Close to 500 Golden Retrievers Meet in Scotland to Celebrate the Breed

by Nevena Nacic

August 4th, 2023 9:58 AM

Tanya Consaul Photography/Shutterstock

Close to 500 golden retrievers gathered in Scottish Highlands at their ancestral home to celebrate 155 years of the breed’s first litter. The five-day event, held from the 10th to the 14th of July was organized by the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland.

This year’s celebration - which brought together 466 golden retrievers - was one of the world’s largest and cutest gatherings of goldies in one place. The event held at the ruins of the Guisachan House, in Glen Affric, welcomed hundreds of dogs and their owners from more than 12 countries.

Golden retrievers from far away as Japan, New Zealand, and Australia participated in this event, alongside goldies from the United States, Canada, Netherlands, Romania, Croatia, Germany, the UK, Italy, Estonia, and other countries.

The Golden Retriever Club of Scotland organized events for dogs and their two-legged companions. These included an afternoon tea for humans, a torchlight procession where owners walked their dogs one mile to the Guisachan House, and a training seminar where a canine behaviorist offered tips on dealing with common behavioral issues such as separation anxiety and destructive chewing.

During “The Gathering” event at the Guisachan House, dogs and their owners could participate in several games, such as haggis hurling, scurry, tug of war, and the Grand old Duke of York, which involved counting the number of golden retrievers present. And, of course, a gathering of this scale wouldn’t be complete without a group photo!

Carol Henry, secretary of the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland told the BBC that the goal of this event is to share knowledge about this breed and put a stop to irresponsible breeding practices. "We want to hold on to confidence, the biddability, the companionship, and loyalty - all things the golden retriever was built on,” she said.

This event happens every five years at the remains of Guisachan House, the ancestral home of the golden retriever breed. “A lot of golden retriever owners find there’s an emotional attachment to the Guisachan House and it’s where they want to go and look and experience,” said Mrs Henry.

The golden retriever was bred by Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, also known as the first Baron Tweedmouth. The first litter of golden retrievers was born in 1868 to a now-extinct Tweed water spaniel and a yellow-colored flat-coated retriever. The four puppies from that litter - Primrose, Cowslip, Ada, and Crocus were used to establish the golden retriever breed as we know it today.

Deborah Robbins, who attended this year’s event with her two dogs, said “It was well worth it. I would go again next weekend if it was on.” Visiting the breed’s place of origin and being surrounded by goldens made her feel very emotional. “To see them all together was just so special, especially in the place where first golden retrievers were bred,” she said.

Robbins is already excited about the next Guisachan golden retriever gathering, which should take place in 2028 - on the 160th anniversary of the golden retriever breed. “I’ll be booking as soon as it’s announced,” she said.

Nevena Nacic

Nevena is a freelance writer and a proud mom of Teo, a 17-year-old poodle, and Bob, a rescued grey tabby cat. Since childhood, she had a habit of picking up strays and bringing them home (luckily, her parents didn't know how to say NO). When she's not writing for her fellow pet parents, Nevena can be found watching Teo sleep. To her defense, that's not as creepy as it sounds!

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Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Basics When it comes to the perfect family dog, it’s hard to go wrong with a Golden Retriever. First bred for hunting, the Golden Retriever has made a natural progression into a wonderful family pet. Obedient, good-natured, intelligent, eager to please and eager to learn, the Golden Retriever is also known for its friskiness – you’ll find that it never loses its joy for playing. Wonderful around children of all ages, this breed is the ideal companion for most dog lovers. If you’re looking for a watchdog, you’d best go with another breed – since the Golden Retriever is so friendly, it will want to play with strangers, making it a poor choice for guard duty. Because this breed is so smart, Golden Retrievers make excellent guide and service dogs. And although the breed differs slightly from Britain to North America, there’s no change in its friendly and loving disposition. Read on to learn more about the Golden Retriever. When it comes to the perfect family dog, it’s hard to go wrong with a Golden Retriever. Origin Used as working and hunting dogs, the Golden Retriever breed originated in Scotland in the mid-18th century, where it would hunt and retrieve small felled game during hunting trips. These dogs even developed water-repellent coats and webbed feet to help them retrieve waterfowl. These days, the Golden Retriever doesn’t hunt as much as it used to, but it still retains the skills that made in a successful hunter. Often referred to as Gold Retriever and Golden Labrador Retriever, it should be noted that Golden Retriever is a distinct breed from the Labrador. Pedigree

Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested Basics If you’ve been looking for a breed of dog that makes an excellent companion in a myriad of ways – avoids barking, gets along with children, and gets along with other dogs – you could do far, far worse than opt for a Chinese Crested. The Chinese Crested dog is considered among the best companion breeds for a number of reasons: not only for those mentioned, but for its appearance, general demeanor, and ability to perform tricks. In other words, acquiring a Chinese Crested for yourself and your family can be a great decision indeed. There are two kinds of Chinese Crested dogs – the Powderpuff and the Hairless. Both types are odorless, non-shedding, and hypo-allergenic, which makes them a great dog for allergy sufferers. If you have the opportunity to acquire one for yourself and make it a part of your family, you’ll find it makes an ideal pet for households with small children and it’s a dog that won’t make strangers feel unwelcome. If there ever was a “house dog,” this is one. The Chinese Crested dog is considered among the best companion breeds for a number of reasons. Origin Despite what its name suggests, many people do not believe that the Chinese Crested actually originated in China. For one, the Chinese Crested does not keep in line with a number of ancient Chinese dogs like the Pug or the Chow Chow. The Chinese Crested has too recent a history to be counted among those breeds in pure historical longevity. Where, then, do Chinese Crested dogs hail from? Many believe it’s actually Africa, being referred to as an African Hairless Terrier in texts across the 19th century. (Note: Of course, the 19th century is far off from the origins of the more ancient Chinese breeds.) Because there is genetic evidence of being related to the Mexican Hairless, this further confuses the issue, although following the genetic line will probably lead you to form a more accurate opinion. Those who do believe the Chinese Crested originated in China note that the Chinese Crested had a lot of maritime experience, being brought around by Chinese sailors. The truth is probably a combination of all of these, as the Chinese Crested was believed to have descended from African roots. Pedigree

KoolDog Indoor Dog House Perfect For Condo Living

An Indoor Dog House That’s Part Of Your Decor Modern living has gone to the dogs… well, the uber-cool, stylish ones that is. Designed to blend into you home décor, the KoolDog ain’t your backyard, DIY indoor dog house. A comfortable indoor dog house for your pet, the KoolDog boasts a patent pending design that lets you match the house to your interior surroundings. You can choose different color schemes by selecting different wood finishes for face cover and a coordinating slipcover for the cushion. Related: The Puphaus Ensures Your Dog’s Digs Are Better Than Yours “The idea behind Kooldog house is that as a pet lover, I couldn’t find any dog house that is modern and can fit into my home décor,” said Ki Park, one of the brains behind KoolDog. “The idea behind Kooldog house is that as a pet lover, I couldn’t find any dog house that is modern and can fit into my home décor,” said Ki Park, one of the brains behind KoolDog. “I love minimalistic approach in decorating my home, I truly believe that less is more and having one perfect piece of furniture is better than filling the room with stuff. Related: Building a Dog House is a Snap Thanks to Magnetized Bad Marlon’s Stylish Abodes “As a result, I have designed a dog house that is modern and can be customizable for different home décor. These days, people are more conscious about their surroundings and careful about selecting furniture for their home. Just like any other products, there are things that we buy because we need it or because we love it. Kooldog house falls into we love it at first, however, for people who are looking to decorate their home with nice furniture, it is defiantly an item that they need it for sure. Nobody likes to have an ugly plastic crate beside expansive sofa when people come over for visit.” And you don’t have to worry about keeping it clean – the KoolDog’s main body can be wiped clean using a damp cloth, while the cushion cover comes off so you can throw it in the washing machine. You can to assemble this indoor dog house yourself, but it only takes about five minutes and you don’t need any tools. The KoolDog indoor dog house comes in small and large. You can order online at the Building a Dog House is a Snap Thanks to Magnetized Bad Marlon’s Stylish Abodes.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd Basics As far as we’re concerned, no list of iconic Germans is complete with out a little love for our favorite fury shepherds. That nation has given many gifts to the world, but none compare to the awesome power of the German Shepherd. This isn’t just one of the most popular dog breeds on the market, it’s also one of the best. So, what is it about the German Shepherd that people love so much? Quite frankly, that’s almost an impossible question to answer. There’s just so much to love. It’s not all about the fact that the breed makes great police dogs, though we do adore our four legged pups of the law! Sometimes known as an Alsatian, the German Shepherd is one of the most renowned breeds of dog out there in the world. German Shepherds are strong, loyal, and are highly responsive to training. Sure, they can often be larger and a little intimidating, but that doesn’t scare people off: German Shepherds are one of the most popular pets in the world. It’s impossible not to fall for these handsome gentlemen of the dog world. They are irresistible. Thanks to its large size, strength, and ability to behave obediently, German Shepherds are often used for police and military purposes. But what about a German Shepherd separates it from other dogs? As you’re about to learn, the German Shepherd might look like a classic breed, but it is actually a relatively new and unique type of dog. Yes, they do originally hail from Germany, but today German Shepherds are one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world. The only question is whether or not the German Shepherd is the right pup to bring into your home. That’s why you’re hear right? To learn everything that you could possibly want to know about owning a German Shepherd? Good. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All will be revealed. All you need to do is keep reading. These dogs are strong, loyal, and are highly response to training. Origin German Shepherds do indeed get their name from Deutschland, because that’s where the first standard-bred Shepherds appeared. The twist? German Shepherds are actually a relatively young breed, having been fully bred in the 19th century. I’ll bet you didn’t see that coming? This breed is not as old as Germany itself. Instead, it’s a trim 200 years old. Practically a baby. As efforts were being made throughout the 19th century to standardize dog breeds – perhaps more of an art than a science – German Shepherds grew out of a group of dogs that were good at shepherding. German dog owners bred dogs that were good at rounding up sheep, protecting the flocks, and had strong, swift bodies. To say these dogs were good at shepherding would be an understatement, they mastered the form and set the standard. At the same time, these proto-German Shepherds often were a great deal different from the Shepherds in other towns and regions in northern Europe. But as enthusiasm for dog breed standardization grew, a man named Max von Stephanitz, a lover of work dogs, found a dog at a dog show that would come to be known as the “first” German Shepherd. He changed the dog’s name to Horand von Grafrath and Horand became the founding German Shepherd. Too few German Shepherds have been granted the privilege of having a “von” in their name since that OG German Shepherd. This needs to be addressed. So, good news reader! When your child asks you why they’re called “German Shepherds,” you’ll finally have an amusingly direct answer to give them. Pedigree

Bloodhound

Bloodhound Basics While the name might suggest a dog that comes from Transylvania, the true nature of Bloodhounds is far different than you might expect, particularly if you’ve never worked with a Bloodhound before. One of the most famous “noses” – that is, strength of scent detection – in the world of dogs, Bloodhounds aren’t only friendly and loyal dogs but make exceptionally useful assistants in the world of law enforcement and security. So why does this breed end up with such a nasty name? Well, before we get to that, let’s focus on what makes the Bloodhound unique in a world of hounds, spaniels, and terriers. Why would you want a Bloodhound for your family? They’re a relatively plain dog that usually wouldn’t be described as “cute” unless you’ve raised one from a puppy. As you’re about to find out, there’s always more than meets the eye, and a great pet is more reliant on personality. The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. So let’s get to it and find out if the Bloodhound is really a good choice for you and your family’s next pet. The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. Origin When you’re talking about Bloodhounds, you’re talking about an animal with a very rich and clearly defined history dating back to the Middle Ages. Essentially descended from a dog known as the St. Hubert’s Hound, the Bloodhound made its mark on history by accompanying nobility and royalty on hunting excursions.The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. These dogs would be able to sniff out prey, track down a wounded animal and generally assist with various aspects of the hunt. Its legendary nose becoming more famous, the name “Bloodhound” is perhaps a reference to the way Bloodhounds were great at sniffing out the blood of wounded prey. Some report that the Bloodhound first made its way into England at around the time of the Norman Conquest under William the Conqueror, but there are no official sources to corroborate this. Nobility used Bloodhounds not only for the hunt, but eventually as tracking dogs to assist in law enforcement. One legend states that a dog was able to track down a criminal over seven miles along a route that was heavily trafficked. Pedigree

Best Gift Guide For Dog Lovers

I love putting this gift guide together – it’s all the stuff that I want to open up on December 25. But on the flip side, I really want everything listed here, so if it’s not under the tree, then I have to buy them myself. Gah – such a double-edged sword! I’m hoping that you can steal a few of these ideas for yourself or a dog lover on your list. Without further ado, I present my Gift Guide For Dog Lovers.

Best Flea Treatment for Cats

How to Know If My Cat Has Fleas?While it might be tempting to blame fleas for your cat’s every itch, that’s not always the case and it’s important to eliminate any other medical cause for your pet’s scratching. To make sure it’s really fleas that are bothering your cat, look for the following signs, in addition to itchiness and irritation:

Best Dog Training Collars

What are the Benefits of Dog Training Collars & How Do They Work?Training your dog – on your own – can be such a difficult task. Of course, there are few amongst us who can resist absolutely spoiling their faithful pupper. Who can resist that pleading stare, those goofy antics, and a voracious appetite? But when we spoil our dogs, we gradually lose control over their behavior. And when there’s little control, trouble often looms just around the corner. When you are in the park, around other dogs, or in a new and exciting environment, your dog’s curiosity and energy can quickly take over, leaving you and your stern commands far in the background. And accidents and trouble are bound to follow.

Product Review: Chuckit LIGHTPLAY Line [Video]

Now that the days are shorter, there’s less light. That means when you get home from work, it’s hard to get outside to play fetch. But Kevin Roberts may have the answer. He tested Chuckit’s LIGHTPLAY line, which features glow-in-the-dark dog toys. Here’s what he has to say about his nighttime adventures with the toys and his pack of dogs. When I was asked if I’d be willing to review Chuckit LIGHTPLAY line of glow-in-the-dark toys, I jumped at the chance. That’s because the classic Chuckit launcher and orange ball is a stand-by in our house. Well, not only our house – we also have one in the truck, one in the garage, one in the camper, and one at the cottage! Our dogs love to chase and play with the regular Chuckit, so we were excited to see their reaction with the Max Glow toys. I received a comprehensive sampler of Chuckit LIGHTPLAY line: the Max Glow Ball, the Max Glow Kick Fetch, the Max Flow Fumble Fetch, the Max ParaFlight and the Max Glow Pro 18M Launcher. And I gotta tell you, they all went through a rigorous testing process. Chuckit Max Glow Ball

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Basics Some dogs have been around and beloved for so long that they have developed a classic status. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of these dogs. Considered an “old-time” breed of dog with a rich history across both American and British lineage, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a tenacious and lovable dog with heaps of courage in just about everything it does. If you’re looking for an assertive dog that will make its presence known to strangers, this is the exact breed that you’ve been looking for. Generally friendly to strangers and very eager and energetic, this dog can become an instant hit and become known as “characters” among your family and friends. Sadly, not every element of this dog breed is so bright and sunny. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier tragically gets this temperament from a rich and sometimes ugly history that included dog fighting. Although this checkered past might be a turn-off for some people while researching dog breeds, actually meeting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier will yield an unexpected friendly experience that can actually be quite endearing. If you’re looking for a city dog that is content to live in your apartment and sit alone for hours at a time, you should probably move on. For a variety of other tastes, however, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a perfect companion. So, is The Staffordshire Bull Terrier the right dog to bring home to your family? You’ve come to the right place to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about this remarkable animal is about to be revealed. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a tenacious, lovable dog with heaps of courage in just about everything it does. Origin Originating in Staffordshire, England over a hundred years ago, the dog was originally bred out of Bulldogs and smaller terriers like the Manchester Terrier – thus giving the dog its entirely appropriate name of “Staffordshire Bull Terrier.” As Bulldogs could not be used for dog fighting in those days, a new breed with similar tenacity was required, but after dog fighting was finally made outright illegal, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier lived on as an excellent worker and companion dog. Eventually, the breed gained recognition by the British Kennel Club in 1935, and it wasn’t long before the Staffordshire Bull Terrier became a favorite at the shows, winning championships early on in its recognized history. Today it is considered a perfectly solid candidate at dog shows and can definitely win big points with an assertive personality. A well deserved happy ending for a pooch that didn’t have the happiest origin story.

English Pointer

English Pointer Basics If you are looking for an even-tempered, medium- to large-sized dog that excels at hunting, look no further than the Pointer. The Pointer, also known as the English Pointer, is a friendly and intelligent dog with a strong build and high energy levels that loves to hunt. Not only are these dogs even-tempered, but they get along great with children and rarely show aggression toward people or other dogs. The Pointer, also known as the English Pointer, is a friendly and intelligent dog with a strong built and high energy levels that loves to hunt. Origin The history of the Pointer breed is up for debate, though records of the breed date back to about 1650. One source claims that the Pointer breed was developed during the 16th and 17th centuries when other pointing breeds such as the Portuguese and the Spanish Pointer were brought to England from the mainland. Though the exact details of the breed’s history are unknown, it is commonly thought that four breeds played a role in the breed’s development – the Greyhound, Foxhound, Bull Terrier, and the Bloodhound. The Pointer breed was first brought to the United States in the late 1800s. At this time, the English Setter was the bird-hunting dog of choice and pointing breeds were not allowed to compete in field trials alongside setters. By 1910 the Pointer breed had been developed to the point that it out-competed setters. Today, the Pointer is a member of the Sporting Group for the AKC. Though this breed is often referred to as the English Pointer, its official name even with the British Kennel Club is simply Pointer. Pedigree

Study: Dogs Listen To What We Say And How We Say It

Our pooches like to pretend they don’t hear us, but the jig is up — turns out our dogs really DO listen to what we say Sometimes you have to wonder if your dog is listening to you at all. How many times do you have to say “Get down!” before they actually do it? New research shows that our pooches don’t just listen to what we say, but how and who is saying it. While scientists can’t say for sure how much or in what way dogs understand us, they do know this: our furry friends understand some words and pick up on things like emotional tone as well as the speaker’s gender. Prior studies have shown that dogs, like humans, use different sides of their brains to interpret and respond to external cues; however, these studies only studied how dogs respond to other dogs. Scientists wanted to figure out if the same held true for canine-human interactions. Related: Science Says Your Dog Loves You Victoria Ratcliffe and David Reby of the University of Sussex in England played speech sounds for the pooches they studied, using speakers on either side of their heads. Sounds were played so that each one entered the right and left ears at exactly the same time, and at the same volume, to ensure a lack of bias. Just like in humans, sounds that come in through one ear are usually interpreted on the opposite side of the brain, i.e., sounds that come in through the right ear are transmitted to the right side of the brain. That said, the right and left hemispheres of our (and our dog’s) brains are each better at interpreting different types of information, so our brains will sometimes perceive that information as coming from the opposite ear (crazy, right?!). That’s what makes this study so ingenious — because the pups were hearing the sounds in both ears at the same time, Ratcliffe and Reby could tell what part of the brain they were using to understand the sounds. Related: Study Shows That Dogs Look Like Their Owners If a pooch turned to its left, it meant that the information contained in the sound was heard “more” by the left ear, which indicated that the right side of the brain was more specialized in interpreting the type of information delivered in the sound. The researchers definitely noticed some patterns in the pooch’s responses: when they heard familiar spoken commands like “sit”, they used the left side of their brain, but when tone of voice was more emotion-laden, they used their right brain to interpret it, which is also similar to way the humans interpret language. While this doesn’t mean that dogs always understand exactly what we say, it does show that they really are listening to us — and not just what we say, but how we say it (which is good, because we spend a lot of time talking to our canine companions!). So next time your pooch pretends to not understand your “No!” or “Get down!” command, rest assured: they’re likely only playing dumb and pretending not hear you. Sneaky little buggers! The great news is they also understand all the loving “Good Boy/Girl” we throw their way, too. [Source: Science Daily]

How To Hire The Right Cat Sitter For Your Frisky Feline

They may be more independent than dogs, but cats can’t be left alone while you’re out of town. Here are a few tips on hiring the right cat sitter. Hiring a cat sitter can be a daunting process because there are a lot of people out there who are willing to pet sit but not all of them are qualified enough or even kind and patient enough. It’s a difficult task of weeding out who is right for this position takes a bit of time and plenty of research. But if you follow the tips below, it should make the process easier on you and you’ll hopefully be able to find a cat sitter who suits your needs, fulfills your requirements, and is a hit with your kitty as well. Start by Researching Pet Sitting Services Many small businesses open up every day offering pet sitting services, so doing a bit of research online may yield a surprising number of results in your area that you can further research and narrow down to the best candidates. Whenever you do come across a pet sitter or pet sitting company, though, be sure to look up reviews left by other customers. That way, you can gauge how effective they really are at what they do and if they really fulfill all of the claims that they make on their website. Related: Tips For Taking Your Cat On Vacation With You You can also find pet sitters through referrals. You can ask your veterinarian, local humane society, or friends and family. You may be surprised to learn that these individuals know very qualified and dedicated pet sitters. But again, even though you’re getting a referral from someone you trust, it certainly doesn’t hurt to go a step further and look up reviews on these options as well. Interview a Potential Cat Sitter First Never hire a cat sitter blindly. Instead, take some time to interview potential cat sitters over the phone or, better yet, in person. You can meet in a public place or you can invite these pet sitters to your home to meet your animals and see how they interact with one another. This will tell you a lot about how these individuals react to new pets they have never met before, as well as how your cat will react to being around them. Related: How To Administer Medications To Your Cat Questions to Ask During the interview process, you should find out what experience a pet sitter has with felines. Have they volunteered in animal sheltering and rescue? Have they owned cats themselves? Do they understand how to deal with cats of all ages and what goes into their care? The pet sitter you hire should be insured and bonded. This means that commercial liability insurance will cover the costs associated with negligence and accidents while you are away from home and the sitter is taking care of your pets. Being bonded means you will also be protected in the event the sitter, or another employee of the pet sitting company, steals from you. A reputable cat sitter will also provide you with a written contract stating the fees you are required to pay and the services that will be provided to you and your cat. Ask for references from the cat sitter. Like reviews, these will help you determine if the individual is really a good fit and lives up to his or her claims. Other Things to Consider Before Hiring Before settling on a pet sitter, you should also be sure they have training in dealing with cats. This can include a certification in pet first aid, for example, or any other form of training that would make them qualified to deal with felines and really understand their needs. Every cat sitter you interview should have a backup sitter available in the event they cannot make an appointment. This will ensure your cat is always taken care of. Just be sure to get plenty of information on the backup sitter(s) as well. Your cat sitter should be associated with a reputable veterinarian who would care for your kitty in the event of an emergency. A good sitter will also know how to medicate your cat if necessary, and be more than willing to record detailed notes during every visit to fill you in on what happened. The sitter should even be willing to communicate with you while you’re away from home to assure you that everything is fine, as well as alert you right away to emergencies. If you hire the right cat sitter, when you return home, your kitty will be safe and content, just as you left him. Taking the time to properly interview your cat sitter is a great way to ensure all will be well while you are away.

‘Tis The Season For Giving – Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen Helps Pets

Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen keeps pets and families together – with some help from you! The holiday season is here, and it is important to remember those less fortunate. While we are out shopping for gifts for loved ones, we need to consider those in need. All it takes is a lost job or a health issue, and life can change drastically for anyone. Shelters are full of pets that were surrendered because their owners had to downsize to an apartment that does not allow pets. That’s where Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen comes into play. What Do They Do? Founded in 2008, Daffy’s Pet Food Kitchen, is an organization determined to keep pets and their families together during economic hardship. Their mission is to provide pet food to people who can now longer afford the cost. With Daffy’s, they would otherwise have to relinquish ownership of their pets – now these furry BFFs can stay in their homes, where they belong. Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen raises money through events and donations to help keep pets with their families. Currently operating out of Georgia, they supplied over 20,000 pounds of pet food each month to over 35 counties. Related: Pet Food Bank Opens In Toronto How Can I Help? Since Daffy’s is primarily run through donations, that’s the most straightforward way to help. You can donate online through their website, or if you find yourself near one of the many food drop-off locations in Georgia, by donating pet food. They also need volunteers for events, office duties, pick up/delivery, fundraising, marketing and other position. Another way to help is to donate used pet items to Daffy’s New and Used Pet Store. One hundred percent of the money made from the supply shop goes back into the charity. The store is run by volunteers and that helps keep the expense low so more money can go back into the charity. Related: Hull’s Haven Border Collie Rescue Do You Need Their Help? Daffy’s requires responsible pet ownership to be considered for their program. Pets must be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on all shots. Pets must be well-cared for and given fresh water daily. Participants must check in to let Daffy’s know their progress. They are also required to volunteer five hours a week, in order to give back to the community. You can fill out an application on Daffy’s Assistance page. Visit their website and take a look around. This non-profit has many heartwarming and heartbreaking stories about the people who have given their lives for the sake of their animals, and supporters who make all this possible. Be sure to stop by Daisy’s Doghouse, Daffy’s Pet Assistance Service Team, and read the story behind Daffy the dog, who inspired the organization. This program is an amazing asset to pets and their families, and I would love to see them expand into a national charity. They have grown by leaps and bounds since they started, and people believe in their message. I hope to never find myself in that boat where I would need assistance, but nobody knows what the future holds and it is comforting to know they exist.

Teen’s Inspiring Mission Will Melt Your Heart And Brighten Your Wall

Annie Blumenfeld and her rescue dog, Teddy, have a calling: to raise money and awareness for other rescue pups in need What were you doing when you were 16? If you were like me, you were probably hanging out with your friends, gossiping about boys and going to the movies. But if you’re 16-year-old Connecticut-native Annie Blumenfeld, you’re using your artistic gifts to raise thousands of dollars for animals in need. In 2012, Annie founded a non-profit organization called Wags 4 Hope to raise both money and awareness for heartworm prevention in rescue and rehomed dogs alike. She was inspired by her delightfully shaggy dog Teddy, who was rescued from a high kill shelter in Texas. After adopting him, Annie learned just how far Teddy had come since being rescued: when he was first brought to the vet from the shelter, it was discovered that he had a very severe case of heartworm. Teddy endured months of tough treatments and careful monitoring, but thankfully, he pulled through. As Annie soon learned, not all dogs are so lucky. Related: Pets In The Classroom Get An A+ Heartworm can be serious for dogs and can result in severe heart disease, heart failure, other organ damage and even death, since the worms actually invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels of an infected animal. Treatment can be expensive, difficult and sometimes even toxic to a dog’s body — the best treatment is really prevention, and that’s the message Annie hopes to get across. To spread the word and raise much-needed funds for rescue groups around the country, Annie uses her gifts as an artist to paint customized pictures of dogs and cats. And here’s the kicker: ALL the proceeds go to charity. Annie donates to shelters and rescues in and around Connecticut, or she will donate to the rescue of your choice.

Home Remedies for Cat Vomiting

It’s not pretty, but it may be something you can treat at home. Here are some ideas on some home remedies for cat vomiting.Many cat parents wonder why their kitties throw up, and there are a lot of reasons why your pet would vomit. For example, vomiting might be related to your cat’s diet or to a food allergy. It might also occur if your kitty ends up eating too quickly, or if she went too long without eating. And, of course, there are hairballs that can be thrown up as well. But serious issues (such as poisoning) and health issues (such as digestion problems or metabolic disorders) might also be to blame.First Off, Work with Your Vet If Your Cat Is Vomiting a LotIf your kitty is vomiting a lot, you don’t want to ignore it and think nothing of it. After all, this behavior is not considered normal. So, it’s necessary to consult with your veterinarian to figure out what’s going on. You want to be sure there aren’t any underlying health problems at play – and, if there are, you definitely want to be able to address them in their earliest stages rather than waiting for them to get worse and harder to treat. Once you have taken your cat to the veterinarian and determined what is causing her to vomit, whether it is a minor problem or a major one, you can then work with your vet to give your kitty exactly what she needs to get well. And, because working with your vet can give you insight into what’s causing your kitty to vomit, you can select a solution, such as one of the home remedies discussed below, with more accuracy rather than potentially implementing the wrong solution or one that won’t be effective. Related: Vomiting in Cats: When to WorryConsider Switching to a Different Food The food that your cat is eating every day might be the reason that she is vomiting. Your kitty might have trouble digesting her food if you’re feeding her a poor quality diet, and that might lead to vomiting. Also, a food allergy might be to blame if you find that your cat vomits often.Consider switching to a higher quality species-appropriate food that may be easier for your pet to digest. And rotating protein sources so you aren’t feeding the same protein all the time might also be a smart strategy if you want to avoid or address a food allergy. But if you aren’t sure about which foods and treats would be best for your unique kitty, be sure to talk to your vet for guidance.When it comes to figuring out if your cat has a food allergy, your veterinarian can guide you so you can try an elimination diet trial. Put simply, this can help your vet figure out which ingredients are causing your pet’s symptoms. From there, you can work on switching to a food that will be suitable for your unique feline friend because it won’t contain any ingredients that should be avoided.  Fasting and a Bland Diet Withholding water and food for about two hours might be a good place to start if your kitty is vomiting, particularly if your pet’s stomach is irritated and she keeps vomiting after she eats. Basically, fasting for a bit may allow the stomach to rest.Important Note: It’s always best to talk to your veterinarian and receive some guidance when it comes to fasting your cat or giving her a bland diet. However, below are some of the basic guidelines that you might be told to follow if this is recommended for your pet. If you’ve fasted your cat for two hours and she hasn’t vomited, you can give her some water. But if your kitty isn’t the type to drink water, you can give her some tuna juice to see if she’ll drink that to help her stay hydrated. It’s important to ensure she keeps drinking, even if you are withholding food for a bit, because you don’t want your kitty to become dehydrated as a result of the vomiting.Once your cat isn’t vomiting after consuming liquids, you can offer her a bland diet, feeding her small amounts of the food frequently. As an example, you could boil some fresh chicken yourself, or you could ask your vet about a prescription diet that’s worth trying.Start by giving a small amount of food, waiting an hour to see if there’s any vomiting, and then giving a bit more. Then, you can continue providing small amounts of the bland diet every three or four hours. Do this for the first 24 hours, working on slowly decreasing the frequency of the meals while increasing the amount of food given.Your vet might recommend feeding this bland diet for two days before slowly reintroducing your kitty’s usual diet. Simply mix some of the regular diet with the bland diet, increasing the amount of the regular diet with every meal. If your kitty is tolerating it all without vomiting, that’s a good sign.Related: When A Cat Hairball Is Normal And When It’s NotStrategies for Reducing Hairballs That Cause Vomiting If your kitty tends to throw up hairballs often, there are some steps that you can take to help reduce this type of vomiting. For example, you can help her out by brushing her daily to remove excess fur that she’d otherwise swallow while grooming herself. This is one of the simplest strategies that you can implement immediately, whether your cat is shedding or not. Just buy a high-quality brush for cats, such as the Safari Complete Cat Brush, and then let her relax and enjoy being pampered as you gently comb the fur and remove all of the loose hairs with ease. Doing this regularly, such as several times a week, might make a difference, especially if your cat has a long coat and tends to get hairballs a lot because of it. You might even consider adding a small amount of olive oil to your pet’s food. A teaspoon per week may help your kitty’s digestion and help her pass the hair through her stool rather than throwing it up. Your veterinarian can provide personalized guidance on whether this would be appropriate for your pet.   Yet another option is to add a bit more fiber to your cat’s diet. This, too, could help ensure that the hair your cat swallows while grooming will move through her digestive tract and come out in her stools. For example, you might opt to try pure canned pumpkin, which can be added to your pet’s food to help keep her digestive system running smoothly, and to keep those hairballs moving through. Just bear in mind that, when it comes to adding ingredients to your pet’s diet, it's best to consult your veterinarian. That way, you can be sure it’s a smart thing to do, especially if your cat has been diagnosed with a medical problem, if she’s on a special diet, or if she’s taking any medications or supplements. What About Vomiting That’s Caused by Motion Sickness? Does your cat experience nausea and vomiting when you travel with her? This is a common problem, especially among kitties that aren’t used to traveling.If you think the vomiting is caused by stress, there are some options to help your pet feel more at ease. For example, to help her feel less anxious when traveling by car, you can try natural remedies, such as feline pheromones and Bach flower remedies. Plus, there are herbs, such as valerian, that might help keep your pet calm as well, but it’s a good idea to have a chat with your vet to be sure they’re safe to give to your cat.Reducing the amount of food that you give to your cat before heading out might also be helpful. Feeding your kitty several hours before you plan to leave home may help reduce the odds that she will feel nauseous or throw up.Of course, there’s also the option of talking to your veterinarian about your kitty’s motion sickness. That way, you could get tips on what you can do to help your cat feel better, and your vet can also discuss medications that might be appropriate for your cat when it comes to combating nausea or anxiety.Natural Remedies for Vomiting in Cats Some experts recommend various natural remedies that you can try at home when your cat is vomiting.  As an example, a pinch of catnip might help calm a kitty’s upset stomach, but there are other herbs that may be effective as well. If you’re thinking about taking this route, it’s best to talk to a veterinarian, such as a holistic vet, who can guide you in the right direction based on your unique cat’s needs.Experts also recommend other natural options, such as kefir, Bach Flower Essences, and homeopathic remedies. Again, it’s best to work with a vet if you’re going to try any new supplements, herbs, etc. You’ll want to be sure you’re providing the right dose at the right frequency, and you’ll want to be absolutely certain that it’s safe for your pet.Know When to Call Your Vet Vomiting is considered acute when it doesn’t last for more than two or three days, and this problem will typically go away on its own. But if the vomiting becomes chronic or severe, it might result in other problems, such as electrolyte imbalances or dehydration. So, if the vomiting doesn’t stop, call your vet to figure out what’s going on and get your cat the help that she needs.Keep in mind that vomiting might be caused by something minor, such as your cat eating something that she wasn’t supposed to consume, but it might also be a symptom of something serious, such as poisoning. Also, conditions that might cause vomiting include intestinal or urinary tract obstruction, thyroid disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infection, and liver disease. So, you’ll definitely want to consult with your vet ASAP if the vomiting doesn’t resolve with simple home remedies like the ones discussed above. The bottom line is this: if you try some home remedies but your cat continues to vomit, if the vomiting gets worse, or if other symptoms arise, such as lethargy or inappetence, call your vet right away so you can have your kitty examined and treated appropriately. Don’t waste time trying out a bunch of different solutions because, the faster you get an accurate diagnosis, the faster you can do what’s necessary to help your cat stop vomiting. In other words, don’t hesitate to ask for help. And, again, asking your veterinarian about any remedies that you are thinking about trying is worth the time and effort because you always want to be sure that you are giving your pet something that will be safe and effective.

What is a Double Coated Dog?

Double Coated Dogs. It’s a thing. But what are they? Two times the coat, two times the fur? If you’ve got a double coated dog, here’s what you need to know about this type of fur.