Pets And Animals http://www.akgmag.com/ Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:00:02 -0600 By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Native American folklore says that the Great Spirit felt the people on Earth needed a gift, so he gave them a special dog who is spiritual in heart. The special thing about the dog is that it was made without ego, a true God-given gift to mankind. What was also special about this dog was that it was sent as a teacher to humanity, made so humans would be unaware of this particular aspect. As an angelic... http://www.akgmag.com/article/Gift_of_the_Great_Spirit_to_Man_the_Dog.htm Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:48:40 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Gift_of_the_Great_Spirit_to_Man_the_Dog.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. On December 5, 2011, Cumberland County Animal Control Board in North Carolina presented a proposal that would automatically register all bully breeds under a new breed ban. Dogs like Akitas, Huskies, Mastiffs, Pitbulls, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Rottweiler and Dobermans will be held at local shelters for only 72 hours. After this, they are killed….if not sooner. The dogs will never... http://www.akgmag.com/article/North_Carolinas_New_Breed_Ban_for_Dog_Control.htm Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:55:44 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/North_Carolinas_New_Breed_Ban_for_Dog_Control.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. A two-day benched confirmation show, with qualified judges of New York's Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden annually evaluating individual purebred breeds of dogs on how well that dog conforms to their breed standards, is going on right now in New York (February 15-16, 2010). http://www.akgmag.com/article/New_Breeds_of_Dogs_at_the_Westminster.htm Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/New_Breeds_of_Dogs_at_the_Westminster.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. The 10th annual toy of 2009 is the Zhu Zhu pet, the top product of the year. Originated by a small company – Cepia LLC - with only 16 employees, this little plush and fuzzy battery-operated mini-hamster with a smart chip for artificial intelligence lists for approximately $10 and has won the hearts of most children. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Love_of_the_Lovable_Zhu_Zhu_Hamster_Pet.htm Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Love_of_the_Lovable_Zhu_Zhu_Hamster_Pet.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Located in the Arabian Peninsula is Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and its second largest city. But it also is known as the end location of the Bedouin caravans, taking part in the 2010 Beauty Pageant for Camels with a total of 28,000 camel contestants by 1,200 owners. http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_3rd_Annual_Al_Dhafra_Festival_for_Camels.htm Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_3rd_Annual_Al_Dhafra_Festival_for_Camels.htm By Kathy Harlin. Getting a pet can be a stressful experience, for both the humans and the animals. We learned first hand how creative a dog can be to escape, especially when it has a history of abuse and scared in its new surroundings. http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Great_Sandini.htm Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Great_Sandini.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. During non-breeding seasons, the southern elephant seals can be found throughout the southern oceans. But once the breeding season begins, the population will split into three divisions north of Antarctic's pack ice—South Georgia, Macquarie Island, and Kerguelen Island. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Migratory_Routes_of_the_Southern_Elephant_Seals.htm Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Migratory_Routes_of_the_Southern_Elephant_Seals.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. The southern elephant seal is considered one of the two species of elephant seals—the northern elephant seal and the southern elephant seal. Considered the largest member of the Carnivora order to have ever lived, its name is derived from its huge size and the male's large inflatable elephant-like proboscis on its nose—capable of making extremely loud roaring noises during their mating seasons. http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Fascinating_Southern_Elephant_Seal.htm Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Fascinating_Southern_Elephant_Seal.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Even though they spend most of their time at sea, the southern elephant seals are observed when they come ashore for many reasons—mating, giving birth, or molting. But when they are at the Troll Research Station in Antarctica, they are doing a job that would normally cost scientists millions of dollars in research equipment as compared to the seals being equipped with instruments and going for long-distance swims, while innocently diving 1,000-feet depths looking for squid. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Elephant_Seals_and_Climate_Change.htm Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Elephant_Seals_and_Climate_Change.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. A dog race that spans the width of Alaska, the annual March Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is one of the longest and most grueling dog races in the world, with this year consisting of 1,100-miles of arctic blizzard conditions. And presently, it looks as if Lance Mackey is going to win the 2009 Iditarod, after winning the 2007-2008 Iditarod race and the one in 1978. http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Excitement_of_the_Iditarod_Dog_Race.htm Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Excitement_of_the_Iditarod_Dog_Race.htm By Lynda Forman. Your pet may not get to go on vacation with you, but they deserve special treatment when you're away. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Can_You_Leave_Your_Pets_Home_Alone_.htm Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Can_You_Leave_Your_Pets_Home_Alone_.htm By Lynda Forman. Cats may bathe themselves, but some cats have difficulties keeping up with their long fur. Here's how to help a cat with cleanliness issues. http://www.akgmag.com/article/When_Your_Cat_Won_t_Clean_Their_Fur_.htm Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/When_Your_Cat_Won_t_Clean_Their_Fur_.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Referred to as the K9 dog, similar to the term "canine", today the police dog has reached such a high status in the United States that the intentional killing or injury of a police dog is considered a felony, with harsher penalties than in local animal cruelty laws. Also, a police dog that is killed in a line of duty is given a funeral as if it were a human officer. Most officers who have been with their K9 police dogs feel this is a member of their family and develop strong ties to them. http://www.akgmag.com/article/About_the_Police_Dog.htm Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/About_the_Police_Dog.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. At one time dogs were considered the beast of burden for mankind, turning spits and pulling carts for transportation. Today many breeds are considered work animals: herding cattle and sheep; working for the police and military; and helping those with disabilities. Meanwhile, on a daily basis we become more and more aware of dogs that are being mistreated and neglected due to the internet and television, allowing us to see what is going on throughout the country. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Dogs___Beast_of_Burden.htm Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Dogs___Beast_of_Burden.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Because of medical advances and healthy nutrition, dogs and pets are living longer lives now than even before. Yet when it is time to have them put to sleep due to old age, illness or injury, it is always a difficult personal decision. Some wish for their dogs not to suffer and have them put to sleep before they suffer too much. Others cannot make that decision and allow them to die naturally. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Having_to_Euthanize_the_Family_Pet.htm Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Having_to_Euthanize_the_Family_Pet.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. At one time all of these dogs were cute little puppies, with the world ahead of them full of dreams and fun experiences. Unfortunately, many of our rescues have met uncaring owners or ended up in breeder kennels with many becoming part of the 'circus of home to home to the streets. All puppies are easily loved and played with, but only good owners can train and love a dog throughout its life until the dog's end. A commitment to a dog should be as one to a child, working out problems and lessons on a day by day basis with love and caring instead of giving up due to difficulty. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Knowing_the_Elderly_Dog.htm Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Knowing_the_Elderly_Dog.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. In 1824, organized dog welfare began in Britain, when the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was developed. This Royal organization is still in existence today, finding its way to the United States by 1866. An animal lover by the name of Henry Bergh decided to dedicate his entire life to the interests of what were considered "dumb animals" due to the harsh treatment and life of the carriage horses in New York City. http://www.akgmag.com/article/History_of_the_US_Animal_Rescue_Organizations.htm Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/History_of_the_US_Animal_Rescue_Organizations.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. In the United States an exodus is going on at the present time due to loss of homes, loss of jobs, and loss of savings/retirement monies--a dog and animal exodus (except without the Red Sea being involved) which involves shelters and dog pounds. This is an unfortunate time when dog breeders and private owners are finding themselves in a position of not being able to care for their dogs. http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Exodus_of_Abandoned_and_Dropped_Off_Dogs.htm Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Exodus_of_Abandoned_and_Dropped_Off_Dogs.htm By Lynda Forman. Your cat is your best friend, so when health issues come up, you might need to take them for additional care. Here's how to determine if a trip to the vet is necessary. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Do_You_Need_to_Take_Your_Cat_to_the_Vet.htm Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Do_You_Need_to_Take_Your_Cat_to_the_Vet.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Taking care of a pregnant dog first requires recognizing whether or not the dog should have been bred in the first place. And for sure, that is a hard question to answer as anyone with a favorite dog thinks that dog should be shared with the entire world. Little things like a bad background, a grandmother with hip dysplasia, a severe under-bite or over-bite, bad eyesight, or hearing difficulties are paled in comparison to the owner's perfect pet. But, truth be known, a good vet exam should be do http://www.akgmag.com/article/Caring_for_a_Pregnant_Dog.htm Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Caring_for_a_Pregnant_Dog.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Throughout the world, using alternative medicine is becoming more and more popular, yet in the United States it is still a very controversial and less accepted practice. Researching and using any departure from the died-in-the-wool traditional medicine practices will absolutely horrify most people in our country, dating back to the medieval days when any such practice would be considered quackery. It is an accepted fact that homeopathy and naturopathy are widely accepted outside the United State http://www.akgmag.com/article/About_Holistic_Medicine_for_Dogs.htm Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/About_Holistic_Medicine_for_Dogs.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. It is hard to imagine surviving in an ice storm with 75 dogs in a dog rescue; it is even harder to image surviving for 19 consecutive days without power in a state that required $109 million dollars in federal assistance for winter storm recovery efforts. When the storm struck on December 29-30, 2006, over 30,000 utility customers were without electrical power, and we were one of them. The problem was, without electricity we did not have any heat or water, and we lived about half an hour from th http://www.akgmag.com/article/Caring_for_a_Dog_Rescue_in_the_middle_of_Nebraska_s_2006_Ice_Storm.htm Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Caring_for_a_Dog_Rescue_in_the_middle_of_Nebraska_s_2006_Ice_Storm.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Animals have a sixth sense of who likes them and who doesn’t, and their owners are just as aware of the messages their dogs are telling them. When a stranger comes forward to the owner, most dogs can tell if the stranger brings harm or will cause some form of trouble, which may be why a woman or dog lover feels safer if they have a dog with them when a stranger approaches them. Who knows? But for sure it is working according to the latest statistics. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Do_People_Who_Own_Dogs_Have_More_Sex_Appeal_.htm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Do_People_Who_Own_Dogs_Have_More_Sex_Appeal_.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. As the results of data and statistical evidence is slowly gathering, it is being proven that people are turning to their pets more and more for companionship instead of their spouse, their children, or even their siblings. Puppies and dogs are dressed in coats, hats, sunglasses, and given jeweled collars and fur coats while the statistical rates of abused or abandoned children are drastically increasing. If there was ever a time to take a look at society, now would be it. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Liberals_who_prefer_dogs_over_children.htm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Liberals_who_prefer_dogs_over_children.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Most dog insurance information is written by insurance companies with an insurance policy to sell, so obtaining any objective information is difficult at best but the search is definitely on with health and veterinarian prices on-hand equivalent to many of our own health prices. And those dog insurance companies who are listed as the top ten – are they really the top ten – or do they pay to be at the top? As someone who has worked with dogs over 11 years and has been in the rescue business sinc http://www.akgmag.com/article/Dog_Health_Insurance.htm Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Dog_Health_Insurance.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Dogs have unique personalities for sure, but none has crossed my path like Ms. Holly Higgins, a long-haired black and tan female dachshund. Today she is six years old, and the boss of the house and its owners. She runs it like a well-run ship as a captain'ess at arms with her head up and feet in motion at all times. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Ms__Holly_Higgins_and_her_Parrot_Mouth.htm Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Ms__Holly_Higgins_and_her_Parrot_Mouth.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. Probably the last thing I have wanted to do was to start a dog rescue in my old age. In fact, I can guarantee it. But life has a way of doing its own thing when you are not looking, placing you smack dab in the middle of a path "not" of your own choosing. And that was our Rainbow Farm where we ended up with our old ages, instead of breeding our dachshunds and cockers which was where we had intended to be. http://www.akgmag.com/article/A_Rainbow_Farm_Kind_a_Care_Home_for_Dogs.htm Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/A_Rainbow_Farm_Kind_a_Care_Home_for_Dogs.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. How many of us think of elephants getting old and not being able to work anymore—where do the zoos and circuses send their retired and aging elephants when they no longer want them? One such place I have chosen as a donation for the year is The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwalk,Tennessee, where 2,700 acres of hills, watering holes, and country stars offer a home to retiring elephants that have never known such freedom before—located 85 miles southwest of Nashville. Every elephant that arrives soon has a best friend http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Elephant_Sanctuary_in_Tennessee.htm Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/The_Elephant_Sanctuary_in_Tennessee.htm By Lynda Forman. Pets are a great responsibility, so if your child thinks they´re ready for a pet, it might be time to ask yourself some serious questions before making a commitment. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Deciding_if_Your_Child_is_Ready_for_a_Pet.htm Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Deciding_if_Your_Child_is_Ready_for_a_Pet.htm By Lynda Forman. Not all dog breeds are right for all dog owners. Choosing the right breed for you can save you time, money, and stress. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Choosing_the_Dog_Breed_Thats_Right_for_You.htm Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Choosing_the_Dog_Breed_Thats_Right_for_You.htm By Nancy L. Young-Houser. There seems to be a strong attitude among researchers that animal testing, both alive and dead, is considered a vital step toward the translation of lab work for the benefit of society. But what is controversial is whether or not animal research is done humanely to the benefit of the animal, with over 20 personal attacks on institutions like University of California at Berkeley researchers, along with many other institutions. This issue has caused researchers and their families to become targets of terrorism and violence in several states—many are finding suspicions of animal cruelty a reason to warrant physical violence against humans. http://www.akgmag.com/article/Does_Suspicions_of_Animal_Abuse_Warrant_Violence_Against_Humans_.htm Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/Does_Suspicions_of_Animal_Abuse_Warrant_Violence_Against_Humans_.htm By Lynda Forman. Your cat can be your best friend, but when he or she begins to experience abnormal itchiness, it´s time to determine the cause in order to help your cat feel better. http://www.akgmag.com/article/What_to_Do_with_an_Itchy_Cat.htm Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.akgmag.com/article/What_to_Do_with_an_Itchy_Cat.htm