Bluey - Oldest Australian Cattle Dog on Record

The oldest dog on record was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey.

Bluey lived to be almost 30 years old. That figure is in human years.

Dogs mature more rapidly than humans.

According to dog age experts, a one-year-old dog is really about age 15

in human equivalent years. The average life expectancy of The Australian

Cattle Dog is about 12-15 years.

Bluey was exceptional in that he outlived all the online life expectancy calculations. It may have been his diet or his genetics. The life expectancy of dogs increase dramatically because of better diets, better health care, and better living conditions.

Bluey was put to sleep on November 14, 1939 at the age of 29 years, 5 months.

The official AKC breed name for Bluey is "Australian Cattle Dog". Sometimes these

dogs are called "heelers" because they were developed in Australia for controlling

cattle. The dogs were trained to herd cattle by nipping and biting at their heels.

Ancestors:

Bluey's ancestors are Collies, Dalmatians, and the native Australian Dingo.

Bluey was heavier and more muscular than his ancestor the Border Collie.

The ACD have been working on Australian ranches since early in this century.

Bred to withstand extreme temperatures and the resourcefulness to forage to

feed itself like a wild dog made the ACD a very independent pet.

Physical Characteristics:

The coat is smooth with a double coat that it is resistant to the

elements. The breed sheds constantly and requires regular brushing.

Bluey and his breed are:

Sturdy and compact herding dogs

Well-developed muscles

Powerful, strong and agile

Size & Height:

The breed is medium in size
Weighs around 32-35 pounds

Height of 17-20 inches.

Personality:

Bluey and his breed are very good with the family children. This breed has a natural

protective instinct. They are very loyal dogs and are easy to train. These dogs need

to attend dog obedience classes. As a result of their dog obedience classes, they

will be absolutely obedient companions.

The ACD tends to show some aggressive tendencies toward noisy and strange

children that tend to tease the animal. These dogs will nip at the heels of people

and children because of their inherent "heeler" traits. They may be suspicious

of individuals as well as other dogs.

This breed needs regular exercise. A daily walk will keep the dog satisfied. This breed is

very easy to train. The dog wants to stay busy so engage the dog in stimulating

activities like "fetch" or the frisbee.

Give the Australian Cattle Dog a toy and he will play with the toy until the toy is totally destroyed. They will run and fetch sticks, balls and even cans. The breed is fun and playful and make excellent companions for children.

Physical Accommodations:


Requires a large open yard.

Barks at any change in environment

Needs attention.



When an Australian Cattle Dog is bored they tend to become destructive.

The dog will destroy any object left in his area. The ACD is a very

active dog and wants to run and jump in open areas.

Health Problems:

Genetic health problems may include the following:


Deafness

Progressive retinal atrophy (causes blindness)

Hip dysplasia,

Temperament abnormalities.

Deficit of attention disorders

Few ACD owners complain of loneliness or lack of companionship with this breed.

The ACD wants love and attention and will give these back ten fold. Bluey is no

longer with us but the ACD breed , Australian Cattle Dog is one of the most popular dogs in the United States and in the UK.

Two Hearts Rescued

Penny, Keno, Fritz, Bearlington Barron, Ashes in the Wind and last but not least, Abby, are Dalmatians that were lucky enough to have Laverne care for them. Dalmatians had been a part of Laverne's life for over 50 years. Abby passed away in February of 2006 leaving Laverne feeling sad and lonely. She really wanted to love another Dalmatian, but realized that might be a challenge with her age. Laverne was very cautious and took her time thinking everything through. With encouragement from her friends she decided to look for an older Dalmatian. Her friends stepped in with that effort and one thing lead to another to bring her in contact with Save Our Spots Dalmatian Rescue. Five year old Suzie met Laverne and wiggled her way into Laverne's heart within minutes.

Not hesitating one moment, Laverne prepared her home by placing a doggie bed in the living room, dining room and bedroom. She bought dog food and treats and set out water and kibble dishes. Dog toys were abundant for Suzie as she arrived to Laverne's home in early October. Suzie helped Laverne feel alive again.

Laverne is a perfect example of the positive effect a dog can have on your life. She is 80 years young, and a gracious, big-hearted lady who knows how good it feels to be needed and loved. As she awakes each morning, she glances at the closet mirror opposite her bed. The reflection looking back at her gives her purpose to rise for the day. That purpose, Suzie, wags her tail and smiles only as a dog can do.

Pets can provide love and many other benefits to the elderly. Studies are expanding our knowledge by leaps and bounds on this subject. The following are some of the benefits an animal can provide to a senior:

o Dogs are therapeutic and can help alleviate against everyday stress.

o Seniors that have dogs tend to go to the doctor less.

o Cholesterol levels can be lower when an animal is part of a senior's life.

o Seniors with pets have high optimism and better psychological well-being.

o Animals help to promote social interaction and decrease isolation and loneliness.

o Pets are experts at encouraging laughter, playfulness and exercise.

o The need for touch, warmth and affection is satisfied with a pet.

It really is simple. We all want to be needed and loved. These feelings are especially true for the elderly. Laverne takes great delight in caring for Suzie. She visits the local senior center often and has gotten the go-ahead to bring Suzie in for a visit. Not only is Suzie providing love for Laverne, but she will also share her love with Laverne's friend who is in the nursing home. One dog can provide so much affection and warmth. It is hard to put that feeling into words, as it can only be felt with the heart.

Visiting with Laverne and Suzie this past December is an experience that will stay with me always. The special bond between them is what being loved and needed is all about. Suzie lay at Laverne's feet as we talked, snoring to the rhythm of our conversation. As Laverne got up to show me around her home, Suzie did not miss a beat, and followed lovingly beside us. Laverne shared with me the story of how Suzie brings her shoe to her each morning and places it next to her bed. It is Suzie's way of saying it is time to get up and moving for the day. As Laverne sits on the edge of the bed, Suzie walks over to her and places her head adoringly on her knee. To witness such a sweet act is to know without a doubt that two hearts were rescued.

Dog shelter - Top 10 Reasons Pooches End Up in The Dog House

The sad facts are, each and every year people just throw their dogs away like last seasons fashions. We see hundreds of thousands of dogs arrive at animal rescue shelters, because their owners are no longer able or prepared to take the necessary steps to take care of them.

Statistics say that approximately 25 percent are unwanted presents, another 25 percent have behavioral problems and the rest are given up for domestic or other reasons.

Here's the top 10 reasons why pooches end up in the dog house.

1. The breed was that year's MUST HAVE accessory, a little bit of Paris Hilton syndrome or the 101 Dalmatians fad.

2. I just couldn't resist him in the shop window, so little, cute and fluffy - but he didn't stay that way for long.

3. Due to lack of training, the dog became aggressive, destructive and totally uncontrollable.

4. Dog was purchased on impulse. Buy first think later, usually being pressured by children then realizing the level of COMMITMENT required.

5. The dog was left alone for long periods consequently barking and upsetting the neighbors and becoming aggressive, destructive and uncontrollable.

6. Old age and no longer being able to physically cope with the demands of dog ownership.

7. Let's face it owning a dog is not cheap nowadays - feeding, veterinary treatments, worming, boarding cost when your on holidays can really stretch the purse strings.

8. Separations of couples and no one wants the dog.

9. When young families have a new arrival and the responsibility and expense become too much.

10. Owners move to a new apartment with a no pet rule.

In all fairness there are valid reasons that people have when having to part with their dogs but the trend that seems to be shining through is that people have to realize when purchasing a dog is a responsibility thats on going. Its not like buying lip gloss, if you don't like it you can change it or throw it away. Remember dogs can make great companions and life time friends and like any friend you should take good care of them.

All the best from the family at Phoopups and keep those tails wagging.

The Importance Of Dog Grooming

Owning a dog is just like having a baby since you need to take care of it, bathe it, feed it and make sure that you keep your dog clean at all times. Dog grooming is important not only because of the physical appearance of your dog but the fact that a dog's behavior is sometimes influenced by the way he feels and how we look at them. You have to bear in mind that if your dog is clean and healthy, then it would show how happy your dog would be. It is also essential not only on your pet's physical health but also his physiological and psychological well-being.

Here are some reasons why it is important that you keep your dog neat and clean at all times:

Taking care of your dog's health involves grooming it, a shower and towel dry is appropriate for many dogs, whereas a pedigree, such as a Shih-Tzu or poodle, Dalmatian, Pomeranian, Chow Chow, Chihuahua might need weekly bathing and trimming, nail clipping and their coat oiling. Make sure to get your cleaning tools from the your trusted pet store, or think about taking him to a "doggy day care" for a thorough treatment.

Your dog's coat will look healthy and gleaming if you groom it frequently and it also provides a way to show affection. Make sure to make it a habit to have your dogs groomed from an early age and he will grow to enjoy the attention given to him. This is also a good time to check his skin for any likely skin diseases, ticks, or cuts only noticed on closer examination.

If you wish to do the grooming yourself, then you would need some combs depending on the dog that you have, shampoo and other basic equipment which can be bought at your neighborhood pet shop. Most dogs will just need a flea shampoo and a comb but if you own a pedigree then perhaps you should think about taking them to the dog grooming center for a proper treatment.

Another thing that you should bear in mind is that most dogs that are not properly groomed would have ear problems and infections. To make sure that your dogs would not suffer from these infections, it is important that you take care of their hygiene at all times.

These are just a few reasons why dog grooming is important so to make sure that you have a happy and healthy dog, you need to make sure that you take care of their hygiene at all times. There are grooming centers everywhere and if you think you need help in grooming your dogs, you can always bring them to grooming centers and pick from a wide variety of services for your cuddly dogs.

Getting a New Pet - Be Mindful

BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE HUMAN TO OUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS

Adding a pet to the family is a serious, long-term commitment. It's a decision that needs input from everyone who would be involved in caring for the animal. Who will play with your new pet, feed and walk her/him daily? A pet needs attention and love EVERY DAY, not when it is convenient for you.

Too many people see celebrities carrying their Chihuahuas or other small breeds in their purse or bag. These pets are not an accessory. They are a living creature that deserves the dignity and care we'd want for any of our human loved ones. Often the latest blockbuster movie has everyone running out to purchase "that breed", but then in a short period of time, the novelty wears off and our shelters become inundated with Chihuahuas, Yellow Labs, Dalmatians, bunnies, Persian cats, potbelly pigs, etc.

There is responsibility in having an animal companion. The very first challenge is: Are you choosing the right breed for your entire family? You have to consider temperament, size, safety and general compatibility with EVERYONE in the home.

Who will bathe your pet? Who will administer the monthly flea repellant? Could someone be allergic to the pet? What is the cost of neutering and spaying? Why is this a good thing to do?

Please think about how much will it cost to feed them.

Questions like:

Where do I buy quality food to feed my pet? Do I know how to read a label on the pet food or treats to make sure they are the best for my animal's health? Do I honestly know what is in my pet's food? Premium quality food reduces your vet costs as they get fewer allergies, diseases and ailments.

How much money will it cost me annually for proper veterinary care? NOTE: Consider the age and any known condition of health at the time you have taken on care for your new pet. Older pets are often great to get, consider your emotions and how long this pet will be in your life. Do they have any physical conditions that will cost me more at the vet? Senior animals seem to not get as easily adopted...please consider it. They are already mellow and can be less effort to train. Who would look after the animal during my trips and vacations? You cannot leave most animals alone without at least partial human daily supervision.

Where to obtain your pet:

Instead of buying a puppy or kitten as a gift, consider looking into and possibly waiting to adopt a pet from a local shelter or breed- specific rescue group. You could give a loved one a "gift certificate" from a local shelter, or a stuffed animal representing a shelter pet. Shelters too often carry the brunt of too many decisions that are made unconsciously resulting in rejected animals being "returned". They are Not disposable items!

Just say "no!" to buying at the pet stores:

Many pet stores purchase their animals from "puppy mills": mass-breeding operations so bent on making a profit that they often disregard the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the animals in their facilities. Puppy mill-raised animals can suffer from neglect such as severe physical and emotional ailments, and some may even die.

NOTE: Puppy mills-The only way to put these facilities out of business is to hit them where it hurts: in the wallet. Don't purchase an animal from a pet store.

SHELTERS ARE THE WAY TO GO:

So instead of supporting the puppy mills or paying for a breeder to produce a live creature to be born 'just for you!'... head to your local animal shelter and breed-specific rescue group, which are wonderful places to find a new pet. Nationwide dogs and cats in shelters can be purebred, and there are millions of healthy mixed breed animals currently awaiting good homes. Most of these shelter animals have already been spayed or neutered, and have received all their vaccinations and up-to-date veterinary checkups.

No need to be impulsive or uninformed. This is a life; a live being you are taking on, and you want to be the best you can be for your animal companion. Ask yourself: AM I BEING A RESPONSIBLE PET PARENT?

Often, when the owner decides the pet is not that cute anymore, or too much work, or they just weren't ready for the responsibility, it is often the local shelter that takes in these animals. We need to remember that pets can't simply be returned or discarded like a broken toy.

Because so many shelters are already filled to capacity, unless other animals are adopted out to make room for the new ones, euthanasia is a possible ending to an already sad tale. It is heartbreaking and unnecessary if we humans all took responsibility in the first place.

Please think it through. Too many wonderful creatures are returned to shelters, as people just don't realize the responsibility of being a good pet owner and making a lifetime commitment. It will cost you money and time.

There will be bumps in the road like any relationship. Will you willing clean up their vomit? Clean their kitty litter daily? Clean the birdcage? Give a reptile the proper size environment? Is your child kind to small creatures? Do you have the patience to teach them how to be kind and properly care for your new pet?

You must be diligent about teaching your small child proper handling of your new animal companion.

A Personal Tail:

I once rescued a Pomeranian that was 5+ years old. She had been bred for 5 years of her life and "tossed out" after that. That is when I found her at a breed-specific rescue center. Somehow these sweet pets know they are being rescued; she was one of the most appreciative animals I ever had. Well behaved but a little skittish at the beginning. She was kept in a confined area when she was a "breeder" and it took her awhile to get used to her new home where with me she had freedom to move around physically and explore more, and the consistent love and attention was new for her. It took her almost a year to trust the situation and "relax" into her new home.

Give them time...they will figure it out. Rescues make wonderful companions!

All this for exchange of one of the best relationships you will have in your life. You will be rewarded with unconditional love like you have never known.

Be a responsible pet owner, your heart will be filled and you and your pet will be forever grateful to you!

Dogs Are Great Pets!

I don't know about you but I believe that if you wanted to look at having a pet, I suggest that you take consider having dogs as your pet. Why is that so? Is it true that dogs are men's best friend? Why would having them as pets be a good choice? Who is not suitable for ownership?

Let's look at each question now.

It is true that dogs are men's best friend. You, they are often passionate and are very loyal to their owners. You may think that this is overly dramatized in movies like 101 Dalmatians or Fluke. However, these behavior are real and only owners can tell you that this is real.

Dogs will make a good choice for most people. Most of the owners are either young couples, established families and older folks. For the young couples, some rear dogs because it's their signature of love. For the families, it's a way to give their kids an avenue to care for animals. For the older folks, it serves as a companion and even protection.

While dogs are serves as great pets, there are some downsides of dog ownership.

Be prepared for long ownership - Dogs do live a pretty long life, most of them have a lifespan of at least 10 years. If you do not have the commitment, DO NOT own dogs. Otherwise, if you are tired of the dogs and you leave them in the streets are stray dogs, you can be liable. So, think twice before you own a dog.

Dog ownership can be costly - Depending on the breed you are taking, owning a dog could mean an increase in your monthly expenditure. Expect to spend at least a couple of hundreds extra every month and that is normal expenses. Top pedigree dog owners can spend over thousands every month!

Health issues - Some people are allergic to dog's fur. And, if you have dogs with thick furs like a Collie or Golden Retriever, you must take extra care of their hairs. Otherwise, they may grow ticks and cause problems. One of the dangerous health issues is Tick Paralysis, which can cause death to dogs.

So, do you want to own a dog? If you have made careful consideration, go and own one! I'm sure that you will love your decision!

Things You Should Consider Before Adopting a Pet

You're thinking about adopting a pet and you are excited about it. You don't know many things about pets, only that they are cute and loving companions. So you go and get Flippy or Daisy and you bring them home. Then you realize that you don't know much about pets and start asking questions. Too late! Questions should be asked before bringing a pet at home. Pet ownership is for a lifetime!

Many people don't have a clue about the responsibilities related with pet ownership. They may have good intentions but they soon realize that having a pet at home is not as easy as they thought it would be and this revelation can often lead to tragedy.

Most people, either children or adults want a pet because they find it "cute" They watch movies, TV shows with adorable baby animals, which by the way are already trained and their desire for a pet is getting bigger. Usually their desire is directed to a puppy or a kitten, (often a specific breed) and finally they bring it at home. Everyone is happy and wants to take the furry little thing in their lap, cuddle it and play with it.

When the issue comes to who's going to take care of it, then the excitement wears off since nobody wants to do it.

People who never had a pet don't have the slightest idea of how it is to take care of one. They think it's easy, put some food and water in their bowls twice a day and that's it. Their new furry friend will be playful and happy whenever they want. After all, how much trouble can a loving little thing cause?

Surprise, surprise!

A pet in your house is like a child in your house. In fact at some point your child grows up and doesn't need your care any more, they become independent and leave your house to live on their own. The same thing won't happen with your pet. Your pet will always be a child that will require your attention and care as long as it is with you. So, there are a lot of things to consider before taking the serious decision of adopting a pet.

Getting a pet is not like buying a car. It's a living creature so if you don't get along it is not easy to get rid of it of change it for something else. When you adopt a pet you become the animal's "parent" as long as it lives. You must keep in mind that, a dog for example has an average life expectancy of 14-15 years. So, for the next 14-15 years or so, it will be your responsibility!

It's like having a baby at home. You can't send it back because it doesn't meet your expectations or because it's different than what you thought it would be. Or can you? I hope not. The same kind of responsibility must be in your minds when you are thinking of getting a pet.

A pet is not a video game. You don't just shut it down when you're finished playing with it and expect it to just sit waiting for you until you decide to come back. Puppies are like young children. They need a lot of sleep but when they are not asleep they are wondering around the house looking for fun! A puppy who's just started growing teeth will find a lot of fun and pleasure in chewing your favourite shoes or slippers. At this point many people start losing their patience and instead of finding a way to divert the puppy's attention to something else, they get rid of it in an animal shelter, or worse they abandon it in the streets. The only crime of the puppy was in fact that it was a puppy! Puppies are not destructive and naughty just because they want to make you furious. It's just what they do. If you are considering of getting one you must rearrange your home first, so the puppy will not have access to things you don't want to be destroyed. Another good idea is buying a lot of chew toys. You can be sure that the puppy will choose them instead of your shoes.

Another important issue to consider is which breed you are fond of and would like to obtain. Every breed has special characteristics and even though you'd love to get a puppy of a certain breed, this may not be the right one for you. There are certain things to consider, for instance will it be easy to train, will it be a shy dog or a hyperactive that will require many walks during the day, will there be any health problems with the breed you chose, etc. You may adore a Labrador or a German Shepherd but if you live in a small apartment, maybe you should reconsider. Large dogs require space to run and play and they'll feel depressed in a confined space. Also some large breeds develop back or hip problems that will require extra health care especially when they are getting older.

Pets also cost money to raise and maintain, just like children do. You must buy pet food, pay several bills to the vet when your beloved friend needs vaccines or medical care, monthly expenses such as heartworm and flea control and maybe grooming bills. You must also remember that you'll have extra costs when you leave for vacation and leave the animal in a pet hotel. My point is, if you're not fully aware of the cost of having an animal, maybe you should reconsider. Of course they worth every penny you'll spend for them and they'll pay you back with their unconditioned love, but still you should know all about it.

Another thing you must consider is neutering-spaying your pet. If you don't plan on breeding it, you must go to a vet and have it neutered-spayed. There are a lot of people who don't like depriving sex from their pet. Don't think like them! It is a fact that if you don't get your pet neutered while being young there will be many problems in the future and most important, health problems. If you don't spay your female dog, it's quite possible to develop cancer in its uterus in later life.

Many male or female dogs become short-tempered and anxious because they are not allowed to mate and this is against their nature.

Some people think that they can solve this problem if they allow their dog to mate at least once. Some others like the idea of having a puppy of their dog before being spayed. I strongly disagree with these tactics. First it is very irresponsible to allow pets to reproduce without control. Overpopulation in pets is a very serious problem. Every year 10-12 million pets are euthanized by shelters because they can't find homes for them. Why would anyone of you want to add to this number? Second, dogs should be neutered-spayed before they sexually mature in order to avoid health problems in the future. If you think I'm lying, just ask a vet..

To make a long story short, if you plan to obtain a pet, be responsible and have it neutered-spayed. You may think that you'll earn money by selling the puppies, if you have a purebred. You must know though that there are no guarantees that you'll sell all the puppies and even if you do, you must consider that, for every puppy you sell, there's one waiting in a shelter somewhere and may die without being adopted.

The dog breeding business, has its responsible professionals but also its lousy ones. There are several puppy mills where the poor animals live in awful, unsanitary and crowded conditions. Many breeders just don't care even a little bit about their health. These breeders mate males and females from the same litter and this can cause several health problems later in the life of the dog. For example many Dalmatians suffer from deafness due to inbreeding.

So, why are you looking so badly for a purebred and you doing not consider getting a mixed breed? They are also very cute and much healthier but still, they are not people's first choice.

Why not adopt a pet from the Humane Society or your local SPCA? At least you can give them a chance even if what you really want is a specific breed. There are several advantages if you adopt an adult dog from a shelter or from one of the many breed-specific rescue operations. You can be sure that you've done a good deed by adopting a pet this way and you've saved it from being euthanized.

Some more useful thoughts...

-Don't ever consider giving a pet as a gift to someone, especially not a child. (Unless the child is yours and you clearly know that you'll be the pet's caregiver) Whoever is going to obtain a pet must do it on his own will and he must have considered everything about raising it.

-Don't bring live chicks or bunnies to your children as Easter gifts. It's cruel, they are small breathing creatures. Chicks grow into chicken, so unless you have a farm you shouldn't even think about buying one.

-Do learn what pet ownership is all about. You must have an idea about the cost, in terms of time and money. Also, a good thing to know is how getting a pet is going to change your style of life.

With all that I've mentioned above you must think that I'm not encouraging pet ownership. On the contrary, I LOVE animals, I have six dogs and two cats and I'm in a position to know what is this all about and speak about the responsibilities that pet owners should face. After all, I'm a pet owner myself. Having a pet is happiness but also means a lot of responsibilities and compromises in your private life. All I'm saying is that you should know all about it before making your decision. Pets may be very cute and sweet but trust me, they hide a lot of surprises, surprises you must be ready to deal with!