<?xml version="1.0"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">
<channel>
<title>Paw Nation</title>
<link>http://www.pawnation.com</link>
<description>Paw Nation</description>
<image>
<url>http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif</url>
<title>Paw Nation</title>
<link>http://www.pawnation.com</link>
</image>
<language>en-us</language>
<copyright>Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright>
<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>Travel With Your Dog: Vermont's The Paw House Inn</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/05/the-paw-house-inn-no-dog-left-behind/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/05/the-paw-house-inn-no-dog-left-behind/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/05/the-paw-house-inn-no-dog-left-behind/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/traveling-with-pets/" rel="tag">Traveling with Pets</a></p><div class="photo-slim">
<p class="cap"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2010/03/arial.jpg" /><span>Paw House Inn</span></p>
</div>
As the owners of a large and needy pooch, going away on vacation is always a struggle for my boyfriend Benny and me.<br />
<br />
Lady, our 11-month-old Rhodesian ridgeback mix, can't bear to be owner-less for more than half a day. So when we decided to go on an impromptu ski trip to Vermont, putting Lady in a traditional kennel or leaving her with friends just wasn't an option. We found our salvation in the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pawhouseinn.com/">Paw House Inn</a>, a bed-and-breakfast only two miles from the ski resort Mount Snow.<br />
<br />
The Paw House Inn -- motto: "No Dog Left Behind" -- not only allows dogs, but caters to them and their human owners. After being frustrated for years with the difficulty of traveling with their two pooches, Mitch and Jen Frankenberg opened the Paw House in West Rutland, Vt., near the Killington ski resort. They later expanded to include the location at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pawhousemtsnow.com/">Mount Snow</a>.
<div> </div>
<div><br />
Benny and I packed our skis (and Lady) and drove the four hours from New York City to Vermont. Paw House is not kidding when they say dogs have their run of the place. Pets are allowed all over the hotel (except for the dining area, due to health codes). Lady was able to sleep with us in our antique four-poster bed, and cuddle by the fireplace in our room.</div>
<div> </div><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/05/the-paw-house-inn-no-dog-left-behind/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Travel With Your Dog: Vermont's The Paw House Inn</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/05/the-paw-house-inn-no-dog-left-behind/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19317441/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/03/05/the-paw-house-inn-no-dog-left-behind/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>dog friendly hotels</category><category>DogFriendlyHotels</category><category>skiing</category><category>travel with pets</category><category>TravelWithPets</category><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Lowdown on Doggie Shedding</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/the-low-down-on-doggie-shedding/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/the-low-down-on-doggie-shedding/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/the-low-down-on-doggie-shedding/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-health/" rel="tag">Pet Health</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-grooming/" rel="tag">Pet Grooming</a></p><div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/12/how-to-prevent-shedding.jpg" alt="" /><span>Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/captured-spirit_/132986711/" target="_blank">smile4camera</a></span></p>
</div>
Most dogs shed. Even the ones that the breeder or pet store call "no shed dogs" are still bound to leave some fur behind. It's a nuisance, but it is the small price we pay for our pet's love and companionship.<br />
<br />
Still, shedding raises many questions: Why do dogs seem to shed more in winter? Does heavy shedding indicate a health problem? Is it possible to prevent or reduce shedding? We chatted with Dr. Donna Spector, a board-certified veterinary Internal Medicine specialist from <a href="http://www.vcahospitals.com/" target="_blank">VCA Animal Hospital</a> to get the lowdown on the shed.<br />
<br />
<strong> Do dogs shed more in the winter?</strong><br />
Dogs <em>appear </em>to shed more in the winter, however, this is most often an illusion! Most dogs shed year-round. In the winter these dogs spend more time indoors and therefore owners tend to see more hair, giving the impression that they are shedding more. Some breeds do indeed have a seasonal shedding pattern and they tend to lose their heavier winter undercoat in the spring. <br />
<br />
<strong> Can brushing your dog reduce shedding?</strong><br />
Shedding is an expected part of dog ownership and the hair is going to fall out one way or another. It is best to remove it and throw it away, rather than to let the hair fall out all over your house! I recommend brushing your dog once daily. Brushing cleans the coat, removes loose hair and stimulates the oil glands of the skin to keep skin soft and supple, which is especially important during the dry winter months.<p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/the-low-down-on-doggie-shedding/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Lowdown on Doggie Shedding</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/the-low-down-on-doggie-shedding/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19290213/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/04/the-low-down-on-doggie-shedding/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Get Your Pet on Track For a Healthy 2010</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/01/get-your-pet-on-track-for-a-healthy-2010/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/01/get-your-pet-on-track-for-a-healthy-2010/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/01/get-your-pet-on-track-for-a-healthy-2010/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-health/" rel="tag">Pet Health</a></p><div class="photo-slim">
<p class="cap"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/12/healthy-pet-weight.jpg" /><span>Flickr/<a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ggunson/2769456705/">ggunson</a></span></p>
</div>
Everyone gains a little weight over the holidays, and your pets are no exception. With all those extra table scraps flying around, you can bet your faithful companion has gained a little girth. Pets may not care about how they look when they pass by a mirror, but controlling a pet's weight is a crucial part of maintaining their health. Paw Nation chatted with Dr. Donna Spector, a board-certified veterinary Internal Medicine specialist from <a href="http://www.vcahospitals.com/" target="_blank">VCA Animal Hospital</a>, to make sure you and your pet start off the New Year (and new decade!) right.<br />
<br />
"It is estimated that 50 percent of U.S. pets are overweight or obese," Spector tells Paw Nation. "Obesity can be life threatening and contribute to many medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Pets that stay at a healthy weight live longer and with less disease than overweight pets. Recognize that your pet has a weight problem and ask your veterinarian to determine the best weight and diet plan for them."<br />
<br />
<strong>What is the best way to create a diet plan for my pet for the new year?</strong><br />
Just like people, proper diet and exercise are key to our pets staying healthy in 2010! Your veterinarian will need to make sure your pet has no medical problems contributing to their weight problem and this is usually done with basic blood and urine testing. Your veterinarian should give you a daily calorie recommendation for your pet that will allow him/her to safely lose the unwanted weight over a period of months.<p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/01/get-your-pet-on-track-for-a-healthy-2010/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Get Your Pet on Track For a Healthy 2010</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/01/get-your-pet-on-track-for-a-healthy-2010/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19290192/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/01/get-your-pet-on-track-for-a-healthy-2010/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Baby, It's Cold Outside: Should You Dress Your Dog for the Snow?</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/30/baby-its-cold-outside-should-you-dress-your-dog-for-the-snow/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/30/baby-its-cold-outside-should-you-dress-your-dog-for-the-snow/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/30/baby-its-cold-outside-should-you-dress-your-dog-for-the-snow/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-health/" rel="tag">Pet Health</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-clothes/" rel="tag">Pet Clothes</a></p><div class="photo-slim">
<p class="cap"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/12/1525472497_c0f1bb9660_o.jpg" alt="" /><span>Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chazferret/1525472497/" target="_blank">chazferret</a></span></p>
</div>
With temperatures dropping, staying inside is looking like a mighty good option. But it's hard to hole up in the house when you have a pooch that needs to go for a walk three times a day. <br />
<br />
While you can bundle up to face the freeze, your pet just has their coat to keep them warm. Which brings us to the age-old dilemma: Should I put clothes on my pet because it is cold? We chatted with veterinarian Dr. Jill A. Richardson -- an expert in pet safety, vice president of <a href="http://www.mydogwalks.com/">My Dog Walks</a>, a consultant for the <a href="http://www.vin.com/">Veterinary Information Network</a> and an instructor for the <a href="http://www.pennfostercollege.edu/vettech/index.html?semkey=Q087895">Penn Foster Vet Tech Program</a> -- about her medical opinion on the pet-iquette for dressing doggies in the winter.<br />
<br />
<strong>Big dogs seem to hate wearing clothes of any kind. Do larger dogs need protection from the cold?</strong><br />
Most dogs have a good fur coat that will give them natural protection against cold weather. Some that have a thin coat, especially those native to warmer clients, may need a little extra protection when the temperature drops. However, it's very important to pick out pet clothing with safety in mind. Make sure that the clothing does not obstruct the pet's vision. Avoid buttons or accessories that could be chewed off and ingested by your pet.<p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/30/baby-its-cold-outside-should-you-dress-your-dog-for-the-snow/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Baby, It's Cold Outside: Should You Dress Your Dog for the Snow?</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/30/baby-its-cold-outside-should-you-dress-your-dog-for-the-snow/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19290179/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/30/baby-its-cold-outside-should-you-dress-your-dog-for-the-snow/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Girl Meets Elephant; A Love Story</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/girl-meets-elephant-a-love-story/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/girl-meets-elephant-a-love-story/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/girl-meets-elephant-a-love-story/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/12/elephant-katherine-connor-345ds121109.jpg" /><span>Peggy Dyer</span></p>
</div>
Katherine Connor used to be a busy career girl in London until an impromptu vacation to Thailand inspired her to give it all up and live in the Thai jungle with the elephants. Her journey over the past seven years has led to love, loss, a marriage, two kids and several elephants.<br />
<br />
London's Daily Mail reports that Connor caught the elephant bug at age 21 while she was at a conservation camp in Northern Thailand and came face to face with baby elephant Boon Lot.<br />
<br />
"As the baby elephant began to tug at my shoelaces, tears rolled down my cheeks. I had never even met an elephant before - but suddenly, every instinct in my body was telling me I had to care for this one," <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1234627/I-fell-love-baby-elephant-packed-trunk-live-jungle.html">Connor says in a first person account of her story in the Daily Mail</a>. "I had never experienced love at first sight - until now. I'm not sure what the other tourists thought of me as I stood there weeping, but I didn't care. I loved the elephant's little grey body covered in soft downy hair, and his twinkling eyes. I loved the powerful mother who stood watchful by his side."<br />
<br />
Connor begged the owner of the sanctuary to allow her to stay and work for a few weeks as an unpaid volunteer.<p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/girl-meets-elephant-a-love-story/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Girl Meets Elephant; A Love Story</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/girl-meets-elephant-a-love-story/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19273994/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/girl-meets-elephant-a-love-story/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Rescued Afghan Pup Returns Home With Her Soldiers</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/09/rescued-afghan-pup-returns-home-with-her-soldiers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/09/rescued-afghan-pup-returns-home-with-her-soldiers/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/09/rescued-afghan-pup-returns-home-with-her-soldiers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pets-news/" rel="tag">Pets News</a></p><div class="photo-slim">
<p class="cap"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/12/military-dog-240.jpg" /><span>Another military dog serves duty. Flickr/<a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/angells60640/3631551002/">angells60640</a></span></p>
</div>
Let's revise the old saw: Never leave a <em> </em>man <em>or dog</em> behind.<br />
<br />
A group of American soldiers in Afghanistan were ready to come home to the States last month, but they weren't about to abandon the puppy they'd adopted during their tour. The soldiers of the 101st Airborne, 159th Aviation Brigade rescued the pup, named Ally, and made her a part of their daily lives after they found her abandoned on the Afghan battlefield. But because military law doesn't allow for the travel arrangements of animals, the brigade needed to find a way not to have to abandon Ally -- again -- to an uncertain fate in the middle of a war zone.<br />
<br />
According to ABC News, Army Cpl. Michael Lemmons of Louisville, Ky. ultimately did what comes naturally to any red-blooded American boy who needs help and can't find it anywhere else: <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/WN/soldiers-reunite-dog-flew-home-afghanistan/story?id=9284843&amp;page=1" target="_blank">He called his mom</a>.<br />
<br />
Teri Lemmons raised the money and made the arrangements to bring Ally to America. "The actual shipping cost to get the dog from Afghanistan to New York was a total of $2,500 that we had to raise," she told ABC News. Once Ally arrived stateside, <a href="http://www.pilotsnpaws.org/" target="_blank">Pilots N Paws</a>, an organization that provides air travel for rescued animals, brought her home to Kentucky.<br />
<br />
When Cpl. Lemmons came home last month from his service in Afghanistan, he was reunited with his mom <em>and</em> his beloved dog.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/09/rescued-afghan-pup-returns-home-with-her-soldiers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19272278/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/09/rescued-afghan-pup-returns-home-with-her-soldiers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Kangaroo Goes Rogue, Tries to Drown Dog</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/kangaroo-goes-rogue-tries-to-drown-dog/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/kangaroo-goes-rogue-tries-to-drown-dog/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/kangaroo-goes-rogue-tries-to-drown-dog/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/exotic-pets/" rel="tag">Exotic Pets</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pets-news/" rel="tag">Pets News</a></p><!--START HERE-->
<div id="classy">
<div class="captionleft"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/kangaroo-240ds112309.jpg" />
<p><span class="leftnavnew">Corbis</span></p>
</div>
</div>
A kangaroo in Melbourne, Australia tried to drown a dog in a dam near the city, and then attacked the dog's owner when he tried to rescue his pet, according to Australian and British news reports. <br />
<br />
The roo was holding the dog, Rocky, underwater when Chris Rickard, the 49-year-old owner, dove into the dam to attempt a rescue. The roo turned on the man, leaving deep lacerations on his face and body. <br />
<br />
"<a target="_blank" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/6635510/Australian-man-describes-terrifying-ordeal-after-vicious-kangaroo-attack.html">I thought I might take a hit or two dragging the dog out from under his grip</a>," Rickard told the (UK) Daily Telegraph. "But I didn't expect him to actually attack me. "Then all of a sudden i realized the first hit he gave me had opened up a wide gash above my eye and blinded me. I was flailing away underwater carrying a dog with a kangaroo ripping into me."<br />
<br />
Rickard fought back, hitting the kangaroo in the throat, forcing it to let go of Rocky. Rickard was taken to Melbourne's Austin Hospital and treated for deep cuts to his face, eyes and abdomen. Rocky escaped the ordeal without injury. <br />
<br />
According to the Telegraph, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/6635510/Australian-man-describes-terrifying-ordeal-after-vicious-kangaroo-attack.html">kangaroo attacks are uncommon but not entirely rare</a>. Last year, a jogger was attacked by a kangaroo in a Melbourne suburb, and earlier this year one of the marsupials invaded a home in the capital city of Canberra during the night.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/kangaroo-goes-rogue-tries-to-drown-dog/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19251709/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/kangaroo-goes-rogue-tries-to-drown-dog/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Canine Cataracts: What to Know</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/canine-cataracts-what-to-know/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/canine-cataracts-what-to-know/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/canine-cataracts-what-to-know/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-health/" rel="tag">Pet Health</a></p><div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/12/3129185887_11ea362659_o.jpg" alt="" /><span>Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstar/3129185887/" target="_blank">J. Star</a></span></p>
</div>
Canine cataracts can be an upsetting and frightening diagnosis for any dog owner to face. Paw Nation spoke with Donna J. Spector -- a board-certified veterinary Internal Medicine specialist from <a href="http://www.vcahospitals.com" target="_blank">VCA Animal Hospital</a> -- to learn exactly what every dog owner should know about the ocular disease.<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><strong>What are dog cataracts?</strong><br />
Cataracts are a dense opacity (cloudiness) in the lens of the eye. The normal lens is clear and transmits light onto the retina in the back of the eye. A cataract will block this transmission, leading to vision impairment or even full blindness.</span><br />
<strong> <br />
</strong></div>
<strong> <br />
What are some signs that your dog might have cataracts? </strong><br />
On examination, you may see a blue, gray or whitish color change in the center of the eye. This should not be confused with nuclear sclerosis, an aging change that causes cloudiness in the lens but does not cause blindness. Dogs with cataracts will often bump into things or be hesitant in unfamiliar environments. They often don't want to use stairs or jump. They may appear disoriented or even acutely blind in some cases.</span><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/canine-cataracts-what-to-know/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Canine Cataracts: What to Know</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/canine-cataracts-what-to-know/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19262570/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/08/canine-cataracts-what-to-know/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Why Does My Dog Have Bad Breath?</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/why-does-my-dog-have-bad-breath/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/why-does-my-dog-have-bad-breath/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/why-does-my-dog-have-bad-breath/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-health/" rel="tag">Pet Health</a></p><div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/12/2854704238_56b26f54ed.jpg" alt="" /><span>Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwogden/2854704238/" target="_blank">JW Ogden</a></span></p>
</div>
Your pooch comes to you for kisses and you get a whiff of something horrible. No doubt about it: Your dog has some nasty breath. What causes it and how can you prevent it? We sought out an expert, veterinarian Donna J. Spector, of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/">VCA Animal Hospitals</a>, to answer our questions. Here is what she had to tell us about stinky dog breath and how to make your dog's smooches minty fresh again.<br />
<br />
<strong>What causes bad breath in dogs?</strong><br />
Bad breath is just a minor symptom of the more serious periodontal disease occurring in your dog's mouth. Periodontal disease is one of the most common and serious dog health problems, affecting approximately 80% of dogs by age 3! It can result in tooth and gum infections, pain, loss of teeth, and even organ damage in dogs.<br />
<strong><br />
Could bad breath be a sign of illness in dogs? </strong><br />
In addition to dental/periodontal disease, bad breath can be a sign of other mouth problems (abscesses, growths, etc), digestive ailments, kidney failure, diabetes, or other more serious illnesses. Pets with these problems usually have signs other than just bad breath.<br />
<strong><br />
What are some ways to cure bad breath in dogs? </strong><br />
You must get to the "root" of the problem! Start with a thorough examination and dental cleaning with your veterinarian, and then start twice daily tooth brushing to prevent periodontal disease and bad breath. While you are getting up to par on teeth cleaning, give your dog juiced parsley leaves or fennel. These fresh herbs have antibacterial properties and can help mask the bad breath.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are some ways to prevent a dog's bad breath? </strong><br />
In addition to twice daily tooth brushing and regular dental checkups (at least once yearly!), ask your veterinarian if your dog needs special dental treats or a more rigorous dental care plan to help keep the bad breath away and maintain your dog's health for years to come.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/why-does-my-dog-have-bad-breath/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19262994/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/why-does-my-dog-have-bad-breath/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>J-Lo's Former Pooch a Lovebug not a Menace New Owners Say</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/j-los-former-pooch-a-lovebug-not-a-menace-new-owners-say/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/j-los-former-pooch-a-lovebug-not-a-menace-new-owners-say/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/j-los-former-pooch-a-lovebug-not-a-menace-new-owners-say/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/celebrity-pets/" rel="tag">Celebrity Pets</a></p><!--START HERE-->
<div id="classy">
<div class="captionleft"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/jennifer-lopez-240ds112309.jpg" />
<p>Steve Granitz/Getty Images</p>
</div>
</div>
<!--END HERE--> Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is being sued in Brooklyn Federal Court by a stewardess who claims that J-Lo's former guard dog, a German shepherd named Floyd, attacked her on a private jet in 2006. But Floyd's new owner, "West Wing" actress NiCole Robinson, told the New York Daily News that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/11/21/2009-11-21_jlo_doggie_gets_defended_nicole_robinson_says_maligned_pup_is_a_real_pooch.html">she was flabbergasted to hear about the lawsuit</a>, and promises she will go to court to defend the dog's reputation.<br />
<br />
Robinson and her husband, political consultant Craig Snyder, bought Floyd from a K-9 security firm in South Carolina in 2007 after they were frightened by a home break-in. They paid $35,000 for the dog, who received military training in Germany and whose full name is Floyd vom Meierhof. Lopez's husband Marc Anthony had bought the dog for $39,000 in 2005 and had returned him to the company. <br />
<br />
According to the Daily News, the new owners' 4-year old daughter rides happily atop Floyd's ample and furry back. <br />
<br />
But when it comes to protecting the family, Floyd means business. <br />
<br />
"He's under very strict rules of engagement," Snyder told the Daily News. "The training was remarkable." But off-duty, Snyder says, "Floyd acts like a big baby puppy who just wants to be loved."<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/j-los-former-pooch-a-lovebug-not-a-menace-new-owners-say/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19251698/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/07/j-los-former-pooch-a-lovebug-not-a-menace-new-owners-say/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>jennifer lopez</category><category>JenniferLopez</category><category>k-9</category><category>nicole robinson</category><category>NicoleRobinson</category><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Why Is My Dog Coughing?</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/why-is-my-dog-coughing/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/why-is-my-dog-coughing/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/why-is-my-dog-coughing/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-health/" rel="tag">Pet Health</a></p><div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/12/409137721_66337a0c18_b.jpg" alt="" /><span>Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hodge/409137721/" target="_blank">hodge</a></span></p>
</div>
We've all heard about the dreaded kennel cough, but what exactly is this mysterious ailment? Paw Nation had a chat with veterinarian Jill A. Richardson, an expert in pet safety, the Vice President of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mydogwalks.com/">My Dog Walks</a>, a consultant for the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.vin.com/">Veterinary Information Network</a> and an instructor for the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pennfostercollege.edu/vettech/index.html?semkey=Q087895">Penn Foster Vet Tech Program</a> to get to the bottom of kennel cough and other things that make your dog sound all raspy.<br />
<br />
<strong>Why is my dog coughing?</strong><br />
Many things can cause your dog to cough. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, CIRDC, is a new term to describe various pathogens that can cause coughing and other respiratory signs in dogs. Viruses and bacteria that can cause your dog to cough include bordatella, commonly referred to as kennel cough, staphlococcus or streptococcus infection and also the viruses canine distemper, canine parainfluenza, canine influenza and canine adenovirus type 2.<br />
<br />
<strong>How do these diseases spread?</strong><br />
Just like the way a cold or flu transfers from people to other people, these bacteria and virus transfer to a healthy dog through direct contact with respiratory secretions from an infected dog. Sometimes contaminated clothing, food or water bowls can store and transfer the disease. A dog that is visiting a kennel, doggy day care or other social areas are more at risk to become infected.<br />
<br />
<strong>How serious are these diseases?</strong><br />
Sometimes these pathogens only cause minor respiratory illness and sometimes they may be life threatening. Canine distemper most often results in severe clinical signs and death while bordatella infections can be resolved with supportive care and TLC.<br />
<strong><br />
How can I stop my dog from getting these diseases?</strong><br />
Prevention is key. There are vaccines available for most respiratory diseases in dogs. In fact a new vaccine just came on the market for canine influenza. Talk to your veterinarian about vaccination options for your dog.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/why-is-my-dog-coughing/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19262502/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/why-is-my-dog-coughing/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Susan Boyle's Cat, Pebbles, Calls the Shots</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/03/susan-boyles-cat-pebbles-calls-the-shots/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/03/susan-boyles-cat-pebbles-calls-the-shots/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/03/susan-boyles-cat-pebbles-calls-the-shots/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/celebrity-pets/" rel="tag">Celebrity Pets</a></p><!--START HERE-->
<div id="classy">
<div class="captionleft"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/susan-boyle-240ds112309.jpg" />
<p>Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic</p>
</div>
</div>
<!--END HERE-->Susan Boyle may have skyrocketed to fame this year as the underdog on "Britain's Got Talent," but the singer can't use her celebrity big bucks to buy herself a new home and move out of her modest Scottish council house. Her cat Pebbles won't let her move.<br />
<br />
"<a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/showbiz/610354/Susan-Boyle-to-buy-her-council-house.html">I don't want to be moving an inch away from my family and Pebbles doesn't want to move</a>," the singer told Britain's News of the World. "She's lived there all her life and cats hate upping sticks."<br />
<br />
Boyle added, "Pebbles would hate to live anywhere posh."<br />
<br />
Boyle was admitted to a London clinic with exhaustion after the mania surrounding her quick rise to fame. British papers claimed that medical staff at the facility arranged for Boyle to be able to "speak" to Pebbles over the phone during her stay and her brother Gerry told interviewers that what Boyle really needed was to come home and be reunited with the feline. <br />
<br />
It looks like Boyle and Pebbles are quite the team. We wonder if Pebbles will have a say in how Boyle ends up spending all those royalties from her new album, "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Dreamed-Dream-Susan-Boyle/dp/B0026P3G12/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=music&amp;qid=1259782602&amp;sr=8-1">I Dreamed a Dream</a>."<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/03/susan-boyles-cat-pebbles-calls-the-shots/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19251689/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/03/susan-boyles-cat-pebbles-calls-the-shots/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Two Vets Turn Their Dream Into a Zoo</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/two-vets-turn-their-dream-into-a-zoo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/two-vets-turn-their-dream-into-a-zoo/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/two-vets-turn-their-dream-into-a-zoo/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/exotic-pets/" rel="tag">Exotic Pets</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pets-news/" rel="tag">Pets News</a></p><!--START HERE-->
<div id="classy">
<div class="captioncenter">
<p><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/porcupine-345ds112409.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Getty Images</p>
</div>
</div>
<!--END HERE--> Veterinarians Jay and Valerie Holt weren't sure what to do when the recession made it difficult to pay the bills for their menagerie of wild animals in Nevada. According to the Los Angeles Times, the monthly grocery bill just to feed all of their exotic pets came to around $10,000.<br />
<br />
Eventually they decided the only way to turn the tide on their financial woes was to open their three acres to visitors. And so the <a href="http://www.roosnmore.com/" target="_blank">Roos-N-More Zoo</a> in Moapa, Nev. was born.<br />
<br />
Three years ago, when the Holts decided to leave the outskirts of Nevada for suburban Moapa, they were the proud parents of 16 kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos, the Lost Angeles Times reports. After their move, they acquired two camels and a zebra, plus lemurs, porcupines, pigs, goats, raccoons, parrots, monkeys and sheep.<p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/two-vets-turn-their-dream-into-a-zoo/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Two Vets Turn Their Dream Into a Zoo</em></a></p><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/two-vets-turn-their-dream-into-a-zoo/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19251683/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/01/two-vets-turn-their-dream-into-a-zoo/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Florida Pig and Family May Be Pardoned</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/florida-pig-and-family-may-be-pardoned/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/florida-pig-and-family-may-be-pardoned/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/florida-pig-and-family-may-be-pardoned/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pets-news/" rel="tag">Pets News</a></p><!--START HERE-->
<div id="classy">
<div class="captioncenter">
<p><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/strawberry-pig-345ds112509.jpg" /></p>
<p>Deanna Dent, South Florida Sun-Sentinel / MCT</p>
</div>
</div>
<!--END HERE-->The Florida family who was ready to move rather than give up their 300-pound pet pig may not have to pack up and leave after all.<br />
<br />
After Rob Falk's family and their Yorkshire pig, Strawberri, made national headlines, their local town council in Southwest Ranches, Fla. decided it <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-tc-nw-piggy-1124-1125nov25,0,6927130.story">will consider changing its law banning all swine except for pot-bellied pigs</a>, reports the Chicago Tribune.<br />
<br />
The town had originally told the Falk family that they had until December 1 to find a new home for their pet, or face a fine of $100 per day. The Falks, who rent their home, consider Strawberri a part of the family and were prepared to uproot their lives to keep her. A vote on Strawberri's fate could come as early as January, but hopefully the Falk family and Strawberri will be able to enjoy the holidays at home. Town Councilman Doug McKay will testify before a magistrate to help the family get an extension on their deadline until the council can vote.<br />
<br />
McKay said that at least ten other pigs who would be in violation of the code also live in the town so it was unfair to single out the Falks. Town officials responded that they don't typically go around counting swine. <br />
<br />
"Strawberri is pretty big, but she's like a big puppy," the Falk's 11-year -old daughter Kai told the Tribune. "This is putting a lot of stress on me and Strawberri.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/florida-pig-and-family-may-be-pardoned/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19254530/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/florida-pig-and-family-may-be-pardoned/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>florida</category><category>pet pig</category><category>PetPig</category><category>pig</category><category>strawberri</category><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Shelter Takes Pains to Thaw Frozen Kitty</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/shelter-takes-pains-to-unthaw-frozen-kitty/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/shelter-takes-pains-to-unthaw-frozen-kitty/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/shelter-takes-pains-to-unthaw-frozen-kitty/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/cats/" rel="tag">Cats</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pets-news/" rel="tag">Pets News</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-adoption/" rel="tag">Pet Adoption</a></p><!--START HERE-->
<div id="classy">
<div class="captionleft"><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/icee-cat-240ds112509.jpg" />
<p>Teller County Regional Animal Shelter</p>
</div>
</div>
<!--END HERE-->The workers at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tcrascolorado.com/">Teller County Regional Animal Shelter</a> in Colorado stopped at nothing to revive a frozen kitty who came to them on the last legs of its nine lives. <br />
<br />
On a recent snowy Friday morning in Woodland Park, Colo., animal control received a call about a cat that may or may not have been alive under a deck. When they arrived they found the cat nearly frozen to death. According to shelter worker Sharon L. Peters, who told her story to USA Today, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2009-11-24-pet-talk-icee_N.htm">the black and white cat's eyes were closed and it wasn't moving</a>. But when it let out the tiniest of squeaks, workers knew they had to do everything they could to save his life. <br />
<br />
Over the next few hours, the workers warmed the cat up with heated towels and injected him with fluids to stop dehydration. <br />
<br />
Their around-the-clock efforts were rewarded when the next morning the cat began moving around, wobbly at first, but visibly on the road to recovery.<br />
<br />
By nightfall it was clear that the worst had passed, and that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15055370">Icee</a> (as he was named after his ordeal) was going to make it. He began purring affectionately and even eating a little bit.<br />
<br />
Now the little black and white cat just needs to find himself a new home, but his battle to make it through -- and the shelter's successful efforts -- gave all the workers at the shelter something to be thankful for this holiday.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/shelter-takes-pains-to-unthaw-frozen-kitty/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19254499/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/26/shelter-takes-pains-to-unthaw-frozen-kitty/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Unlikely Best Buds: A Puppy and a Cheetah</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/unlikely-best-buds-a-puppy-and-a-cheetah/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/unlikely-best-buds-a-puppy-and-a-cheetah/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/unlikely-best-buds-a-puppy-and-a-cheetah/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/dogs/" rel="tag">Dogs</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/exotic-pets/" rel="tag">Exotic Pets</a></p><div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/cheetah-puppy-345ds111709.jpg" /><span>Cincinnati Zoo </span></p>
</div>
A puppy and a cheetah cub may seem like unlikely bedfellows, but at the Cincinnati Zoo they are brother and sister.<br />
<br />
According to the Wilmington News Journal, <a href="http://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=49&amp;SubSectionID=156&amp;ArticleID=180903" target="_blank">the zoo adopted Cali, a mixed breed pup, to raise alongside Nia, their cheetah cub</a>. Nia's other two siblings didn't survive and the zoo was looking for a similar animal to raise with Nia. The zoo needs to socialize Nia because she is being raised as an ambassador animal that will travel to schools to teach children about wildlife and conservation.<br />
<br />
"Although a domestic dog and wild cat sound very different, they grow and learn the same. It is vital for all baby animals to play and rough house with others, that is how wild animals become successful adults," zoo trainer Kathy Watkins told Wilmington News Journal. "We needed a puppy that was similar in age to Nia and the puppies at the Clinton County Humane Society were perfect."<br />
<br />
Nia and Cali are only two days apart in age. Watkins told the Wilmington News Journal that it was Cali who decided she should come home with her.<br />
<br />
"She kept coming back to me to play with her and wanting to sit on my lap," Watkins said. "We knew she would be the best dog for me long-term and perfect to be a playmate and best friend for Nia." Cali will live and play with Nia for a year before she goes to her permanent home with Watkins. <br />
<script src='http://www.aolcdn.com/keyexp/kits/ke_kits.js' type='text/javascript' language='javascript' charset='utf-8'></script>  <!-- START KE KIT -->
<div name="ke_kit">
<div style="display: none;" type="013" version="2.0" id="pawnation-unlikely_animal_friendships">
<div id="pawnation-unlikely_animal_friendships-launcher"> </div>
<div class="ke_kit_settings">
<div magicnumber="93301287" rate="1" type="I" height="250" width="300" id="pawnation-unlikely_animal_friendships-ad"> </div>
<div rate="5" domain="1717767" placement="1457948" id="pawnation-unlikely_animal_friendships-link">
<div name="url"> </div>
</div>
<div version="9.0.115" bgcolor="#ffffff" height="600" width="476" id="pawnation-unlikely_animal_friendships-swf">
<div name="appConfigURL">http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&amp;dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&amp;id=772661&amp;pid=772660&amp;uts=1258485700</div>
<div name="mmxOverride"> </div>
<div name="swfWrapper">http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf</div>
</div>
<div css_margins="43,0,450,394,536,289,0,0" css_scroll="#04a6b7" css_btnover="#20c2d3" css_buttons="#04a6b7" css_photoholder="#ffffff" css_photowell="#F4FBF4" css_border="#ffffff" css_container="#ffffff" css_disclaimer="#5B5B5B" css_caption="#64471B" css_title="#64471B" css_notitle="1" showdisclaimertext="" dims="http://o.aolcdn.com/dims/PGMC/5/450/394/90/" imageurl="boar-terrier-450ds110609.jpg" baseimageurl="http://www.aolcdn.com/photogalleryassets/pawnation/768923/" numimages="12" photonumber="1" size="584t" dynamicslide="" id="pawnation-unlikely_animal_friendships-css">
<div name="title">Unlikely Animal Friendships</div>
<div name="caption">Another "boar-ing" pair: Manni, a five-week-old boar, likes nothing better than goofing around with Candy, a Jack Russell terrier. The piglet was found abandoned in a forest in western Germany, and is now hand-fed.</div>
<div name="credit">Sascha Schuermann, AFP / Getty Images</div>
<div name="source"> </div>
<div name="disclaimertext"> </div>
</div>
<div id="cs_feed_seo">
<h2><a href="?feeddeeplinkNum=0">Unlikely Animal Friendships</a></h2>
<ul>
    <p class="caption">Like Harold and Maude or Oscar and Felix, some couples are just <i>odd</i>. Here, you'll find a few unexpected but heart-warmingly adorable animal pals.<br />
    <br />
    Schnitzel, a wild boar piglet, is just one of the guys. The little piglet was left behind when a German farmer ran the rest of her herd off from a friend's garden, and now, she pals around with his five dogs.</p>
    <p class="credit">Phillip Guelland, AFP / Getty Images</p>
    <p class="caption">Another "boar-ing" pair: Manni, a five-week-old boar, likes nothing better than goofing around with Candy, a Jack Russell terrier. The piglet was found abandoned in a forest in western Germany, and is now hand-fed.</p>
    <p class="credit">Sascha Schuermann, AFP / Getty Images</p>
    <p class="caption">Fighting like cats and dogs? Not this pair! The Ohio barn cat simply walked up to the neighbors' dog and decided they would be friends.</p>
    <p class="credit">Amy Sancetta, AP</p>
    <p class="caption">Leader of the pack, Muemue, is a fallow deer fawn who was rejected by other animals in his joint enclosure at the Kecskemet Game Park in Hungary. A keeper brought him home and, to his surprise, found that his greyhound accepted him and even nursed the young fawn. Obviously, his new canine brothers and sisters adored him, too, though Muemue was returned to his original family about a month later.</p>
    <p class="credit">Sandor Ujvari, MTI / AP</p>
    <p class="caption">Sometimes, nature and nurture are one and the same. This dog, Honey, hadn't given birth in a year and a half when her owner brought home Precious, a six-week-old kitten. Upon hearing the kitten's cries, Honey began producing milk and nursing the tiny feline.</p>
    <p class="credit">Scott Mason, The Winchester Star / AP</p>
    <p class="caption">Maybe Busch Gardens is actually the happiest place on Earth -- how else can you explain this bizarre pairing? Bea, a three-year-old giraffe, and Wilma, an ostrich, have formed quite the friendship recently, preferring each other's company to hanging out with members of their own species.</p>
    <p class="credit">Matt Marriott, Busch Gardens / AP</p>
    <p class="caption">After she lost her own child, locals noticed this monkey mama caring for a tiny puppy. Here, you can see her holding her little one close when another monkey approached.</p>
    <p class="credit">Channi Anand, AP</p>
    <p class="caption">Willy, a 10-year-old Red River porcine, found himself brokenhearted in 2005 when his mate died, but bounced back after meeting this 16-year-old bongo antelope named Nicole at the Los Angeles Zoo. We can't blame him for moving on -- she's a looker!</p>
    <p class="credit">Jaime Pham, Los Angeles Zoo / AP</p>
    <p class="caption">Hard to believe a mother could reject this sweet tiger cub, but that was the case in 2008 at the Warsaw Zoo. Zoya, just three months old, was without a mother and without a friend, so a zoo employee brought in his three-month-old Alsatian puppy, Frida, to provide companionship.</p>
    <p class="credit">Alik Keplicz, AP</p>
    <p class="caption">Siberian tiger cub Prince is licked by his foster mother, a stray dog nicknamed Klava, at the zoo in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Friday, Nov. 30, 2001. The tiger cub, who was nursed by the dog after his own mother ignored him, is out of danger. The dog suckled the cub for 30 days and officials say the baby is now healthy enough to switch to a diet of meat. The cub was born over a month ago, the zoo's first birth of the rare species.</p>
    <p class="credit">AP</p>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<script>oKExp.start("pawnation-unlikely_animal_friendships");</script></div>
<!-- END KE KIT --><p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/unlikely-best-buds-a-puppy-and-a-cheetah/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19243096/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/unlikely-best-buds-a-puppy-and-a-cheetah/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Homemade Pet Stain Removers</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/homemade-pet-stain-removers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/homemade-pet-stain-removers/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/homemade-pet-stain-removers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-training/" rel="tag">Pet Training</a></p><div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img alt="Homemade Pet Stain Removers" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/pet-stains-345.jpg" /><span>Flickr/<a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emdot/14444358/">emdot</a></span></p>
</div>
Pet owners know that an occasional accident is an inevitable part of living with animals. But pet stain and odor removers can be expensive. Here are a few homemade pet-stain removing remedies that should already be in your kitchen cabinet.<br />
<br />
<strong>1. Vinegar </strong>- Vinegar is a lifesaver for the owner of a young pet. Try filling a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar (to prevent additional stains) and hot water. Spray the mixture on urine spots and blot with a rag to remove color and odor. Dry the area thoroughly with the help of a portable fan.<br />
<br />
<strong>2. </strong><strong>Hydrogen Peroxide and</strong> <strong>Baking Soda</strong> - Blend hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a thin paste. Apply the paste to the stain, allow it to dry, and vacuum. Remember: Whenever using peroxide on a colored carpet, make sure to test a small unseen area first to test that the color remains safe.<br />
<br />
<strong>3. Dish Detergent - </strong>Mix 1/2 teaspoon of a light colored dish detergent with 12 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda. Use a spray bottle to saturate the stained area. Allow it to dry, and then vacuum out the mixture. Follow up with vinegar solution to remove any remaining residue or odor.<br />
<strong><br />
Note:</strong> Avoid ammonia or products with ammonia at all costs when cleaning up pet stains. Ammonia enhances the smell of urine in an area and encourages a pet to soil the area again.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/homemade-pet-stain-removers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19241475/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/homemade-pet-stain-removers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>homemade pet stain removers</category><category>pet stain removers</category><category>remove pet stains</category><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Crazed Kitty Sparks Police Visit To Home</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/16/crazed-kitty-sparks-police-visit-to-home/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/16/crazed-kitty-sparks-police-visit-to-home/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/16/crazed-kitty-sparks-police-visit-to-home/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/cats/" rel="tag">Cats</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pets-news/" rel="tag">Pets News</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-health/" rel="tag">Pet Health</a></p><div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/siamese-cat-345.jpg" alt="" /><span>Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sensual_shadows_photography/138795029/" target="_blank">sensual_shadows_photography</a></span></p>
</div>
A 10-year-old Russian Blue named Carmen terrorized her owners in their own home in New York City for a half an hour on Saturday <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/ny_family_is_pussy_whipped_XrcM3yehlRMSvcbiwdKcLI#ixzz0WyE85HHy" target="_blank">before police arrived and were able to calm the animal down</a>, reports the New York Post. The cat's owner, Rosa Davila, believes that her cat's violent behavior is due to a medical condition. <br />
<br />
The 16-pound cat began making strange noises and suddenly launched herself at Davila's 27-year-old son Victor. The New York Post reports that Rosa and Victor hid in the apartment's bedroom while Rosa called 911 and asked them to rescue her family from the upset kitty.<br />
<br />
Hordes of police officers arrived at the apartment expecting to find a wild cat -- and were surprised to find the portly Russian Blue instead. Carmen was coaxed into a cat carrier and taken to Manhattan's Animal Care and Control center where she may be available for adoption after she is evaluated.<br />
<br />
Davila told the New York Post that Carmen was diagnosed as borderline diabetic with a thyroid condition; she wanted to be fed every five minutes and she was rapidly gaining weight. Davila was unable to afford proper medical treatment for Carmen and she believes that her disorder led her to become violent.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/16/crazed-kitty-sparks-police-visit-to-home/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19241383/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/16/crazed-kitty-sparks-police-visit-to-home/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>Joe Namath's Dog Declared a Danger</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/joe-namaths-dog-declared-a-danger/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/joe-namaths-dog-declared-a-danger/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/joe-namaths-dog-declared-a-danger/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/celebrity-pets/" rel="tag">Celebrity Pets</a></p><div class="photo-slim">
<p class="cap"><img alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/joe-namath-240kk111309.jpg" /><span>ASSOCIATED PRESS</span></p>
</div>
Hall of Fame football player Joe Namath's six-year-old Labrador, Leo, <a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/33897939/ns/sports-nfl/" target="_blank">has been declared dangerous</a> at a hearing in West Palm Beach, Fla., reports the Associated Press. A case against another of Namath's dogs, a Weimaraner named Stella, was dropped because a witness failed to show up for the hearing.<br />
<br />
Dave Walesky of the Palm Beach Animal Control said that <a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/33897939/ns/sports-nfl/" target="_blank">there have been four reports of animals attacking people on Namath's property since 2007, and rumors of many more</a>, reports the Associated Press.<br />
<br />
A UPS driver was attacked on Namath's property in 2007 according to Walesky. In 2008, a home nurse mistakenly entered Namath's property and was bitten by a dog she believes was Leo. In February of this year, a contractor was reportedly pinned up against the wall by one of Namath's dogs. In August, a landscaper was bitten.<br />
<br />
As a dangerous dog, Leo must be muzzled and leashed even on Namath's property, must have a locator microchip installed, and must wear a dangerous-dog identification tag. Namath must also post a sign on his property warning neighbors that he houses a dangerous animal, and an animal control officer will visit the Namath home once a year to ensure compliance. <br />
<br />
Namath's attorney indicated that he might appeal the ruling against Leo.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/joe-namaths-dog-declared-a-danger/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19239197/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/joe-namaths-dog-declared-a-danger/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><category>dangerous dog</category><category>DangerousDog</category><category>joe namath</category><category>JoeNamath</category><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title>The Very Tricky Naming of Siamese Cats</title><link>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/the-very-tricky-naming-of-siamese-cats/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/the-very-tricky-naming-of-siamese-cats/</guid><comments>http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/the-very-tricky-naming-of-siamese-cats/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/cats/" rel="tag">Cats</a>, <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/category/pet-clothes/" rel="tag">Pet Clothes</a></p><div class="photo">
<p class="cap"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.pawnation.com/media/2009/11/siamese-cat-names-1258063901.jpg" /><span>Flickr/<a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookipedia/3625141859/">cookipediachef</a></span></p>
</div>
For some reason, Siamese cats are not like regular cats. Maybe it's their sleek style, graceful muscular bodies, or their wise-beyond-their years eyes, but for whatever reason, these cats are on a kitty pedestal. Perhaps that's why it is so hard for owners to think of Siamese cat names. Fluffy, Snow, Trouble, Baby: none of these common cat monikers seems to work for a feline descended from sacred temple cats in the royal court of Siam. <br />
<br />
A brief history lesson on the Siamese cat might help the new Siamese owner brainstorm some regal Meezer cat names.<br />
<br />
The breed was reportedly first seen outside of Thailand in 1884 when the British Consul General to Bangkok, Edward Blencowe Gould, was gifted a breeding pair of the cats from King Chulalongkorn, and brought them back to England for his sister. The names of that original pair were Pho and Mia. Their offspring, Duen, Ngai, Kalohom and Khromata made a hug splash in London society.<br />
<br />
Some famous SIamese cats include Marcus, who was a gift from the actress Elizabeth Taylor to James Dean shortly before he died; Misty Malarky Ying Yang, the Siamese owned by President Jimmy Carter's daughter Amy; and Nemo, the traveling companion of former British Prime Minister Harold Winston. <br />
<br />
Well-known fictional Siamese include Tao from "The Incredible Journey<em>"; </em>Si and Am, the musical trouble makers in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp"; and Kit in the television series "Charmed."<br />
<br />
Other popular Siamese cat names include Applehead, Opal, Spice, Felix, Esme, Coco and simply Siam.<p style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"> </p><p><a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/the-very-tricky-naming-of-siamese-cats/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/forward/19234808/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/the-very-tricky-naming-of-siamese-cats/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a></p>]]></description><dc:creator>Jo Piazza</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>