Advice and Views about Pets from Art himself!

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PETS, THIS IS A TRUE STORY. FOR THOSE of you that don't, IT's still A TRUE STORY.

Dear Dogs and Cats:

• The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food; my food is off limits;
• Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim making it yours;
• The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack; Racing me to the bottom of the stairs is not the objective, and tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run;
• Sorry, but I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry, but don't think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible;
• For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to shut the door, it is not necessary to claw, whine, bark, meow, try to turn the knob, or get your paw under the door's edge in an attempt to gain entrance. I must exit through the same door entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required;
• Proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go sniff the other dog or cat. I cannot stress this enough!; and, finally,
• In fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:
• TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE BEFORE ENTERING:
  1. They live here. You don't;
  2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture; That's why they call it 'fur'-niture;
  3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people;
  4. To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours; and unable to speak clearly.
• Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
  1. eat less;
  2. don't ask for money all the time;
  3. are easier to train;
  4. normally come when called;
  5. never ask to drive the car;
  6. don't smoke or drink;
  7. don't want to wear your clothes;
  8. don't have to buy the latest fashions;
  9. don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and
  10. if they get pregnant, you can sell their children!!

Dog Collars

Choosing the right collar can make the association with your pet an enjoyable one, or the choice of a wrong one can make for a troublesome, and/or frustrating relationship.

Certain collars may serve various needs, e.g., holding I.D. tags, or it just may be fashionable, but what you want to do is to take time to check-out its construction. A sturdy nylon collar is normally a good choice.

A sturdy nylon collar minimizes fraying so it doesn't fall apart. A quality nylon collar can last the life of your friend.

Once you've chosen a collar, here's some suggestions on its use:

• For better control, the collar should ride high on your dog's neck;
• Two fingers should fit between the neck and collar;
• Watch for a loose collar - your pet could slip out , or snag on something causing harm;
• When using a wire cage, remove the collar; and
• For puppies/kittens, check size often. Remember, puppies/kittens don't stay small for very long!

Art, and "Nacho"

Until next time, love your pets!!

Art
Pet Corner

Source: Drs. Foster & Smith - Dogs & Cats