More beautiful dogs!
Once again, taken from Pexels.
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Aren’t they gorgeous!
I don’t know how long I will be able to republish these photographs but until I reach that point I will keep them coming!
Category: People and their pets
Of pigs and other animals
Another guest post from John Brooks.
It really is delightful when someone comes along and reliably offers to submit a guest post or two, or three, or more. That person is John Brooks and he has submitted many posts; the last one being Ageing Gracefully Applies To Our Dogs As Well. It may be found here.
But before going on I would just like to say thank you to the very helpful comments about Pedi and his diabetes.
So without any further ado here is John’s latest:
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Pigs, Dogs, and Other Pets: Do They Get Along?
By John Brooks, December 3rd, 2020
Pigs are extremely intelligent animals, and this intelligence makes them great, loving and attentive pets. Most people opt for American miniature pigs as pets. This breed is a descendant of potbelly pigs and other small feral pig breeds. Breeders have specifically created miniature pigs to be smaller and lighter than full-sized pigs, so they can trot around the house like a dog or cat would. Most American miniature pigs will weigh between 50-75 pounds and stand 12-15-inches tall.
Ultimately however, it does not matter whether you have a full-sized or miniature pig, their ability to interact with other animals remains the same. Bringing a pig into a situation with other pets or bringing home a new pet when you already have a pet pig can be a stressful time. Pigs are prey animals. They typically react to new situations with fear.
But, you can cut down on your pet pig stress by choosing the right companion animal for them. Pigs can get along with other pets, you just need to make the introduction and relationship as safe and healthy as possible. Here we explain how to do just that.
Pigs and Dogs
Pigs and dogs living together in harmony is a big concern for most pet owners. There are plenty of photos online of pigs and dogs as best friends. But, do not count on your pig and dog getting along. Pigs are prey animals and dogs are predators. It is very easy for instinct to take over for both animals, especially if you are not there to supervise the interaction.
In addition to their instinctual behaviors, pigs and dogs have different social cues. Both are playful and intelligent animals, but their body language will be completely different. Your pig may annoy your dog and vice versa because they are unable to understand that the other animal needs a break.
These complications do not mean a pig and dog can get along. You just have to take precautions. If you do have a dog and pig together in the same household, it is essential that you supervise all of their interactions. Ultimately, if you are going to let your piggy roam free, your dog will need to be in a crate while you do so, or in another room or outside.
Pigs and Other Pets
As far as other pets are concerned, pigs will do well with almost any other prey animal. If you are searching for a friend for your piggy, here are the most common pig and pet relationships, and tips for making these relationships work:
Cats
In general, pigs and cats do well together. Despite cats being predators, the website All About Cats state that pigs have similar personality traits to cats. Additionally, cats are much less likely to hurt a pig than a dog. Even miniature pigs weigh from 50-100 pounds. It will be very hard for a common housecat to injure this size animal.
As with all animals, you will need to ensure the personalities of your cat and pig work well together. A lazy cat and playful pig will not be a good combination. However, a cat and pig with complementary personalities will likely get along just fine.
Farm Animals
Personality will come into play when introducing pigs to other farm animals. Animals that tend to buck or head-butt can hurt a pig. Similarly, pigs can bite if they feel threatened. Always test out a farm animal with a pig under supervision before putting them in a pasture together.
Farm animals that work well with pigs include sheep, goats, cows, donkeys, horses, and llamas. Obviously, you will need a lot of property to house any of these animals. Pigs work well in the same pasture as other farm animals, but it is better to give them their own living quarters in a barn or lean-to.
Conclusion
Pigs can be an amazing pet. They are trainable and affectionate. You can even teach them to walk on a harness. But, you will need to take some care in finding them a friend. Pigs can become close to many different species of animals. Some just work better than others.
Keep the personality of your pig in mind when looking for a companion. You will also want to keep early interactions short. Finally, supervision is key when it comes to successful relationships between your pig, dog, and other pets.
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Another brilliant essay.
Thank you to John and I write on my own behalf and, I am certain, on behalf of many, many other people.
Thank you, John.
Pedi has diabetes!
A visit to the vet on Tuesday confirmed it.
In recent weeks Pedi, one of our two smaller dogs, ergo Sweeny and Pedi, was peeing without control and drinking lots of water to go with it.
We rang Jim last week, who used to be our neighbour but they then moved to Roseburg, who is a veterinary doctor and he thought it likely when he heard the symptoms that it was diabetes. We had an appointment with Lincoln Road Veterinary Clinic on Tuesday.
At Lincoln Road Veterinary Clinic, we believe pets are a part of the family. Our teamwork philosophy strives to provide the best choices for your pet by keeping you informed of treatment options and recommendations. Our team of skilled professionals apply advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques to provide the best medical and surgical care available for your pet.
Our office is conveniently located on the west edge of Grants Pass in a warm and inviting country setting. We have a dog park so your furry friends can exercise and play!
We were seen by Dr. Karen who also thought that was the case. She took a blood sample and then rang us at home about 2 hours later to confirm.
That gave us enough time to go back into town and to the Walmart pharmacy to purchase the insulin and the needles.
We were under clear instructions from Dr. Karen to inject Pedi with insulin 30 minutes after food and to give him food every 12 hours. We chose to feed Pedi at 04:30 and 16:30 local time every day and then give him his injection at 05:00 and 17:00.
We have an appointment next Wednesday morning, the 9th, to confirm that Pedi is on the ‘right track’. Having insulin injections will be Pedi’s routine for the rest of his life.
The American Kennel Club have quite a long piece on diabetes in dogs, from which I quote:
Treatment of Diabetes in Dogs
- Diet. Your veterinarian will recommend the best type of diet for your diabetic dog. Usually this will include some good-quality protein, as well as fiber and complex carbohydrates that will help to slow absorption of glucose. Your vet may also recommend a diet with relatively low fat content.
- Exercise. To help avoid sudden spikes or drops in glucose levels, it is especially important that diabetic dogs maintain a moderate but consistent exercise routine.
- Injections. Most diabetic dogs will require daily shots of insulin under the skin, something that the owner will have to learn to do. Although it’s understandable to be apprehensive about doing this, it’s not as hard as it might sound. It can become a quick and easy daily routine that isn’t traumatic at all for either dog or owner.
This is a photograph that I took of Pedi yesterday.
He really is not aware of the disease.
It’s up to Jean and me to administer the insulin and keep him happy!
Picture Parade Three Hundred and Sixty-Five
Still more from Pexels!
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There!
And another set of fabulous photos in a week’s time.
Please find Albert a new owner! Quickly!
Can’t do better than post the Facebook page!
For some reason when one goes to “See more” it doesn’t stay that way.
So this is provided as follows:
Albert cries a lot and craves people around him. He is often found curled up in his basket but with his eyes open. If we could fix Alberts bereavement we would. Our Albert is a down hearted senior in kennels. This larger Staffy cross is nine years old and we are now working hard to find him a quiet and warm home and a very loving human. Life can be very cruel for hounds and humans and loss is a terrible thing for both. Although a painful story for a senior dog we now work towards finding a new chapter for Albert as soon as possible. We have visions of Albert curled up by an open fire this Christmas next to his new owners slippers. Happy are we that the heartbroken Albert face is gone and back is one happy staffy smile. Please support. Please share. Help us to find Albert the spark that lights his fire this Christmas. More details and applications forms are available at www.goodlifedogrescue.co.uk
I was first alerted to this by Lisa, my son’s partner.
Well done Lisa!
Picture Parade Three Hundred and Sixty-Four
There’s a theme to this week’s Picture Parade.
First of all I must again thank Pexels for providing these photographs. They are from a grouping called Man’s Best Friend.
This is the theme. That dogs are our closest and longest animal companions by far. Indeed, the era that humans befriended wolves is so long ago that an exact time is far from settled. Here’s a piece in the August 2020 issue of Scientific American magazine:
In the 14,000 to 40,000 years during which this domestication process occurred, wild wolves were probably doing better than dogs in terms of numbers – after all, our dogs were probably another food source for humans when times became lean. The first written record of a wolf hunt was recorded in the sixth century B.C.E., when Solon of Athens offered a bounty for every wolf killed.
So in all these photographs today there is a human with the dog!
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Fabulous even though I say it myself!
Obsessed with food!
Doodle is not the only one we can think of!
Here at home our latest dog, Sheena, is rather obsessed with food. Actually not only Sheena but also Pedi.
But here’s another example of a dog who is led by their tummy! Once again, taken from The Dodo.
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Woman Can’t Find Her Dog Anywhere — Until She Checks The Food Container
“I knew that crunching sound was her but I didn’t know where it was initially coming from.”
By Caitlin Jill Anders>
Published on 11/12/2020
Doodle is a super happy, loving tripod dog who is absolutely obsessed with food. Her family has to keep an eye on her when she’s around food, because she’s always on a mission to try and steal it.
One day, Doodle’s mom was doing laundry when she suddenly realized that she had no idea where Doodle was.
“I first noticed she was missing after I didn’t see her next to me which she’s normally pretty close to me when I’m home,” Brandy Stenzel, Doodle’s mom, told The Dodo.
For the next half hour, Stenzel searched everywhere for Doodle. She ran all around the house, searching from top to bottom, and even checked outside to see if she’d somehow escaped. She was at a loss and starting to panic — when suddenly, she heard a crunching sound.
“I knew that crunching sound was her but I didn’t know where it was initially coming from,” Stenzel said.
Finally, the crunching sound led her to the food bin, and there was Doodle. She had somehow squeezed herself inside and was very happily eating to her heart’s content.
The lid had shut behind her, and while Doodle could have easily pushed it off and hopped out again, she was enjoying herself way too much. If her mom hadn’t found her, she may have never stopped eating.
“The food bin was hinged on one side so she easily could have hopped right out if she wanted to, but she’s a pork chop so she didn’t want to,” Stenzel said.
As soon as Doodle saw her mom, she knew she was in trouble, but of course, it was still worth it.
“She knew she got caught so when that happens she puts her ears back and it makes her look like Dobby the house elf of ‘Harry Potter,’” Stenzel said.
To avoid losing Doodle in the food bin again, her family got one that locks, much to her dismay. Whenever someone forgets to lock it, she’ll try to hop in and repeat her great food bin feast, but her mom is now always close by to stop her.
Doodle loves food, and she’ll never stop trying to steal it, no matter what.
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Yes, that’s a duplication of our Sheena.
Here’s a photograph of Sheena looking very serene and relaxed.
Sheena is the most friendly of dogs and while we are uncertain of her age that is of no consequence.
Dog food alert!
Yet another one.
This came in yesterday afternoon, Pacific time, and it is shared with you all.
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Albright’s Raw Dog Food Recall
November 13, 2020 — Albright’s Raw Dog Food of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is voluntarily recalling 67 cases of Chicken Recipe for Dogs because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
What’s Being Recalled?
The product is labeled Albright’s Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs and is packaged in 2-pound chubs/rolls (see image above).
Each chub/roll is printed with:
- Lot number C000185
- Best By 19 May 2021
Product was sold frozen, and was distributed from the company to distributors from 7/8/20 to 8/27/20.
One animal illness has been reported. No human illnesses have been reported to date.
Where Was It Sold?
Albright’s Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs was distributed in CA, FL, IL, IN, NH, NJ, NV, NY, PA, and TN.
The affected product was also distributed through retail stores, mail order, and direct delivery.
What Caused the Recall?
The problem bacteria was revealed after testing conducted by the FDA.
The problem was confined to this batch and the company has ceased the distribution of the batch as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
About Salmonella in Humans
Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
About Salmonella in Pets
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.
Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.
If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
What to Do?
Due to the frozen condition of the product, it is possible that retailers and end users may still have the product in their freezers.
Consumers who have purchased Albright’s Raw Dog Food Chicken Recipe for Dogs are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 260-422-9440 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM ET.
U.S. citizens can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to the FDA’s “Report a Pet Food Complaint” page.
Canadians can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.
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Once again, please share this as far and wide as you can.
Picture Parade Three Hundred and Sixty-Three
Still sharing more photographs of dogs!
The next wonderful batch of free photographs of dogs.
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They continue to be so beautiful.
That last one, for example, is truly a work of art!
Dogs are smart!
Yet another tale of smartness!
We have to be so careful here at home when we are speaking of anything to do with the dogs. For they listen even when they don’t appear to be so doing.
So, for example, me saying: “Jeannie, shall we let the dogs out?” is a no-no because almost before the sentence is finished they are up on their feet and crowding towards the front door. And there are plenty of other examples.
That requires speaking in code or sign language in an attempt to communicate something without the dogs cottoning on to what we are speaking about.
All of which is my introduction to yet another story from The Dodo to be shared with you.
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Dog Fakes A Limp Every Time He Sees Stairs
“He is a great actor!”
By Caitlin Jill Anders
Published on 11/11/2020
Titan was adopted by his family from Furry Friends Animal Refuge in Iowa at the end of August. His parents have had so much fun getting to know him over the past few months, and have learned that he’s pretty much the friendliest and most stubborn dog they’ve ever met.
“He has to say hello to EVERYONE when we go out,” Natalie Bretey, Titan’s mom, told The Dodo. “Everyone is his friend. While he does love being a big, friendly baby, he is also severely stubborn. He will frequently halt on walks until we go the way he has decided, or to stop and watch cars and people go by. We knew he was loving and friendly, but we had no clue how stubborn he was.”
Titan’s favorite thing in the world is going on walks, and his least favorite thing is when it’s time for his walk to end. He frequently tries to make his walks last longer, and he and his parents have already had many standoffs in the short time he’s been in their lives.
“He walks as if he has never had a walk before in his life,” Bretey said. “Which at first, may have been the case!”
Titan is 7 years old and does have a few health issues, including chronic ear ulcers, mild hip dysplasia and allergies. While his parents are actively addressing his ear issues, his hip dysplasia hasn’t acted up yet — but they were worried it might be the very first time Titan encountered stairs.
“We realized he wasn’t a fan of stairs the very first day,” Bretey said. “We got back to my boyfriend’s apartment, and quickly realized that Titan had no intention of walking up the stairs. We started panicking; was this because of his hip dysplasia?!”
Titan’s parents were worried that his aversion to stairs might be because he was in pain — but quickly realized it was just because he didn’t feel like climbing them.
Now, every time Titan encounters the stairs, he tries to convince his parents to carry him up them. Sometimes he’ll even fake a limp, but as soon as his parents reach the top of the stairs and put him down again, the limp magically disappears and he runs down the hallway like the most athletic dog in the world.
“Titan pulls his limp trick at least once a week,” Bretey said. “This past week, he tripped on his new jammies going up the first step and stumbled back. He held his paw in the air and looked at me with the most pained look he could muster. I called his dad to come carry him up the stairs. Since he had stumbled this time, I was worried he wasn’t faking it for once! His dad came down and said, ‘He’s probably faking it again’ and hoisted him into his arms and up the stairs. Before we even reached the top, Titan was wiggling his way out of the set of arms and onto the floor. His limp was gone, and he jogged to the front door. We just laugh. He is a great actor!”
Titan’s parents are pretty sure he’d never encountered stairs before he came to live with them, and just never developed a taste for them. They’re very careful to listen and watch for any signs of actual pain and carry him up the stairs frequently — even though most of the time, it’s just Titan being Titan, but that’s OK. They love him enough to carry him anywhere.
When Titan was first adopted, there was a lot he had to learn about being a dog. His parents have absolutely adored watching him come out of his shell and explore the world around him. They want to give him the best life they possibly can, and are more than willing to put up with a little stubbornness along the way.
“We try not to think about all the things he went through, but have had fun watching him learn how to ride in a car, enjoy pup cups from coffee places, go on walks, and interact with everyone,” Bretey said. “His big heart has made every hard moment worth it.”
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It’s very true. Dogs can be stubborn. It often comes from their early days when they were unloved and had to decide what to do and what not to do.
I would like to think that over time Titan will display less stubbornness and, as was written at the end, learn lots of new things to do and, above all, to be loved.
Learning from Dogs 