I found this article today in The Houston Chronicle and I thought it was well worth passing along.  GREAT advice and information.  Before you go out and get that Christmas puppy, read this!
Thinking of getting a pet? Think hard.
Houston’s animal shelters and foster homes are filled with pets surrendered by people who made a decision they came to regret. The Houston Humane Society offers five reasons you should not get a pet:
1. Your lifestyle is not set up for a pet. People who travel constantly or work extremely long hours will not …

Rosie has been adopted! I could not be more thrilled to pass on the news that Rosie has a new daddy and a beautiful new name (Cleopatra or Cleo). Thank you so much to everyone who passed around the blog helping in the search for Cleo’s forever home. Her new home is perfect for her. Chuck, her new daddy, is active and committed. He absolutely understands the huge responsibility it is to own a dog (especially a pit bull rescue), and he plans on running with her and …

Friday night I came home to this beautiful girl sitting in front of my apartment. She was just sitting there calmly as if she had come to visit me on purpose. My heart sank when I saw her because I knew immediately that she was homeless and that I would not be able to turn a blind eye on her. She looked at me directly with her golden eyes as if to say, “I mean no harm”. I brought out some food and water and started working with her a …

Will you be traveling with your pet this year?

According to a survey of pet owners by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), more than 53% of dogs and cats will travel with their owners this holiday season.

Did you know that of the 4 major travel choices that Americans have, pets are not allowed to travel on half of them. It turns out that pets are prohibited from traveling by bus or train in most states.

Actually….I prohibit myself from traveling by bus or train in most states.

Anyway….it looks like …

Dress your canine in style this Holiday season or surprise your favorite furry family member with a Fido Fashion’s Collar in their stocking.
These classic, high-quality collars are available in a variety of collars and are the design of Texan artist, Kevin Heady. Each beautiful leather collar is adorned with a sterling silver charm or sterling “bone” nametags engraved per request.
Visit www.fidosfashions.com to view Kevin’s creations.

An interview with Houston Dog Trainer and owner of Houston Dog Ranch, Tonia Whilden.

Many of you may remember Mollie, the Houston PetTalk 3-legged cover girl for the February 2007 issue who was in need of a good home. Our feature in that issue focused on breed rescue and the many dogs in various breed rescue groups awaiting adoption. As luck would have, Mollie was spotted by someone that fell in love with her photo and went on a mission to adopt her.
That “someone” was Phyl and Doug Bower of Florida. Phyl and Doug were visiting Houston and saw Mollie on the cover of …

Sasha’s Suds N Duds, one of the cutest self-dog wash and boutiques you’ll ever see, has move from their West U location to new “digs” at 802 W. Gray in the River Oaks area. Yes, the Black Awning and white signature gate are still part of the “look” and proprietress Jan Bulawa has made the space cozy, adorable and fun…Pink galore!
The new location also has a small backyard for dogs to have some playtime. The walls and armoires and bakery are filled with great goodies for your pet or as …

By Marilyn Orillion
Most potential raw feeders ask, “How much will this diet cost?” The answer isn’t simple. If raw feeders buy only prepared, prepackaged raw foods, it is more expensive than preparing it at home. Buying in bulk is considerably cheaper.   
 The amount of raw meaty bones needed is determined by a dog’s weight and activity level. As a rule of thumb, multiply a dog’s weight by 16. Multiply the result by 2% to get the average amount of raw food needed per day. Of this amount, the majority should …

Do you get lost in some of the terms related to vaccination for pets? Here are a few of the common terms you need to know:
Vaccine Protocols – Recommended series and frequency of vaccinations by Veterinary Associations
Required by law – a vaccine required by state; varies from state to state; Rabies is the only vaccine required by the State of Texas; every three years with a 3-yr vaccine
Titer – measurable level of immunity
Recombinant Vaccine – Contains a bacterial or fungal protein used to mount immune response (virtually no chance of …