Audie's Blog: Kids and Pets Together

Attention Mom's; Important information from a veterinarian on keeping our kids and our pets safe. Pawsitively yours, Audie Founder and CEO of KidsPetTales.com

Most kids will at one time or another beg their parents for a pet. I confess I was one of those kids.

While it is a big decision, there are distinct advantages to having a family pet, not the least of which is the opportunities for exercise that pets bring to family members.

The addition of a pet can help children to stay active and develop a sense of responsibility that may carry into other areas of their lives.
Many kids today are far too sedentary, spending much of their free time parked in front of the computer or television, but kids who have pets may be inclined to find more productive (and healthier!) ways to spend their time. Getting our couch potato kids outdoors is good for them not only physically, but emotionally and socially, as well.

Kids who exercise their pets on a daily basis get fresh air and exercise, both of which help to relieve stress and anxiety and may stave off mild to moderate depression. And since most children are enchanted by animals, even the shyest kids may be comfortable with the attention that their pet elicits from others, helping socially awkward kids to open up and develop confidence around other children.

Why not start our kids on the path of good self esteem and good health.... what better way than with a pet.

Pawsitively yours,
Audie
Inspiring kids creativity through pets
Kids and Pets community

This story is about a child from my local area. It touched my heart but it comes to no surprise to me of the effect that pets can have on enhancing our well -being. This is a true love story between a little boy and his dog.

Reprinted from Healthy Living Magazine, Winter 2009, with permission from Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona, Pa.

Visit the Fulton home in Altoona, Pa. and you will meet Justin, a 5-year-old autistic boy who shares an amazing bond with his pet dog, Dale. Their connection is made even more special
when you hear the story of how Dale, a beagle/spaniel mix, transformed Justin’s life.

When he was first diagnosed three years ago, Justin rarely communicated with his family. In addition to trying other treatment methods,a psychologist suggested the family get a pet dog as a friend for Justin.

“Among other things, training Dale helps Justin learn patience,” his mother, Dawn, said. “This dog has gotten Justin on his feet and out of his shell. Dale has truly made all the difference
in Justin’s life.”

Today, Justin attends kindergarten with no family-based or therapeutic staff support.“If it weren’t for Dale, Justin wouldn’t be the child he is today,” Dawn said. “We used to hear very little from Justin, and now he talks and talks and
talks! He’s made incredible progress, and we couldn’t
be more pleased.”

Pawsitively yours,
Audie
Inspiring kids creativity through pets
Kids and Pets community

Reggie and Rilee


As difficult as this may be to swallow, we might be our dog's reason for having a problem. Yes, that is what I said; we the dog parents might be the problem and the solution to our dog's behavior issues.

When I finally accepted this statement is when my dogs began to change for the better.

Granted there are some cases that are more difficult than others and those dogs may need a professional to assist in the rehabilitation. In general though if you stand back and take a look at your specific situation I would bet there are many things that you are not aware of that could be triggering bad behavior in your dog.

Let's start with respect. Does your dog respect you? If your answer is no or I don't know, this would be a great place to start. If you think of them as a child in a furry suit or you constantly give them affection when they haven't earned it or you don't exercise them properly, all of these situations can contribute to a wide variety of unwanted behavior.

First, the mere fact of really acknowledging that a dog is an animal not a human can set the stage for better behavior in your dog. With this mindset we actually love our dogs more not less because we are fulfilling their needs on a primal level. After all isn't that what loving our dogs is all about, wanting them to be truly happy?

In the dog world there are leaders and there are followers. The followers respect the leader and that is the way it is. The leader is calm and assertive and never wavers from this role. It is clear to the follower who is in charge. This is the way it should be in a household where there is one or more dogs. The parents and the children are the leaders and the dogs are the followers.

To gain respect you have to set boundaries for what your dog can and cannot do. Disciplining them when they are not behaving properly in a calm assertive manner is not punishment. If you have ever watched a mother dog, she doesn't tolerate unwanted behavior she calmly and assertively corrects the puppy. The puppy knows his or her place in the pack and is content and fulfilled. This is how nature intended it to be. Have you ever seen a litter of unhappy puppies?

Dedicating a daily walk with your dog is a necessity. Letting them run around in a fenced in area or playing fetch is not the same as a 45 minute walk. It drains pent up mental and physical energy which leads to a well behaved dog. I view this time together with my dogs as a bonding time that we both truly enjoy.

Your dog is your mirror. He or she will reflect back to you what energy you are projecting to them. Is your energy calm and confident or is it nervous and anxious? Remember dogs don't respect or follow weak leaders. Assess your emotions regularly. This just might be the solution to your dog's problems.

Pawsitively yours,
Audie
Founder and CEO of KidsPetTales

Teaching kids about pets has gone high tech...check it out

Teaching kids pawsitive thoughts
Audie
Kids and Pets community


Video Game Teaches about Rescuing Animals
from children-dogs « WordPress.com Tag Feed by aschae

Source: Zootoo.com, by Lee Gordon
Video Game Teaches about Rescuing Animals

The Humane Society of the United States has developed a video game which teaches children how to care for rescued animals. (Image Provided by HSUS)

Kayley is just a first grader, but with the help of a new video game, she’s learning how to provide veterinary care to rescued animals. Developed by the Humane Society of the United States, the virtual game gives millions of pet-owning children, globally, a chance to learn about pets in a new, virtual way.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Kayley Williams loves her dog Molly. Her parents Gene and Stacie Williams count on her to take care of the family pet. Through the years, Kayley has learned the value of raising a dog. But now, she’s taking it to a new, virtual, level.

“When I play with them, I get to throw them Frisbees,” said Kaylee of a new video game called Pet Pals: New Leash on Life.

To spread awareness about the importance of adoption and animal rescue, the Humane Society of the United States developed the game.

It teaches kids to work towards a better world for animals around the globe and allows kids like Kayley to learn how to take care of a virtual animal under the premise of “if you show the animal love, they’ll show it right back to you.”

“The game has given her more of an appreciation for the problems animals have and the struggles they have to go through,” said Kayley’s father.

The game also allows children to play the role of veterinarian — diagnosing, treating, caring for, and eventually adopting 15 different types of animals including cats, dogs, parrots, and chinchillas using more than 40 different kinds of medical tools.

“The goal of the game is to nurse back to health the animals that are admitted to the facility and place them in loving, forever homes,” said Jennifer Hobgood of the Humane Society of the United States.

The animals give feedback, in their own voices, on how they feel and what they need.

“Sometimes I give them shots and medicine,” said Kayley in response to the role she plays as the animals’ caretaker.

Kayley spends hours preparing her animal for adoption by training, grooming, petting and playing with them until they are ready to be fostered. Only when Kayley does a good job is she given more responsibilities with more difficult tasks to handle.

“It’s a neat thing, you get to treat them,” said Gene Williams. “You get to interact with them and play with them. Any kid who has a computer, it’s great for them.”

The Humane Society hopes that parents do their part to educate children on how to properly treat animals and with games like Pet Pals-A New Leash on Life, kids like Kayley learn at a young age just how precious her furry friends can be.

“It’s a great educational tool in teaching about animal rescue and the importance of adoption,” said Hobgood. “Children can learn about medical tools and they can learn about animal shelter organizations and the animals that find refuge in these facilities.

“And it increases their compassion for animals and may encourage children to become more active to volunteer for organizations in their local area.”

Kayley is just one of millions of kids around the world with a family pet. She’s always done her part to help Molly, and now, she has a better understanding of what it takes to care for her dog — all thanks to a video game that gives her dog a new leash on life.

For more information on the video game, visit HSUS.org

Tell us what you think about “Video Game Teaches about Rescuing Animals” below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.

The little guy is a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog given to the Obama girls as a gift by that Portuguese water dog-lovin' senator himself, Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. The girls named him Bo. Malia and Sasha chose the name, because their cousins have a cat named Bo and because first lady Michelle Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, a source said. (Get it? Bo . . . Diddley?)

Bo's a handsome little guy. Well suited for formal occasions at the White House, he's got tuxedo-black fur, with a white chest, white paws and a rakish white goatee.

Pawsitively adorable!
Audie

We all remember Nov. 4th 2008 when President Obama gave his victory speech to the nation. In that speech he announced there would be a dog following he and his family to the White House. The day has come and Bo the 6 month old Portuguese Water Dog has found his forever home.

Bo may disagree, but many animal advocates are disappointed that Obama didn't go to a shelter or breed rescue group, partly because he set that expectation and because so many activists are focused on trying to reduce the number of animals euthanized at shelters, and there's no better person to make the case to the American public that you can get a great dog from a shelter than the president."

Let it be known that the First Family has pledged to make a donation to the Humane Society in lieu of a rescue adoption.

As for the many reputable dog breeders, they pour their heart and soul into raising healthy quality dogs and take all precautions that their pups go to the right families. In some cases, for example in Bo's situation, it didn't work out with his first pet parents. Because he came from a reputable breeder, there was a contract signed stating if the owners couldn't keep the dog it will be returned to them. This keeps the dogs from ending up in shelters.

What is your opinion on buying a dog from a breeder or rescuing one from a shelter?

Pawsitive thoughts,

Audie
Kids and Pets community

My feelings are that every Dog should have a Kid and two very famous kids, Malia and Sasha Obama, should be no different.

The special bond that kids have with their pets is something they will hold in their heart for a lifetime.

I'll bet right now when I ask...do you remember your first pet? You would instantly have a very vivid memory of he or she and you probably have a wide variety of thoughts and feelings that would surface.

Take some time to rekindle those special memories, it will be time well spent.

Choose pawsitive thoughts,

Audie

Increased interest in organics has filtered down to the dog world.
There are several cookbooks that tout healthy or organic home-baked goodies for canines.

Supplementing a good quality kibble with organic recipes can have positive impact on your dogs health.

A word of advice from Martha Smith, Director of Veterinary Medical Services at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Cooking for your dog is fine, but a diet that is exclusively home- cooked can be dangerous." I just know there is no well balanced diet for a cat or a dog that you can simply make by adding grocery ingredients."They have specific needs for calcium and other nutrients."

Dogs can eat what humans eat omitting strong spices and onions. And of course no chocolate, grapes ,raisins, or caffeine.
Macadamia nuts and mushrooms are also a no-no. Garlic is debatable, but a small amount of crushed garlic powder for flavor is fine.

Bring the kids in on cooking for the dog, it can be a great family activity and it will teach them to be conscious of healthier food choices for themselves as well.

This recipe is chosen for its simple ingredients and perceived speediness.

Magic Muttballs
1 pound minced chicken
5 ounces dried breadcrumbs
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1 egg

Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a greased baking sheet.
Bake in preheated oven, 350 degrees F. for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven... cool
Store in airtight container and refrigerate or place in freezer bags for up to 6 weeks.

For more 'mouth drooling recipes' check out these books:

"The Healthy Dog Cookbook" by Joanna Anne
"The Everything Cooking for Dogs Book" by Lisa Fortunato
"Pupsnacks" by Stephanie Mehanna

Bone appetit!

Audie
Kids and Pets community