Summer time is flea and tick time for your pets – be sure you give them their proper medications to avoid any potential problems and costly Vet bills.

Christmas Treasure – An Adorable Puppy Under The Tree

We all have the picture of the opening scene in Walt Disney’s Lady and the Tramp where Sweetheart opens the box on Christmas morning to be greeted by a precious puppy. Many of us remember the Kodak commercial of the children on Christmas morning opening a box with another darling puppy. It all appears to be so sweet and wonderful. Are you thinking of getting a puppy as a Christmas present? Think again.

Why Christmas is one of the worst times to bring home a puppy.

Christmas is a high stress time for most families. There could be family politics causing strain; there is the shopping and trying to make a “great” Christmas on less money; there is the tension of making sure the children get what they asked for, and the pressure of trying to explain why they didn’t get what they asked for. There is too much excitement in the house, and too many other presents. Bringing a puppy or kitten into the party is unkind to the puppy and difficult for the family.

Get Organized to Get Your Puppy

You don’t have to forego buying a puppy for the family as a gift; you simply need to get organized about it. A puppy or dog is not an impulse buy, it is a living creature. Your child will be a much better dog owner if he or she can be part of laying the ground work for the new family member. A toddler needs to learn how to pet a dog without grabbing it. A child that is kindergarten ready or older can be part of the decision making process. I recommend that you and your child start focusing on dogs that you see.

Talk It Out

You can talk about the dogs that your child comes in contact with, perhaps the neighbor’s dog or a relative’s dog. What do we like about each dog, what do we dislike? When you visit the park or walk down the street take a moment to study each dog. Take a second look at the dogs you see on TV or in the movies. These discussions can take place throughout the summer right up to Christmas. In this manner, your child is learning how to discover what he really wants and what he doesn’t really want. He is learning that he needs to take into consideration the opinions of others.

Perhaps your family does not want a large slobbering dog (or a tiny yappy one). He is learning to take into consideration what would make the dog happy. If he wants a large high energy hound, he will have to wait until he has his own place in the country. For now, he needs to look at dogs that do well in his present environment of small apartment, suburban neighborhood, or condo.

Research, Research, Research

Once you and your child have narrowed down the type of dog that you want, do additional research in your local library. Even a child who can’t read, or is having trouble reading, will enjoy looking at dog books full of pictures. As the adult, you can read books that offer in depth descriptions of most breeds. Don’t forget to call the organizations that register purebred dogs, such as the AKC. Most breed clubs post a website for their chosen breed. These websites will offer insight as to what type of owner will do well with the breed. You can also call or write to the organization to get more information such as the cost of buying a purebred puppy or going through a rescue organization.

Thus far you and your child have loosely set a goal (finding the perfect dog) and logically researched types and breeds of dogs through observation, the library, the internet, and interviews. By the time you are ready to buy a puppy or dog, your child may have decided that he doesn’t want one. If he still wants a dog he will be more appreciative of the dog. Continue your education by looking at dog training books, focusing on those that use positive reinforcement. There are many “clicker” books on the market with pictures and step by step instructions.

Promises to Keep

Now that you are ready, don’t buy a puppy for Christmas. Most reputable breeders (those that really care about the puppies and breed for good health and temperament) will not sell puppies for the Christmas market. So, inside that beautifully wrapped box your child will find what? How about a leash? A tag with your phone number? A photo of a young puppy too young to leave his mom? Will your child’s Christmas be ruined because he didn’t open a box with a little Lassie puppy? No way. You have given him a promise. The parents can receive an organizational chart from Buttoned Up, which the child or children can help fill out.

A child who is too young to wait another month or two should not be given the “promise”. Such a child should not be encouraged or promised unless you actually have a puppy or a dog already chosen, one that you will bring home a few days after Christmas when the family can focus on training the puppy or dog. If the child is old enough to wait, give the promise. Every couple of days or weeks (depending on how long you will be waiting) you can go shopping for dog things. Your new puppy or dog will need a crate, a few chew toys, dog food, and other things. If you can wait until February or March your local animal shelter will be taking in many puppies that were Christmas gifts and you may find the perfect friend in the form of a recycled young dog. Do not tell your child that you can’t afford the dog right now. This puts the focus on money and possibly on being poor. You are waiting because that is what is best for the puppy or dog. An older child will understand if you need to save up money for buying the dog. In this case, purchasing dog equipment in the interim will help to teach the child budgeting and preparedness.

Don’t worry about your child being disappointed.

It is far better to wait for something you want and be in a situation of caring for it, than it is to have a big splash Christmas morning and end up with nipped noses and puppy poop on the carpet, or a puppy lost somewhere within the torn wrapping paper. Your child will be very happy with the promise. In fact, the puppy promise helps to extend the Christmas joy past the season.

Read an excerpt from Maura Furie’s book, My Forever Home, on Wednesday! Win a copy of the book by visiting Buttoned Up this Wednesday to enter we will be giving away 3 copies – so hurry to comment! To purchase the book or to get more information, go to www.foreverhomebook.net or www.wildrosepress.biz. Maura lives with her husband Walt in Deford, Michigan (along with dog Hamish, ducks, hens, a mule, and usually one or two rescue dogs!). Check with your local shelter or Humane Society for dog rescue information in your area.

A pet may seem like a wonderful holiday gift. But if may mean you’ll be the one buying the pet food, paying the veterinary bills, and taking it for walk at 6 am on dark rainy mornings for years to come.

Depending on whether you’re in the right stage in your life, and have a big enough heart (not to mention a big enough home!), buying a pet for a holiday gift can be a great addition to your family, whether you have kids in your home or not. If you’re thinking about giving a pet to your family for the Holidays, read on.

Sarah on “Dog, Cat, or Maybe Just a Fish”

“Every home isn’t ready for a puppy, which needs a fair amount of attention, involving walks, potty training, walks, obedience training, and more walks. Cats are a much less demanding, and, after being properly taught how to use a litter box, are happy to laze around while you’re not at home (and maybe even ignore you when you actually are home.) But even cats need a certain amount of attention and care. One way to break your children in to the responsibility of having a pet is to start small, in my case it was a fish tank, so they learn what it is to care for something, feeding it regularly, and checking on the cleanliness of its tank. Only after graduating from the fish, was I declared ready for something fuzzier, a cat named “George,” who I ended up caring for and loving for years and years.”

Alicia on “Where to Get Your Pet: Shelter vs. Breeder”

“Once you’ve decided you are going to give a pet as a gift, the next step is where you’re going to get it. Your two main choices, specifically if you’re looking for a dog, are from a shelter or from a breeder. They are two very different options, with two very different price ranges. Nowadays, shelters are the preferred adoption center of choice. They always have a wide variety of pets to choose from, and you’re doing a great thing by rescuing a pet that doesn’t have a home. It’s usually inexpensive as well, with a “donation” to the shelter the only fee you need to pay. Breeders, on the other hand, charge a fair amount, for a dog, sometimes upwards of $1000. Unfortunately, there are fair number of bad breeders out there, so be sure to do your homework and ask breeders for past references.”

A few quick thoughts before putting a ribbon on that holiday pet.

#1: Pick an Appropriately Aged Pet

While kids are clamoring for puppies and kittens, for some families getting an older, pre-trained dog or cat is a better choice. If you’re adopting from a shelter, just make sure that you find out the history and behavior of whatever animal you’re interested in. While many pets are left at shelters in great shape, many others are either too hyper, need too much space, or other bad habits.

#2: Pick the Appropriate Breed

Before buying a pet, talk to other pet owners about the breeds they have and read up on the breeds you’re interested in. Each breed of dog and cat is different, having been developed for specific functions and, thus, their personality and traits may not match your lifestyle. And always remember, puppies aren’t always puppies. Sometimes, they grow up to be 200 lb. Bull Mastiffs.

#3: Assigning Responsibility

The rush of getting a pet as a present is one that children never forget. Unfortunately, the actual pet, and the responsibility of caring for it, is something that can quickly fade into the background. It’s important for kids to understand everything that comes with having a pet, so sometime soon after giving your furry gift, set up a list of duties, from feeding, to walks, to baths, that everyone needs to pitch in doing to keep the pet, and the family, happy.

Pets have become more than just companions; they are a part of the family.

In fact more and more pet owners are taking the love for their pet to the next level and dressing them up for Halloween. This practice is fun and adorable but it’s also important to think about your pet’s safety to protect them from things that go bump in the night.

Alicia on “The Importance of Registration.”

Animal shelters often get a lot of animals around Halloween that escape from their owner’s homes or yards in the midst of all the commotion of the parties, guests, and trick-or-treaters. Before the big day, have your pet registered or even better, microchipped. If you can’t make that happen, be extra vigilant and keep an eye on your pet whenever the door opens or closes. Ideally, keep your pet in a closed off area for any parties or when you’re expecting trick-or-treaters.

If you take your dog along with you on Halloween night with the kids, keep it on a reflective leash and collar or harness. This will not only keep the dog safe from cars and running off, but will allow you to control it around other children. Even the world’s best dog can snap at a child with a frightening mask and an antagonizing attitude. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, keep it inside for the night as the extra cars in the neighborhood will be a hazard. Also- Don’t forget to have your Pet.doc filled out, just in case!

Sarah on “Leaving them Home Alone”

If you and your little goblins are going to be out all evening collecting treats, think ahead and make a plan for your pet. Does the sound of voices outside make the dog anxious or prone to fits of barking? If so, you might want to keep it in a room toward the back of the house and consider setting up a gentle noisemaker or playing the radio. In addition, you’ll want to eliminate needless doorbell ringing, which can agitate Fluffy and Fido. That means setting up a treat station by your front door. Instead of putting out loose candy for kids to pick and choose, purchase small paper loot bags, place two or three pieces of candy inside, and tie the bags closed with ribbon. Then place the bags in a bowl or plastic cauldron and cover the top with a few faux cobwebs. All kids will enjoy this trick to get to those treats — and they’ll be quick too, which means they’ll be less likely to disturb your pet.

Here are three additional ways to get your furry friend Buttoned Up for Halloween.

#1. Watch the Candles:
Curiosity killed the … well, literally, cats and dogs are exploratory species, so even if they feel the heat from a candle they may still try to touch it. Keep candles away from your pets.

#2. Check Costumes for Safety Hazards:
If you’re dressing up Fido, be sure the costume doesn’t have any loose parts he can eat! Loose parts can also cause your pet to trip or become tangled in the costume, resulting in injury or a future dislike of the holiday (yes pets will remember!). Also be sure that the costume is properly ventilated as your pet can overheat if the costume is too hot or heavy. Be sure to check your pet often to see if it is panting or uncomfortable. It’s also good to practice and listen to your pet: Try the costume on and have the pet wear it several times before Halloween. If the pet hates the costume, forcing him to wear it can cause bad behaviors, so be courteous to your four-legged friend- no matter how cute he may look in it.

#3. Be a Good Gatekeeper:
No matter how tempting, don’t give your pets people candy or treats. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and the amount of sugar in other treats will make them sick. Keep your children’s loot out of reach so pets don’t dig into it when you’re sleeping. If you’re worried they’re feeling left out, give them their own doggie or kitty friendly goodies when they are behaving nicely to guests or wearing their costume proudly.

Pets are wonderful examples of unconditional love.

These loyal companions do not care if you live in a mansion or a shack, are a neat freak or a slob, have purple hair or no hair at all; they only want to love and be loved. They are truly members of the family. But when it comes to keeping their important papers organized, would you know where to find them in a rush? Do you pay the same kind attention to maintaining their ‘file’ that you do your other family members? Our pets depend on us…their lives are in our hands. So it’s important to ensure they are as ‘Buttoned Up’ as the rest of the family.

Alicia on ‘Buy Some Time’

‘The important numbers and information that you need regarding your pet are most likely tucked away in various spots, making it more difficult to put your hands on things like immunization records, when you really need them. Not having all these things gathered together doesn’t just waste time, but in an emergency, it could mean you aren’t armed with the information you need to properly care for your beloved pet.’

Sarah on ‘Procrastination’

‘One big reason we avoid the task of getting our pets Buttoned Up is the same reason we avoid many organizational projects: fear of where to start. While the actual work of gathering and putting information in one easy-to-find spot is fairly simple, before you start, it can seem like an enormous burden that will take too long and be too much of a hassle. The trick: do one small thing that you can cross off of your organizational list right away, like label a folder with your pet’s name. The simple act of completing an organizational task, no matter how small, gets the magic of momentum working for you, not against you! Although you’ve heard it a million times before — it’s true that a series of small steps add up to real progress.’

Here are a few tips on things to consider organizing in one, neat folder.

#1 Begin at the Beginning
From the first moment you get your pet, you need to document what shots it has had and what it will need in the future. Make notes about your conversations with the doctor. And pay attention to your animal’s behavior and document any major changes in that behavior. Remember that your animal cannot tell you if he/she feels bad. You will need to learn the clues, such as a drop in intake or output, and then be able to tell the veterinarian exactly what has been going on.

#2 Easy Access for All
Make sure you are prepared for the unexpected emergency trips. Research pet sitters and/or kennels and note their numbers for easy access. Keeping this information in your Pet Doc will not only make it easier, faster and less stressful in a time of emergency but will also allow you to hand off this one file to your sitter or kennel keeper. This way, if there is a problem with your little friend, all the information needed to handle it—other sitters or kennels as well as medical information—will be at their disposal.

#3 Better Safe than Sorry
Make note of any food brands that have been proven to be unsafe. I know it seems that when you hear it in the news, you will never forget. But what happens in six months or two years from now when your preferred food goes off the market? You are going to want to be sure that you are getting something safe and the only way to do that is to be able to look over your notes.