A Pet Friend

There's a reason dogs have long been called a man's best friend. Their loyalty, intelligence, devotion and affection are incredibly rewarding. From taking a long walk together on a beautiful spring morning, being greeted by a happily wagging tail at the end of a long day to relaxing at home in each other's company, owning a dog can raise spirits and engender a sense of wellbeing like almost nothing else.And of course for all the love you put in, a dog will give you it back tenfold.

Regular dog-walking improves fitness levels.Dog-walking increases social interaction - many people become friends with the fellow dog owners they regularly meet.Walks help to forget the stresses and strains of everyday life, providing an opportunity to can get away from it all and spend some time with a faithful companion. Dogs provide us with a sense of emotional wellbeing thanks to the unconditional love they give us. Dog owners generally have a more robust immune system, helping them stave off illnesses.Dog ownership helps people to recover from personal trauma, such as bereavement.

Dog owners generally have reduced blood pressure compared with non-dog owners.Patting a dog lowers your blood pressure, therefore lowering your chances of cardiovascular disease.Dog owners often recover faster from illnesses and have a higher survival rate after a heart attack.Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own pets often have better self esteem.Above all, dogs are great fun. They can make you laugh, even if you've had a terrible day, and they're always there for a reassuring hug when you need it. A dog's primary wish in life is to make you, its owner, happy.

Source : www.purina.co.nz/home/all+about+dogs/your+new+pet+dog/choosing+a+dog/the+advantages+of+owning+a+dog

Cats New Home

Whether your new cat is coming from a shelter, a home, an urban street or a country barn, the first twenty-four hours in your home are special and critical. Before you bring a new cat into your life, it helps to understand a little bit about how cats relate to their world.

Bringing Home a New Cat


For the cat, territory is of paramount importance. A cat views his territory the way most of us view our clothes; without them, we feel naked and vulnerable. Place us naked in a room filled with strangers and
most of us would try to hide! It is common for cats, regardless of whether they come from homes or streets, to hide in a new territory. Very sensitive or under-socialized cats often hide for a week or more! You know that this cat is now a member of the family, but the cat doesn’t.

You can help make the transition to a new home smoother and easier by providing some privacy for your new cat. If possible, start by preparing your home before you bring in the cat. Choose a room for the litter box; a bathroom works well. Set up the litter box with one to two inches of litter, and place it in a corner, if possible.

Now create a safe haven for the cat to hide in. You can buy a covered cat bed but a cardboard box turned upside down with two “doors” cut in it will work nicely. Why two “doors?” Many cats seem to feel more secure if they have a second “escape” route. Get a box big enough for the cat to stand up, turn around, stretch out and lie down in — but keep it cozy! Place the box next to the wall or in a corner where the cat can see the door to the room. You don’t want the cat to feel trapped. Place a sisal, cork or corrugated cardboard scratching post next to it. Finally, clear off a shelf for the cat to perch on to view his new world.

Do not reach for the cat! Let the cat come to you. If he doesn’t approach, come back in fifteen minutes. Do not be surprised if he doesn’t eat. It is common for re-homed cats to show no interest in eating, often for several days. Pick up the leftovers and leave. Come back in a couple of hours with a fresh meal of the same high-quality food. If the cat is openly soliciting affection, eating and not hiding, you can open the door and give him one more room. Do this slowly until you have introduced the cat to all the rooms in his new home.

Source : www.petfinder.com/cats/bringing-a-cat-home/bringing-home-new-cat/