Buying a Puppy for Christmas ...food for thought!

Who wouldn't want to see a puppy wrapped in a bow underneath the tree on Christmas morning? A dog is on many children's lists to Santa! But as the young animals grow, so do the responsibilities.


When you're searching for the animal that may share your home for the next 15 to 20 years, you don't want to make an impulse buy. Kittens and puppies aren't like other gifts you can return.

The president of the Aiken, South Carolina SPCA Gary Willoughby said, "This isn't something that's like exchanging a gift, it's really a long term commitment."

But it's a commitment that too many times is forgotten as soon as the holidays are over. Not to mention many of the animal shelters are FULL of unwanted Christmas gifts in January.

"It really breaks our heart when we see animals coming back to any shelter after the season is over," Willoughby, said. Willoughby said the best time to bring an animal home is before Christmas, "Get a puppy or kitten a couple weeks before Christmas. That way you have enough time to think it through before you have everyone come over and your house is really crazy." Willoughby also recommends picking the pet with the entire family; so you can decide which animal will be the best long-term fit for your family.

As you search for the perfect pooch, beware of puppy scammers; there are plenty of bogus web sites, shelters and breeders. These scammers may sell you animals that aren't healthy, have been interbreed, or lived in cruel conditions. Do your research first! You can protect yourself by checking their credentials, because you can't be too careful when choosing your loved ones next best friend. After all, getting the right puppy for Christmas is the gift that keeps on giving; no matter what the season.

To check a breeder's credentials, ask the American Kennel Club if they are a member.

If you're interested in adopting a puppy, check your local shelter first! Also try www.petfinder.com


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Introducing Lady Greyhound of the Greyhound Bus Lines

Lady GreyhoundThe Greyhound Lines Bus Company used a greyhound dog for their mascot in the 1950s. Greyhound dogs have been known for their great speed and agility and have often been used in racing. Today many families have adopted Greyhounds, and they make wonderful pets.
The Greyhound Lines had used the greyhound symbol since the 1920s, but by the 1950s, the company was competing with the increase of the private car ownership. Grey Advertising, Greyhound's advertising agency, came up with a marketing campaign using an animal mascot. The first dog to take the mantle was a white and gold greyhound born on January 28, 1957 in Kansas. Her TV career began as a puppy in a Greyhound TV commercial for The Steve Allen Show where she was dubbed "Steverino." The Greyhound Bus Company was a sponsor for the show until 1959. The Dog Welfare Guild chose her as Queen of National Dog Week the same year. She also had her own fan clubs, was a symbol of a Philadelphia safety campaign and was insured by Lloyd's for $300.000.
When the Greyhound company stopped its sponsorship of The Steve Allen Show in March 1959, the dog was renamed Lady Greyhound and the name change was announced in two Jack Benny programs. She was outfitted with a diamond-studded tiara and collar. She also gave birth to three puppies on June 18, 1959, and they were given away to children.
In the beginning of the 1960s, Lady Greyhound continued to appear on television, in charity events and public parades. In 1961, she was the symbol for World Animal Day. She was able to appear all over the country because she traveled mainly by plane.
Lady Greyhound had a whole wardrobe with traveling coats and mufflers. She was the dog fashion star of her day. She appeared in hospitals, gave "interviews" in radio and TV, and she also appeared with models in fashion events and department stores. In 1963, Lady Greyhound attended the New York World's Fair where she had her own fashion show and handed out "pawtographs." The Lady Greyhound campaign ended in 1970. Perhaps, she was the forerunner of Pawlaps Parties for Dogs!

Information for this blog article was seen on TV and also on Wikipedia. Written by Nathan S., Paw Laps Intern

 

Dog-Gone It! My Pal Has Arthritis..

Arthritis is a common disease that affects dogs. Just as with humans, arthritis is more likely to get worse with age. The larger breeds of dogs such as the Golden Retriever and German shepherd are more likely to be affected than small breed dogs, but small dogs are not immune to arthritis by any means. Heavy and overweight dogs are more likely to experience symptoms because of the extra strain placed on ligaments and joints. It is estimated that over 30% of dogs do suffer from some form of arthritis, and it is the responsibility of the dog owner to notice the changes. There are many clear signs and symptoms that your dog will display when arthritis is affecting them. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to notice the changes and find some form of treatment to help their dog. Once the arthritis has been correctly diagnosed it can be treated effectively. Reducing the pain and swelling that the arthritis is causing is the best way that this condition can be treated. If you do not notice the differences in your dog, and symptoms that they are displaying the arthritis can be incredibly painful. You may also notice that it can lead to other health problems, and may result in death.

As your dog gets older they will sleep far more than usual, and may have problems walking, standing and sitting. These are extremely common signs of arthritis and you need to keep an eye on your dog. Healthy dogs will be able to climb stairs and go for walks with no problems; however, a dog with arthritis will display a reluctance to perform these tasks. Any unusual behavior by your dog should be investigated, and if in doubt a professional opinion should be sought.

written by Nathan S., Pawlaps Intern