Helping Dogs In Your Community

1. CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG. If you clean up after your dog, there won't be any poop sitting on the sidewalk where tons of dogs walk by...And poop again. Eventually you'll have a brown sidewalk if you know what I mean. Inspire good manners with other puppies.   
 
2. KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH.  Keeping your dog on a leash will insure that your dog won't get lost, hit by a car, or end up in apound that might not be a no-kill. Also it prevents your dog from running up to people and bothering them (they could be seriously allergic).
 
3.  FOSTER A PUPPY. If you go to an adoption event at Petsmart, Petco, etc, and you don't want to adopt a dog, you can always help by fostering a puppy for a few weeks. Fostering is almost like adopting a puppy but after a few weeks you give it back to the shelter and she will get adopted. It helps because you can train the dog, housebreak her, socialize her, etc. Make sure you have all the supplies, space, and smarts for owning a puppy.
 
4.  ADOPT A DOG. Adopting a dog or puppy in need will reduce the amount stray and helpless dogs on the street. It'll also give a homeless, rejected dog a loving home. Again, make sure you have the supplies, space and smarts for owning a dog or puppy.
5. GET YOUR DOG VACCINATED. Getting your dog vaccinated for disesaes helps in so many ways. It keeps your dog safe from dying of a sickness or disesase. It helps you because it saves you money for a surgery or saves you and your family and other pets from a contagious disease. It also helps other dogs from catching diseases that they can die from and spread everywhere.
6. DONATE. Donate to pet shelters, even a little bit helps. It keeps dogs out of the streets and in loving homes. It also keeps adoptable dogs vaccinated and healthy to not spread disease.
7. VOLUNTEER. Volunteer at dog shelters by finding dogs new homes and cleaning up, feeding, grooming, etc. Or, volunteer at a pet hospital.
8. DONATE ITEMS. Donate old dog beds, blankets, leashes, collars, crates, baby gates, or new food, treats, cleaning supplies, bowls, etc.
9. NEUTER/SPAY YOUR DOG. Boy dog or girl dog, it should be fixed. That way, they don't end up having babies that could end up on the street.
10. CALL IN ABOUT STRAY DOGS. If you see a stray dog on the street or near your house, call animal control. They will help the dog more than you can, even if you see a tag on her. Taking a dog in until an owner calls isn't always a good idea.

LOVE<3 your puppy.

 
 

The Difference With Dwarf Hamsters

There are several types of hamsters including dwarf and Syrian (Short-Haired, Teddy Bear, Golden). you might say, "Well, a hamster's a hamster, right," but there is a difference.

Dwarf hamster breeds include; Robo, Chinese, Russian (Djungarian, Campbell's, Dwarf), Fancy Russian, and Winter White. They are about 2-4 inches long and much smaller than they sound. They are low maintenence and like to crawl around on you and in tunnels. Dwarf hamsters are just as common as the larger hamsters and you can pretty much find at least one of these types at all petstores.

To hold a dwarf hamster you must cup your hands. They are so small that you could easily let one slip out of your fingers and out the door. Dwarf hamsters can also live in pairs or groups and can be absolutely adorable when they play with each other. But, if you do happen to see scratches or other injuries on your hamster, you should seperate the two. Never wake a dwarf hamster-or any hamster-while they're sleeping because they will bite.

• Robo Hamsters

 Robos are energetic and playful so they can be interesting to watch. Although, usually Robos will be more likely to bite you than other dwarf hamsters would. They don't like to be held very much either so it is not recommended for young children because it will most likely try to bite. Although, they are the very smallest hamster and can be very cute.

• Chinese

Chinese dwarfs are highly energetic and like to live alone. They have a longer tail than most hamsters but are NOT mice. They like to climb and jump and can do so very well. They are also about 4 inches long. Great pets but different from some dwarfs.

• Russian and Fancy Russian

Russians are sweet and playful. They are great in pairs or groups and love to play with you. They can be tamed the most easily and you will love caring for them. They are about 3 inches.The only real difference of a Russian and a Fancy Russian is that a FR has a silkier coat.

• Winter White

Winter Whites could typically be the same species as a Russian. They are however a little more people friendly. The only difference is that they have a white coat in the winter.


Here is a link to Petsmart to find out more about the breeds of hamster: http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=10794151&f=Taxonomy%2FPET%2F10794151&fbc=1&fbn=Taxonomy%7CSmall+Pet

Have fun with your dwarf hammy  :P

Hamster Care

Choosing a hamster

Make sure that the cage you find your hamster in is clean and isn't overcrowded. Make sure the hamster you choose doesn't have greasy or matted fur,has bright clean eyes, and is clean under the tail and in the ears.

Hamster Habitat

Tip: Before you bring your buddy home, set up her habitat so she can have an easy transfer. Your habitat must be atleast 12"x 12"x 12" and the wire bars only about 1/2 in apart so your dwarf hamster doesn't choke:( You can choose from; an aquarium container, a wire cage, or a plastic-wire mix. Your habitat must ALWAYS have;bedding-not cedar, heavy food bowl, water bottle, exercise wheel-if squeaky add a drop of olive oil, a hidey house, chew toys- many varieties like wooden blocks,cardboard roll, etc, nutritious food- probably should buy it from a pet store, and ,usually, hay- timothy, brome, botanical, oat, etc. Tip: Don't put your hamster's habitat near an open window or in direct sunlight.

Everyday Care

Hamsters are nocturnal so they will probably be sleeping in the middle of the day, wake up in the early evening, and go to sleep in the morning. Therefore, you should feed your hamster at about the same time every afternoon. Keep the bowl about 2/3 full and feed her minimal amounts of fruit and veggies every other days. The water bottle should be filled everyday with fresh,clean water.

Taming

In the first few weeks, your hamster will be a little weary of you and might bite if you try to pick her up too early. First, try sticking your hand in and letting her sniff it, she will most likely run away afterwards. Eventually, you can try gently picking her up, don't squeeze her too tight, but don't let her get out of your hands which is ESPECIALLY easy for dwarf hamsters.

Playing

Once you earn the trust of your hamster, it will love to climb around on you. You can also put your hamster in a hamster ball and let her roll around inside- but ALWAYS supervise them! 

Cleaning

Hamsters generally do their business in 1 or 2 certain spots in their habitat. Therefore, every week or two, spot clean her habitat. Every month you should completely replace her dirty bedding.

Grooming

The best part about your hamster is that she won't require much maintenence! Everyday she will groom herself and it's really fun to watch them rubbing their faces with their little paws! If her coat starts to look dirty or matted get the corner of a towel wet and rub her with it.

Here is a link to Petsmart (a REALLY reliable website) for more info: http://promotions.petsmart.com/landing/hamster/index.shtml

LOVE  *;  your hamster

GETTING A NEW PUPPY

When you first come home with a puppy, there are a few things that you will need.

• Food; you should stick with puppy chow until he is about 6 months old
• Food and Water Bowl; should be heavy enough so your puppy can't knock it over
•  Collar and Leash; get an adjustable collar and make sure the leash is atleast 6 ft long
• Chews; it may not seem important at first, but chews stop puppies from using your couch as a chew toy and can even keep their breath fresh and clean!
• Toys; The very best part! Toys come in huge varieties and your puppy will enjoy playing with all of them; I suggest the indestructible kind like Kong
• Bed; it should probably have upturned edges to make the puppy feel safe
• Cleanup Supplies;odor-reducer, carpet cleaner, etc. You'll need ALL of them
•  Grooming Supplies; Shampoo, and a double-sided brush

These are just a few of the things that you need, but if you're getting a puppy, you probably know a little about what they need. Also, you CANNOT FORGET- VACCINATIONS AND NEUTERING/SPAYING.

When you first come home your puppy might be a little scared or shy and try to nip you but not always. Start playing with him and his toys, set his food out so he feels welcome to eat and drink unlike in his litter. Talk to him so he learns your  voice. For the first few nights he WILL bark for his mama but as he earns your trust, he will eventually quiet down. Remember: Training should start right off the bat. First, teach him his name and to come when he hears it. Then teach him to stay by holding your hand out and walking slowly backwards. Then move on to sit, down, and anything else you want. But remember to keep to about 10 minutes a day so your puppy doesn't lose interest. Housebreaking may take a while so look into buying Pee-Pee Pads but when your puppy poops or pees inside-DON'T HIT HIM!!! Answer with a firm "no"and lock him outside.

Remember, all dogs are different so pay attention to their individual needs as well.
Here is a great place to find new puppy supplies; http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2767079&f=Taxonomy%2FPET%2F2767079&fbc=1&fbn=Taxonomy%7CNew+Puppy+Center

Have a great time with your puppy (;