Sunday, November 30, 2014

How Do You Put Two Dogs Up For Adoption

Putting dogs up for adoption is not an easy task.


Sometimes life situations make it difficult for you to continue caring for your dog. If you have two dogs, there may be situations that make it downright impossible to keep them. Illness, allergies in the family and economic hardships are just a few reasons why you might have to give up your dogs. While this might be the best thing for them, it will only be good for your dogs if you take the time to put them up for adoption the right way instead of just giving them to the first person who offers.


Instructions


1. Get your dogs ready for the adoption process. To make them most attractive to potential adopters, get them neutered or spayed and update their vaccinations.


2. Take pictures of your dogs. If you want a potential new owner to adopt both dogs, make sure they're together in the photos.


3. Gather information about their personalities. Write up this information in an informative paragraph that includes phrases like "playful and loving," "great with kids" and "needs lots of exercise." Include the age, weight and breed of the dogs.


4. Research animal shelters in your area. Choose the one that has the best reputation and that has the most effective, careful process for adopting out dogs. For example, a good process would be thoroughly interviewing potential adopters, checking to make sure they have a yard and veterinarian and following up after they adopt a dog. Reputable shelters will always take dogs back, as well, regardless of the situation.


5. Bring the photos you took, the information you gathered and recent vet records for your dogs to the shelter. Talk with a shelter worker about putting your dogs up for adoption. Many shelters will advertise the animals on their website and interview potential adopters for you while you keep your dogs until they have a good home to go to. Don't forget to let the shelter know if you want the dogs to stay together.


6. Keep looking for a suitable adopter or adopters yourself. Make a flyer using the photos you took and information you gathered. Add that your dogs are fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered to the posters. Hang them up at local pet stores, veterinarian's offices, doggy daycares, kennels, groomers, community centers, your local library and anywhere else you can think of.


7. Direct potential adopters who contact you to the shelter. It's best to allow the shelter to actually interview adopters to determine their eligibility for caring for your dogs and to let the dogs be adopted out through the shelter. That way, if there are any problems in the future, the dogs can be returned and protected by the shelter.

Tags: your dogs, potential adopters, caring your, information gathered, make sure

Friday, November 28, 2014

Is It Safe To Use Glucosamine Sulfate On Dogs

Glucosamine is a popular nutraceutical supplement for pets suffering from osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and other painful conditions that deteriorate joint tissue. The two most popular forms of glucosamine are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride; both are equally safe and effective for dogs.


Glucosamine Defined


Glucosamine provides the compounds necessary for a dog's body to rebuild new cartilage. It is made from hydrolyzed chitan, a fibrous sugar found in crustacean shells.


Types


Glucosamine hydrochloride is pure glucosamine, whereas the sulfate form is slightly less processed. Human clinical trials have found glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride to be equally safe and effective.


Human-Grade vs. Veterinary


Veterinary forms of glucosamine sulfate are often flavored to appeal to dogs, and they may contain vitamin C, which enhances the product's absorption. However, some pet-owners give their dogs human-grade products because they are often of higher quality.


Side Effects


Side effects from glucosamine sulfate are uncommon in dogs. Some dogs will experience vomiting or diarrhea after taking glucosamine, but this may improve after a few days of supplementation.


Minimizing Risk


To prevent potential dangers, pet owners should take care to give only the recommended dose of glucosamine. Drug interactions from glucosamine are rare but theoretically possible. Tell your veterinarian about any supplements that your dog is taking.

Tags: equally safe, equally safe effective, forms glucosamine, from glucosamine, glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine sulfate glucosamine

Raise Orphaned Virginia Opossums

Opossums may be cute, but it is illegal to keep them as pets.


Opossums are nocturnal, solitary marsupials native to North America. Opossums are docile and have many natural enemies, including humans. Should you come across orphaned opossums, you should take action or they will die without the care of their mother. Ensure that the opossum is really orphaned. Sick or injured opossums and those under seven inches in size are in need of care. It is illegal to keep opossums as pets, but there are steps you can take to ensure the orphan's survival.


Instructions


1. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center, opossum society, veterinarian or state department of wildlife. It is illegal to keep opossums as pets. You must contact your local rehabilitation center to report the orphan or injured opossum. Take the opossum to the center for rehabilitation. (Ref 1)


2. Check the area for other opossum babies. You can listen for the "sneezing" sound they make when calling for their mother. Only remove the babies if you are sure that they have been abandoned or if the mother is dead. Opossums have a shock response to fear that will cause them to 'play possum' and pretend to be dead to deter would-be attackers. Leave the area for a couple of minutes and return to ensure that the mother is really dead before picking up the babies. (Ref 1)


3. Keep the opossum orphan warm until you can get it to the rehab center. Place a heat pad half under a box with holes for ventilation. Keep the lid closed.


4. If you don't have a heat pad, place dry rice in a sock and heat it in the microwave. Ensure that the rice is not hot enough to scald the orphaned opossum, then place it in the box. Or, you can place warm water in a plastic bottle and wrap it in a small towel. (Resources)


5. Treat dehydration by administering 1 cc of fluids into the opossum's mouth every hour for up to six hours. You can administer the fluids using a syringe, eye dropper or pet nurser. Use Pedialyte or a mixture of 3 tsp. sugar and 1 tsp. salt in a quart of very warm water. Allow water to cool to room temperature before administering. (Resources)

Tags: illegal keep, illegal keep opossums, keep opossums, keep opossums pets, opossums pets, rehabilitation center

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Grow Virtual Desktop Pets

Your landlord doesn't ever have to find out that you have a pet if you adopt a virtual desktop pet. There are cats, dogs and even dragons available for adoption, waiting for you to interact with them. Just because the pet is virtual, though, doesn't mean you can neglect it. If you want your cyber pet to grow, you will need to feed it, give it water, make sure it gets exercise and, sometimes, take it to the virtual veterinarian. There are many websites that offer virtual pet adoption. Shop around until you find one that has the features you need.


Instructions


1. Decide what kind of a pet you want. There's more to this decision than whether you want a cat or a dog. There are fantasy versions, cartoon versions and more realistic versions of pets for you to choose from. Some sites allow you to create a pet out of your imagination. Some pets require more care than others.


2. Shop around the different websites offering virtual pets to find what you are looking for. Some sites will offer a pet that doesn't grow, but still requires care. The RSPCA is one of those sites, with free cyber-dogs, cats and rabbits to choose from and a very user-friendly site. Other sites offer pets that require interaction in order for the pet to grow and thrive. FooPets.com is a site that has pets available that you will need to feed and nurture in order for them to grow.


3. Customize your pet at the virtual pet website. Some sites allow more customization than others. For instance, at Rescreatu.com you will hunt for and choose an egg containing your fantasy-creature pet, which you will help hatch and then raise. Once you have completed the customization process, download the software from the virtual pet website, according to the instructions provided.


4. Learn the needs of your pet so that you can help it to grow. Different pets, from different sites, have different needs. A FooPet, for example, can come down with ailments that will require a trip to the virtual veterinarian. If you aren't paying close attention to your pet's behavior, you may not notice an ailment coming on. As with real pets, spending time with your virtual pet, watching his behavior, will help you get to know when to feed it, when it needs exercise, and, sometimes, when it just wants some affection from you. If you take good care of your cyber pet, you will have the reward of seeing it grow and thrive.

Tags: Some sites, choose from, exercise sometimes, find that, grow thrive

What Are Seizure Dogs

A good breed to train as a seizure-assist dog is the golden retriever.


Seizure dogs (also known as seizure-assist dogs) are canines trained to assist people suffering from seizure disorders. The two categories of seizure dogs are seizure-alert dogs and seizure-response dogs. Alert dogs warn their owners of impending seizure activity, while response dogs protect and assist during or after a seizure.


Seizure-Alert Dogs


Seizure-alert dogs have been trained to sense and advise their companion of an oncoming seizure. These dogs are trained to alert by exhibiting significant behavior changes such as circling, barking or pawing. They are most successful at warning about specific types of seizures, such as ones preceded by migraine headaches or auras. An owner's adequate attention and responsiveness to the alerting behavior is another important component of a seizure-alert dog's effectiveness.


Identifying Preceding Signs of Seizure


There is no substantial research evidence to suggest animals can actually detect an oncoming seizure. There is, however, evidence that dogs can be trained to recognize specific changes in an owner's behavior and respond to those, according to the National Institutes of Health's abstract of an article by V. Strong, S.W. Brown and R. Walker (1999). The article on seizure-alert dogs reported on training successes in support animals and noted that Support Dogs, a charitable dog training agency, successfully trained animals to detect their owner's unique changes that signified an oncoming seizure. All individuals have specific seizure profiles that include preceding signs. Alert dogs may not be detecting the seizure, but instead are recognizing these changes in their companion's behavior and body. Some specific signs that may be detected by the animal include scent changes, speech differences, confusion and disorientation in their owner.


Seizure-Response Dogs


Seizure-response dogs are trained to seek help for their companion in a seizure situation.


Seizure-response dogs are not always seizure-alert dogs; their primary function is to help during and after a seizure. These animals are trained to cushion a fall and revive their companion. They stay close for the seizure duration while their owner is most vulnerable. After the seizure, they can bring the victim medications, a phone or a helper.


Cost and Training


Successfully training a seizure dog takes significant time, money and dedication.


Though there are more than 100 service dog training facilities/organizations in the United States, fewer than 20 work with seizure dogs. This is because the necessary training for these animals is intense. It can take up to two years to ready a seizure dog for the duties required. The amount of rigorous training involved drives the cost of these animals up, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.

Tags: their companion, dogs trained, oncoming seizure, their owner, Alert dogs, during after, during after seizure

Reno Singles Clubs

Although the "Best Little City in the World" is known more for quickie divorces than its singles scene, Reno, Nevada, has plenty to offer the romantically unattached. Aside from its casinos, Reno is home to a number of nightclubs and bars that provide a casual but lively setting where singles can meet other singles.


Bliss Nightclub


Bliss is a dance club in Southwest Reno that caters to singles and party animals. This club is noted for its large dance floor, spectacular lighting and world-renowned DJs spinning the latest chart-topping beats and mixes. The club hosts a number of parties and themed entertainment events during the year, including special holiday parties. Bliss offers VIP rooms for casual conversation. It opens at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and at 9.30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The club offers separate operating hours for all ages and those 21 years old and over.


Bliss Nightclub


535 E 4th St.


Reno, NV 89512


775-348-2547


Sapphire Lounge


The Sapphire Lounge at Harrah's Reno is a nightclub catering to young singles 21 years old and over. The club features live bands, such as Emerald City and Blues Monsters, and DJs. The bar offers a wide selection of the best liquors, beers, wines, cocktails and microbrews. This club also hosts private parties. Doors are open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Mondays and 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Free live entertainment is available every weekend.


Sapphire Lounge


219 North Center St.


Reno, NV 89501


775-788-2953


harrahsreno.com


Roxy's Bar and Lounge


Overlooking the Fountain of Fortune at Reno's Eldorado Hotel and Casino, Roxy's has been ranked by Sneaky Sunday as the number one-singles bar in Reno. This bar and restaurant is known for its 102 martinis and 350 wines. Its restaurant offers freshly prepared steaks, chops and seafood dishes and a wide selection of desserts. The elegant, romantic lounge has a piano bar and live vocals nightly. Roxy's, a past winner of the Wine Spectator Award, has also been voted Best Lounge and Best Martini in the annual Best of Reno Poll by "Reno News and Reviews." Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. daily and the restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m.


Roxy's Bar and Lounge


345 N. Virginia Street


Reno, NV 89501


775-786-5700


eldoradoreno.com


Imperial Bar and Lounge


The Imperial Bar and Lounge is a new singles meet-up joint. The lounge provides an atmosphere of fun and comfort, and is the perfect setting for casual encounters. Sneaky Sunday ranks the Imperial as the number- two singles bar in Reno. As a "gastropub," the Imperial offers a diverse selection of beers, wines and a menu of burgers, fish tacos, chicken, sliders, paninis, salads and dips. Amenities include wide-screen plasma TVs, professional pool tables, comfortable custom-built booths and roomy floor space suitable for partying and dancing. Doors open at 11 a.m. daily.


Imperial Bar and Lounge


150 N Arlington Avenue


Reno, NV 89501


775-324-6399


imperialbarandlounge.com

Tags: Imperial Lounge, Reno 89501, Sapphire Lounge, beers wines, Bliss Nightclub, Doors open, Roxy Lounge

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Memorialize The Loss Of A Pet

For most of us, pets are members of our family just as much as people, and the loss of a pet can be devastating and leave a hole in the family. It can be hard to think of the perfect way to memorialize your pet, but there are many ways you can honor its life and ensure that its memory lives on.


Instructions


Finding the Perfect Way to Memorialize Your Pet


1. Get the whole family involved in a pet memorial by holding a funeral for your pet in your yard. Invite family and friends to come and share memories. Use easels and posterboard to make photo collages from pictures of time spent with your pet. Consider lighting candles for each guest to hold during the service. If you choose to bury your pet in the yard, give people the option to place a toy, dog treat, or other special item alongside your pet.


2. Consider including a headstone, whether you bury your pet in your yard or somewhere else. Many services allow you to order a headstone for your pet and will deliver it to you or the grave site. You can also purchase a kit including a headstone mold and concrete to create your own headstone. This can be another way to get the family involved and personalize this tribute to your pet with touches from every family member.


3. Cremate your beloved pet, if you prefer, and keep the ashes in a decorative urn beside a framed picture. You can also place items in a memorial box, collage or shadow box along with clippings of your pet's fur, its collar, a photo and some favorite toys.


4. Sprinkle some or all of your pet's ashes in a backyard garden and then plant flowers in the soil. In this way, the loss of your pet will symbolically provide the foundation for new life. Consider placing a headstone or other type of marker somewhere in the garden.


5. Make a donation in the name of your lost pet to an animal charity, your state's society for the prevention of animal cruelty, or a local animal shelter.


6. Commission an artist to create a painting from a favorite photo of your pet, one that features your pet alone or one that family members appear in with your pet. Frame the painting and place it in a special spot in your home.

Tags: your yard, your your yard, bury your, family involved, including headstone

Grants For Municipal Buildings

Municipal building projects can be financed by grants.


Several programs are available to fund construction and renovation projects of municipal buildings in communities across the United States. Grants are used to acquire real estate, purchase equipment and supplies and cover administrative expenses. These grants do not have to be repaid, but some programs require recipients to pay a percentage of the project costs with funds from outside sources.


State Administered Community Development Block Grant Program


The Department of Housing and Urban Development funds the State Administered Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides grants to communities to develop suitable living conditions and expand economic development. Grants are used for land acquisitions, constructing and renovating recreational and public service facilities, streets, private and public buildings and neighborhood centers. Funds are also used to help private and for-profit businesses carry out economic development activities, such as creating jobs. Cities and counties with less than 50,000 and 200,000 residents are eligible to receive grant funds.


U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development


451 7th Street SW


Washington, DC 20410


202-708-1112


hud.gov


Community Facilties Grant Program


The Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds the Community Facilities Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to low-income areas with less than 20,000 residents to develop facilities that are necessary to the community. Grants are used to construct facilities that are used for public safety, public services, community services and health care. Funds are also used to buy equipment that is needed to run the facilities. Grant amounts are formula-based with areas having the lowest income and population levels getting higher financial considerations. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, districts, tribal government agencies and non-profit organizations.


Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office


U.S. Department of Agriculture


Room 5014 South Building


14th Street and Independence Avenue SW


Washington, DC 20250


202-720-9619


rurdev.usda.gov


Hazard Mitigation Grant Program


Municipal buildings and other structures are able to be retrofitted to withstand high winds, earthquakes and other natural disasters under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), grants are also used to demolish properties to create open space, elevate properties prone to flooding and support activities to enforce building codes during reconstruction. State, local and tribal government agencies and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for these grants.


Federal Emergency Management Agency


P.O. Box 10055


Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055


800-745-0243


fema.gov

Tags: Grant Program, also used, Grants used, Administered Community, Administered Community Development, agencies non-profit, agencies non-profit organizations

How Much Is An Airline Ticket For Dogs

How Much is an Airline Ticket for Dogs?


Airline prices for taking Fido along are changeable and vary widely. One-way prices can range from nothing (Quantas) to more than $500 (an international fare on a US carrier). Prices for cargo tickets usually are greater than carry-on fees. Keep your research up-to-date about the airline on which you plan to fly or seek help from a pet travel agency to obtain the best price and conditions for your pet.


Types


Cargo-hold travel usually costs more than carry-on fees for pets, because it requires separate ticketing and extra attention from baggage handlers. Cargo charges for larger dogs may be greater.


Time Frame


Pricing is changeable due to changes in the economy and customer feedback. For relatively current fees and rules check the first two sources in the references below.


Features


Except for service dogs, carry-on pets usually must be small enough to fit in a crate under the passenger's seat.


Geography


Many airlines around the world allow cabin or cargo transport of animals. Most US airlines allow small dogs in the cabin as well as service animals.


Considerations


Extra fees for ticketing through a pet travel agency may be worthwhile. They should know which airlines and flights will provide the best travel conditions for your dog.


Warning


Some international airlines are not allowed to ship pets to all the destinations on their routes, due to laws that vary from one country to another.

Tags: Airline Ticket, Airline Ticket Dogs, carry-on fees, conditions your, more than, Much Airline

Military Use Of Dogs

Military Use of Dogs


Military working dogs have been serving the United States in many different ways. They are responsible for saving countless lives and detecting numerous bombs and explosive materials. The dogs undergo training for military use at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.


History


Military working dogs date back to World War I, when they were used to kill rats in the trenches. In World War II, over 10,000 trained military dogs were deployed as sentries, scouts, messengers and explosives detectors.


Recruitment


German shepherds and Belgian Malanois are recruited for military use at one to two years old.


Jobs


Military dogs are used in patrol, explosive detection and specialized mission functions. Dogs can be trained for search and rescue, explosives detection, and patrol or guard duty. A dog's sense of smell is five to 10 times stronger than a human's, making them perfect for this line of work.


Training


Military working dogs undergo 11 weeks of training at the handler course at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The training teaches the dog advanced obedience and sniff for specific substances, such as drugs or explosives.


Retirement


Military working dogs can be retired from their service due to a medical discharge, such as loss of scent or hip dysplasia. Others are released if they cannot complete the handler training. Retiring dogs can be adopted if approved by Lackland Air Force Base. The handler has first choice of adoption, then law enforcement, then civilians.


Fun Facts


The dogs have military service books assigned to them. Each dog is treated as if it is a human soldier.

Tags: Military working, Military working dogs, working dogs, Force Base, Lackland Force, Lackland Force Base

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Get Grants For Infertility Treatments

Even one round of in vitro fertilization can be prohibitively expensive for couples without fertility grants.


A diagnosis of infertility can be a difficult one to come to terms with. However, advances in medicine mean that there are treatments available to help individuals afflicted with fertility problems. These can range from drugs to helps stimulate the production of sperm or ovulation to in vitro fertilization (IVF), whereby eggs are fertilized in a laboratory before being implanted into the uterus. Unfortunately, many of these treatments are expensive and beyond the financial reach of many couples. But there are grants available to help, albeit with restrictions.


Requirements


Get an accurate, verified diagnosis. To qualify for an infertility grant you must be able to demonstrate that you fit into the American Society of Reproductive Medicine's criteria for infertility. In addition, your doctor will need to testify that, other than your infertility, there are no abnormalities in your reproductive system. You must also be under 45 years of age. There are a few organizations that will accept grant applications from women over this age, but most insist on it as a maximum.


Insurance


Check you insurance for infertility coverage. Most policies will not cover expensive treatments such as IVF, but may cover you for drug prescriptions. Make sure you insurance policy covers medical procedures that may be required during pregnancy if your treatment is successful. You will also need to arrange health insurance for the child.


Research


Research the organizations that offer infertility grants. They will all have their own selection criteria and may place restrictions on those given grants, such as requiring you to participate in marketing campaigns if successfully treated. Some require applicants to be married, while other give precedence to couples based in certain locations. Many give preference to childless couples.


Documentation


Provide documentation to support your application. Besides your doctor's diagnosis of infertility, you will need to show that you do not have the financial resources to pay for the infertility treatment, but that you do have sufficient income to support a child. You will also need to show that your medical insurance does not cover the requested treatment. You may also be required to show proof of residence.

Tags: also need, available help, diagnosis infertility, need show, need show that

Care For Cats In A Shelter

General care of shelter cats with behavior issues can be challenging.


Like all shelter animals, cats require some species-specific general care on a daily basis. This general care includes cage setup, sanitation and feeding. In addition, shelter cats require veterinary care such as de-worming, vaccinations and spaying/neutering surgery. Shelter cats also require loving care and attention from volunteers to help them to transition smoothly to a new home. An understanding of the basic care shelter cats require can help an adopter to appreciate the role of the kennel worker.


Instructions


1. Know the cat. If you are not familiar with the animal, ask a co-worker to fill you in before you approach the animal. Find out if the cat is aggressive or shy and if it has any behavioral or health issues.


2. Visually assess the cat's health and behavior. If the cat is aggressive, recruit a co-worker to help you with the cage change. The ordeal of an escape and capture will be very stressful to the cat and should be avoided if at all possible.


3. Transfer the cat into a clean holding cage--an empty cage lined with clean newspaper.


4. Check the cage and litter pan for signs of vomiting or diarrhea. Check the food bowl to assess whether or not the cat has been eating well.


5. Remove bedding, shake any food or litter debris into the trash can, and place the old bedding into the laundry bin. Remove and empty (into the trash can) the litter box, food bowl and water bowl and stack them on the wash cart. Remove newspaper from the bottom of the cage and dispose in the trash.


6. Using a rag that is sopping-wet with disinfectant solution, soak down the entire cage. Be sure to soak the hinges, each bar of the door and food and water bowl support rings. Allow disinfectant to sit for 10 minutes while you move on to the next cat cage. Rinse your hands in the disinfectant solution or wash with antibacterial hand soap before touching the next cat.


7. Scrub the cage thoroughly with a scrub brush and disinfectant solution. Use a rag that has been soaked in disinfectant solution and wrung nearly dry to wipe down the clean cage. Allow the cage to air dry while you move on to the next cat cage.


8. Add clean newspaper, bedding, litter box, food and water bowl to the clean cage.


9. Return the cat to the clean cage, shut the door and then use the watering can to add clean water to the bowl.


10. Remove newspaper lining from the holding cage and use a rag damp with disinfectant to thoroughly wipe down the holding cage--again, take care to wipe the hinges, bars and bowl support rings.


11. Report any suspicious symptoms (e.g., sneezing, diarrhea, poor appetite) to the veterinarian.

Tags: disinfectant solution, water bowl, cats require, clean cage, shelter cats, bowl support

Clean Stuffed Toys For Donations

Clean stuffed toys before donating them.


When your child outgrows her stuffed animals, you have the option to either throw the toys away, or create new use for them by donating the stuffed animals to a local charity. Since your child has already used the toys, it is important to clean and disinfect them so the new child using them can start fresh with clean, germ-free stuffed animals. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Read the care instructions label on the toys. Most stuffed animals are machine washable, while some require hand cleaning.


2. Place machine-washable items into the washing machine. Add your regular laundry detergent and wash the toys on a hot water cycle to kill germs and remove dirt.


3. Put the stuffed animals in the dryer, checking them every 15 minutes until they are fully dried. Make sure the toys are dried the whole way through to prevent mildew growth.


4. Wipe stuffed animals that are not machine-washable with disinfectant wipes or spray with disinfectant spray. Use whichever you have on hand, as both will kill germs.


5. Place the stuffed animals in a tightly sealed trash bag for at least three days prior to donating. This will kill any dust mites that may still be harboring on the stuffed animals.

Tags: stuffed animals, kill germs, will kill, with disinfectant, your child

Monday, November 24, 2014

Train A Beagle Not To Howl

Originally bred for hunting, the beagle developed a howl over generations that could carry for miles, letting hunters know when he had found the prey. Today, beagles are rarely used as hunting dogs, but their howl remains. If you adopt a beagle, you're adopting a dog who is more vocal than average. For your own peace and for your neighbors' peace, plan on spending time training him not to howl.


Instructions


1. Get your beagle neutered if he is male, which will make training go easier. Unaltered male beagles are likelier to develop the habit of howling than are females or unaltered males.


2. Choose a single word for a "quiet" command, which you will use to remind your dog not to howl whenever he starts howling. Use a word that's easy to remember and that you don't usually use in the presence of your dog.


3. React as soon as your beagle begins howling. If she is howling in response to something in the environment, first acknowledge or investigate the cue. You don't want to teach your dog to be quiet even when she thinks there's danger. After you check on the reason for the howl, clap your hands to get your beagle's attention.


4. Make sure you have your beagle's attention. Hopefully, you've startled him enough with your clap that he stops vocalizing. If not, get his attention by making eye contact or even by touching him. Give the "quiet" command and provide an immediate food reward if he is not howling. If he continues vocalizing, keep giving the command and reward him as soon as he is quiet.


5. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 whenever your beagle begins howling.


6. Notice the situations in which your beagle howls. Sometimes, your dog might howl to show separation anxiety or boredom. If you dog howls for these reasons, you will need to solve these underlying problems as you train.


7. Predict the situations in which your beagle may howl, so you can redirect her energy whenever she is about to do so. Engaging her in other activities will help her see that there are more rewarding activities than howling.

Tags: your beagle, beagle attention, beagle begins, beagle begins howling, begins howling, quiet command, situations which

Turn My Dog'S Paw Print Into A Tattoo

A puppy paw tattoo is a meaningful bond between you and man's best friend.


Animal paw print tattoos are common and a myriad of stock flash depicts paws of different types. However, a meaningful version of a common animal paw tattoo is one of your own dog's. Knowing turn your dog print into a tattoo only requires some ordinary office materials. It gives you the ability to present an identical image to your favorite, trusted tattoo artist.


Instructions


1. Press one of your dog's paws evenly and firmly into the stamp ink pad.


2. Press the ink-coated paw firmly and evenly over the center of a sheet of normal white printer paper. Be careful not to smudge the print. Have one of your friends or family members hold your dog so he doesn't squirm.


3. Lift your dog's paw straight up from the paper to avoid smearing. The final result will be a perfect print of your dog's paw. Let it air dry without touching it to any surfaces for at least 30 minutes. This makes sure that it doesn't smudge when you transport it to your tattooist.


4. Take the paw print to a trusted, talented tattoo artist who has access to a flash machine, which most tattoo shops do. From here, the tattooist will resize the print in the flash machine according to your specifications. Perhaps your dog's paw is large and you want it small, but still identical, the flash machine resizes it any way you want. Select an area for your tattooist to apply the meaningful symbol with his or her tools.

Tags: flash machine, tattoo artist, your tattooist

Transport Your Pet Overseas

Make the proper arrangements for your pet's move overseas.


An overseas move is a logistical challenge. When you add transporting pets to the equation it becomes even more challenging. Knowing the best and safest way to transport your pet can ease the transition for both you and your furry family member.


Instructions


1. Find out the destination country's policy on pets entering the country. Many countries require certain health records and some require a quarantine period.


2. Take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup. Nearly all countries require a rabies certificate and some require more. Talk with your vet about how well he thinks your pet will handle the stress of travel. He may have suggestions to make the trip easier.


3. Determine how much money you have to fund the transport. You may have to pay duty and quarantine costs. If the country requires that the pet be quarantined, call the quarantine center and find out what the quality of care is and if they will have a veterinarian on staff in case of an emergency.


4. Consider hiring a pet relocation service. These services are familiar with the rules of airlines and foreign countries and with the needs of your pet. It may be worth the money if the logistics of your move are tricky.


5. Check with the airlines to find out their rules on traveling with pets. Small pets may be able to travel in the cabin if they are in a soft-sided carrier and fit under the seat in front of you. Larger animals will need to travel as baggage or cargo. Many airlines won't transport animals during the extreme temperatures of the summer because of concerns about the pet's health if the plane must sit on the runway for long periods of time.


6. Place familiar items, such as old blankets that smell like your family and favorite toys, in the crate with your pet. If your pet has to spend months in quarantine, these items will help him feel more comfortable.


7. Take your pet to the airport and hand her over to the airline personnel. Know what to expect at your destination. Your pet may be taken directly to a quarantine facility. Find out what the conditions in the facility are like and how often the pets are visited by a worker. Also find out if the facility has a veterinarian on site.


8. Pick up your pet. If no quarantine is necessary, you should be able to pick up your pet immediately. If your pet must spend time in quarantine, find out when you can pick up your pet. Get phone numbers for the facility so you can call to check on your pet.

Tags: countries require, pick your, some require, Take your, with your, your move

Friday, November 21, 2014

Set Up A Spider Tank

Tarantulas don't like light, so provide cover where they can hide.


Tarantulas and other spiders make good pets that will provide hours of entertainment, but it's important to think about the arachnid's health and well-being when setting up your spider's tank. Spiders have specific needs that differ from that of other caged pets, which you will need to take into account. Set up your pet's habitat before you buy the spider so it can transition to its new home quickly and stress-free.


Instructions


1. Get a tank that is wide and shallow, as you are getting a terrestrial spider that loves to burrow. You'll need to get a cage that is taller than it is wide if you are buying an arboreal tarantula--they like to climb and don't spend much time on the floor of the cage.


2. Provide some peat-free compost as its substrate. This holds water well and also allows the spider to burrow. Vermiculite is also a good option. Avoid bark chips, which attract mold growth, and sand, creating a messy tank.


3. Put some furniture in the tank to give your spider a place to hide. A piece of curved cork bark is a good option, or perhaps half a flower pot. Generally, you should not put live plants in the tank as they usually require special lighting, whereas tarantulas do not. Provide high-rising furniture like a tree branch if you have an arboreal spider.


4. Place the tank in a warm area of the house with a temperature between 70 to 80 degrees F., or put a heat pad underneath the tank.


5. Clean the tank every four to six months, and transfer your spider to a holding container before you do so. Remove dead crickets and wash the interior and exterior of the tank, including the furniture and water dish. Replace the substrate.

Tags: your spider, good option

Diamonds Found In Indiana

Dozens of diamonds have been found in Indiana.


Prospectors and settlers have been finding diamonds in Indiana and other Midwestern states since the 19th century when westward expansion boomed. Diamonds aren't indigenous to Indiana and they're not plentiful; geologists believe they were transported to the Midwest by cataclysmic weather events about 20,000 years ago.


The Origins of Hoosier Diamonds


Indiana has a layer of sedimentary formation that varies from 3,500 to 13,000 feet in depth, making it nearly impossible to uncover locally formed diamonds. However, during the last Ice Age, large amounts of rocks and minerals (collectively called "till") were picked up by glacial motion and shoved from Canada to the United States. The ice reached as far south as the area between Martinsville and Bloomington, resulting in the south-central part of the state having an abundance of abnormal mineral wealth that includes gold and diamonds that were deposited with the melting ice.


Significant Diamond Finds in Indiana


Diamond finds were well-documented in the latter half of the 1800s because many parties were evaluating the viability of diamonds mines in Indiana. In 1903, Willis Blatchley published detailed descriptions of eight diamonds found in Indiana while noting that several others, found by gold seekers, went undocumented. The largest diamond examined by Blatchley was reportedly enormous: "The Stanley Diamond," which weighed in at 4 7/8 carats. As of 2005, the Indiana Geological Survey has documented 35 Hoosier diamonds.


Find Diamonds in Indiana


Looking for diamonds is similar to looking for gold. The easiest places to find diamonds are creek beds that are low relative to the bedrock. Because diamonds are denser than most other minerals, they are usually at the lowest strata of the creek above the bedrock. A hand trowel suffices for reaching this level in diamond-rich areas. Geographically, diamonds are most likely to be found in the band south of Indianapolis and north of Bedford. Historically, the highest abundance of diamonds in Indiana has been found in Morgan County and Brown County.


What to Do If You Find a Diamond


If you believe you've found a diamond, have it analyzed by a gemologist who can confirm whether it is genuine. Although the "4 Cs" of diamond jewelry don't necessarily apply to diamonds in the rough, a gemologist can verify that a diamond is genuine and determine its rough weight and quality. Have the diamond appraised by a reputable jeweler, though many will require a fee for this service. The Indiana Geological Survey encourages people to inform it of any diamonds found in Indiana for research purposes.

Tags: found Indiana, been found, diamonds found, diamonds found Indiana, diamonds Indiana, Diamonds Indiana

Get A Pet For Your Sim In The Sims 2

Get a Pet for your Sim in The Sims 2


There are several ways for your Sims to find a new furry friend. Some take more time than others, but all are very simple and can help you find just the right pet for your Sims.


Instructions


1. Consider your family's needs before you get a pet. Do your Sims even want a pet? There are some Sims (not many, but some) that don't like animals. There are also certain situations where, even with care and attention, your Sim and their new pet just won't get along. Make sure your perspective pet compliments your Sim's personality.


2. Go downtown to the pet store. You'll need the Open for Business expansion for this one. Each downtown has a pet store where you can purchase pets. You can also make your own pet store and buy a pet from yourself. This option works best for Sims with money.


3. Wait for an animal to show up, then befriend it. Pets are just like furry Sims; they respond positively to friendly behavior and negatively to hostile behavior. Chasing an animal around your yard will not convince it to stay, but greeting it, playing with it and petting it may persuade it to stick around. This is the perfect option for Sims who aren't picky about what pet they want (most Sims aren't) and are short on money.


4. Call the Pet Adoption Service. This can be found in the Call, Service menu when your Sim uses the phone. The Adoption service will help you find the right pet for you and typically doesn't cost as much as the store. It also saves your Sim a trip downtown, which can be handy if your Sim is antisocial.


5. Make a furry friend. Pets can be created along with the rest of your Sims when you first create the family. Like befriending an animal that passes by, this option costs your family nothing. This also ensures you get the perfect pet for your family.


6. Buy a smaller pet. If your Sim won't enjoy a dog or cat, there are other pets available. Hamsters, birds, fish and Womrats can all be purchased through the Buy menu, and are much lower-maintenance than dogs and cats.

Tags: your family, your Sims, downtown store, furry friend, help find, Sims aren

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Put Out An Electric Wood Burning Fireplace

Electric fireplaces look real but run on electricity.


Don't let the warm heat and comforting glow of your electric fireplace trick you into thinking that putting out the electric wood burning fireplace is a challenge. Such a fireplace, designed for indoor use, mimics the effect of burning wood and flames but relies on electricity to run it. Putting one out is a snap, and you can choose one of several methods to extinguish the flame on your fireplace when the evening is over. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Turn the "on/off" switch on your electric fireplace to the "off" position. This should be located along the side or the top of the fireplace. Consult your electric fireplace manual to find the location of the "on/off" switch for your model.


2. Unplug the electrical cord from the wall outlet or power strip. Do this in lieu of using the "on/off" switch or in addition to doing so.


3. Remove the battery from your electric wood burning fireplace. The battery lights up the logs and flames to make your fireplace appear functional. Without the battery, your fireplace will not work. Consult your fireplace manual to determine where the battery compartment is for your model and open the door of the battery compartment.

Tags: your electric, your fireplace, electric fireplace, your electric fireplace, battery compartment

States That Allow Gay Foster Parenting

Gay and lesbian couples are afforded full rights to become foster parents in most states.


The desire to care for children, whether through reproduction, adoption, or foster care, is one that is among the most universal throughout human history. For gay persons seeking to become foster parents in the United States, this path is made easier by the fact that, with a few exceptions, most states do not prohibit such arrangements.


Utah


In Utah, gay persons are restricted from becoming foster parents by virtue of a law passed in 2000 which prohibited the placing of foster children in the care of a cohabiting, non-married couple. Although this law does not make specific mention of sexual orientation, and therefore technically permits gay persons to become licensed foster parents as long as they do not have a cohabiting partner, single adults are given a lower priority than married couples in the foster placement process.


Nebraska


An administrative memorandum issued by the director of Nebraska's Department of Social Services in 1995 bans the placement of foster children in the homes of "persons who identify themselves as homosexuals" and likewise restricts gay persons from becoming licensed foster parents. It applies the same ban to unmarried, cohabiting couples. A 2004 administrative memorandum from the Office of Protection and Safety also lists unmarried, cohabiting adults as one of the criteria which would eliminate a home from being considered for approval as a placement for foster children in non-emergency situations.


Arkansas


In Arkansas, a voter-approved initiative in 2008 prohibited unmarried couples from being foster parents. This law was struck down by circuit judge Chris Piazza in April 2010. Its original purpose, according to the organization which pushed for its passage, was to prevent gay persons from becoming foster or adoptive parents after such restrictions were overturned by the Arkansas Supreme Court. As of 2011, the decision had not yet been appealed.


North Dakota


A law passed in North Dakota in 2003 allows licensed child-placing agencies to exercise "moral or religious convictions" in their placement decisions, which may include decisions to not place foster children in the care of gay couples.

Tags: foster parents, foster children, from becoming, administrative memorandum, become foster, become foster parents

Attract A Cat

Store-bought cat food attracts is likely to attract hungry felines.


Cats were first domesticated by the ancient Egpytians in about 4,500 BC, according to the Simple Pet Care website. Nowadays, people still keep cats to help ward off vermin or for company. Enticing felines into a home requires little more than patience and a few store-bought accessories.


Instructions


1. Lay down some cat food. Reduce the chance of unwanted animals eating the food by only putting it out in the evening and morning when cats are most active. Avoid meat products that will tempt vermin.


2. Replicate the call of animals that cats prey on. According to the Fox19 website, cats respond to the sounds of local birds. Cats are naturally inquisitive, so playing a recording of birds is likely to attract a cat's attention and encourage them to seek out its source.


3. Apply catnip oil to the area you want cats attracted to. Alternatively, dried forms of the herb can be bought from pet stores. According to the Our Herb Garden website, the smell of catnip is attractive because of its similarity to that of the pheromones produced by cats of the opposite sex. Not all cats react to catnip however. According to the Feline Advisory Bureau's website, only cats with one or both copies of the autosomal dominant gene will be susceptible.

Tags: likely attract

Help With Spaying A Cat On A Low Income

Spaying your cat is part of responsible pet ownership.


Part of being a responsible pet owner is spaying or neutering. You may need help with spaying a cat on a low income. Fortunately, a number of organizations provide such help. Researching your options will get the ball rolling, as well as help you sleep a little better a night knowing that you won't have to break the bank.


Reasons For Spaying


The shelters are full of animals with no home. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that four million cats and dogs are put down every year at a rate of about one every eight seconds. Spaying your cat can also improve her health in the short term as well as helping to avoid long-term problems in the future. Once you remove the economic difficulties associated with spaying a cat, there are many reasons to spay and almost no reasons to not.


Types of Organizations


Different organizations serve different populations of cats. Some will only spay feral cats -- those who are not tame. You may wish to alert such organizations to feral cat populations in your area to cut down on the number of feral cats. Other organizations will help anyone spay a cat, regardless of income. Finally, some groups work only with pet cats for low-income families. These are the organizations you will want to seek out if you cannot afford to spay your cat.


How It Works


Different organizations handle low-income assistance for spaying cats differently. For example, the Brazos Animal Shelter in Texas offers vouchers to low-income families that are redeemable at participating veterinarians. Other organizations, such as the Humane Society for Seattle/King County offer spaying at a discounted rate of $15 as of 2011. You may need to wait until such organizations hold special events to get your cat the surgery she requires. Other discounted rates run year round.


Additional Charges


Some cats are harder to spay than others. Pregnancy and the heat cycle can act as complications in the spaying procedure. Other medical conditions can also require more complicated procedures. In this case, you may be subject to additional charges. Before bringing your cat in for an operation, discuss any potential complications with a representative of the organization. As payment is generally required the day of the surgery, you should be financially prepared for such contingencies.

Tags: Different organizations, feral cats, Humane Society, low-income families, organizations will, Other organizations

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Texas Law On Dog Vaccines

Texas Law on Dog Vaccines


Every state in the United States has its own laws regarding dog ownership and dog vaccines. Many states require that certain vaccines be obtained before the dog can be registered with the state or county. The most important dog vaccine requirements are those that pertain to the rabies vaccination, as rabies is communicable and can be harmful to humans.


Basic Law


Under the law of the Texas Department of Public Health, all pets have to be vaccinated by the time they reach 4 months of age. One year later, they are required to receive their vaccinations again. After your dog receives its one-year vaccinations, further vaccinations are required by law every three years in order to maintain the proper licensure. There are a number of immunizations that your dog can receive during this time, but the one that is the most important is the rabies vaccination, which is why it is required by Texas law.


Transport Laws


All dogs over the age of 3 months and being transported into the state of Texas are required to have been vaccinated against rabies. In order for an animal to be considered vaccinated on a current basis, a period of at least 30 days must have elapsed between the travel date and the date of the initial vaccination. The rabies vaccination may last 12 months or 36 months depending on which vaccination is used.


Dog Bites


If a dog has bitten another animal or a person, the owner must be able to provide paperwork showing that the dog has received a rabies vaccination within 12 months or 36 months depending on what vaccination was used. If the vaccination paperwork cannot be provided, or if the vaccination schedule is no longer current, Texas has specific protocols for vaccination and isolation that need to be followed. In the case of a dog not currently vaccinated, three rabies vaccinations must be administered, and strict isolation must be enforced for a period of 90 days.


Rabies Vaccination


The recommended schedule for rabies begins with an initial vaccination at the age of 16 weeks or 4 months. The first annual rabies vaccination should occur one year later. Effective in March 2003, Texas requires that a dog be vaccinated for rabies once every three years past this point.


Distemper and Parvovirus Vaccination


Although the distemper vaccination is not required by Texas law, it is still recommended that dogs receive it at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. Another Distemper vaccination is required at 1 year of age, and then never again as this vaccination provides lifetime immunity. The Parvovirus vaccination is also recommended at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age, and the first annual vaccination following puppy shots will provide the dog with lifetime immunity to the virus. Both of these viruses can be deadly without the proper vaccination.

Tags: rabies vaccination, weeks weeks, every three, every three years, first annual, initial vaccination

Sue In Small Claims Court In California

File a lawsuit in California small claims court.


California small claims courts handle civil disputes where the amount of money in question does not exceed $7,500. Anyone over the age of 18 can file in small claims court. Common examples of small claims cases are landlord/tenant disputes, car accidents and non-payment of a debt. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your small claims case, you have the right to appeal to a higher court.


Instructions


1. Determine which small claims court has jurisdiction in your case. Generally, you must file in the county where the defendant lives or does business. The California Courts website includes a list of the state's small claims courts (see Resources below).


2. Prepare your claim forms. Each county has its own process for filling out forms, but you must fill out Form SC-100, "Plaintiff's Claim And ORDER To Go To Small Claims Court/Information For The Defendant" (see the link in the Resource section below).


3. File your claim with the clerk of court and pay the required filing fee. As of 2010, the filing fee ranges from $30 to $75 depending on the amount of money you are asking for.


4. Serve the defendant with the paperwork. In California, this can be accomplished by personal service, substitute service or certified mail by the clerk of court. The rules for each type of service can be found on the California Courts website. If you use certified mail you must pay the clerk a fee.


5. File the proof of service form (SC-104) with the court after the server has signed it, verifying that service has been accomplished.


6. Appear on the date and time set by the court. Present your case along with any documentary or testamentary evidence. The judge will make a ruling that day or within a short time after the hearing.

Tags: small claims, claims court, small claims, amount money, California Courts, California Courts website, California small

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Obtain A Certified Copy Of A Birth Certificate Immediately

To obtain a certified copy of a United States birth certificate immediately, you need to have the proper information at hand, and money to pay a minimum fee for one.


To obtain a certified copy of a United States birth certificate immediately, you need to have the proper information at hand, and money to pay a minimum fee for one.


All states require birth certificates filed for each birth and keep updated, permanent records at their vital statistics office. The health department or county clerk's office of the area where the birth took place also keep certified records.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers online links to each state's health department for quick access to important birth record information. The National Vital Statistics System works with states to provide birth data for national use.


Instructions


1. Gather the following information to obtain the birth certificate: complete name of the person you need the birth record for, person's sex, parents' names as well as mother's maiden name, year, month and day of birth, state and city or county of birth, hospital name (not mandatory), reason for the certificate request, relationship to person whose certificate is requested and daytime phone number.


2. Go to the health department or county clerk's office in the city or county where the birth took place, along with your verification documents to obtain the certified birth certificate copy. Check their hours of business, birth record fee and method of payment online or by phone before you go there. These offices provide the best way to get a certificate immediately or on the same day, unless complications arise.


3. Go to a state's vital statistics office to obtain a birth certificate when you can't get to the health department or county clerk's office. Inquire online for the address, hours and specific fees for the certified birth record. Health department websites also provide resources for mail delivery of a birth certificate. The mailing option does not include immediate access to a birth document, but does offer quick shipping methods.

Tags: birth certificate, birth record, certificate immediately, clerk office, county clerk

Grants Available For Animal Shelters

There are many animal lovers that have set up grants to help in the sheltering of animals. There are grants for animals that are victims of their owner's home foreclosure and ones that will help house animals that are homeless under any circumstance. Some of the bigger pet supply businesses have set up grants to help animal shelters too.


American Humane Association


The American Humane Association has grants in three different areas. One of the grants goes as high as $2,000 and is set up to help with the pets that are victims of home foreclosures. They also offer the Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant with funding up to $4,000 that can go for building improvements and be used for needed equipment. This money is available as long as it directly affects the welfare of animals in shelters. Their Second Chance Fund gives animals that were abused, homeless or neglected a second chance on life and it is available to any shelter that houses these animals.


Pet Companies That Offer Grants


Grants are available from the Petco Foundation. Their site allows you to add your animal charity to their list that awards grants as they become available. The offer funding to shelters to help with adoption and also with the spay and neutering of animals.


Pet Smart Charities has grant programs that help animal shelters in various ways. To apply for their grants you can download the forms right from their site. They have helped in many emergency rescue situations. Their main interest is in helping agencies that rescue homeless pets and adopt them out for companions.


Banfield Charitable Trust


The Banfield Charitable Trust has grants for many different things that have to do with an animal shelter, from preventative medicine to educating children about pets.


Maddie's Fund


Maddie's Fund is another organization that supports animals with millions of dollars of funding available. They offer some of the larger grants, which would help animal shelters in many ways. They offer many different funding opportunities, from starter grants to grants for spaying and neutering animals. They give priority to no-kill animal shelters.


United Animal Nations and Pedigree Foundation


The Lifeline Grant Program is offered by United Animal Nations. They offer this grant to animal rescue organizations for a variety of needs. Applications are available online.


Animal shelters can apply for a grant from the Pedigree Foundation. This foundation has awarded many grants to shelters all over the United States. Most likely there is a shelter in your area that is a recipient of this grant.


Lifeline Rescue Program


For emergency veterinary expenses, the Lifeline Rescue Program offers grants to animal shelters. The grants are to help with the high cost of caring for animals' medical needs. Proper medical care is costly, causing most animal shelters to struggle in this area.


Gold Stock Fund


Grants provided by the Gold Stock Fund are given to rescue organizations to pay for transportation, boarding, evaluations and medical costs of golden retrievers and golden-hearted dogs taken into rescue. Every dog is a golden-hearted dog.

Tags: animal shelters, animals that, grants help, help animal, help animal shelters, help with

Find Labradoodle Dogs

Find Labradoodle Dogs


Originally a Labrador retriever and standard poodle mix, labradoodles are now a distinctive breed of dogs. Affectionate, energetic, friendly and easy to train, labradoodles are a good choice for active individuals or families with children. To ensure that you adopt a healthy labradoodle, select your puppy from a reputable breeder or find a mature dog through a labradoodle rescue organization.


Instructions


1. Get in touch with labradoodle breeders in your part of the country and ask if they have a litter of puppies available now or if they expecting one in the near future. Dog breeders tend to keep in contact with one another, so if the breeder you speak to does not have any puppies he or she will probably be able to refer to other breeders who do.


2. Consult the website of the Australian Labradoodle Club of America, an organization dedicated to maintaining high breeding standards. The club's website lists more than 50 labradoodle breeders that have qualified for membership.


3. Adopt a labradoodle from a rescue organization such as The Doodle Rescue Collective. Such organizations are usually operated by volunteers who care for individual dogs in their own homes until someone comes forward to adopt the animal. Photographs and profiles of available dogs are posted on the rescue organization's website. There is an application process and a fee for adopting a dog through a rescue organization.

Tags: rescue organization, Find Labradoodle, Find Labradoodle Dogs, labradoodle breeders, Labradoodle Dogs

Get Hot Dog Cart Organized For Big Sales Day

Make more hotdog cart money by being organized


Getting your hot dog cart organized for a big sales day is the key to good profits. You don't want customers standing in line forever waiting on their fresh hot dogs. It's simply not good hot dog cart business. Being organized for the hot dog cart big sales day will help you serve customers faster and more efficiently to make even more money.


Instructions


1. Write down a list of items that you will need extra, to make your hot dog cart sale day a success. You'll need extra buns and hot dogs. You need additional paper products and condiments. Write down everything extra you can think of for your hot dog cart supplies.


2. Review your hot dog cart inventory. Look at your list from step 1. Mark off any items that you have plenty of from the list.


3. Shop for the items that are left on your list (from step 2). Make certain to do this at least 2 days prior to the big hot dog cart sale you'll be throwing.


4. Write down a list of items to pack on the hot dog cart and van the night before the event.


5. Write down a list of items to pack in the van or car and the hot dog cart the morning of the event.


6. Pack up all the hot dog cart items you need the night before and mark them off of your list (see step 4)


7. Ask or hire a friend or family member to help you run your hotdog cart the day of the big event. One person can add condiments and take the money. The other person can restock the hotdog cart and place the dogs on the buns. Three people works best but two will keep you organized and your hotdog cart customers from waiting in line too long.

Tags: hotdog cart, Write down, your cart, down list, down list items

Monday, November 17, 2014

Post A Free Car Ad

Mostly private car owners contact professional auto dealers and pay them a part of vehicle's cost price as commission to get their vehicles sold. There are other methods, too, for selling your vehicle off without involving dealer or paying for expensive ads on magazines and newspapers. If you don't want to pay for your car ad, you can look for free web-based ad portals. Since they are free, place ads on as many online places as possible as to get maximum attention.


Instructions


1. Go to a website like Auto Explosion, Car Posts and Uno Car Dealers (see Resources). When you open these websites, go to their "Car Ad" posting page and specify if you're posting a "Wanted" ad or "For Sale" ad. Specify your car model, year, body style, price, miles driven, VIN, number of doors and other details that you might want to add for potential buyers. Then submit the ad and provide your contact details, such as email ID, name, ZIP code, physical address and phone number.


2. Go to a free classifieds website such as Craiglist, Adland Pro, Adsglobe, Gumtree or Facebook (see Resources). These classifieds and community portals post free ads for different things including vehicles.


3. Go to the website Cars For Sale and place your free ad. You will have to specify your car's particulars.


4. Write "For Sale" sign on a piece of paper along with your contact details and place it in the rear window of your car. Make it attractive enough so when you drive around town, other people can see it and note down your phone number to discuss further prospects.

Tags: contact details, phone number, your contact, your contact details

Nokill Cat Adoption Centers In Indiana

Finding a no-kill shelter isn't difficult.


While most pet owners plan to give their cat a home for life, sometimes that is just not possible, due to a move, behavioral issues or medical needs. Sending your cat to a no-kill shelter gives her a safe chance to find a new family. In Indiana, a number of no-kill cat adoption centers exist to help your cat find quick and forever placement.


P.A.A.W.S.


P.A.A.W.S. pets live with foster families while awaiting placement.


Located in southern Indiana, P.A.A.W.S., an acronym for "proving animals are worth saving," is a no-kill animal rescue group that uses a network of private foster homes throughout Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana. P.A.A.W.S. takes all animals, but specializes in cats and dogs. P.A.A.W.S. socializes and trains all incoming fosters to be well-mannered, indoor pets.


P.A.A.W.S.


P.O. Box 115


Newburgh, IN 47629


812-490-1039


paaws.org


Helping Paws Pet Haven


Cattery life allows a cat to play and socialize with other cats.


Helping Paws Pet Haven is a no-kill shelter for cats located in Huntington, Indiana. HPPH is a cage-free facility that groups cats by age, medical needs and activity level into "catteries." Catteries are specially designed rooms where large groups of cats can run, play and rest while awaiting adoption. All cats that come into HPPH are either adopted or spend the rest of their lives living in luxury at the shelter.


Helping Paws Pet Haven


P.O. Box 5261


Huntington, IN 46750


260-356-5330


hpph.org


Cats Haven


Cats Haven is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is the area's oldest no-kill shelter. With an ability to house nearly 200 cats and kittens, Cats Haven provides many cats a place to find a family and live the good life. Cats Haven specializes in special needs cats, kittens and cats that are elderly.


Cats Haven


P. O. Box 30206


Indianapolis, IN 46230


317-925-7001


catshaven.org


Independent Cat Society


Kitties get plenty of out-of-cage time at Independent Cat Society.


The Independent Cat Society has been functioning as a no-kill shelter since 1977. Located in Westville, Indiana, the shelter uses a traditional caged environment to house their cats and kittens. They also send cats to foster homes to learn become stellar family pets.


Independent Cat Society


P.O. Box 735


Westville, IN 46391


(219) 785-4936


catsociety.org/

Tags: Cats Haven, no-kill shelter, Independent Society, cats kittens, Helping Paws, Helping Paws Haven

Yorkie Allergies

Yorkies are inclined to some genetic health issues.


Yorkies, or Yorkshire terriers, are a bright, popular dog. That popularity has led to a lack of careful breeding, and Yorkies of specific bloodlines are prone to some serious health complications. One such complication is allergies.


Yorkie Facts


Yorkshire terriers come in two color combinations: tan with black points and blue with black points. They are small dogs, topping out at 6 to 7 inches and around 7 pounds. If they're well cared for, they can live for 12 to 15 years.


Medical Considerations


Toy Yorkies and teacup Yorkies--two of the smaller, specialty varieties--are prone to health complications that don't affect larger Yorkies as often. Most health considerations result from breeding and disorders or allergies that are carried in specific bloodlines.


Allergies


According to My Yorkie Secrets, "problems...include skin, respiratory, and food allergies." Yorkies may be allergic to standard allergens like fresh-cut grass and flower pollen and will certainly be sensitive to cleaners with harsh chemicals. Many allergies stem from a genetic intolerance to grain, which is included in many low-grade dog foods.


Symptoms


Dog allergies take the form of irritation on the skin, which leads to spots of dry itchiness and can result in hair loss. Coughing, sneezing and runny eyes may accompany skin irritation. In dogs that are intense, like Yorkies, this can lead to obsessive licking or itching of the irritated skin.


Treatments


Yorkie allergies are treated with medications specific to the allergy and consist most often of antihistamines and cortisol. Owners are taught to monitor a Yorkie's environment and behavior and to feed them only high-grade dog food so that they aren't exposed to grain.

Tags: black points, health complications, specific bloodlines, with black, with black points, Yorkshire terriers

Friday, November 14, 2014

Shave Your Dog

If you're not satisfied with your dog's groomer, or you're looking to save a little money, consider grooming your dog yourself. Of course, you'll need to purchase a few tools and learn some dog grooming basics. Here are some suggestions to get you started. Before long, you'll master dog grooming, save money and have a dog happy.


Instructions


1. Set up a grooming spot inside or outside. A table is easier on your back; however, some people prefer grooming on the floor.


2. Bath your dog and brush him thoroughly. Untangle the matted areas which typically appear behind the ears, the tail and the legs. Cut out matted areas when necessary.


3. Use the No. 40 blade with a 1/2-inch comb to remove the long hair. Always move with the grain of the hair. Shave along the front and back of the neck and along the back and sides of the dog.


4. Switch to the No. 10 blade to clip the eyes. Start along the bridge of the nose and move toward the eyes, using caution when you reach the edge of the eye. Then, begin at the corner of the eyes and pull the blade away from the eye.


5. Trim the ears by shaving down and away from the entry to the ear. You may need to lift the external portion of the ear while shaving if your dog has floppy ears.


6. Clip the armpit areas with the dog standing. Carefully lift each arm and then shave underneath. Clip around the groin area by lifting the back legs one at a time and shaving away from the groin.


7. Lift the dog's tail and then shave around the anus, beginning at the opening of the anus and shaving away from the area.

Tags: away from, matted areas, shaving away, shaving away from, then shave

When Should Puppies Get Their First Shots

Like human babies, puppies are born with a degree of disease immunity that they get from their mother. However, that natural inborn immunity fades, and puppies need to be immunized against diseases like parvovirus, distemper and rabies. A series of vaccinations is needed for a pup to receive full protection.


As Early As Five Weeks


If your puppy has been at risk for parvovirus, it may get a vaccine for that disease as young as five weeks of age. Most puppies, however, will get their first shots at six weeks.


At Six Weeks


At six weeks, a typical puppy will get a combination vaccine that will protect against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and adenovirus cough. If the coronavirus is a factor in your area, your vet may suggest inoculating your pup against it as well.


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At Nine Weeks


Three weeks later, at age nine weeks, your pup should receive another vaccination. While the first shot has begun to stimulate the pup's immune system, the followup vaccinations will continue working with the immune system to produce the antibodies that will fight disease.


At 12 Weeks


At 12 weeks of age, your pup will get his or her first rabies shot. Although local law may vary concerning the age, rabies vaccinations are required in all states. Rabies is a deadly disease that is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, and the vaccination of pets is a major factor in its successful control.


After Three Months


After your pup passes three months of age, it will have had the core shots that it needs. The noncore vaccines---optional shots that your vet may suggest---are Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and coronavirus. If your pup will be spending time in a kennel, tell your vet so he or she can administer a bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine.

Tags: immune system, shots that, that will, vaccine that, Weeks weeks

Food For A Senior Dog With A Sensitive Digestive System

Treat your aging dog right with quality food for her sensitive belly.


As your beloved dog grows older his stomach can become more sensitive. Being mindful of what you feed your aging canine will help you to keep his digestive system healthy. Dogs over 5 years old are considered senior if they weigh more than 90 pounds. A dog weighing less than 90 pounds is considered a senior at 7 years old. Signs of a sensitive stomach in your dog include excessive gas and loose stools.


Changing Foods


Changing your dog's diet can be troublesome for her system. You can make the transition go more smoothly by mixing a little bit of the new food in with the old food. Increase the amount of new food each day until you are solely feeding your dog the new food. The only exception to this is if your dog is having a negative reaction to the food, in which case you should change the food abruptly.


When to Feed


Because of your dog's sensitive stomach, smaller and more frequent meals are ideal. When dogs eat too fast they often ingest a lot of air. Feeding your dog smaller portions throughout the day will combat this problem because he won't be as hungry at each meal, and establishing set feeding times will also help.


What to Feed


Before choosing what to feed your dog you need to determine what is causing your dog's sensitive stomach. Your veterinarian can help you determine if your dog has a sensitive stomach due to allergies, parasites, or just changes that come with age. If there is no underlying problem choose a high quality dog food that is designed specifically for senior dogs with sensitive stomachs. The veterinarian may make a recommendation or there are many brand names that offer such formulas.


What Not to Feed


Do not give your dog table scraps. In general, dogs have trouble digesting human food and the sensitive digestive system of your senior dog will have even more trouble. In addition to not giving your dog table scraps intentionally you should also watch your dog carefully to make sure she is not eating anything she's not supposed to at other times, such as garbage or spoiled food.

Tags: sensitive stomach, your sensitive, your sensitive stomach, considered senior, feed your, food sensitive

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Buy A Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are in the same family of species as kangaroos.


Because of their small size and status as an exotic pet, sugar gliders are an increasingly popular pet in many countries. Sugar gliders are small marsupials native to the Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia region of the world. Similar in size to an American chipmunk, gliders have long, bushy tails and bodies built to allow them to glide through the air up to 50 meters. Unfortunately, sugar gliders are not legal to own in parts of the United States and some other countries. If you're curious about or would like to own one of these tiny nocturnal pets, follow these steps to ownership.


Instructions


buy a sugar glider


1. Make sure it is legal. Sugar gliders are not legal to own without a special permit (or at all) in Alaska, California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maine and Utah. In some states, such as Kentucky, specific county or city rules prohibit owning sugar gliders as pets. First, check with your state's Fish & Wildlife Office. You can find contact information by visiting fws.gov. If it's not illegal at the state level, call your local animal control officer to see if there are any city ordinances prohibiting ownership in your neighborhood.


2. Research care for sugar gilders. These tiny critters might be cute, but they do require specialized handling and care, perhaps more so than other small pets. Sugar gliders are nocturnal and need constant handling and socialization as a baby in order to be people friendly. They also require special diets and habitats in order to grow up healthy and happy.


3. Research reputable breeders or find a rescue group. Some breeders obtain their animals illegally, while some sell sugar gliders that are unhealthy. You can also adopt homeless sugar gliders from animal rescue groups. Petfinder.com features listings for sugar gliders on occasion, and some specialized pet stores will sell them if it's legal in your location.


4. Prepare for your new pet. A sugar glider will require a large cage that allows it to glide short distances for exercise. Create cheap bedding by purchasing a plastic shoebox and placing a cushion inside for a bed.


5. Make your purchase. Expect to pay between $120 to $200 for one sugar glider. Each breeder's price will vary, but expect to pay a lower amount if you pay an adoption fee from a rescue group or animal shelter.

Tags: sugar glider, Sugar gliders, sugar gliders, gliders legal, rescue group, sugar gliders

Adopt A German Shepherd

German shepherd dogs are known for their beauty, loyalty and intelligence, making them popular pets. If you purchase a purebred German shepherd from a breeder or pet store, you will most likely pay several hundred dollars. Fortunately there are ways to adopt a German shepherd that will allow you to get a quality pet at a much more reasonable cost.


Instructions


Finding an Adoptable German Shepherd


1. Search for a German shepherd rescue organization in your area. There are many rescue groups that focus on specific breeds, including German shepherds. They match purebred dogs in need of a home with prospective adopters. If you live within a reasonable distance of a large city, odds are good that you'll be able to find a German shepherd rescue group in your area.


2. Search for German shepherds at local animal shelters. Even though shelters deal with any type of dog, including mixed breeds, they often have a wide selection of purebred animals. Use a Website like Petfinder or visit your local shelter's Website to see if they have any German shepherds available. If they don't, you may be able to be placed on a wait list. The shelter will then contact you when they have a German shepherd available for adoption.


3. Be flexible. You may have your heart set on an adorable German shepherd puppy, and you might be looking forward to raising it yourself, but don't rule out an adult dog. Puppies require a lot of work and training, including housebreaking, and they can be very destructive when they go through their chewing phase. Also, you never know exactly how their personality will develop. An adult German shepherd that is up for adoption often has already had basic training. Its personality will be developed, so you'll know whether it's friendly, protective or whatever other trait you might be seeking.


4. Talk to local German shepherd breeders to see if they have an adoption program. Often breeders will retire their breeding dogs at a certain age and adopt them to good homes for a reasonable fee.

Tags: German shepherd, German shepherd, German shepherds, they have, German shepherd rescue

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Dog Training Schools In Colorado

Colorado offers several dog training schools.


Dog training means more than sit, stay and rollover. It's quite possible that the things your dog learns in a basic obedience class can save his life later. All dogs need basic obedience training. If you live in Colorado, there are several options for you and your pooch.


The Canine College


The Canine College offers everything from basic obedience training to guard dog training. The Canine College is an in-home, training program that fixes problem behaviors, such as biting, barking, destruction and jumping on guests. Group classes are also available.


Using the pack mentality, The Canine College attempts to make the dog more aware of your presence as the leader of the pack. Once your dog associates you as the leader of his pack, he'll be more inclined to listen, even when he's distracted.


The Canine College


7174 South Himalaya Way


Centennial, CO 80016-1729


303-549-3555


thecaninecollege.com


Wag & Train


Wag & Train starts its training at the puppy level, with classes that focus on basic obedience and potty training. The school recommends that you start your puppy's training at eight weeks, and that you continue throughout the lifetime of the animal.


Wag & Train offers a puppy class and level 1 and 2 obedience classes in a private or group setting.


The puppy class focuses on potty training, socialization and basic commands, like "come," as well as getting your canine to recognize his name. The obedience classes focus on behaviors, such as sit and stay, as well as basic dog manners, such as not jumping on guests and refraining from barking.


Beyond the training classes offered, Wag & Train also offers one-on-one, problem-solving classes for those problem behaviors that pooches display that just can't be corrected.


Wag & Train


720-312-5499


wagandtrain.com


Blue Springs 'n Katydid Dog Training Center


The Blue Springs 'n Katydid Dog Training Center has classes for every skill level. The puppy classes start at eight weeks and focus on things like correcting mouthing problems, potty training, the "come" command, getting your dog to recognize his name and playing in a nondestructive way.


More advanced classes consist of sit-and-stay-type obedience classes and clicker training.


If your pooch has what it takes, he can progress into advanced-level classes that train dogs to dance, complete agility trials or, even, prepare for dog shows.


Blue Springs 'n Katydid Dog Training Center


2980 W. Oxford Ave.


Englewood, Colorado 80110


303-781-9027


bskddogtraining.com

Tags: Canine College, basic obedience, Blue Springs, Blue Springs Katydid, Katydid Training, Katydid Training Center

Become A Foster Parent In Cleveland Ohio

Adults showing affection to a baby.


Foster parents act as a temporary parental guide for a child until the child's parents return or the child is adopted. Time and a regular commitment to become a licensed foster parent are required in Cleveland, Ohio. A foster parent is a great reward, giving children who may have never experienced parental guidance the opportunity to experience parental involvement, or those who may miss their parents much needed comfort.


Instructions


1. There are several requirements you must meet before applying to be a foster parent in Cleveland, Ohio. You must be 21 years old, be in good mental, physical, and emotional health and be single or in a couple relationship. The couple must be together for at least one year when applying.


2. Thirty-six hours of pre-service training is mandatory. Pre-service training is broken into 12 three-hour sessions which outline available Cuyahoga County programs, requirements, expectations about children, and explains the home-study process to become a foster parent.


3. You must submit an application. The Cleveland support team will conduct a 10 minute interview with you and spouse (if applicable) and will notarize your application. Fingerprints will be taken for a background check.


4. Home study training involves several visits with a licensed social worker. The social worker will interview all household members and perform an inspection. The home study inspection makes sure all state and city safety regulations are met. Home study training will last 4 to 6 months and is the final indicator for obtaining a foster parent license in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tags: foster parent, Cleveland Ohio, Home study, Home study training, social worker, study training

Get A Pet Rock In Runescape

Be sure to treat your rock well.


RuneScape is an online role-playing game that lets players interact in a medieval fantasy realm. Your character can own a pet, such as a cat. But if you want a pet that requires little care, you can receive a pet rock in the Fremennik Trails stage.


Instructions


1. Reach the Fremennik Trails stage, then make it over to Sinclair Mansion in the village. Talk to Brundt the Chieftan; he will tell you about the quest you need to take.


2. Walk to the Seers' Village and talk to the Poison Salesman at the pub. Give the salesman a beer and you'll receive a strange object from him. Go back to the Rellekka Pub and find Olaf the Bard.


3. Move southeast and talk to Lalli. Go back to the pub and find Askeladden standing outside. He will give you the pet rock. Go to the garden located in the southeast side of the village and take cabbage, potatoes and onions.


4. Go back to Lalli and go to your items. Click on the onions, potatoes, cabbage and rock and then mix them together in a soup. Lalli will then give you a golden fleece.


5. Go back to Askeladden at any time to get another rock. Go to your items list and click your rock. Click the "Interact" option. Click any of the options to talk to, stroke or throw your rock.

Tags: your rock, Fremennik Trails, Fremennik Trails stage, Trails stage, your items

Theme Ideas For A First Birthday

A baby's first birthday is an important milestone--so celebrate in style with a theme party. Planning your party around a theme makes it easier to plan decorations, food and activities. Be sure to keep your baby's temperament in mind when planning the party, as a baby who gets nervous with a lot of noise and activity might appreciate a quieter, more intimate celebration, while a baby who is more outgoing will enjoy more activities and attention. Does this Spark an idea?

Old MacDonald Had a Farm Birthday Party


Babies love to "moo" when they see cows or "oink" at pigs, so fill your one-year-old's birthday with lots of barnyard friends. Send sheep invitations that say, "(Name of birthday child) would like to invite 'ewe' to celebrate her first birthday." Decorate the party room with stuffed barnyard animals and colorful streamers. At BalloonManiacs.com, you can buy Mylar balloons in the shape of cows, pigs and other barnyard animals. Hang up a sign that says, "Welcome to Old MacDonald's Birthday Farm." Play simple animal games with the babies. Get the babies' attention by putting on a silly hat with animal ears, a pig nose, a furry tail or another costume prop and making animal noises. Have small hats with animal ears for the babies to try on and encourage them to make noises--tell them to "oink" like pigs or "baa" like sheep. Serve animal crackers and a cake decorated with plastic barnyard friends.


Noah's Ark Party


Let your one-year-old play with his favorite animals, two by two, at a Noah's Ark party. Send ark-shaped invitations to party guests. Use a variety of stuffed animals in your decorating. Play "Find the Animal" by hiding stuffed animals around the room--keep them in view and don't worry about the babies watching you hide the animals. Tell each child to find a different animal. One-year-olds might need some help differentiating animals, and it's okay to help them. Make a big deal when they find their animals. One-year-olds have short attention spans, so keep the activities brief. End the celebration with an ark-themed cake.


Wheels Party


If your baby loves to sit behind a steering wheel, celebrate his first birthday with a "wheels" party. Send truck invitations that say, "'Truck on over to (name of birthday child)'s house for a 'wheel'y fun birthday party." You can even make a photo invitation with a picture of your baby in the driver's seat of a toy car or truck. Decorate the party room with large posters or cardboard cutouts of cars, trucks and construction vehicles. Put out some large cars and trucks that the kids can push along the floor. Serve baby-friendly snacks, such as crackers, in the back of a clean toy dump truck. Make a car-shaped cake.


Rainbow Party


Stimulate your baby's sense of sight with a rainbow party. Lots of bright, bold colors will be the decorating scheme. Decorate with balloons in all the colors of the rainbow. Ask party guests to wear solid-colored outfits in rainbow colors. Hang rainbow mobiles from the ceiling. Drape colorful streamers around the party room. Get large balls of different colors and roll them back and forth with the babies. Serve a cake topped with a colorful rainbow. You can use different fruits for the rainbow colors, such as blueberries, sliced strawberries and bananas. Check with party guests, though, as berries can be an allergy hazard for young children.

Tags: your baby, first birthday, party guests, party room, animal ears, barnyard animals

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Ideas For Handmade Baby Shower Invitations

Beautiful or unique papers help you create handmade baby shower invitations.


Baby showers are special occasions, and handmade invitations for a baby shower are memorable. Making invitations by hand for a baby shower can be very simple, whether or not you know the gender of the baby. Card-style invitations can be made easily by cutting a letter-sized piece of card stock in half horizontally. Decorative papers and embellishments will make the invitations you create a beautiful expression of joy. Remember to make an extra invitation for the mother-to-be to include in her baby book. Does this Spark an idea?


Diaper Invitation


Start with an 8.5-inch square piece of white paper. Center the invitation information at the top of the paper. Cut the bottom corners off of the invitation so that it resembles a diaper. Fold the sides and bottom of the invitation up so that the information is concealed inside the diaper. Make sure that it fits inside the envelope. Seal it closed with a ribbon that is pink, blue or yellow.


Baby Carriage


This simple invitation idea is easily personalized. For the carriage, cut a 2-inch circle out of a colored piece of paper. Cut out the top left quarter of the circle. Use pre-printed embellishments or wire to make the carriage wheels and handle. Decorate the edges of the carriage with glitter glue or beads. Use pop dots or another raised adhesive to attach the carriage to a 3.5-inch square of contrasting paper. Glue the square to an 8.5 by 5.5-inch piece of card stock that has been folded in half.


Teddy Bear


Create a teddy bear silhouette that fills most of a 4.25 by 5.5-inch rectangle. Draw the teddy bear's face, and fill out the invitation information on the bear's tummy. Decorate the invite with embellishments, beads or glitter glue. Three-dimensional embellishments can be used; make the invitation out of card stock so that it adequately supports the decorations without tearing. If the invitation is textured, address the envelope before placing the invitation inside.


Baby Rattle


This invitation can work well as a cut-out invitation or mounted to a 4.25 by 5.5-inch piece of card stock. Cut out a rattle from colored card stock. Include the invitation information on the "rattle" part, and decorate the handle with embellishments or a bow. If you mount the rattle to a contrasting piece of card stock, use pop dots or another dimensional adhesive.


Baby Bib


Create a template for a bib that fits a 4.25 by 5.5-inch piece of card stock. Punch holes in the top two corners of the bib, and tie colored ribbons through them to make the bib ties. Decorate the invitations with embellishments, and place them in envelopes to mail them.

Tags: card stock, piece card, piece card stock, 5-inch piece, 5-inch piece card, baby shower