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The Papillon: Big Dog in a Toy Body
2008-12-30 00:15:00
The Papillon (pronounced pappy-yawn) is the toy dog lover’s answer to the perfect dog. Bred for companionship, this dog loves hanging out with his human and can make an excellent family pet if placed in the right conditions.The Papillon is one of the oldest toy dog breeds, dating back to the 14th century. Once known as the Toy Spaniel, it is today sometimes called the Continental Toy Spaniel. “Papillon” is French for butterfly, and with its erect large ears and unique facial coloring, it is not hard to see the resemblance. Phalenes (pronounced fa-len) are Papillons with drop style ears; their name is French for night moth. The drop-ear was the original in the Papillon, but gradually the erect ears became more fashionable. Papillons were a court favorite among Europe’s aristocracy. Marie Antoinette of France was one of the many historical ladies reported to own a Papillon. Though the origin of the breed is under dispute, France is generally recognized as Papillon’s ...
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Choosing The Right Bed For Your Cat
2008-12-29 02:49:00
Buying a new bed for your kitten is not as easy as you might think. There are many points to consider when buying a new cat bed. Does it frustrate you to see your kitty sleep on furniture, rather than her own bed ? I know it frustrates me.First, you should consider the types of cat beds. There is a great variety of types, but the most popular are:- Beanbag- Cardboard box- Radiator Cradle- Sleeping bagWhen buying a cat bed, always consider the easiness of cleaning. If not washed properly and regulary, some beds may harbor fleas.Another thing you should keep your mind on, is the size of the cat bed. Always buy a large one, even though the kitty is too small for it. You want to keep it for years, because that way your pet will adopt to it.The key to making your cat sleep in it, is to buy it when the kitty is still young. Train your cat to sleep in her own bed while she is still young, as this will increase the chances of creating a sleeping habit right in that particular place.

Doga: Yoga for Dogs
2008-12-27 01:53:00
People practice yoga for various reasons. Some use it as a form of exercise, some find it relieves stress, and others appreciate its regenerative benefits. Now there’s another reason to take up yoga. If you’re crazy about your dog, you can now include Max in your yoga sessions.Originating in New York, yoga for dogs is called doga. Dogs who practice doga are called dogis. Most pooches enjoy a good stretch after a nap, and many yoga postures come naturally to them. Workshops teaching yoga for dogs are popping up around the country. Many instructors think it’s great to encourage dogs into natural positions but urge dog owners to not actually place their dog into poses.No scientific research has been done on the effects of yoga on dogs but satisfied owners insist their dogs seem more relaxed after a session. Quite possibly, doga, like massage, could benefit abused dogs or dogs with behavioral problems.Jennifer Brilliant and William Berloni published ‘Doga: Yoga for Do...

New Rescue Contest Entry - DFW Pug Rescue
2008-12-26 22:40:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: LunaRescued From: DFW Pug RescueLuna 's story:A Rescuer's Dream Come True I got a letter in the mail yesterday from Bob and Jan, who adopted Luna from Dallas Fort Worth Pug Rescue over a year ago. I remember the day we met Bob and Jan. They were standing by their car pacing in eager anticipation to meet the queen bee, their new puggy girl, Luna. Carlos and I knew right away we were looking at some serious puggy folks here, since they had a shiny new harness in their hands and could hardly wait to tell us all about their other pug, Hugo, and the little puggy girl they had lost whom they had loved dearly. It was time for Hugo to have a new sister!Luna had been given to pug rescue by a former owner who kept her in a crate all day with her sister. He confided he also kept a cardboard box in the crate so she would not be able to move around much. This way there would be no bathroom accidents for him t...
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Used Dogs Rescue Christmas Update
2008-12-24 13:57:00
Happy Xmas Eve everyone!Our friends at Used Dogs rescue in New Orleans have given us a holiday update on the pooches and wish list! Make sure and visit their petfinder and My Space pages too. As you know, several Big Paw Designs items help support Used Dogs, but there are still some basic needs. 2008 has been a great year for USED DOGS. Many dogs have been adopted into great homes with some amazing adoptions, making ideal matches between the four and two legged.So thanks to Madalin from Used Dogs - here is the scoop.......Woof! CarolOur LOW to NO COST SPAY/NEUTER program has also been very successful. That program focuses on low income owned pets. Those pets are the ones that enter the shelter in very high percentages and often are the most at risk for euthanasia. USED DOGS is the only organization in the New Orleans area providing this service. But we cannot continue to do all of this without your support.Please consider donating from our Christmas 2008 Wish Lis...
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Italian Greyhound Rescue, Seattle
2008-12-23 17:51:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: AvaRescued From: Italian Greyhound Rescue, Seattle Ava 's story:After losing my first dog, I decided to try fostering. Ava came to me as a meek, terrified foster dog. I instantly fell in love!
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Dallas/Ft.Worth Sheltie Rescue, Inc.
2008-12-23 16:27:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: SamRescued From: Dallas /Ft.Worth Sheltie Rescue, Inc.Sam's story:I adopted Sam in November 2000. He clearly had suffered from abuse. In May 2002, Sam, as a Therapy Dog Inc. certified dog, was accepted to be a therapy dog in the Edward Hospital Animal Assisted Therapy Dog program in Naperville, Illinois, which is now the largest hospital based therapy dog program in the country. Sam, who the vet guesses to be 12 years old, just retired after six plus years in the program. Thank you Dallas/Ft.Worth Sheltie Rescue!
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New Rescue Contest Entry - German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas
2008-12-22 15:59:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: SugarRescued From: German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas Sugar 's story:Sugar was a foster dog of mine through German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas (http://gsdrescuectx.com). She was first adopted to a woman who's husband (they met on the internet) was a policeman. He'd wanted a canine company for a long time. The wife finally relented (reluctantly). The wife then completely changed her mind, after the husband had totally fallen in love with Sugar. The rescue group and I took her back. Her second adoption was a total flop. I let a friend adopt Sugar only their personalities clashed completely. If Sugar could misbehave, she did so at every opportunity. The rescue and I took Sugar back. Her third adoption seemed to be a match made in heaven. She had a canine companion as well as a young, energetic human couple. Two years after her adoption and the purchase of a house, this couple banned Sugar and her companion ...
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Arfhouse
2008-12-21 16:21:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: Bertha CelesteRescued From: ARFHouseBertha Celeste's story:Bertha was found drinking from a gutter in the city of Chicago. She was full of sores and starving. ARFhouse, Chicago saw to her extensive veterinary care and adoption. She is now the happiest and best behaved of 12yr old Poodles. Much loved by her humans.
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Pet Rescue in Miami
2008-12-21 15:22:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: CocoRescued From: Pet Rescue in Miami Coco's story:I adopted Coco from Pet Rescue in Miami , FL this year. They are a no-kill shelter with dedicated employees who matched me with this beautiful Maine Coon cat, who was not the friendliest of the 55 cats they had available for adoption. Due to Kat Sullivan’s knowledge of animals, I trusted her recommendation and Coco is now the most loving cat ever (she took her last bite the day I took her out of the shelter). I would highly recommend this incredible organization to find a pet!
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New Rescue Contest Entry - PAKS (People Assisting Kindred Spirits)
2008-12-20 17:46:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: RyeleeRescued From: PAKS (People Assisting Kindred Spirits )Ryelee's story:Ryelee (4 month old Rat Terrier) came to me, deaf and abused (2 days after the removal of his cast). He is happy, healthy, and has learned sign language. I cannot imagine our home without him.
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Ironpaw Akita Rescue
2008-12-19 17:46:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: NikoRescued From: Ironpaw Akita RescueNiko's story: I have Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that I show . And ,since Akitas are generally dog aggressive, rescue was my only option. Niko was 1 1/2 when he came to live with us and "thinks" he's actually a Cavalier. Puppies will crawl all over him and he tries hard not to play too rough. 8 yrs later we don't know how we'll ever replace him. He is one in a million and a credit to his breed.
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Ahimsa Rescue Foundation
2008-12-18 17:46:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: TylerRescued From: Ahimsa Rescue Foundation Tyler's story:I adopted Tyler back in 2005. It was love at first site! He is a wonderful companion and we do lots of activities together like Obedience and Rally Trials, Agility, and he loves to travel! He is smart, sweet, and very outgoing. Everyone that meets Tyler falls in love with him instantly! Ahimsa Rescue shows continued compassion and commitment to all their animals, and we keep in contact even now, 3 yrs after I adopted Tyler. Teresa at Ahimsa Rescue is our Angel!
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Life Long Friends
2008-12-18 17:42:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: BentleyRescued From: Life Long Friends Bentley's story:Bentley, formerly Dell, shares our home with Bella, found in Mexico City when we were missionaries. Bentley brings us and Bella joy and has mostly come out of his shyness. I'm awaken each morning with his wet nose in my face, anxiously wanting me to arise and play.
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Suncoast Basset Rescue Fl
2008-12-18 02:35:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: Sweetie PieRescued From: Suncoast Basset RescueSweetie Pie's story:Rescued in November 2004 from Suncoast Basset Rescue, Gainesville, FLSBR has touched my life...by allowing me to love and to be loved by every rescue basset that i come into contact with!
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New Rescue Contest Entry - French Bulldog Rescue Network
2008-12-17 02:35:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: PaetynRescued From: French Bulldog Rescue Network Paetyn's story:"When a miracle lands in your lap you know it. FBRN blessed us with amiracle that confirmed our dedication to fostering the unwanted."
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Suncoast Basset Rescue of Gainesville
2008-12-16 02:35:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescued From: Suncoast Basset Rescue of Gainesville Rescue's Name: Hollis5 years ago on Christmas Eve, a call came in about a hound in need at a local shelter. He was in danger of being put to sleep and had a severe case of demodex mange. A local volunteer went by the shelter to have a look at him and to be honest there isn’t very much about him that says “basset hound”. But it was Christmas Eve and so the red mangy hound was saved. His first foster home gave him the name of Hollis Brown from a Bob Dylan song. She went through every treatment of mange with him and tried to deal with his wild ways. Hollis had a tendency to be a tad destructive and very street smart. Soon he was sent to another foster home but that only lasted 36 hours. The Resident hound took an immediate dislike to Hollis and tried to make his life very difficult. So he then came to me….feisty healthy and still bald. We have gone to obedience school...
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New Rescue Contest Entry -DOGUE DE BODEAUX
2008-12-15 02:35:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: OttoRescued From: DOGUE DE BODEAUXOtto's story:DOGUE DE BODEAUX ADOPTED JULY 2006 FROM DOGUE DE BORDEAUX RESCUE www.ddbsarescue.orgOtto's age is unknown and he has an autoimmune disease. He is the best dog I have ever had!
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Austin Siamese & Friends
2008-12-13 16:30:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: JulietRescued From: Austin Siamese & Friends Juliet's story:Juliet is sweet and loving and was the last of 50 cats taken from the kill shelter when we got her. She’s a wonderful companion.
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The Shopping-Mall-Free Holiday Gift Guide – Part 1
2008-12-12 20:38:00
The Shopping -Mall-Free Holiday Gift Guide – Part 1Posted using ShareThis

New Rescue Contest Entry - Kentuckian Pug Rescue
2008-12-12 16:07:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: Poody PugRescued From: Kentuckian Pug RescuePoody's story:Rescued from a puppy mill auction. She can barely walk, but she brings joy to nursing homes & Mill education to schools.
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Pocono Greyhound Rescue
2008-12-11 16:07:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: KeltonRescued From: Pocono Greyhound RescueKelton's story:Pocono Greyhound Adoption works with a group in the Orlando Florida area to bring exracing greyhounds to the Poconos after their career is over. Kelton's career ended when he lost his eye in an accident at the track.
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New Rescue Contest Entry - Husky Savers Inc.
2008-12-10 16:07:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: TimberRescued From: Husky Savers IncTimber's story:Nominated by TimberTimber came to us 3 years ago on the 4th of July as a foster care dog from Husky Savers. He had been a stray that was abused and neglected. By fall of that year, he adopted our hears then and forever. He has such a teddy bear face and speaks volumes with his big brown eyes. His favorite spot is his doggie bed next to his daddy's recliner. And he loves to play with Nala, Boo and Oreo, our other 3 Siberians. Timber has overcome so much, we are so proud of him. We love you Timber.
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New Rescue Contest Entry -
2008-12-10 02:34:00
Contest Entry for Pet Rescue ContestEnter the contest hereRescue's Name: Bertha CelesteRescued From: ARFHouseBertha Celeste's story:Bertha was found drinking from a gutter in the city of Chicago. She was full of sores and starving. ARFhouse, Chicago saw to her extensive veterinary care and adoption. She is now the happiest and best behaved of 12yr old Poodles. Much loved by her humans.
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Cruciate Ligaments in Dogs
2008-06-06 02:49:00
Today's post takes a personal note. Cruciate Ligaments injuries in dogs is quite common. And one of the Big Paw Designs dogs has now experienced it. Big George, our Great Pyrenees mix goes into surgery tomorrow to repair his knee. This injury is the equivalent to ACL in humans. It often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as a hip issue - so be vigilant in documenting your pet's behavior to give tips to your vet for diagnosis. After doing some research, this is a very common issue with dogs. Especially hunting dogs and larger dogs. In addition, dogs who are middle aged (5-7) seem to be impacted. It is important, especially in larger breed dogs, that they not be overweight. However, some of the cause may be genetic - just based on their body structure. Mr. George is not overweight - and perhaps a bit underweight - we wanted to avoid any unnecessary hip issues in large breed dogs with him. So part of it in his case is probably a combination of age, the angle of his legs, and...
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Remembering Passed Pets
2008-06-04 01:56:00
A memorial gift can be a thoughtful testimony to the meaningfulness of the life and love of a beloved pet who has passed on. It can also be the gift of life for other animals in need. It can add just the right touch for expressing compassion to someone who has had a loss and who cares about animal welfare.Buying a plaque for the wishing well of your local animal rescue group (such as Citizens for Animal Protection) or a paving brick (Houston Zoo and SPCA) is a way immortalizing that lost loved one. People see the names emblazoned there every day, and many are warmed at the thought of the love symbolized by the remembrance.The Houston SPCA also maintains kennels sponsored in the memory of passed pets, as well as living animals and other sponsors. You see the engraved plaques above each kennel at every visit.The Houston Humane Society has a memory tree prominently displayed on one wall. It’s foliage is comprised of engraved brass leaves featuring the names of donors to the program a...
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Socializing your Dog
2008-05-30 01:11:00
Your DogMany dogs lack basic social skills because they are seldom exposed to strange people or animals. Dogs who are raised without ever leaving their own home or yard may be shy or fearful of new situations that have unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds. For such dogs, any change in their environment can be stressful and they will have a hard time adjusting to a new environment. Shy or fearful dogs who end up in animal shelters may be considered antisocial and unfit for placement in a new home. When you bring a new puppy home, it is a good idea to begin his socialization early. Get him used to being handled and take him places with you so he gets used to unfamiliar places, people, and pets. Give him proper obedience training so he will be well-behaved in public places and other homes. Before beginning to teach social skills to an older dog, give him basic obedience training if you haven’t already. Teach him to walk on a leash, and “sit-stay” and “come” commands. If you ...

Hound- Basset Fauve De Bretagne
2008-05-26 15:55:00
The Basset Fauve De Bretagne, one of the hound dogs, is a small dog. This dog typically weighs between 35 and 39 _ pounds when fully grown. This breed of basset reaches between 12 _ and 15 inches in height for a fully-grown dog.The coat of a Basset Fauve De Bretagne almost invariably comes in a reddish fawn coloring. The Basset Fauve De Bretagne’s coat is tough and harsh in appearance and to the feel. Grooming this breed requires a bit of time. In fact, in addition to brushing and combing, this dog occasionally needs a bath due to the odd odor or two that he has a tendency to accumulate.The Basset Fauve De Bretagne is one of the shortest of his breed. His appearance is very neat and he tends to present an appearance that is similar to the terrier group.He might be considered a good ratter or hunter because he will go after almost any type of small animal, in particular, rabbits. However, true to the nature of his breed, once he has his sights set on something, he is slow to...
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Used Dogs Rescue Updates
2008-05-18 17:54:00
Here are the lastest updates from USED DOGS Rescue in New Orleans!Don't forget - The Woof Fleur de Lis charm and keychain benefits USED Dogs ...Used Dogs has been trapping at the BW COOPER Demo site and gotten 2 adult dogs that were the sources of some of the 4+ litters of puppies we had pulled from there.Here is the first one. I named here Ava Lucille!She wasn't feral at all and seemed very relieved to finally be caught.She is emaciated and has some skin issues but is well on her road to recovery.She of course spayed now. She has a really neat temperament.I am glad we got her, cause she a super dog, but in the condition we found her in, she would have been a prime candidate for euthanasia at Animal ControlUsed Dogs has been doing some really good adoptions too! Bowser got an AWSOME home. As did Trigger and Zampino AND Sportacus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Getting lots of spay/neutering of pit bulls done.
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Secret Sale Friday!
2008-05-16 20:55:00
They don't come often, and you never know when...but today is secret sale day!So shop online at www.bigpawdesigns.com and get a huge discount. Enter coupon code SECRET508 at checkout and see what kind of discount you get!
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