Guest blog: What it's really like to be a professional dog walker
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Guest blog by Louise St-Pierre. So excited to welcome her to the Paws For Reaction extended family!
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I have learned a lot from my experiences with dogs. I currently own two beautiful dogs and have been a dog owner for 25 years. I truly love dogs and being outside all day, in all types of weather. After working in the fitness and service industry for 20 years I wanted a change; a job that would incorporate the many things I love. Fast forward to now. I have been a professional dog walker for 11 years. I never imagined that I could make a living doing something I loved so much. What I love most about being a dog walker is that I work for myself and my clients. I'm my own boss, which is amazing.
Make your pet smile this Valentines Day with dental treats for cats and dogs
www.pawsforreaction.com
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| Photo by withrow-Foter.com- CC BY-NC |
With Valentine's Day just around the corner and
National Pet Dental HealthMonth here already we are reminded just how important our pet's oral care
really is.
With only one per cent of pet owners regularly brushing their pet’s
teeth it’s no surprise that veterinarians have seen a rise in kidney and heart problems as
a result of oral infections. But let’s face it- this is the real world. Not
everyone- myself included- has time to
brush their pet’s teeth every day.
The cat's purr: the mystery behind the purr
By Stacey Gonzalez
It’s a familiar sound to cat owners. That soft,
rolling purr that a cat releases when you scratch its neck. But a purring cat isn’t
always a happy cat. Many studies have been done to determine why cats purr.
Most commonly we hear our feline friends purr when they are content with their
happy cat lives. But the cat’s purr is much more complex than that.
Featured dog breed of the month is the Jack Russell Terrier
By Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez
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Photo by Dusty J-Foter.com-CC BY
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The Jack Russell Terrier breed- also known as the Parson Jack Russell Terrier- dates back to England in the 1700s. Bred to be a pack hunter, the Jack Russell can sometimes be difficult to train in basic obedience because the dog is so busy that it can’t concentrate on you as well. But with some patience Jack Russell’s can be trained to do all kinds of tricks as the breed is extremely intelligent. That’s what makes them one of the most popular breeds in the US although it is not registered in either the United Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club.
Bred to hunt gophers, rodents and small animals that live underground, Jack Russell’s are high energy dogs that need a lot of exercises. They are able to run extremely fast and have high metabolisms able to burn off a lot of calories. The breed is very playful but can be shy with unfamiliar dogs. Oddly enough the Jack Russell Terrier is known to have an affinity for horses.
This breed of terrier is small- usually, 10-13 inches in height and the tail is docked. Their coats can be smooth, broken or rough. Often you see Jack Russell’s that are a mix of smooth and rough coats that gives them quite a bit of personality. These terriers are not prettied up for dog shows however they are quite cute in appearance.
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Photo by Szagi-Foter.com-CC BY-NC
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The breed has minimal health issues as being in good health was something it was specifically bred for. Cases of eyesight deterioration, lens luxation and patellar luxation are more common health concerns of the Jack Russell. Minor issues such as deafness, glaucoma and ataxia have been known to occur. It is important when owning a Jack Russell to make regularly scheduled eye tests.
Jack Russell Terrier’s average life span is 13-15 years. Although they may not make the best pets to be around small children and infants they do make great family pets in households with older children. They are fun, intelligent dogs that can be very affectionate. Their smarts gained them star status in Hollywood but it’s the Jack Russell’s personality that wins over dog lovers again and again.
Check out my online bakery for SPCA Cupcake Day!
Photo by Stacey Gonzalez ©Copyright
Check out my online bakery! For all the folks in Pembroke, Ontario, I will be at PetValu at the East End Pembroke Mall (1100 Pembroke st. East) on February 25th to sell cupcakes to raise money for the Ontario SPCA!
Happy Paws: Winter paw care a concern of dedicated dog parents
By Stacey Gonzalez
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| Photo via PetValu website: product 62106 Muttluks Red Dog Boots |
Winter
paw care is important for our canine family members. The hard snow and sharp
spikes of ice make outdoor travel like an icy and deadly obstacle course for
dogs. Cuts and soars can develop on the pads and their poor little
"feet" can be in pain- and you may not even know it.
There are
some products out there- along with some tips and tricks- to help you take
extra special care of your dog’s paws in this cold weather.
Cupcakes for cats and canines!
Join the Ontario SPCA and Humane Societies on Monday, February 25th for what they call "the sweetest day of the year!" Register for National Cupcake Day and raise money to support local animals in need of homes, medical care, and adoption.
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