Ten Commandments for a Loving, Responsible Pet Owner...

The voice of a dog if he/she is able to talk :

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. YOU HAVE YOUR WORK, YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR ENTERTAINMENTS. BUT I HAVE ONLY YOU.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you.

7. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak.

8. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.

9. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch.

10. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so !

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Human food that are harmful for your dogs:

1. Onions (Both onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient Thiosulphate. But onions are more of a danger. Many dog biscuits contain *small* amounts of garlic – garlic contains less of this toxin so huge amounts would need to be consumed to be toxic. And, by the way, this poison builds up the system – it can be toxic in one large dose – or with repeated consumption of small amounts.)

2. Chocolate (Chocolate contains Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This can be fatal to dogs.)

3. Grapes (Grapes are dangerous because of an unknown substance which is toxic to dogs – affects canine’s kidneys)

4. Raisins (See above.)

5. Most Fruit Pits and Seeds (Contain Cyanogenic Glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning – though the fruit itself is OK.)

6. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia nuts contain an unknown substance that is toxic to dogs.)

7. Bones (Most bones should *not* be given (especially chicken bones) because they can splinter and cause laceration of the digestive system and/or become lodged in your pet’s throat – so they also pose a choking hazard.)

8. Potato Peelings and Green Potatoes (Contain Oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)

9. Rhubarb leaves (See above.)

10. Broccoli (Broccoli is only toxic in large quantities.)

11. Green parts of Tomatoes or Green Potatoes (Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.)

12. Yeast Dough (Yeast Dough can produce gas and swell in your pet’s stomach – leading to rupture of the digestive system)

13. Coffee, Coffee Grounds, Tea, Soft Drinks (Coffee, tea, & most soft drinks are dangerous due to the caffeine.)

14. Beer/Wine/Alcohol of any kind (Alcohol of any kind could lead to coma or even death.)

15. Human Vitamins (Human vitamins, especially those containing iron, can cause damage to the lining of the digestive system as well as cause kidney and liver damage)

16. Moldy or Spoiled Food (I think this goes without saying.)

17. Persimmons (Persimmons can cause intestinal blockage)

18. Raw Eggs and Raw Fish (Raw eggs and some raw fish can cause Salmonella poisoning.)

19. Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder (In large amounts these can cause an electrolyte imbalance – and severe electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle spasm or even congestive heart failure.)

20. Mushrooms (Mushrooms may contain toxins which could cause liver and kidney damage)

21. Sugar-Free Foods (Sugar-free foods containing Xylitol have been found to cause liver failure in some dogs.)

22. Nutmeg (Nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system damage.)

23. Excessive Fatty Foods (Excess fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis.)

24. Avocado (All parts of the avocado and avocado tree are toxic to dogs.)

25. Diary Products (Dairy products don’t usually pose a great danger; but many dairy product have high fat content (see number 23) – and many pets are lactose intolerant – some pets more than others. Lactose intolerance leads to gas and diarrhea; though small amounts of yogurt and cheese are usually fairly well tolerated.)

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What is Back Yard Breeder ?
If you happen to come across some people who possess the characteristics of always asking people to mate dogs, probably s/he just a BYB !
Oops, sound familiar to me !

(excerpt from a website - http://www.dogpeople.org/PuppyMill.htm )

These are individual people who breed their dogs and bitches for money or FOR HOBBY. They are NOT dog experts. They do not know how healthy their dogs are and how well they conform to the breed standards. These are ignorant people but pretend to be knowledgeable.

Many of these "backyard" breeders advertise their puppies through the newspaper classified ads. Some even post their advertisements in stores and supermarkets. Some supply to questionable pet shops. Many also try to sell their puppies through word of mouth. You should beware of acquaintances suddenly telling you so and so who is their "friend" coincidentally has puppies for sale.

If you buy from them, there is a high chance your dog is not free from genetic defects and is not a purebred as they claim.

It can be difficult to differentiate "backyard" breeders from good reputable breeders. Hence, it is very important to find out yourself.

If you were approached by some stranger who asked you to mate your dog with theirs, just tell it into their face: "Sorry, I am not a pimp!".


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确定狗狗健康的十大妙招

一看精神、看犬是否活泼，对外界反映是否正常，有无异常的神态，健康犬活泼、敏捷，见主人频频摇尾，以示亲近，对外界的刺激反应灵敏。如果犬头低尾垂，表情冷淡，呆立不动或缩于墙角，反应迟钝，即为犬生病的表现。

　　二看食欲、看犬有无食欲，食量多少，有无挑食或拒食等表现。健康犬食欲旺盛，每到喂食非常兴奋，采食迅速，食量稳定，不挑不拣。而病犬则食欲不振，食量减少，喜饮冷水或清水，，挑拣食物或拒食。

　　三看呕吐、看犬吃食后是否呕吐，或在清扫犬食时是否发现呕吐物。并主意观察呕吐物颜色、性壮和内容物等。健康犬不呕吐，只有发生传染性或胃肠道等疾病的犬才呕吐。

　　四看粪便、主要观察犬粪便形状、颜色、性质和内容物等。有无便秘和下痢，粪便有无特殊气味等。健康的犬大便呈条状、湿润，颜色依食物而定，无特殊臭味。如果犬粪稀软，粪中带血，有恶臭，或干硬、量少等，均为犬患病的特征。

　　五看姿态、看犬站、卧、坐等姿态有无异常，运动时有无跛行、步态蹒跚等症状。健康犬做各种姿态时自然、轻快、能听从口令。而病犬则不大执行口令，各种姿势不自然，强迫执行命令时有痛苦表情。

　　六看眼睛、看犬的眼睛是否红肿，有无流泪，角膜有无混浊，眼角处有无分泌物等。健康犬两眼有神，眼周干净，不流泪，结膜粉红。如见犬双眼无神、眼周不洁、结膜发红等，则可能与眼病或消化不良等病有关。

　　七看鼻镜、鼻镜的变化是判定犬有病与否的重要特征。健康的犬鼻端凉而湿润，有点小水珠，当犬鼻端干燥或鼻腔有浆液性、粘膜性或脓性分泌物时即为病态。

　　八看口腔、看犬的口腔有无红肿、溃疡和烂斑，有无特殊气味，吞咽有无困难等。健康犬口腔清洁湿润，呈粉红色，无口臭，不流涎。若口腔红肿、流涎、伴口臭则发病。

　　九看肛门、看犬的肛门周围是否清洁，有无异物或粪便附着，有无发炎、红肿或溃疡等。健康犬肛门周围清洁无异物，如附有粪便或红肿，多与消化道疾病、传染病或局部炎症有关。

　　十看皮肤、看犬的被毛有无脱落，皮肤的弹性强度，皮肤上有无皮疹、水泡、痂皮或溃疡等。健康的犬的被毛光滑，有光泽，皮肤弹性良好，若犬的被毛不断脱落，粗糙无光泽，皮肤干燥，缺乏弹性，或见结痂和溃疡等缺损则为病

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Updated on 25 May :
I am currently interested in adopting any puppy (any breed also fine) with 2 criterion below :-
1. Size (about the size of standard German Shepherd or at least a standard Golden R size) - can estimate the size from the puppy's parents
(Preferably when fully grown - Weight ~35kg, Height ~60 cm)
2. Good Guard dog - can't predict frm the puppy but could be predicted from the parents.
I'm willing to make donations/pay for this dog if you have. Please let me knw.
Thank you !