Every day in America, countless dogs languish on chains in their owners’ yards...dogs are inherently social animals, but too many dogs are relegated to this empty life. Dogs who live chained outside often become lonely, bored and anxious. In many cases, they can develop territorial and aggressive behaviors.

Studies have shown that chained dogs are more likely to bite and many communities have reacted by passing legislation to ban the practice of chaining entirely or limit the time and situations in which dogs may be chained. From this country-wide problem, a group of concerned animal lovers has developed, “Dogs Deserve Better”. Members from this organization recently set out on a road trip to find 10 chained dogs in each of 12 different states over a 12 day period. Much to their dismay, the final tally of their journey numbered more than 1,000 dogs. Besides being chained, the condition that they were in was worse than anyone could imagine. “Dogs Deserve Better” work with the owners to get the dogs off of chains and into their owners’ homes and distribute free collars, leashes and food; while also providing applications for financial aid to provide fencing.

It is always a bright light when a person or group steps up to help animals, who have no voice but ours. Please, please be a voice and contact an animal organization in your community if you come into contact with an animal who is chained continually, or is under any other type of duress..animal welfare is all our responsibility.

Dogs greet each other by going nose-to-nose, so it’s only natural that they try to jump up on people to try and reach their noses to greet them. Here are several techniques to try; with repetition and patience, most dogs can learn not to jump.

Stand tall, look straight ahead, pull your hands up by your chest, say “sit,” and wait for the dog to sit. When the dog does sit, immediately look at the dog, kneel down, and calmly stroke the dog. If the dog jumps up again, stand up and repeat the steps.

Stand tall, look straight ahead, pull your hands up by your chest, say “off”. When the dog jumps on you, turn your body toward the wall, or away from the dog, so the dog can’t reach your face. Another option is to step back outside the door and close the door in the dog’s face (you need to leave the door open a crack). Say “sit”. When the dog sits, turn to face the dog, kneel down, and calmly stroke the dog. If the dog jumps up again, stand up, turn, and repeat the steps.

Stand tall, look straight ahead, pull your hands up by your chest, say “off,” and continue walking into the dog. The dog will jump back to get out of your way. When all four feet are on the floor, say “sit” and wait. When the dog sits, kneel down and calmly stroke the dog. If the dog jumps up again, stand up, walk toward him, and repeat the steps.

Helping an animal from continuing bad habits, is our responsibility as pet caregivers and we must be diligent and proactive in this process.

Sufficient water consumption plays a major role in your cat’s health. Insufficient water consumption is linked to an increase in bladder infections and crystal formation. Water helps regulate your cat’s body temperature, and is necessary to aid in the digestion of dry food and the absorption of vitamins.

Cat’s normally get much of their body moisture from their food, but with more and more cats eating only dry food, it is imperative that they drink an adequate amount of water.

Your cat needs full-time access to water. A typical cat consumes water at approximately two and a half times the volume of the dry food they eat. Factors such as high heat, exercise, or lactation can double or triple the amount of drinking. Thus, you should always provide more water than they will actually drink.

Many cats like running water, so a pet fountain may be the best option for your pet. However, if going the fountain route, be sure you have enough time in your schedule to properly care for the fountain. The fountain should be cleaned once a week, thoroughly; taking it all apart and washing everything...this is extremely important to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, or other bad organisms. The ingestion of the water from an unclean fountain can cause illness in your cat, which usually shows up as a respiratory illness.

If you choose keeping several water bowls strategically placed in your home, they also need to be washed out daily to prevent them from harboring all kinds of bad organisms. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, providing plenty of fresh water indoors greatly reduces the chance your cat will drink from harmful secondary sources outdoors.

Maintaining normal water consumption helps reduce the incidence and severity of feline lower urinary tract disease and other problems. As more water is consumed, urine is less concentrated, and crystals are less likely to form. As your cat ages, he may no longer drink sufficient amounts of water, which can exacerbate constipation problems or kidney disease, and contribute to dehydration.

Maintain awareness of your cat’s water consumption and take action to ensure he always drinks enough. These efforts will help keep your feline companion healthy and well hydrated.