If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

I know all I asked for in life was for me to never have to put you to sleep.. You hated the vets and that was the worst way I could imagine you having to die, with your last memory in a vets office. I know I should be grateful that I got my wish, and you died peacefully asleep in your bed. But none of that seems to make it hurt any less.. Will the burn ever go away? I feel like I'm in billions of pieces. I love you so much old girl, I wish there would have been something I could have done to save you. I know you would have never wanted to see me cry like this, but girl if you only knew how much pain I'm in. You gave me the most joy I've ever experienced, every single day, every time you licked my face, wagged your tail, jumped up on me and pinned me to the ground.. I miss you more than people could ever understand..
You got a huge chunk of my heart with you girl, I hope you know that.

This is when it really pisses me off to know that people can throw their dogs and cats away like they mean nothing, if only they knew I'd give my whole life for another one of my baby girl's slobbery kisses.

May You Rest In Peace, Kiara.
Hopefully I'll see you again someday..

Kiara Di-ann, my Pride and Joy.

I know your time has come my sweet sweet baby girl, but it's taking all my strength to hold together, my heart feels like it's in millions of tiny pieces and the stores are all out of crazy glue. People tell me to stay strong.. How am I supposed to when nothing will ever be the same?
When people think back upon their childhoods how far back can you remember? Me? I remember being 3 and begging tooth and nail for a dog. I wanted one so badly, then my parents gave in and they gave me you, one tiny little roll polly puppy, when I was 5, Because I was scared of everything and I mean everything. My parents told me that this puppy would be my protector, she would scare away the ghosts, fight off the monsters in my closet, she would make sure nothing happened to me when I was in the shower or no murderers were hiding downstairs in the basement because she would be right there by my side through it all. So I learned that no matter what, as long as I had her everything would always be okay. We've been through everything together, from licking me to death while I was sick, trying to make me feel better every time I cried, to barking super loud to tell on me and my brother whenever we escaped the fence as kids, to us getting in trouble with mom because I was in the pond and that freaked you out because you thought I was in danger so you would jump in with me and lets me real now.. You never could swim very well. Or in the winter how me and Jordan could never wear gloves for very long because you were one hell of a glove thief, took them off us faster than mom could put them back on. Remember that time you took off after a squirrel when we were on a walk.. Dragged me through the woods face down, oh you silly girl.
You're the one that I could always count on no matter what, I could do, or tell you anything and at the end of the day you would never judge me, you would never love me any less, even if everyone else in the world hated me, I'd always have you.
This is hands down, the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but you've been nothing but loyal to me, and your family and I know you don't deserve to suffer, I'd never want that.
Please know I'm trying to make you happy, and make your last days here with me the best I can, but instead here we are, you laying on top me licking me to death which I know is your way of trying to tell me everything will be okay and that you love me. I'll never forget you, you'll always be in my heart. I am so happy and lucky to have had the last 14 years I had with you. I wouldn't change them for anything, but I'd give the world to have you forever, but I know that can't happen.
Love you always baby girl.

My Experiences on a Dairy Farm

A lot of what gets you into vet school (other than your grades) is having lots of volunteer experience and experiences with all kinds of animals. Now I live in a small town where the chances for me to volunteer aren't as plentiful as for those city kids, which at first I thought to be a disadvantage because I wouldn't have as long of a list as they would.. However I found something much better, and have realized that it's not going to come down to who has the longer list of volunteer work, but who came out of it with the most experience.
I volunteer on a farm, with 11 jersey cows that are used for milking, and at first I'll admit that my first thoughts were "cool cows!" and thats about it. I was going to milk cows and that was all, I guess at first you can say I didn't understand what volunteering really truly meant, well that has since all changed. These 11 cows and the man that owns the farm has taught me more about animals in general, and how strong respect goes when it comes to animals and the importance of being the "pack leader" rather it be with a 5 pound dog, or a 1100 pound cow. The relationship between that man, and his cows is actually amazing, it inspires me and has taught me so much.
Before this, I often wondered if me heading into vet school was a good choice for me, like maybe a childhood dream was all it was meant to be, but now I see that no one is "born" to be a vet, vets are formed, shaped and made into the people they are by the experiences they have. I know this is only the beginning for a long long road with lots of more wonderful and I'm sure some not so great experiences.
One very important thing I have learned is that in the world of animals in order for them to respect you, and view you as a person of authority you need to always be calm, never fearful around them, they can sense emotions and what you are feeling and if you're feeling nervous, they'll feel nervous, making them react in ways they never would have had you have been calm and assertive. I learned this from experience because when I was nervous around them, they showed me that they were nervous about me by acting fidgety or anxious whenever I was near, however once I calmed and realized I couldn't judge a book by it's cover and that although they were 1100 pound cows that could crush me, they were gentle giants that wanted nothing more from me but a good ole chin scratch and to give me a few slobbery kisses. Now they get excited when they see me just like your dog when you come home from work, and I brush and scratch each one before milking. :)

Pets During The Cold Winter Months.

I actually hate that I feel the need to write a blog post about this topic.. Why? Because that means this is actually a problem, which angers me to no end.. After seeing this picture ->
on Facebook I knew it was time and I had to address this issue. So even though I do not believe in the concept of ever leaving a pet outside all the time and believe that at the very least every pet should have the right to spend nights in the house. However since I can't control that, and by law as long as your pet is provided food, water and adequate shelter it is not considered animal cruelty (I disagree completely) but what can you do? So if you are one of those people who choose to leave your poor innocent pet outside year around, at least have the decency to prepare your pet to be comfortable (as possible) during these cold winter months.
1. Proper Housing - if you are expecting your pet to live outside in these months, please don't be like the sick disturbed people who let snow gather on their dog like in the picture above, provide a proper house, with a sloped roof so snow will not crush the roof from gathering, and is insulated or if possible providing a heater, blankets are not always ideal unless you change them everyday as when the dog goes to sleep at night and the blankets become wet from the snow, if you leave them there they may freeze and will not help keep your pet warm, but actually colder.
2. Water - make sure you give fresh water everyday, to ensure your pets water has not frozen solid with the weather.
3. Food - if you are keeping your pet(s) outside all winter, remember in the cold the pet will need to be provided extra food because their bodies will be burning extra calories trying to keep themselves warm.
4. You don't need to worry about this if you just let your poor pet inside during the winter months at least for the night :)

Microchipping: Should You? Why?

Microchipping is something that is being done more and more widely everyday, I'm going to share a story that happened the other day and what has made up my mind about it's importance.. As I previously mentioned I have a bunch of pets, 10 currently to be precise, 4 being cats and 1 a dog, one of my cats, Myles a purebred rag doll whom I had intended to be an indoor cat as the breed should be, and also because I had read too many articles on stolen exotic breed cats. He managed to get out the door the other day while opening the door for one of the other 3 cats that are outdoor cats, and I couldn't find him, luckily a very nice neighbour called and said she had a cat on her property, (knowing we had cats) and asked if he belonged to us, so he's back home safe and sound and never allowed to escape again. But next vet trip, needless to say he will be microchipped.
Why? What is it you ask?
Microchipping is an identification tag, that is inserted under the skin on your pet, and is about the size of a grain of rice, this tiny device contains your (as the owner) information, so that you may be contacted if your pet is found, please note that this is not a GPS tracking device it can not find your lost pet, but it can help the pet find his/her way back to you if he/she is turned over to the SPCA or brought into a vet, the microchip will be scanned and you will be contacted. It isn't an expensive procedure, 25$-50$ depending on your vet and can help save the life of your pet, and reunite him/her with you again. To me, any chance I have of getting back a lost loved one, is worth it no matter the cost.
This is a great article to continue reading up on this topic as it is becoming widely used around the world (although it says "kitten" it could refer to a dog or adult cat all the same):
http://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/kitten/health/evr_ct_cat_microchips#.UnunDZH0DwJ

Small Dog Syndrome

I mentioned "Small Dog Syndrome" during my last post but never elaborated as to what Small Dog Syndrome actually is, so this post is for those who have never heard of it, or are just looking for more information on it.
This is what happens when your dog thinks he is the pack leader above you, the owner. This happens often to small dogs because people let them get away with behaviour you would never let your Mastiff (example) get away with. People often view smaller dogs as being humans, and treat them as such. Which causes behavioural issues, due to them thinking they are the pack leader over you. So actually with this being said, there is no difference in temperaments between small and large dog breeds, it's what you as the owner does differently that makes their temperaments something much less desirable. You don't realize you are doing it and often do not been to but it happens, but before you give up on your dog, read up on it online to try to reverse this problem it's not too late! And if that don't seem to work for you seek the help of a professional.
Here is a really good article on Small Dog Syndrome that you should check out!: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/smalltoydogs.htm
Another wonderful site for help and info is:
http://www.cesarsway.com along with all his DVDs, and books!

How To Pick The Right Dog Breed For You

If you're reading this then that may mean you are trying to find the perfect dog breed for you or your family, well I can't really give you that answer.. But I'm going to give you tips on how to come close! Now theres tons of "Dog Breed Quizzes" out there on the web but just because they tell you the dog is for you don't necessarily mean that is the only dog you should own. If you are dead set on having a certain breed of dog and it doesn't fit you, either change your habits to meet their needs or don't get one.. Sounds harsh but that is how breeds get bad reputations, from people getting a dog because they think it is cute, but don't understand the breed and their needs.
Meeting the needs of your dog is an important key to the success of a healthy and happy dog. Energy is important, there are high energy dogs, moderate and low. A high energy dog will not be a good pet for a couch potato, because this will cause behaviour issues among the dog, which is why doing your research before jumping into getting a breed is very important.
High energy dogs will require a lot more than just a stroll down the street, they will need vigorous exercise everyday, such a run/jog twice a day on top of tons of space to roam and have a game of fetch! Some examples of high energy dog breeds are:
1. Australian Cattle Dog - In the herding group. Although adorable, is very high energy, and does best when there is livestock to herd, because of this they may nip at the backs of feet to "herd their people" so not always the best choice for a family with small children.
2. Australian Shepherd (Aussie) - A great choice for high energy families, they are great with kids, and although are herding dogs they are gentle with humans, they are very protective though and don't do well when left alone. They are also highly intelligent making them easily trained.
3. Border Collie - A very intelligent dog, that do amazing in various pet sport competitions, these dogs do great with children and other dogs however they can not always be trusted with other pets, but there are Border Collies living happily with cats so with proper training and socialization this is possible. These dogs also have strong herding instincts and will need to be taught not to nip at heels same as all over dogs in the herding group.
4. Brittany Spaniel - A easily trained dog, used popularly for hunting, does okay with children if raised from puppyhood, but because of hunting instincts a fenced yard would be best as they like to roam. They adapt easily to any environment, and make a great companion dog.
5. Great Pyrenees - This is a very loyal, devoted dog to his/her family, willing to risk his own life, is a protector and wary of strangers. This dog does best with kids when raised from puppyhood, it will need a firm strong willed owner to be the pack leader, tends to be vocal.
6. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - This is a particularly popular breed where I am from, these are devoted family dogs, great with kids, making excellent family dogs for anyone that can provide for their energetic needs. They are wonderful retrievers which makes them excellent ducking dogs, hence their name ;).
Those are just 6 of the many high energy level dog breeds, I was just giving examples and chose the most common in my area. If you wish to read more I get a lot of my information from the following site: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/exercisehigh.htm
Low energy dogs are dogs that still need exercise just not as much, 2 simple walks a day will do them just fine. Some examples of low energy gods are:
1. Bichon Frise - These are happy go lucky, all around intelligent, small dogs that are less yappy than other small breeds, happiest when part of a family.
2. Boston Terrier - Well rounded smaller dog breed, but if not properly trained may become high strung. Does well in an apartment.
3. Chihuahua - Socialization is important in this breed, they can be nervous of strangers and/or other animals if not. They tend to be a little more on the yappy side, and may not be best suited for apartment life because of their barking.
4. Mini Dachshund - Smaller than the dachshund being the pack leader of this breed is important to assure no behaviour issues such as but not limited to: small dog syndrome, and separation anxiety. They can make great family pets with great temperaments if worked with same as all smaller dog breeds.
5. French Bulldog - A well rounded, generally quite, smaller dog, that can make a great pet with proper leadership.
6. Havanese - A generally quiet, great companion dog, with a longer lifespan of 14-15 years, get for apartment life.
7. Italian Greyhound - A wonderful little companion, but without proper socialization it may become nervous around strangers and/or other animals, and this little dog can be difficult to housebreak making them not for everyone.
8. Maltese - Playful, loyal companion makes for a good small dog for families, loves to play outdoors.
9. Pug - A silly little dog, that is a loyal companion, and is likely to make you laugh, is good for apartments as is low energy however obesity is a rising issue amongst this breed of dog.
10. Shih-Tzu - Big things do come in small packages, describes this full of character loyal little dog.
11. Yorkshire Terrier - A little dog with a high prey drive, may not be the best suited for houses with other small animals (rodents), with this dog it is VERY important not to allow it to develop small dog syndrome.
Please keep in mind that all dogs need you as their owner to be the dominant "pack leader" to help reduce the chance of behaviour issues, and in little dogs "Small Dog Syndrome" (I'll do a post on this)
These are only 11 of the many low energy dogs, again I was giving examples of the breeds and general personality information, I find are most popular, and if you would like to read more go to: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/exerciselow.htm
Now just because the these breeds tend to be lower or higher in energy doesn't mean you won't find a lazy high energy dog, or a energetic lower energy dog, it all comes down to each dog as an individual. When picking a dog I hope you understand and are willing to make accommodations to your life for your dog.
Please don't forget you can find many of these dogs at your local SPCA or other animal rescues so don't forget to check them out before seeking a breeder!
another great site for information are: http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds#.Unfpl5H0DwI
or you can take this fun little quiz: http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html