FALSE PREGNANCY IN DOGS....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING....

from Helpful Buckeye and the support staff (Desperado) here at Questions On Dogs and Cats!!!

When it comes down to expressing "Thanks" for any goodness we have experienced this year, we all have our personal sentiments. As the writer of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye is thankful for all of our readers, old and new, who visit with us each week as we talk about dogs and cats. Your contributions to this blog, by way of e-mails, comments, and answering the weekly poll questions, have added to the diversity of topics for discussion during the year. Thank you!

This is also a great time to express our collective thanks for all of the dogs and cats we have been fortunate enough to have had as parts of our families. The following collection of thoughts about our pets was sent to Helpful Buckeye by Barb R. in Virginia:

If I Didn't Have Pets....

• I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.


• My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.


• All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.


• When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like the kennels and I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.


• I could sit on the couch the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.


• I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree -- dog bones, stuffed animals, nor would I have to answer to people why I wrap them and place the gift tags on them.


• I would not be on a first-name basis with the veterinarians.


• The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.


• My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.


• My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.


• I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L-, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, or W-A-L-K.


• I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.


• I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog ties them down too much.


• I'd look forward to spring and the melting of snow instead of dreading mud season.


• I would not have to answer the question: "Why do you have so many dogs/animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by something as close to an angel as they will ever get.


• How empty my life would be....

A big, hearty "Thank You" to all of our pets, past and present, for making our lives much more enjoyable!

The poll question from last week yielded a lot of responses and none of them were "It's a bad idea." Every response was in the direction of favoring some type of penalty for allowing one's dog to become obese. The general feeling from e-mails was that the owners should be made to suffer from a pet's obesity rather than the pet bearing all the consequences. There will be an update a little later in this issue on the story about the British dog owner who had his dog confiscated for allowing it to become grotesquely obese. Remember to answer this week's poll questions in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) Not only have a few cats been sick with H1N1 (Swine Flu), but now it appears that a cat in Oregon has died from the infection. As reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association, this fatality is awaiting a final confirmation: http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus/default.asp

2) In a related story, the Food & Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission have teamed up to stop an advertised product from being touted as a prevention for H1N1:
A pair of federal agencies teamed up for the first time to demand that a website stop offering fraudulent H1N1 influenza supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a joint letter to the administrator of the website, drweil.com. In the letter, the agencies told the website owners to stop marketing their "Immune Support Formula." The website sells a supplement, astralagus, which it says can prevent the flu.
"Astragalus ... is ... used traditionally to ward off colds and flu, and has demonstrated both antiviral and immune-boosting effects in scientific investigation," the site says. The FDA-FTC letter says that the company's marketing efforts to sell unapproved H1N1 flu-related products is a "potentially significant threat to the public health."

This news was reported on the American Animal Hospital Association web site: http://trends.aahanet.org/eweb/dynamicpage.aspx?site=trends&webcode=newsdetail&articleKey=5c3b0461-5be1-4e0d-b4d1-fd480ab22c08

Buyer beware!

3) On a more tame note, the American Kennel Club has announced that it will be recognizing 3 new breeds for registration in the AKC by the end of this year: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4013

The breeds are not really "new" breeds to most of us, because they have been around for a long time. They are the Bluetick Coonhound, Boykin Spaniel, and Redbone Coonhound, becoming the 162nd, 163rd, and 164th registered breeds of the AKC. The spaniel will join the Sporting Group and the coonhounds will join the Hound Group.

Bluetick Coonhound

Boykin Spaniel

Redbone Coonhound

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Your female dog has just finished her heat cycle. You're thrilled to be done with that 3-week phase of excitement that involves a nervous female dog, male dogs hanging around her, and the sometimes messy discharge associated with the heat cycle. A few weeks later, she starts to show signs of nesting behavior, mammary gland enlargement and possibly milk production, and mothering of her toys or other inanimate objects. Could she be pregnant?

False Pregnancy In Dogs

False pregnancy (Pseudocyesis) occurs fairly commonly in dogs and very rarely in cats. At this point, those of you having a spayed female dog or a cat probably are figuring you have no reason to read any further. Not so fast...

False pregnancy is common enough that you will most likely hear it being discussed among your dog-owning friends and, you never know, you just might have a new dog in your future that could experience it. It's all about the learning, remember?

As the female dog is nearing the end of her heat cycle, the hormones progesterone and prolactin arrive at a certain balance as the dog "waits" to see if she is pregnant. Some of these females are more sensitive to the hormonal fluctuations and can start to show some interesting signs. A few weeks after the heat cycle is finished, they can start showing the mothering of their toys or inanimate objects, nesting behavior, milk production, and even show signs of going into labor...all without actually being pregnant! The dog's body is only responding to what her hormone levels are telling her.In most cases, if the symptoms are mild and not too bothersome for the dog or the owner, the condition will resolve itself in 1-3 weeks as the hormones reach their normal levels. No treatment is necessary for these cases. Even if you're feeling sorry for your dog, you for sure don't want to massage any of the swollen mammary tissue or that will just encourage further milk production. If the situation goes beyond 3 weeks or the dog is really uncomfortable, your veterinarian has a few pharmaceuticals that can help ease the signs.

In case there is any doubt that the dog has actually been bred and might be truly pregnant, that possibility can be ruled in or out by a careful history, abdominal palpation, ultrasound, and abdominal X-rays.

Unfortunately, a certain percentage of female dogs will show the signs of false pregnancy after each heat cycle. Spaying the dog while she is showing these signs is not the answer since that wouldn't change the hormonal balance right away. The surgery should be done as soon as the signs are completely gone and before the next heat cycle shows up.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

In last week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, Helpful Buckeye gave you a list of Thanksgiving Safety Tips from the ASPCA. With Thanksgiving approaching the American Kennel Club® is also offering safety tips for pet owners to make their Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday parties fido-friendly. Among them:

• Never give turkey bones to your dog; they pose a serious choking hazard for dogs.


• Always keep an eye on the Thanksgiving table and secure leftovers and garbage to prevent your dog from going through holiday foods.


• Don’t give your dog scraps from the holiday buffet. Stuffing, pies, cookies and fancy hors d’oeuvres are inappropriate foods for dogs and may make them sick.


• Keep burning candles on high tables or mantels out of the way of your dog’s wagging tail.


• Alcohol is toxic for dogs, even in small amounts.


• If you host a party, remember that some guests may be uncomfortable around dogs. Your dog may, in turn, be uncomfortable or frightened around a large group of unfamiliar people. You may want to confine your dog to a crate or a room that will not be used by guests.


• Stick as closely as possible to your normal routine. Try not to vary your dog’s feeding, walking and playtime schedule.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

1) Molly Mutt Dog Duvets provide a pet owner the much easier option of laundering the outer lining of your dog's bed. Check out their web site: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/16/pet-product-review-molly-mutt-dog-duvets/

GENERAL INTEREST

1) In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, "Research confirms that pilgrims weren’t the only passengers aboard the Mayflower. Turns out man’s best friend also made the transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England to Plymouth, MA in 1620. This Thanksgiving, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) celebrates the English Springer Spaniel and Mastiff, the two breeds who joined the pilgrims on their journey to the new world and who were the first to make dogs a part of everyday life for the earliest Western settlers. The earliest mention of dogs in America appeared in a 17th century journal called "Mourt's Relation" about the first years of life in the new world. According to this account, two dogs – an English Springer Spaniel and a Mastiff – were brought along by John Goodman. The dogs were involved in the first explorations of discovery on Cape Cod during the first winter ashore."

2) With all the festivities that accompany the holiday season, there is a greater likelihood of your pets having accidents around the house. For an interesting take on the use of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish detergent to take care of the stains and odors of pet accidents, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/homemade-pet-stain-removers/

3) A German company has designed an interesting and very fancy dog house, "The Alabama." for more about this creation, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/17/the-alabama-give-dogs-the-fancy-treatment/ and to (for the German version): http://www.bestfriendshome.com/hundehaeuser_alabama.html

4) One of my favorite actors, Sean Connery, has decided to come out of retirement and lend his voice to the lead character in the upcoming animated movie, Sir Billi. Why does this item make the "General Interest" list? Well, Sean will be the voice of a retired, skateboarding veterinarian! Read about it here: http://www.cinematical.com/2009/11/19/sean-connery-ditches-retirement-to-play-a-skateboarding-vete/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-ndl5link7http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cinematical.com%2F2009%2F11%2F19%2Fsean-connery-ditches-retirement-to-play-a-skateboarding-vete%2F

Helpful Buckeye will opt to stay with the bicycle, thank you!

5) One of our news items last week was the confiscation of an obese dog from its owner in Britain. More has been revealed about that story. The Animal Welfare Act of Great Britain has gained more awareness of pet owners as this type of penalty is handed down. Barney, the Dalmatian, was fed a steady diet of crisps and chocolate for years. Regular readers of Questions On Dogs and Cats will already know that Barney was lucky he didn't get enough chocolate in a short period of time or else he would be dead rather than obese. At any rate, here are the first photos to be released of Barney, first at 11 stone (154 lb.) when he was confiscated and then at 4 stone (56 lb.) when he was ready to be adopted.

Read the rest of this very interesting account at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1229188/Dog-owner-banned-keeping-animals-pet-dalmatian-balloons-11-stone-crisps-chocolate.html

SPORTS NEWS

The Pittsburgh Steelers limped into Kansas City after their miserable effort last week and laid another egg! Yep, they gave another game away in the last few minutes. The playoff lights are looking dimmer and dimmer....

The Ohio State Buckeyes beat Michigan yesterday for the 6th year in a row, to finish the regular season at 10-2. By winning the Big 10 title, the Buckeyes will be going to the Rose Bowl on New Years' Day. Our opponent has yet to be determined. By any normal standards, this was a pretty good year for the Buckeyes...however, when thinking of the national championship, it doesn't measure up.

PERSONAL STUFF

Helpful Buckeye will leave you with 3 quotes this week, all of them made by that famous quipster, "Anonymous":

"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise."

"If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them."

"There's a saying that the difference between being involved and being committed is like a ham and eggs breakfast: The chicken was involved; the pig was committed."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~

UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASE AND YOUR CAT....

Media coverage and conversation just can't seem to get away from the "flu"...both the annual influenzas and H1N1 (Swine Flu). We are presented with a barrage of information, ranging from the availability of vaccines to mortality statistics to more crossovers of H1N1 from humans to cats and ferrets. Where will it end? Influenza viruses have been around for a long time and have been shown to be very active in their evolutionary development. As these viruses evolve, they can present new challenges to their respective hosts. That's the main reason for the variations necessary in your yearly flu vaccine.

Now that influenza viruses have shown up in dogs and cats, a new diagnostic and medical challenge awaits those who care for these pets. In much the same manner as humans trying to tell the difference between the flu and a good, "old-fashioned" cold, a pet owner might be confused between a typical upper respiratory disease and one of the newer influenza infections. Dog Influenza (http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/08/dogs-get-flu-too.html) might be initially confused with Kennel Cough, which Helpful Buckeye discussed in last week's issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats (http://questionsondogsandcats.blogspot.com/2009/11/kennel-cough-and-your-dog.html). Likewise, a cat that has contracted H1N1...Swine Flu, as did a cat recently in Iowa, may be hard to distinguish from a cat suffering from Upper Respiratory Disease Complex.

As Helpful Buckeye has advocated since our first issue of Questions On Dogs and Cats, back in May 2008, a well-informed pet owner will make much better decisions concerning the health of their dogs and cats. This week's issue will present an overview of upper respiratory diseases in cats.


Helpful Buckeye received several e-mails about last week's topic of Kennel Cough in dogs, most of which were nicely summarized by this comment from "K" in Singapore: "I'm writing in regards to your article on kennel cough. The article is very helpful and I wish I had known more about it before my pups caught it." Hopefully, our readers will pick up several tidbits of helpful knowledge each week that will help them to either prevent or avoid many of the diseases that confront our dogs and cats.

Our poll question from last week produced 24 responses, both online and by e-mail. There were 14 respondents who have had a dog diagnosed with kennel cough and 10 who were really fortunate to have avoided this aggravating disease. Remember to answer this week's poll question in the column to the left.

CURRENT NEWS OF INTEREST

1) In keeping with our opening theme, the Mayo Clinic had presented this comparison for use in determining whether you might have the flu or just a cold: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flu-symptoms/FU00013

2) The ASPCA has announced a new research effort directed at Canine Influenza:

Groundbreaking Canine Influenza Study Spearheaded by ASPCA

Last week, the ASPCA announced the launch of a three-year research study of the Canine Influenza Virus, a highly contagious respiratory illness. Funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, the groundbreaking study—conducted by Dr. Miranda Spindel, ASPCA Director of Veterinary Outreach, and Dr. Gabriele Landolt of Colorado State University's Department of Clinical Sciences—will help animal shelters develop effective testing and control methods to limit the transmission of the disease. "Canine influenza is a newly emerging disease that does not discriminate by breed or age," says Dr. Spindel. "The virus is easily transmitted between dogs housed in close contact with each other, and is especially problematic for animal shelters. This study seeks to address this vulnerable population.” First identified as a respiratory pathogen in 2004, CIV has spread widely among dogs in the United States. The virus is transmitted in droplets created by coughing and sneezing, and other symptoms include fever, rapid breathing, loss of appetite and lethargy. With proper and timely treatment, the disease’s fatality rate is quite low.

DISEASES, AILMENTS, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Following the discussion last week of Kennel Cough in dogs, Helpful Buckeye got several e-mails from cat owners inquiring about whether cats can catch Kennel Cough and if there are comparable diseases in cats. The answer to the first question, at least for now, is a simple "No" and "Yes"....

By that, "No" means that the Kennel Cough complex of infectious agents has not been shown to occur in cats; however, the "Yes" refers to recent findings of the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria being discovered in the upper respiratory tract of a few cats. So, until some involvement of the Parainfluenza virus is established, cats will not be afflicted with Kennel Cough.

The answer to the second question is a most definite "Yes." Even though the infectious agents are different, cats do suffer from upper respiratory diseases, some of which present a greater challenge to your cat than Kennel Cough does to your dog.

Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex

Feline upper respiratory disease complex includes those illnesses typified by runny nose, conjunctivitis, excessive tear production, salivation, and oral ulcerations. The principal diseases, feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV) infections, affect exotic cats as well as domestic species. Feline pneumonitis ( Chlamydophila [formerly known as Chlamydia] psittaci ) appears to be of lesser importance. FVR and FCV are host-specific agents and pose no known human risk of infection. Chlamydophila has been reported to cause conjunctivitis in humans. FVR and FCV account for about 90% of upper respiratory infections in cats and there can actually be simultaneous infection with both viruses.

Natural transmission of these agents occurs by way of aerosol droplets produced by sneezing and coughing, contact with the discharge from the eyes and nose of an infected cat, and contact with contaminated food dishes, hands, and bedding. Cats that have recovered from either of these infections can harbor the virus for months, with FCV being shed continuously and FVR being shed intermittently.

Signs and Symptoms

It can often be impossible to differentiate between infections with FVR and FCV. However, there are several differences that can help identify which infection is present:

• Sneezing is common with FVR...uncommon with FCV


• Oral ulcers are rare with FVR...common with FCV


• FVR rarely progresses to pneumonia...FCV commonly includes pneumonia


• FVR can cause abortions...FCV does not


• High fevers (105 degrees) common with FVR...no consistent pattern with FCV


• Severe loss of appetite with FVR...only mild appetite loss with FCV


• Severe depression is common with FVR...only mild depression seen with FCV

Chlamydophila infections usually involve conjunctivitis, with some occasional sneezing and fever. They can progress from just a watery eye discharge to that of a mucus and pus combination.
Treatment

As with many viral diseases, treatment for FVR and FCV is mostly symptomatic and supportive. If there are secondary bacterial implications, antibiotics (either oral or for the eyes) may be included in the treatment plan. Supportive treatment would include:

• Keeping the eyes and nostrils clear of discharge


• Increasing humidity with a vaporizer...or putting the cat in a closed bathroom with a hot shower running


• Keeping the cat warm and quiet


• Correct dehydration by running fluids


• Force-feeding if necessary...either by running fluids or by installation of a feeding tube

Due to the very contagious nature of these viruses, cats with FVR and FCV usually should not be hospitalized unless they are quite ill and if they can be placed in some type of isolation.

Prevention

Prevention of FVR, FCV, and Chlamydophila can be greatly enhanced by the proper use of vaccinations against these agents. There are several different types of vaccines available and your veterinarian can suggest which will be best for your situation. None of these vaccines is 100% effective as vaccinated cats can still be infected with the viruses. These cats will usually only show very mild forms of the diseases but they can still be chronic carriers. For prevention of these diseases in groups of cats, additional control measures are advised. Routine vaccinations should be given to all cats, while new cats should be vaccinated and kept in isolation for at least three weeks. Multiple-cat households should be kept thoroughly clean, with overcrowding being avoided. Any suspected carriers of these viruses should be removed from the population and kept in isolation.

NON-MEDICAL CONCERNS

1) Part 3 of the ASPCA's winter health tips for your pets is here.

Cat Survives 2-Mile Ride in Car Engine: Points to Winter Danger

Recently, the country was mesmerized by the story of a tan-and-white Tabby cat from the Bronx, NY, who survived an unusual ordeal: a two-mile drive through his northern NYC borough, while stuck inside the engine of an SUV. The stray was so severely wedged inside that the battery and other engine parts had to be removed in order to free him. Though the story has a happy ending—two detectives from the NYPD's Emergency Service Unit pulled the cat, who is now recovering nicely, to safety—the incident points to a winter phenomenon that many felines do not survive.

During the winter, ASPCA experts explain, it’s common for outdoor cats to sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth and protection. Once the motor is started, however, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan or fan belt. One solution is for owners of vehicles to bang loudly on the vehicle hood before starting the engine or blow the horn. This gives a sleeping cat the chance to escape or announce his presence by meowing or moving around.

The danger doesn’t only apply to strays, however. Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, ASPCA Executive Vice President, warns: "For their own benefit and for the benefit of the communities where they live, owned cats should not be allowed to roam freely outdoors."

Pet parents, be aware: there are many other dangers that our animal companions face during winter.

• Keep your cat inside. When outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. And cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.


• Engine coolant is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.


• If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, minimize his time outdoors—briefly take him out, and only to relieve himself. This includes puppies, who can be paper-trained during the colder months rather than housebroken.


• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter—a longer coat will provide more warmth. And continue to brush your pet regularly during the winter months. This will remove dead hair and keep the coat clean to ensure better insulation. It will also keep natural oils distributed throughout the coat.

2) Thanksgiving Safety Tips From The ASPCA

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink. Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

• Talkin’ Turkey...If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.


• Sage Advice...Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.


• No Bread Dough...Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.


• Don't Let Them Eat Cake...If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.


• Too Much of a Good Thing...A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.


• A Feast Fit for a Kong...While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them rawhide strips, Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Check out these dog and cat beds from Dog Gone Smart Bed: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/11/pet-product-review-dog-gone-smart-bed-its-smart-for-cats-too/ According to the ad, they are anti-odor, anti-stain, and anti-hair buildup. What more could a pet owner want?

GENERAL INTEREST

1) What better way to get started this week than with a bunch of "crazy" cats? Enjoy their antics at: http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=15486

2) A Great Dane, named Titan, has been selected as the World's Tallest Dog by Guinness World Records: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/titan-the-great-dane-named-worlds-tallest-dog/ Helpful Buckeye wonders if this is considered the same as the "biggest" or the "largest" dog in the world. Uncertainty in terminology....

3) Apparently the powers that be in the United Kingdom have decided that it will no longer be tolerated for a dog owner to let their dog become obese. One obese dog was confiscated from his owner and another owner was fined the equivalent of $1900 for allowing his dog to be 100 lb. over its normal weight. Read the news story at: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/10/obese-dog-confiscated-from-owner/

4) We always hear about child-proofing a home, but here's your opportunity to learn more about cat-proofing your home: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/02/how-to-cat-proof-your-home/ There are 6 areas of interest in the home that this article covers.

5) The United Bamboo Cat Calendar presents some cats in interesting poses, wearing unexpected apparel: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/10/united-bamboos-cat-calendar/

6) Cat owners are known to wonder what their cat does all day when home alone. The folks at Purina have taken a first step toward providing some answers. Purina Friskies recently undertook a study to find out what cats do all day when they're home alone. They fitted 50 indoor cats with collar cameras to get a cat's eye view of the world. To learn about their findings, go to: http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/13/what-do-cats-do-all-day-just-ask-them/

7) This past Tuesday, 10 November, was the 26th birthday of Microsoft's Windows operating system. The first Windows operating system was released in 1983 and has gone through many upgrades, with Windows 7 just being released back in October. Most of us are using Windows, for better or for worse, as we share our interests in dogs and cats.

SPORTS NEWS
The Pittsburgh Steelers ran into an unexpectedly tough Cincinnati Bengal team today and lost the game, for their second loss to the Bengals this year. Perhaps the Bengals are for real? This loss puts a slight damper on playoff considerations.

The San Antonio Spurs are still close to the lead in their division, which isn't too bad considering they have been without Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.

PERSONAL STUFF

The Four Musketeers galloped into Scottsdale, AZ, and toured Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West this past week on a beautiful day.
From Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist and poet: "A friend is a gift you give to yourself"...Aramis, Porthos, Athos, and d'Artagnan....

Robert Louis Stevenson also contributed this quote, which reflects part of our stated goal for Questions On Dogs and Cats: "All speech, written or spoken, is a dead language, until it finds a willing and prepared hearer." Helpful Buckeye strives to help our readers be "willing and prepared hearers" so that your dogs and cats can benefit from your knowledge.

~~The goal of this blog is to provide general information and advice to help you be a better pet owner and to have a more rewarding relationship with your pet. This blog does not intend to replace the professional one-on-one care your pet receives from a practicing veterinarian. When in doubt about your pet's health, always visit a veterinarian.~~