By Jennifer Manning
You really can get free pets if you know where to look. But make sure you're prepared before bringing a pet into your home.

You can find free pets being offered everyday in just about any newspaper and online at websites such as Craig's List. Of course, dogs and cats are the most common animals being offered, but you'll see other types of pets too. In my local paper I've seen dogs, cats, ferrets, goats, rabbits, snakes, parakeets, tropical and marine fish, hamsters, and even horses offered for free to a good home.

Why would anyone give their pet away? There are tons of reasons. They may be moving out of town and can't take it with them. The pet may have grown too large for them to take care of. They may have a new baby or a new job that takes all of their time. Or they may simply be tired of taking care of a pet.

You'll sometimes see relatively valuable animals offered for free to a good home -- pure bred dogs and cats, pythons, ferrets, horses, etc. The owners may have tried to sell the animal, but found no takers. And if they're really desperate, they may have to give the animal away for free or turn it in to an animal shelter.

Before bringing a free pet, or any type of pet home, make sure you're prepared. All animals require a certain amount of time (some more than others) and certain basic supplies.

Proper food and feeding dishes are a universal need for almost all pets. Dogs and cats will need collars and leashes. Snakes, lizards, and most rodents will need some type of aquarium with a top. And of course a bird will require a cage. Just think and plan out exactly what you'll need and have it set up and ready before bringing your new pet home. Trust me, it's no fun having to scramble around in a panic, rounding up supplies, after you bring a new pet home.

When going out to look at a potential new pet, be sure that you choose a healthy animal. A healthy animal will have bright and alert eyes. They won't have mucous (dried or wet) around their eyes, nose or ears. And they will have healthy looking fur and/or skin, with no visible sores. Use your common sense and stay away from any animal that looks sick, unless you're prepared to pay potentially large veterinary bills. Where possible, be sure to ask the owner for a health history and any available veterinary records.

Free pets can be a wonderful thing, if you're prepared to take your time and don't be in a hurry. You might find yourself stuck with someone else's problem.

Get information about Persian Cat Rescue and other pet care articles at http://www.petcarejournal.com - a website designed to provide you with information and resources that will help you get the most out of your pet keeping experience, no matter what type of pet you own.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Manning

Labels: Pet Adoption, Pet Care

By Trish Ratford
Heat or Sun stroke
Handy tip: - Always keep a bucket or two of water around in hot weather to be used in the treatment of Heat or Sun stroke like we do here in The Rabbit Patch.

First stage of heat stroke. Symptoms to look for:-

Bunny lying stretched out with his head tilted upward and his ears laid back down along his body with obvious panting.

Treatment.
Get the bunny cooled down as quickly as possible. Dunk him in a bucket of water that is sitting ready for such an emergency and hold him there long enough to thoroughly wet his coat including his head. Do not use cold water as this will send your little mate into shock and you will kill him rather than save him. Make sure that you wet his ears thoroughly as your little mate uses his ears to regulate his body temperature. If the day is particularly hot (we have days in excess of 40'C over most of our summer months) the water can be cooled down a bit, but don't make it cold for the aforementioned reason.

Second stage of heat stroke. Symptoms to look for:-

It will have all the signs of the first stage of heat stroke. Bunny lying stretched out with his head tilted upward and his ears laid back down along his body with obvious panting. Plus your poor little mate will also have wetness around the mouth and nose.

Treatment.
Urgently needs cooling down. Dunk him in a bucket of cool water several times as explained in the treatment for first stage of heat stroke. Also use a fan over him so that the slow evaporation of the water from his coat and skin cools him down more rapidly without risk of sending him into shock.

Third and last stage of heat stroke. Symptoms to look for:-

It will have all the signs of the first and second stages of heat stroke. Bunny lying stretched out with his head tilted upward and his ears laid back down along his body with obvious panting and wetness around the mouth and nose. Plus your poor little mate will have wetness around his neck and down his chest and breathing becomes more rapid as your poor little mate becomes more distressed.

Treatment:-
It is imperative that you immediately take steps to cool him down as explained in the first and second stage treatment of heat stroke. This is your last chance to save your little mate. If you leave the poor little fellow any longer he will start convulsing and when that happens he only has a few minutes to live and will die an agonizing death with the heat scrambling his brain.

© September 2007 Trish Ratford

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trish_Ratford

Labels: Pet Health

By Trish Ratford
How to find the healthiest, happy and placid bunny for your family This is the question I am asked about most so I thought that I would share this procedure or method that I have devised so that people can make an informed decision on finding a healthy happy bunny and of finding the right breeder to purchase their bunny from.

I do think that a good breeder is still the best place to purchase your bunny because you can see first hand the bunny's parents and the breeders other stock and have all your questions answered whereas if you buy your bunny from a pet store where a good percentage of the pet shop staff knows nothing about rabbits or their care are unable to fill in the blanks for you.

So, now for the procedure to follow in finding a healthy and happy bunny: - make a list of several breeders in your area and ring the first breeder on your list and ask if you can come visit them and see the bunnies that they have for sale. You are going to test for smell, sound and handling.

When the breeder takes you down to their rabbit shed check for smell. If you get bowled over by the stench of urine from dirty un-cleaned cages this is not the place to find a happy healthy bunny so make a polite excuse and leave and go check out the next breeder.

If the breeder passes the smell test enter the shed and check out the bunnies whilst keeping your ears tuned for the sound of sneezing or coughing. If you hear a lot of sneezing or coughing once again make a polite excuse and leave and go check out the next breeder on your list.

If the breeder passes the smell and sound test you need to observe how the breeder handles their bunnies, and how the bunny reacts when the breeder opens their cage. If the breeder grabs the bunny by the scruff of the neck and/or the bunny lunges at the breeder, once again make a polite excuse and leave.

When you find a breeder who passes the smell, sound and handling of their bunnies test, you have found a person who looks after their bunnies. Now you can start handling the bunnies and see how placid the bunny is. Don't forget to handle the parents as well. A lot of breeders handle their bunnies on a daily basis and this ensures that most bunnies from this breeder will be gentle and placid.

In conclusion when you go to a breeder's shed it should be neat and tidy the bunny's water bottle should be filled with clean water with no green algae or other debris, the bunny cages should be clean and not stink of urine and faeces. The bunnies should look healthy and calm without any coughing or sneezing and the breeder should handle their bunnies gently but firmly and the bunny should be picked up as you would a small child, by placing their hands on either side of it. The breeder should be able to answer any questions that you may have in relation to bunnies, demonstrate how to hold them, and give you full care instructions. They breeder should also demonstrate how to clip your bunny's nails, carry out a health check and encourage you to ring them if you have any problems or further enquiries.

Don't forget to ask heaps of questions regarding the care and management of bunnies. A breeder who cares enough about their stock are more that willing to answer any enquiries that you may have.

I personally encourage people to check that the breeder only breeds for the love of the hobby and not breed for purely monitory gain. I personally dislike breeders who churn out bunnies just for profit without thinking of the bunny's welfare. By not purchasing any bunnies from this type of breeder you are sending them a clear message that you don't like their actions.

© September 2007 Trish Ratford

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trish_Ratford

Labels: Pet Supply Store

By Jenny Jackson
Because pets live for a shorter time than us, pet owners are likely to experience the death of a pet or a number of pets during their lifetime.

You have a strong emotional bond to your pet. Pets often provide us with genuine and consistent unconditional love and acceptance, the sort of nonjudgmental companionship that can be hard for people to provide. Non pet owners may find it hard to understand these feelings.

Many pet owners see their pets as members of their family. Pets often enhance our quality of life. We are more likely to outwardly express affection to pets and they can increase the amount of joy in a household. Pets can assume great importance during difficult or stressful times, like illness, death of a family member or family break-up.

Grief reactions

It's hardly surprising then that you might respond to the death of your pet in the same way you would respond to the loss of a significant person in your life. The grief process typically starts with a sense of numbness and disbelief, followed by painful feelings of guilt, sadness and depression. Feelings of guilt may be greater if you feel somehow responsible for your pet's death or that you didn't do enough to protect your pet from harm. It is not unusual to feel anger as well, possibly directed at the vet if you feel he or she did not do enough to prevent your pet's death, particularly if the death followed an illness. You may become preoccupied with thoughts and memories of your pet and find it hard to concentrate on other things. Over time, you are likely to feel more acceptance of the loss and eventually feel open to having a new pet.

Everyone is different however, and some people simply feel the loss more intensely or for a longer time than others. The circumstances of your pet's death will also determine how it affects you. A sudden death may feel more intense than after a prolonged illness, or if you have made a decision to euthanize. If you have experienced your pet's loss after a number of other losses, animal or human, this can compound your reaction. There is also some evidence to suggest that women may experience grief over pet loss more intensely than men, although both men and women bond equally with their pets.

If you are grieving for a pet, you should know therefore that it is perfectly normal to feel this loss as intensely as you would a family member or cherished friend. It is difficult when others are insensitive to this and don't recognise the importance of your pet in your life. If you can, try to find people to talk to about it who love animals and can understand your feelings. The Internet can lead to you to wonderfully supportive communities of animal lovers if you can't find anyone like that around you.

Grief involves wanting to maintain a connection with someone who is no longer with us. Although you can no longer have the physical connection, you can keep pieces of your beloved pet's life around to ease the loss. Place a framed photo on your wall or shelf, keep your pet's collar and bowl. In time, you will look at them less and feel less pain when you do.

Go easy on yourself. Loving animals is a beautiful thing.

Jenny is a cat lover and webmaster of http://www.great-pictures-of-cats.com You are welcome to reproduce this article on your pet or family related web site, as long as you reproduce the article in full, including this resource box and link to her website featuring photo and video galleries of beautiful cats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Jackson

Labels: Pet Care, Pet Supply Store

By Debbie Foster
Are you allergic to your pet? Studies show that approximately 15% of us are allergic to dogs or cats. In fact, there's an estimated 1/3 of us who live with a pet that we are allergic to. So strong are our ties to our loving furry family members that we'd prefer to suffer than be without them.

So what can we do to ease our suffering and keep our pet's companionship? Well, there are steps we can take to reduce these allergy symptoms. One is to use a HEPA air filtration system in our home. We should also be cleaning frequently to remove dust and dander. This goes for our pets' things as well including their pet beds, dog carriers, cat carriers, any bolsters in dog crates, their toys if they are washable, etc. Having tile or wood floors helps in not holding onto dust and dander like carpet does.

Using a "microfilter" bag in your vacuum cleaner so you actually catch the dust and dander when you vacuum helps.

Now that you've got the house and fixtures clean, don't forget to bathe your pet weekly. Yes, even cats can get used to being bathed if you start early. Bathing your pet weekly can reduce the level of allergens in their fur by as much as 84%. Allergens are present in their fur because the glands in their skin secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins, called allergens. These are present in their fur, saliva, urine and also float in the air. Different people react more or less severely to these allergens.

Another thing you can do to help reduce your pet allergy symptoms is to create a place in your home where your pets absolutely don't have access. Your bedroom is a good choice as there are special mattress covers available to reduce allergies as well.

For those that really do suffer with animal allergies but are unwilling to give up their pet, you can go to an allergist and get shots. These work by desensitizing your immune system to the pet allergens.

If you don't have a pet and are considering getting one, be sure you know if you're allergic first. If you are and are willing to do what it takes to keep your pet, more power to you. However, if you are allergic and unsure about living with the difficulties that may bring, it's best not to get one.

Debbie Foster is the owner of PetBedsUnlimited.com and an avid animal lover. You can find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, large dog beds, cat carriers, and pet strollers at http://petbedsunlimited.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Foster

Labels: Pet Allergies

By Diane Pomerance Ph.D.
Are you thinking of adopting a pet? Are you seeking a loving, loyal and devoted friend, companion and family member? A confidant that will never betray you or reveal your secrets and idiosyncrasies? A fellow adventurer with whom you share many meaningful experiences and create many beautiful and joyous memories? One who is content to simply be by your side and who offers you unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness?

There are many reasons to adopt an animal companion. There is strong scientific evidence indicating that pets not only improve the quality of our lives but also actually increase our longevity. They improve our heart rate, reduce blood pressure and decrease stress, fear, anger, loneliness and depression. They also teach us much about life and death. They are a comforting, healing presence that provides respite from a busy, chaotic, tumultuous and challenging world.

The decision to adopt a pet may be life transforming and life-long. It requires considerable forethought and deliberation, and should not be made lightly or impulsively. A pet may live and be part of our hearts and lives for many years, and it is important to be cognizant of the commitment and obligations inherent in being a "pet parent." There are financial considerations for food, veterinary care, grooming, accessories and toys, etc., time and attention requirements (pets are sentient and social and require love, affection and interaction) in addition to appropriate exercise and appropriate and comfortable shelter and living space.

It is estimated that between 6-8 million unwanted pets are euthanized each year simply because their owners failed to carefully consider the obligations and responsibilities associated with adopting a pet. Sharing life with an animal companion may be one of life's most joyous, pleasurable and fulfilling experiences, but it is important to understand that pet parenthood is not easy or to be taken lightly!

DIANE POMERANCE Ph.D. is the author of six highly acclaimed books and numerous articles. She is an internationally recognized pet expert who has been interviewed on countless radio and television programs, newspapers and magazines.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Pomerance_Ph.D.

Labels: Pet Adoption

By Diane Pomerance Ph.D.
Under the best of circumstances, those of us who share life with an animal companion are fortunate enough to spend many joyous and fulfilling years together. Unfortunately, life is arbitrary and loss is inevitable, and we know that our pets generally lead far shorter lives than do we. Some of them die at a young age; other die in middle age or their senior years. Some die of illness or disease, accident or injury - while others die of congenital defects or of old age. As we observe their suffering and physical and/or mental deterioration, it becomes increasingly obvious that they may require our help, as their guardians and caregivers to provide them with compassion and selfless love to help them through their challenging journey and to achieve an outcome that is of greatest benefit for them.

So many pet owners are invariably faced with the decision regarding if and when to have their beloved animal companions euthanized. Yet people seem to know very little about the process and what it entails. For those unfamiliar with the term, "euthanasia" is the Greek term meaning "good death" inferring the least painful and humane means of dying and putting an end to the animal's suffering. Many people think that they are rendering a service to their suffering animals by letting them go "naturally" on their own. It is far kinder and more generous to help an animal who no longer has any quality of life to allow her to be euthanized - surrounded and comforted by loved ones and, if possible at peace in her home environment or special spot. The prospect and advisability of euthanasia should be thought about carefully and discussed with knowledgeable animal health care professionals including your own veterinarian who knows your animal's history and personality.

When is it appropriate to have a beloved animal companion euthanized? There are many criteria, which can help you to make this decision. Does your pet still have quality of life or is most of her time spent suffering, in discomfort and in pain? Is she still playing and interacting with you and other family members? Or is she isolated and withdrawn and detached from family and friends? Does she show signs of being in pain? Is she mobile, incontinent and unable to perform even the simple tasks she did readily and happily in the past? Does she sleep the vast majority of the time? Is she eating and drinking on a regular basis? Is she urinating and defecating regularly? Has she been diagnosed with a terminal illness for which there is no cure or treatment? Usually, your pet (with whom you have forged a beautiful and irrevocable bond of love and trust) will somehow let you know when she is ready to go...Our animal companions know us better, perhaps, than anyone else...

When the lives of our dear friends are dramatically diminished and no longer bearable, then we, as human beings, as guardians and caregivers are able to intervene and provide those in need with the greatest gift of all besides our love, loyalty and devotion, This is the gift of kindness, grace and mercy. It is the ability to eliminate their pain, to end their suffering. Although we are unable to heal or restore them to youthful vigor and vitality, we can bring then the gift of peace and a release from suffering.

Although few of us, if any, look forward to making this complex decision, we are able, through our love and compassion to offer this gift of grace and mercy to our faithful friends in need. It is, perhaps the kindest, most selfless and most humane decision we can ever make.

Dr. DIANE POMERANCE is the author of "When Your Pet Dies," "Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers & Guides," "Animal Companions: In Our Hearts, Our Lives & Our World," "Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions," "Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion," and her most recent book "Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Pomerance_Ph.D.

Labels: Pet Health

By Diane Pomerance Ph.D.
In today's impersonal, highly technological and complex society, more people than ever are enjoying their pets - regarding them as loved family members, cherished friends and confidants. Animal companions serve many important purposes and play many significant roles in our lives and provide physical and emotional well-being. Their presence has a calming effect; blood pressure is reduced as are loneliness and depression. There are a lot of reasons that are responsible for making the pet industry a 36 billion dollar a year business.

Grief is the normal, natural and healthy response to loss, yet we are seldom socialized to understand and cope with this powerful emotion. It is difficult enough for us to grieve and talk about the loss of a loved human being. It is far more difficult and embarrassing for us to discuss the loss of a pet. Yet for many of us pets are members of the family and psychologists have long recognized that the grief suffered by pet owners after their pet dies is the same as that experienced after the death of a person. In fact, many normal people can grieve more for a pet than a close friend or relative.

Often, people are embarrassed or ashamed to talk about the loss of a pet. There are no public rituals such as funerals and memorial services to comfort the bereaved. There are many emotions those grieving the loss of a pet experience: isolation/withdrawal from friends and family; depression, sadness; uncontrollable crying; anger at themselves, the vet, God; guilt that they did not do enough for the animal; anxiety; loneliness; inability to concentrate or focus; a short fuse; exhaustion; eating too little or too much; sleeping too little or too much, etc.

People who are grieving the loss of a pet need to understand that they are not alone - that there are many others who are grieving the loss of a pet. They need to understand that grief is normal, natural and healthy. They need to openly and honestly express their feelings to others who are sympathetic and empathetic. They can find local support groups and contact their local animal welfare organizations to see if counseling is available.

For so many of us who share our hearts and our lives with animals, we need to understand that when these pets die, there is a deep void in our lives. We have become accustomed to caring for our pets and spending quality time with them. They play an important role in our everyday lives and activities. When they leave us, we are left alone and lonely. None of us grieve in the same exact way - there is no allotted time for grieving. The duration and manner in which we grieve will depend on the meaningfulness and intensity of the relationship we have shared with our animal companion and upon how many other significant losses we have sustained."

Grief is one of the most complex, profound and painful emotions we will ever experience. Once we learn to recognize and identify our grief, it is important for us to express it in an empathetic and supportive environment with people who are compassionate and have experienced grief themselves. We need to read about and research the subject of grief and come to the realization that each and everyone of us will experience adversity and suffering, and that grief is an inevitable aspect of life on earth.

Dr. DIANE POMERANCE is the author of many books on the subject of pet grief and care, including "Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers & Guides", "Animal Companions: In Our Hearts, Our Lives & Our World.", Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions", "Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion", and her most recent book "Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You.".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Pomerance_Ph.D.

Labels: Pet Care

By Nasser Othman

Many people and families would like to have a pet. Yet not all people realize the responsibilities of raising a pet. Caring for a dog cat bird or a fish perhaps lies on all the members of the household. That's why the decision of getting a pet should be agreed upon by all the members of the family.

There are many factors to consider before getting one. First you must remember that you are forming a relationship with this animal. Like any relationships it requires caring loving nurturing and most of all time. This little animal depends on you for caring feeding and much more. The second factor is budgeting. Is it in your budget to buy pet food toys for your pet seek medical attention it the occasion arouse for. You know it cost money to raise a pet and that is extra expense on your household budget, can you afford it? The third factor is your home size; do you have the room or the extra space for your pet? You have to consider the space your pet will occupy.

Pet Dog:

A dog is mans best friend. Having a dog for a pet is a big responsibility; it could change your life style. There are some things to consider before you get a dog:

1- Dogs need considerable space to run around and walk.

2- You have to have time to take your dog for a walk out side 2 to 3 times a day.

3- Dogs diet requires variety of dog food, dog treats, and dog snacks. It is important to keep your pet healthy.

4- Dogs owner has to have their pet examined and vaccinated by veterinarian every year.

5- Having a dog for a pet is an expensive hobby.

Pet Cat:

Cats are great. Cats do not require as much care as a dog. Of course they do need some care. All pets need care. What you should consider before having a cat:

1-Cats need feeding daily and that require you purchase different type of cat food. You have to buy dry cat food and moist cat food. And cat food also comes in variety of flavors; you have to consider buying few different flavors.

2-You need to know that cats like to scratch their claws, and they will do that all over your furniture and doors.

3-Cats love to play so they need your attention and time to play with you.

4-Cats do get sick like every animal; visit to the veterinarian is inevitable.

5-You need to have cat food, cat treats, cat toys, cat bedding, cat litter, cat water and food bowls, cat charms.

Bird for Pet:

Birds are very nice and lots of fun, I have some. You have to keep in mind all pet need a clean environment no matter what they are or what size. Birds are the same thing.

1-Birds make mess in the cage and in the surrounding area. So you have to keep cleaning after them every day specially the surrounding area and clean the inside of the cage weakly.

2-Every morning you have to give your bird fresh bowl of seeds and fresh water. Keep mixture of seeds (bird food) always in your home.

3-Bird supplies consist of bird food (seed mixture), millet spray (bird treat), cutlet bone (calcium bone), bird toys you leave inside the cage.

At the end you have to prepare your self before you get your next pet. Pets are like children they need care and loving. Pets give pleasure and fulfillment to their owners, and that is why you want to have a pet.

Leila one stop shopping-Shop online over 250 stores, compare prices and save Shop on line for all your pet supplies, food, treats, snacks, bedding, cages, bowls, and much more - Check us out. Visit my site for all your pet supplies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nasser_Othman

Labels: Pet Adoption, Pet Care