When I adopted a lovely white cat named Beau, he instantly brought spice, song and a lot of fun into our household with his many quirks. My other two cats are for the most part pretty easy going. Their only concerns are when dinner time is, as they sleep in their cozy places and come out for petting or food here and there. With the addition of this big, white longhaired cat, their lives would never be monotonous again. Not with Beau around.

When introduced for the first time, Beau and Blackie hit it off immediately. Blackie is older, thin and doesn’t know he’s a cat. He loves everyone, and he instantly took to
the newest member of the household. When he saw 26-pound Fluffy, though, Beau was intimidated, letting out a horn-blasting “woo”, out of fear more than anything else. I now call this the “Beau alarm.” He simply is alerting the world that Fluffy is walking by. Poor Fluffy, I know where he is 24-hours a day. He is a gentle couch potato who usually just ignores it. Every once in awhile Fluffy slyly whacks Beau upside the head just for the heck of it. He just can’t resist instigating things just a little. It’s actually pretty funny, nobody gets hurt, it’s like two naughty boys harrassing one another with a game of “I’m not touching you”. They sort of have an ongoing like-dislike relationship.

Being highly sensitive, Beau is easily startled by shadows, lights and vibrations on the floor. His most common reaction is to make sounds from small chirps to loud horn blasts. He is the master of communication, and doesn’t let a little thing like deafness slow him down. For no reason at all, unprovoked, he stares up at the ceiling, gets a wild look on his face, fur twitching and eyes dilated as he bellows out a series of loud “woos” that can make you jump out of your chair if you aren’t expecting it. The hair on his back sometimes spikes up, as he gets all revved up, as if he wants to play with whatever imaginary friend he sees up there. He races around with his big, furry, white tail arched, until he gets tired. Beau makes up his own forms of entertainment, as normal toys just don’t do it for him.

I bought a laser disco light to give Beau an outlet for all that energy. The light reminds me of the old Spirograph toy I had as a kid, with constantly moving, colorful geometric patterns being blasted on the wall. Beau can hardly contain his excitement as he chases the lights he sees from the floor. The other two cats find watching Beau entertaining, as they sit on the sidelines. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Another way to wear off some of that intense feline energy is to open the curtains, and let the prism ball that hangs in the window fill the room with little rainbow dots. This is fun for all three cats, as they chase the constantly moving rainbows in unison. Beau and Blackie do their own rendition of Swan Lake ballet as they leap, twirl and bounce in the air. The whole goal to all of this is to tire Beau out, so he sleeps at night. When he sleeps, I sleep. His natural instinct is to party all night long.

It’s always good to keep a highly active cat things to do in general, so they don’t get bored. When Beau bored, all heck breaks loose as he takes matters into his own paws. Shelves are cleared, electrical cords get chewed, and my desk is invaded. Beau likes to get on it and unleash total havoc. First order of business is to stomp on the computer keyboard until it makes all sorts of exotic noises it shouldn’t. Then, clearing papers off horizontal surfaces is next. Important work papers? Be gone! If it’s in his way, it usually will end up in a big pile on the floor. Then, the treat jar is knocked off the desk, to get the food inside. My furry little “wild child” is methodical in his desk takeovers. It’s cute but I have to keep a close eye on him. His sensitivity is actually sweet, and I’ve come to accept his rambunctious, high-maintenance personality. It’s never a dull moment here with Beau around.

Our old apartment had large windows that the cats loved to sleep in. Beau would spread out on his back and luxuriate, but if he saw anyone walking down below, he’d perk up and yell a sonic-boom magnitude meow out the window at them. It didn’t matter if it was day or night. Gophers, squirrels and other critters ran in terror from the loudness. He simply greeted everyone as they passed by, with an angelic look on his face at all times. In our neighborhood, he was affectionately called “Opera Kitty”. Some even came to say goodbye as we moved. He had his own fan club. Who knew he would be such a “hit” by giving his daily concerts? I didn’t. Now, his concert career is pretty much over. I live on a lake, with large birds as neighbors. He knows they are bigger than he is, so he keeps quiet. Smart move.

After a busy day of playing, Beau makes a beeline for my lap, to cuddle. He has one eye on me at all times wanting to know where I’m at. He is dedicated and loving, and I wouldn’t trade him for a well-behaved cat any day. In owning him, I’ve come to realize that overly inquisitive and energetic pets add interest to life. Beau has taught me patience, and to have fast reflexes. When I see him perched on top of the hood of my oven, balancing on the drip coffee maker or luxuriating on top of my stereo speakers, I run and bring him down. He rules the roost here. In return, I get a beautiful, loving and dedicated pet. Blackie and Fluffy get a peer who keeps them on their toes. Our household is a more dynamic place with the addition of this lovely cat. Owning a highly active pet isn’t for everyone, but with a little patience and many forms of distractions, it can be trained to mellow out. We all have our own quirks. It’s our job to be understanding and patient with one another’s differences, it’s definitely worth all the effort.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: cafepress.com/twopurringcats cafepress.com/twopurringcats . Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

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When I was a kid, lo these many years ago, there were no leash laws. Dogs roamed freely and frequently got hit by cars, got into fights, created, through some mysterious process, new dogs to enhance, scare and delight the world.

We had a dog in our household. We didn’t own a leash; never even considered it. My uncle who lived with us claimed that he owned the dog. Maybe legally, but he worked nights and slept all day, so we took care of the dog. Dash was its name. My uncle had brought home two dogs, male and female; named them dot and dash after his interest in ham radio and Morse Code. Dot was not kept. My younger sister claimed that Dash belonged to her because he was a boy dog and Dot would have been mine because she was a girl dog. My sister, younger and smarter than me, applied some rare sort of logic with such biblical authority that I reckoned she must be right.

Dash was free to roam the neighborhood, but didn’t stray very far from the source of his livelihood which he perceived not as people but a dish which somehow magically kept being re-filled.

Neighbor dogs, on the other hand, intruded dangerously into other people’s business, especially if those people had dogs. One such pet was more interested in the amorous sensuality produced by the availability of human legs. This was distressing to all the neighbors. We never knew who owned that Don Juan Perro.

We had to keep water hoses and sticks ready to break up fights between a German Shepherd and his nemesis; a mongrel misnamed Duke. This was such a regular occurrence that it became something like tuning in The Lone Ranger on the radio at the designated time each day. (Are you beginning to see how old I am?)

Things are different today, what with Dobermans, Rotweilers and Pit Bulls creating havoc. (letters of protest from dog lovers welcome)

Most states or counties or cities have strict laws about dog freedom now. Here is a sample: “Any person owning, harboring, or controlling a male or female dog whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, licensed or unlicensed, sterilized or unsterilized, shall always keep such animal from running at large by either:
(A) Securely confining such animal within an adequate fence or enclosure, or within a house, garage, or other building or
(B) Accompanying the animal on a leash.”

This is serious business. Stray dogs are picked up by animal control centers and put in cages for awhile. Either they are adopted or destroyed. Destroyed means killed. The typical method for this is a chamber in which the dogs are shoved and the door is sealed and the air sucked out. This is more humane than it sounds since the dogs quickly go to sleep and don’t know what hit them.

Even so, not a pretty picture.

Dog owners who do not obey the law can be severely fined. If their dog kills a baby, the consequences are devastating to all concerned. The dog is usually killed, the owners may be jailed and fined and most certainly are ostracized by the neighborhood.

Bleak!

It is easy to find dog training schools. It is easy to secure your dog. It is easy to have your life ruined by being careless about your dog.

I wish you a merry neighborhood free of dog trouble.

Love thy neighbor as thy dog.

Jack Wilson is a writer and artist from Los Angeles and Phoenix.

geocities.com/galimatio/jackwilson.html geocities.com/galimatio/jackwilson.html

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Dog collars are one of the most common things a pet owner buys for his or her pet. Most people purchase a normal collar for their pet but there are many more options available today which would delight not only the buyer but also the dog.

Dog collars are of many different kinds, depending on the material used. These include cotton, nylon, leather, suede, metallic, handmade, woven, velvet, foam, and even gold, silver and platinum. They are designed in beautiful patterns such as polka dots, python prints, crocodile prints, animal prints, valentine, tuxedo style, denim, bandana, mink, crystal, bone, bows, Victorian, neon, glitter, mink, and others. Some collars are also being fitted with devices like speakers, RFID, GPS, reflectors, adjustable buckles, and other attachments.

Most people would not hesitate to spend a fortune to please their canine friends. Many manufacturers are taking this opportunity to design exquisite collars that would delight even the choosiest of pet owners and their friends. Some of the fanciest collars are those made of gold, silver, platinum or other expensive metals, embedded with precious and semi-precious gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and Swarovski crystals.

Some are also personalized with beautifully decorated beads that spell the pet’s name, or slide-on letters encrusted with gemstones. Some collars are also attached with attractive charms shaped like hearts, bones or the pet’s name, decorated with gemstones. Prices of these can start from $20 and may go up to $300 or more. Some manufacturers also allow the buyer to design the collar. This can also be done even online, over the manufacturer’s website. Dog collars are also provided with attractive buckles. Fancy dog collars are also available in wholesale quantities of 12 or 24.

e-dogcollars.com Dog Collars provides detailed information on Dog Collars, Personalized Dog Collars, Small Dog Collars, Fancy Dog Collars and more. Dog Collars is affiliated with e-DogClothes.com Designer Dog Clothes.

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We are all used to seeing the many advertisements on our televisions about protecting ourselves and our children from the summer sun, but do we ever think about protecting our pets? Probably not. However cats and dogs can get sun burnt too and with the same terrible consequences that causes, including the possibility of skin cancer.

Cats who are outside a lot during the summer, especially those with light coloured fur are particularly at risk from the effects of the sun and the heat. So before we let our pets outside on a summer’s day we must make sure we provide adequate care for them, just as we would for our children and ourselves.

Areas particularly at risk on your pets are their ears. They often have a much lighter covering of fur and this makes them much more likely to burn in the sun. Add this to the fact that cats will often spend hours laying in the sun and the risks of skin cancer rise dramatically. Often in Mediterranean countries you will often see a lot of cats with both their ears missing. This is because that the region receives a lot of hot sunny weather and skin cancer on cats has become so common that owners will often ask the vet to remove the cats ears to reduce the risk of them catching skin cancer. Another method used is to have the ears tattooed all over in black; this helps to reflect the sun and provides protection.

Of course there are other simpler methods to protect your pet from the effects of the sun. Simply remember when you let your pet out on a hot summers day, make sure you rub a high factor sun cream onto the ears and areas which are not as covered with a thick layer of fur. Some breeds have a very thin covering of fur all over, and it might be safer to keep these breeds inside on very hot sunny days.

Also make sure that you provide plenty of fresh water for your pet which is readily available all through the day. Perhaps have several bowls of water dotted about the garden in a cool spot. Of course making sure that there are plenty of shady places that your pet can keep cool is essential. The affects of heat stroke can come on very fast and if not treated promptly can be fatal. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke i.e. is panting very heavily and seems to be wobbly on their legs and disorientated. Cool them down immediately in a bath of cool water and then take them immediately to a vet.

All of the above are quite simple and affective steps, which will protect your pet during the summer months. A little time and thought could save both you and your pet any suffering and will ensure that summertime is enjoyed by every member of your family.

More cat health and cat care tips can be found at our site our-happy-cat.com our-happy-cat.com
A feline friendly community full of helpful advice and fun things to do to make sure you have a happy cat and a happy you.

Copyright 2007 Kate Tilmouth

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Tags: cat care, cat care tips, dot

If Asian Arowanas are still off-limits due to regulations and restrictions in your area, consider an alternative that has color, attitude, and size. The Australian Arowanas may not be quite as brilliant in hue as their Asian cousins, but both species possess interesting color patterns, large and distinct scales, and the same habits and care requirements as Scleropages Formosus.

Although they take longer to mature than any other Arowana species, neither of the Saratogas (as Australian Arowanas are called) is endangered. Both are generally available for purchase at much more modest prices than Asian Arowanas.

There are two separate species of Saratogas: Scleropages Jardini and Scleropages leichardti. There are some notable differences between the two including geographical location.

Northern Saratogas: Pearl Arowanas

Scleropages jardini are commonly known as Northern Saratogas, or Pearl Arowanas. As their name denotes, they are found in freshwater, coastal areas of Northeastern Australia. They are also native to New Guinea.

Northern Saratogas appear longer and narrower than Asian Arowanas. Their bodies are grey to golden in color with characteristically shiny scales sporting crescent shapes. The crescent shapes are made up of between one and three yellow-orange or red spots - the ‘pearls’ behind their common name. Northern Saratoga’s fins and tails are also spotted red. Unlike the Southern Saratoga, a pattern of undulating lines or dots may also decorate the gill plates of the Pearl Arowana.

Pearl Arowanas are generally larger than the Southern Saratogas. They may grow up to 35 inches in the wild. Although it is claimed they can reach up to 60lbs, 38 lbs. is the maximum recorded weight. In the aquarium, they tend to reach 25 - 30 inches.

Northern Saratogas are considered much more aggressive in the wild or in captivity than any other Arowana species. They are popular among Sport anglers due to their feisty and tenacious attitude.

Southern Saratogas: Spotted Arowanas

Scleropages leichardti are referred to as Southern Saratogas, or Spotted Arowanas. They are found in the Dawson/Fitzroy River system in Queensland, Australia, where they populate many tributary lakes and rivers. Southern Saratogas have also been established in non-native lakes and dams throughout other areas in the South.

Spotted Arowanas appear more green or silvery-green than Pearl Arowanas. Their spots do not decorate each scale on their flanks: instead, red-orange spots appear in rows that horizontally span their lengths. Lines of red spots are also present on their fins and tails. Fins and tails may match body-coloration, or appear somewhat darker. In general, Spotted Arowanas have smaller spots than Northern Saratogas.

Southern Saratogas may command a slightly higher price than Northern Saratogas. Hobbyists claim Spotted Arowanas are more tenacious leapers than the Pearl variety.

Saratogas in the Aquarium

Saratogas require nearly identical habitats and care to Asian Arowanas. Very large tanks with sturdy, leap-proof lids are a must. Water must be kept immaculately clean to promote optimum health of Saratogas. They should be fed high quality, live foods and a variety of commercial foods, as well.

Australian Arowanas are susceptible to many of the same illnesses and diseases as South-eastern varieties. Make use of a quarantine tank when introducing tank mates or live foods to prevent parasite infestation of your Australian Arowana tank.

In addition, take care to carefully acclimatize wild-caught Saratogas. When considering a fish for purchase from your local fish shop, observe it on site for several days to weeks to be sure it is healthy. Ask to see the fish fed to ensure it has a healthy appetite. Check carefully for parasites, wounds, or fungal infections. Mimic the water conditions of the successfully kept source tank carefully at home, and avoid stressing the newly arrived Saratoga for several days.

Unless you have an extremely large tank or pond, keep only one Australian Arowana and keep tank mates to a minimum. Saratogas (especially the Northern variety) are notoriously aggressive. Choose tank mates carefully and be prepared for altercations and the possibility of fighting and injury. Only large, bottom-dwelling fish or fast-moving, mid-tank swimmers are likely to be successful tank mates for an Australian Arowana.

Steven Yeoh is an avid arowana fish lover who is also involved with an asian arowana breeding farm. If you find his arowana information helpful, make sure that you sign up for his 7 days ecourse for the “New Arowana Hobbyists” at his main site as well as visit his very useful and informative blog.

Main site: arowana-care.com arowana-care.com

Arowana blog: arowana-care.com/aroblog arowana-care.com/aroblog

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