I wouldn’t have thought so, with the cramped conditions, but from what I’ve read, there were dogs and some other livestock on the Mayflower.

There are no reports that the Pilgrims brought any large livestock animals with them on the Mayflower.  But at least two dogs are known to have participated in the settling of Plymouth. In fact, the only animals known with certainty to have come on the Mayflower an English mastiff and an English springer spaniel, who are mentioned on a couple of occasions in the Pilgrims’ journals. 

Edward Winslow writes that a female mastiff and a small springer spaniel came ashore on the first explorations of what is now Provincetown. There may have been other animals on the Mayflower, but only these two dogs had been specifically mentioned.

Although not specifically mentioned, it seems likely that they had with them some chickens, because chicken broth was given by Mayflowerpassenger Edward Winslow to the Wampanoag sachem Massasoit when he was sick in early 1622; and it is also likely they brought some pigs, and perhaps even a few goats.  In 1623, Emmanual Altham visited Plymouth and reported there were six goats, fifty pigs, and many chickens.

I hope you have a safe and happy holiday with your family/pets, and friends… Happy Thanksgiving to All!

November 12th, 2011  -  Atlanta, GA

It’s not something that anyone likes to think about… It brings tears to my eyes to think about Madison or Baxter getting lost. I never let them out of my sight whether they or on the leash of off running at the dog park. It breaks my heart when I am walking around the neighborhood with my dogs and I see LOST CAT or DOG  flyers. I always wonder how they got away from their owners, did they run, did someone take them, and if they are ever found? What have you done to ensure that you could locate your dog or cat if they got lost or stolen?

Thousands of dogs are stolen each year, to prevent the theft of a dog it should be kept secure at all times. Dogs should never be left unattended such as left tied up outside a shop, left alone in an unsecured back yard while you are away, left in an unattended car and dogs should not be allowed to run out of sight on walks or allowed to stray.

A tiny piece of technology called Microchipping ensures that the dog or cat is identifiable and helps in the return to its family. Microchipping involves having a rice-sized computer chip injected into the skin in the neck by a vet, and when scanned the identification appears on the scanner and can be matched with the record on a national PetLog database  allowing the owner to be traced and the pet returned.

Inserting the chip usually causes no more discomfort than a regular vaccination. However, since the needle does have a wider diameter, some pet owners choose to have the chip inserted while under anesthesia during procedures such as spays/neuters or dental cleanings.

Although a collar and identification tag with address and phone number are easily removed, some vets recommend stating on the tag that the dog is microchipped, and this may act as a deterrent and valuable information to someone hoping to return a pet to it’s rightful owners.

Be aware that if you move you need to contact the microship company to update your new contact information.

I hope you never have to post a picture of your missing pet. It’s a good idea to keep recent pictures of your pet just in case. Here’s a picture of Madison’s halloween costume.

If I could take my dogs everywhere, I surely would, but it’s not that simple.  I’ve stressed over how long I leave my dogs alone at home. Do they have a sense of time, how long are they waiting at the door for me? I’ve counted the hours, and scheduled my time to make sure I got home to let them out or just be riddled with guilt. I’ve used pet sitters in the past when I didn’t have the luxury of checking in at lunch time every day or now working from home. As pet owners, we try to do everything we can to make sure they are safe and happy.  So if you choose to use a pet sitter,  how do you know that you are asking the right person to take care of your furry loved one?

I’ve had to board my pets in the past but really didn’t like to. Once I started using a pet sitter, and knew they were being properly cared for in my home, both my dogs and I were happier. Finding the right pet sitter is important.  Here are some tips to help you make the right decisions when choosing a pet sitter to take care of your fur babies.

Word of Mouth – This the best place to start… getting recommendations from other pet owners that are already using pet sitters helps with the process.  Chances are they can provide valuable insight into who is good and who is not.

Do your Homework – No matter what, do some background checking to ensure they have a reliable pet sitting history.

Choose Professionals – A professional pet sitter should be affiliated with one of the major trade associations that represents their industry, such as NAPPS, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters  or PSI, Pet Sitters International.

Know what your needs are – It is very important to know exactly the type of pet sitter you require.  Most reliable pet sitting companies offer whatever your needs are from daily, overnight, vet visits, grooming… and so much more. Customizing services to fit your needs.

Conduct an interview – It’s important to research and get recommendations, but you should always conduct an interview to ensure he/she is the right match for you and your pet.  In fact, if when researching, if they don’t offer consultations, then go on to the next one. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure that the care for your pet in your absence is comparable to how you care for them.

Choosing the best pet sitter will help both you as the pet parent and the pets to have the safest time away from each other, so make sure to do your homework. I like this tag line from a local pet sitter… “we mind your pets so you have peace of mind”. I think this just about says it all.

What do you think they would buy? I think Madison and Baxter would come back with bones, tennis balls and squeaky toys. No, we aren’t about send our dogs out to do their own shopping, but if you did, what would your dogs buy for themselves?  There a ton of products out there for your pets, picking the right ones can be daunting at times. Here are a few suggestions. Be sure to click the Pets Warehouse add on the right sidebar to see these products.

Dog Beds-There are so many different types of dog beds available, it’s important to provide a dog with a bed that they can consider a place of  their own, and to give a puppy or dog a sense of security.

The bed should allow a little space around the dog once lined with soft bedding.  Old blankets and towels work well for soft bedding and can be removed easily for washing. I’ve found that it pays to spend a little more because the cheap ones just don’t last long enough.

Treats-Treats have a place in a dog’s diet, veterinarians say. Treats are an excellent way to motivate and reward dogs and puppies. Whether you are giving soft treats or chew treats, be aware of the ingredients before giving them to your dog.

With so many commercial dog treats that are loaded with fat and sugar, you have to be aware of the calorie intake before choosing the right ones for your dog. Even a single, high-calorie treat – such as packaged beef, bacon, or cheese snacks can fill as much as one-fourth to one-fifth of a small dog’s daily calorie needs. Certain store-bought treats, such as dried chicken strips, are a better, low-fat choice than some of the heavily processed, high-fat snacks. Too often owners forget to factor treats into a pet’s overall caloric intake. Overweight dogs have a much harder time living to their full potential.

Toys- Dogs benefit from having and playing with toys! If your puppy or dog is busy playing with a toy,  they are most likely not destroying your house or digging up your garden. Toys can help sooth a chewing need and keep them calm while alone. Dog toys give your dog safe items to play and chew on instead of with dangerous household items.

From tug toys to squeaky, to every kind of ball you can imagine, there are toys to be found for every dog.

Dont’ forget to click on the Pets Warehouse add on the sidebar to purchase these and many more products for your pets!

Splish Splash Doggie Bash 2011 - October 1st & 2nd!

httpv://www.youtube.com/ftlop2010#p/u/4/hqUGTlGmwXQ

Humans benefit from music from enjoyment to using it to calm nerves and even reduce heart rates. Research supports that it can also affects dogs. Hundreds of boarding kennels, animal hospitals, rescue shelters, and dog owners, have taken notice, using music to calm animals. So of course, people are making a business out of “pet-friendly” CDs.

Susan Wagner, a veterinary neurologist in Columbia, Ohio, released a book and CD to help calm nerves. She says that from research music with slower tempos and fewer instruments and played at lower volumes seem to work best, because dogs hear at much higher frequencies than people do. “The music must be non-threatening,” Wagner said. “The music has to be specifically designed for passive hearing for it to work.”

Her book and CD, called “Through a Dog’s Ear,” features San Francisco-based music producer and sound researcher Joshua Leeds and Lisa Spector, a concert pianist. It combines the latest music therapy research with anecdotes by dog owners. Wagner said she hopes dog owners will get a sense how dogs respond differently from humans to the noisy atmosphere in many homes. Dogs may react to blaring TVs, ringing phones, and car alarms as if they are threats, Wagner said, causing some to become overwhelmed.

In Manhattan, the shelter run by the ASPCA has been playing music intermittently throughout the day for about six years, said Gail Buchwald, the center’s senior vice president.

Buchwald, however, doesn’t see it as a “miracle therapy” but as part of a general enrichment regimen that includes regular outdoor walks, toys, and fresh bedding. “We do it because the animals seem to enjoy it,” she said, “but I wouldn’t expect it to perform any miracles on its own.”

This may sound a little crazy to some people, but to others it’s no surprise at all… I either leave the tv or music on every time I leave Madison and Baxter. I have no way of actually knowing if helps them or not, but it make me feel better knowing they aren’t sitting there waiting for me in silence.

How about you, what do you do when you leave the house?

Actress and animal lover  Betty White, will grace the stage of the Beverly Hilton at the inaugural American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ presented by CESAR® Canine Cuisine on October 1, 2011 in Los Angeles. The Hero Dog Awards, produced by Emmy® award winning MRB Productions, are a celebration of the powerful relationship between dogs and people and will be broadcast on Hallmark Channel on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2011.

“I just love dogs and all they do for people,” said Betty. “When I learned that the American Humane Association was honoring Hero Dogs and that I could share the stage with Roselle, the guide dog who led her blind master down 1,463 stairs to survival just before the World Trade Center collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001, as part of a special ten year tribute, I just knew I had to be part of this incredible celebration. I am so happy to be a presenter for the first ever American Hero Dog Awards.”

According to Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., President and CEO of American Humane Association, “It may be Hot in Cleveland this summer but we think it’s going to be even ‘Hotter in Hollywood’ as animal champion and American icon Betty White is welcomed on our stage to honor and celebrate America’s most famous dogs – including RIN TIN TIN – at the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™. Betty will be joining star of It’s Me or the Dog , Victoria Stilwell, as a presenter and our dear friend Whoopi Goldberg as a celebrity judge for the Hero Dog Awards.”

“Golden Girls has been an immensely popular mainstay on Hallmark Channel for three years now,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. “With her love of animals and our audience’s clear love for her, Ms. White is a perfect fit for Hero Dog Awards and I am so pleased that she is on board.”

American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards™ have nominated dogs in eight categories: Law Enforcement and Arson Dogs; Service Dogs; Therapy Dogs; Military Dogs; Guide Dogs; Search and Rescue Dogs; Hearing Dogs; and Emerging Hero Dogs to honor “ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things.  Finalists in each category will be judged by a blue-ribbon panel consisting of both celebrities and animal experts, to determine the winning American Hero Dog. The winner will be announced at the first-ever American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ celebrity gala, presented by CESAR® Canine Cuisine, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on Oct. 1, 2011.

I’m looking forward to watching this, how about you?

I’ve spent a lot of time at the beach this summer without my dogs, and I’ve really missed them. It’s made me want to find some pet friendly beaches.

I remember a time when I was young where we took our poodle “Maylove” with us to Jekyll Island, we had a lot of fun with her running in and out of the waves. I did some research and am now planning a trip in October where Madison and Baxter can tag along. I’m considering Jekyll Island or Flagler Beach just outside of Amelia Island. I will be sure to post pictures from the trip!

What beach have you taken your pups to, what’s your favorite?

Below is a list of some beaches that do or don’t allow dogs in GA, FL, NC & SC, click here  for a more complete list.

GEORGIA

Jekyll Island – Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beaches year round.

St. Simons Island – Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach north of First Street and west of Mallory Street. From Memorial Day through Labor Day dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Tybee Island- Dogs are not allowed on the beaches anywhere on Tybee Island. Violators are subject to a $290 fine on the first offense – City of Tybee.

FLORIDA

Amelia Island – Dogs are allowed on the beach, but within the Fernandina Beach city limits, all dogs on the beach must be on a leash.

Flagler City Beach - Dogs on a leash are permitted on all beaches in unincorporated Flagler County, including the Hammock area.

Fort Lauderdale: Canine Beach -Dogs must be on a leash when not in the water and are only allowed Fridays through Sundays from 3-7 p.m. during the winter and 5-9 p.m. in summer. A permit is required to use Canine Beach.

Fort Pierce: Walton Rocks Beach – St. Lucie County’s is dog-friendly year round and dogs can be leashed or off-leash.

Jacksonville Beach - Dogs on a leash no longer than 8 feet are only allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Pets must have a current rabies tag.

NORTH CAROLINA

Town of Atlantic Beach - Dogs are permitted on the beach strand and must be on a leash at all times, except dogs are not allowed in lifeguard protected areas beyond 20 feet from the water’s edge.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beaches in established off-road vehicle use areas, but are not permitted on designated swimming beaches or in buildings.

Town of Nags Head - Dogs on a leash no longer than 10 feet are allowed on the beach year round.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Charleston: James Island County Park - The James Island County Park has a large area and dogs can swim.

Folly Beach - Year round leash law in effect on the beach. Dogs are very welcome on Folly Beach but must be kept on a leash at all times. From May 1st through September 30th, dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Pawleys Island - Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

The ASPCA wrote about Rayne Nolte who was in the parking lot of a Mankato, Minnesota, mall when she spotted Roxie, a Yorkie mix, trapped in a car. The temperature was 88 degrees with a heat index of 103, and Roxie’s owner was nowhere in sight. Rayne called mall security, who dialed 911. When the police pulled Roxie from the steamy vehicle, she was very ill but soon on the road to recovery. Rayne rescued Roxie just in time, and she made a full recovery! And according to the Mankato Free Press, the pet-sitter who left Roxie in the car was charged with a petty misdemeanor.

I had a similar experience in Florida last week. We were asked at a restaurant if we drove a car with Tennessee plates.” I said no, and asked why?” They said that there was a puppy in a crate in a car with the windows cracked and it had been there for over an hour. The restaurant had called the sheriff, but they had not arrived yet.

I went into panic mode, what could we do to help this puppy? The owners of the car were nowhere to be found. When I actually saw the puppy my heart sank, it was a very young dachshund puppy. It had barked so much that it was horse. I didn’t know what to do, my mind was racing, if I break the window could I be charged with a crime? Then I thought to check the doors… the car wasn’t locked. I pulled on the handle the alarm went off for just a second. As I grabbed the crate, I saw the sheriff pulling up, I waved him over as I placed the crate outside the car. I was really feeling good about what I did, until the office walked up to me. He began screaming at me, saying “What were you thinking?” You have committed a crime that could result in a fine and/or jail time. I told him I was so concerned about the safety of the dog, that maybe I wasn’t thinking clearly, I just wanted to save the dog. He looked down at the dog and said “THE DOG IS FINE!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing… he was more concerned about what I did than the health of the dog or finding the owners. What an idiot, he probably has a dog chained in his back yard. He ran my drivers license while calling the restaurant next door for them to find the owners of the car. When the owners walked across the parking lot, my blood began to boil, I was in attack mode! When the sheriff saw my face he told me to not say a word and go inside the restaurant and he would deal with me later. “OMG, I’m going to jail because I tried to save a suffering dog?” I was so confused, isn’t it a punishable crime to put a dog in harms way? Luckily the owners did not want to press charges and I was free to go. Will I think twice about doing it again? Hell no! I will always do what whatever it takes to help animals. Oh, by the way, they weren’t charged with anything… if the dog makes it, they will probably do it again.

Why it is against the law to leave a dog in a car in ONLY14 states is a mystery to me! How can people be so stupid!

You may have found yourself in the same situation before. Many people believe that cracking a window is enough to keep their dogs cool in the car—but they couldn’t be more wrong. Click here to see what steps the ASPCA has to share if you are ever put into this situation.

I think Rayne in Mankato did the right thing… How would you have handled this situation?