Man Eats Dog in Protest against Britain's Royals

Following article is obtain from www.thestar.com.my:

LONDON (Reuters) - A British artist has eaten chunks of a Corgi dog, the breed favoured by the Queen, live on radio to protest against the royal family's treatment of animals.

Mark McGowan, 37, said he ate "about three bites" of the dog meat, cooked with apples, onions and seasoning, to highlight what he called Prince Philip's mistreatment of a fox during a hunt by the Queen's husband in January.

"It was pretty disgusting," McGowan said of the meal, which he ate while appearing on a London radio station on Tuesday. Yoko Ono, another guest on the show, also tried the meat.

"I've never tasted anything like it -- it was grey and had a very funny smell. It was horrible," McGowan told Reuters.

McGowan said he was angry that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, of which the royal family is a patron, had not prosecuted Prince Philip for hunting and killing the fox. The RSPCA said the fox did not suffer.

Corgis are the favoured dogs of the Queen, who has owned more than 30 of them during her reign.

The dog died of natural causes at a Corgi breeders and was prepared and cooked by others for McGowan.

McGowan is well known for his outlandish performance stunts. He ate a swan in another protest against the Queen. Swans are protected by the monarchy.

Disgusting!!! What is this man trying to do??!! Cant't he take his protest to the Queen with other meat or thing rather than eating the poor dog? What have the world become...

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Dogs on the Sofa

Dogs on sofa? I am sure some of us allows our pet dog to sit/ sleep on the sofa and some of us must be frustrated that our pet dog is always jumping onto your sofa.

The following article is obtain from http://www.pets.ca/ describing why does our pet dog loved to jump onto our sofa set:

Why do dogs tend to sleep on the sofa, your favourite chair or even sleep on your bed? They seem to love these places and often climb onto them repeatedly even when we repeatedly ask them to get down.

True enough, sofas, chairs and other furniture are extremely comfortable and that's one reason why dogs like to hang out on them. Another key reason often has to do with dominance. Before dogs became domesticated, the alpha dog, or leader of the pack, would always choose a high sleeping ground as the choice place to sleep. Feral or wild dogs in packs as well as wolves still sleep in this way. The highest ranking member of the pack sleeps at a level that is physically higher than the other members of the pack. This hierarchical nature of the pack is hardwired in modern dogs as well. By letting your dog sleep on furniture that is higher than the ground (the same places you relax and sleep on) you are quite possibly communicating to him/her that he/she is your equal. You may even be communicating that your dog is more dominant than you. This is especially true if your dog regularly exhibits other dominant behaviour and it has the potential to escalate into a real problem, including aggression. These other dominant behaviours include growling at you, leaning on you, eating food before the human family, entering or leaving doorways before you and generally not listening to you etc. A dog that KNOWS that every member of the family is higher in rank, will generally not exhibit these behaviours.

It is therefore good practice, not to allow your dog access to these high sleeping grounds (or high relaxation grounds) in order to assure your position as the leader of the pack. If you are not home and the dog has access to these higher places for resting, than placing certain objects that dogs dislike on the couch or chair in question is a great idea. There are plastic items in most pet stores that have blunt plastic spikes on them that are perfect for this situation. If the dog jumps on the couch or chair, it lands on the blunt spikes which don't hurt the dog but make it uncomfortable for the dog to lie on.

It is best that the dog's place of relaxation and sleep be a comfy blanket or basket on the floor. This will prevent possible behavioral problems associated with dominance.

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Socialise Your New Puppy

The last thing on minds of the most new puppy owners is to socialise the new addition, but is very vital that puppy socialisation begin as early as possible. If possible, send the puppy to a day care facility nearby or go for dog event.

Mingling a new puppy is an important part of any training program, and it is significant for socialisation to begin early. The gap for socialisation is very small, and a puppy that is not properly socialised to people, dogs and other animals by the time he or she is four months old never develops the socialisation he or she requires to become a good canine citizen.

Learning how to interact with other dogs is something that usually would occur among littermates. However, since most dogs are separated from their mothers so soon, this littermate’s socialisation regularly does not finish properly. The most vital lesson puppies often learn from their littermates and from the mother dog is how to bite, and how not to bite. Puppies usually roughhouse with each other, and their thick skin protects them from most bites. However, when one puppy bites too hard, the other puppies, or the mother dog, swiftly reprimand him, often by holding him by the scruff of his neck until he submits.

In fact, the best way to socialize your loved puppy is to have it play with lots of other puppies. It is also okay for the puppy to play with a few adult dogs, as long as they are friendly and well socialized.

When socialising puppies, it is best to let them play on their own and work out their own issues when it comes to suitable roughness of play. The only time the owners must step in is if one puppy is hurting another, or if a grave fight breaks out. Other than that, the owners must simply stand back and watch their puppies interact.

While this socialisation is taking place, the pack hierarchy must quickly become apparent. There would be some puppies that are especially submissive, rolling on their backs and baring their throats at the least provocation. Other puppies in the class would be dominant, ordering the other puppies around and telling them what to do. Watching the puppies play, and formative what type of personality traits your puppy has, would be extremely valuable information for us.

It is also significant to introduce the puppy to a variety of other animals, particularly in a multiple pet household. Introducing the puppy to friendly cats is imperative, as are introductions to other animals the puppy might encounter, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and the like. If your household contains a more exotic creature, it is essential to introduce the puppy to it as early as possible, but to do it in a way that is secure for both animals.

It is often good to start by introducing the puppy to the smell of the other animal. This could be easily accomplished by placing a piece of the animals bedding, like a towel or bed liner, close to where the puppy sleeps. Once the puppy is familiar to the smell of the other creature, he or she is much more likely to believe the animal as just another member of the family.

Last but not least, we, Puppy Cottage has a designated day care area for your beloved doggies to either socialise with other dogs or with our Puppy Cottage PR Manager, Harry. Please click here to view pictures slide of Harry in action. Do call us to know more about the facility that we are providing for your pet doggie. :)

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Introducing Your New Puppy to Your Dog

Buying a new puppy is one of the most important decisions you and your family can make, especially if you already own a dog.

So, the day has come to introduce your new puppy to your existing dog and the question rises, what if they do not get along? Given time and a few challenges between the two, the outcome will more than likely be favourable. However, you can give both dogs a head start and make them feel more comfortable by making introductions in an unfamiliar place.

Dogs have a protecting nature and quickly decide that their home is their territory. Feeling threatened can happen when another animal crosses his or her territory.

Close supervision is needed when introducing your new puppy to your dog. If it seems as though the two are not getting along, or there is growling back and forth, let them be as long as they are not too rough or hurting each other.

If possible, start by introduce the dogs outside. In fact, if you can leave them together outside for a day before bringing them into the house, this will reduce their tendency to mark in the house.

If for some reason, extensive growling and/or fighting persist between the two, give up and try again later. If aggression appears to be a problem, it is probably best not to continue and try again the next day.

Never expect dogs to hit it off right away when introducing your new pup to your dog. Just like people, it may take a little while for your dog to become friendly and trusting of the new puppy, soon they will become friends. It is important that your existing dog be well trained and not has any annoying behavioural problems before you introduce another dog into your home. The reason for this is that dogs mimic. For example, if your dog is an excessive barker, the new dog may mimic this habit. On the other hand, if you have a well-natured dog, you may find him almost parenting the new puppy and trying to “show him the ropes”. Older dogs are usually more tolerant to the clumsiness and curiosity of new puppies.

Dogs, just like children need a lot of tender, loving care. When introducing your new puppy to your dog, remember that you are lucky to have both of these additions to your family and while they give you so much freely, and offer unforgettable memories, they never ask for anything in return, except maybe a treat occasionally.



Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

First Time at Home

You have just brought home your new puppy. Where do you start? For the next few days, your life will revolve around puppy's needs and schedule, so begin that first minute by getting him into a regular routine.

Firstly, please ensure the surroundings and environments are clean and safe for the puppies. Ensuring a clean environment is important to the puppy in order to avoid diseases that may occur due to dirtiness. Always make sure that the crate or area the puppy sleep is clean and dry. Wiring, metals, pest control products and things that can be harmful to puppy should be hidden or thrown away in order to avoid unnecessary accident from happening.

If you have an existing dog at home, it is advisable to spend some time to introduce both of them. Please read the article “Introducing your New Puppy to your Dog” that we will be posting soon.

As you develop your daily care schedule, remember that young puppies cannot control their bladders well and need to be let out about every three to four hours if possible. Normally they will also need to eliminate following playtime and after drinking or eating.

First day

As soon as puppy arrives, show him where his "potty area" will be and allow him time to eliminate and stretch his legs. Next, bring him inside to his crate for some quiet time. While he is in his crate, puppy can look around and start to check out his surroundings. Do not overwhelm puppy immediately with too many new people, pets or strange situations. Talk to puppy and try to sooth any fears he may have.

After a brief nap, let puppy out for a potty break and some supervised playtime and petting. If it is time, feed the puppy, take him out again, and then let him go back into his crate. As the day passes, introduce puppy gradually to his new home and family.

Stick to a familiar routine and wording, show him he is welcome and puppy will begin to settle happily into your household.

During the first few weeks or so, the puppy faeces might be soft or watery. No cause for worries as this is due to the new environment.

First night

Puppies may cry throughout the night because of new environment or miss his/ her friends. If possible, pay no attention to the cry. Put a safe chew toy, familiar smelling towel or blanket into his crate. In cases where puppy has to sleep in a room away from you, a night light and a ticking clock or soft music may help him to sleep better. However, if you can not withstand the crying, the other option is to keep puppy's crate next to your bed. However, this option is not advisable because you will spoil them in the future.

Most puppies will need to be taken outside during the night, and again early in the morning to eliminate.

First day home alone

When you return to work and puppy has to spend his first day alone, there are some steps to make him/ her feel at ease.

Before you leave, put puppy out for his potty break. Feed him/ her in his crate while you are getting ready. Let him/ her out again to eliminate, then allow some play or exercise time. Return them to their crate with some safe toys before leaving.

Leave on a radio for the puppy while you are gone. It will calm the puppy down while you are away.

When you return home, greet your puppy and resume his normal schedule. Spend some time - playing, teaching him and being together - and enjoy each other's company.




Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Behaviour & Training

Dear Puppy Cottage new puppy owner and blogger,

We, Puppy Cottage will be posting some articles relating to puppy/ dog behaviour and training for our client who have new puppy in their home under the label of Behaviour and Training.

We are happy and proud that you have yourself a new family member who share your lives and loves, protect your lives and those of your loved ones, and give all unconditional love to you and your family. Your family member and you must be very excited now. However, your new puppy has his/her own special needs that require your attention and understanding in order to enjoy the wonderful rewards that your puppy will give in the near future. Try to spend some times and read the articles that we have compiled from various sources to guide you on the behaviour, basic care and training for your puppy and yourself. We hope that it will give you some insight and it wills kick-start a great relationship with your puppy, your family member and you.

We wish to inform that the very moment a dog is welcomed into a home, the "same rule" is established, the owner becomes both boss and father to the dog and its family, and therefore the dog will depend and respect its owner as such. Taking care of a dog is very much like as taking care of your own kids, it requires a lot of time and patience. You must also have in mind that a dog needs a lot of space to be able to feel free and satisfied. You must also know that the education of your dog, while he is still young of age, is of utmost importance.

Lastly, click Behaviour and Training label from time to time for new articles.

Harry & Myra in Action!!

Ever wonder what happen to dogs who either board or in a day care with us? Were they being cage up for the duration of their stay with us? Fighting? Playing or running around our shop? We, at Puppy Cottage, do not like to cage up our friends who are boarding with us for their duration of stay with us. They will be free to roam around or in the designated playroom area.

Below are pictures of Harry playing or is he courting with Myra (Poodle) when she was boarding with us. We miss Myra presence around the shop. :(

Lastly, what do you all think both of them are doing? Playing or courting?

Tallest Dog in the World??

Hi all,

Tallest dog in the world? Anyone guess who is he/ she? The following article is obtain from www.local6.com:

A 3-year-old Great Dane in Sacramento, Calif., has been named the world's tallest dog by Guinness Book of World Records. The award-winning dog, named Gibson ...

A 3-year-old Great Dane in Sacramento, Calif., has been named the world's tallest dog by Guinness Book of World Records.

The award-winning dog, named Gibson, stands 7 feet tall when upright, according to the report.

He was officially named the planet's tallest dog Tuesday by officials with Guinness who flew to California from England to see Gibson.

Gibson's owner, Sandy Hall, said she never dreamed Gibson would turn out to be the planet's tallest dog. She said the dog is a gift.

"I've had Danes since 1981," Hall said. "I've never seen anything like this --ever."

Several neighbours in the county know about the record-holding dog, which dwarfs an average-sized golden retriever.

"I've seen him twice now, and he's a really tall dog," a neighbour said.

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Philip and Angel Off to a Good Home

A lady by the name of Angelica came into our shop looking for puppies for her daughter - Anabelle. She later brought her daughter to our shop and she straight away fall in love with Philip and Angel.

Background on little Philip and Angel:

Philip a male and Angel a female are shih tzu, son and daughter to a Malaysian Champion with MKA certificate.

Below is the picture of Angelica's family member with Philip and Angel:

Yeap, Boy Boy are part of the picture. He is the one on the right with Elena.

We, Puppy Cottage, are proud to welcome Angelica, his family and two of his lovely Shih Tzu (Philip and Angel) to be part of Puppy Cottage's family. We are in no doubt, together as a family, there will be more moment of joy to share with each other in our journey with Philip and Angel. :)

Winner of the Best in Group

Well, I thought might as well show you all the winner of the best in group in the 2007 Westminster Kennel Club. The pictures are obtain from http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org:



Dream of keeping one of them as a pet? I wish I could. :)

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

The Westminster Kennel Club - 2007 Best in Show

Hi all,

Which dog won the best in show for year 2007 in the Westminster Kennel Club? Any idea? Well before I disclose the result to you all, a bit of definition on dog shows for those who do have any idea on what is dog shows about. The following article is obtain from http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org:

ABOUT DOG SHOWS

The basic purpose of dog shows is to facilitate the evaluation of breeding stock for use in producing the next generations.

JUDGING AND STANDARDS

Each breed's parent club creates a STANDARD, a written description of the ideal specimen of that breed. Generally relating form to function, i.e., the original function that the dog was bred to perform, most standards describe general appearance, movement, temperament, and specific physical traits such as height and weight, coat, colors, eye color and shape, ear shape and placement, feet, tail, and more. Some standards can be very specific, some can be rather general and leave much room for individual interpretation by judges. This results in the sport's subjective basis: one judge, applying his or her interpretation of the standard, giving his or her opinion of the best dog on that particular day. Standards are written, maintained and owned by the parent clubs of each breed.

Well, enough of reading? Can't wait to see which dog has won the best in show for the year of 2007? Read on...

The 2007 Best In Show Trophy was awarded to "Ch Felicity's Diamond Jim," a.k.a. "James," an English Springer Spaniel.

Breed: Spaniel (English Springer)
Sex: Dog
AKC: SN 75321403
Date of Birth: June 08, 2000
Breeder: Teresa Patton & Ruth Dehmel
Sire: Ch Telltale Davey Jones
Dam: Ch Rendition Autumn Fire Poppy
Owner: Teresa Patton & Allen Patton & R Dehmel & D Hadsall

Elegant right? Hmmm, how I wish......

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

One Heroic Dog

The following article is obtain from http://www.news.com.au.

Dog gets Purple Heart for saving kids

May 08, 2007

Article from: Agence France-Presse

A JACK Russell terrier who was mauled to death while saving five New Zealand children from an attack by two pit bulls is being honoured with a posthumous bravery medal.

George the Jack Russell

The medal from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) comes after US Vietnam veteran Jerrell Hudman said he was sending his Purple Heart medal to George's owner after hearing of the nine-year-old dog's bravery.

George, who had a heart problem, won fame after defending five children from the pit bulls in the small North Island town of Manaia a week and a half ago.

The two pit bulls rushed at the five children on the street, prompting George to charge the much larger dogs as the children escaped.

The Jack Russell was badly mauled by the two pit bulls and later had to be put down because of his extensive injuries. The two pit bulls were also put down.

The SPCA medal is usually awarded to people for their bravery in defending animals.

"George was a very brave little dog who almost certainly prevented severe injury, if not death, to at least one of the children,'' SPCA chief executive Robyn Kippenberger said.

"It's truly tragic that he paid with his own life for his instinctive act of courage.''

Mr Hudman, 58, of Austin, Texas was a US Marine for 30 years and said he decided to send his Purple Heart to George's owner Alan Gay after reading the news on the internet because the dog was "a little warrior''.

The Purple Heart is awarded to those killed or injured fighting for the US military.

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Benefits of Day Care to your Doggie Mate

Dear Doggie Mates,

Come and have lots of fun with other mates in our specially designed day care area built for fun and enjoyment.

The following are the benefits of the day care:

• Able to socialise with other dogs
• Ample exercise and excitement
• Able to let your pet dogs have fun while you are busy with your chores or working during the day
• He/ she will be able to play with Puppy Cottage Public Relationship Manager, Mr. Harry for the whole day
• Equipped with CCTV to enable owner to view their beloved during the day from office or home via Internet.

In addition, click here or here to see a glimpse of what will happen to your pet dog when they are at our day care centre.

To know more about Puppy Cottage being the 1st active member in Pet Care Services Association (Formerly known as American Boarding Kennels Association) , kindly click here.

More on Day Care

Boy Boy Caught Staring

Cute right? Wonder what is he staring at?

Do come and visit Boy Boy at our shop. :)

Male Shih Tzu for Sales

Hi,

We currently have one Male Shih Tzu for sale. He is 3 months old with MKA certificate. He is son of Grand Asia and Malaysian Champion. Superb pedigree!!!

Currently, his name is Ninja. He is the one on the right hand side of the picture. The one on his left is his sister. She has gone to her new home recently.

Please call us or come and visit our shop in order to have a closer look at Ninja.

Update:

Ninja is now named Bobby and her sister is named Olivia. Both of them have gone to a good home.

Kindly click here to have a view of Bobby's owner and click here to view Olivia's owner.

Chemical Poisoning on Dogs

Recently, one of our regular client came in and ask us about chemical poisoning on pet dogs. Well, I decided to publish this articles on chemical poisoning on our pet dogs for your information. The followings article is obtain from http://www.petco.com/:

Chemical Poisons

With your dog's naturally curious and adventurous personality, don't be surprised if he unwittingly finds himself ingesting some toxic chemicals you keep in your home. Despite all efforts to dog-proof a home, accidents involving deadly chemicals can still happen.

Your dog can be a victim of chemical poisoning if he swallows a chemical or any chemically-tainted substance, licks off a toxic substance from his fur, eats a poisoned pest, inhales toxic fumes or absorbs a considerable amount of a chemical through his skin.

As part of regular housekeeping, most people maintain a stock of dozens of different solvents, detergents, pesticides and treating agents, many of which can make pets very sick if ingested. Some solvents and cleaners may even be fatal to your pet.

The best cure is, of course, prevention. Keep all household cleaning products away from curious animals. Scented products that smell good to an animal are especially dangerous. If you think your pet has consumed any dangerous products, call your veterinarian immediately. If your pet needs to make a trip to the vet, remember to take the product container with you to give your vet a better idea of what your pet may have ingested.

Type of Chemical

Caustic Chemicals (Petroleum Products, Acids and Alkalis), Corrosive Chemicals:

Mainly used for dissolving grime, are the most dangerous substances to your dog. They will instantly burn the tissues of your pet's mouth and throat. Do NOT induce your dog to vomit in this case because forcibly throwing up the corrosive substance will cause further damage to his digestive lining.

Household Products:

Kerosene, Gasoline, Lighter fluid, Toilet bowl and drain cleaners, Lime, Floor, shoe and furniture polishes, Paint remover/thinner, Wax, Oven cleaners, Wood preservatives (creosote), dishwasher soap, Lye, Battery acid, Phenol based substances (disinfectants, fungicides, photographic developers), Solvents, Chlorine bleach, Etching solutions

Symptoms Of Poisoning:

Ulcerated or inflamed tongue, Grayish-yellow burns on lips, mouth or tongue, Bloody vomit, Shock, Abdominal pains, Diarrhea, Inability to eat because of sore mouth, Bad smell emanating from mouth because of dying tissue, Excessive salivation

Non-Corrosive Chemicals:

Equally toxic and no less fatal, these chemicals are most often taken for granted and left lying around where dogs can reach them. If your dog accidentally ingests any of these chemicals, vomiting may be induced to expel as much of the poison as possible.

Household Products:

Bleach, Detergents, Dyes, Pesticides and herbicides, Aerosol sprays, Phosphorus (non-safety kitchen matches), Glues, Acetone, Naphthalene (mothballs), Boric acid (shaving lotion), Carbon tetrachloride (fire extinguisher, liquid), Borax compound (fire extinguisher, powder), Deodorants, Fabric softener, Pine oil

Symptoms Of Poisoning:

Vomiting, Panting, Abdominal pain, Drooling, Trembling limbs and trouble walking, Convulsions, Mewling, Fever, Loss of appetite, Weakness, Diarrhea, Depression

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, the first thing you must do is determine the substance. Read the product's label for the list of ingredients and for any instructions on accidental ingestion.

Observe your dog's symptoms carefully. If he's vomiting or has diarrhea, you may want to take samples to the vet to help with diagnosis. The treatment will vary according to the poison and whether it has been ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Always have on hand a good dog emergency handbook and a first aid kit. It's also a good idea to stock your medicine cabinet or pantry with liquid antacid, vegetable oil (to coat the intestines or remove substances on fur), hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting, if indicated) and diluted vinegar or lemon juice (to help neutralize an alkali). Also, know how much your dog weighs, because treatments are often measured in proportion to the animal's weight.

Safeguarding Your Pet From Chemical Poisoning

Since most of the household chemicals in our homes are essential to our sanitation and housekeeping routines, all we can do to protect our dogs is strictly dog-proof and monitor our surroundings. To safeguard your dog against chemical poisoning, check cupboards, closets and any storage areas to make sure all harmful products are out of your dog's reach. Make sure no chemical bottles are leaking. Read the labels on all cleaners and other household products for their warnings, and use your best judgment. If you wouldn't want a child to have access to it, keep it away from your dog.

Close the door while you are cleaning, especially in the bathroom. Leaving the door ajar will risk your pet attempting to taste the cleaners you are using. Or he may walk over some spills on the floor and will be sure to lick any foreign substances from his paws, thus ingesting the toxic chemicals.

When painting, varnishing or spraying herbicides/insecticides, keep your dog out of the area until long after the substance dissipates or dries. Dogs are very susceptible to fumes and can even absorb some toxins through the skin.

Don't forget to dog-proof the garage or shed for any chemical products you store there. Make sure the lids of all chemical products are tightly closed. Dogs are not always careful about brushing against objects and spilling their contents, much less walking into unsafe or contaminated areas. Put gasoline, kerosene and turpentine in a locked cabinet or storeroom. Be especially careful to stash antifreeze out of reach. With the sweet taste of ethylene glycol, antifreeze is one of the most common agents of animal poisoning.

Make sure you also dog-proof your garden. Snail bait and other ground chemicals can be deadly to dogs. Rodent poison and poisoned rodents are another potential source of trouble. Watch what you spray on your plants, too. Your dog can become very sick by nibbling on a leaf sprayed with pesticides. Check your local nursery for harmless, organic alternatives.

Poisoning is high on the list of a pet owner's nightmares and unfortunately, is quite a common occurrence. Therefore, arming yourself with the knowledge of what to do before any accident occurs means that you will be in the best position to help your pet if he or she is poisoned.


Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

What is AAFCO

I am sure most of you must have come accross this word AAFCO label at the dog food that you purcahsed for your pet dog. What is it? Following definition of AAFCO is obtained from www.aafco.org:

The term AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. A basic goal of AAFCO is to provide a mechanism for developing and implementing uniform and equitable laws, regulations, standards and enforcement policies for regulating the manufacture, distribution and sale of animal feeds; resulting in safe, effective, and useful feeds. The Association thereby promotes new ideas and innovative procedures and urges their adoption by member agencies, for uniformity.

Purpose and Function of AAFCO:

The purpose of the corporation shall be to establish and maintain an Association through which officials of any state, dominion, federal or other governmental agency and employees thereof charged with a responsibility in enforcing the laws regulating the production, labeling, distribution, or sale of animal feeds or livestock remedies may unite to explore the problems encountered in administering such laws, to develop just and equitable standards, definitions and policies to be followed in enforcing such laws, to promote uniformity in such laws, regulations and enforcement policies, and to cooperate with members of the industry producing such products in order to promote the effectiveness and usefulness of such products.

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Pet Food Recall: Now Corn Gluten a Concern for Cat & Dog Food Recall

Article obtain from http://www.nationalledger.com.

By Susan Hatch, Apr 22, 2007

The pet food recall has now grown to include even more pet food ingredients. Will the dog and cat food scare ever end? Investigators have announced that they are now looking into the tainted dog and cat food originally honed in on Chinese wheat gluten. But this week two more pet food ingredients exported from China also tested positive for melamine. Rice protein concentrate was bound for five U.S. pet food makers -- and corn gluten sent to South Africa -- now the gluten is blamed for the deaths of 30 dogs there.

CBS is reporting that with more than 100 brands on the recall list, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it looks more and more likely the Chinese manufacturers intentionally spiked their products with melamine -- normally used in fertilizer.

This is unconscionable to many pet owners - so why did they do it? One theory tossed out by the report is that they mistakenly thought the animals' bodies would break the chemical down into harmless and beneficial protein.

"The other possibility is that it's being done deliberately to make it look as if there's more protein," said Marion Nestle. "So they can get more money for it -- a simple matter of greed." FDA officials say they need to inspect the plants in China. But the Chinese government has not yet let them in.

The AVMA has a full recall list here and is advising the public that there have been new recalls, nationally and internationally, of pet foods contaminated with melamine from Chinese sources. The Blue Buffalo Company has recalled Spa Select Kitten dry food with the printed instructions "Best Used By Mar. 07 08 B." Blue Buffalo received rice protein concentrate from Wilbur-Ellis, the same company that supplied this ingredient to Natural Balance. Subsequent testing indicated that the Blue Buffalo protein concentrate tested positive for melamine.

Royal Canin South Africa has announced a recall of Vets Choice dog food because it contains melamine-contaminated corn gluten imported from China. This food is sold in South Africa and Namibia. Royal Canin, which is headquartered in Southern France, has announced that none of the company's contaminated pet food has reached the United States. Nineteen dogs that consumed Vets Choice food in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, have been diagnosed with kidney problems.

Please click here for the full lists of recall as at 30.4.2007

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Chinese Astrology

I was browsing for more dog horoscopes, guess what I have found? Chinese Astrology for our pet dog. Thefore, here it is for your reading pleasure...

Year of the Rat - 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

Rats are so appealing because they are charming, clever and funny. Often perceived as being quick-tempered, there will always be a very small minority of people who can't stand them!
Rats are very curious, constantly looking for ways to improve their intellect and sharpen their minds. They do not like to be bored and constantly seek mental stimulation.

Although Rats are often motivated by self-interest, nothing can stop them protecting, helping and encouraging their family and friends.

Rats that realize there is room for others in their life are very happy souls and are a pleasure to spend time with.

Year of the Ox - 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997

The Ox is renowned for his steadfastness, reliability, dependability and ability to do great deeds.
Often considered serious, reserved and stubborn (they are prone to only doing what they want to do and not what others ask of them), Oxen are extremely systematic and try to achieve their goals despite the odds.

When Oxen overcome their judgmental nature they find that they have the ability to get very close to others. They can make wonderful, tender, protective and affectionate companions capable of giving love and affection in abundance.

Year of the Tiger - 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

Tigers are extremely courageous and generally come out ahead in a fight. They are noble and warm-hearted with a natural, raw appeal that non-tigers find very attractive. They have an air of authority about them that prompts others to fall into line.

Tigers follow their ambitions and like to feel they are in control. If they believe that the cause is worthy, a tiger will fight to the bitter end if necessary.

Tigers tend to be sensitive and often experience mood swings. They do not like being in stressful situations and are prone to emotional outbursts.

Once a Tiger directs his energies toward worthwhile goals, he is capable of achieving true greatness.

Year of the Rabbit - 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

With a huge circle of friends and family, Rabbits are extremely popular. They dislike arguments or fights and are known for their compassionate and protective nature.

Rabbits are very domesticated creatures. They like their homes to be clean and their possessions to be in the right place.

Rabbits often need to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and consequent security.
Often sentimental, Rabbits tend to idealize relationships and are prone to giving more of themselves to a friend or partner than is necessary. They are sensitive souls and need the close support that only family and friends can give.

Year of the Dragon - 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Dragons love being the center of attention. They know exactly what they want and can be devious and determined to reach their goals. They are also prone to getting very upset when something does not go the way they planned.

Charming and charismatic, inspirational and brave, Dragons make natural leaders.
Dragons seem to instinctively know when those close to them need comforting. Making others happy is a rare talent these sensitive souls possess.

Blessed with an abundance of luck, nothing gives Dragons more pleasure than successfully motivating others to enjoy life to the full.

Year of the Snake - 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Snakes display a curious mix of sociability and introspection. They tend to be generous and courteous, charming and appealing. For some reason they also seem to be very lucky!

Snakes like to analyze a situation before jumping into it. Charming and seductive, they are perfectly happy to spend the whole day curled up (snakelike) with a good book.

Snakes are intelligent hard workers with adept decision making skills. They rarely turn to others for suggestions, and usually favor logic over their feelings and instincts.

Deep down, Snakes are often insecure and sometimes display a jealous, possessive behavioral streak that can alienate loved ones. To develop their self-esteem, Snakes need to learn that confidence comes from within.

For the most part Snakes make irresistible, generous and loving friends.

Year of the Horse - 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Horses love nothing more than to be on the move from place to place. This behavior stems from an effort to escape their irrational feeling of inferiority which can lead to insecurity and a fear of rejection.

Attentive, loyal and affectionate souls, Horses have so much love to bestow on their companions that they can sometimes become oblivious of the bigger picture going on around them.

Once they find an environment in which they feel secure and happy, Horses stop feeling trapped and curb their wandering tendencies. They learn to appreciate the special people in their lives and will do anything to make their loved ones happy.

Year of the Goat / Sheep - 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

Above all else, the main factor motivating the behavior of a Goat / Sheep is an intense desire to feel loved and reassured.

Goats / Sheep are not usually materialistic. They tend to be far more interested in their freedom of space and the liberty to act as they like than in the luxuries of life.

Imaginative and creative, Goats / Sheep can be quite moody and are subject to bouts of anxiety over apparently inconsequential things.

When they find themselves in a secure and trusting relationship Goats / Sheep learn how to relax, enjoy life and let others take charge from time to time.

Year of the Monkey - 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

These natural entertainers demand fun, activity and stimulation. Simply put, Monkeys love having a good time!

A Monkey's primary motivation is the pursuit of carefree self-indulgence pleasure. Among other things, this means that Monkeys are extremely good at getting themselves into all sorts of trouble.

Monkeys have a reputation of being great listeners – probably a result of their natural curiosity and desire to discover new things.

Monkeys that come to the realization that the world does not revolve around them make wonderful, attentive, loving, and fun-to-be-with companions.

Year of the Rooster - 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Roosters tend to be conservative, preferring to stick with the routines they are familiar with rather than take risks or try anything new. They are excellent observers of everything going on around them, quick thinkers, practical, and extremely resourceful.

Roosters are very honest (what-you-see-is-what-you-get). Appearance and orderliness are very important to them. They like and expect to be in control – in particular over their appearance and their surroundings.

A successful match for a Rooster is anyone who understands their conservative nature and consequent reluctance to change. For their part, Roosters should learn to be more excepting of differences and more relaxed about variety.

With the correct, suitable person, Roosters can be the most loyal, trusting and supportive of companions. They will go a long way out their way to please loved ones.

Year of the Dog - 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Although a combination of slight insecurity and irrational worries makes it difficult for them to trust others, Dogs make loving, loyal, faithful and honest companions.

Renowned for their mood swings, Dogs are occasionally anxious and stressed which can be off-putting to those around them.

Dogs are not always interested in socializing with their peers. They are often quite happy to be alone enjoying their own company.

Although sometimes temperamental, Dogs make wonderful, discreet and loyal companions who will always be there for you when needed.

Year of the Pig / Boar - 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Because of their sweet nature, hearts of gold and love of family, Pigs tend to make great companions.

Pigs care a great deal about friends and family. They work very hard to keep everyone in their life happy. Their refusal to see the negative qualities in anyone can lead others to take advantage of them (although when crossed by friends, Pigs can be quite malicious!).

Pigs are highly intelligent. They love studying, playing and the luxurious things in life.

Pigs are sometimes exclusive. They will sometimes choose to spend time with those who appreciate them the most and ignore everyone else.

It is when Pigs open up their feelings and realize that life is not just about being needed that they truly come into their own.

Hmmm, after reading it, is it true? Do share with us...

Disclaimer: Reading materials in this site are obtained from its respective website and it is for information purposes only. It is not Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd. view and it is not to be used against Puppy Cottage Sdn. Bhd.

Tiger Daily Lifes

Hi everyone,

We managed to get some pictures of Tiger - Miniature Bull Terrier from its owner, Mr. Lim. Do enjoy Tiger daily life’s picture...

Finally yet importantly, we thank Mr. Lim for giving us the permission to post Tiger's pictures in our blog.