Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Petlife.
Adopt!
When you hear about people adopting pets you start thinking about shelters and how much better the life of the animal will be now that it has a home, but most people don't actually think about adopting a pet. Most people think about going through breeders, which I am not putting down as it is another way of getting a beautiful animal in to your life but going through a breeder is so expensive! Yes, you get the breed you were looking for and there is the anticipation of choosing your animal and waiting until they are able to come home but there are many other animals that do not have a home and are being put down due to over crowding shelters.
Must Love DogsPublished 4 years ago in Petlife
How To Train Your Cat To Use The Litter Box
Did you adopt a cat or kitten? Has this sweet addition to the family had an accident on the floor or carpet? Not to worry, cats are among the cleanest animals and in most cases training them to use the litter box is fairly easy. Cats are like people, they like a clean place to their business and they like it private.
Conny ManeroPublished 4 years ago in Petlife
Born a dog, died a gentleman
At first I wanted to pick a sweet photo, or something beautiful, maybe a sunset, children playing but then I stumbled across this photo....His last moments, His last breathe, his last few kisses he gave before he left this world forever. This is the last photo of my sweet boy Bronnie before he was euthanized. It’s raw, it’s painful, it hurts to think back on these last moments. Most of us have been there and if you haven’t you can still imagine the pain. That moment when you have to decide is this the right thing to do? The vet says “It’s time” but you can’t help but think What if the Vet is wrong? What will I tell my kids? Am I selfish for wanting him to stay?
All I Have
This is the last photograph I took of my beautiful Daisy May in her favorite place on earth, Vermont. I got Daisy from a breeder in Maine, where we lived out most of our lives. I met my now husband online in the Fall of 2015, and I moved to Vermont with Daisy in tow in June of 2016. She LOVED Vermont, almost as much as she loved listening to Reba McEntire on our car rides. She adored my husband from the start, and would rather cuddle up with him than me. My husband and I moved back to Maine in August of 2016...not the choice I really wanted, but he wanted to get out of Vermont. Every trip to see his folks we brought Daisy along, and all you had to say was, “Daisy wanna go to Vermont?” And that nine-year-old dog would become a puppy again. She would have this big grin all over her face the entire ride up there, and when it came time to go back to Maine she would hide behind my in-laws couch because she wanted to stay there. A couple months after this picture, Daisy jumped off the bed and started walking like she was drunk. I figured she had hurt her back or her hips. She had been fine all day. Daisy went outside and laid down in a snowbank, and refused to get up. My husband scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the car. We rushed her to the emergency clinic, and she laid down on their floor and refused to get up. They brought a cart out and we lifted her up onto the cart. My husband and I were brought into a room to give the history of why she was there. Daisy was wheeled out back of the clinic. A few minutes later a veterinarian came in and showed me a syringe full of blood and said that her spleen had a tumor on it that burst and she was internally bleeding. The veterinarian recommended euthanasia, because they could do surgery and blood transfusions and chemo, but she could be right back to where she is now in three months. I agreed with the veterinarian. Daisy has been too good of a dog to me over the years, and had helped me through some of the darkest times of my life. I couldn’t let her suffer another minute. They brought us into a dimly lit room, and my husband and I sat on the floor with Daisy as the veterinarian administered the euthanasia solution. The last thing my beautiful Saisy May heard was me telling her to go to Vermont and be with her chickens that she loved so much. As soon as I said that I watched her peacefully take her last breath. My husband and I were devestated...she was our baby, and she was fine all day. Then at 5pm we are sitting on a vet clinic floor crying and saying goodbye to the most beautiful soul anyone could ever wish entered their life. RIP Daisy May 12/28/2008-11/23/2018❤️❤️❤️
Casey EmersonPublished 4 years ago in Petlife
My type of pet😊🐭
when most people go to get a pet they want like a cat or a dog the normal cute adorable pets, some might even want a bird, and there is nothing wrong with that! cats, dogs, and birds are all cute, but I don’t think that those are my type of pets. My type of pet would actually be a rat or a mouse, I know a rat! Most of you are probably thinking eww or gross but rats are stupidly intelligent and if you spend enough time and work into it they are very easy to train! I know someone who potty trained there rat and my rat, April is trained to come to me when I call her. She gets plenty of free time and she’s super friendly and good with other people. So next time someone says something about having a strang animal as a pet, think about all the pros to it and not just the cons cause they might have a really really cool animal!! Like April for example April is super super friendly and she’s really good with people she’s very playful and friendly! Let’s go over all the good things about her now. Trust me when I tell you, there’s a lot of them. One of the reasons they would make a good pet is when people go “eww a rodent” and say they are dirty Pet rats are just as clean as any other animal. They actually spend more time a day cleaning themselves than cats do! They are rodents, so they do have a slight "musky" smell, but all animals have a scent to them. Rats are very clean animals. That’s only one reason why they are good pets! The Rat assistance and teaching society states that Some rats are more intelligent than dogs! They can be trained to do a number of tricks recognize their name and come when called and some as I said earlier will even use a litter box! Recent studies have shown that rats can feel the same emotions as humans such as empathy helpfulness and even loneliness which is why it is so important for rats to have either an owner that plays with them daily and constantly or another rat companion with them. Rats would also make a great first pet for small children between the ages of nine and up rats are one of the few cats that are great for children unlike other pocket pets such as hamsters rats rarely bite the only time they will bite is if they feel highly threatened or scared by a person or animal. Rats love their sleep but they also love humans if they are in a nap and they are enjoying that now they will wake up to be handled by humans because they love people and they love being played with in socializing with humans. Rats are great pets for children and not only will the children get attached to them but you will too! Rats are smart and pathetic and they form lifelong bonds With each other and their owners. Fun fact, did you know even some celebrities like rats and there’s also a temple dedicated to them! Rats are smart friendly and like to cuddle making them great companions for families and kids! Caring for a pet rat isn’t that complicated you just have to make sure that you have the right cage accessories and toys for your pet. Pet rats also live up to 2 to 3 years because they are hidden from wild and with access to nonstop food and water so these are long lasting pets for your children and even some adults love their rats! If you were to get a rat make sure to keep it in an area of your house where there’s not too much sunlight bright areas of sunlight can cause stress and harm to their eyes. Another fun thing about rats is they love to climb so if you get a rat make sure to have large areas for it to climb. Rats are more active at night because they are nocturnal creatures and this is when they normally go hunting but this could be easily fixed as when you get a route you are to train your rat to sleep during night and stay awake during daytime. This is my type of pet I hope you enjoyed my story this is all based on true events in true facts. I hope you enjoyed my story have a good day!
Who Keeps a Pet After a Divorce?
Pets are an important part of our lives and many of us consider them a part of the family. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, 67% of households in the U.S. own a pet. During a divorce, couples have to make tough decisions about child custody, alimony, dividing property, and about who gets to live with the family pet. This conflict can be solved outside of court through mediation and a visitation schedule could also be drafted so that all parties can still see and be involved in the pet’s life. However, there are times when an agreement can’t be reached, and a judge must step in and decide who gets custody.
Mariela CorellaPublished 4 years ago in Petlife
Financial Management For Pet Owners
Pet ownership is on the rise in the United States, with an estimate of more than 50% of households owning a pet. There are so many good things about owning a pet, including the love and companionship they offer to all members of the family. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or even some of the less traditional pets, animals are often considered an important part of the family and are therefore treated as such. This means that owning a pet requires expenses and may reach paying thousands per year on their supplies, as well as their health and wellness. According to Forbes, people who own large dogs spend at least $1,570 a year, for an average lifespan of 12 years. If you have a pet or want to own one, here are few financial planning tips to help you out:
George SwaggerPublished 4 years ago in Petlife
Touch
Life is all about moments, and if we are lucky enough these moments are captured in their purest form. This photo to me is one of those moments. An unexpected photo for the individual within the frame, but a photo that captures the true essences of everything in that moment. A moment captured in its purest form.
Lesette CampbellPublished 4 years ago in Petlife
Should We Give CBD to Our Dogs?
Cannabidiol is one of the most valuable extracts from cannabis in terms of health benefits, and it is sometimes being used in place of prescription drugs for humans. Considering that there is an overlap in what humans and dogs can consume, people are also using it for their pets in the same manner.
Jonathan GPublished 4 years ago in Petlife
Piecing Me Back Together
So ; over the last few years my days have consisted of going to work and taking my bestfriend to work who lives with me as well as my usual extra curricular activities during my time off . Pushing further back in time , I had a Yorkie pup and his name was Blu , I had a deep man’s bestfriend relationship with him immediately because he was to rough for his previous home so I was the exact playmate he needed . A solid year passes by and Blu has his first birthday with us and also moved into the new house that myself and my mom could finally call home for a long time til present day which is about 3 years now . One hot ass day came over us and Blu ends up goin on an exploration somehow after I scolded him for running in the street and put him in the garage to go inside ; I left for 10 minutes and come back to find him missing . I search , I drove , I yelled and cried because my bestfriend was gone and I didn’t really know how to deal with it because I didn’t even know how I lost him . Heartbroken and torn I just look at all his birthday toys he didn’t get to play with and the bear he was given to hump to his hearts content and I almost lost it every time but I had to keep pushing . A year or so passes and in the midst of taking my bestie to work we see a sign reading “shitzu puppies for sale” and even more so we see them through a opening into the backyard and we melted ! One day we give the door a knock ...and another knock ...and another just to receive no answer . I drive by this sign every day of the week taking her to work so it’s burning inside that these people were keeping us from our happiness (LOL) . Coming home from picking her up we see the group of seniors sitting outside the home peeling shrimp and I don’t even think to stop because I’m still hurt they didn’t answer the first time but the sign was still up so Joy (Bestie) says “hey let’s go over there” I look sideways but I don’t disagree and hit the turn around and park along side the road . We walk uphill to flies and A horrid shellfish smell but keep our friendly composure and greet them and ask simply about the puppies . “ We only got one left” he said “ we growing attached to her so I’m not sure if we wanna let her go “. I looked at him sideways and understanding but pissed cause you people didn’t answer the door 2 weeks ago 🙄 . Next thing i know , the older women of the house came outside with a adorable little black and white dog that literally put my heart in my stomach . She brought her to me and joy and I fell so in love with her I couldn’t stand it . She sat by my feet and looked up at me like she knew who her new dad was already and I told them I want her in my life NEOW!! He gave me a reduced price and agreed to take down the sign and wait for us first thing Friday morning (pay day ) . Friday comes I grab the money and go get the new piece of my heart to come home with us . She Is raised in two homes with me and with joy’s family when we both work and even our homies dog sit ( she only trusts people that she knew as a puppy) seeing anybody that helped raised her used to send her in a pee pee frenzy but with time and growth (and serious house training ) Kiely learned her name and how to hold that bladder . This story could go on and on but the whole idea of it was to say this dog filled something inside me I never thought I would have again since I lost Blu . She sleeps with me every night behind my knees or on my chest or even above my head and when I go to work she’s work momma joy . She’s never on a leash because she hates them with a passion , if you smile and call her name she’ll leap into your arms damsel style and just roll over for a belly rub like she does every time we come home . Kiely has been the cutest thing to every happen to our lives and it feels really good when someone is ALWAYS happy to see you even when you just wake up . Her little ass is waiting to pounce on me or Joy to wake up and love her and that’s what I’m about to get back to doing now while she sitting here staring at my type about how great she is . I love you Kiely . Thanks for piecing me back together . Your the best dog in the universe . And You too Blu . Wherever you are I hope you are safe , happy and loved .
Keon LovettePublished 4 years ago in Petlife
Aging: Finding Companionship and More in Dogs
Growing older can cause loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart problems or diseases, higher stress, brain changes, faster cognitive decline, decreased memory, and a higher chance of drug abuse. As we grow older, how do we combat this? From 1998 to 2019 the number of people in the United States owning a dog went up 56%. The American Pet Products Association reported that 63.4 million households in the United States own dogs, according to their National Pet Owners Survey. Other than their obvious popularity and cute factor, owning a dog can benefit older adults in many ways.
Grace HazzardPublished 4 years ago in Petlife
How Owning a Dog Can Help to Reduce Stress
Having a pet and having a dog specifically has been linked to many medical benefits. Pets ultimately help to reduce loneliness, stress, cholesterol, depression, and blood pressure. Who knew having a dog could bless you with the gift of life.
