The previous post about snoring dogs sure did bring back some good childhood memories about our pet dogs. I do remember seeing them ‘running’ in their sleep and we always wondered what they were dreaming about.
We loved our dogs a lot and usually they were well-behaved - but not always! Sometimes their behavior was downright naughty and confusing!
I’m thinking of one dog, in particular; he’s name was Benji and he was normally one of our brightest and well-behaved dogs. Except, when one of my brother’s best friends would come over. Then, it seemed as if he turned into a ‘Mr. Hyde’. He would chase my brother’s friend until he had him cornered, then he would bark and bark, until we would have to come and take Benji out of the room.
Hmmm, I wonder what got into Benji? We could never figure that out!
But, I'm glad to see that other people have figured out why dogs misbehave sometimes and what their owners can do about it.
If your interested, you can go to Stop Your Dog’s Behavior Problems now and find out what you can do about your dog’s ‘naughty’ behaviors.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Did you know that dogs can snore?
Dogs have a sleep pattern that is much like ours. Dogs often resign with complete trust on their masters, which make them a bit more relaxed during the night. This explains why most dogs fall to sleep more easily and later on, enter into deep sleeps where REM sleep activities can occur.
In fact, once dogs enter this stage, the owner needs to shake them heavily before they are actually roused from sleep.
For sure, many of us have already witnessed a dog paddling during sleep or at times, barks with eyes close. These dogs are said to be dreaming.
Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs. There are breeds which deliver heavier breathing while there are those who breathes very lightly. The heavy breathers are much prone with snoring than those who do not snore as heavily.
Find out more at this new site Easy Way to Stop Snoring and help your dog and yourself!
In fact, once dogs enter this stage, the owner needs to shake them heavily before they are actually roused from sleep.
For sure, many of us have already witnessed a dog paddling during sleep or at times, barks with eyes close. These dogs are said to be dreaming.
Breathing patterns can also be observed among dogs. There are breeds which deliver heavier breathing while there are those who breathes very lightly. The heavy breathers are much prone with snoring than those who do not snore as heavily.
Find out more at this new site Easy Way to Stop Snoring and help your dog and yourself!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Love your Dog
Easy Dog Care is a step-by-step site that helps you to love,understand, and take care of the needs of your best friend, your dog. It was a big help to me when I "inherited" a "grand-dog" from my son- up until that point, I had only had cats. If you would like to learn how to take care of your dog, Click on this link to be instantly transported there!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Flea and Tick Prevention
I hate FrontLine. FrontLine is a great Product. I mean it both of them. It is just that I really wish it wasn't necessary. I hate the thought of the chemicals. I once bought a cheapie knock off one- before I knew better- and it made my dog so sick! The poor guy was shaking and going to the bathroom he was miserable. It was a weired nervous system attack, he was really sick. I have to say that with FL there is no visible side effects, month after month he tolerates well. I have a phobia about chemicals like that. I imagine he can feel it being absorbed. I worry about everyone petting him and getting it on them. I
Even the Humane society isn't too thrilled with alot of the topical and dermal applications. They caution about the chemicals:
What You Should Know about Flea and Tick Products The Humane Society of the United States
The Chemicals
The ingredients to be wary of are organophosphate insecticides (OPs) and carbamates, both of which are found in various flea and tick products. A product contains an OP if the ingredient list contains chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon, or malathion. If the ingredient list includes carbaryl or propoxur, the product contains a carbamate. According to the NRDC, the potential dangers posed by these products are greatest for children and pets. There is reason to be concerned about long-term, cumulative exposures as well as combined exposures from the use of other products containing OPs and carbamates.
The Products
The NRDC's report lists flea- and tick-control products marketed under the following major brand names that have been found to contain OPs: Alco, Americare, Beaphar, Double Duty, Ford's Freedom Five, Happy Jack, Hartz, Hopkins, Kill-Ko, Protection, Rabon, Riverdale, Sergeant's, Unicorn, Vet-Kem, Victory, and Zema. To protect their pets and children, consumers should consult with a veterinarian before purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) products.
The Effects
According to the NRDC, there are studies that show OPs and carbamates can harm the nervous system. Children can be especially vulnerable because their nervous systems are still developing. For pets, the data is limited, but according to NRDC, many companion animals appear to have been injured or killed through exposure to pet products containing OPs. Cats are particularly vulnerable, since they often lack enzymes for metabolizing or detoxifying OPs and can ingest OPs by licking their fur.
Reducing the Risks
The HSUS recommends the following precautions be taken to reduce the risks to pets and humans during the flea season:
Use alternatives to pesticides to control fleas and ticks: Comb your pet regularly with a flea comb, vacuum frequently and dispose of the bags immediately after use, mow areas of the lawn where your dog spends time, wash pet bedding weekly, and wash your pet with a pesticide-free pet shampoo. In addition, to protect cats from fleas and ticks, as well as a host of other outdoor hazards, cats should be kept indoors at all times.
Always consult a veterinarian before buying or using any flea or tick control product on your pet.
Never use flea and tick products designed for dogs on your cat, or vice versa.
Remember never to apply pesticides to very young, elderly, pregnant, or sick animals unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Always read the ingredients, instructions, and warnings on the package thoroughly.
Avoid OP-based products by looking for any of these active ingredients: chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon and malathion. Avoid products with carbamates by looking for the chemical names carbaryl and propoxur on the label.
Consider using a product with insect-growth regulators (IGRs), which are not pesticides. These will prevent the next generation of fleas but will not kill insects already on your pet. Common and effective IGR products include those made with lufenuron (found in Program® and Sentinel® and available by prescription), methoprene (in Precor®), and pyriproxyfen (in Nylar® and EcoKyl®).
[This is what makes me feel better]
You might want to consider several relatively new topical products, available through veterinarians, that are insecticides designed to have fewer toxic effects on the nervous systems of mammals: imidacloprid (found in Advantage®), fipronil (in Frontline® or Top Spot®), and selamectin (in Revolution™).
The humane society askes that if your pet has a bad reaction you let them know for the records:
Please send your contact information, the product name, a brief description of the health problem, and a brief summary of your veterinarian's findings to The HSUS at the following address:
The Humane Society of the United States
Companion Animals Department: Flea Products
2100 L St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
*The HSUS will not be able to respond to you personally, but will keep this information on file.
Even the Humane society isn't too thrilled with alot of the topical and dermal applications. They caution about the chemicals:
What You Should Know about Flea and Tick Products The Humane Society of the United States
The Chemicals
The ingredients to be wary of are organophosphate insecticides (OPs) and carbamates, both of which are found in various flea and tick products. A product contains an OP if the ingredient list contains chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon, or malathion. If the ingredient list includes carbaryl or propoxur, the product contains a carbamate. According to the NRDC, the potential dangers posed by these products are greatest for children and pets. There is reason to be concerned about long-term, cumulative exposures as well as combined exposures from the use of other products containing OPs and carbamates.
The Products
The NRDC's report lists flea- and tick-control products marketed under the following major brand names that have been found to contain OPs: Alco, Americare, Beaphar, Double Duty, Ford's Freedom Five, Happy Jack, Hartz, Hopkins, Kill-Ko, Protection, Rabon, Riverdale, Sergeant's, Unicorn, Vet-Kem, Victory, and Zema. To protect their pets and children, consumers should consult with a veterinarian before purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) products.
The Effects
According to the NRDC, there are studies that show OPs and carbamates can harm the nervous system. Children can be especially vulnerable because their nervous systems are still developing. For pets, the data is limited, but according to NRDC, many companion animals appear to have been injured or killed through exposure to pet products containing OPs. Cats are particularly vulnerable, since they often lack enzymes for metabolizing or detoxifying OPs and can ingest OPs by licking their fur.
Reducing the Risks
The HSUS recommends the following precautions be taken to reduce the risks to pets and humans during the flea season:
Use alternatives to pesticides to control fleas and ticks: Comb your pet regularly with a flea comb, vacuum frequently and dispose of the bags immediately after use, mow areas of the lawn where your dog spends time, wash pet bedding weekly, and wash your pet with a pesticide-free pet shampoo. In addition, to protect cats from fleas and ticks, as well as a host of other outdoor hazards, cats should be kept indoors at all times.
Always consult a veterinarian before buying or using any flea or tick control product on your pet.
Never use flea and tick products designed for dogs on your cat, or vice versa.
Remember never to apply pesticides to very young, elderly, pregnant, or sick animals unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Always read the ingredients, instructions, and warnings on the package thoroughly.
Avoid OP-based products by looking for any of these active ingredients: chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon and malathion. Avoid products with carbamates by looking for the chemical names carbaryl and propoxur on the label.
Consider using a product with insect-growth regulators (IGRs), which are not pesticides. These will prevent the next generation of fleas but will not kill insects already on your pet. Common and effective IGR products include those made with lufenuron (found in Program® and Sentinel® and available by prescription), methoprene (in Precor®), and pyriproxyfen (in Nylar® and EcoKyl®).
[This is what makes me feel better]
You might want to consider several relatively new topical products, available through veterinarians, that are insecticides designed to have fewer toxic effects on the nervous systems of mammals: imidacloprid (found in Advantage®), fipronil (in Frontline® or Top Spot®), and selamectin (in Revolution™).
The humane society askes that if your pet has a bad reaction you let them know for the records:
Please send your contact information, the product name, a brief description of the health problem, and a brief summary of your veterinarian's findings to The HSUS at the following address:
The Humane Society of the United States
Companion Animals Department: Flea Products
2100 L St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
*The HSUS will not be able to respond to you personally, but will keep this information on file.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Not so Cuddley
My dog might be my best friend, my Turtle is a really cool guy I know. It is a weird thing, a relationship with a reptile. Most animals keep FOOD as their top priority, turtles too. So your real way into their heart is food. Establishing a routine and making edible offerings will win any creature over. When I first got Clyde he would dive under the rocks as soon as I approached his tank. As time went on he wouldn't hide but he would only watch to see what I was doing. Only after I left the vicinity would he start to collect the food I left floating in the water. Then he got a little bolder, He would get excited and come over to the area where I put the food. He would start eating as soon as the first crumb hit the water. That is a rewarding feeling, knowing he is comfortable with me. I thought that this was it- we had reached the height of closeness- Clyde knew me and wanted my food. However, I apparently live with the Turtle Whisperer. I had Clyde for about 2 years when I had to go away for a month. I promised my boyfriend that if he fed the turtle every other day I would come back before a water change was necessary. Even though we live together he never showed any interest in Clyde. (I'm sure a lot of this had to do with the work involved in changing the water). So I go away and come back and find everything in good order. Its hard to tell if a turtle has missed you, but I was confident that we would find each other again. Right away I realized something was up. I reached into his tank to adjust a heater when he swam right up and nipped me. Not hard- it was his proximity that was alarming. Every time I went near the tank He was practically jumping out of the water, begging for food. I couldn't put my fingers near the water or he would make a grab. After a week of this I mentioned it to my boyfriend. He smirked but didn't say anything and he hadn't seen anything odd all week. Two days later I walked into "the turtle room" and saw what was going on. My boyfriend had trained Clyde to eat out of his hand! He was leaning over the pool with a shrimp offered up and here came Clyde for quick grab. In two years it had never occurred to me to try for such familiarity. Frankly I don't think the turtle wanted to go here with me either. I still stink at the game, try as I might, I always flinch when he goes to take the food. Even though he rarely misses and even though his bites don't hurt. I cannot hand feed him without pulling back or dropping the food. I have to hand it to my boyfriend though, that was really the taming of Clyde. After that he lost all fear of humans. I can put him on the floor and he will hang out and walk around even while humans are passing bye. Granted he has no interest in sitting on my lap and he would not like to go for a walk, but there is a real connection in knowing he would eat out of my hand.
Monday, April 30, 2007
3 Things to Think About When Getting A Dog for Kids
Here's a really simple way... to tell if the type of dog
you're considering as a pet is right for your young
children.
- Is the dog you're thinking about a calm dog?
This is key when getting a dog for young children. You need
to get a dog that does not get too hyper or excited around
kids. Choose a dog that is not bothered by a lot of noise
and activity.
My parents chose a Basset Hound to become a member of our
family when I was only six months old. Her name was Pudge
and she was the perfect pet for a young child because she
was not easily ruffled (or moved).
- Is the dog you're thinking about good-natured?
Do some research about the different breeds of dog and
consider getting a dog that is known to get along well with
other people and pets. Is it known to be mild-mannered and
gentle with kids?
For example, the some of the most popular dog breed for
families with children is the Labrador Retriever and the
Golden Retriever because they are playful, yet
mild-mannered. They also enjoy being with people and get
along well with other pets.
- Is the dog you're thinking about a smaller breed of dog?
When you have very young children in the house (under the
age of three) you don't want to have them plowed under by a
larger type of dog. Stick with the smaller breeds and your
children will feel more comfortable around your dog (and you
will too!).
Yes, in our family, this is definitely a big thing to
consider because son was knocked down and pinned to the
ground by a 'friendly' dog - a big, overly enthusiastic dog
when we were visiting some friends. I was considering
getting a Lab for our family, but now my sights are set on
something a bit smaller!
------------------------------------------------------------
If you have younger children in your family and you are
thinking about getting a dog. Be sure to consider getting a
smaller, calm, good-natured dog - one that your family will
love!
Dogs are wonderful pets for children - they can teach your
children so much and give them years of unconditional love.
------------------------------------------------------------
Now that you're thinking about dogs - what's the best way to
prepare your house for a puppy? Find out here!
------------------------------------------------------------
you're considering as a pet is right for your young
children.
- Is the dog you're thinking about a calm dog?
This is key when getting a dog for young children. You need
to get a dog that does not get too hyper or excited around
kids. Choose a dog that is not bothered by a lot of noise
and activity.
My parents chose a Basset Hound to become a member of our
family when I was only six months old. Her name was Pudge
and she was the perfect pet for a young child because she
was not easily ruffled (or moved).
- Is the dog you're thinking about good-natured?
Do some research about the different breeds of dog and
consider getting a dog that is known to get along well with
other people and pets. Is it known to be mild-mannered and
gentle with kids?
For example, the some of the most popular dog breed for
families with children is the Labrador Retriever and the
Golden Retriever because they are playful, yet
mild-mannered. They also enjoy being with people and get
along well with other pets.
- Is the dog you're thinking about a smaller breed of dog?
When you have very young children in the house (under the
age of three) you don't want to have them plowed under by a
larger type of dog. Stick with the smaller breeds and your
children will feel more comfortable around your dog (and you
will too!).
Yes, in our family, this is definitely a big thing to
consider because son was knocked down and pinned to the
ground by a 'friendly' dog - a big, overly enthusiastic dog
when we were visiting some friends. I was considering
getting a Lab for our family, but now my sights are set on
something a bit smaller!
------------------------------------------------------------
If you have younger children in your family and you are
thinking about getting a dog. Be sure to consider getting a
smaller, calm, good-natured dog - one that your family will
love!
Dogs are wonderful pets for children - they can teach your
children so much and give them years of unconditional love.
------------------------------------------------------------
Now that you're thinking about dogs - what's the best way to
prepare your house for a puppy? Find out here!
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
WHY Pet Food Companies, why?
Speaking for myself, I spend a stupid amount of money on my pets. I'm not even over the top, I think. My dog doesn't wear clothes. He wears his nails out walking and doesn't need many clips. I only take him for professional bathes every couple of month. Usually its in the tub or in the driveway. I had my turtle, Clyde, in some body's old pool for 5 years now. I can be a sucker though. I will by Clyde any new aquatic turtle food that comes out. His very existence guilt's me and I love to see him smile. He never likes anything new though. Admiral the Foxhound only gets a holistic dog food. There are only two flavors and two brands he can have. I know I am mild compared to other people, so that means that people in general, are willing to spend a lot.
That being said, why do the pet food company have to mess with the ingredients so badly? I will go to the store and get the boys some fresh fish or red meat. It is my belief that the reason we don't just feed scraps is because these "companies" are supposed to be helping us deliver the best nutrients and vitamins to our beloved pets. I thought they had "specially formulated diets" designed with the animals best interest at heart. Why don't they just make good quality product and charge us the deserved cost? Why do they have to pump the stuff full of fillers and dyes and meats that aren't in the description? There is supposed to be some level of convenience in these products that make them beneficial to us. Is disheartening to see all these "natural" and "health" brands go down too. Even when your paying for quality and even when promises have been made there is no guarantee that you getting a decent product.
That being said, why do the pet food company have to mess with the ingredients so badly? I will go to the store and get the boys some fresh fish or red meat. It is my belief that the reason we don't just feed scraps is because these "companies" are supposed to be helping us deliver the best nutrients and vitamins to our beloved pets. I thought they had "specially formulated diets" designed with the animals best interest at heart. Why don't they just make good quality product and charge us the deserved cost? Why do they have to pump the stuff full of fillers and dyes and meats that aren't in the description? There is supposed to be some level of convenience in these products that make them beneficial to us. Is disheartening to see all these "natural" and "health" brands go down too. Even when your paying for quality and even when promises have been made there is no guarantee that you getting a decent product.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Dinners Ready. The Pet Food Recall Issue.
Ever Since we brought Admiral home we don't need need a clock in the kitchen anymore- at least not to know its 6:00p.m. He has an uncanny ability to know when it is dinner time. He likes to eat promptly at 6. At 5:55 he begins pacing and trying to convince someone to go into the kitchen, by 6:10 he is beside himself. He does that thing where he almost grabs your arm with his mouth and almost drags you to his bowl. By 6:15 he is usually ready to move. This is the witching hour, if Admiral is going to speak, it is now. For a Foxhound he is usually very quiet; when he make the transformation into Kitchen Hound he is not. If we remain on schedule and do what he wants we can go weeks without a peep. However come 6:30 without dinner and he will begin to bay. From somewhere deep inside his barrel chest he release the dinner call. He howls until he gets fed. Needless to say having a firetruck in your living room will get you off the couch and into the kitchen.
We were not too effected by the pet food recall. Admiral is an allergy case and so for that reason his diet is pretty simple. He doesn't tolerate chicken, lamb or venison too well. I only feed him organic brands that promise "human grade ingredients." Our favorite brand is "Wellness by Old Mother Hubbard." He can only eat the fish and potato recipes (Blue Cans). "Eagle " makes a good Tuna & Salmon too. I occasionally sneak him some Beef and Buffalo from "Eagle" and "Merrick." Not too much Beef or he gets a little moody, I notice.
None of the brands I mentioned import ingredients or use fillers. They have all been completely unaffected by the recall. That makes me feel good. I knew there was a reason I overpaid for dog food.
I considered making his food at one point and even bought a really good book about it: Real Dogs Don't Eat Kibble! It is about the Natural Raw Diet for dogs and why it should be fed for optimal health. There are some great tips and information in here. In the end I decided to go with the organic pet foods and see what happened. I cook for my husband every night which Admiral oversees anyway. I just couldn't get going on the whole commitment it would take.
Admiral was pretty beat up when we got him so in the past two years we've watched as he "got younger" His last owner feed him Alpo (yuck, gross) and had no concept of his allergies. I watched him detox and than watched him thrive and I give "Wellness" much of the credit.
We were not too effected by the pet food recall. Admiral is an allergy case and so for that reason his diet is pretty simple. He doesn't tolerate chicken, lamb or venison too well. I only feed him organic brands that promise "human grade ingredients." Our favorite brand is "Wellness by Old Mother Hubbard." He can only eat the fish and potato recipes (Blue Cans). "Eagle " makes a good Tuna & Salmon too. I occasionally sneak him some Beef and Buffalo from "Eagle" and "Merrick." Not too much Beef or he gets a little moody, I notice.
None of the brands I mentioned import ingredients or use fillers. They have all been completely unaffected by the recall. That makes me feel good. I knew there was a reason I overpaid for dog food.
I considered making his food at one point and even bought a really good book about it: Real Dogs Don't Eat Kibble! It is about the Natural Raw Diet for dogs and why it should be fed for optimal health. There are some great tips and information in here. In the end I decided to go with the organic pet foods and see what happened. I cook for my husband every night which Admiral oversees anyway. I just couldn't get going on the whole commitment it would take.
Admiral was pretty beat up when we got him so in the past two years we've watched as he "got younger" His last owner feed him Alpo (yuck, gross) and had no concept of his allergies. I watched him detox and than watched him thrive and I give "Wellness" much of the credit.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Theres a Hound Dog in my Bed
My dog's name is Admiral. A year ago he was a lucky, thankful rescue who was glad to stay a place to stay. Now he is the jerk who spends his day in my bed. Admiral is a foxhound. He looks like a 90lb beagle. From the minute we brought him home he showed a fondness for a good place to sleep. He started out on a folded up comforter that was upgraded to 8 inch thick padding. He earned a upstairs bed quickly because he likes to come up with us a night. We take care of this dog!
Around two months ago he started a movement- a revolution if you will. You see Admiral wants to sleep in our bed. For all you dog lovers...No, he may not sleep with me. My boyfriend and I are big people we just get by in our queen. Admiral does not share well or smell good. I swear his accommodations are luxurious.
He used two methods in his plan. The first half was sneaky and subversive and obvious- He simply gets in the bed when we're gone and gets off when he hears the cars. This one was hard to prove but it didn't matter anyway. Eventually he took his cause to the people. In the middle of the night he struck. This big goof jumped right up in the bed and defiantly stands there daring anyone to argue. He was ready to fight on this. Hunkering down in the center of the bed, wrestling away from us. I am not the type who does well with this stuff after 11:00pm. It makes me cry and yell and feel like "why me?"
I did not give in. Oh no, I did not give Admiral my bed and no I didn't give him the guest bed- the one I know he also used when we forgot to close the door. Instead I got him his own bed. A real bed. In my defense it was cheap and on EBay. I got him a toddlers bed. It is mahogany stained with a head rail and foot rail and has a decent mattress. My Mom cried when she saw it; she's now that much further from grandchildren. At first it was real cute, Admiral acted shy, like he was confused by the thought of a dog on furniture. As he settled in I could a certain smugness as he thought to himself that he had won. I felt a little beaten, I admit it. His bed is nice and it is sad that I don't have kids yet. My mom told everyone and people called to ask if I "had really bought the dog a bed."
But old revolutionaries never quite lose their will to fight.
In the last few days Admiral has taken up the cause again. At 1:00 Saturday morning he struck again! Full of piss and vinegar he jumped on to the bed and tried to make his demands. Of course I yelled and wrestled him down in my underwear. But why why why?
Around two months ago he started a movement- a revolution if you will. You see Admiral wants to sleep in our bed. For all you dog lovers...No, he may not sleep with me. My boyfriend and I are big people we just get by in our queen. Admiral does not share well or smell good. I swear his accommodations are luxurious.
He used two methods in his plan. The first half was sneaky and subversive and obvious- He simply gets in the bed when we're gone and gets off when he hears the cars. This one was hard to prove but it didn't matter anyway. Eventually he took his cause to the people. In the middle of the night he struck. This big goof jumped right up in the bed and defiantly stands there daring anyone to argue. He was ready to fight on this. Hunkering down in the center of the bed, wrestling away from us. I am not the type who does well with this stuff after 11:00pm. It makes me cry and yell and feel like "why me?"
I did not give in. Oh no, I did not give Admiral my bed and no I didn't give him the guest bed- the one I know he also used when we forgot to close the door. Instead I got him his own bed. A real bed. In my defense it was cheap and on EBay. I got him a toddlers bed. It is mahogany stained with a head rail and foot rail and has a decent mattress. My Mom cried when she saw it; she's now that much further from grandchildren. At first it was real cute, Admiral acted shy, like he was confused by the thought of a dog on furniture. As he settled in I could a certain smugness as he thought to himself that he had won. I felt a little beaten, I admit it. His bed is nice and it is sad that I don't have kids yet. My mom told everyone and people called to ask if I "had really bought the dog a bed."
But old revolutionaries never quite lose their will to fight.
In the last few days Admiral has taken up the cause again. At 1:00 Saturday morning he struck again! Full of piss and vinegar he jumped on to the bed and tried to make his demands. Of course I yelled and wrestled him down in my underwear. But why why why?
Monday, April 16, 2007
My Pet Aqautic Turtle: Clyde the Red-Eared Slider
Did you know red-eared slider turtles can live up to 40 years? Did you know that before you adopted one as a pet? I didn't. By the time I found that out I was already fully committed to Clyde and his care. I will have to admit that it might have given me pause before I brought him home in his ten gallon tank. That was before his twenty gallon tank and before his Rubbermaid container, way before he moved into the child's swimming pool that is in my extra bedroom. It was before I learned the reality of carrying buckets of water through my house twice a month for water changes. It was also before I realized how tragic it was that such a beautiful creature should be confined to a swimming pool for forty years.I guess it’s true that no one would ever start up a relationship with anyone if they new all the possible pitfalls up front. Likewise in a good relationship it’s usually worth the work.I dream of giving Clyde all that he deserves. I can't decide if it’s a huge commercial type display case where he would be shown in all his glory, or a pond that closely replicates his natural environment. I dream of a plumbed system where buckets are a distant memory. Either way I have fund (like a college account) for his future.
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