The "Hot Dig-Kitty-Dog" Blog
Help Shelter Pets Official Blog Pages
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- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Petpourri
The Top 10 Dog Breeds for 2012 are:
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Beagle
- Golden Retriever
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Bulldog
- Boxer
- Poodle
- Dachshund
- Rottweiler
Most of the top 10 breeds on the list are no surprise, they make the list every year, like the Lab and the Golden, with the Lab retaining its #1 spot, according to AKC news, for 21 consecutive years. But the little Beagle is fast moving up, with his playful personality and love of the outdoors making him a great family pet. He moved from fourth to third place this year, taking over the spot held by the sweet Yorkshire Terrier last year. So although the Lab is secure in his #1 spot for this year, don't be surprised if the lovable Beagle sniffs his way to the top next year!
And of course, all of the Top 10 breeds can be found on the Help Shelter Pets website!
Do you know what the Top 10 Cat Breeds are? Watch for our next blog and find out.
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- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Our Own Doggone'd Thoughts
I recently met someone who had their dog with them- a cute, curly-haired little guy. When I asked what kind it was she proudly announced that it was a 'designer dog'. A designer dog, not a pure-breed, but a mixed-breed of dog. Now, when I was a kid, the mixed-breed dogs in my neighborhood were called mutts. Not that this makes them any less of a great dog to own, but the fact is, these people have been coerced into believing that having a mixed-breed dog makes them somehow more valuable than a pure-breed dog.
As one vet (recently quoted in Reader's Digest) said, "People are paying $2000 for a dog they couldn't give away at a shelter ten years ago... whoever started the trend is a marketing genius." My sentiments exactly. Forget about the "designer dog" and get a great dog at your local shelter. Whether it is a pure-breed or a mixed-breed, mostly likely you will have a best friend for many years to come.
- Details
- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Petpourri
In the April issue of Oprah Dr. Oz writes a convincing article about the benefits of having a pet in your home. Some of those benefits include but are not limited to: reduced risk of allergies, asthma, and eczema; lower blood pressure; a stronger heart; improved fitness; greater calm for Alzheimer's patients.
From my own experience, I would include: a great friend; a constant comfort especially if you are sad or upset; a reminder to never take anyone for granted since a pet's time with us is so short, we need to enjoy every minute that we are privileged to have them live in our home. They especially teach us about love and caring for another being who lives on this planet with us. I will often point out to Jim, how cool is it that we have these little four-legged fur balls living in our home, sleeping on our bed with us, snuggling and cuddling us. And do you know anyone who gives unconditional love no matter how you treat them?
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- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Our Pack
It is true, you can never replace a pet with another pet since they are all so unique with their own personalities, even with the same breed of dog. After we lost Binka, I was so distraught and sad I told Jim I wanted another one. Yes, Meko is my #1 girl and so full of love and personality but I have had two who were my own for 8 years now and I really liked having two of them with me all the time.
As it turned out, Rena, one of the techs at CAVES where we brought Meko when she was diagnosed with IMHA (read about it in my soon-to-be-published book, "Miracle Dog") was on duty when we brought Binka in just about a month ago now. She mentioned that she still had the two Poms and was still looking for a home for them. I know she thought Jim and I were the perfect pet parents since it is obvious we love and take the best care of our pets. I wasn't thinking about adding another one to our pack, until we lost Binka. And I knew exactly where we would go first, to Rena.
Kitsune's Story 
Rena had Kitsune (we renamed her from Zsa Zsa - all I could think about was the Gabors and I just had to change the name) and her brother Butters for about a year. Their original owner died and the husband was very upset about losing his wife, tried to commit suicide himself a couple of times, too. It sounds like there may have been something else going on with him, like Alzheimer's maybe, because he also had a couple of Huskies and took them out and shot them and was about to do the same to the Poms when they were rescued. It is a sad story.
Although I was concerned about separating the two Poms, Rena was happy that we were taking Kitsune (which, by the way, means "Fox Spirit" in Japanese - very appropriate, I think!). We have never had a male and wasn't sure what affect having a male with all females would have on our pack but mostly, Butters has a collapsing trachea that causes him to cough and then he needs medication. With the medical bills that have added up for us over the last 2 years from Meko having IMHA and now having Binka die while having surgery (yes, we still have to pay for that), we could not take on a pet with a known medical condition.
Kitsu (her nickname) is sweet, loving, fun, playful, and almost exactly the same size as Meko. Jim and I already love her and I think over time Meko and Jacks will love her, also.
- Details
- Written by: DJ Geribo
- Category: Petpourri
I recently read an article from the Humane Society that discussed an ad that is being shown on TV where a group known as HumaneWatch is attacking the Humane Society of the US. The group, disguised as the good guys, is led by a "notorious DC lobbyist…and funded by a group with unknown special interests that want to stop you from fighting against animal cruelty in all its forms – especially in our nation's puppy mills, factory farms, and other industries that profit from animal abuse."
In the Press
News about Help Shelter Pets.
Our Pack
Life with our "pack" - Meko, Kitsu, and Jacquay.
Our Own Doggone'd Thoughts
Musings by the Cofounders of Help Shelter Pets.
Shelter News
News about and shared by the shelters we're supporting.
Tail it Like It Is
Stories you've shared with us about your adopted pets.
Petpourri
Animal news, product reviews, and other useful information for pet owners.