to seek out these difficult to find pests.

Bed Bug Finders, LLC is only a bed-bug detection company; it is not an extermination company. The company will work with any extermination company to remediate bed bugs by identifying their exact location.

The dogs find the exact site of the specific infestation within minutes.

This saves customers a significant amount of time and money. For instance, dogs can search the average hotel room in less than two minutes. Many times the solution is fast and easy and may simply call for throwing out an old clock radio or book to resolve the problem.

The company's approach is to perform a "search and destroy" process and not a "spray and pray" approach when it comes to the detection and remediation of bed bugs.

The members of the canine team are more than 96 percent accurate when it comes to locating bed bug infestations. Often, the company will use two canine members to verify the infestation making its accuracy nearly 100 percent.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Poll - Pet Owners Not Cutting Back

According to results published in a recent Petside Poll, a majority of those surveyed say they are not cutting back on expenses when it comes to their pets.

Of those surveyed, 85% say they are not cutting back due to economic pressures, even as most surveys are showing that consumers are cutting their expenses overall.

Predictably, lower-income pet owners are twice as likely to have had to make cuts as higher-income owners (11% vs. 20%).

Among the 15 percent reducing pet-related expenditures, cutbacks can be drastic. Half (54%) stated that they are deferring routine visits to the veterinarian, while one in five (21%) are also putting off vet visits for serious problems. One in four (27%) are even considering giving up their pet due to financial difficulties.

The most common cutback is buying fewer toys and clothes for their pets, followed by switching to a cheaper type of food. This can be a tough thing to do for many, as cheaper pet foods mean cheaper quality, and could lead to an unhealthy pet in the long run.

Nevertheless, in spite of the economy a good number of pet owners plan to include their pet in holiday festivities this year. 43 percent of animal owners plan on purchasing a gift for their pet this season. Canines also have an edge over the felines when it comes to owners expecting to buy a holiday present for their pet (48% vs. 28%).

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Poll - Pet Owners "Talk" To Pets

The Associated Press and Petside.com just released a poll taking a look at the relationship between pets and their owners. Topics range from lighter matters -- like whether or not people think they fully understand what their pet says -- to a serious investigation into the impact of the economy on pet care.

According to the Poll, 67% of those asked say they can comprehend their pet's own language. 62% say their pets understand what they are being told.

Dog owners were most likely to say that their pet understands them as compared to cat owners (though cats are sneaky!).

Friday, December 19, 2008

Endangered Turtles Arrive in CT Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., is now home to four sea turtles – Charlotte, a juvenile green sea turtle, and three loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings. Their arrival marks the first time in more than three years that the Aquarium has had sea turtles on exhibit.

“All seven species of sea turtles are either endangered or threatened,” said Don Harrington, interim director of Fish & Invertebrates at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. “The turtles’ arrival here has given us the invaluable opportunity to educate our visitors about the plight of sea turtles and how they can help these wonderful creatures.”

Charlotte came from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island , Ga. , on November 23. She was found stranded on Cumberland Island , Ga. , and taken to the center last January. Her shell and hind flippers were covered with barnacles, and she had been struck by a boat’s propeller. A CT scan and MRI revealed a fracture or break in her vertebrae and a compressed spinal cord, which partially paralyzed her intestinal tract and hind flippers. The paralysis prevents normal movement of her gastrointestinal tract, causing gas to accumulate, which makes it difficult for her to dive. As a result, she floats with her rear end up.

Though Charlotte has been deemed non-releasable, there is a chance that, with long-term rehabilitation, she could recover and possibly be released back into the ocean in future years. Until then, she is serving as an ambassador for her species while staying in “ Stingray Bay ” on the main exhibit floor. Charlotte is the first sea turtle the Georgia Sea Turtle Center has placed in an aquarium.

“It could take years for Charlotte to regain specific biological functions needed for release back into the wild. We needed to find her a home, so that we can continue to take in more injured turtles,” said Dr. Terry Norton, D.V.M., veterinarian and director of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. “Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration was a good fit for Charlotte . We knew the aquarium would provide her with a good quality of life and would use her story to spread awareness of how common boat strikes are.”

The three loggerhead hatchlings arrived on October 28 from the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores . One was rescued from its nest three days after hatching after showing signs of sluggishness. Another was found on a beach with a flipper injury, and the third was rescued from its nest before Tropical Storm Hanna arrived. The abnormally high tides created by the storm would have flooded the nest.

The loggerheads will be raised here until they are ready for release into North Carolina ’s waters in one to three years. In the meantime, visitors can see them in a new exhibit on the Aquarium’s main exhibit floor, opening tomorrow.



About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut .

SEA TURTLE FACT SHEET
Green Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles get their name from the color of their body fat, which is green from the algae and sea grass they eat. Their shells are usually dark brown in color and heart-shaped.
Males and females look the same until they mature, when males’ tails grow longer and thicker.
The green sea turtle is the slowest growing sea turtle, taking up to 40 years to mature.
The largest hard-shelled sea turtles, they can weigh up to 500 pounds and have shell lengths of up to four feet.


Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Loggerheads get their name from their large head size. Humans’ heads would have a diameter of three feet if it were the same proportion as a loggerhead’s.
They are primarily reddish-brown in color. Males have narrower shells and longer and thicker tails than females.
Full-grown loggerheads are between two and a half and four feet and weigh 170 to 350 pounds on average.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Outdoor Pet Hazards

When your pets are outside, remember that there are plenty of outdoors objects and chemicals that are harmful to your pets. Here is a list of the most common ones from the ASPCA.

*Algae (can be found in ponds or other bodies of water. Certain forms may be hazardous).
*Antifreeze/Coolant
*Fences or gates. Pets can run away if fences are old and they find an opening. Pets can also get stuck in those openings and possibly get wounded or even strangled.
*Deck Lattice - Same as for fences
*De-icing salts. Some formulas may contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets if ingested. Wipe your pets paws after going for walks in areas where there might be salts. Also, look for pet-friendly brands for your home.
*Compost, particularly if moldy.
*Oil
*Pesticides
*Fertilizers
*Swimming pools and hot tubs. Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools, even if they can swim.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Christmas Hazards for Pets

Christmas is almost here, but be sure to take precautions with your pets. And if you are taking your pets with you to visit relatives, make sure to look for potential hazards at their homes as well. Here are some of the common things to watch out for during the holidays.

- Holiday plants. Christmas rose, holly, lilies and mistletoe are all toxic
- Ribbons. Placing one around your pets neck for "decoration" could cause them to choke
- Fire salts. Contain chemicals that are harmful to pets
- Spun glass (angel hair). Can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts
- Christmas tree water. Stagnant tree water or water containing tree preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.
- Decoration Hooks. Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.
- Styrofoam. Can cause your pet to choke if swallowed.
- Ornaments. They may look like little toys to cats and dogs. Unfortunately, they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.
- Tinsel. Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Pet Haven Contest Winner

Thank you to all 29 people who entered this giveaway courtesy of The Pet Haven blog and PetSmart.

The winner is
... grannyvon who will enjoy using the kit on their pomaranian who sheds a lot.

I appreciate everyone's visits!

Common Pet Household Hazards

Many common household items can be lethal to your pet if ingested. Here are some of them:

anti-inflammatory medications, acetaminophen, cold/flu medications, antidepressants, vitamins, home insect products, rat/mouse traps and bait, bleach, diet pills, disinfectants, fabric softener, lead, lighter fluid, mothballs, solvents (paint-thinners, etc.), flea & tick products that are meant for the skin, drain cleaners, potpourri, oven cleaner sprays, lime/scale remover, fly bait, detergents, and tobacco products.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Friday, December 12, 2008

Foods Harmful to Pets

Most of us know the common people foods that are harmful to pets, but the ASPCA has listed several that you might not have known about.

Avocados
Chocolate
Coffee (all forms)
Onions & onion powder
Garlic
Grapes/Raisins
Macadamia nuts
Alcoholic Beverages
Moldy/spoiled foods
Salt
Gum, candies or other food sweetened by xylitol
Tea leaves
Raw yeast dough

Be sure to store these foods where your pets can't find them!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

CT Votes for Animals

"Animals don't vote. People do." This is the statement from the newly formed Connecticut Votes for Animals, Inc. It is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization, dedicated to lobbying for animal friendly laws and educating the public about animal-related legal issues.

The intent of CT Votes for Animals is to serve as the political arm of the state's animal protection movement. Their mission roles include:

*Serves as the political arm of the state’s animal protection movement.
*Advocates pro-animal policies.
*Educates the public regarding animal protection issues.
*Rallies an engaged public to support passage of animal-friendly laws and the defeat of proposals harmful to animals.
*Safeguards the interests of animals by making their well-being a priority for our elected leaders.f

Membership in the organization is open to anyone for a yearly fee of $25.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Top 10 Surgically Removed Things

Interesting list from the Petplace.com of things that are most commonly removed from pets via surgery. These indigestible items can become lodged in their stomach or intestine requiring the surgery.

The number one item on the list surprised me, as my pets play with them all the time.

Top 10 Surgically Removed Items
1. Socks
2. Underwear
3. Panty Hose
4. Rocks
5. Balls
6. Chew Toys
7. Corn Cobs
8. Bones
9. Hair Ties/Ribbons
10. Sticks

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Givaway - Grooming Essentials Kit

Last week to enter!


The Pet Haven, along with PetSmart, is giving away a Grooming Essentials Kit - a $100 retail value.

Here's what it includes:
8 oz. deShedding Shampoo
8 oz deShedding Solution
FURminator deShedding Tool (Medium)
TubNub Bath Brush
Super absorbent microfiber towel

This is a limited edition kit that will be sold in stores during the holiday season. FURminator Bathing Essentials Kit includes the FURminator deShedding tool. The kit also comes with a special deShedding shampoo and bath items that create a spa-like experience for pets and their parents.

The contest runs through December 14th...that way you should get it before Christmas.

It's simple and easy to enter. Just leave a comment with your email or website (so I can contact the winner), or post an anonymous comment and email me your info. I would also appreciate a link anywhere on your site back to The Pet Haven - www.the-pet-haven.blogspot.com....though it's not a requirement to win the prize.

I will then use a random number generator to determine the winner.


Then, leave me a comment that

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Deer Tries for Revenge on Hunter

After the hunter thought the two shots he put in the deer were enought, the deer came to life and attacked the hunter.

The deer eventually died, but not before sending the hunter to the hospital with a slight concussion and cuts to the head....cuts that took staples to close up.

The entire article is a quick read and you can't help but root for the deer.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Singles Ad

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call (xxx) xxx-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting..

And who was this ad for??





Over 15,000 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society...



Monday, December 1, 2008

Skin Health

For those of us who experience the cold winters every year, we know how our skin can get dry and itchy. Your dog's skin struggles with cold weather, overheated houses, and low humidity, too. Here's how to help keep your pooch itch-free:

*Brush your dog often. Even shorthaired dogs need help sloughing off dead skin cells. Brushing stimulates circulation and kicks up production of natural moisturizers from oil glands.

*Shampoo less often. Experts warn that weekly baths remove much-needed lubricating oils.

* Use a pet shampoo. Keep your own shampoo, even the gentle one, on the shelf, and use a moisturizing doggie-formulated one.

*If dry skin persists, take dog to the vet. Itching can be a sign of something more serious, such as parasites, hot spots, allergies and more.