Mommy, Can I Keep That Stray Dog?
Mommy, Can I Keep That Stray Dog?
How many times have you seen this situation where a child comes through the door with a dog in tow? It looks skinny and skittish and is in need of a good meal and a bath. The child is looking with big eyes imploring, pleading, and desperately wanting a yes.Well you may look at the animal and feel sympathy with its plight. But before you say yes to your child, consider this. When you take on an animal (of whatever kind) you are taking on a new family member and all the responsibility that go with it. A pet is not another thing in the house. It has a personality, a sense of loyalty to family members (if you treat them right) and has needs just like any person would.Dog's ancestors were able to take care of themselves in the wild, but modern day dogs have been so domesticated that it is not an option for them in this day and age. Have you ever seen a perfectly healthy stray dog? I think that would be rare unless he wandered into your yard only a few days after being lost.In this situation your first responsibility is to take care of the dogs immediate needs. You also want to take the dog to the vet to have him checked out. You should then do whatever it takes to find the dogs owners. After all, this is someone's pet and they may be mourning the loss and are desperately looking for it.Look for posters that have been put up and consider making your own to let people know that a dog has been found. Do everything possible until all efforts have been exhausted.If the owner has not been found then start looking at your options. If you are entertaining the idea of keeping the dog, then decide who is going to be the main caregiver. Is that you, or the child? If it is the child then realize that the child knows nothing about taking care of a pet. Don't assume that the child will know what to do. Although, one thing you can be sure of in most cases, is that a child will give unconditional love for the dog. As a matter of fact, children won't look at them as pets but as a close personal friend.If the child is going to take care of the dog then you will have to teach them how to do this.1) They need food and water daily, obviously. If it is a large dog that eats a lot it can certainly dip into your budget.2) Dogs need to be exercised daily for good health. A good run in the back yard or a throwing of the Frisbee or stick can be very therapeutic for the dog. Dogs do not respond well if they are not shown affection and are exercised every day.3) They need regular veterinary shots and flea protection and heartworm medication. Regular baths are a must, and don't forget you need to take care of their teeth. There are simple solutions to that like a tooth biscuit.4) Dogs will respond to training if you make it a fun and rewarding experience for them. They will look forward to it because it's a game for them. They will follow the rules of your home if you are consistent.If you are willing to do all this then not only will you enjoy the relationship you build with your dog but you will also earn their loyalty and trust. Don't be surprised just how much of a family member your pet can be. Your child will also learn some important lessons in responsibility for others. It can be a beautiful thing!All the best!About the AuthorWillie Jones
http://www.petshopdepot.comWillie is a freelance writer and researcher who loves to share her views with others and enjoys other peoples views. After all, is this not how we share and learn from each other? If you would like to send me an email please send it to willie@petshopdepot.com. I will receive it and answer. Pet Shop Depot
Call Me Mommy – Book Review – Book-Reviews
Call Me Mommy - Book Review
Retired police captain, Marshall Frank, has written another
excellent read in his latest work, Call Me Mommy. Marshall
is definitely a prolific writer ? he has authored five books and
hundreds of short stories and essays to date.I would classify Call Me Mommy as a tragic suspense saga.
Marshall succeeds in making the book more realistic by
using elements of some factual events within the story line.The main character, Laura is fooled into having sex with a
callous and selfish boy while she was still in high school.
Lloyd was ill prepared for fatherhood and was forced into
marriage with a girl he did not love. His greed and animosity
is apparent from the beginning. Lloyd ruthlessly ripped
Laura out of his home and his life when he arranged
through corrupt contacts to have her committed to a mental
health clinic. When released from this prison sentence, she
discovered she lost all rights to see her son.This well-written novel is an emotional story of a mother with
a deep level of compassion, commitment and loyal
endurance. Her self-sacrificing efforts might not save her
son, but she may be able to save her grandson and have a
little taste of revenge as well. Through it all, Laura remains a
strong individual who learns to make room for true love and
sexual passion.Call Me Mommy is tastefully written; full of action and
suspense with elements of underground crime,
professional corruption and vengeance.ISBN#: 0974727865
Author: Marshall Frank
Publisher: Harlan Publishing~ Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the
environment
Mommy Is Having A Baby!
Mommy Is Having A Baby!
Preparing for a new arrival from the beginning of your pregnancy is the best way to familiarize your children with the lifestyle changes a new baby brings. Involving young children as your body grows and changes will build the anticipation of meeting the newborn.How you involve your children will depend on their age. Here are some ideas to help your family prepare for a new baby:Explain how babies are made and grow inside their mothers. There are several great books out that will help even little ones understand. Your toddler will wonder about things like where the baby is and if the baby can hear and see him. We think you'll like these picture books for new big brothers and sisters:Mommy's Having A Baby by Camille LiscinskyOn The Day You Were Born by Debra FrasierBeing Born by Sheila KitzingerShow your child pictures of himself when he was a newborn. Take him with you on prenatal visits and to visit the hospital or birthing center. Explain what the ultrasound is and point out the baby and how he moves. Let him listen to the baby's heartbeats and then have him listen to his own.Explain how small and delicate a newborn baby is. Many moms have found that giving a lifelike doll like the Chou Chou baby to their child helps them practice holding and caring for the new arrival. Our favorite Chou Chou is 19 inches with a weighted body - the size of a real baby and her eyes close when she's laid down to sleep.Be ready to answer questions that are likely to be asked by new big sisters and brothers, like "Why does the baby cry so much", "Why do babies sleep all of the time", "When can we play together" and "Am I still your baby". Your child is looking for reassurance that that the new baby you've talked so much about will not take his place.Have your child help prepare for the new baby. You'll be busy painting the nursery, picking out bedding or layette items and it's the perfect time to ask your little one to help. Whether it's folding clothes, selecting a paint color or arranging stuffed animals, little things like this will go far in making your child a part of the excitement.Understand why your child may be jealous. Not only will the immediate family be captivated by the baby, but even casual friends and strangers will be fascinated and make a fuss. Listen to him when he feels sad or says he wants to be a baby again. It's his way of expressing to you how his world has changed and how it's making him feel.About the Author
For more great information about expecting and parenting, visit MomRecommended.com, a site for moms by moms. Annie Valle is a freelance writer, web designer and a mom. You'll find product reviews, recipes, baby names, free projects and more, when you visit http://www.momrecommended.com.