Archive for March, 2010

Irish Wolfhounds

Monday, March 15th, 2010

The most distinguishing physical feature of the Irish Wolfhound is its great size. Built like a very muscular greyhound, the Irish wolfhound male can attain the stature of a small pony. Its large, long head tapers to a medium point and is held high.

Ears are small and stay close to the head except during moments of intensity. Strong shoulders, a muscular neck, a deep chest and a retracted abdomen give the dog its characteristic body shape. Paws are large and round. The tail is carried between the legs, curving slightly upward. The coat is rough, shaggy, wiry and especially bushy over the eyes and under the jaw. The Irish Wolfhound is graceful with an easy yet powerful gait. Historically these dogs had to not only possess speed but endurance, allowing them to follow their prey and hunt it down. They had to be hardy enough to withstand being injured whilst using their own brute force to bring the prey down.

The modern representation of the breed appears to be a dog capable of doing just that. Generally breeders aim for a height range of 34 to 38 inches at the withers in males,  30 to 35 inches for females. Generally acceptable weight 101–154lbs.

Read more at Wikipedia.com

Mad March Birthday Celebrations!

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Bane having a snooze after a long birthday celebration!

“Bane,” one of our many honored guest visitor. While his parents go on a vacation – “Bane” vacations here!

Any plans going somewhere without your pet? Call us to make reservations for their stay at our Clinic.

Our boarding facility provides a safe, secure, comfortable environment including:

  • Electronic air exchange system.
  • Veterinary, dental and bathing services available.
  • Special diets arranged upon request.
  • Protection from fire and theft.
  • A great back yard for running and playing.

Visit our Boarding page for even more information

Lord of the Pounce, by Marc Gunn

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Domesticated cats have been a part of our human culture for centuries. So I decided to make this song tell the story of cats as a part of the human experience, but with heavenly beginnings that will never end.

I pounced in the morning when the world was begun.
I pounced on the moon and the stars all for fun.
I leaped down from heaven, and I pounced on the earth.
When I pounced my first mouse, I had my birth.

Pounce, pounce, wherever you may be
I am lord of the pounce, said he.
I’ll run under feet, wherever you may be.
And I’ll leap on you in the pounce, said he.

I pounced on the papyrus of the Egyptians
They wouldn’t play so I stole their feather pens
I pounced on the fish caught by James and John
They fed me fish then the pounce went on.

I pounced on the Sabbath, rubbed my head against the lame.
Many people shook their head, said this feline was insane.
I may nap after pouncing, do not think I am gone.
For I just saw a rat, so the pounce goes on.

I and my lady meowed a song across the plain
The birds came down, and we pounced on each of them.
On the bedchamber floor, I laid my carrion.
Then I raced out the door and I pounced again.

I dog jumped down, so I leapt up high.
I have nine lives that will never, never die.
I’ll pounce on you though you bark at me
I am the Lord of the Pounce, said he.

Please visit Marc Gunn’s website to purchase his CD.

Berni’s Corner

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Have you ever noticed the characteristics of your pet, especially when they sense that you are going out of town.  They follow you everywhere and give you those sad looking eyes. They lay in their bed and watch you pack, with those sad looking eyes.  What about when there is a change of routine.  “Kitty” was so used to his owner on certain days where they would spend time together watching TV.  Then all of a sudden, no owner, no TV, no spending time together.  “Kitty” told his owner off by ignoring her, no sleeping in her bed, no greeting at the door!  This shows you that pets do have feelings too!

All About Guinea Pigs

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

A special guinea pig has 3 extra toes!

The guinea pig, also commonly called the Cavy, is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae and the genus Cavia. Despite their common name, these animals are not pigs, nor do they come from Guinea. They originated in the Andes, and studies based on biochemistry and hybridization suggest they are domesticated descendants of a closely related species. The guinea pig plays an important role in the folk culture of many Indigenous South American groups, especially as a food source, but also in folk medicine and in community religious ceremonies. Since the 1960s, efforts have been made to increase consumption of the animal outside South America.

In Western societies, the guinea pig has enjoyed widespread popularity as a household pet since its introduction by European traders in the 16th century. Their docile nature, their responsiveness to handling and feeding, and the relative ease of caring for them, continue to make the guinea pig a popular pet. Organizations devoted to competitive breeding of guinea pigs have been formed worldwide, and many specialized breeds of guinea pig, with varying coat colors and compositions, are cultivated by breeders.

Biological experimentation on guinea pigs has been carried out since the 17th century. The animals were frequently used as a model organism in the 19th and 20th centuries, resulting in the epithet “guinea pig” for a test subject, but have since been largely replaced by other rodents such as mice and rats. They are still used in research, primarily as models for human medical conditions such as juvenile diabetes, tuberculosis, scurvy, and pregnancy complications. Click here to view the Wikipedia source for more information.