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History of the Domestic Cat

2012-01-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Cats have always been a source of fascination for mankind throughout history. Today cats have become one of the world's most popular pets perfectly suited to the lifestyle of our day. They are beautiful, enigmatic and easy-to-care for pets. But where and when did the domestic cat originate? This page will give you some insight into this question.

It has been about 4000 years since the first cats were domesticated. The Ancient Egyptians were the first to keep and use cats to control vermin and other pests to protect stores of food. In Ancient Egypt, the cat was revered as a hunter and worshiped as gods and goddesses. The ancient Egyptians imposed the death penalty for killing cats and cats were also mummified before being buried.

Other ancient civilizations later began to domesticate the cat and took tame felines to Italy where they slowly spread around Europe. Eventually, they arrived in the New World with the Pilgrims. The short-haired domestic cat spread across the world from Egypt while long-haired cats came later from Turkey and Iran. The domestic cat also spread from India to China and Japan.

Except for a short period of persecution in the Middle Ages when cats were associated with the devil, by the eighteenth century cats had become popular household pets world wide.

The wild cats of today such as Lions and Tigers descended from early carnivores called miacids. From there the modern wild cat developed into three main types; the European wild cat, the African wild cat and the Asiatic desert cat. The domestic cat is thought to have evolved from the African wild cat because of its tabby markings.

Domestic cats today still take many characteristics from their wild ancestors. The arresting eyes, body shape, feeding and grooming habits are the same along with the ability to pounce into action at any given moment. It is this link that makes the domestic cat so fascinating around the world.

The non-pedigree domestic cat, the Moggie is the most popular house pet today with the black and white Moggie being the most popular followed by the black cat followed by the Tabby cat. There are also 36 recognized breeds of pedigree cats around the world with the Siamese cat being the most popular. Most homes today that keep pets have at least one cat in residence.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business. If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Seven reasons to love cold-blooded pets, too!

2011-12-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Great commentary by Rachael Jordan on May 31, 2011

My dad always had iguanas as I grew up, so some of my childhood memories are of those awesome green creatures crawling up his wall-papered apartment walls and attending Cold-Blooded conventions where I got to pet Burmese pythons and hold DuMeril’s boas. I wasn't afriad of our first grade class' Rosy boa and I had two fire-bellied toads at home named Yzerman and Federov.

When I started dating my partner, Funk, I was elated to learn he had six — six!!!! — snakes, and I earned awesome points for wanting to hold them. We've since downsized to three snakes and added three bearded dragons. We are, officially, a reptile family. And it's rad.

There's a lot to love about our cold-blooded pets, starting at the beginning. After initial set up, reptiles are low-maintenance. Sure, they need heat lamps and the right environment in their cages or tanks, but once all that’s set up, reptiles get fed every two weeks and need watering once in awhile. Other than that, the critters need to be handled occasionally — or all the time! — and sometimes need a little help shedding.

It's a nice benefit that reptile tanks become instant décor — or even furniture! We have a gorgeous box tank that Funk’s grandpa built and Funk has turned an old bookshelf into a snake cage. The pieces look beautiful in our living room and the pets’ habitats have become part of our home décor.

Just like any other pet, our herps teach our kid responsibility. He’s definitely going to be helping out with the bearded dragons. We bought them when we were pregnant and have called them our son's dragons since before he was born. As soon as he’s able, he’ll be helping clean their cages and feeding them meal worms. Plus, how rad will that be to have his friends who come over might not have seen a reptile before?

Reptiles get a bad rap with the whole cold-blooded thing, but reptiles can cuddle, too! Have you ever had a snake wrap around your arms or curl up in your lap and just rest in the warmth of your body? It’s not a death grip; the snake is smart and knows it can’t eat you. Bearded dragons, meanwhile, love chilling on your shoulder or chest. You’re sharing your body heat with a cold-blooded creature.

It's important to note there are different options for feeding. I know many people freak about feeding the snakes live mice, but there are options. If you don’t mind the mice but aren’t cool with feeding them live, frozen pinkies are available for your snakes! Also, there are water-dwelling snakes which eat fish, if that's easier for you. And don’t forget about the other reptiles out there — most turtles and tortoises are vegetarians, bearded dragons eat meal worms and crickets, and iguanas eat everything from lettuce to corn.

While I'm definitely against the exploitation of exotic animals, they are pretty awesome as moving, living art. Our green tree python looks like a mix between a dragon and the snake, Kaa, from The Jungle Book. She is gorgeous.

It's my hope that the more people that own snakes and other herps, the more education gets spread about them. They aren't "bad" animals. Snakes do bite. They strike when they’re hungry and they think food is in front of them. Sometimes the heat signal from a hand reaching in their cage, especially when they’re hungry, can be mistaken for a warm mouse squirming around. But dogs bite, too; cats scratch; birds nip. All animals come with “what if” situations. Because of cultural mythology and a lot of hype, reptiles get a bad name. Like with any animal, it’s all about safe handling and good pet ownership practice. Our herp kids have become part of the family and overall experience of our home.

And no, none of our snakes are going to eat our son.

About Rachael Jordan

Rachael is a Master's student and alternative mama who loves her apartment-living on a college campus, tries to read everyday, and is constantly trying to figure out how to make a rental more Robot family friendly.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use! BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

2011-11-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this excerpt from ABC News:

With the wind chill, it felt like nine degrees this weekend on the Upper West Side of New York City. That's why Peanut and Jelly, a pair of 10-year-old mixed-breed dogs, were sporting the latest in cold-weather canine couture.

"I think they're very cute," said owner Eric Amel. "I like seeing the dogs in their coats, so I don't think they look silly. I think they look very cute."

Cute, no doubt. But are all those pet parkas, sweaters and vests you've been seeing around the dog park during this cold snap really needed?

"For the most part, it's not necessary," said Matthew Cooper, an emergency veterinarian at New York Veterinary Specialists, a 24-hour emergency vet clinic in Manhattan. When it comes to enduring long walks in the cold, Cooper says, "I don't think the dogs mind it half as much as we do."

Some veterinarians take it even further, saying heavy coats can be dangerous for dogs. If they're getting a lot of exercise, it could lead to heat stroke. Plus, dogs don't catch colds, and low temperatures don't give them the sniffles. The truth is, many dogs don't mind the frigid temperature one bit.

For example, Iditarod dogs mush through more than 1,000 miles of Alaska snow every year in below zero temperatures.

"Certain dogs are built for this," Cooper said. "Certain breeds enjoy this. I mean, this is kind of what they've been waiting for. So to put a coat on them is kind of ridiculous."

Besides, some dogs already have plenty of padding. Like Ray Ramsey's pug.

"Any time it's like 10 below freezing, we put him in a sweater. Otherwise, because he's so heavy, he doesn't need it," said Ramsey, who lives in New York City.

If you play doggie dress-up, you're not alone. Last year, pet clothing was a $300 million industry. It's a trend fueled for years by Hollywood movies such as "Legally Blonde" and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," and pet-loving socialites like Paris Hilton.

And when the temperature dips, dog owners will do anything to keep their pets warm and fashionable. Peanut and Jelly, for example, wear coats that cost owner Eric Amel between $80 to $100.

It's money you don't have to spend, according to Dr. Cooper, unless your dog has really short hair, or a case of the shivers. Of course that's easy for him to say. Turns out, his dog wears a coat, too. It cost him $125.

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What Kind of Horse is Right For You

2011-10-25T10:38:00.001-07:00

What kind of horse you buy really depends on what you want to do with it, how much you can spend, and what you prefer.

The Beginning Rider

If you are a beginner, you will need an experienced horse that will teach you, and not fight with you. What breed, color, age, height, and sex you choose isn't that important. It is the horse's attitude, training level, and experience that counts.
Age doesn't make too much of a difference, but a young horse is not a good choice, because young horses don't have the ability to care for beginners that old, experienced horses do. Anywhere between 10-18 years old is probably what you will want.
Mares and geldings are both good choices, but just because you buy a one doesn't guarantee that it will be gentle. Mares and geldings can be meaner or wilder than stallions, it just depends on the horse.
The height of the horse won't affect its attitude (well, maybe it does.......ponies make up their height in attitude!), but it might effect the way you feel. If you are short, or if children will be riding the horse, you might want it to be a small one. I don't think that most beginners will want to go out and buy a 17 hand horse!
Color, of course, won't affect your horse in any way.
The horse's background is very important. You want a horse that has been ridden alot by alot of different people, and one that behaves well no matter what gets on its back. Old riding lesson horses, children's horses, 4-h horses, etc. are good choices. The horse you buy should be able to do what you want it to do, which is, in the beginner's case, be a calm dependable mount.

The horse's attitude is everything. If it acts sluggish, mean, or wild, you won't want it. You want a horse with a pleasing, happy attitude. One that is gentle and patient, but not stubborn or lazy. Sluggishness or anger may be signs that the horse is sick or lame. The horse shouldn't be overly jumpy or hyper, and it should like you. Sometimes, rarely, there will be a horse and a rider that just don't get along. They may both seem to fit each other, but they have 'personality clashes'. They just don't 'click'. If you feel the horse is unsure of you or unwilling to go for you, don't buy it.

The Children's Horse

If you are buying a horse for your child, it should follow the same guidelines as the beginner's horse, but it needs to be even safer. You should get a horse that has been ridden by children before, and has lots of patience. You will probably need to get a small horse or pony. I don't know why, but ponies have some sort of attitude. Not all do, but alot of ponies sort of act really tough and nasty. Most aren't well trained, because no one ever trained them, they just threw some kids on their backs. Why? There aren't alot of people small enough to ride ponies, except children. Some ponies are wonderful, they will care for kids and give them years of fun. Other ponies will take advantage of a kids, and most know every trick there is for unseating their rider.

Horse can be the same way- one horse will be extra careful with the little child on its back, the next will take advantage of it and run for the barn.

Make sure to get a horse that is very well trained, and that will take very good care of your child. And, make sure you teach your child to be safe around horses, and to always wear a helmet.

The Trail/Recreation Rider

If you buy a horse just for riding around and having fun on, it should be well trained and road safe. Get a horse that is used to trails, hills, traffic, and wilderness. You don't want a young horse that will always be shying and spoiling your rides. You will need a horse that is used to trail riding, and one that is used to the outdoors. A stall kept horse will not make a good trail horse, since it would be afraid of any ground that isn't perfectly flat, and shadows, wind, wild animals, etc. Make sure your horse rides well with other horses if you are going to go trail riding with friends. A horse that is always trying to kill the other horses isn't that fun to ride, as you spend all your time keeping your horse from misbehaving, and not enjoying the ride.

The Show Horse

If you are really into showing and competing, you probably don't need to read this, as you are probably well knowledgeable in this area of horsemanship. If you are looking for your first horse, and you would like to do a little showing, then you need to find a horse that can show. If you haven't ever showed before, a 4-h horse or open horse might be good. You will probably need a horse that is well experienced with showing, and that is well trained. You need a horse that can teach you, and one that is so used to its job, that even if you don't do everything perfect, the horse will. If you are focused on a particular event, then find a horse that is well trained for that event. Before you buy the horse, it is a good idea to see it compete, and maybe even show it yourself a little, to see if you like it.

The horse you buy should be well used to doing what you are going to have it do. If you are a beginner, don't go out looking for a show horse, and vice versa. Buy a horse that can, and will, do what you want it to do. Get one that has a good, willing attitude, and good training.

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How to Stop Dog Barking

2011-09-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Dogs will be dogs, and most dogs will bark, whine and howl at times - it's only natural. Dogs vocalize to communicate with humans and to express themselves. Sometimes we want our dogs to bark in order to warn us about potential danger or protect us from harm. However, excessive dog barking can be considered a behavior problem. What is the solution? Well, your dog needs to understand when to bark and when to be quiet, and it's your job to teach this to her. Start working on problem barking as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to curb the behavior. It is a good idea to teach your dog the Speak/Quiet Commands. This may be easier said than done. However, with dedication and consistency, you can teach your dog to bark on command AND to be quiet.

Why Dogs Bark

It is important to understand that dogs bark for various reasons. They do not bark just to annoy you and your neighbors, nor do they bark for spite or revenge. Dogs don't bark just because they can (though it might seem that way at times). Certain dog breeds bark more than others - some types of dogs were actually bred to be barkers. Then again, the Basenji does not bark at all (though the breed can vocalize in other ways). If you listen closely, you will eventually learn your dog's different barks. Understanding the reason why your dog barks is the first step towards controlling the behavior. In general, dogs will most commonly bark for the following reasons:

Warning/Alert: It is natural for a dog to bark when someone is a the door or when strangers pass the house or car. Many will bark if they sense some type of threat, proclaiming "I'm here protecting this place so don't mess with me." The sound of this bark is usually sharp, loud and authoritative. Honing this instinct with training can help protect your home and family.
Anxiety: Anxious barking often seems to be an an act of self-soothing for many dogs. It is often high-pitched and sometimes accompanied by whining. This type of barking is common for dogs with separation anxiety.
Playfulness/Excitement: This type of barking is especially common in puppies and young dogs. Many dogs will bark while playing with people or other dogs. Even the sound of the bark tends to sound upbeat and possibly musical. Some dogs will bark excitedly when they know they are about to go for a walk or car ride.
Attention-seeking: When you hear this bark, you will usually know just what it means. This bark says "Hey! Hey! Look! Here I am!" Other dogs may whine and bark together to get attention, almost like the tone of a whining child.
Boredom: The bark of a bored dog sounds like a dog that barks just to hear her own voice. Though it tends to be annoying, it is also kind of sad. Bored dogs often bark to release excess energy, and sometimes bark out of loneliness. They usually need an activity and perhaps even a companion.
Responding to Other Dogs: This is probably a familiar scenario - one dog down the street starts barking, and one by one the rest of your block joins in. It's like a cacophonous rendition of Row Your Boat.

Prevent and Stop Excessive Barking

Once you determine the cause of your dog's excessive barking, you can begin to control the behavior. The best way to prevent excessive barking in the first place is to try and remove any potential sources of the behavior. You also want to be certain not to inadvertently encourage the barking. Finally, give her better things to do besides barking.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise so there is not as much pent-up energy to burn by barking.
Avoid leaving a lonely dog alone for long periods of time if possible.
Never comfort, pet, hug or feed your dog when she is barking for attention or out of anxiety - that would be rewarding the behavior, thus encouraging it.
Shouting at your dog to stop barking does not help. It may actually cause her to bark even more.
Avoid punishments like shock collars. They are not only painful and unkind - many dogs will learn to test them and eventually work around them.
Try to get her attention with a clap or whistle. Once she is quiet, redirect her attention to something productive and rewarding - like a toy or treat.
After getting your dog's attention, practice basic commands, like sit and down in order to shift her focus.
DO NOT let your dog bark constantly outside, regardless of the reason. You can hardly train her to stop barking by yelling at her across the yard. Plus, it is one of the fastest ways to turn neighbors into enemies and send an invitation to your local police.
Train your dog to Speak and Be Quiet.
Consult your veterinarian and/or trainer if you continue to face barking issues despite your best efforts.

When It's Not Your Dog Barking

The sound of barking dogs in the neighborhood can quickly go from nuisance to nightmare - especially when you are trying to work or sleep. If you are comfortable with it, try politely approaching your neighbor to discuss the matter, or write a direct but civil letter. You may try gently suggesting a local dog trainer or behaviorist. Many people prefer to contact the neighborhood association or other group to act as a moderator. As a last resort, you may need to call the police - just keep in mind how this could be detrimental to your future relationship with said neighbors. On the other hand, you may not even care about that after a certain amount of sleep deprivation.

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How To Keep Chinchillas As Pets

2011-08-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

Knowing how to give a chinchilla the proper care is very important before deciding to get chinchillas as pets. A baby chinchilla living in captivity can live as long as 25 years if kept healthy, but the average lifespan being about 15 years.

A chinchilla baby living to adulthood in captivity will live much longer than one in the wild. So, you have to be prepared for owning your pet for a long time to come. Chinchillas are also very active with loads of energy. They'll need to have a nice spacious place to live with an exercise area.

They need to be let out of their cages occasionally to play around as well. You should give them attention and try to play with them daily. You do this to make sure they are getting daily exercise. Most chinchillas don’t like being held or pet.

If you are looking for a pet to hold and cuddle with then chinchillas are most likely not the pet you’re looking for. They can be very messy too. So, cleaning around their cages is something you may be doing often. Temperatures have to be at 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

If it gets to 80 degrees or higher they can suffer from heat stroke. If you live in an area that gets hot you’re going to need a way to keep temperatures low. Otherwise I wouldn't be getting one. You shouldn’t put their cages next to windows or doors where temperatures could go up and down frequently.

Chinchillas cost much more to keep than a hamster or rat. You can't just go out and buy a $40 cage and think that's enough. Cages should be big and this can get expensive. Also, you need to buy wood chips, chew toys, food and accessories for their cages. So now that you have an idea of what’s involved you can see there are more responsibilities in owning a chinchilla than you would think.

They aren’t hard to take care of, but if you think any of the things above would be difficult for you, it’s probably best to consider another pet. You should also ask your local pet store if they are even allowed in your area. I do know that Australia does not allow chinchillas.

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Heat Stress In Llamas And Alpacas

2011-08-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Spring is rapidly passing and the warmth of the sun melting away any trace of winter. We are beginnings the throws of another spring parasite research project. This time we are looking at some herbal interventions (who says I am not open minded!). This reminds me of the individual variation of these creatures. Every animal responds to stress - heat stress or any other -
differently. Today, with the temperature at 72 F, the humidity at 65 % (HSI = 137 for those of you who remember the heat stress index calculation; HSI = Temp + humidity), and direct sun exposure, some animals show low-grade heat
stress when handled. The llamas and alpacas are not yet sheared - that is another lab for another day. Now, my mind drifts back to last year. 2003 was a decent year for us, but several llamas and alpacas died of severe, unrelenting heat stress in Ohio. 2002 was not much better but I was proud of our clients' whose preparation for summer resulted in extremely few problem. We saved most, but some get treatment too late. A friend sent me a reminder about an upcoming newsletter and I starting to think of all the things I
wished all our clients knew to prepare for heat stress season. So - here are my TOP TEN list of things to do. The list is not all inclusive, but these are some of the most important things we need to do to protect the llamas and alpacas from heat stress before it happens to you !

1. SHEAR - I recommend that all llamas and alpacas be sheared before June 1 every year. Barrel cuts seem to work OK, but not shearing is not an option.

2. SHADE - Lots of shade should be available. Most critical is that there is enough shade for ALL of the animals to be shaded at the same time whenever they want.

3. VENTILATION - A good breeze is worth a thousand words. The most important thing is that the wind can get underneath the animals where the "thermal window" is located. Fans should blow across the barn at floor level (not down from a height). Barns should have cross-ventilation so that stagnation does not occur in any area.

4. WATER - Clean, plain, fresh water should be available at all times. Water should be replaced at least twice a day to keep it cool (not cold). Water should be in the shade and animals should not have to compete for access.

5. BEDDING - Straw is bad in summer. This thick bedding closes off the thermal window and decreases access to ventilation. Sand bedding, especially slightly moist, is very good at absorbing heat from the animals. Concrete is hard, but cool and easy to clean and wet down.

6. WADING - I like pools. Llamas and alpacas will seek out puddles, ponds, etc to get cool. This tends to make hair fall out if they lay around in water too much of the time, but pools are very effective at allowing the animals to self-regulate temperature. Bad for show season, but good for non-showers. The pool should be in the shade and freshened daily.

7. MONITORING - Observation is the key to life. Watch your animals. If they spend a lot of time eating, standing, walking around and being active then they are probably happy and healthy. If they lay around most of the day and are not active, then they may have sub clinical heat stress (early stage) and intervention may be warranted. Watch your breeding males very closely. If you see the scrotum getting pendulous, "baggy", or increasing in size, do something immediately or you may loose fertility!

8. FEEDING - Eating and digesting hay takes a lot of work and generates a lot of heat. Some have suggested that less hay, more grass and grains cause less heat stress risk because heat production from digestion is minimized. I question the application of this concept, but certainly pasture grazing is the best management style.

9. ELECTROLYTES - I am a big believer in the protective effect of electrolytes. I make water available that has salt, potassium, glucose, and bicarbonate in it to help replace losses that occur in sweat and breathing. I am a big believer in the protective effects of a balanced diet. Of particular interest for heat stress is that adequate Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, and Copper are available.

10. PREGNANCY - I prefer to see females in this area of the country having crias in the spring. This optimizes easy re-breeding of females; allows optimal lactation because of the nutrition of fresh grass; optimizes cria health because of sunlight, clean pastures, and good nutrition; and prevents females from having to suffer late gestation in the hot summer months. Successful treatment of heat stress depends upon early recognition (increased respiration, lethargy, increased recumbency, decreased appetite, decreased cooperation with or participation in activity, flared nostrils). Most of the above mentioned prevention strategies can be applied as treatment. Consult a veterinarian at the earliest time for animals showing abnormalities of behavior during summer months.

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Why do cats make good pets?

2011-07-11T08:09:00.001-07:00

1. Cats Are Low maintenance

Not only do cats make good pets, but they are are low maintenance pets! As I'm sure you know, they are independent, free thinking creatures who take care of much of their own needs. Although most domestic cats enjoy companionship with their humans, they can typically be left to their own devices for many hours at a time without issue. Although some cats and cat breeds are more "needy" in this area, overall they are no where as needy as dogs.

Cats sleep on and off throughout the day and night, taking varying degrees of cat naps - where do you think the name came from?! Their total sleep time takes up many hours of the day, sometimes 18 or more!

Since they use a litter box, there is no getting up at 6:00 AM, and no rushing home to "walk the cat" after work.

Feeding time is at your convenience! Many cat owners feed their cats "free choice" dry food. Cats can "graze" throughout the day and night on what's in the bowl. Or, you can use one of the many automatic feeders on the market. This is especially convenient if you are going to be out of the house for more than a day.

Unlike dogs and some other animals, cats rarely need to be bathed, if at all. As the refrigerator magnet at my house says "the cat may be self cleaning, but the kitchen isn't!"

2. Cats Have Personality!

One of the things that makes cats good pets is that they are packed with personality. Even a less active cat has a certain spunk "under the hood" that you just don't find in other pets. Perhaps it's...

purrsonality!

I have found that most cats show a lot of love, but always with their own unique personal style stamped on it. And, of course, they are rarely at a loss to find something to play with. Combine this with their individuality, and you have one great pet!

A cat is the only animal I've seen that can be friendly and aloof at the same time. If you've ever experienced this, you know what I'm talking about. One minute, you're in the middle of a love session with your furry friend, and the next, she's off on her own adventure. It's as if she could do completely without you. Uh oh, maybe she can?

What do you think so far... do cat's make good pets? Read on...

3. Cats are Fascinating!

Why else do cats make good pets? Because they are fascinating and fun! A little bit of the wild in your own living room. They are beautiful to look at, and fun to play with. One of my favorite things to do is just sit back and observe their hunting behavior. And it's also way too much fun to play chase with them!

4. Cats Love!

I know, other pets can show a great measure of love to their owners, but I believe that cats are unique. Both the quantity and quality of their capacity to love is astounding. They don't really need you, you know... or so it seems, but they love you anyway.

The outpouring of love that I've seen from all three of my cats is amazing. For an animal that is supposedly a loner by nature, they show an incredible amount of genuine desire to be with you. And yes, cats do experience separation anxiety, contrary to what you may have heard. They miss you when you are gone, and they know when you've been gone too long.

So, what's your answer... do cats make good pets? Have I convinced you?

With the convenience of low maintenance, and the charm of great personality, here comes the house cat. With fascinating, wild traits, and an enormous capacity to love, does all that add up to a yes to the question - do cats make good pets?

I think so. Even if you are a dog lover, you have to admit it. You may not believe, as I do, that cats make the best pets, but you cannot deny that cats do make good pets.

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Pet Fish Names

2011-06-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

I found this great article at http://worldsbestfishnames.com/. Enjoy:

What would compel any of us to name a fish? It isn't like it is going to come when you call it, but, then again neither do most cats!

We name our pet fish for the simple reason that we want to bond and be close. We may not be able to take it for a walk or teach it tricks but we can sit and stare into the aquarium and get lost in the wonderment that is known as pet fish.

Before you decide on the fish you want for a pet or the perfect name, you have to have the perfect aquarium and set up. Whether it is a 75 gallon aquarium or a small bowl you need what is perfect for you and your pet fish.

You have to know how to look after your fish. You also have to be a "fish person". My daughter, try as she might, never bought "fish" she bought "victims". She did everything right, according to the books and at most, her fish would last a couple weeks. My brother, on the other hand, would grab the fish with a metal tea strainer, wash the bowl with soap and water, fill the bowl with tap water and plunk the fish back into the water and away it swam happy as can be. That fish lived forever.

You want to make sure you know how many fish are appropriate for your aquarium size. Generally speaking, the rule is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. So, if you have a 5 gallon tank or aquarium it would hold 5 inches of fish at most. Keep in mind that you have to account for the size of fish it will be not the size it is when you buy it. If your type of fish is known to grow to 5" by adulthood, then you can only put that one fish in a 5 gallon tank.

You need to get the appropriate aquarium equipment for the type of fish you want to have. Most tropical fish are going to need a heater in the aquarium. Do you want or need a filter? A dirty aquarium does not make for a happy fish.

While fish aren't necessarily going to do tricks, they will need some playground equipment. There are all sorts of ornaments and "toys" to keep your pet fish happy.

Make sure you locate your tank in a secure, non hazardous location. Over a heat register is not a choice location, especially for cold water fish.

Do you want salt water fish or fresh water fish? Make sure you research what types of fish are appropriate for you, your children, your environment as well as your level of commitment. If you aren't into cleaning your tank as often as you should you may want to consider some type of algae eater fish as one of your fish. My daughter once had a snail that was suppose to eat algae. She was five at the time and she named her snail "Sleepyhead". It was the perfect pet "fish" name. We put it into her tank and it slept and slept and slept... Okay that victim didn't even make it home alive.

Pet fish can also help in teaching young children about life and death. The first time my daughter had a fish floating belly up, she cried for hours. A couple months later and several fish later she just stood there holding the dead fish in a strainer and sang "Another One Bites the Dust".

So, now back to why you are here in the first place, you want to name your pet fish. You will find thousands of names on our worldwide list. Think of your pet fish, think of your personality and choose wisely, unless you are like my daughter in which case you will be naming a different fish next week anyway. (By the way, she gave up owning fish).

Anyway, as I was saying, you might choose according to the fish: Spots, Finny or Stripes. You might choose according to your traditional personality: Bubbles, Flipper or Gill. Or you might choose according to your quirky personality" Bouncer, Jumper or Rover. Any which way, there are thousands of names to chose from.

Pick a name, try teaching him or her some tricks and then just sit back and get lost in the serenity of relaxation watching them.

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What to Feed Your Rabbit

2011-06-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just like people, bunnies enjoy a good meal. A nice mix of hay, pellets and fresh vegetables as well as fresh water will make your rabbit healthy and happy. An occasional treat can be given, but only in small quantities.

Hay

Fresh hay should make up the bulk of your rabbit's diet and needs to be readily available at all times. Adult rabbits can eat timothy, grass, and oat hays, while younger rabbits should be fed alfalfa. Alfalfa should not be given to adult rabbits because of the higher protein and sugar content. Hay is important for rabbits because it provides the essential fiber needed for good digestive health and it helps wear down a rabbit's teeth (which continuously grow) for good dental health. Placing hay at one end of a litter box will also encourage the use of the litter box, as rabbits tend to eat hay and poop at the same time.

When choosing hay, make sure it looks and smells fresh. Do not choose a hay that looks brown or moldy or no longer smells like fresh cut grass. Store hay in a dry place in a container that allows air flow to keep it from getting moldy. Buying hay in bulk from a local farmer tends to be much more economical than buying bags from a pet store.

Vegetables

A varied assortment of vegetables should be a part of your rabbit's daily diet. When choosing vegetables look for something fresh and free of pesticides. Always wash your vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to your rabbit. Feed new vegetables in small quantities until you can judge if your rabbit reacts well to them. Do not feed rabbits the leaves from houseplants as many are poisonous to rabbits. For a full list of poisonous plants, visit the Sacramento House Rabbit Society's page.

Your rabbit may enjoy some of the following vegetables:

Basil
Bok choy
Broccoli leaves (stems or tops can make rabbits gassy)
Carrot tops (carrots are high in calcium and should be given sparingly)
Celery
Cilantro
Clover
Collard greens
Dandelion leaves
Dill
Kale (sparingly)
Lettuce - romaine or dark leaf (no iceburg lettuce and no cabbage)
Mint
Mustard greens
Parsley
Water cress

Water

Fresh water must always be available to your rabbit. If you have a cage, a hanging water bottle is a fine option. Rabbits will also drink from a water bowl. On a hot day you can drop an ice cube or two in your rabbits water dish. If your rabbit does not seem to be drinking enough water you can leave the vegetables fairly wet when you present them.

Pellets

These should be purchased so that they are fresh, as bunnies will turn their noses up at stale pellets. Look for pellets that are high in fiber and low in protein. You will need to limit your rabbit's pellet intake as he/she ages. Pellets that are high in protein can lead to obesity and other health issues in rabbits.

Treats

Everybody loves a treat now and then, but to ensure your rabbits health they should be given only occasionally. Do not feed your rabbit items high in carbohydrates like breads, crackers, pasta, pretzels, cookies, chips, or cereal. Although branded for rabbits, many commercially-sold bunny treats are high in fat and sugar, such as yogurt chips, and should not be given. Never give chocolate as it is toxic to rabbits.

Fruit is the best option for a treat, but again you should give it only in small amounts because of the sugar content. We try to purchase organic fruits that we know are free of pesticides. Like vegetables, be sure that they are thoroughly washed.

Some fruits that rabbits enjoy include:

Strawberries
Raspberries
Bananas
Pineapple
Apples (no seeds)

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Snakes as Pets- Choosing the Best Snake for Beginners

2011-05-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

This is a great article I found on about.com:

Snakes are fascinating, and with regular handling can be quite tame. However, snakes are obviously not the right pets for everyone. They have unique requirements and should only be kept by those with the commitment to understand and meet their needs. If you are new to pet snakes, find out what you should consider before deciding on a pet snake, and what species are the best snakes for beginners.

Choosing a Snake as a Pet - First Things First

When choosing a snake, you are making a long term commitment - many can be expected to live longer than 20 years.
You must be willing to feed prey animals to your snake (though frozen, pre-killed prey is the best choice), and you will probably have to devote some freezer space to frozen prey items (i.e. rodents).
Snakes are very adept escape artists, so make sure you have an escape-proof tank, keeping in mind that http://barleyslist.org
Snakes are persistent about finding and squeezing through any small gaps.
Finally, as beautiful as they are, I strongly recommend against anyone keeping large constricting snakes or venomous snakes.

About Choosing Your Snake
Get a captive bred snake from a reputable breeder, if at all possible. Wild caught snakes tend to be more stressed and prone to parasites and disease, and more difficult to tame. For more about the advantages of captive bred reptiles, see Should I Get a Wild Caught or Captive Bred Reptile on About.com.

You will also want to do a cursory exam of your snake to check for any signs of illness: see Choosing a Healthy Reptile for areas and signs to look at on About.com.

It also doesn't hurt to ask for a feeding demonstration, to make sure your new snake is readily taking pre-killed prey and feeding well. Ball pythons are somewhat notorious for having feeding problems, so this is especially a good idea with ball pythons (though if you get a captive breed ball python it seems less likely that feeding problems will crop up).

Recommended Beginner Snakes
These are all reasonably sized, fairly easy to care for, and tend to be quite docile:

Snakes to Avoid
Beginners should avoid large constricting snakes, venomous snakes, and snakes with more difficult care requirements, including such snakes as:

Boa constrictors / red-tailed boas (not as large as some constricting snakes, but still a handful, especially for beginners)
Burmese pythons
Tree boas or pythons
Water snakes
Green snakes

Snakes Not Recommended as Pets at All Snakes that are potentially very dangerous (to their owners or others around them) are best avoided as pets, including:

Reticulated pythons
Anacondas
Any venomous snakes

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Divine Canine

2011-05-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

It gives me pleasure to present another story from Lisa Sellman, Top Dog at
Aloha Pet Care & Dog Training. She writes "Here is another one along with a poem":

Lessons from the Universe are always present and finding the stillness within us can allow those lessons to be comprehended. As we all have found, the lessons come quietly but at times the lessons are as loud as a rushing waterfall.

My first lesson from the Universe came to me at the age of 6. My Shetland pony, Trixie was enjoying her oats. I decided to get on her back and enjoy that moment with her. I had no bridle or halter but I easily stepped on the fence and sat on her back as I had done so many times. I can still feel that stillness with Trixie and that sense of love and harmony, if only for a moment, it felt so familiar like I had been at that place before. Then a thought rushed over my mind of her running with me to the end of the pasture and of me screaming for her to stop but she wouldn’t. I could get hurt and I could not stop her. At that moment, she took off at a full gallop. The other horses were at the end of the 60 acre pasture and I felt her little legs running for them. I held on to her mane, crying in fear. We finally reached the horses and I slid off. Why oh why had she done that to me? Although I rode horses until I left for college and still ride horses when given the chance, I have never forgot that fear that I felt that day when my trust and innocence was lost.

While in college and my first 10 years of married life after college, animals especially horses and dogs were not of my realm. I was a business person, utilizing my mind in a capitalist society. My dear husband and I went backpacking and camping every chance we had but our little peaceful home life was not to be disrupted by the chores and mundane demands of animals neither horse nor dog was to be a part of our clan.

At our 10 year anniversary, that utopian world ended when intuition and a desire beyond our control brought Jasmine into our life. A wiry haired mixed breed pup with unknown lineage but eyes that melted my soul consumed our very existence. We both had this need to make sure everything was done right. She was in training and on the best food. I took classes, decided to start an apprentice program under a dog trainer because taking a class once a week was not enough. Jasmine needed her education in being a good dog constantly and I needed the reassurance I was doing everything right. Oh those insecurities were to ruin me. If only she could learn to roll over, why oh why her little tail was tucked all of the time, what is wrong with her?

Then one day I looked at her and she looked at me and we recognized ourselves in each other. My mind was quiet on this day for in the stillness her thoughts became my own. She told me not to try to dominate her and control her every move for she is here to teach me to let go and trust nature again. Trixie had not forsaken me; she had only done my bidding when that vision of her taking me to the end of the pasture as I screamed in terror came in to my mind. Trixie and you were so connected in that time of quiet she could only do as your mind had asked.

A revelation came over me in that stillness, Jasmine was here to teach me as all dogs are and all living creatures and nature itself. I looked at her and her eyes softened and her tail raised from its tucked position. Love poured out from me and Jasmine said to me embrace that love as that is what the Universe wants you to experience. That stillness abounds within us all if we can only listen.

A Poem From The Canine

My dog has issues that need to disappear
She is naughty, defiant and cavalier.

I have taken her to trainers and behaviorists, galore.
She will listen for a day or two but sadly no more.

I am frustrated and my mood is always black.
I am tired and the breeder won’t take her back.

With screams of anger, I yelled at the ceiling,
“Why is my life so hard? I hate this feeling!”

Just then a soft muzzle licked at my hand,
She was the teacher and I listened for her command.

Embody the essence you seek in me
And we shall live in harmony.

When I am afraid be present and strong.
Loose your sense of right and wrong.

As I jump up on you and scratch your arm,
Give love to everyone and wish me no harm.

When I am distracted and hard to reach,
Caress me gently with hands that teach.

I am your dog but I will lead the way.
I will teach you peace without delay.

Breathe and let your troubles disappear,
Resistance may come, but we shall persevere.

All the answers of the universe are near,
All we have to do is choose love and not fear.

I knew my dog was special you see,
For she laid back down and winked at me.

Our future is glorious, for this woman and her canine.
Inner peace and stillness is now mine.

Lisa Sellman, Top Dog
Aloha Pet Care & Dog Training
www.alohapetcare.us ~ website
(763) 503-4797 ~ home or (763) 228-6862 ~ cell
"Delivering the Aloha spirit to Minnesota dog owners one tail wag at a time."

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How To Care For Goldfish

2011-05-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, a goldfish could live for 10-25 years or longer if it's given proper care. However, with normal care it should live about 6 years. The Guinness Book of World Records cites a goldfish named Tish that lived 43 years after being won at a fair in England in 1890! Here's how to help your scaly companion survive into the "golden years."

1- Purchase a largest possible tank for your goldfish. While using a 10 liter (L) tank instead of a small bowl will increase longevity, albeit not by much, 40 liters/fish or more is necessary for quality of life. Choose a tank with large surface area to increase amount of oxygen in contact with the surface of the water (i.e., wider is better than taller), or set up a pond for your goldfish.

2- Provide mental and physical stimulation for the fish. Decorate tank with gravel, bridges, plants, etc. However, don't make the substrate too deep as harmful bacteria can build up in there. A thin layer across the bottom of the tank is enough. Also, be sure that any decorations you choose aren't hollow (again, harmful bacteria can grow inside) and that they don't have sharp edges, which can tear your fish's fins. Rearrange the bridges and plants on a monthly basis to offer the goldfish "new" areas to explore. You can also train your fish to stimulate them. If you feed them at the same time every day, they will soon be waiting for you at that time. You can also use a fish net with the netting taken out as a 'hoop' and train your fish to swim through it.

3- Set up the tank prior to the purchase of fish. Getting it ready may take two or more weeks. It is necessary to build up enough good bacteria to break down the fish' wastes. To do this, do a "Fishless Cycle". Once completed, your goldfish aquarium will have more than enough bacteria to break down fish waste. Failure to cycle a tank will result in ammonia poisoning and death.

4-Add a filter. You can use either a large internal or an external filter. An external is usually the best, as goldfish are very messy creatures. When you clean the filter, don't throw the inserts and filter media away as this is where the beneficial bacteria live. Instead,rinse them in dechlorinated water. Without a filter, smaller tanks will foul and become deadly in just a day or two. Keep in mind that having a filter doesn't mean you can avoid cleaning the tank. Even with a filter, change 20% to 30% of the water about once every week.

5- Add some equipment to increase oxygen diffusion into the water. A small air pump and air stone can be sufficient. You can also have the current from a 'waterfall' type filter help agitate the water's surface.

6- Clean the tank at least once every two weeks, but more frequently is preferable due to the large amount of waste goldfish produce. This is essential. How often you do this will depend on the size of your tank, the number of fish, and the effectiveness of the filter. Also, if you have real plants they will help absorb some of the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. So if you have real plants, you don't need to clean as often.

7- *When you add/change water, use a dechlorinator that also removes chloramine and heavy metals as per instructions on the back of the bottle.

8- *Frequently test for ammonia and nitrite (you want both to measure zero). A pH test is also handy to ensure your goldfish's water is not too alkaline or acidic. This can be purchased at any pet store. Do not modify the fish's water, however, unless it is significantly different from neutral. Goldfish can tolerate a wide pH range, and pH modifying chemicals are not a lasting solution without more consistent monitoring than most people will do. A range of pH 6.5-8.25 is fine. Many municipal water supplies buffer their water up to around 7.5, and goldfish will live very happily in this range.

9- *Do not remove the goldfish during a water change. Using a gravel vacuum to suck debris out of the gravel can be done with the fish in the tank. Frequent partial water changes are better than full (and stressful) water changes.

10- *If you do need to catch your fish, consider using a plastic container rather than a net, as the fish can injure its fins and scales while thrashing around. This also increases stress! If a net is the only option, soak it prior to use. Dry nets are much more likely to cause injury than wet ones.

11- Allow the water temperature to change as the seasons change. While goldfish don't like temperatures over 75°F (24°C), they do seem to like seasonal variations where the temperature falls to the high 50s or 60s (15-20°c) in the winter. Fancier goldfish are an exception and cannot easily tolerate temperatures below about 60°F (16°c). Be aware that goldfish will not eat below 50-55°F (10-14°c).

12- Feed the goldfish one to three times daily with food specifically designed for goldfish. If you choose to feed them more often, then reduce the size of the meals so you don't overfeed. Give them only as much as they can eat in a few minutes, and clean any leftovers immediately. If a floating food is used, soak it in water for a few seconds before feeding so that it will sink. This reduces the amount of air the fish swallows while eating, which in turn reduces the risk of buoyancy problems.

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Horse Trail Manners

2011-04-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Trail manners count. Knowing how to act on a trail will make sure you are a welcome partner on the next trail ride. Here are a few common sense things to keep in mind to make social riding more fun.

1. Don't pass a group at a high speed. I have seen people come galloping past our group and not bother to slow down despite the presence of small children. This is rude and dangerous. If the horses in the group are suprised, they might spook and someone could get hurt.

2. Don't make loud noise on the trail. Most of us that trail ride are looking for quiet time with nature. It is our mental therapy. Be considerate and don't yell unless there is a problem.

3. Don't trash mother nature. You ride on trails to enjoy nature and beautiful surroundings. Don't spoil the view by leaving empty beer cans and other trash on the trail. Leave nothing but your hoofprints.

4. If your horse kicks, wear a red ribbon on its tail. The red ribbon is the traditional signal that a horse is a kicker. My mare normally is fine, but when she is in heat, I need three red ribbons on her.

5. Take care of your horse after the ride. The horses carried you over miles of trails. Don't leave the dear creature standing for extended periods tied to a trailer without water in the hot sun. Treat your horse with the respect and care it deserves.

6. Leave gates as you found them. This is a universal rule in the country. Many trail areas double as cow pastures so always leave the gate as you found them.

7. Slow down going around sharp corners. You've been on trails where the trees block the view around the next corner. Slow down and move to the right side of the trail to avoid running into someone coming around the same bend.

8. Be a good samaritan. If you encounter someone having trouble on the trail, offer to stop and help. Remember, it could be you needing assistance next time.

Trail etiquette isn't hard. It's common sense and the golden rule. Treat others as you want to be treated.

Happy trails to you!

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Amazing Spinner Dolphins

2011-03-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

It gives me pleasure to present this story from Lisa Sellman, Top Dog at Aloha Pet Care & Dog Training. She writes "This is an article I wrote last week for my newsletter for my dog training clients"

After spending 10 days in Hawaii, most of which was immersed in the philosophy of Tellington TTouch, a dog training method I have been studying for the past 2 1/2 years, I was surprised to witness the most profound life lesson just hours before I boarded my plane back to Minnesota.

The dog training class that I assisted in finished on Friday and I relished the idea of having two days to do whatever my heart desired. Since it was prime whale watching season in Hawaii, I had made plans prior to leaving for the Big Island that Sunday afternoon would be spent in this endeavor. The ship that took us out had a Cetologist on board, this is a scientist who studies the
behavior of whales, dolphins and porpoises. I never caught his name but he was facinating. We must have seen over 50 whales that day along with many pods of dolphin. It was just another day for the scientist and the crew of the ship but it was unbelievable for all of the tourists on board.

The most amazing event occurred towards the end of our journey off the Kona coast. We all were handed binoculars as we boarded the ship. The Cetologist was so excited as he talked us through what was happening below the water by his estimation as we watched from a distance through our binoculars. I will never forget it. I will describe it to you as best as I can.

From our distance, we could see an area of about the size of a football field with several hundred spinner dolphins doing vertical jumps one after another. You could see that there was a space about 10 feet between the dolphin jumps. I estimate this because a spinner dolphin, much smaller than a bottlenose, is about 6 feet. One could see that the dolphins were in some ways taking turns leaping. I watched one dolphin jump out of the water over 10 times and then you
would not see that dolphin but another dolphin near that area, would then take it over. When you see a spinner dolphin leaping, it is exhilerating, but to see hundreds in a circular pattern all at the same time, was nothing short of magical.

The Cetologist explained that we were all extremely blessed to be witnessing what we were. We were witnessing a humpback whale giving birth. The spinner dolphins had formed a protective circle around the female humpback whale to give her a feeling of protection so she could focus on the delivery. It may take up to 3 hours for the delivery which we only watched for about 20 minutes and could only see the dolphins jumping from the far distance we were at. Then the ship
left the area and let other whale watching ships know to stay clear of the coordinates as not to disturb the delivery.

It was so fascinating to witness this event but even more amazing to me was the decision of the spinner dolphin to be nurse maids to a 50 foot long, 40 ton mammal. The spinner dolphins will often display this behavior when their own pods are sleeping to offer a look out or protection. Usually just a few of the dolphins would leap in that circumstance but to witness hundreds surrounding a whale offering the same protection, words can not express. For a Humpback whale the only real predator in the Hawaiian waters is humans. There is no whaling ships in Hawaii but still boats are in the waters. The dolphin decided to ease the sense of fear for that mother whale by making a sacred circle for her to deliver in peace knowing that any boat that came near would at least see the dolphin and give the mother whale space. This same event has been witnessed by lucky tourists just walking the streets of Kona looking out at the bay a few
years back.

The spinner dolphin's actions make themselves feel safe while sleeping and they decided to use the same actions to help their much larger cousins in the same way. It is complete brilliance on their part.

I see myself as a TTouch practitioner, a lot like being a spinner dolphin. When I work with a dog and their guardian, I can never fully know what trauma that dog has went through or the difficult dynamics that the family is going through. Having a compassionate heart and a constitution of service taught to me from my South Dakota farm upbringing, I want to help dogs and their families find that safe sacred circle where healing can begin. I want to give them guidance so their dogs can feel safe in new environments or around people or other animals.
I don't have the many years of education to be a veterinary behavioralist or a human psychiatrist, but I do have some things which this program has taught me. I have an intuitive mind that knows dogs need to feel secure, an open heart that wants to help, and two hands ready to make a connection with dogs to assist them to feel secure. Together with some unique bodywork, specialized equipment, a confidence course, and a clear picture in my mind for animals to remember their perfection, TTouch renews my soul every time I work with a dog.

What a blessing it is to be of service to others - a lesson made most clear to me by spinner dolphins sensitive enough to ask the question, how can I be of service?

Lisa Sellman, Top Dog
Aloha Pet Care & Dog Training
www.alohapetcare.us ~ website
(763) 503-4797 ~ home or (763) 228-6862 ~ cell
"Delivering the Aloha spirit to Minnesota dog owners one tail wag at a time."

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels ordog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits,sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

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The Basics of What Chickens Need

2011-03-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

Man has the dirtiest mouth of any animal. Getting bitten by a human is far more likely to lead to infection than any other kind of bite. Why? Because we eat more kinds of things than any other animal on earth. So, because there is a greater variety of food for organisms in our mouths, we have more kinds of organisms growing there than any other animal has.

Man has mastered all kinds of situations, and has grown to a very high degree of dietary versatility. Animals are not so "fortunate". They must have very precise types of food, at precise times. Some more than others, of course. Domesticated animals, living with man for the last several millennia, have adapted to man's diet to a far greater extent than wild animals.

Chickens are one of man's closest domesticated friends. They, like dogs, have grown to eat many of the foods of their keepers. But chickens cannot be assumed to just "make it" on any kind of stuff. They will probably "make it" on man's junk food, but they won't be as healthy as they could be, nor will they be much good as egg layers, unless they are fed the basics of what they need. And mold or salt in table scraps and old grains can quickly kill a chicken.

WHAT CHICKENS NEED (It's simple!)
1. Grains (whole, living grains are way better than cracked, and a mixture is way better than pure corn)
2. Greens (grass! weeds! fresh veggie parings from kitchen!)
3. Protein (in summer, they get enough bugs -- but in colder weather they need protein supplementation, including perhaps the following: yellow-jackets from restaurant traps, soybeans -- see below, worms, milk, meat --- but sea fish is the very best)

And WATER, WATER, WATER.

Chickens won't always search far for food or water. Sometimes they won't even go around a see-through fence to get it. And they need lots of water, especially when laying. We put the water dish right by the door of their coop, where they can get it every time they go by. They can die of salt toxicity in a few hours if not given water at all times. They will shun dirty water, so make a point to keep it fresh using the BAMN method (By Any Means Necessary).

If they're Fenceless Free Range, that's about it. But if you keep them penned up most or all of the time, even in a largish yard, you will also need to make sure they get . . .

4. Hard grit (do not confuse this with oyster shell or calcium --- these dissolve in the chicken's digestive system, grit does not --- grit is used in place of "teeth"); quartz-based sand with angular edges (not rounded, as often is found in riverbeds) can be collected wherever you find it.

5. Calcium (crushed oyster shell, other shells, ground or hammered bone) (There's lots of calcium in greens, if they get to forage all day.)

6. Vitamins A (and D if the weather is cloudy for long stretches)

7. Salt (best given separately, free choice; kelp is the very supreme choice for this, if you can get it --- it supplies all the minerals in the world --- see below)

About Protein

Producing a huge lump of protein in the form of an egg every day doesn't leave room for erratic protein consumption. A 5-ounce egg is to a five-pound chicken what a 9-pound egg is to a person weighing 150 pounds (so to speak). To produce this lump of pure protein is thus something like giving birth to a baby, every day! That protein needs to be replaced through the diet!

If you're confining your chickens at all, even in a largish yard, and feeding them only one pre-mixed type of feed, you need to blend in the correct proportion of grains and protein. See the protein section for mixing grains and protein. (Contact our Feed Experts if in question, but not until reading the Protein section.)

If your birds are Fenceless Free Range, you don't need to mix the protein into the feed. Rather, let them have a special protein dish in the morning or afternoon. An ideal one, that will keep them laying all Winter, is soybeans, mixed with a little bit of instant oats, a few nuts, and milk for variety. Or, some fresh fish you have left over. They really love canned ~~ unsalted! ~~ fish, but it's usually too expensive for the usual fare. Unless you have a good source. There are all sorts of ways to make your chickens happy as well as healthy. And happy chickens aim to please; they are not so prone to bad habits. For some real fun, see the "Traditional Recipes" section for how supplementary feeding was done in the Old Days.

Also, we're really interested in getting into worms for protein! Another great, unused protein resource is the plethora of yellow jackets that are caught in traps near restaurants around the world. The attractant in those traps(1) is not a poison, it is just an odor; (2) is not consumed by the yellow jackets, and (3) is highly volatile anyway, meaning that any trace that might be on them will disappear after removing the (dead) yellow jackets from the trap. Chickens will instinctively avoid the dead yellow jackets at first, but their curiosity and good sense will quickly win out, and they'll gobble them up whenever they see you bringing them. Many restaurants will happily give you their yellow jackets. Or, offer to put up a trap for them yourself, at a restaurant that you see has a problem with yellow jackets. (In which case, study the directions for placing the trap thoroughly, to avoid causing a highway of yellow jackets that patrons might cross!)

Here's what we currently give our chickens:

GRAINS

Scratch grain mix, from feed store, containing many kinds of grain ($5/50 lb)
Extra yellow corn (cracked) --- it gives them warmth in the winter, we're told
GRAINS MUST NEVER BE WET AND MOLDY -- CAN KILL!

GREENS

Grass forage
Garden clippings
Kitchen trimmings (thrown in the compost pile near their coop)

PROTEIN (MAINLY SOYBEANS)

Every morning (quantity for 12 chickens): 3/4ths cup of boiled soybeans ~~ (make a batch every week or so: SOAK 2 cups of dried soybeans in three or four times the volume of water overnight; bring to ROLLING BOIL in the same soaking water for 15 minutes; DRAIN; STORE in fridge) mixed with 1 cup of instant oats, some sunflower seeds, milk to moisten, warmed up.

Every other afternoon, same thing, with some fish flakes, bits of scrap fish, or some canned cheap fish.

OYSTER SHELL

Crushed, is kept in their coop, $5 for 50 lbs

MINERALS

Dried kelp fronds (the leafy parts, not the stalks, which are too hard to chop up and don't get eaten) are kept in their coop on a sturdy clip. They can free-choose it, letting them adjust their salt and mineral intake. There are nearly 100 minerals on Earth. Only sea water and sea life has them in the ratios that animals need. All blood of animals contains these minerals, in the same proportions as in sea water! Scientists have barely scratched the surface of understanding all the things that these minerals do in living bodies. For optimum health, it's best to get all of them.

Just gather a mess of kelp off any beach that is more than 50 miles from a city, sling it into a garbage bag and take it home. At home, set it out in the yard, and in a very short while, it will be dry and crisp. Take the flakey parts, and clip them about a foot off the ground where your chickens frequently go --- those document clips with a black "hinge" and two folding silver "arms" work best.

GRIT

Collect angular granite grit from trips to areas that have it. Tiny chicks need tiny grit, so get a variety of sizes. A little lasts a long time. The girls will pick and choose a few choice pieces now and then. Fun to watch them study and try out the different grains of grit.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels ordog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits,sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Fresh Chicken Eggs

2011-01-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

Nothing compares in beauty or nutrition to the deep golden yolk of a home-grown chicken egg. Diet and lifestyle can determine the quality of a backyard flock's eggs.

Raising chickens for their eggs is a delightful hobby that supplements a family's diet. Understanding the effects of breed, environment and feed on the life of the laying hens can increase chicken longevity, production and egg quality.
Select chicken breeds for their rate of egg-laying and shell color. A top breed with an excellent laying rate for traditional white eggs is the White Leghorn. Blue Andelusians, Anconas and Black Minorcas all produce white eggs at a very good rate. For brown eggs, choose Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, New Hampshires and Black Australorps.
It is not necessary to have a rooster for the hens to lay eggs. A single hen will lay, on average, one to two eggs per day in laying season. This rate fluctuates based on season, age, diet and the amount of available daylight.

Hens need 12 to 14 hours of light to produce eggs. In the winter in the northern climes, the rate of laying declines as the hours of daylight are reduced

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Stuff the Turkey, Not Your Dog

2010-12-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

If your pet is often one that gets a table scrap here, a potato chip there, extra caution should be taken, as his possibility for an accute pacreatitis attack could already be high. However this doesn't OK you to indulge him if it's "just this once" or "just for the holiday." Things can turn bad quickly and with the hustle and bustle of the holidays; you may not be as alert to the first symptoms, or may pass them off as just nerves, stress or having a little too much turkey or all the family at the home for the holiday.

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that break down food so the body can digest it. These enzymes are carefully handled by the pancreas in order to prevent them from damaging the pancreas itself or surrounding tissue. If they break down for any reason, the result is leakage of enzymes, which damage the pancreas and any surrounding tissue they reach. This breakdown is called pancreatitis. Symptoms include loss of appetite, severe and frequent vomiting, diarrhea that may contain blood, reluctance to walk, weakness, pain, crying, restlessness, irritability, or refusing to eat. Many people know their dog is sick, but may be confused as to whether or not it's serious because of a lack of symptoms or symptoms being vague and mild.

Pancreatitis may occur only once in a dog's life or it can become chronic, a condition that returns over and over again. It can quickly become fatal or just be a mild attack of pain that is over in a few hours or a day or so. It can cause serious side effects including shock, blood clotting disorders, heart arrythmias, and liver or kidney damage. So if your pet exhibits ANY of these signs, even if mild at first, get him to your vet immediately! Of course with it being a holiday, many animal clinics may be closed - another VERY valid reason to not be so sharing with your pets this Thanksgiving. And just in case, make sure you have an emergency number for your vet or the emergency vet clinic number handy for when your vet's office is closed.

Make sure your pet has no access to any food left on the counters or tables when no one is around. After you're done cleaning up the kitchen, make sure you take the garbage out, and dispose of it in a secure place where no pets can get into it. Even the best behaved, well trained pets may be too tempted with turkey bones, the string that tied the turkey legs together, and what little of what was left of Mom's stuffing in the trash.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

2010-12-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

Well Murphy was not ready to leave today. He loves the snow! But my brother in law is turning 50 this week end and we need to leave for the celebration. But, once he is at my sisters house and all of our other pets are there and everyone wants to pet him and the others, then they are all suddenly all very content.

So off we will go. Another week end of traveling but at least our family is all together. Happy Holidays everyone and as promised, a whole new web site is coming very, very soon. Get excited!

Sincerely, Liz Papp, Founder/ Owner

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Change Is Always Good

2010-10-24T09:53:00.001-07:00

Change Is Always Good- So what do I mean by this? Well the world wide web is constantly evolving and we all have less and less time in our day to day routine. We need life to be simple. I have been listening to many of you who have asked me to "Make it simpler to use". Well I listened because BarleysList is constantly growing and changing. We believe our visitors and their love for their pets are the reason BarleysList is so successful. We are not going to stop giving free information to our pet friendly world. We are only changing the face of our home page and hopefully simplify it for those who prefer simplicity. I hope you enjoy the new face coming. Above is only part of it. I will keep you posted and thank you everyone for your input!

Sincerely, Liz Papp, Founder/ Owner

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Three Chickens Are Better Than One

2010-08-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Yep it's true. We adopted two more hens to keep Ruby company. I have come to the conclusion that one hen by herself was too lonely. So we now have three. I have come to accept that Ruby is too old for making eggs and perhaps that is why her previous owners decided they no longer wanted her. It makes me sad but happy that we found her. She lives the life of Queen Hen and gets to boss the other two youngsters around. The picture to the left is Betty. She is a 3 month old Buff Orpington. She is as big as Ruby already! And Ruby is a big bird.

The picture below is Helen. She was acquired from a friend who had three hens, but preferred two, so we took her in. My friend lives nearby so they can come to visit her. She should start egg laying in the next month or so. My guess is she is a Rhode Island Red. She's still small at four months, but boy is she fast. She doesn't like to be picked up as much, but we've been working with her. When we first brought her home, Ruby would peck at her. It took several days of isolating them to help reset the pecking order. I did quite a bit of on line research and feel confident enough now to prevent any further battles. Please feel free to email me if you have any problems at admin@BarleysList.org

Below you can see Helen and Betty hanging out together. They really have become buddies. They even nest together at night and Big ol' Ruby takes her own private nesting box!

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Welcome Our New Pet

2010-05-30T07:37:00.001-07:00

Well if something looks different you guessed it. It's a chicken! Her name is Ruby and she is very tame. So, how did we acquire this pretty bird? Well, we went for a run with the dogs on a local trail which parallels a semi trafficked road. There are no homes in this area. The nearest house is at least 7 miles away. Nonetheless, as we were running along, there was a chicken in the middle of the trail. She just sat there and pecked the ground. We didn't want to frighten her so we walked over to the road part and continued on. We made it to the end of the trail and were heading back when there she was again. This time we decided to attempt a rescue. So my dog was tied up and I slowly approached her making cooing sounds. I was thinking how painful it will be when she pecks my hand or even worse, if she ran in the road when a car was coming by. I slowly kept approaching and my heart was racing. I think I was sweating more than I was when I was running! So there we are. Human and chicken. Face to face. Standing there. I slowly bent down, expecting the worse- I am normally an optimist. But dreading the snap of her beak into my hand. I announced back "I'm here, so now what?" Lisa said "Pick her up." I placed my hands onto her wings, grasping her slowly and I picked her up. No bite. No struggle. No resistance. I cooed again and she cooed back. I announced back "I got her, so now what?" But when I looked up Lisa was gone. Running as fast as she could with both dogs towards the car. She had at least 2 miles to go. So I walked up to the road and started to walk back with my new friend under my arm. I cooed and she cooed back. I wondered what the passing cars thought as I had this big beautiful hen tucked under my arm. Lisa made it back to us. And the hen made no mention to the panting dogs one foot away from her. She was very tame.

We brought her home and built a very nice coop the following day. We searched for postings of a lost pet and left word and the neighborhood feed store, but found no owners of her. We named her Ruby, but I call her Miss Chicken. She fits right in with us. What a blessing!

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Do Goats Make Good Pets?

2010-03-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

Keeping goats as pets can be rewarding, or uniquely infuriating. Although some goats do make excellent pets, they require commitment and tolerance on the part of their owners to do well, and anyone considering the acquisition of a pet goat should think carefully before taking the plunge. Goats have unique needs which are unfamiliar to people who have not interacted with them before. In addition, you may be restricted by municipal laws if you live within the limits of an incorporated area, or have trouble getting access to a veterinarian to care for your goats

The traits which make goats great pets also cause them to be very difficult to handle. Almost all goats are intelligent and deeply curious, and will constantly investigate their surroundings. As part of their adventuring, goats routinely fight their way through fences and gates, and the animals, while endearing, can wreak havoc on gardens and landscaping. Goats also tend to eat indiscriminately, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress, or costly surgery, if the goat swallows something inappropriate such as clothing or garbage.

Goats are herd animals, which means that you should plan on keeping at least two goats if you want them as pets. In addition, goats need a roomy space, and do not thrive in restricted living conditions. Because of their natural curiosity, the space also needs to be rich with stimuli, and you should be prepared to put together a varied and interesting diet for the goats to keep them out of trouble. Like other livestock kept as pets, you may experience difficulties finding someone to care for your goats if you go on a trip, let alone tracking down a veterinarian to provide routine care, if you live in a non-rural area. In addition, some municipalities consider goats to be livestock, and you may not even legally be allowed to keep goats.

On the other hand, goats are loving, affectionate, loyal animals, and many people deeply enjoy keeping them as pets. For people with more limited space, pygmy goats might be an excellent consideration, as they do not get nearly as large as some goat breeds, such as Swiss Alpines and Nubians. The native intelligent and intensely curious animals are fun to have around, if you are willing to put in the work.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Excercising with your Best Friend

2010-02-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it! Spring is just around the corner. I bet many of you are thinking, it's time to come out of hibernation from the wet winter months and start thinking about exercising. What better way to exercise but with your best canine friend. That's the amazing thing about dogs, they love to do whatever you like to do.

Research tells us exercise is a stress tamer-ditto for hanging out with your pooch. I can list several great things about running with your dog. He or she offers you companionship, encouragement, protection and a smile. You always want to make sure your dog stays right by your side whether you head off to the hills or down city streets. I went to http://www.barleyslist.org/ to find a place to buy a great harness and leash for my dog. The harness securely fits around him and then I attach his leash to a metal ring at the top of the harness. I then attached the leash to my pack that holds my water bottle. As we run down the street, we sure turn heads. People waive, smile and laugh. I am always amazed how smart animals are. It's almost like a Pavlovian response. When my dog hears me in the garage putting on my running shoes, he comes right to the back door and starts winning. He knows it's time to go for a run.

I recently went back to http://www.barleyslist.org/ to see if there were any other types of activities that allowed you to participate with your canine. Low and behold I found Thank Dog! Boot camp in Los Angeles. I encourage all of you to get fit and why not do it with the one you love -your dog. See you next time.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

In Memory of Hopps Feb 14, 95- Jun 1, 09

2010-01-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to every pet owner and pet lover out there! Here we are, the beginning of a new year. As we reflect on the past year, I am sure many of you will remember the good times and the not so good times. Some of us may have adopted a new pet and some of us may have lost a very dear pet. I know for us, 2009 was a sad one. We had to put our 14 1/2 year old Golden Retriever Hopps to sleep in June. His father was Barley. He was such a wonderful dog. As we reflect, we feel so blessed to have had such a dedicated friend. We went on so many wonderful adventures with Hopps. It makes me smile when I think about all the different experiences he was able to encounter over his life journey. Even though it makes me sad that he is no longer with our family, I can sure smile when I think about being blessed with such a great dog for 14 1/2 years.

For some of you who may have received a puppy over the holidays, make sure you visit http://www.barleyslist.org/. You will be sure to find what ever pet products you may need for your new friend.

As pet owners, you and I know how precious our pets are. It is up to us as responsible, loving pet owners to take care of our animals. Thank you for visiting BarleysList.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

2009-11-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

Well can you believe it? Thanksgiving has come and gone and now Christmas is right around the corner. I think this is the perfect time to talk about keeping our pets warm and comfortable during the winter months. It's amazing how quickly the weather can change. I was walking Murphy and Lucy the other morning and could not believe how cold it was. It just seems like yesterday when I could take off for our morning jog in running shorts and a tank top. Now, it's time for sweats, a beanie and gloves.

I know that everyone who reads this blog may be living in various places around the world. Therefore, the temperature varies greatly. As pet owners, it is important to keep our pets in mind when it comes to protection against weather elements. Because we are heading into winter, we must think about the environment in which your pets live. If your dog is strictly an outside pet, you have to make sure he or she has a shelter to protect him from the cold weather. Because Lucy and Murphy spend most of their day outdoors, we went ahead and built them a wonderful cozy bed that they can lay in that sits under an overhang. This way, if it rains during the day, they can sit on their beds and stay totally dry. While I am at work, it buys me piece of mind knowing that they are nice and dry.

If you are in need of bedding, visit PetSmart, Petco or any of the pet shops listed on BarleysList to find pet bedding and other supplies. BarleysList also offers businesses that feature portable pet shelters, fencing etc., for creating living quarters for your pet.

As pet owners, you and I know how precious our pets are. It is up to us as responsible, loving pet owners to take care of our animals. Thank you for visiting BarleysList.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use!

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Animal Safety

2009-10-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

As a responsible pet owner, I believe it is important to talk about pet safety while traveling. OK, we all know how important it is to wear a seat belt while driving. It is actually the law. It has become an automatic response when we jump into our car to automatically click our self in our seat. Well, what about our pets? They are precious cargo. How come so many people zoom down the roads with their dogs clutching to their seats without restraint. I have seen so many dogs holding on by their paws in the back of trucks without restraints as they squeal around corners. It is so hard to see. What if you have to slam on your brakes. Where is that dog going to go?! Whenever we travel with our pets, we place a harness on them. It's like a four point restraint. You can buy them at any pet store such as Petco, Petsmart, Pet Club. Murphy loves it when I place his harness on because he knows "I am going for a ride". He sits patiently while I place it on his back. Once he jumps in the car, its just a matter of clicking him in. As I drive down the road, I am rest assured that we are all taking pet safety into account.

I have included a couple photos to show you how simple it is to secure your pet in your car. The dogs love the fact that they can stick their nose into the fresh air as we sail down the road. I love the fact that they can safely enjoy the ride without worrying that they could accidentally fall out. The only thing they have to worry about is my driving "Just Kidding"! Take a few extra minutes to ensure your pets will be safe before you take your next outing. Remember - they are precious cargo.

You can find our detailed trips at http://www.BarleysList.org/Adventures.php or from the home page select Click Here For Our August Adventure". See you there!

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

So Who Says Cats Can't Camp

2009-09-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

I love my pets. I think that most people who know us personally also know this fact. I do not like to leave them behind no matter where we go. And yes, we take the cat camping with us. When it is time to leave on our trip, I place his carrier next to his litter box and then I place him into his litter box. He sees the carrier and understands what he needs to do. After he relieves himself he exits his box and walks right into his carrier. So this picture is looking into the window of our pop-up trailer. Clif Richard loves to be near us and as I was sitting next to the roaring campfire, he strolled along the window to the bed where he then curled himself up and rested.

So can you see how stressed Mr. Clif Richard is here. Yep, he just loves camping with the pack. Yes, pets love camping. At night the dogs come in also and they all lay together on the floor. They each have their own blanket. I really love camping with the pets.

You can find our detailed trips at http://www.BarleysList.org/Adventures.php or from the home page select Click Here For Our August Adventure". See you there!

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

We're Back!!

2009-08-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Well what an adventure. We are back! Where do we start. Memories, memories, memories. We thought it would be best to share segments with you to give you an idea of the beautiful places we visited. The dogs are asking us when are we going on our next trip? Horseback riding, camping with your pet, pet friendly luxury spa- these are just a few hints of what pet friendly adventures we discovered. Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mineral Hot Springs, Cedarville, Plumas National Forrest, Sorrenson's Resort -WOW WOW WOW.

So sit back and enjoy the next few weeks as we prepare each stop of the way. You can find our detailed trips at http://www.BarleysList.org/Adventures.php or from the home page select Click Here For Our August Adventure". See you there!

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

2009-07-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

How To Make Dog Treats-

So what are these you may ask? Well, they are dog cookies. They are very easy to make and the pups go crazy for them. I found these great cookie cutter shapes at the local hardware store. Making them when the weather is cool outside is even better because the oven warms the house. And the smell of the cookies creates a Pavlovian response. Any ways, here is my favorite Dog Treat Recipe

INGREDIENTS :
1 1/4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup beef broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup powdered milk

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, stir together the cheese, oil, beef broth and garlic. Combine the whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, cornmeal and powdered milk; stir into the cheese mixture until well blended. You may need to use your hand to properly blend the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Use a bone shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet 1 1/2 inches apart.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the treats are firm and the bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

2009-05-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well, who are we you ask. Well last blog I talked about Clif Richard our Kitty. Today I would like to introduce you to Lucy. She is our 1 year old girl. She is a lightening bolt waiting to strike. I am amazed at her dexterity and speed.

Everyday after work we spend about 30 minutes of dog training together. Her favorite is fetch. I am teaching her that when I say the word ball, she goes and picks the ball from her toys and drops it at my feet. I then toss it directly at her and she usually can catch it. I guess I enjoy this too. I look forward to this time with her.

Lucy is a very kind and gentle soul. She is going to begin training for the Delta Society. I think she will be great at this.
Thank you for visiting my blog.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use. BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Gastrointestinal Obstruction in Pets

2009-04-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Due to Clif Richard, our beautiful kitty whom was featured last blog, we are featuring a special blog on the diagnoses of Gastrointestinal Obstruction which he suffered from the past few weeks- read the April Adventure for more information

Clinical Findings:
Clinical signs of small-intestinal obstruction may include lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, fever or subnormal body temperature, dehydration, and shock. Gaseous bowel distention develops within the initial 12-35 hr after obstruction and is followed by the loss of fluid into the intestinal lumen. Without treatment, death due to hypovolemia ensues within 3-4 days.

Upper or duodenal obstruction tends to present as frequent vomiting. In general, the closer the obstruction to the pylorus, the more severe the vomiting. Obstruction of the lower small intestine (eg, distal jejunum and ileum) is infrequently associated with vomiting. Lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and ultimate starvation in untreated dogs lead to death within 3 wk or longer.

Diagnosis:
A careful history including information about the animal’s eating habits is important. Many animals with a history of dietary indiscretion continue that practice even after having experienced discomfort in the past. Access to string or sewing needles or missing objects (eg, toys) may be important historical facts. Examination of the oral cavity and, in cats, the base of the tongue is vital. Linear foreign bodies most often lodge at the base of the tongue in cats and at the level of the pylorus in dogs. Careful abdominal palpation examining for evidence of pain (ruptured bowel, peritonitis), organomegaly, thickened bowel loops (intussusception), and tympany (dilatation-volvulus), and a rectal examination for evidence of dietary indiscretion or blood (suggestive of strangulation) are important components of the physical examination.

Plain abdominal radiographs may demonstrate the presence of foreign objects, masses, obstruction, or abdominal fluid. Barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres are capsules containing radiopaque plastic spheres. They are being used for the diagnosis of GI obstruction and motility disorders in dogs and cats. Flexible endoscopic examination is useful in the identification of foreign objects, mass lesions, and ileocolic intussusception.

Treatment:
If an obstructive lesion is documented and it cannot be resolved via endoscopy (eg, removal of a foreign object), the animal should be stabilized and an exploratory laparotomy performed. Similarly, animals with acute abdominal signs of unknown etiology, and those that continue to deteriorate clinically, should also have an exploratory laparotomy.

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/23308.htm

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use. BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

I Love My Cat!

2009-03-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is Clif Richard. He is our cat. We found him at the San Francisco SPCA. Or should I say he found us. I can not imagine my life without him. He is now approaching 3 years young. He loves to be picked up and carried around the house when I come home. And I look forward to it.

Clif loves to travel. I know this is unusual for most cats, but I think if you get them used to it when they are young then they don't know any different. When we travel, which is often, I simply put his carrier next to his litter box. When he sees this he goes into the litter box and empties himself then proudly walks into his carrier. While we drive, not even one "Meow". When we get to our destination, sometimes five hours have passed, I bring him into our pet friendly motel or pet friendly cabin and let him go.

Traveling with a cat has always been pleasurable for us, and if you can I would recommend it. I can't imagine traveling without my best friends. He also loves the dogs very much, who also accompany us, and usually lays with them at night. He also truly believes they are inferior to him! I guess that is not unusual though. And no one complains.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Pet Friendly Businesses- To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

The Blessing of Animals

2009-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

As pet lovers, we all need to remember how important it is to make sure our pets are blessed.

The Canticle of
Brother Sun
by Saint Francis of Assisi
Verse Translation

All creatures of our God and King.
Lift up your voice with us sing
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam.
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along.
O praise him, alleluia!

Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of heaven find a voice,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light,
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, alleluia.
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and him cast your care.
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, Alleluia!

To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.barleyslist.org/ and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use.BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Second Newletter!

2009-02-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

We have had an overwhelming response to our site and what to thank all of you who have updated your pet business information. We have begun marketing our site and I am certain you will receive positive feedback from those who use our site to find your business. If you have not updated your site I am gently encouraging you to do so. We strive for accurate pet business information. This site is for pet related businesses only.

This site is free to all users, and free to all pet related businesses to post their information. You can find or be found. You are receiving this e-mail because you are on this list. We currently have approximately 250,000 businesses listed in our database. This list will not be used for marketing or solicitation. Guaranteed.

To edit and/or update your information follow the link to that page: http://www.BarleysList.org and Select Add/ Edit your business.

If you're looking for pet supplies, pet stores, pet friendly hotels or dog friendly restaurants, specialty veterinarians, animal rescue, pet adoption, pet sitters and pet sitting, pet services, pet friendly services, dog parks and cat friendly bed and breakfast inns, etc- for all types of pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, rabbits, sheep and goat, farm animals, small pets and pocket pets, etc- visit our site. It has all the free pet information and pet links you will ever need for your pet. And is totally free for anyone to use.

BarleysList.org is Where People Go For Pet Info

Goldfish Make Wonderful Pets

2009-02-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

I have a pet fish named Physh. He is about 16 years old. He was at a carnival when we first met. My brother-in-law tossed a ping pong ball into his jar and from that point on, it was just him and I. OK, it was him and I and my dog and my cat. It was us.

Nonetheless, through the many years, we have survived. He now has two parents, three dogs and one cat. I have bought him tank mates through the years and they have come and gone, but Physh has a thrive of life. He will come to the front of the tank when I come home and he will dance around when I shake his treat jar. What a ham!

I am not certain of how long I will be blessed with this beautiful fish, but the time has been wonderful. His scales have recently turned to grey, and his right eye looks like it may be weaker. He is still a very happy fish and I love him.

Remember, BarleysList.org Where People Go For Pet Info

All About the Dogs

2009-01-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

I do again want to thank everyone for their continual support. I believe this is really taking off. But why shouldn't it. It's free pet information for the user and a place for pet related businesses to post their information so we can find them. It is also unbiased. Everyone can be here, not just paid advertisements! Also all reviews are inspected by me personally to verify the validity. As well as each new pet related business. But I still need everyone's help to look for inconsistencies and please report them.

But on to the subject of the matter- All about the dogs! Why do we love dogs so much.

I guess this says it best:

If I Didn't Have a Dog

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety. My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated. All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free Of hair. When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading Through fuzzy bodies who beat me there. I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without Taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable. I would have money ....and no guilt to go on a real vacation. I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grand kids through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE. My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates Or barriers. My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere. My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E- E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E, G-O, R-I-D-E I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside. I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat ties them down too much. I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading "mud" season.

I would not have to answer the question "Why do you have so many animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get. How EMPTY my life would be!

Thank You Everyone For The Great Response

2009-01-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I made my first blog several days ago and WOW, what an amazing response! Thank you everyone for your updates and lets keep them coming. Also, please enter as much info as you can when reporting an incorrect business information.

As I know many of you are excited to have such a large database of pet info at your finger tips. We currently have 250,000 businesses listed! This database grows each and every day. From Dog info, including dog friendly restaurants to dog parks to horse info, including horse trails and feed stores.

I will keep you posted as we continue as a pet family to bond together and list every pet related business for every type of pet. This is free pet info for all. Enjoy

Pet Info

2009-01-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

This is my first Blog. I mean not only the first one I am writing for Barleys List, but the first time I have ever used a blog of any sort! I think I am some what web savvy, so hopefully this will be easy for anyone or everyone to use.

So why the blog? Well, I have started a web site of convenience for myself and anyone else who wants to use it. I am tired of looking for pet services or pet information and only finding paid advertisements. I would like a neutral list of every business out there. And I would like to know who has used them and their credentials. I have 3 dogs, 1 cat and a goldfish.

So I would like anyone out there who loves their pets to join in and use this site and please review any businesses you've used. If you are a business, then please update your information for us.