If you pass by a pet store and see those adorable puppies in the window watching you…

Oh, what a great temptation, and isn’t it?

It hurts. Breaks your heart. I want to take them all home with me.

Right, it’s just that these cute little things probably come from people who are not very humane, who abuse their mothers, confine the animals and use them for financial purposes only.

Sad. Horrible. Shameful.

Adopting one of those (normally puppies), does not solve anything in the massive killing of animals…

Just in America is up to 30,000 per day!

Another statistic says that each year, there are sacrificed here 3-4 million in shelters. All this, because there are not enough people considering adoption and they end up buying in stores. (according to Humane Society of the USA).

Which is much more expensive too.

And yet, there are many people who choose a dog only by physical appearance, never considering its temperament.

That’s wrong.

It’s the same as buying a car… You do not choose it just for the body style. You have to see the interior.

And dogs? There are different breeds with different temperaments, for different lifestyles of humans.

Find out about it. It is easy and free online.

NEVER adopt an animal on impulse, consider this act just as you would in adding a new member to your family.

And ask yourself:

• I am willing to have this responsibility? Considering a dog lives 10-15 years and a cat 14-20?

• I am willing to take on the daily responsibilities that they bring?

• Everyone in my home, are in favor of it? Would they help me with their care?

• Can I afford a vet? Vaccines and any problem that may eventually appear?

• I am willing to try to understand the behavior of an animal?

• Does my lifestyle, schedule, allow me to have time with him?

Consider also their physical space, if you have children, and the temperament of the animal… Never forget about allergies. If you’re not sure about them… Visit a person who has that kind of animal before bringing one for inside your home.

By no means; do I want to discourage anyone in this kind of decision! Quite the contrary. They are a tremendous blessing in the lives of humans. TREMENDOUS.

I can not imagine my life without my dogs around me.

I have 18 types of allergies and raise my hands to heaven that dogs are not on that list.

It is impressive as it is common on the streets where I live, seeing new signs of lost dogs and owners desperate to find them.

For me, a great lover of animals, to lose them is a very big thing.

Something that I take very seriously.

Some of these dogs are escape artists and ‘free spirits’… like our Shiloh which requires our constant vigilance.

When she gets out she goes straight under the neighbors’ houses and comes back filthy!

It looks like we are not her ‘owners’, and she is just our ‘tenant’ going out whenever she wants to.

At these times we get shook up running after her down the street.

And the more we run, the more she tries to get away. Running from here to there — like trying to catch a chicken.

If you have one of these escape artists you know what it’s like.

Losing your pet, is devastating.

Besides, looking for it and calling the neighbors and shelters, you can also call: call 877-738-8686 or visit http://www.findtoto.com.

They will call more than 10,000 people in the area where the dog was last seen with the message: “This is an alert about the loss of a dog in your neighborhood (give your name)… ”

A detailed description about the animal and how to contact the owner is provided.

It is not free, but it’s absolutely worthwhile.

Toby and Daisy

Does anyone still think animals have no soul? Then read this:

“In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the spirit of all flesh of man.” (Jo” 12:10)

Each fall, usually by mid-November, more than 13 million ducks begin to appear in the swamps of the Gulf.

And they are coming and passing on their route.

And we are right below it.

Year after year I’m amazed, puzzled, “How do they know which direction to go from so far away?”

And how is it that they can finish this huge trip?

They seem so fragile and delicate!?

Most of the time I hear the quacking from far away.

Even indoors, with everything closed.

I run outside and look up, hoping to see them…

It is one of the the most beautiful, impressive and exciting scenes of real life to see!! ♥♥♥

To be below the largest and most spectacular migratory journey in the world… It’s Something to see…

So just thinking about it, my heart gets tight, begins to beat stronger and stronger, full of concern for them.

And if a big storm comes before then?

All that oil will come up and brought back to the swamps?

If so, the ducks will have no food to eat!

I know everyone thinks pelicans look bad with oil. The ducks will look bad too.

But what about those ducks that are coming?

Pelicans go up on rocks, logs and stumps of trees, when they are in trouble… but the ducks do not, they go to the vegetation.

The terrible oil spill in the Gulf may be the biggest challenge of all time they will have to deal with.

For their sake, I hope this does not happen and that we can somehow help them.

In order of arrival, they are:

BLUE-WINGED

GADWALL

WIGEON

PINTAIL

REDHEAD

SCAUP

CANVASBACKS

If you want find out how you can help them, visit www.ducks.org

One day, I’ll do a blog about my life with my animals.

One day…

Until then, I’ll tell you little by little, some of the great lessons I learned having them under my care.

1 – DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ECONOMIZE ON RATION. The cheapest brand of food may possibly have harmful preservatives such as BHT and ingredients such as corn, which often cause allergies and skin problems, which could cause you to end up going to the vet and having to put your pet on a diet prescription. In the long run this will be MUCH more expensive

The first two ingredients on food packages should always be animal protein, no grains or vegetables. Sub products could be chicken feathers, fur, animal hide, cartilage and all types of animal waste. If it says ‘meal’ that usually means ground bones, tendons or cartilage which makes the ration more expensive but far less nutritious.

Do not fall for the ‘story’ of meat, fish, lamb.

2 – PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHANGE OF ROUTINE. Pets are creatures of habit, if you see any change, take it seriously.

Drinking too much water can be kidney disease. If they’re panting excessively it could be heart problems.

The soonest change you will likely have to make is a change in diet or later it may cause a problem may require hospitalization and a big vet bill to pay.

3 – CONSIDER HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR PET. We used it for 10 years with our beagle and it was always worth it. It’s not expensive. From $15 (cats) to $22 (dogs), and this covers annual checkups, vaccinations, accidents and many illnesses.

At the time we used www.petinsurance.com.

Our beagle had several surgeries and the insurance reimbursed us more or less about 80% of the expenditure. He had several health problems and lived with us 12 years protected by health insurance. This means: save lots of money.

The www.ASPCApetinsurance.com and other insurers give you the quote online and and it’s free. It doesn’t cost anything to try.

Deciding on health insurance or not, never neglect regular checkups. Health problems detected early are easier to heal and I repeat, it costs much less money.

4 – ADOPT, IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A PET. The animal shelters are overcrowded! And it is cheaper for you. Find a shelter near you by the visiting www.animalshelter.org

5 – FOOD THAT YOU CAN GIVE TO YOUR PETS:

YOGURT – they do not always make the right decision and have digestive problems like we do. I give a tablespoon.

SARDINES – are full of Omega 3 and 6

Filtered water – chlorine disturbs the intestinal flora.

OLIVE OIL – a few drops at each meal is good for their fur.

Mine are very fond of raw carrots, celery and apples, which helps to clean their teeth. Toby is famous for loving lettuce! Especially the stalk. He runs out jumping, trotting and happily prancing, when he gets a whole carrot or a beautiful piece of celery (very well washed, and because it’s vegetables that absorb more pesticides and insecticides).

He is my veggie dog, he LOVES crispy vegetables. Look how he goes for the stalk.