Fill In A Pdf Form

Fill out an interactive PDF form in Adobe Acrobat or Reader.

Portable Document Format (PDF) documents can be made into interactive forms using Adobe Acrobat. These types of forms are often used for electronic applications that are either published on the Web or sent to recipients via email. If you need to fill out a PDF form, you can do so right on your home computer. Both Adobe Acrobat, the full version software for creating PDFs, and the free version, Adobe Reader, have the capability to fill in interactive forms.

Instructions

1. Open a PDF form document in either Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. Reader is available for free download on the Adobe website (see Resources).

2. Select the "Hand" or "Select" tool from the Select & Zoom toolbar.

3. Click the "Highlight Fields" button on the document message bar. This will highlight all interactive form fields in the PDF document, making them easy to recognize.

4. Click the first form field you want to fill in. When you point to an interactive field, your mouse cursor will change. The pointing finger icon appears when you are on a button, item in a list or check box that you can select. The black arrow appears when you can select a choice from a list. The I-beam displays when you can enter text into a text field.

5. Make a selection or begin typing in the field. Press "Tab" to move to the next field. This will automatically accept the change you've made to the form.

6. Continue filling in the fields until you've completed the entire form. If you make a mistake at any point, press "Esc" to reject the change you've made and deselect the field you are on.

7. Click "File, Save as" to save the file in Acrobat. If you're using Reader, you'll only be able to save your filled-in form if extended user rights were granted by the form creator. Otherwise, you can only click "File, Save a Copy" to save a blank copy of the form.

Tags: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, appears when, change made, File Save

Unlock The "Spellcaster Collection 2" Pack

The booster pack "Spellcaster Collection 2" is a component of the "Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2007" video game for the Nintendo DS. The pack features a variety of powerful magic-based cards, including Exodia Necross, Dark Magician of Chaos, Toon Dark Magician Girl, Breaker the Magical Warrior and Silent Magician LV8. Because this pack is fairly powerful, it is one of the more time-intensive booster packs to unlock. You must complete a specific series of duels in Challenge Mode before you can have Spellcaster Collection 2.

Instructions

1. Tap the "Challenge Mode" button on the "Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2007" main menu. This brings up the different challenges you can complete to unlock better cards and booster packs for your deck.

2. Tap the "LP Survival" option. If you have not unlocked this already, you must defeat all of the Level One and Level Two duelists five times each to unlock it.

3. Tap the "Infinite" option in LP Survival. This mode pits you against duelist after duelist until you lose a duel, which potentially can go on forever.

4. Defeat 15 duelists on Infinite mode in LP Survival to unlock the "Spellcaster Collection 2" booster pack. Once you complete the challenge, the pack will be available in the "Duelist Menu," which you can access via the main menu.

Tags: Spellcaster Collection, Yu-Gi-Oh World Championship, booster pack, booster packs, Challenge Mode, Championship 2007

Medical Costs That Can Be Claimed On Federal Taxes

Many costs related to medical care are deductible.

In order to deduct medical expenses, taxpayers must itemize deductions and complete Form 1040 and Schedule A. Medical costs can be deducted for expenses you paid for yourself or any of your dependents, including your spouse. Only those costs in excess of a set percentage of your salary may be deducted. For 2010, that percentage is 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income.

Payments to Practitioners

Allowable deductions include payments to physicians, dentists, psychologists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and Christian Science practitioners. Payments to hospitals, long-term care facilities, laboratories and for nursing services are also allowable. Inpatient care provided for addiction to alcohol or drugs is deductible. Weight reduction programs are allowable if recommended by a doctor to treat a specific condition. Cosmetic procedures are not typically deductible.

Payments for Medications

Only prescription drugs and insulin are deductible. Nicotine patches and gums are not deductible, nor are diet foods that replace normal meals.

Payments for Appliances and Equipment

Dentures, prescription eyeglasses. contact lenses, hearing aids, wheelchairs and crutches are allowable deductions. Guide dogs for those who are deaf or blind are deductible. Prosthetics for missing limbs are allowable. Oxygen and breathing equipment for a patient suffering from a respiratory condition can be deducted.

Payments for Transportation

You may deduct the cost of traveling to a medical conference that is related to a chronic disease from which you or one of your dependents suffers. Transportation costs to receive medical care are also deductible. If you drive yourself, you are allowed to deduct either a standard rate for actual mileage or the true costs involved. You can also deduct expenses for installing hand controls or special modifications to accommodate a disability.

Payments for Meals and Lodging

Lodging and meals paid to a hospital or facility may be deductible provided you are there primarily for medical treatment. You may also be able to deduct these costs if you must travel to receive treatment.

Payments for Health Insurance

You may deduct expenses for health insurance or for a qualified long-term care policy. Life and disability insurance policies are not deductible. You cannot deduct insurance payments that were made with pretax dollars, such as when you are a member of a Section 125 plan, unless these payments are included in your gross wages on your W-2 form. Those who are self-employed and who show a profit may be able to make an adjustment against income for the cost of health insurance.

Alterations to the Home

If it is necessary to make accommodations to your home for a disabled resident, these costs are deductible. Examples include ramps, increasing the width of doorways, installing pull-up bars or railings, or adjusting the height of counters.

Tags: deduct expenses, health insurance, long-term care, medical care, these costs, your dependents

Blush Techniques For A Round Face

Keep blush localized for round faces.

Blush, if applied correctly, can enhance any look with gentle suffused color. For round faces, the challenge when applying makeup such as blush is avoiding making the face look more full, while also giving the face more definition. Small tricks like keeping the coloration within certain bounds, and applying the blush to other parts of the face can help the round-faced person achieve a more flattering glow. Does this Spark an idea?

Create a Sideways V

For a round face, width and length of the face are similar, so applying blush should avoid accentuating the round shape and create the illusion of length. One way to do this is by forming a sideways V in which the color is brushed upward. You will want to avoid blushing too close to the nose, which will call attention to the round shape of your face.

Apply Blush Elsewhere

Traces of blush to other parts of your face can make a round face look more defined. Apply blush to the tops of your temples, and also the center of your chin to mitigate the overall roundness.

Observe Limits

Keeping the blush within bounds will assist the round face in looking less round. When applying blush, do not go beyond the bottom of your cheekbones. Likewise, avoid blushing outside the ends of your eyebrows. You should also stay just above the apples of your cheekbones.

Other Tricks

Appropriate hardware can assist round faces in the task of creating a natural blush and less round-looking face. For small faces in particular, a fan brush applies the makeup more accurately, while a medium brush blends the makeup without spreading it too far and emphasizes the appearance of roundness.

Tags: applying blush, round faces, assist round, avoid blushing, blush other

Domestic Adoption Agencies Missouri

Domestic Adoption Agencies Missouri

Missouri has several adoption agencies to select from. Some agencies emphasize infant adoption, while others emphasize older orphans, usually foster care children. Missouri has approximately 10,000 children in foster care and 1,800 who still need to be placed, according to Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri. Choosing the type of adoption, whether to maintain contact with the birth family or choose to have none at all, is also an issue that prospective parents should research prior to adopting.

Closed Adoption

Closed adoption is when the birth family and adoptive parents do not meet before or after the infant or child is placed. In domestic closed adoptions, no longer as popular as they were in the past, the records are sealed.

Family Connections provides closed, semi-open and open adoptions in the St. Louis area.

Semi-Open Adoption

Adoption For Families is a licensed adoption agency in the state of Missouri. In order to adopt through this agency, couples must be comfortable with meeting the birth mother prior to the baby's birth. After the infant is placed in the adoptive couple's home, the new parents are expected to send photos and letters to the adoption agency that will then be forwarded to the birth mother.

Open Adoption

Love Basket is an adoption agency that supports open adoption. Birth mothers choose the adoptive parents from a profile. After the adoption takes place, both parties maintain contact that is comfortable for them. This agency places infants and older children.

Lutheran Family and Children's Services provides adoptions of infants and older children, also emphasizing open adoption; ethnic and cultural identity is a strong point in the match. A majority of the infants waiting to be adopted are healthy African-Americans.

Newborns

Adoption Option, Inc., mostly deals with facilitating newborn adoptions. Couples must be 24 years or older and have exhausted all resources in attempting to become pregnant, in order to start the adoption process.

Siblings

Even though most prospective adoptive parents look to adopt only one infant or older child, it is very important to not separate siblings in adoption. The pain of being separated from their birth mother can make further separation from family members traumatic for adoptees. Usually, siblings are in the foster care system.

Good Shepherd Children and Family Services provides adoption for infants, older children and siblings, urging prospective parents to keep brothers and sisters together.

Christian

Some religious organizations run private adoption agencies that work only with people who follow their faith.

Lighthouse looks to place orphans into loving Christian homes. With over 20 years of experience, the agency has placed almost 300 orphans.

Tags: adoption agency, adoptive parents, birth mother, foster care, infants older

Spiders In Griffith Indiana

There are about 40,000 species of spider in the world, and out of those nearly 3,800 are found in the United States. Certain species of spiders are common across the U.S. while a few live only in particular regions. A number of spiders make their home in Griffith, Indiana. Many of these are house spiders or spiders that enter homes from time to time. Spiders generally only bite humans in self-defense.

Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider belongs to the "recluse" group of spiders. They are also called violin or fiddle-back spiders as they have a violin shaped marking on the surface of their head and thorax. Brown recluse spiders tend to live in boxes, books, under home furniture and in dark areas. Unlike other kinds of spiders, they are nonaggressive and shy and only bite if disturbed. Brown recluse spiders can survive for six months without food and water. They have six eyes that are arranged in pairs.

Hobo Spider

The hobo spider belongs to the Agelenidae family and is famous for its aggressiveness. The length of hobo spider ranges from 12 to 18 millimeters and this is identical in both the male and female. The hobo spider becomes aggressive when protecting egg sacs or when accidentally "threatened" by humans; most often when it gets trapped in clothing and comes in contact with skin. The bite of a hobo spider causes local pain and tissue death around the bite area. A dry and warm climate is ideal for hobo spiders as they live both outside and inside homes. One advantage of the hobo spider is that it controls many insect pests from entering the home.

Bold Jumping Spider

Bold jumping spiders are black with gray or white cross-bands on the back of their body. Their name comes from their amazing ability to leap. This spider mostly lives in fields, gardens and woods. They eat all kinds of insects during the day and also eat other spiders. The bite of bold jumping spiders is only dangerous for people allergic to spiders. They have eight eyes in total with four big eyes on the face and four on the top of their head.

Yellow House Spider

Yellow house spiders are ¼ inch long and have legs and cephalothoraxes darker than the back of their body. The bite of a yellow house spider cannot pierce the skin, and they only bite if disturbed. The bite causes a little pain and in some instances makes the skin reddish for a while. They are active hunters and might enter homes and climb walls. If they are disturbed while on the ceiling or walls, they drop to the floor to escape.

Tags: hobo spider, only bite, back their, back their body, bite disturbed, Brown recluse, Brown recluse spiders

Find The Hidden Path In "Virtual Families"

A computer simulation game that you can download and play on the PC or Mac, "Virtual Families puts you in control of various families that live and work in a virtual neighborhood. As each family grows, you can add new items to the home to make it more comfortable for the family. There is a cheat called the "Hidden Path" that allows you to sneak into another family's house to take items for your own.

Instructions

1. Start the game as you normally would. When you get to the family selection screen, choose a family that has a home that is directly adjacent to the family that you want to take items from. The two houses must share a boarder in order for the hidden path cheat to work properly.

2. Click on one of the family members in the home to select her. Move the character into the backyard of the house and move next to the tree that is far back in the yard. It will be behind the pool if you have one. Click on the area above the blue box with your characters face multiple times until the character begins to move outside of the yard.

3. Keep clicking in this spot. As you click, the player will continue to move slowly and you will lose the ability to move the mouse. Continue to click until the character moves into the next yard. You will then regain control over the mouse and be able to move the character into the next house.

4. Click on an object that you want to take and the character will grab it. Click on the bushes between the house and the original house and the character will drop the item in the bushes. Place all of the items you want into the bushes, and move the character back in the direction of the original house.

5. Continue clicking as you did in Step 3, and the character will eventually move into her original yard. Once you are able to use the mouse again, click on an item in the bushes to pick it up and place it where you want in the house.

Tags: character will, character into, family that, Hidden Path, into next

Make A Cat Tree With Natural Tree Branches

Make a cat tree using natural tree limbs.

If you have a pet cat, you most likely already know that they need a place to scratch. Otherwise, their claws will grow unchecked. By providing your cat with a designated place to scratch such as a cat tree, it's less likely that they'll scratch up your furniture. You can even make your own cat tree using natural tree branches to provide an earthy and visually interesting piece to your home while keeping your cat happy.

Instructions

1. Gather tree branches around the house and in parks. The branches should have a minimum diameter of two inches. Place the branches in a large plastic tub and wash them in a natural, animal-safe insecticide. Consult your veterinarian for animal-safe products. Allow the branches to soak in the insecticide for a day.

2. Wash the branches off with warm water to remove the insecticide. Air dry the branches for a day or two in a dry lighted area.

3. Mix up enough concrete to fill a large coffee can half way. Place the largest of the branches in the center of the concrete mix, securing it in place. Allow the wet concrete to set up and dry for a few hours. Fill the coffee can up with more concrete and place the remaining branches in the mix, circling the center larger branch. Allow the concrete to dry and cure overnight.

4. Cut three sheets of plywood that measure 22 by 12 inches. Screw the plywood into the branches to secure them. Stagger their positions up the branches to make multiple level platforms.

5. Glue scraps of carpet or thick fabric on the surface and edges of the plywood to add a soft place for the cat and protect it from wood edges and screws. Hang bells and feathers from the branches and platforms.

Tags: Allow concrete, natural tree, place scratch, that they, tree branches

Emergency Vetcare Grants

Financial help is available in a veterinary emergency.

Pets provide unconditional love and affection, and we provide them with food and the comforts we can afford. Veterinary care is expensive, and when an emergency strikes owners may not be able to pay for the pet's care, leaving euthanasia as the only option. Emergency vet grants may pay for partial or full funding of a pet's treatment for eligible owners.

United Animal Nations

United Animal Nations provides its "LifeLine Rescue and LifeLine Individual Grants" to aid homeless or rescued pets needing emergency veterinary care. Grants generally range between $100 and $300, and focus on animals who would likely die without treatment. The LifeLine Rescue Grant helps an animal that has been saved from a life-threatening situation within the past 30 days. The LifeLine Individual Grant helps animals whose owner cannot afford to pay for emergency life-saving treatment. Applicants must reside in the United States and demonstrate financial need.

American Animal Hospital Association

The American Animal Hospital Association provides grants through its Helping Pets Fund. Working with American Animal Hospital Association-accredited veterinarians, eligible pet owners may apply for fund assistance for emergency care and treatment. Clients must document financial hardship for eligibility, and the pets must be companion animals in need of emergency care, whether from illness or injury. Efforts are made to approve applications within 24 hours of receipt for emergencies.

Jake Brady Memorial Fund

Named for a beloved Dalmatian, the Jake Brady Memorial Fund provides financial assistance for emergency and life-saving treatment of companion animals for eligible owners. Grants may be applied for surgical procedures, emergency treatment, medications and tests, X-rays, and room and board. Only Ohio residents may apply. Eligible pet owners include senior citizens on fixed incomes, the mentally or physically impaired, low-income families earning less than $18,000 annually, and the unemployed or those receiving government benefits.

Tails of Hope Foundation

Founded by veterinarians, this foundation offers financial assistance for companion animals in need of emergency veterinary care under its Sponsor A Pet program. The foundation pays for the care of animals with cancer and other life-threatening conditions when the owner is unable to handle the financial burden, and also assists veterinary oncologists.

Tags: American Animal, American Animal Hospital, Animal Hospital, companion animals, eligible owners, Animal Hospital Association

Rent A Pet

If you find you don't have the space, time or energy to own a pet but would love to have one occasionally for short periods of time-say, for hours or even a day or two at a time-try renting a pet. Follow a few tips to satisfy that desire to have a pet without indulging in full-time ownership.

Instructions

1. Live in a city like San Diego or Los Angeles and you have the option of direct access to a part-time pooch. Certain businesses carry dogs that can be rented for any number of hours or days. Soon, persons living in San Francisco and New York will be able to employ these services as well.

2. Join one of these services and pay an annual, monthly or per-service fee. The fee covers the cost of boarding the dog in a cage-free kennel when not with renters.

3. Rest assured that the dog you get will have the appropriate social graces and temperament to handle any environment it is brought to.

4. Keep in mind that those who rent a pet are put through a rigorous background check as well.

5. Volunteer at a local animal shelter, and you will have access to several dogs that need your care and energy. Walk the dogs on a regular basis, and you will find that you develop a rapport with those animals, which may lead to a more full-time arrangement.

6. Look into private animal shelters. Shelters that survive with funds given through donations and individuals' time and effort often allow families to be foster homes for animals until permanent housing can be found.

Tags: dogs that, these services, will have

The Standard Operating Procedure For Inventory Control

There is no standard operating procedure for inventory control, as each individual inventory differs in size, items available and management resources. However, there are common procedures business owners use to control the items and monetary value of the business inventory. All of the operating procedures for an inventory help manage the wastes and losses of the overall inventory value.

FIFO

One common operating procedure for inventory control is the FIFO method, which essentially means first-in, first-out. The procedure involves removing items from the inventory in chronological order, which means removing the first item entered into the inventory system. This is a standard and common control procedure for inventory items that have expiration dates, so items are not left in the inventory to expire and become wastes.

Perpetual Procedure

A common standard operating procedure for smaller inventories is the perpetual control procedure. This procedure involves counting inventory items every day to ensure continuous control. The daily counts are done by completing manual counts, automated counts through computer inventory systems or barcode scanning systems. The perpetual control procedure is useful for inventories with expensive items, such as electrical or technological devices like computers or flat-screen televisions.

Periodic Procedure

The periodic operating procedure is the least time-consuming control procedure, as the inventory figures are only updated once per year, which is at the end of the company's accounting or fiscal year. A business compares its starting inventory figures with the figures at the end of the fiscal year to determine the overall losses or value gained, rather than controlling each individual item on a frequent basis. This control method provides the business owner with sales or loss figures to future inventory planning.

Importance of Inventory Control Procedures

Inventory control procedures are important because the valuable items within a company's inventory are part of the overall assets, which essentially affects the company's net worth. Purchasing too many items for an inventory may result in monetary losses if the items cannot be sold for preferred price. Controlling procedures are in place to ensure the company is earning rather than losing money for inventory items.

Tags: control procedure, procedure inventory, inventory items, operating procedure, control procedure inventory, each individual, fiscal year

Raise Raccoons

Raccoons require a lot of attention, especially when they are babies. If a mother raccoon is separated from one of her young, the baby must fend for itself. If you find a baby raccoon, you can raise it yourself as long as you have lots of room and patience.

Instructions

1. Put baby blankets into a steel cage. Baby raccoons like to nestle in warm blankets, and although they might chew holes in them as they grow, the raccoons will still use them. It is best to keep the cage door open so the raccoon can roam around but go back in when it wants to sleep.

2. Feed the raccoon. Its age will determine what you feed it. For instance, a 1-month-old raccoon needs to be bottle fed with kitten milk you can buy at pet stores and some grocers. Use a pet nurser, a bottle with a round nipple. As it grows, add baby food to the bottle and then put some in a bowl. You can feed a raccoon solid food, like fruits and cereal, after three months. If a raccoon can walk and climb, it is probably old enough for solid food.

3. Offer it a lot of toys. Raccoons love to play with cat toys, dog toys, even baby toys. Leave the toys on the floor for the raccoons to play with and get exercise. If you leave a raccoon caged too often it will become overweight and even depressed.

4. Train the raccoon to use a litter box. Use shredded newspaper, not litter, because the dust from litter can hurt their lungs. Watch the raccoon throughout the day, and when it squats to relieve itself, move it to the box. This takes a lot of attention and patience.

5. Baby-proof your home. If you let the raccoon roam the house, make sure it knows use the litter box, and that you've locked every cabinet. Keep trash hidden and breakables out of the raccoon's reach.

6. Keep the raccoon vaccinated with annual shots to prevent feline diseases and rabies.

Tags: bottle with, play with, raccoon roam, solid food

Make Posters For Stopping Puppy Mills

Encourage people to boycott puppy mills with posters.

Puppy mills involve the intensive farming of dogs with little regard for their welfare. The mothers often develop serious health problems after being forced to have litter after litter, far beyond what is healthy. Puppies are often born with genetic defects. Conditions in puppy mills are usually poor and sometimes appalling, with the dogs living in cramped, unsanitary conditions and lacking necessary exercise, socialization and veterinary treatment. Puppy mills continue to be profitable because people buy the puppies, not usually realizing how they were bred. One of the main ways to stop people buying puppy mill puppies and to gain support for legislation banning the practice is raising awareness. Posters are an effective tool for this purpose.

Instructions

1. Determine who the audience for your poster is likely to be before designing it. Will it be seen mostly by families, young adults, workers, students, the elderly or another group?

2. Select an appropriate image and insert it in a Microsoft Word document. Use your own photographs or ask permission from an animal welfare group to use its.

3. Write the caption. Keep it to less than 10 words. The Humane Society uses the caption "The Cruelty Behind the Cuteness" on some of its puppy mill material. Posters need to be readable at a distance, which requires a very large typeface, normally 26-point or larger, and few words. Position the caption above or below the picture, or use both areas. You can include more details in a smaller typeface underneath. It is advisable to include practical advice with the details, such as "do not buy puppies from a pet store."

4. Print copies of the poster on a home printer if you only require A4 size. If you prefer, a local printing firm will print much larger ones for you at a reasonable cost based on either an A4 printout or the electronic file.

Tags: puppy mill, puppy mills

Tennessee State Law On Ownership Of Pit Bull Dogs

Pit bulls aren't allowed in some Tennessee cities.

Many states are beginning to enact breed-specific laws, or BSLs. These laws prohibit the ownership of certain breeds of dogs, usually powerful dogs with a tarnished image such as the pit bull. While Tennessee is leaving it largely up to the individual cities and counties as to whether or not there will be laws prohibiting the ownership of pit bulls, some have already jumped on the bandwagon with others looking to join.

Cities Banning and Restricting Ownership

There are a number of cities in Tennessee where it is illegal to own a pit bull; in other cities, there are strict regulations put on anyone owning the breed. Dyer, Estill Springs, Somerville, South Pittsburg, Selmer, Halls, Sparta and White County have all made it a crime to own a pit bull. The law in Selmer applies to all pit bulls that were already living in the area at the time the law was passed, while dogs in Sparta have been grandfathered in. Dogs living in Halls and Brownsville are subject to severe restrictions, and Fayetteville requires the presence of a fenced-in yard and muzzles, while owners must carry insurance policies should the dog bite, if owners choose to get a pit bull.

Attempts at Statewide Laws

Tennessee has, in the past, attempted to make owning dogs that are part bulldog illegal.

The state has attempted to pass a state-wide ban on pit bulls, such as the attempt at legislation started by Senator Tommy Kilby in 2008. The passing of this law would not only have made ownership of pit bulls illegal, but also would make it illegal to own dogs whose bloodlines include more than 50 percent of several different breeds, including the American bulldog and the American Staffordshire Terrier. DNA testing makes it possible to determine the breed makeup of any mixed breed dog. Those found guilty of owning such a dog would be forced to surrender it.

Bans Overturned

Some areas have previously had bans and restrictions on pit bull ownership in effect, but work from pit bull advocates and animal rights groups have succeeded in getting these bans overturned. Woodbury, Monterey, Hohenwald, Shelbyville and the counties of Putnam, Knox, Bedford and Sumner have had their pit bull breed specific laws overturned and it is once again legal to own these dogs in these areas, unless a specific city ordinance bans the dogs.

What To Do

Check your local legislation before getting a dog.

Several groups in Tennessee are working to make sure that laws like this don't get on the books, and are also trying to get those that have been passed to be overturned. Bless the Bully's is a rescue organization in central Tennessee that has joined forces with the Responsible Animal Owners of Tennessee in an attempt to raise awareness of the misrepresentation of pit bulls, and to help make it possible for these dogs to have the lives afforded to breeds whose reputation has not been so tarnished. Pit bull legislation is always in fluctuation with new laws being added and overturned all the time, so checking in your area to see if there are any breed restrictions in place is a must before bringing home any pit bull-like dog.

Tags: have been, have made, ownership bulls, these dogs

Understand The Disadvantages Of Adopting A German Shepherd Dog

Owning a German shepherd has its challenges.

The German shepherd has been one of the most recognizable dog breeds since the early 1900s. Although they are loyal, intelligent and easy to train, German shepherds may have some characteristics that are not considered desirable. Like all dog breeds, the German shepherd is an excellent fit for some families and not right for others. When considering a German shepherd, don't focus on the breed's advantages alone. It is important to learn about the disadvantages before deciding to adopt one.

Instructions

1. Research the breed using objective sources such as kennel clubs. Many German shepherd breeders will point out the positive characteristics of the breed without listing the difficulties. The dogs are very loyal and protective. As a result, they can be wary of strangers and unfriendly until they get to know someone. They are strong willed and intelligent, but so intelligent that they can sense when their owner is not the alpha and can walk all over the owner and the family. Many of the positive characteristics can come with a catch, and while these downfalls are not a big deal for the right family, they can mean the dog will be a bad fit in some homes.

2. Volunteer with a rescue group that specializes in German shepherds and shepherd mixes. Getting to know the breed and learning why these dogs were given over to shelters and rescues can help you decide whether you are prepared to deal with the negative traits.

3. Talk with people who own German shepherds. Visit a dog park and chat with shepherd owners, or visit online message boards to see what problems and questions owners post. Owners will tell you that shepherds need constant grooming and will shed heavily. They also can tell you how they trained the dog not to bite, growl and bark, and how much exercise the dog needs each day to keep it from becoming bored and destructive.

4. Research breed-related health problems. Some German shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia, digestive issues, skin problems, blood disorders and even epilepsy.

5. Research breeders. With any breed, there may be some unethical and disreputable breeders who are only out to make a quick buck off their puppies. Puppies can come with a host of health problems that stem from improper breeding or sick parents.

Tags: German shepherd, German shepherds, come with, health problems, positive characteristics

Select A Toy Poodle

A toy poodle is a popular breed of dog, one that many people select for their sweet disposition as well as for their small size. Like many purebred breeds, a toy poodle can be prone to certain health concerns as well as a few undesirable behaviors. Learn select the proper toy poodle to fit your lifestyle and ensure a good match.

Instructions

1. Select a reputable breeder, one who is willing to have you meet him, can produce veterinary certificates for the parents of the dog you may purchase and who keeps his pets clean and well fed. Get recommendations from area vets, groomers, kennel clubs and obedience trainers.

2. Ask your breeder to let you see at least one of the puppies' parents. You can learn a lot about the dog you are considering by meeting her parents. Your toy poodle's temperament will most likely be very much like that of her parents.

3. Consider the temperament of the toy poodle you may select. Poodles can be timid and shy, and sometimes overly dominant. Look for one that fits the personality of your family best.

4. Check the appearance of the toy poodle you want. Her eyes should be clear. She should appear alert and intelligent. She should have nice white teeth, her coat should be thick and curly, and she should move with a nice light stride, keeping her head and tail up.

5. Decide if you prefer a male or female. If your toy poodle isn't spayed or neutered, or you will have it spayed or neutered when it's old enough. You will find very little difference in behavior due to gender. If you already have another dog, your decision is more important. Select a dog of the opposite sex to eliminate possible conflicts between the two.

6. Visit your toy poodle a couple of times before making a final decision. Observe how eagerly he comes to greet you to see how socialized he is to people. Take your time with the decision since the dog you select will be a member of your family for many years to come.

Tags: spayed neutered, your family, your poodle

Homeopathic Remedies For A Sensitive Canine Stomach

Any dog can have a sensitive stomach.

A homeopathic canine remedy, also called an alternative treatment, is one that does not rely upon traditional medicine. Homeopathic remedies are holistic. They address the cause, not the symptoms, of the problem being treated. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, there are a variety of homeopathic remedies you can try if your dog is generally a normal, healthy adult dog. If there are any questions about the cause or seriousness of your dog's sensitive stomach, seek veterinary help.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is one of many homeopathic remedies for your dog.

Aloe vera juice, available in drug stores, discount stores and grocery stores, when given daily, aids in digestion and improves and eliminates constipation. According to the American Chronicle, it also acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, helping to prevent the onset of disease in the body. Add one tablespoon to ¼ cup daily to your dog's food, depending on its size.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar stabilizes digestive enyzymes in the body; therefore, it is a good remedy for digestive troubles such as intestinal gas and constipation. If your dog is not eating well, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to its water, or 1 tablespoon twice a day can be added to the dog's food until signs of digestive upset have diminished. Use less for small dogs.

Acidophilus

According to The Daily Puppy, acidophilus, the live culture found in yogurt, is available in pill, powder or liquid form. It may be obtained from your veterinarian or local pet supply store. It contains the good bacteria normally found in your dog's intestinal tract that helps digest, process and eliminate food. If your dog is having problems such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, vomiting or constipation, acidophilus may be added to its diet daily. Dosage depends on the form purchased, so refer to the label on the bottle for the correct dosage information.

Ginger and Peppermint

Ginger is good for motion sickness.

If your dog gets carsick when traveling, ginger or peppermint might help. Ginger is one of the best herbs for nausea. You can give your dog a couple of gingersnap cookies 30 minutes before a car trip to help prevent the symptoms of motion sickness. Or, you could prepare some peppermint tea and provide some to your dog if it starts showing signs of being sick.

Tags: sensitive stomach, Aloe vera, Aloe vera juice, homeopathic remedies your, motion sickness

Funding For Medical Procedures For Pets

You might be able to get help paying for your pets' medical needs.

Animal lovers and good pet owners gladly take on the responsibility of making sure that pets are properly cared for and receiving preventive veterinary care. Unfortunately, sometimes even the most attentive pet owners cannot afford the care a pet needs for unexpected injuries and severe ailments. The good news is that many organizations provide funding for medical procedures for pets.

Humane Organizations And Public Animal Shelters

Most cities and towns have at least one public animal shelter run by the local department of animal control. In some areas you may also find privately owned facilities with similar services. Such organizations take in stray and wounded creatures and put them up for adoption or back into the wild once they have been nursed back to health. People who adopt such animals are often offered veterinary care at discounted prices. These facilities may also offer partial funding or reduced prices for low-income pet owners as well. Some of the services provided by humane societies and animal shelters include basic inoculations, neutering, spaying and microchip implantation.

Veterinary Credit Cards

When pet emergencies strike, you might be able to obtain an immediate line of veterinary credit in your vet's office. Most offices nationwide accept "CareCredit" and keep a supply of applications handy. CareCredit is a credit card company that offers 24-hour service and instant approvals -- subject to credit check -- for emergency veterinary procedures. If your pet is suffering from a life-threatening injury or illness that demands immediate care you cannot afford, ask your vet about this service. Approved applicants pay the debt in low monthly installments with reasonable interest rates.

Specific Breed and Animal Disease Foundations

Depending on the breed or ailment of your pet, you may be eligible to receive funding from a disease or breed-specific foundation. Numerous not-for-profit animal disease research organizations provide veterinary funding or services to owners of certain breeds of cats and dogs or pets that suffer from particular ailments. In Chicago, the Anti-Cruelty Society runs a low-income pet clinic and offers free spaying and neutering and discount vaccinations and microchips for pit bulls through its "Pit Pals" program. "Cats In Crisis Inc." offers funding to individuals and animal welfare organizations for feline veterinary care. The nonprofit organization "Canine Cancer Awareness" assists low-income pet owners with dogs that are afflicted with various kinds of cancer.

Pet Insurance

A basic pet insurance policy can a lifesaver when your dog or cat is struck with a medical condition that requires expensive treatments. Much like health insurance for humans, a pet insurance policy requires you to make low monthly payments that cover predetermined amounts of funding for animal medical procedures. In most instances you are required to pay a deductible at the time of service.

Pet Grants

If you are a senior citizen or the head of a low-income household, you may be able to obtain funding for medical procedures for your pets at no cost. You'll find numerous nonprofit animal welfare organizations nationwide that award grants to the poor and elderly as well as grants to people who rescue injured and homeless strays. Some of the foundations that award veterinary care grants are The United Animal Nations, The Pet Fund For Domestic Animals and Lifeline Rescue Grants.

Tags: veterinary care, able obtain, animal welfare, animal welfare organizations, cannot afford, funding medical

Donate A Car To Animal Care

Do an Internet search for "car donation" you will get thousands of results. Each for a different company that claims to accept cars in any condition, recycle the metals and parts, and then donate a part of the profits to charity. Charities that can benefit often include various animal rescue and care organizations. But how do you know that your donation is really benefiting animals? To donate your car to help animals you do need to do your homework about the middleman car charity program, or donate the car directly to the organization of your choice.

Instructions

1. Donate your working car directly to the animal care organization. If you have an animal charity in mind, then call them and ask if they could use your car. Many rescue groups need transportation and will gladly accept cars in good to excellent condition; especially large SUV's or vans that can transport several animals at once.

2. Donate your nonworking car to a car donation company. You can find local or national ones with a quick Internet search. They will recycle the car and donate proceeds to local or national charities. You should however research their charities list first. To start with, the company needs to be a nonprofit and you can ask for documentation. Also, call animal charities on the company's list and ask how much money they have received from that particular car donation company. If the answer is zero, or the charity is surprised there is such a program that includes them, then find another car donation company.

3. Contact animal charities of your choice and find out if they participate in any car donation programs. This is the best route if you know which local charity you would like to help but have a non-working car.

Tags: donation company, accept cars, animal charities, Donate your, Internet search

Select A Rottweiler

Strong, powerful and brave, the rottweiler is a formidable presence and is believed to be a descendent of the drover dogs of ancient Rome. Behind the rottweiler's impressive stature lies an intelligent, calm and somewhat reserved dog with a strong instinct to protect. Early socialization and training with people, children and pets is important; this breed can become aggressive when improperly trained.

Instructions

1. Keep in mind that a rottweiler is not for everyone. This breed can be difficult to manage because of its large size, powerful body and territorial instinct. Rottweilers are vigilant watchdogs and are not always able to discern who is a friend and who is a stranger.

2. Reconsider getting a rottweiler if you have small children in the house. Although rottweilers can be friendly with children if socialized early on, this breed has strong prey and herding instincts. They are likely to chase moving objects, which can include running children.

3. Avoid this breed if you are unwilling to spend time socializing and training your dog to ensure that she does not become aggressive. Expect to take your rottweiler to obedience training once a week for 6 to 12 months.

4. Know that if you decide to own a rottweiler she will need vigorous walks at least twice a day, and she will need your consistent companionship. Rottweilers love to swim, run and chase balls. When they do not get enough exercise, rottweilers can become destructive.

5. Check out a rottweiler's features when choosing yours. Her overall appearance should be strong and unyielding with an attentive gaze. Her neck should be built and muscular. She should have a deep, expansive chest, and her coloring should be black with rust and mahogany markings.

6. Understand that a rottweiler is prone to certain health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia (a malformation of the joints), osteochondrosis dissecans (a bone disease that causes lameness and arthritis), paneosteitis (a rotating lameness), Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), bloat, heart disease and allergies. Talk to a breeder or whomever you get yours from to find out what type of screening they have done for some of these health problems.

7. Look at potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask whether they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure they are not a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed).

8. Expect to pay between $800 and $1,500 for a purebred rottweiler.

9. Be prepared to enjoy 10 to 12 years with your rottweiler, as that is the rottweiler's average life expectancy.

Tags: that rottweiler, this breed, become aggressive, health problems, will need, your rottweiler

Difference Between Soft Paws & Soft Claws

Keep kitty from scratching by using vinyl caps on his claws.

Cats like to scratch stuff. That's a fact of life if you share yours with a feline friend. Declawing is considered by many to be inhumane, and training your cat not to scratch furniture may be a losing battle. A third approach to keeping your cat from scratching is to use Soft Paws or Soft Claws.

Definition

Both Soft Paws and Soft Claws are vinyl caps that can be glued to your cat's claws to keep their claws from ruining your furniture during scratching. Cats can still scratch when wearing Soft Paws or Soft Claws, but because the vinyl caps are blunt, their nails cause no damage. The caps are nontoxic and come off when your cat sheds his claw sheath naturally, so they must be reapplied periodically (between four and six weeks).

Packaging

The packaging is the only thing different between Soft Paws and Soft Claws. A careful comparison of the two products and their websites reveals that both products are not only exactly alike, but also priced and packaged identically. Additionally, the Soft Claws site reveals that Soft Claws is a trademark of Soft Paws.

Usage

Both Soft Paws and Soft Claws come in a variety of sizes to ensure that the caps are a perfect fit for your cat's nails. Both products are applied the same way. They come with a fast-drying liquid adhesive. Pet owners partially fill each nail cap with adhesive and then slip the caps over the cat's nails. When the caps come off in the natural nail sheath shedding process, you simply apply new ones.

Appearance

Both products come in a wide variety of colors, so that you can choose a color that matches your cat's personality and gender and your own color preferences. Both Soft Paws and Soft Claws also come in packages of rainbow-colored caps and combination-color caps, such as red and green for the holiday kitty.

Cost

Soft Paws come in 40-cap packs. These packages come with two tubes of adhesive, applicator tips to make applying the glue easy, and instructions. As of 2010, the kit costs $18.95. Soft Claws comes with the exact same number of caps, adhesive tubes and applicator tips, and costs $18.95 as well.

Tags: Soft Claws, Soft Paws, Paws Soft, Paws Soft Claws, Soft Paws Soft, Both Soft, Both Soft Paws

Start An Animal Abuse Awareness Nonprofit Organization

An animal abuse awareness organization spreads the word about animal abuse.

Animal abuse tugs at many people's hearts, but only some actually go out and do something to stop it. Starting an animal abuse awareness nonprofit organization requires a lot of time and energy to get the organization off the ground and operating. But, with time and effort, the organization can spread the word about animal abuse. Becoming an official organization allows the group to collect donations to further its cause, but it also means more reporting to state and federal officials.

Instructions

Plan and Organize

1. Determine the needs of your organization through a needs assessment. See if others are already doing animal abuse work in the area you want to serve and if partnering with another group might be an option. Research the basics of managing a non-profit to determine if it's something practical for all involved. Write a business plan for the proposed nonprofit going over fiscal, communications and mission plans.

2. Write the nonprofit's mission statement, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and policies such as a conflict of interest policy. File the articles of incorporation with the secretary of state to incorporate. Obtain a federal EIN tax number. Open a bank account. File with the IRS for tax exempt status.

3. Check with local authorities and agencies, like the secretary of state's office and the local chamber of commerce to see what licenses are required locally. File with the state for local tax exemption after federal tax exemption is granted.

4. Begin fund raising activities to financially support the group. Continue gathering support for the group's mission and finding volunteers. Hire staff members if required. Set up office space.

Tags: about animal, about animal abuse, abuse awareness, animal abuse, animal abuse, animal abuse awareness

Get Food Donations From Distributors

Food donations made by distributors can equate to large quantities being received.

Food donations are a requirement for many types of organizations and associations to keep operations running. From shelters to food banks, the food gathered and received can be filtered out to those that are in the greatest of need. Keeping a stockpile of available foods ready for when they are needed takes a constant commitment to soliciting food donations. Beyond donations made by individuals, getting bulk donations from distributors is one way to keep inventory levels high. Approaching distributors in the right manner can help ensure success when asking for goods.

Instructions

1. Determine the exact food items needed. Talk to the operations staff of the organization to determine food items needed the most. Keep the shelf-life of products in mind when creating and compiling a list of items. Write down all items and organize the list alphabetically for easy reference. Include shelf stable items including dry and canned beans, dry pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, flour, sugar, baking supplies, canned meats, jarred sauces and soups and crackers.

2. Establish dates for starting the donation campaign and for the receipt of all food donations. Coordinate potential dates and times with the staff at the organization to ensure that help will be available on the date and time selected. Walk through the receiving area so that you can better understand how and where shipments will be received. Take notes regarding the location and figure out whether there is an unloading dock, large enough parking lot for a tractor trailer and size of the staging and storage areas. Keep this information handy in case the distributor asks you about the logistics of the actual delivery.

3. Gather information and material in reference to the organization, association or cause for which the food is being collected. Gather copies of brochures, handouts, copies of newspaper and magazine articles, business cards of key staff members and information on the web site of the association. Organize information into packets of information that can easily be sent along to potential donors.

4. Compile a list of food distributors located both locally and regionally to your base of operations. Use national and regional organizations to create your list. Organizations such as the International Foodservice Distributors Association and the NorthEast Wholesale Food Distributors Association maintain lists of member companies. Use the company names as a starting point and go directly to the web site or phone each distributor to determine the exact name and title of the person responsible for charitable contributions.

5. Write a letter to each food distributor asking for donation. Use proper and personalized salutations on each letter. Write the letter in a professional tone and do not use slang or offensive wording. State in the letter that you are asking for food donations. Name the charity or organization that you requesting the items for. Give a brief overview of the organization and state in the letter that supplemental and detailed information on the charity is being included with the letter. Close the letter by asking the person to contact you directly and state that you will be following up with them regarding this matter.

6. Send the letter along with the packet of information, the list of food items being requested and contact information for you to each name and distributor on your potential donor list. Keep the list organized and note beside each contact when the first letter was sent. Mark you calendar to follow up with each person in two to three weeks after sending the initial request. Offer to meet in person to discuss the donation and provide all additional information to the distributor as requested by them.

7. Follow up with the distributor by both written letter and phone. Explain the types of foods being requested, the dates available for delivery of the items and the exact location and time the food should be delivered to. Work around the availability of the distributor if they request alternate dates or times. Send the distributor detailed directions regarding where donations are to be delivered.

8. Send thank you letters to all distributors that made donations. Send letters to those that did not donate and thank them for their time and mention that you will be asking them again for donations in the future. Make notes on your list of contacts regarding all responses and feedback received for use in future communications.

Tags: food items, being requested, dates times, Distributors Association, donations made

Girl Games For Nintendo Ds

Choosing Nintendo DS games for a girl can be a challenge, especially if you aren't familiar with video games. There are so many to choose from that you may not be sure find one she'll like. You might also want to avoid games with adult content such as violence and profanity. Many DS games are enjoyable and safe for girls of all ages.

Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop

Work alongside Mama in the kitchen to create delicious gourmet meals. Meals are cooked by engaging in a series of mini-games, where girls perform tasks such as slicing vegetables, carving meat and cooking pasta. Players will cook 80 meals, including spaghetti and meatballs and crispy egg rolls, from countries around the world.

Animal Crossing: Wild World

Your little girl will become the newest citizen in a quaint country town full of talkative animal neighbors. This town never sleeps---the animals go about their lives even if no one is there to watch them. Children get to decorate and upgrade their own house and take on jobs for spending money. When it's time to relax, they'll participate in activities such as fishing, bug catching or just chatting with the neighbors. With a Nintendo WiFi connection, friends can even visit one another's towns.

Nintendogs

Pick out an adorable puppy, give him a name and teach him tricks in this dog-raising simulator. This puppy behaves just like a real dog. He'll need to be fed and bathed, and of course, played with. After learning enough tricks, kids can send their puppy to competitions to see which canine is the most talented. Different versions of "Nintendogs" allow a choice of puppy breeds, including Labradors, chihuahuas, dalmatians and dachshunds.

Harvest Moon DS Cute

Play as a girl for the first time in the "Harvest Moon" series. The harvest goddess has been trapped in another world by an evil witch, and it's up to the newest farmer in town to help the harvest sprites rescue her. Children start out with a small farm, then grow it by planting crops and raising cows and chickens. By properly caring for the farm, the harvest sprites will be able to rescue the goddess and restore peace to the land.

Super Princess Peach

This time, it's Mario who needs rescuing after the villainous Bowser kidnaps him and his brother, Luigi. Only Princess Peach remains to save her friends and the Mushroom Kingdom. To find them, she'll need to travel to the uncharted Vibe Island with her companion, a magical, talking umbrella named Perry. She'll use emotions such as joy, gloom, calm and rage to solve puzzles and defeat Bowser's relentless minions.

Tags: Harvest Moon, harvest sprites, Princess Peach

Buy A Puppy As A Gift

Experts say you should not buy a puppy as a gift. Puppies should be picked out by the people who are going to raise them, to maximize the bond between dog and owner.

Instructions

1. Consider why you are buying a puppy as a gift. If a responsible adult has been talking about getting a dog for months, ask yourself why that person never has actually made the purchase. Perhaps he really doesn't want a puppy as much as he says he does. Perhaps he is not ready for the responsibility. Perhaps he is away from home too much.

2. Avoid buying a puppy as a gift for a child. The best way to bring a puppy into the family is for the family to pick out the puppy together.

3. Think before buying a puppy around the holidays or birthdays. There is so much going on and so much commotion that a new puppy is apt to get lost in the hubbub.

4. Understand that puppies are lovable and adorable, but they need daily exercise, regular veterinary care, and lots of attention.

5. Consider what your recipient would do if he had a puppy and wanted to take a vacation. Does your recipient love to travel? Does he take a lot of trips? Is he gone overnight a good bit? If so, he is not a good candidate for owning a puppy.

6. Give a gift certificate for a puppy. Let the recipient pick out his own puppy when he feels ready for the responsibility.

7. Opt for buying a dog video or dog book for someone who wants a puppy. Give him an online link so he can play with a virtual dog at virtualdog.com. Or, buy her a Tamagotchi or Giga Pet toy to test their willingness to take care of a new puppy.

Tags: buying puppy, buying puppy gift, pick puppy, puppy gift, puppy Give, ready responsibility, your recipient

The Best Jobs For Teenagers

A job helps teens prepare for adulthood.

The best jobs for teenagers are jobs that prepare the teen for adult life. Responsibility and work experience are two important things for a teenager to acquire. Although gaining experience and learning responsibility is important, working long hours can cut into study time and affect school grades. That is why it's important for a teen to find a job that has flexible hours, doesn't take up too much of his time but can still teach him valuable life lessons.

Child or Pet Care

Babysitting or dog walking jobs teach teens about responsibility. These jobs give teens first-hand experience in child and pet care which can be useful later on in life if they have a families or pets of their. The hours are usually evenings and weekends which fit in well with teens' school schedules and the length of time for each job is usually just a few hours. Tasks involved in babysitting usually includes feeding, bathing and watching over children and pet sitting involves walking and feeding pets as well as cleaning up after them.

Food Service

Food service jobs work well for teens because these jobs require a lot of the physical energy teens often have. Food service jobs involve waiting tables or cooking meals. Food service jobs are a great way for students interested in becoming a chef or a cook to learn about the food service industry and get hands-on experience. Waiting tables also helps teens improve communication and social skills because of the constant verbal interaction with customers. The evening and weekend shifts for these jobs fit teens' school schedules.

Retail

Retails jobs require enthusiasm and energy. Retail jobs involve standing on your feet all day tagging merchandise, setting up displays, keeping the store organized and selling merchandise. Retail jobs help improve math, communication and social skills. These types of jobs give students insight into marketing and sales, which can be useful for teenagers interested in working in these fields later on in life. Retail hours include evenings and weekends.

Hotels, Resorts and Camps

Hotels, resorts and camps often hire teens as temporary summer help. Seasonal schedules fit in well with teens' school schedules and keep teens busy during the summer months. Duties include cleaning and maintaining the property or assisting and teaching customers and campers. These types of jobs teach teens about the hospitality industry and politely interact and communicate with others.

Tags: Food service jobs, school schedules, service jobs, teens school, teens school schedules, communication social

Trim Shih Tzu Dog

A shih tzu's long, silky hair requires consistent grooming.

Shih tzus are traditional Chinese dogs that have become popular in the United States as companion and family dogs. The dogs are relatively small at 11 inches and an average of 12 lbs., and are lively, alert and affectionate to their families. Their long, silky hair requires consistent grooming and needs occasional trims to keep it neat and healthy. Because professional grooming is inconvenient and expensive, many people learn to groom their dogs themselves.

Instructions

1. Bathe the shih tzu before you start. Use conditioner to detangle the dog's hair. You should always start with a clean, damp dog for good trimming results. Towel the dog dry. Allow the dog's hair to air dry before you start.

2. Comb out the shih tzu's hair when it's almost dry. Using a wide-tooth comb, gently comb the hair to avoid pulling at the dog's hair. Comb until there are no tangles or mats left. Part the shih tzu's hair in the middle of its head and down its back. The hair should drape in even sections over the dog's sides and over its ears.

3. Lay your dog on its side. Brush all its hair up toward its back to expose its stomach. This position gives you an even, level measurement of what to trim. Use the comb to pull a thin section of hair down over your dog's stomach. Brush the hair flat. Trim off the desired amount of hair. Pull down another section of hair, and trim it to match the first. Continue until you've finished all the hair on this side. Give your dog a break. Repeat the process on the other side after you and your dog have stretched your legs.

4. Use the comb to brush out the hair on your dog's face and ears. Trim the hair in a straight line under each ear, but be careful not to cut the ears themselves. Pull the hair growing from the top of your dog's head into a top know, and secure it with a rubber band or clip to keep it out of your dog's eyes.

Tags: before start, Brush hair, consistent grooming, hair requires, hair requires consistent, hair should

Snakes In Fort Mill South Carolina

The pine snake is the area's largest species.

Fort Mill is a town in northern South Carolina's York County, close to the North Carolina border. The natural habitats in and around the town offer suitable homes for 24 different species of snake. These snakes are varied in appearance and size. Most of the snakes found in the area are harmless to humans, but a few are venomous and potentially dangerous.

Large Snakes

The area around Fort Mill is home to four large species of snake that can reach several feet in length. The largest is the stout-bodied pine snake, which grows to around 5 1/2 feet in length. Averaging 5 feet in length, both the black racer and black rat snakes are also found in the area. The northern water snake grows to around 4 1/2 feet in length and has a coloration that makes it look like the dangerous cottonmouth. However, it lacks the white coloring to the inside of the mouth that characterizes a cottonmouth.

Medium-Sized Snakes

Several of the snakes found around the area range between 2 to 4 feet in length and are more medium in size. The corn snake and eastern king snake both reach lengths of 4 feet, on average. The eastern king is black and white in color and the corn snake is reddish. The eastern hog-nose resembles a rattlesnake and grows to just under 4 feet long. The mole king snake is a light brown to reddish snake that grows to around 3 feet, as does the rough green snake. The slender-bodied eastern ribbon snake and eastern garter both grow to just over 2 feet.

Small Snakes

Most of the snakes found in the area tend to be small and slender, rarely growing longer than 2 feet. The southeastern crowned snake is the smallest at just 5 to 9 inches on average. Just slightly larger, at 10 inches on average, are the red-bellied snake, rough earth snake and smooth earth snake. Several snakes grow to just over a foot in length and include the worm snake, southern ring-neck snake, and the brown snake. The scarlet snake, and queen snake both grow to around 2 feet in length.

Venomous Snakes

The largest species of venomous snake found in the area is the timber rattlesnake, which grows to 5 feet. It is usually gray in color with darker mottled patterns. The copperhead is the next largest and grows to around 3 1/2 feet in length. It has a reddish-brown coloring with a distinctive copper-colored head. The smallest venomous snake is the diminutive, but still dangerous, pygmy rattlesnake. It grows to less than 2 feet in length and tends to be bluish-gray in color with darker mottled patterns.

Tags: feet length, around feet, around feet length, found area, grows around

Take Care Of Newborn German Shepherd Puppies

German shepherd puppies need some help to get the right start in life.

German shepherd puppies are born blind, deaf and toothless, yet with the instinct to suckle and the ability to crawl toward the warmth of its mother's body. However, even if the mother is experienced, your job as a puppy raiser is far from that of an observer. Sometimes nature needs a little help to make sure every German shepherd puppy gets the right start in life.

Instructions

1. Prepare a safe, warm bed, also known as a whelping box, before the puppies arrive. The box should be large enough for the mother and the puppies to move around comfortably. A rail mounted on the inside five or six inches from the floor, will keep a pup safe should it crawl between its mother and the side of the box. Line the box with newspapers for quick clean-up. If towels or blankets are used, they should be stretched tight so the puppies don't become tangled up in folded cloth or lost underneath.

2. Provide a heat source. Newborn puppies are unable to maintain a proper body temperature, so it's often necessary to mount a heat lamp a safe distance above the box. For the first two weeks, a consistent temperature of 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit is preferable. By the end of the third week, the temperature can be gradually reduced to a more normal 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

A household thermometer mounted inside the far end of the whelping box can help you keep the temperature in check, but watching puppies' body language can let you know if they're comfortable. Pups normally lie touching each other to share body heat, so it might mean they're too cold if they lie in a pile or too hot if they sleep apart.

3. Monitor the birthing process. Mothers labor on average 6 to 18 hours, depending on her experience and the size of the litter, typically 5-10 puppies for German shepherds. Pups should be allowed to nurse immediately after birth, as the suckling action stimulates contractions in the mother and provides valuable colostrum to the pup. When new contractions begin, remove those puppies already born to a smaller box equipped with a heating pad set on low, to keep them out of the way until the next pup is born. Then return all to the mother to resume nursing.

4. Check each pup as soon as it's born. As each puppy is born, it should be checked to make sure it's breathing properly. Stimulate a sluggish pup by swinging it in a strong downward motion while keeping a firm hold of its head and shoulders, or by rubbing it briskly with a coarse towel. If either of these methods doesn't produce satisfactory results, try shocking its system by applying a drop of brandy to its tongue or alternate dipping the pup to its neck in bowls of hot and cold tap water.

In addition, if the pup sounds congested, use a baby ear syringe to gently clear its throat and nasal passages. Also, if there is excessive bleeding from the umbilical stump, swab with iodine and tie it off with dental floss.

5. Keep track of each puppy's growth and condition. Using a baby scale, weigh each pup immediately after birth and log its weight. Healthy German shepherd puppies will weigh on average about .08 to 1.3 pounds at birth and between 1.6 to 2.1 pounds by the end of the first week, essentially doubling their birth weights. Daily weighing will alert you early to those pups that may be failing.

To identify individual pups, tie a different colored length of yarn around the neck of each.

6. Watch for problems. Healthy puppies are plump and firm and nurse about every two hours or until their stomachs are round. Well nourished puppies sleep quietly, while pups that swallow air may appear well-fed, but will act unsatisfied, initially crying and moving around a lot, and then later, not moving enough.

Dehydration is often an early sign of serious trouble. Check the pups' hydration by pinching the skin at the back of the neck. Healthy skin will bounce back quickly, while dehydrated skin will stay creased. Prompt veterinary attention to a severely dehydrated pup may prevent tragedy. Experienced puppy raisers may treat milder cases at home using a feeding tube and a formula containing electrolytes.

7. Keep the puppies' bed clean. Mothers will do a lot to keep the box clean by licking in their pups' perineal area to stimulate urination and defecation, but the bedding should be changed daily to maintain a dry environment. As the pups grow and begin eating solid food, more frequent bedding changes will become necessary.

Tags: German shepherd, German shepherd puppies, after birth, degrees Fahrenheit, each puppy

Topics About The Abuse Of Animals For A Research Paper

Denying an animal its natural needs is considered abusive.

Animal abuse stems from a lack of proper treatment and appropriate conditions for animals. Animal rights groups emphasize keeping animals free from hunger, thirst, pain, disease and distress. Such groups argue that these needs are sometimes not met in situations in which animals are used for food or clothing, experimentation, entertainment and even in the wild. These issues present students with a variety of topics to research and questions to consider when writing a paper for a class.

Using Animals for Food and Clothing

Animal welfare groups have raised concerns about the treatment of animals used for food and clothing production. They argue that animals are often raised in cramped conditions away from natural environments and cannot do what they normally would if they were free. Animals are force-fed, fed drugs and modified genetically to gain more use from them for meat, eggs, wool and feathers. Students could examine the effect such treatment has on the well-being and health of the animals. There are also issues surrounding the killing of animals. Students could write about whether killing animals for human benefit is right or wrong, or about the different methods used to kill animals.

Testing on Animals

Many products, including cosmetics, food and drugs, are tested on animals. Animal rights groups have expressed concern about the harm, pain and death that such experiments can cause for animals. They argue that many of these tests are unnecessary and yield results that cannot be applied to humans. Students could study the benefits to society that arise from such testing and weigh them against the cost to the animals being tested. Animal welfare groups also argue that testing on animals should be replaced with such alternative methods as testing on human cells in a laboratory. A research paper could explore what alternatives exist and whether they are feasible substitutes to testing on animals.

Use of Animals for Entertainment and as Pets

Performance animals can face inappropriate living conditions and treatment

Animals are often put on display in zoos and circuses. Many more are kept as pets. Animal rights groups emphasize the need to treat animals used for entertainment in a way that meets their needs, while some oppose the idea altogether, arguing that this is contrary to the animal's nature. Similarly, these groups urge pet owners to provide their animals with proper care, but argue this is often not the case. For example, they raise concerns about restricting animals with cages and leashes, altering them for the owner's convenience through practices such as declawing, and training them with such devices as shock collars. Students could discuss in a paper whether it is right to use animals for entertainment, perhaps distinguishing among different animals and different types of entertainment. Another potential topic is what could be done to ensure that animals have owners who will properly care for them.

Problems Facing Wildlife

Animals face dangers from poaching and illegal hunting, and the destruction of and changes to their habitats. Animal welfare groups argue that animals should not be removed from the wild or killed unless necessary, or not at all. They argue that methods used to control wildlife populations should be humane. Students could write about instances in which it is right or wrong to kill or capture a wild animal and how this can be done humanely. There are also issues surrounding conservation and ensuring that animals have environments appropriate for them. This can be a potential research topic, looking at the damage that has already been done to wildlife and ways of preventing it in the future.

Tags: argue that, Students could, that animals, Animal rights, Animal rights groups, Animal welfare, Animal welfare groups

Transfer Ownership Of An Avid Microchip

Update your new best friend's microchip.

In a 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 73 percent of stray microchipped pets arriving at 54 selected shelters had a locatable owner. The owners of the remaining pets with microchips were unreachable because of disconnected phone numbers, lack of response to certified notices or registration to the wrong party. Ensure a happy reunion with a lost pet; update the microchip registration information of a newly adopted dog, cat or large bird. If the pet is microchipped for the first time, register the chip immediately. Otherwise, the microchip registry directs a good Samaritan to the veterinary clinic that injected the chip, which may or may not have your current phone number.

Instructions

1. Write down the microchip ID number. No two pets share the same microchip number, even by accident. Look for the chip number on paperwork given by the previous owner, rescue or shelter. Alternatively, scan the pet's microchip at your local veterinary clinic.

2. Call AVID's PETtrac database toll free at 800-336-2843. Give the microchip number to the customer service representative, along with your mailing address.

3. Re-register the pet. The registry sends you paperwork in the mail. Fill out a new registration form, even if the pet was registered to a prior owner. In the future, when your phone number or address should change, the customer service representative may make minor changes over the phone.

4. Send the form back to AVID. As of 2010, AVID's PETrac database assesses a $19.95 fee per registered pet, with a cap of $50 for every three pets. Make the check and envelope out to AVID ID Systems Inc.

AVID ID Systems Inc.

3185 Hamner Avenue

Norco, CA 92860-1983

Tags: microchip number, AVID Systems, customer service, customer service representative, phone number

Littlest Pet Shop Crafts

Littlest Pet Shop animals are small friends that you can buy, trade and play with in an online community. Do some pet themed crafts at a Littlest Pet Shop birthday party or for a group of pet loving kids. Don't forget to bring your favorite pets to the craft table so they can enjoy the fun too.

Pet House

Gather shoeboxes or old gift boxes to serve as pet houses for Littlest Pet Shop pets.Lay out lots of craft materials such as construction paper, scissors, crayons and markers and glue along with stickers and embellishments. Kids can create their own house for their tiny pets. Help kids cover the shoeboxes with construction paper or foam first and then they can decorate their pet homes.

Pet Collar

Kids can emulate their favorite pet by making their own collar. Cut strips of colored construction paper and let each kid decorate their own collar with self-stick rhinestones, stickers and markers. Tape the collars around the kids' necks loosely.

Cookie Decorating

Make cut out sugar cookies using pet shaped or bone shaped cookie cutters. Set out different flavors of frosting, squirtable icing, sprinkles and candies. Let kids decorate their own pet cookies to take home.

Pet Ears

Using construction paper and plastic headbands, let kids make their own set of animal ears. Cut cat, dog, rabbit or bat ears out of the paper and tape them on to the headband so kids can pretend they are their favorite Littlest Pet Shop animal.

Tags: Littlest Shop, construction paper, decorate their, their collar, their favorite

Organize A Beef & Beer Fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser to raise money for your charity or organization.

Holding a fundraiser to raise money for your charity or organization is a great way to involve the community in something you feel strongly about. The way to set your fundraiser apart from others is by making the event unusual or unique. Attract people to your event by offering them good food, like burgers and steaks, and cold beer. This is a great way to draw in a certain type of clientele, such as men in their 20s and 30s.

Instructions

1. Plan the fundraising event. Don't simply throw it together last minute when you have the necessary supplies. If you truly want to raise as much money as possible, come up with a game plan first.

2. Recruit volunteers. Ask friends, family and community members who may have an interest in your cause to participate in your fundraiser. If possible, enlist your volunteers to help cook or barbecue at the event, thus eliminating the need to hire a cook.

3. Identify jobs for each person to do. Make a to-do list and hand out jobs fairly, so that everybody has some responsibility. Overloading one person is a good way to ensure that necessary jobs don't get done.

4. Build a website for your fundraiser. Be sure to mention that food and beer will be served -- this will be a big draw for supporters. You can even ask supporters for recipe recommendations. Getting people excited about your event means word will spread and the number of donors will increase.

5. Set up ways of accepting donations. Hand out a card at the fundraiser with directions on how people can contribute online. Incorporate a PayPal donation button on your website and provide people with the web address. Decide how you want to take donations at the fundraiser. You can accept cash only, or also accept checks or even credit or debit cards.

6. Contact your local health department to find out any laws regarding alcohol that could pertain to your beer fundraiser.

Tags: your fundraiser, about your, charity organization, fundraiser raise, fundraiser raise money, money your

Get Funding To Start An Animal Shelter

Starting an animal shelter takes dedication, time and, unfortunately, a lot of money. County and city governments do not usually have funds to help nonprofit private animal shelters, so you have to get money elsewhere. The key to asking for and getting donations is to have a well-developed, professional-looking plan and mission for the animal shelter. This will show that the shelter will be well-run and able to meet the needs of the animals in the community. The shelter will be an organization people will want to give money to.

Instructions

1. Write a business plan for the animal shelter that lays out a timeline, mission and the community's need for the shelter. Potential donors will ask for this information.

2. Set up a great-looking website on which you provide people with an easy way to donate online for by sending a check.

3. Apply for grants designated for starting an animal shelter. Apply for grants yourself or hire a professional grant writer.

4. Have a fundraiser. One big fundraiser, with a lot of publicity, is usually more successful than several small ones. Some ideas: Hold a silent auction and dinner, or stage a pet fair or art show.

5. Give presentations about your animal shelter to local companies. Explain why a shelter is needed and how your animal shelter will fulfill the need. State what the shelter will cost to get started and the amount of money you're asking for.

Tags: shelter will, animal shelter, animal shelter, Apply grants, your animal, your animal shelter

Dog Leash Laws In Modesto California

Leash laws are enforced to protect owners, dogs and other community members.

States are responsible for determining the dog leash laws that they will enforce within their cities and towns. In Modesto, California, the owner of any dog is held liable should the dog bite someone, regardless of the owner's knowledge of the dog's history. No dog is permitted to roam free off the owner's property and if on the property, must be enclosed.

Leash Laws

Leash laws aim primarily to hold owner's of dogs accountable for the control of the animal. The city of Modesto permits individuals to recover damages if bitten by a dog, even if the dog has no history of biting or other aggressive behavior. The dog must be controlled by the owner when outside of their enclosed property, and a bite or canine-inflicted injury is considered the result of the owner's failure to control his dog.

Controlling a Dog

The California state law, which applies to Modesto, provides examples of proposed methods of restraint, particularly leashes, that have been determined to be adequate demonstrations of control over the dog, but this does not mean that the methods listed in the law are the only methods accepted. Additionally, a dog is considered "at large" if the owner releases the dog, unrestrained, onto his or her unenclosed property, meaning if the property is not fenced in completely, the dog must remain on a leash. Dog parks are an exception, because they are an enclosed area, but problems can still arise in the presence of dangerous dogs.

Demonstrating Control

If restraint is clearly demonstrated, though with a means other than a traditional leash, the point might be arguable in court, but the court has decided that "psychological restraints" are insufficient, more often than not. However, Jean Bessette, who was given a ticket for walking his labrador retriever, Rex, unleashed, despite the leash being attached to the dog's collar, because Mr. Bessette was not holding the other end. The case went to court, and after a demonstration of Mr. Bessette's control over the well-trained dog, both he---and Rex---were let off with a warning.

Tags: control over, Leash Laws, Leash laws, Modesto California

Visit A Nursing Home

The most compassionate thing we can do when visiting a nursing home is to remember that each resident is an important individual who has lived a long full life. We need to embrace them just as we have before they entered the home in order to keep that relationship flourishing.

Instructions

1. Call and ask what time is convenient for you to come for a visit. The staff may provide you with the best times to come when the resident is more receptive to company. You would not want to interrupt meals or other regularly scheduled events. If you are invited to come during mealtime, expect to pay for your meal.

2. Knock before entering their room. Shake hands and embrace them lovingly.

3. Look beyond their physical impairments, confusion or disorientation. Simple, loving physical gestures like holding their hands and looking into their eyes works well. You can probably recant all of their stories that they love to tell, but listen intently as if it was the first time they've told you. They often come to life while they are remembering their lifelong experiences.

4. Show off the grandkids! They often provide interesting conversation topics. Plus, children are often the most endearing guests a resident may have.

5. Bring along their favorite music or movies. Think about the activities they enjoyed before becoming a resident. Try to incorporate these same activities into your visits. Check with the staff to see if pets are allowed.

6. Share photographs and home movies. Help them prepare letters to other family members. Doing these things will help to maintain the relationship with your loved one and keep them involved in family life events.

Tags: embrace them, They often

Buy A Yorkshire Terrier

Buy a Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, or "Yorkie," is one of the most popular breeds of dog, prized for its small size, cute look and playful demeanor. Before you buy one though, be prepared to shell out some dough, learn all you can about the breed and know what to look for when you begin your search.

Instructions

1. Decide how much you're willing to spend. A quality Yorkie will cost at least $1,000, and many go for over $2,000.

2. Visit the American Kennel Club (AKC) website to find a reputable breeder.

3. Contact the breeder to find out if there have been any litters delivered recently or if any are expected soon.

4. Find out what size the female breeding dog "pulls," or gives birth to.

5. Decide what look you want in a Yorkie. Do you want a "docked" (clipped) tail or not? Do you want ears that stand up or not? These qualities are considered desirable, so most reputable breeders' dogs will have these features.

6. Look at the breeder's website to view pictures of the dogs and see if one suits your wants.

7. Visit the breeder to examine the environment in which the dogs have been raised. If the surroundings are dirty, cramped, disorganized or undisciplined, be wary. If a dog is used to urinating inside where it sleeps, for instance, you may have a harder time housebreaking it.

8. Examine the dog's demeanor to make sure it isn't too aggressive or too docile, depending on what sort of personality you want.

9. Examine the dog for any obvious physical defects or injuries.

Tags: Yorkshire Terrier, have been, what look

Rescue A Beagle

Adopt me!

You want a beagle and have decided to adopt one rather than buy a puppy. Beagles have been one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world, making them easy to find. However, they are often bought on impulse and abandoned. Fortunately, there are many people who have dedicated themselves to rescuing beagles and placing them in permanent homes. These are the people that you need to work with in order to bring home your own beagle.

Instructions

The Eager Beagle

1. Examine your home and how often you are away from it. Can you really take on a beagle now? If yes, go to Step Two.

2. Put out the word that you are looking for a beagle to adopt. Ask your vet, neighbors, dog-loving friends and business associates if they know of anyone who has to give up their dog. Or contact your local animal shelter. They should also be able to get you in contact with a local beagle breed rescue charity organization.

3. Fill out applications for adopting a beagle, whether online at a beagle breed rescue website or at your local animal shelter. Expect this to take about an hour. You often need to get a character reference letter from your veterinarian to send along with your application.

4. Wait for the rescue group to contact you about a Beagle that needs a home. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of months. Expect your background to be checked.

5. Let your home and yard be inspected by a representative of the animal rescue. Do any changes that are recommended.

6. Wait for the animal rescue to contact you about meeting a beagle that fits the qualities you wanted as noted in your application.

7. Visit the beagle they've selected as your match. It may mean visiting a foster home, so work around the other person's schedule. Every one in your family needs to meet the beagle--including any other dogs in your home.

8. Read the contract carefully before signing. You may also have to fill out more paperwork.

9. Pay the adoption fee and bring your Beagle home.

10. Send beagle rescue or foster homes thank-you notes and regular updates about how your dog is doing.

Tags: your home, animal rescue, animal shelter, beagle breed, beagle breed rescue, breed rescue, contact about

Horse Abuse Information

Most people think abuse and neglect are synonymous. They are not. Neglect of horses is more common than outright abuse. Defining neglect or abuse is not as simple as it sounds. What one person considers a standard training practice, or acceptable horse-keeping, another person may view as abusive.

Neglect and Abuse

Neglect and abuse are often used interchangeably. However, neglect is the lack of appropriate care, while abuse is when someone intentionally sets out to harm, injure or kill a horse. Neglect can be caused by inexperienced or ignorant horse owners, unexpected financial crises or apathy. An owner may be unable to care for a horse properly, may not know care for one or just may be overwhelmed and cannot provide hay or feed, veterinary services and upkeep. Neglect is more common than outright abuse. More horses are seized by government or rescue agencies due to neglect than abuse.

Report Abuse/Neglect

If you suspect abuse or neglect contact your local humane society or law enforcement agency. Give a detailed description of the horse, why you think abuse or neglect occurred, exactly what happened or is happening and where the horse and owner can be found. If possible, take photos or video of the horse. Written descriptions may be discounted, but a photo of a skeletal or dying horse is incontrovertible proof. Do not exaggerate what is happening, or happened, to the affected horse. Exaggeration may slow down an investigation.

Making a report of horse abuse or neglect will not get you in trouble; however, if you file a report to "get back" at someone, you may be prosecuted.

Abusive Training

There are certain training practices that occur within breeds that people consider abusive. The most well-known is the soreing of Tennessee walkers. Soreing occurs when a caustic or mechanical agent is applied to the legs of Tennessee walkers to make the horses perform an exaggerated gate called the "big lick." Soreing is prohibited by the Horse Protection Act of 1970 and trainers found doing it are fined and banned from sponsored horse shows.

Doping, or using drugs to enhance performance or mask lameness, is another form of abuse often seen at horse shows or in training barns.

Good training should strengthen the bond between the horse and rider. Training should not cause pain or fear.

Getting Involved

Always report truly abusive situations to law enforcement. Many abusive situations can be dangerous, or even deadly, for people who get involved. Neglect, however, often can be rectified with tactful advice or the offer of help. Inviting new horse owners to join a sponsored trail ride or just talking about horses can open the lines of communication. Never assume neglect. The thin horse you think is neglected just could be getting older.

Considerations

State and federal guidelines for abuse and neglect can be interpreted differently.

Some people feel that just riding a horse is abusive; others find it acceptable to use a crop or spurs. Many horse owners support the slaughter of horses for human consumption; others are horrified at the thought. That is why reporting, investigating and prosecuting abuse and neglect is difficult.

Tags: abuse neglect, horse owners, abuse neglect, abuse often, abusive situations