Breed of The Month - Pixie Bob

Pixie Bob

Picture from: http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/pixiebob#finding

The breed of this month is the Pixie-Bob. These adorable cats originated in the United States and would be a perfect companion for any owner - novice, experienced, alone or a family. They are generally very healthy with little genetic problems, but do need regular grooming. You can expect them to shed a lot and often, so regular brushing is recommended. They are active, playful cats with at least 10-15 minutes of activity a day, but they can also stay alone at home for 4-8 hours at a time. They are not very vocal and are great with people of all ages. The average weight for males is between 11-14 pounds and females is between 9-11 pounds.

In conclusion, a Pixie-Bob cat would be a great fit for a single home or a family home with children +/- other pets. Just make sure you are okay cleaning up hair :)

SOLAR ECLIPSE

Picture from: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/next-solar-eclipse-uk-7488838

With the Solar Eclipse looming around, I thought I would inform everyone of my recommendations for your pet. I honestly do not think our companion animals will be affected much since due to the short duration of the eclipse. However, no one knows for sure what will happen. My recommendations are as follows:

1. The best option is to keep your animal indoors with windows covered. This way there is no possibility for exposure of their eyes to the dangerous rays of the sun. 

Picture from: https://www.amazon.com/Precision-
Pet-Indoor-Outdoor-Crates/dp/B001HSNXGC

2. If you must bring your pet with you, then have a crate that can be covered during the eclipse. I promise they won't mind missing it. 




3. If neither option 1 or 2 is possible, then keep your dog focused on something else during the eclipse, so they don't look up at the sun (though this is a rare possibility). Feed them a lunch, give them a peanut butter or cream cheese filled kong or a bone to chew on. 

Picture from: http://noten-animals.com/kong-toys-for-dogs/

If you have further questions, please let me know as I will be happy to help. You can either comment or send me an e-mail: dr.rueschhoff@gmail.com

I hope everyone enjoys the Eclipse, but don't forger to take safety precautions yourself. 

Mutts Are Best

Mutts Are Best!!!

You might be asking yourself why I think mutts are the best dogs, aren't pure bred animals supposed to be the top breeds? A lot of people are misinformed when it comes to this topic. I have listed my top 5 reasons I love mutts below: 

1. Mutts are the cheapest to adopt. Most mutts (other than the mixed "designer" mutts, such as the Goldendoodle) can be easily found at a local shelter or rescue group. These dogs are not thousands of dollars to purchase. There will be a fee to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue, but those proceeds go to help other dogs in need - to pay for their vaccines, medications and surgeries that are needed - not into someone's pocket for profit. 

2. Adopting a mutt = giving a dog in need a home. Most people do not seek out mutts and therefore, there are tons that have no homes. They were likely found on the streets or surrendered from an owner that can no longer care for them. You may even be saving one from a puppy mill. In my experience, these dogs are forever grateful and very faithful to their owners. 

3. Mutts are much healthier than pure-bred dogs or the "designer" breeds. This is because of the simple law of genetics (there is not really a law, I just find it fun to say). Pure-bred dogs are inbred. This means that siblings are chosen to reproduce, causing significant health problems. It is just like marrying your cousin and/or brother and having kids. You could give me a name of a purebred dog, and I am certain I will find a disease linked with that breed. This ranges from allergies, heart conditions, bone abnormalities, breathing issues, cancer and more. Mutts are a mix of genetics, just like most of the human gene pool. Mutts are a mixture of all different kinds of breeds, meaning that these recessive traits common in pure-bred dogs are masked by dominant genes and much less common to cause issues. 

4. Buying a pure-bred dog can mean you are buying from and supporting puppy mills. In my experience, I would say most pure-bred dogs bought from a puppy store actually come from a puppy mill. If a breeder will not let you see their breeding facility with the parents and puppy you want to purchase there, do not trust them! I have seen far too many people get conned this way. Buying a mutt guarantees that you are not supporting the Puppy Mills and getting ripped off. You may be purchasing a dog that came from a puppy mill, but you are rescuing that dog, which is very different. 

5. Mutts are unique. Every mutt looks different, which is opposite from pure-bred dogs. This is a personal preference. I like having something that no one else dose, which is another reason I continually find mutts to adopt :) 

These are my top 5 reasons why I love mutts. Please comment with your questions or any concerns you have regarding this issue. I cannot wait to talk to you :)