Reuse Your Stuff and Revamp Your Mindset

Can’t bring yourself to toss that ultra-soft, threadbare T-shirt you’ve had since the early 80s? Does your throat catch when it comes time to check out at the grocery store and you’ve forgotten your cloth bags? Do you feel a sense of dread that teeters on compulsion when faced with having to buy retail? Then just relax, because you’re in some pretty awesome company with Alex Eaves. The mastermind behind Stay Vocal’s principle has been inspiring people to reuse and regenerate since he was a kid; if he could influence folks to pay attention at that age, it’s no wonder how he’s become a go-to guy for the growing reclaim movement, collecting awards and accolades along the way.

"Every day, I live and breathe reuse. It's how I dress: from vintage USA made Chuck Taylors to used jeans to the shirts that I sell. It's how I cut my hair: I donate it to charities who reuse it, like Matter of Trust. It's how I shop: I never leave home without my reusable bag and mug (which is good, because I drink A LOT of coffee)."

Alex’s long-time obsession with sports, music, skateboards and T-shirts created an amalgam of reuse potential that eventually spawned the popular Green America certified ReUse apparel company known as Stay Vocal, whose mission has recently spread to redirecting young minds toward embracing this philosophy. His soon-to-be kids workshop will seek to change how children think about product regeneration (not so much toward recycling since that’s still the act of throwing things away). The “Reuse Pro” will drive home his message by having his young audience craft reusables like toilet paper tubes into animals, puppets, presents, etc. they can easily make with or without their parents.

Homeless dogs have also firmly planted themselves on Alex’s radar as he incorporates animal adoption in his mission to reach and teach about giving products and pets a second chance.  I guess you can say Alex is somewhat of a magician the way he breathes new life into what others throw away. But he’ll be the first to tell you that what he does has nothing to do with illusion and everything to do with awareness. Some immediate campaigns Alex is undertaking include encouraging Dunkin’ Donuts to offer discounts to patrons who bring their own reusable cups to reduce ever-increasing environmental damage from polystyrene foam cups; and marketing his “Water Saver” T-shirts as a way to offset the 400 gallons of water it takes to grow the amount of cotton used for a single new T-shirt.

All this only scratches the surface of Alex’s penchant for pioneering the reuse concept until it becomes commonplace rather than innovative. See what else he has up his reproduced sleeve on Stay Vocal’s Facebook page (where there’s a 10% off purchase coupon waiting for you), Alex’s Facebook page (where you can see him make more amusing faces) and Twitter.

When's the Right Time to Get Another?

Few life events are more painful than losing a pet. Companion animals bring so much fun and joy to our lives that no matter when they pass on, it's always too early. Some people cannot endure the emotional void left by a departed pet and immediately adopt another, but others have a difficult time processing the grief; the idea of experiencing such intense feelings again, along with other concerns, may keep them from investing their emotions in another.

Part of the Solution
Setting aside emotional pain for the greater good is a challenge many people face when deciding whether to get another pet. It's almost impossible to avoid the mass media marketing campaigns showcasing all the homeless animals waiting for adoptive families. Reducing this excessive population by just one may not make a big difference in a statistical sense, but it absolutely will make one to the life you save and help you deal with the pain by focusing your energy on the well-being of another companion.

Learning to Rebound

If your kids are reeling from the loss just as much as you are, this may be a perfect time to teach them how to process their emotions in a positive way. Let everyone mourn the animal's absence. Encourage talk about happy times together. Help them understand that getting another companion is not meant to replace their beloved family member. All this can take time to achieve, because each person deals with grief in his or her own way. Once the whole family is comfortable with the idea, have a group discussion to decide when to bring in a new pet.

Cost

The expense of having a companion animal can be quite high with an unexpected illness or accident. While pet insurance may be a good safeguard against some health issues, Consumer Reports says it generally costs more than it pays. The death of a pet can cause significant financial strain when vet care is required, which makes it difficult to ignore the reality of getting another pet right away. You may just need some time before you're ready to take on the costs of another pet.

Grieving of Other Family Pets

Companion animals who have established strong bonds with other family pets can express grief over the loss of those buddies. While the extra attention you give during this time helps a heartbroken animal feel more comforted, he still may display mournful behavior as lethargy, loss of appetite and whining. He may even search the house and yard for days after his friend is gone. While you may not be ready to add another companion animal to the family, doing so can help ease the pain of those fur kids who are also bereaved.

Originally written for and published by eHow

Is it Best to Feed Your Dog Once or Twice a Day?

Feeding their dogs two meals each day is commonplace for some pet parents, while others opt for once daily. Deciding what's ideal for your dog depends on a few different factors, including his overall health, how old he is and certain environ-mental considerations.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Dogs who consistently eat just one meal a day are twice as likely to experience gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) as those fed half their daily intake in two separate meals. Also known as "bloat," this life-threatening condition occurs when air becomes trapped in the stomach, causing it to distend and twist, inevitably cutting off blood circulation back to the heart. Dogs have mere hours to receive emergency surgery before the abdominal distress claims their lives. Those most prone to food-related bloat are deep-chested breeds such as the Irish setter, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, standard poodle, German shepherd, dachshund and boxer.

Age
Your dog's age can dictate the frequency he should be fed each day. A general rule of thumb is for adults -- no matter the breed -- to eat two separate meals spaced between eight and 12 hours apart. Elderly dogs and puppies, however, require vastly different feeding schedules. Puppies do best with three or four smaller meals throughout the day to maintain their constant growth cycles, whereas older dogs often regulate their own dietary needs by eating two meals some days and only one on others.

Time of Year
Environmental factors such as extreme heat and cold can influence your dog's daily energy needs. Canines might struggle to regulate appropriate body temperature when not getting a more consistent food supply; the ASPCA recommends fueling with twice-daily meals to help keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Be sure to consult your veterinarian when considering any modification to your dog's food type or amount.

Free-Feeding
Letting your dog regulate his own consumption by leaving food out all the time may seem like a good solution, but this free-feeding approach isn't a good idea if he treats it as a 24/7 buffet. Some dogs are perfectly fine when given the constant presence of food and tend to graze throughout the day, consuming small amounts when the urge strikes. However, others who are particularly food-motivated have no self-restraint and may immediately consume whatever amount is placed in their bowls, which can lead to digestive distress, obesity and other health complications.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Chris Amaral/Photodisc/Getty Images

Whose Life is Worth More?

If given a split second to decide which people are rescued from a 2-car collision where an explosion is imminent, it's likely you'll grab those nearest your reach. But what if one vehicle is shuttling a global leader, popular celebrity or wealthy businessman, while the other holds several college freshmen? Would you grapple with your conscience about whether one life holds more value from a "greater good" standpoint?

Are You Better Than Me?
Utility requires society to act on the benefit of the majority; while siding with the greater good is not necessarily best for all, it is alleged to be the most equitable under general circumstances. Utilitarians will argue against the claim their social philosophy is merely totalitarianism in disguise, being there is simply no way to satisfy 100% of any group. By appeasing the majority, more people are served at the minority's expense, an unfortunate situation that often leaves the same individuals to adapt to –- or be detrimentally impacted by -- the greater good.

The main tenet of utility, according to Brue et al, is rational self-interest rather than selfishness, because "increasing one's own wage, rent, interest, or profit normally requires identifying and satisfying somebody else's wants," such as when parents pay their children's college tuition. Another way to understand this is by examining the meaning of altruism, which by today's standards has transformed into a philanthropic definition from its origin of perpetuating the species. This biological reality is easily demonstrated by how a bee stings an intruder, ultimately forfeiting its own life to protect the queen and hive.

Because society is fundamentally based upon performance and profit, it's not difficult to perceive utility as an opposing force to our altruistic nature. So many contemporary societies still endure incredible poverty, disease and homelessness despite global resources fully capable of feeding, clothing, educating, housing and medicating the suffering masses.

That Pesky Moral Compass

Warren Quinn, author of "Actions, Intentions, and Consequences: The Doctrine of Doing and Allowing," notes how the cloud of dispute swirling around this sociopolitical disgrace can quickly spin out of control when emotions override the greater good. Ask yourself what you'd do if you were in the following hypothetical scenario.

Engineer Bill is faced with the most difficult decision of his life: does he avert the runaway trolley to save little Sarah who is caught on the tracks at the expense of 100 passengers headed for certain death if he switches tracks? Or does he spare those hundred people in exchange for one little girl's life? Utility compels Engineer Bill to save the passengers by forfeiting Sarah, yet this does not relieve him from struggling with his battered moral compass. Harming someone is inevitable in this situation, but the question is whether making the least damaging choice is always the best decision.

Clearly, the vast opposition between utilitarianism and ordinary morality creates a disturbing issue within Engineer Bill that forces him choose between the value of different lives. But as Wendler duly points out, "our attitudes in this regard are based on a rational cost/benefit analysis. To that extent, these attitudes do not provide an ethical argument" for exposing some people to certain risks for the benefit of others. Nemo Taylor provides a lasting reminder when faced with the choice between social mandate and ordinary morality: "Don't do the right thing out of some bland sense of duty or obligation. Do it because you recognize it's the only way to truly be happy and content with your own life."

Bird photo by Greg Kowalczewski
Pyramid graphic by Gilbert Alter-Gilbert

Calcium Needs for Dogs on a Raw Food Diet

Some dogs, like their human counterparts, require nutritional supplements to stay healthy. If you feed your dog a raw diet, you already realize he needs certain additions for complete nutrition. Calcium is particularly important.

Supplementation
Calcium levels are significantly low in most raw diets; unless your dog receives raw bones as natural supplementation, alternative sources are necessary. For example, a 75-pound dog typically requires a daily dose of 1,840 milligrams of calcium yet might be getting less than 1,700 milligrams from his varied food sources. If fiber is added to the diet, the dosage he consumes drops even more due to absorption. Increasing the daily amount to 2,000 mg in this case effectively counteracts the deficiency.

Sources
Your first thought may be to add yogurt to your dog's raw diet, but he'd have to consume 40 cups to meet his calcium needs. Recommendations include commercially available calcium citrate or calcium carbonate; bone meal, if your dog also requires additional phosphorus; or a finely crushed egg shell. After rinsing well, bake the shell at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes, then grind it to powder. Each teaspoon is equivalent to approximately 2,200 milligrams of calcium carbonate.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Chris Amaral/Photodisc/Getty Images

Long-Term Effects of Dogs Eating Chocolate

Chocolate toxicity, which can provoke lifelong consequences in dogs, can plague a 150-pound Saint Bernard just the same as a 5-pound Chihuahua. Canines aren't meant to ingest caffeine or theobromine, the two primary ingredients of chocolate that wreak havoc upon their systems. These toxins, along with the richness of such additional ingredients as nougat and cocoa butter, typically begin with intestinal distress and can ultimately lead to pancreatitis.

From Bad to Worse
Long-term effects of canine chocolate toxicity occur when your dog, whose system cannot withstand the overstimulation caused by caffeine and theobromine, responds to this distressing combination with heart arrhythmias, considerable confusion and agitation, and seizures; death is also possible. Specifically, the pancreas -- an organ that creates digestive enzymes to help food break down and move through the system -- has trouble regulating chocolate's rich properties. When dogs ingest enough chocolate, the digestive process is disrupted to the point where they may vomit, stop eating, have diarrhea or experience abdominal pain associated with inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. Permanent pancreatic damage typically leads to a long-term diabetic condition.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.
Photo credit: Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Telltale Behaviors Your Dog Needs His Anal Glands Expressed

What some vets declare to be quite useless and utterly unpleasant, canine anal sacs can be the bane of many a dog's life, as well as his family's. When working properly, these tiny glandular pouches -- found just beyond the opening of your dog's bottom -- capture a foul-smelling substance that is typically excreted along with his fecal matter; however, they can become impacted and quite uncomfortable for your dog, who communicates this distress in a number of different ways.

Behavioral Indicators
If your dog has ever boot scooted across the floor, it's likely he's alerting you to his impacted anal sacs. While an occasional back end drag can just be to satisfy an itch, repeated scoots indicate his anal gland discomfort. Constant licking under his tail is another sign that it's time to empty those sacs, a quick procedure you can have your vet perform or learn to do yourself. An irritated rear end may swell and make it difficult for your dog to sit, which he'll demonstrate by attempting to but not actually sit. Just the smell alone, especially with the presence of a bloody discharge, is enough indication the sacs need to be drained.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.
Photo credit: Chris Amaral/Photodisc/Getty Images

Jobs Where You Can Take Your Dog to Work

The dogs-at-work movement began in earnest with the first Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999 and has gained considerable momentum with companies steadily jumping on the bandwagon. Studies have played a helpful role in this transition by showing how workplace canines give a positive boost to morale, teamwork and productivity.

How It All Began
Pet Sitters International, the largest association for in-home pet care providers, started the ball rolling by designating one day a year as workplace dog-friendly to spotlight the homeless pet population and encourage more adoptions. Three hundred businesses participated in that 1999 event, serving as a springboard for thousands more to follow suit, many even to the point of implementing policy that makes everyday dog friendly.

High-Profile Companies
Such corporate giants as Google, Amazon, Ben & Jerry's and Clif Bar actually encourage employees to bring their canine kids into the office; they even tout their dog-friendly policies as perks for attracting new talent. Not only do these employers recognize staff performance benefits of having dogs in the workplace, but workers also get more exercise by having to take their canine companions on potty breaks.

Assistance Dogs
Service dogs -- who are the eyes, ears and mobility of people with special needs -- are permitted in the workplace under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) even when the company doesn't have a dog-friendly policy. The single most determining factor is whether the canine's presence constitutes a reasonable accommodation for the employee, such as a blind worker who needs her guide dog to maneuver in and around the workplace.

Bring Your Boss Onboard
Large or small, your workplace can be an inviting, dog-friendly environment as long as everyone follows a few ground rules. While many people are enthusiastic dog lovers, others may not share that affinity and instead consider their presence an annoyance or even be fearful of them; a staff survey will find out who's allergic or afraid. All dogs should be well-behaved and friendly when in the company of others, both human and canine; baby gates are great for keeping them contained yet still allowing them to interact with passers-by.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Doggy Day Care Code of Ethics

Doggy day care is one of those modern conveniences that makes pet parents wonder how they and their canine companions ever survived without it. From physical exercise to social stimulation, these types of pet resorts offer a home-away-from-home quality that gives owners much-needed peace of mind. Part and parcel of this comfort level is staff adherence to the industry's code of ethics.

OVERVIEW
The Pet Care Services Association governs industry standards of appropriate behavior, addressing the needs of both canine and human clients. Each facet of the code calls for staff compliance where safety, kindness and ethical behavior are concerned, bringing to light how pet care has evolved into much more than merely warehousing someone else's furry companion. Association members are obligated to uphold honorable principles in both their personal and professional lives as indicated by 11 specific measures.

STAFF REQUIREMENTS
Choosing a reputable doggy day care facility can be just as nerve-wracking as parents deciding on the most capable babysitter. When weighing all the desirable characteristics, no single attribute can be missing from the mix. The Pet Care Services Association's code of ethics requires staff to place the dog's welfare over other business issues, be involved in continuing industry education, refrain from dishonest and unfair business practices, and respect client confidence.

PETS FIRST
The pet care service industry has become a trusted and experienced go-to option in great part because of the organization's ethics code, giving pet parents a sense of security when entrusting staff with their pets. Facility operators sidestep unsavory competitive practices, fully endorse PCSA protocol, are respectful of and cooperate with others in the pet industry, and are dedicated to their clients' welfare above their own.

COMMUNITY EFFORTS
Facility staff and owners must obey all applicable animal governing laws and practices at every regulatory level, operating as a vehicle of community good-will and honor. Moreover, the code stresses teaching and perpetuating responsible pet parenting.

EVALUATING A FACILITY
A referral is one of the best ways to find a facility that abides by this stringent code of ethics. To ensure your dog's safety and comfort, the Pet Care Services Association recommends making an appointment to meet the operators and tour the building. While some areas are accessible only by employees, you should still have the ability to see what goes on behind closed doors. Notice how clean the runs and yards are, whether play areas are segregated by size, if all fencing is free of escape holes, and that play groups are constantly supervised. Ask if staff will administer your dog's medications, how emergencies are handled and what steps are taken to prevent spread of contagious diseases. Be sure to tell staff all information about your dog's known health issues and behavioral concerns to encourage a fun and safe experience.


Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Is it Best to Feed Your Dog Once or Twice a Day?

Feeding their dogs two meals each day is commonplace for some pet parents, while others opt for once daily. Deciding what's ideal for your dog depends on a few different factors, including his overall health, how old he is and certain environ-mental considerations.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Dogs who consistently eat just one meal a day are twice as likely to experience gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) as those fed half their daily intake in two separate meals. Also known as "bloat," this life-threatening condition occurs when air becomes trapped in the stomach, causing it to distend and twist, inevitably cutting off blood circulation back to the heart. Dogs have mere hours to receive emergency surgery before the abdominal distress claims their lives. Those most prone to food-related bloat are deep-chested breeds such as the Irish setter, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, standard poodle, German shepherd, dachshund and boxer.

Age
Your dog's age can dictate the frequency he should be fed each day. A general rule of thumb is for adults -- no matter the breed -- to eat two separate meals spaced between eight and 12 hours apart. Elderly dogs and puppies, however, require vastly different feeding schedules. Puppies do best with three or four smaller meals throughout the day to maintain their constant growth cycles, whereas older dogs often regulate their own dietary needs by eating two meals some days and only one on others.

Time of Year
Environmental factors such as extreme heat and cold can influence your dog's daily energy needs. Canines might struggle to regulate appropriate body temperature when not getting a more consistent food supply; the ASPCA recommends fueling with twice-daily meals to help keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Be sure to consult your veterinarian when considering any modification to your dog's food type or amount.

Free-Feeding
Letting your dog regulate his own consumption by leaving food out all the time may seem like a good solution, but this free-feeding approach isn't a good idea if he treats it as a 24/7 buffet. Some dogs are perfectly fine when given the constant presence of food and tend to graze throughout the day, consuming small amounts when the urge strikes. However, others who are particularly food-motivated have no self-restraint and may immediately consume whatever amount is placed in their bowls, which can lead to digestive distress, obesity and other health complications.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Chris Amaral/Photodisc/Getty Images

Shelter Pets + December Adoptions = Holiday Cheer

The huge global movement encourag-ing people to reuse rather than discard isn't limited to clothing and plastic shopping bags, because restoring the health of this planet and its inhabitants isn't just about saving inanimate objects.

Sure, the need to repurpose nonliving things is vital to sustaining the world's dwindling resources, but there is an even greater call for recycling the millions of domesticated animals whose sentient lives are considered more disposable than an aluminum soda can. It is for this reason that many organizations like Best Friends Animal Society are spotlighting December as an especially good time to spread good cheer by adopting dogs and cats from local shelters and rescue groups.

The abundance of tangible benefits that comes with adoption typically includes animals who are fully vetted (spay/neuter and vaccinations at a minimum) and a basic knowledge of personality/disposition. Organizations whose dogs and cats are fostered with families offer greater insight to each animal's behavioral and medical issues (if any), as well as determine the best home dynamic to fit every canine and feline personality. The intangible benefits, however, are innumerable yet best summed up as a second chance to find the right fit.

Whether considered hand-me-downs, previously owned or castoffs, rescuing a salvaged pet instead of purchasing from a store or breeder advocates the drive toward sustainability, both locally and ethically. Plus these gently used dogs and cats come in a wide variety of sizes, ages and breeds (did you know purebreds make up 25% of all shelter dogs?), making it effortless for you to connect with just the right furry companion.

Originally written for and published by Best Friends Animal Society

Most Common Food Allergies in Dogs

Dogs have grown increasingly intolerant to various ingredients commonly used in commercial pet foods. Because your dog's system can be allergic to more than one at a time, it may take patience to isolate which components are causing such reactions as scratching, hair loss, feet licking, ear infections, diarrhea, gas, vomiting and chronic digestive problems.

Grains
Corn, wheat and soy are three main allergenic grains found in commercial dog food. Considered fillers that are not part of a canine's natural diet, these ingredients are often the first considered for a suspected food intolerance. Rice, which has been a long-standing option, has also become an allergen to some degree as dogs have slowly developed an intolerance. Alternative foods such as potatoes and oatmeal are more viable options, as are grain-free formulas that remove the potential allergen altogether.

Animal Protein
Beef, pork and poultry have been three staples in a companion dog's diet for decades, so it's no wonder they are also the most allergenic foods. Lamb has long been the choice for dogs who cannot tolerate other animal protein, but it too has found its way onto the allergen list due to constant ingestion. Fish, rabbit and venison are currently the least allergenic, and are readily available at pet supply retailers.

Dairy
Like their human counterparts, dogs can have a difficult time processing the lactose associated with dairy products. While they may love to nibble cheese or lap a bit of milk, neither are indigenous to a canine diet and can cause allergic reaction. This also goes for yogurt, which may offer beneficial probiotics for intestinal health but also introduces indigestible milk sugars.

Breeds Most Prone
Certain breeds demonstrate a greater intolerance to these common food allergens, which gives pet parents the opportunity to proactively avoid potential issues. Some of those dogs include boxer, cocker spaniel, springer spaniel, collie, dalmatian, German shepherd, Lhasa apso, miniature schnauzer, retriever, Shar-Pei, soft-coated wheaten terrier, dachshund and West Highland white terrier.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Nadine Wendt from Fotolia

What to Put on a Pet ID Tag

Despite all your best defenses, there is always a chance your dog can escape and become lost. This scenario is bad enough when thoughts of road safety take root, but it becomes even more distressing when a dog requires regular medication. An ID tag attached securely to the collar is one way to help ensure people can contact you and arrange for the happy reunion.

Contact
Some people choose only to include the dog's name and a phone number, while others provide a full address and additional contact information. Safety and privacy are reasons for not listing too much personal data; consider using a work address if your feel strongly about providing a physical location. Friends, family, neighbors and a veterinarian are all good phone numbers to have as alternate contacts in the event you can't immediately be reached. When taking your dog on the road, it's also smart to attach a temporary travel tag with a phone number of someone who knows where you are. Be sure to keep everything updated by making new tags when any information changes.

Health Alerts
Short of pinning notes to their collars the way mothers do with their school-aged children, there is no way for potential rescuers to know your dog has severe food allergies or is on lifesaving drugs unless it's printed on the ID tag. You don't need to actually list which drugs your dog takes or how often, which may unwittingly encourage well-meaning folks to administer them, but it is imperative to state "MEDICAL ALERT," for example, to create greater urgency for immediate contact.

Microchip Number
In cases where tags are still attached but unreadable, the unique registration number associated with microchip identification is an additional safeguard. These tiny transponders inserted just below the skin carry the same ID information and are identifiable when scanned by a reader wand; nearly all shelters and veterinary offices are equipped to determine whether or not a dog is chipped. The number is then verified in the manufacturer's database and the owner is contacted. This only works, however, when owners register it with the company; until then, the chip number is not associated with the dog who has it.

Keeping Tags Attached
The tag is only helpful when it stays on your dog; oftentimes it can become tangled and pulled off, or the entire collar can disappear altogether. Newer versions of the standard type are made so the collar threads through metal loops rather than attaching with a dangling S-hook. This design change has been instrumental in creating a snug fit with much less potential for loss.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Paul Retherford from Fotolia

Gifts for People Whose Dog has Died

Honoring the memory of a deceased dog is a loving way to help friends and family with the mourning process. For some, pet-loss bereavement can be as emotionally devastating as losing a human. Being mindful of and compassionate toward the owner's grief is a gesture she will long appreciate.

Ashes Pendant and Wind Chimes
While some pet parents can't bear daily reminders of their departed dogs, others are empowered by their ever-present spirit. Those who choose to cremate or bury their dogs can keep a tangible piece close to their hearts with a small pendant that holds ashes, crushed flowers, fur clippings or soil from a special resting place. Wind chimes, too, are a thoughtful remembrance. Their sounds can make the bereaved feel as if the dog's spirit gently floats on the breeze that moves them, offering a soothing peacefulness.

Customized Gifts
There's no shortage of opportunities to create a personalized memory keepsake. Some of the many heartfelt options include an urn sculpture, photo collage, portrait (on glass, canvas or as a clay-like photo sculpture), engraved frame, etched garden stone, Christmas tree ornament and scrapbook. Myriad online shops and brick-and-mortar stores offer extensive options for creating a unique keepsake; with personal photos so readily available on social media sites, it's relatively easy to surprise the recipient with a warmhearted gift.

Living Memorial
Let your creativity run wild with thoughts of rejuvenation: Help the owner plant a tree or bush in her yard, scatter flower seeds over the dog's favorite outdoor spot or surround the pooch's photo with a small indoor garden where the grieving friend or family member can take solace. Also check the policies of local parks to see if a tree may be planted there for everyone to enjoy.

Donation to an Animal Organization
Saving another life can be one of the most cathartic experiences for someone in the throes of pet-loss grief. Whether public operation or private shelter, all animal-related organizations have ongoing needs, things they require to help keep their charges happy and healthy. Many groups have a wish list of specific items necessary for everyday operations and for their special-needs residents. Cash donations also help -- and they allow the shelter's staff to determine how to best utilize your generosity -- from veterinary costs to daily expenses. Consider giving locally so you're better able to track how your donation is used.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
English springer spaniel image by Jeff Dalton from Fotolia

Top 10 Dog Breeds With Bad Reps

Breed specific legislation in states and munici-palities across the country has targeted many types of dogs that, often through no fault of their own, are labeled as dangerous. Breeds classified under this law can cause an increase in insurance rates for homeowners or may face euthanasia.

Blackballed Breeds
Dogs of every breed respond to the stimuli presented to them, whether nurtured by love and trust or provoked by pain and fear. Certain breeds, however, are considered more dangerous than others, including the Akita, bulldog, bullmastiff, chow, Doberman, German shepherd, husky, Presa Canario, Rottweiler and pit bull, or any mix-breed combination thereof.

Size Matters?
Each of the dogs on this Top 10 list is considered large, extra-large or giant based upon breed size standards, which indicates that the bigger the dog, the more dangerous he is -- or is perceived to be. While dog breed statistics do reflect a higher number of incidents in association with the 10 breeds on this list, Dog Bite Law says that dogs of certain breeds are not born dangerous by default. "Any individual dog may be a good, loving pet, even though its breed is considered to be potentially dangerous."

Identifying a Pit Bull
The pit bull is branded as more dangerous than any other not only through misled perception but also because many people cannot identify the breed. Dogs with triangular jaws, muscular bodies and cropped ears are all lumped together as the generic "pit bull," when in fact the pit bull can be any of the following breeds: American Staffordshire terrier, English bull terrier, American bulldog, Presa Canario and Staffordshire bull terrier. The subtle differences of each one have cast them all into a much-debated single grouping based only upon how they look.

The Human Element
The common denominators among these 10 dog breeds are strength, size, independent attitude and intelligence, making them highly sought-after as guard and protection dogs, as well as combatants in the fighting ring. According to Dog Bite Law, any breed of dog is capable of biting when trained to do so; dogs whose physiques make them more popular sentries than their smaller, allegedly "non-dangerous" counterparts are often taught to attack, which brings more attention to incidents involving these particular breeds.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Job Description: Foster Care Coordinator for Shelter Animals

Pairing foster families with a pet in need of care is rewarding on several levels. The process is important because it moves one more animal from the shelter system into a loving, temporary home. While you don't need a license, degree or formal education to become a foster care coordinator, you have to possess certain communication skills to make and maintain the right matches.

Assessment
The individual's desire to foster a shelter animal is an important first step, but there are a number of other factors you must also take into consideration before approving an applicant. Because shelter animals can harbor residual fears from past trauma, it's essential to determine a potential carer's lifestyle and commitment level. A casual interview with open-ended questions gives you a clear understanding of the applicant's expectations, experience and boundaries, while references and a background check help to corroborate those claims.

Training
The success of any foster pairing rests upon the level of training each individual receives once being accepted into the program. Consistency of daily care protocols and adherence to shelter policies must be maintained by all foster families to guarantee a positive experience for animals and humans alike. As such, coordinators meet and evaluate all family members who will have a hand in caring for the animal, from children to grandparents, so everyone understands and appropriately executes their specific roles.

Foster Responsibility
Fostering is a free venture for those who can temporarily give their time and love in exchange. As coordinator, it's up to you to make sure foster families follow established guidelines such as feeding only shelter-provided food (some animals require special dietary formulas); seeking medical attention only through in-house veterinarians or approved external clinics (shelters often negotiate special rates); and refraining from making any changes to the animal's schedule without first consulting you for coaching and moral support.

Intrinsic Qualities
Foster care coordinators embody several personal qualities not typically required of other jobs. Three essential traits include having compassion and empathy when interacting with the foster families, harboring respect for both animals and people, as well as having an intrinsic concern and affection for animals.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Nursing a Starved Dog Back to Health

It takes only 24 hours for the effects of mal-nutrition to begin wearing on the body's organs, but it requires days and often weeks to reverse the harm and regain health. The amount and type of food an emaciated dog is fed during the recover period means the difference between survival and further complications, even death. Monitoring how much and how fast he eats gives his traumatized body time to slowly get used to having food once again.

Visit the Vet
Have your vet give the emaciated dog a thorough once-over to determine if there's another reason why he's so malnourished other than not having access to food. Fractured teeth, an injured tongue, infections, worms, parasites and intestinal blockage are just some of the potential problems that can encourage starvation. The vet's exam should include checking for gum color (which might indicate poison), abdomen distention or pain, and the level of hydration. A rudimentary dehydration test involves pinching the skin and watching how fast it springs back.

Resist the Urge to Overfeed

Malnourished dogs don't realize the dangers involved with eating too much too soon; all they're concerned with is consuming whatever is in front of them. Bodies that have struggled to function without food are able to tolerate only small rations until the organs and digestive system have recovered from the shock of starvation. Letting an emaciated dog eat as much as he wants overloads his system with nutrients that cannot be processed, because his metabolism rate has become very slow during survival mode.

Keep a Chart

Closely monitor a regimen of feeding several meals per day so the dog isn't given too much or not enough. Track changes in the quantity and type of food, as well as how the dog responds after each meal. Even the most minute weight and temperature changes are critical to recovery, so keep a thermometer and baby scale nearby as part of each post-meal check. Give your vet a daily progress report.

Refeeding Syndrome

Even when all the right steps are taken, the dog may still have a difficult time with the food reintroduction process. Muscle weakness or cramps, heart rhythm irregularities, seizures and respiratory distress are symptoms of Refeeding Syndrome, and they must be immediately addressed by your vet. Following a standard recovery diet gives you better control over all the vitamins, minerals, fats, calories and limited carbohydrates the dog needs during this precarious time. Shelter dogs have a better chance for survival if they can be moved to a temporary foster home where they are constantly monitored.

Originally written for and published by eHow

Yorkies as Service Dogs

Lucy - the world's smallest working dog

Characteristics such as temperament, physical ability and size distinguish a number of dog breeds as suitable for service animal work. While golden retriev-ers are one of several popular choices for people who need dogs to fetch large items or help with mobility, Yorkies have additional advantages that make them a better match for some disabilities.

Renting Policies
Having a Yorkie as a service animal has many size-related advantages, not the least of which is that they fall within the strict limitations of rental apartments' pet policies. Apartments typically have weight restrictions of up to 25 pounds, while private landlords who are on the fence about allowing pets at all may be more inclined to consider a small dog.

Medical Alert and Emotional Support

Service dogs perform myriad functions that make everyday life easier for people with various disabilities. Yorkies are especially valuable as medical alert service animals because they can be trained to detect epileptic seizures and subtle changes in a diabetic's glucose level. Yorkies are also valuable psychiatric service dogs, because their portability allows them to accompany their caregivers almost anywhere, which, according to the Psychiatric Service Dog Society, is a critical component of managing mental health symptoms.

Traveling and Lap Duty
Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that service animals cannot be refused access to public transportation no matter their size, a Yorkie's small stature makes traveling more manageable than with, for example, a golden retriever. By the same token, lap duty is also a special task reserved for the tinier service animals, which provides caregivers the opportunity to physically embrace their canine companions rather than having just the dog's head resting on their laps.

Monk

Daily Tasks

While small, Yorkies are adept at helping around the house with easier projects such as pulling open cabi-net doors equipped with soft handles; fetching the television remote; retrieving clean clothes from the dryer; and alerting their owners to the phone, the doorbell or a crying baby. In an article for the journal "Interventions," Debi Davis proudly boasts that her service Yorkie enjoys pressing the automatic door remote with her nose and helping to change bed linens by tugging at the corners.

Originally written for and published by eHow

Is Your Dog Getting Enough Fiber?

Digestive health is an important factor in maintaining bodily func-tions. If your dog is not getting enough quality fiber in his diet, he may experience irregular bowel movements or loose stool. Fiber also helps regulate canine diabetes, aids in weight loss and reduces the occurrence of anal gland disease. Adding roughage to your dog's diet is a fast and easy option.

Choose a Quality Dog Food
Many premium quality dog foods provide sufficient fibrous material to promote colon health, but others use less beneficial ingredients more for filler than fiber. The best way to know whether your dog's food provides the type and amount of roughage he needs is to read the label. Canned varieties are typically low in fiber due to the high moisture content, so your main focus is on kibble ingredients.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin's fibrous composition makes it a popular choice for adding roughage to your dog's diet. It's highly palatable in the canned, unsweetened puree form, easy to dispense and stores well for several days in the refrigerator. Another benefit of pumpkin is its ability to maintain blood glucose levels, which is particularly beneficial for diabetic dogs. The suggested amount is one spoonful mixed in with each meal, as more than that may cause diarrhea.

Carrots & Apples
Treat time can be both low-calorie and high in fiber. Offer your dog a cubed apple (without seeds) and/or whole carrot; if he's like most, he'll trot his tasty treasure into the other room and devour it with enthusiasm.

Bran
Rice, wheat or oat bran can be used for dogs who don't suffer from grain allergies. All three are readily available in grocery and health food stores, prepackaged and easily added to the bowl. A small sprinkle over the food is all that's needed to provide additional roughage at each meal.

Powder and Pill Supplements

The ease factor of store-bought supplements is good for finicky dogs or times when fibrous foods are not convenient. Grocery stores, health food markets and pet supply retailers offer powder and capsule formulas, as well as chewable fiber tablets that can stand in as treats. Capsules can be hidden in a piece of cheese or other favorite treat, or easily pulled apart to sprinkle directly on the food.

Originally written for and published by eHow

When's the Right Time to Get Another?

Few life events are more painful than losing a pet. Com-panion animals bring so much fun and joy to our lives that no matter when they pass on, it's always too early. Some people cannot endure the emotional void left by a departed pet and immediately adopt another, but others have a difficult time processing the grief; the idea of experiencing such intense feelings again, along with other concerns, may keep them from having another.

Part of the Solution
Setting aside emotional pain for the greater good is a challenge many people face when deciding whether to get another pet. It's almost impossible to avoid the mass media marketing campaigns showcasing all the homeless animals waiting for adoptive families. Reducing this excessive population by just one may not make a big difference in a statistical sense, but it absolutely will make one to the life you save and help you deal with the pain by focusing your energy on the well-being of another companion.

Learning to Rebound

If your kids are reeling from the loss of the family pet just as much as you are, this may be a perfect time to teach them how to process their emotions in a positive way. Let everyone mourn the animal's absence. Encourage talk about happy times together and help everyone understand that getting another pet is not meant to replace their beloved family member. All this can take time to achieve, because each person deals with grief in his or her own way. Once the whole family is comfortable with the idea, have a group discussion to decide when to bring in a new pet.

Cost

The expense of having a companion animal can be quite high with an unexpected illness or accident. While pet insurance may be a good safeguard against some health issues, Consumer Reports says it generally costs more than it pays. The death of a pet can cause significant financial strain when vet care is required, which makes it difficult to ignore the reality of getting another pet right away. You may just need some time before you're ready to take on the costs of another pet.

Grieving of Other Family Pets

Companion animals who have established a strong bond with another family pet can express grief over the loss of that buddy. While the extra attention you give him during this time helps him feel more comforted, he still may display mournful behavior, such as lethargy, loss of appetite and whining. He may even search the house and yard for days after his friend is gone. While you still may not be ready to bring another animal into your home, adopting an additional pet can help ease the pain the remaining one is experiencing.

Originally written for and published by eHow