Deborah Taylor-French's Blog: Dog Leader Mysteries Blog

Readers of Crime Fiction Take Note

I am an avid reader of crime and mystery fiction. I read my friends’ books, and they read mine. Today, I read an author interview done by Cat Connor, a Crime and Thriller Author. I recommend that you enjoy this fun and fast post.

Visit this interview for crime readers on Cat Connor, Crime Thriller Author! Cat interrogates crime writers. The interview style came across as spunky and witty. I learned interesting things about Margot Kinberg. Also, giggled a bit at Cat Connor’s questions!

Crime and mystery readers should visit: Cat Connor Crime Thriller Author Interrogation file: Margot KinbergWhite police car on a city street

 

 

 

 

Healthy Corgi Dog Gets a Health Check Photo Credit: FreepikGuest article provided by Kristin LouisSteps for Establishing a Successful Veterinary Clinic

Venturing into veterinary practice is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor that requires thorough preparation and decisive action. This guide outlines the crucial steps to establish a solid foundation for your veterinary clinic, ensuring it can serve the community effectively and stand out in a bustling market.

Craft Your Business Plan

Developing a comprehensive business plan is your first step toward launching a successful veterinary clinic. Your plan should include detailed financial projections, pinpointing your initial investment needs and long-term profitability strategies. Outline your marketing strategies to capture and retain clients, detail operational procedures to ensure smooth daily functions, and set forth growth plans to expand your services or facilities in the future. This roadmap will guide your clinic’s development and attract potential investors or lenders. A robust business plan prepares you for various business scenarios and financial forecasts.

Analyze Your Market

Understanding your local market is pivotal. Research the pet population, existing veterinary services, and the specific needs of potential clients in your target area. This knowledge will help you tailor your services to meet local demands and position your clinic as a go-to solution for pet owners seeking personalized and compassionate animal care. Accurate market analysis is essential for ensuring your services align with community needs.

Secure Necessary Permits

Before opening your doors, ensure your veterinary clinic complies with all local, state, and federal regulations. Obtaining the necessary licenses is a foundational step to safeguard your clinic against legal issues and maintain professional integrity. This compliance reinforces trust among your clientele and ensures you can operate uninterrupted. Proper licensing positions your practice as a credible and trustworthy establishment.

Design a Memorable Logo

Developing a distinctive logo is essential for the branding of your veterinary clinic. The visual cornerstone embodies your clinic’s ethos and connects emotionally with your clientele. With free logo design online tools, you can effortlessly select a template and modify it by fine-tuning the font and hues to craft a logo that captures the essence of your practice. This approach allows you to create a professional and attractive logo efficiently, reinforcing your brand’s presence in the market.

Build Your Dream Team

Hiring the right team is essential for the success of your veterinary clinic. Look for qualified professionals who are skilled and share your passion for animal care. A team aligned with your clinic’s vision of patient care will deliver exceptional services, fostering a loyal customer base and enhancing your clinic’s reputation. Effective recruitment strategies are key to assembling a team that will uphold high standards of care.

Invest in Quality and Comfort

Equip your clinic with modern, high-quality medical equipment to provide the best possible care for your patients. Additionally, consider the physical environment of your clinic. A comfortable and welcoming space can significantly enhance the client and patient experience, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals. This investment in quality and comfort makes your clinic a preferred choice for pet care in the community.

Stay Ahead with Innovation

Keeping abreast of the latest veterinary practices, technologies, and trends is essential. This commitment to innovation will improve your service quality and demonstrate your dedication to contemporary veterinary care, making your clinic a preferred choice for informed pet owners. Staying updated with advancements in veterinary medicine ensures that your practice remains at the forefront of the industry.

As you establish your veterinary clinic, remember that the journey requires continuous learning and adaptation. Your clinic’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics, technological advancements, and community needs will dictate its long-term success. Cultivating a strong team ethos, staying committed to operational excellence, and focusing on your strategic goals is imperative. Ultimately, your dedication to laying a robust foundation will resonate through the quality of care provided, securing your clinic’s place as a valued community asset.

Kristin Louis has a website: Parentingwithkris.com.

Unlock the secrets to your dog’s happier, healthier life with expert insights

and engaging stories from Dog Leader Mysteries.

 

 

 

Want Your Dog to Live a Long, Healthy Life?

Is this a silly question? I imagine most dog lovers want that kind of life for their dogs. Canines live shorter lives than humans. If there is anything we can do to help them be healthier or live active and longer, I know I’d do it.

If Exercise Helps People Live Healthier and Longer,Why Not Dogs?I met Elise in a park while walking with her mom, Kate. Photo Credit: Deborah Taylor-French

Elise is Kate’s dog, which she raised from a puppy. Kate told me how this wonderful dog helped her recover from the loss of her husband. Elise was only six months old when he died. As a puppy, she needed to play. Kate promised she would play with Elise. Dropping her grief to play vigorously with this German shepherd puppy taught Kate to put her dog first. Sometimes, our dogs need that from us, right?

It was such a pleasure to meet a great dog mom like Kate! Kate walked Elise in a secure harness. She also wanted to get her dog out of the sun after I had taken about five photographs.

Elise sits close to Kate.

German Shepherds are natural guard dogs. When tasked with herding, tracking, and carrying messages in wartime, they were good-natured goobers who loved to chill out and join in cuddle time.

“I was like, man, I would love it if I couldslow aging in my dog.”

Matt Kaeberlein, co-director of the Dog Aging Project

“Kaeberlein is co-director of the Dog Aging Project, an ambitious research effort to track the aging process of tens of thousands of companion dogs across the US. He is one of a handful of scientists on a mission to improve, delay, and possibly reverse that process to help them live longer healthier lives. The Dog Aging Project is just one of several groups seeking to understand and improve dog aging. Biotech company Loyal plans to offer life extensions for dogs. A third group, Vaika, is running a project to lengthen life spans by studying retired sled dogs.”

These Scientists are Working to Extend the Lifespan of Pet Dogs–and Their Owners by Jessica Hamzelou, August 15, 2022, MIT Technology Review.

K9 Working Dog demonstrating finding behaviors. Photo Credit: Deborah Taylor-French

 

This post starts a deeper look at how to keep our dogs healthy and raises the lifelong question: How can I help my dogs live longer?

Stay tuned for more information and discussion on longevity in dogs.

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Crime Writer Margot Kinberg

A Matter of Motive by Margot Kinberg’s first chapter is brilliant. You will want to know what happens next. But I won’t spoil it. Ronald Clemons is a loving husband and a fair-minded boss who runs a successful business. He is well-liked and the last person one would guess to be a murder target.

Nighttime police arrive at a crime scene. Photo Credit: Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

After reading two novels by Margot Kinberg, I’m a fan. I met Kinberg on social media, read her blog, and watched and subscribed to her YouTube, five minutes covering the main points of various crime novels. Most readers and writers can learn much from Kinberg.

Crime Fiction Author, Margot Kinberg Interview

As Kinberg taught graduate school, she shared the challenges and rewards of teaching education majors with her family. Her husband and daughter encouraged her desire to write fiction. The three family members proceeded to brainstorm her first crime fiction story. They even pointed out a person who could be the target of a killer!

If nothing else, this author’s interview vividly illustrates this true story. When she described the scene, I felt I understood Margot Kinberg. One evening at home, her husband and daughter leaped to jumpstart her first crime story. Their good humor engaged her in a playful session of what-ifs. Thus, her first mystery plot and character creation entered the realm of storytelling.

This early and enthusiastic brainstorming trio caused me to marvel at Kinberg’s open-mindedness. She welcomed their ideas and trusted the group process. Kinberg’s openness to share the process of plotting her first mystery transformed the planning stage of novel writing into a game. Every mystery writer should be so lucky.

A quick aside. In my experience, many writers are closed off from others’ ideas. I’ve known many who guard their original impetus for a book as if it were an atomic secret. Woah to a critique partner or kindly experienced editor who tries to help well-defended newbie writers. Writers who understand and value seasoned editors for their skills to elevate their craft to literary standards worthy of readers.

Kinberg sees herself as a high-stakes writer. Her themes lean into resilience and finding strength. “We have a shared humanity. Things we live through and experience, and I show and acknowledge the grief of the survivors in my novels.”

Margot Kinberg Knows Crime Fiction

As a reader, Kinberg was a mystery buff. She devoured Nancy Drew’s stories and the like. Recently, she has been learning crime writing methods by reading Michael Connelly’s novels. “I always learn from listening to writers, especially other crime fiction authors of genres such as suspense, thriller, noir, and cozy mysteries.” She belongs to a writers’ group on Facebook. Even wrote a book blurb, then shared it and requested others online to help her tear it apart and then help put it back together.

Busted! Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash 

Her favorite crime fiction author remains Agatha Christie. Kinberg said, “Christie knew how to mislead her readers and then reveal the killer in a dramatic twist at the conclusion.”

Speaking writer to writer, Kinberg said, “Your book will not appeal to everyone.”

I asked her, “What helps you choose a main character for your novels?” Margot Kinberg said, “I let them take me for a ride. I enter their world with a deep dive.” She said of one of her characters, “She told me her name and added, I want to tell you, my story.” That’s how Kinberg starts: by letting characters tell about themselves while she takes notes. If you have never written a fictional story, this can sound a bit crazy. Yet many serious novelists will tell you of similar experiences.

Creativity takes many forms, but writing any fictional genre requires deeply identifying with strong personalities. These personalities either seem to speak to the writer’s inner ear or command the writer’s visual powers to spin an internal movie. I’ve had both types of experience while listening and meditating on what a character would do.

It’s also possible to interview a character once trust has grown between the writer and the character. This idea may seem far-fetched for some readers who have never written fiction before I took on the challenge of writing a mystery novel; I might have thought the author was joking. Yet, as I read and listen to more author talks, those who write character-driven novels often admit to this curious close relationship with their main characters. This dialogue with a character is an act of empathy. Empathy on the part of the writer. Many famous writers want their readers to develop a deep interest in their protagonists. Or to be rooting for a positive conclusion to the problems a set of characters face, like the sisters in Little Women. Sisters Amy, Beth, Meg, and Josephine “Jo” March struggle to help their parents yet have their dreams. The relationship between the author, Louisa May Alcott, and her lead character, Jo, gives depth and heart to this beloved story.

Some readers argue that writers always write about themselves. Some readers argue that writers always write about themselves. This idea needs to be more profound. And yet, writing about people we know, people we’ve met, and parts of ourselves emerges in most writers’ prose.

Margot Kinberg is a novelist and Associate Professor with many years of experience in K-12 and higher education. She is the author of the Joel Williams mystery series (Scene of the Crime comes out on 1 July) and the Patricia Stanley series (the next in that series is planned for 2025). Her other fiction includes Streets of Gold, the charity anthology In a Word: Murder, which she edited, and Shots All Around, a collection of her flash fiction stories. Since 2016, she has served on the judging panel for the Ngaio Marsh Awards for Best First Novel and Best Novel. Originally from the East Coast, she currently lives in California.

I read Kinberg’s A Matter of Motive, a Patricia Stanley Investigation. Find my Amazon book review: 4.0 out of 5 stars. Unexpected Good Guy Victim Will Keep You Guessing

It is said that our first love never leaves us. I like knowing that Margot Kinberg began writing at eleven years old. She credits her sixth-grade English teacher with cultivating her love of writing. Kinberg’s writing entered publication when she turned sixteen. I enjoyed interviewing Margot Kinberg. We hope to continue a literary friendship and mutual writer support.

I recommend her blog because Kinberg writes about crime fiction. She points out what makes each novel successful, touching on the setting, points of tension, the main character, and the plot. There are no spoilers.

Check out Kinberg’s Blog

Crime Writer Margot Kinberg…a crime-fiction site

Watch Kinberg’s YouTube Channel: Margot Kinberg Crime Writer

Kinberg describes one crime fiction novel in each segment. No spoilers!

https://www.youtube.com/@MargotKinbergCrimeWriter

You may also follow Margot Kinberg on Facebook.

Please leave us a like or drop a question or comment below. 

Traveling Dangers for Dogs and CatsProtect your dog when he’s riding in your car.

Photo Credit: a-n-v-e-s-h Unsplash

We all love our pets and want them to be part of every adventure. Whether embarking on a cross-country road trip or just exploring a new part of town, bringing along some creature comforts can provide many benefits. However, knowing the potential dangers of driving with a pet is essential if you hit the roads. From unbuckled pets to distracted drivers, there are several things pet owners should keep an eye out for when taking their furry friends on the road.

Animals can make driving more dangerous for everyone. Not only is their safety threatened, but passengers, drivers, and other road users must also be considered when deciding on any safety measures. In this post, we highlight three of the most common risks associated with driving with a pet and provide tips to help prevent pet-related accidents on the road.

Unbuckled Pets Can Cause Harm

It may seem obvious, but not buckling up your pet while driving can pose serious safety risks – not just for your dog or cat but everyone in the car. Even if you are only going on a short drive, it’s essential to buckle your pet into a harness or crate that is secured in place so they cannot escape or become a distraction. Your pet could injure themselves if they suddenly lunge forward during an emergency stop or swerve. In addition, having an unrestrained animal in the car can distract you from paying attention to the road and lead to an accident.

There are lots of different products available to help keep your pet secure in the car. Finding a solution that works for you and your furry friend may be a case of trial and error, but you must have the necessary safety equipment in place. If you’re traveling with a dog, unique canine seat belts suit smaller dogs or puppies more likely to wriggle around.

For larger animals, you can find a range of crates compatible with cars or trucks. Crates are designed to keep pets safe and secure. Prevent your dog from jumping around and becoming a distraction while you drive.

Err on the side of caution to prevent pet deaths.

When in a crate, dogs are less likely to be startled by something they spot outside, helping to keep them settled for the journey. In many states and countries, driving with an unrestrained dog is illegal. Always best to err on the side of caution to prevent pet deaths. Nobody likes being given a moving violation or paying legal penalties, right?

We hope this man buckled up his two big dogs before driving.

Photo Credit: Tim Moss-holder Unsplash

Don’t Be a Distracted Driver

Driving with pets can also be dangerous if you, as the driver, become too distracted by your pet. If you constantly look away from the road because you’re playing with your pet or trying to keep your cat calm, your risk being involved in an accident due to decreased concentration and reaction time. Be sure that any interaction between you and your pet is brief and infrequent while you drive.

There are lots of things you can do to manage the risks associated with driving with a pet and prevent them from becoming an unwanted distraction. As referenced earlier, keeping them safe and restrained is essential – you don’t want them roaming around the car. Also, if you’re embarking on a longer drive, consider bringing their favorite toy or blanket from home and plenty of food and drink. This will ensure they have plenty to keep them entertained, helping them to stay calm.

All Cars and Trucks Get Too Hot for Pets

Finally, one of the most severe risks of driving with a pet is leaving them unattended inside a hot car while running errands or shopping. This can be incredibly dangerous as temperatures inside cars can rise quickly – even on cooler days – causing animals to become distressed. Dogs and cats can die due to heatstroke. According to the RSPCA, when it’s 22°C outside, temperatures inside cars can rise to 47°C within an hour, making them highly unsafe for our pets.

Never leave your animal companion unattended inside a vehicle; instead, bring them along on errands or leave them at home, where they will stay relaxed and comfortable until you return. Many U.S. states even have laws prohibiting pet owners from leaving their animals confined in dangerous conditions within a vehicle, and owners could incur misdemeanor charges if caught.

It’s not just the temperature that can harm animals left in parked cars. A lack of ventilation and not having access to food or drink can also result in serious health complications for your pet, so if you cannot take them with you when you leave the car, it’s always best to keep them at home.

Take care of your pets

Driving with our furry friends is something responsible pet owners should do carefully, keeping safety your number one priority. Unbuckled pets, distracted drivers, and hot cars are three potential dangers to watch out for when hitting the open road with our animal companions by our side. But by adhering to basic safety principles, we can ensure that our pets and we have safe journeys wherever we go.

Guest Author bio: George Rock

Growing up in a family home with five dogs, I quickly developed a strong love for animals. Since graduating from university, I’ve spent my entire career working in conservation roles nationwide. My experiences inspire me to create informative blog posts to educate pet owners on the importance of animal welfare.

Bringing a Dog or a Puppy Home?

The benefits of getting a dog are clear. 84% of people believe that owning a pet, such as a dog, improves their mental health, and 65% believe pet ownership boosts their physical health. However, a lot of responsibility is involved in taking on a furry friend, so prepare before you bring your pup home.

Here are some essential items you’ll need to purchase before welcoming a new canine companion into your home.

The puppy sits waiting for a treat. Photo by Taylor Kopel on UnsplashHealth and Safety Items Your Pup NeedsCollar or Harness?

A good quality collar or harness is essential for keeping your dog under control when walking them. Collars don’t restrict movement too much, which is excellent for dogs that like to sniff and explore. However, collars can lead to throat damage for dogs that pull on the leash. Dogs with small heads, such as whippets and greyhounds, can easily slip out of collars.

Harnesses can give you a more secure hold on your dog and better control, and they tend to be more comfortable for dogs that pull. However, they can inadvertently train your dog to pull when the leash attaches to the back of the harness because the dog can put all their weight into dragging you along. If you’re getting a big, strong dog, be sure to choose a harness with a clip on the front for attaching the leash, as this can help to reduce excessive pulling. Please visit this post on the Collar or Harness question on

If you opt for a collar, keep in mind that there’s a potential strangulation hazard if your dog accidentally catches the collar on something – an issue that is more common than you might think. A solution is to use a breakaway collar with a clasp designed to pull apart with brute force to prevent strangulation. They’re less secure for walking your dog than traditional collars, but they’re an excellent option for your dog to wear around the house if you want to ensure they have a collar with a tag on at all times.

For further reading, please visit: No More Death by Collar, Dog Leader Mysteries.

This is my bed, and I like napping here. Photo by Tom Hills on UnsplashWhat Type of Bedding?

Your dog needs to have a place to sleep that feels secure and peaceful, and it’s a good idea to have more than one bed available. Keep one in an area where you and the family spend lots of time and one in a room that tends to be very quiet. If you have more than one dog, they should have a bed each, even if they tend to share. This gives them the freedom to find their own space when needed.

You can choose a few dog bed styles; some have sides that can help dogs curl up and get cozy, which is ideal if they sleep in a cold room. Mattress beds can help them to stretch out flat and stay cool in summer. Very nervous dogs often prefer igloo-style beds with roofs, which helps them hide away and feel safe. Orthopedic and memory foam beds offer designs to provide additional comfort and support for dogs with joint problems, and they’re perfect for older dogs who are susceptible to aches and pains.

Large puppy reclines in a sturdy wire crate used in cars and vans.

Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash

Which Dog Safety Products Should You Chose?

If you are transporting your dog in your car, you’ll need items to keep them secure. For your dog’s safety, prevent him from roaming around the vehicle and posing a distraction to the driver. Always securely restrain your pet from minimizing injury if your vehicle is in an accident.

You can buy dog seat belts or harness clips to keep dogs safely positioned on the back seats. A car-friendly dog crate is often safer for small dogs and puppies as they’re more likely to wriggle out of a harness. You can strap the crate securely onto the back seats using seat belts.

Crates also come in handy for use in the home. They’re a secure place to put your dog in any instance where they need to be kept safe. Plus, they can limit your dog’s access to the home when they’re left unattended to minimize the risk of them chewing something dangerous. When choosing a crate, get one that’s big enough for the dog to stand, turn around and stretch out inside. If your dog is still a puppy, get a crate they’ll grow into for use at home but use a crate that fits their size when traveling.

Choose the Right Dog Foods

Finding the right food for your dog may take trial and error as you learn what they like and what’s good for their health. Don’t be tempted to buy cheap supermarket kibble. Good quality dry food with high protein levels will help keep your dog healthy. Always read the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) statement on dog food labels. These stipulate that pet food has been formulated to meet minimum nutrition profiles for a complete and balanced diet.

Check food labels to see if a food is suited to your dog’s age, size, and activity levels. Your pet’s nutritional needs will likely change as they age and their activity levels fluctuate. For example, working dogs need more calorie-dense food to give them enough energy for their higher activity level. Look for specialist foods for puppies and senior dogs which contain the unique nutrients needed for these age groups.

Canine Cleaning Products

Shop for enzymatic cleaners that remove pet stains and odors. These will save you time and effort in potty training. The enzyme cleaner removes canine scents. If your pup has an accident on your rug and you use the enzyme cleaner, your dog won’t be confused. Erase the spot so he knows NOT to potty there again. You will find these products in the pet aisle.

Remember to limit your puppy’s or dog’s excitement. Family members should use a calm and quiet voice in the first days and weeks. Keep your pup with you as you go through your day. Take him to the kitchen in the morning. Always keep a bowl full of fresh water for your pup. Feed your pup smaller meals more often in the first few weeks. This move comes as a challenge to your new pup. Keep all training sessions short. Be consistent in guiding your pup to his potty spot.

Enjoy your new furry family member. It’s exciting to say hello to a new family member, and the better prepared you are with the right products, the more fun you can have when you bring your new dog home.

Author bio: Kate Jones

Kate has a passion for animals and has volunteered with animal charities for many years. Kate is an avid pet lover and believes every animal deserves a loving home. She hopes that her posts help other animal enthusiasts make informed decisions about whether getting a pet is the right choice for them.

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Moving With Your Pet: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Considering making a move to a different apartment, neighborhood, or city? Whether moving to greener pastures or just because you need a change, your furry friend is probably a high priority as a pet owner. However, downsizing to a new home doesn’t have to be a stressful and anxious time for either of you. Here, we share top tips to make the transition run as smoothly as possible.

A calm dog knows where to find his dog’s bed.Keep Your Pet Engaged

Every pet needs movement and exercise to be its best, most thriving self. Get your puppy acclimatized to the new environment by taking them on walks in your new neighborhood or exploring nearby parks. Don’t forget to increase the frequency and length of each walk; dogs thrive when they’re kept physically busy. Once you move in, ensure you’re taking them out for a game of fetch in your new backyard so they start regarding your new home as theirs, too.

Explore the world of pet toys, such as puzzles, chews, games, and more, to keep your pet happy and content. Your pet will ease into the transition (and offer more cooperation) if they’re engaged and stimulated. You want to avoid them getting bored at all costs, as this can lead to tantrums and the destruction of your belongings.

Your stress can rub off on your pet, whether from the move, work, or other things. Keeping your pet engaged can help them to release this stress and anxiety. You may find that the walks and activities help you, too, as being outdoors and exercising have been proven to reduce anxiety in humans. When taking your pet outdoors, ensure they have a proper harness and leash.

Toilet Training and Feeding

If your pet is used to doing their business a certain way, you’ll need to guide them to learn how and where to go in their new home. If you have a cat, teach them to use a kitty litter tray or get your dog doing their business outside while on walks. Set up alarms on your phone, and be sure to feed your pet at a consistent time every day. They will then begin associating certain times of the day with feeding time, giving them a (much-needed) routine and habit to adhere to establishing daily habits. (Note: you can find the link below this post. )

Get Property-Ready

Of course, the most significant part of downsizing is purchasing your new home. To find the perfect property within your price range, you’ll need to calculate how much you can put away each month toward your mortgage. Lenders typically use a debt-to-income ratio to determine if you’ll be able to repay the mortgage reliably every month. And you’ll need to check your credit score to make sure that you can qualify for a new home loan.

And don’t forget the other non-pet-related tasks you’ll have to carry out too! Be sure to clean your old house before you stage it to attract new buyers. It’s also essential to make some modifications for curb appeal, and you may need to paint and upgrade hardware inside and outside the house. You’ll also want to set up the internet in your new home. Bundling internet services with TV and cable is also a great way to save money in the long run.

There’s so much a pet has to take in during a move. From the large moving boxes, movers, and packers everywhere, to new smells, greens, and gardens to take in — it can be a lot. Luckily with a bit of preparation and finding the right home, you can significantly ease things for your pet pooch.

We hope you have enjoyed this guest post by Kristin Louis.

Kristin Louis is a former advertising copywriter and mom to two rambunctious boys, 10 and 7 years of age. She created ParentingwithKris.com to share her experiences with the trials and tribulations of parenting. What she loves most about the website is the opportunity it gives her to connect with and offer advice and resources to other busy parents. Kris, her husband, their two boys, and the family pup live in Durham, NC. When she isn’t working on her website, she loves working in her flower garden, reading historical romance novels, and traveling with her fam in their new RV.

This is Kristin Louis’s dog, Beatrice.

Follow up by reading: Importance of Routine Cat & Dog https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/ar....

Follow up by reading: Redfin.com/credit-score https://www.redfin.com/definition/cre....

Follow up by reading: Most Valuable Home Improvements Moving.com.

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Give Back to Neglected and Abandoned Animals

Do you love animals? Do you worry about homeless dogs and cats?

This post will teach you how to plug in and help abandoned and neglected pets. This guest post by Kristin Louis will help you. Dog Leader Mysteries shares essential advice for giving back to homeless and abandoned animal causes.

Poor homeless dog searches for water to drink.  Agnieszka Boeske on UnsplashAwareness

A great place to start in your attempt to help pets is to raise awareness.

Educate: If you have kids, educate them on humane ways to care for animals, as this will prevent animal abuse as they grow up.Promote efforts: If you’re helping animals or supporting specific causes, promote your work  Note: This link takes you to Wristband Creation (.com) post “10-things-can-raise-awareness-cause.” Your enthusiasm to save lost pets may inspire more people to give, volunteer, and help educate other people to help abandoned pets.Responsible ownership: Educating yourself on the best ways to be a responsible pet parent will also be a great place to start.Advocating

A lot of the poor treatment of animals comes from poor laws and policies. You can help improve the treatment of animals on a more significant level by:

Petitioning: Find and sign petitions on sites like Our Commons and Change.org that help advocate for a host of abandoned pets and animal causes.Fundraising: GoFundMe and Fundly are great resources to raise funds for various animal causes or specific needy animals.Write to policymakers: Writing to your local policymakers can significantly affect change on an institutional level by impacting legal rules and legislation. In the U.S.A., there are 3.2 million lost or abandoned cats or kittens. Will you help them?

Photo by Mohawk Makin on Unsplash

Plugging In

Ready to take your love for animals to the next level? The following are fantastic ways to give back if you have more time or energy.

Adopt or foster: Caring for an abandoned pet in need will help keep animals off the street and ensure they have a good life.Volunteer: Find charities, organizations, or local nonprofits near you to volunteer, as they always look for individuals who can contribute skills like designing, cleaning, or caregiving!Start a nonprofit: Running a nonprofit is an excellent option for dedicated individuals looking to plug in and help out.Millions of lost dogs live in the U.S.A unclaimed. Photo by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash

You love animals and want to help make a difference in their lives. In that case, there are several ways you can get involved with helping abandoned and neglected pe. Be sure to follow the above strategies to help animals in their time of need!

This is Kristin Louis’s dog, Beatrice.

Kristin Louis is a former advertising copywriter. She recently created parentingwithkris.com, where she puts her skills to work writing about the trials and tribulations of parenting. She’s a loving mom to two boys: the oldest is 10, and the youngest is 7.

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Will you take me with you?    Photo Credit: Jamie Street on Unsplash

Guest Post by Kristin Louis

As animals age, they become more prone to health issues, including arthritis, vision loss, hearing loss, and senility. They may struggle with mobility issues such as climbing stairs, passing through doorways, or moving through the darkness. If your pet is getting older and starting to slow down, there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to help ease the transition.

Prepare for Care Costs

According to leading veterinarians, senior pets need check-ups more often than their younger counterparts. You should expect to visit at least twice a year for routine care, and the vet should also check for signs of illness based on species, breed, age, and body composition.

Vet care becomes increasingly expensive as your pet ages, so it’s essential to budget for pet care costs as early in life as possible. However, your savings can quickly eat into chronic illness or emergency care needs. Therefore, you should consider adding a pet policy to your insurance coverage. However, finding good pet insurance can be tricky, so evaluate policy packages by examining coverage levels, premiums, deductibles, and maximum pet age. Many pet insurance companies can choose from, so research sample quotes and customer reviews before buying a policy.

Meet Nutrition Needs

Just like humans, animals have specialized nutrition needs as they age. Older pets may not require as much food as their metabolism and activity levels slow down. Your vet can guide you in determining the right formula and measurement for your senior pet.

‘Baby-Proof’ Your Home

Especially if your senior pet has trouble with mobility or blindness, they may not navigate your home as well anymore. You can make simple adjustments to help relieve your pet’s physical or mental stress. A few examples include:

Laying non-slip rugs to prevent slipping and sliding on hard floorsOffering heated or orthopedic beds to keep pets warm and relieve joint painSetting up steps or ramps to help older pets climb onto furnitureInstalling night lights so pets can find their way in the darkDeclutter your home and remove obstacles that impact your pet’s movements

Just as you would make changes to your home for a mobile toddler or new puppy, you can revamp your rooms for the safety, health, and comfort of your aging animals.

Notice your dog’s face and look into his ears each week. Take senior dogs to the Vet twice as often.  Photo Credit: Devn on UnsplashFortify Your Yard

As your pet ages, they may become more vulnerable outside your home. You can keep your pet from wandering and prevent predators from entering your yard by upgrading your landscaping or installing a new fence. Be mindful of any toxic plants and weeds your pet may consume on your property. Also, monitor your senior pet for heat sensitivity during the day. Provide plenty of shade plus a water system, especially if your furry companion must spend the peak sunlight hours outdoors.

If you make a home or outdoor improvements for the benefit of your pets, be sure to save your receipts and keep records of your before and after photos for inspectors, real estate agents, and potential buyers. Should you decide to sell your home, any work you have done may increase the value of your property.

Your pet deserves the best life you can give. Thanks to these strategies, modern veterinary medicine, and technological advancements, you have every chance to keep your best friend with you for as long as possible.

Our guest blogger, Kristin Louis, is a writer who writes on parenting children and pets. Please visit her site Parenting with Kris at this web link:

Parentingwithkris.com

Will you still need me?

Photo Credit: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

How Your Family Can Truly Benefit From Pet Ownership

Pet ownership is something that kids aspire to at some point. This can benefit them in several ways. They can be on the receiving end of unconditional love, for one thing. For another, they learn valuable lessons in responsibility and cooperation. Owning a pet can even teach kindness and foster a love of animals and nature. But for your kids to enjoy all these unique perks, you have to prepare them for the task and set them up for success. Here’s how.

Choose the right pet

Some animals are more kid-friendly than others, so your choice of pet matters. Consider your housing situation, lifestyle, income, and experience when choosing a pet for your child. Most importantly, you need to consider medical conditions like allergies before bringing a pet home.

Dogs and cats are most likely the top contenders. However, it’s also not as easy as adopting the cutest one you can find. Instead, you’ll want to consider the animal’s temperament, energy level, grooming needs, size, etc. The AKC points out that some dog breeds are best for kids, as well, so it’s a must to look out for qualities like patience and protectiveness as you make your choice.

Other types of animals can also be worth considering, especially if your kid has allergies, or you have space constraints, or you simply don’t want a dog or cat. These animals are often just as worthy of love and may even be easier to care for.

The point is not to make the decision impulsively as it takes the right kind of pet to make the experience a worthwhile one for your family. And as an aside, if possible, choose to adopt a pet instead of buying one, because you get more options at considerably less cost—plus you could save a life.

Invest in the right tools

Welcoming a pet into your household is not going to be an easy task. You’ll need all the help you can get, which is why you need to stock up on essentials to help both your pet and your family settle in easily and quickly. Petfinder explains that it’s a must, therefore, to have a checklist of essentials to ensure that your new resident has everything necessary to get comfortable.

Now, the sheer number of things that a new pet needs can be daunting. However, you can keep the expense low by shopping at trusted retailers like PetSmart or Chewy. You can even look for discount coupons and codes and cashback offers to enjoy more savings at Chewy.

Assign the right tasks

No matter how willing your kids are to take care of a pet, chances are, they will still look to you for instruction. But don’t lose sight of a major component of pet ownership, which is to teach your kids responsibility.

Thankfully, even a toddler can already take on some pet care chores with your supervision, so you can definitely start ‘em young. The key is to keep chores age-appropriate. For instance, younger kids can already be tasked with feeding pets, while tweens and teens can be entrusted with exercising pets and even cleaning after them.

You do need to show kids the ropes, though, as well as provide supervision where needed. Case in point, you’ll want to keep your house clean, so you need to put in place pet-cleaning measures and engage the entire family in enforcing them, such as wiping down dogs in entryways or vacuuming. Look to pet experts like Dog Leader Mysteries for tips on everything from deodorizing and cleaning to grooming that minimizes hair and dander so pets and humans alike can live happily ever after.

Ultimately, the right pet will bring more love and joy to the family than trouble, which makes them among the best gifts you can ever give your kids. And the lessons they can potentially pick up in the process? Priceless.

 

Our guest blogger, Kristin Louis, offers dog lovers and hopeful dog parents keys to successful dog raising. I do love her writing.