National Puppy Day March 23rd

Some of our best mates are pets of all descriptions.
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Dot
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Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2012 6:12 pm
Location: Strathalbyn SA

National Puppy Day March 23rd

Post by Dot »

Thursday March 23 is National Puppy Day, which celebrates everything heart-warming and adorable about puppies and, more importantly, highlights the plight of puppies in animal shelters and puppy farms.

Bringing a puppy into your home isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. There’s no denying puppies bring unconditional love, and a hefty dose of fun, with every wag of their cute little tails. But, can you guarantee to reciprocate that love by researching your choice of pet thoroughly, providing a little one with a safe and appropriate environment, and ensuring you feed a diet that promotes health and wellbeing from adolescence right through to your pet’s twilight years?

Here are some things to consider before making the decision to extend your family with a four-legged friend…

Purchase responsibly
Do your research before making your choice. There are still too many puppy farms and unscrupulous breeders out there. Only buy from respected, registered breeders. Do your research, request testimonials from past purchasers, and make sure the breeder can provide you with the parents’ medical history, particularly if the breed you’re considering has known health issues. If you can’t meet a puppy’s mum, don’t buy the puppy. It’s hard to walk away but that’s the only way to stamp out puppy farms once and for all.

Don’t buy, adopt
Better than buying from a breeder, why not save a puppy or an adult dog that’s looking for its forever home from one of the many rescue groups around the country. Many breed groups have rescue services, just Google and ensure that the group you have chosen is registered and has an ABN.

Choose wisely
Think carefully about the home you’re bringing your new pet into before you make your selection. Can you provide enough exercise for your chosen breed? Is there enough space in your home – and garden – to accommodate the breed you’re considering? Can you afford to vaccinate your pet and pay for veterinary care when required? Will your pet need training, or regular grooming, and do you have time to do it? Again, researching your chosen breed is the key here to ensure your pet is compatible with your environment and lifestyle. Any doubts, and it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

Set your puppy up for a long, healthy life
Don’t kid yourself, puppy ownership isn’t cheap and one of the main – and most important – investments you’ll make over the lifetime of your pet will be feeding them.

The food you choose for your pet can set them up for a healthy, happy life, or consign them to a lifetime of skin, joint and weight problems.

A diet that mimics nature is the best way to ensure your puppy gets the nutrition, healthy growth, strength and vitality it needs. I always recommend puppy owners feed a balanced, fresh meat diet from the time their puppy is weaned (usually between five and six weeks old).

This is the diet canines have evolved on for millions of years. As I always say “dogs can’t cook,” and feeding highly processed, heat-treated pet foods is intrinsically linked to the rapid decline in health, fertility and longevity that many of our ‘best friends’ suffer from today.
Queen of the Banal & OT chatter and proud of it. If it offends you then tough titty titty bang bang.
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Greynomad
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Re: National Puppy Day March 23rd

Post by Greynomad »

Dottie,
I agree with all you've said.
We're on Labrador #6, all pure-breds with papers (bought as 8-week-olds) until the last; an 18-month-old (at time of adoption) rescue dog with psychological difficulties.
Labs #1~#5 all had at least one parent which was an Aust Champion show dog; two came from double-champ parents. No idea about Paddy's parentage, but from his looks they were both 100% Labrador.
We also adopted our son's Beagle when he married a lass who is allergic to dog & cat fur. :roll:
(See 'portrait' on 'Photo of the Month' page. :D)
They are now aged 11 and 12 respectively.
Lots of fun & love... to & from! :P
Regards & God bless,
Ray
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