A Pet's Ten Commandments

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 entertainment, 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.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. 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.

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

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~ Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~ Now, please pass this on to other pet guardians. We do not have to wait for Heaven to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Animal shelters advise against pets as surprise gifts Idaho Press-Tribune

Animal shelters advise against pets as surprise gifts Idaho Press-Tribune Please don't give pets for Christmas gifts! We love the idea of gift cards to a shelter where someone can adopt their own pet, in their own time, IF they've already made the decision of providing a pet their FOREVER home.

Superior Dog Health Magazines

If you're looking for superior, no-nonsense holistic dog health monthly and quarterly publications, you need look no further than The Whole Dog Journal and The American Dog Magazine.

Two things we really love (among others) about The Whole Dog Journal is their nonbiased dog food reviews and also the fact that they don't accept commercial advertising. This means you get to read from cover to cover highly relevant and informative content about the health and welfare of your dog. We will tell you now: You will want to retain every issue and refer back to it from time to time!

The Whole Dog Journal, while not a thick publication, costs about $1.67 an issue ($20 a year) -- check Amazon for their subscription price, too -- and comes with a 90-day risk-free guarantee. But we guarantee you won't be wanting your money back!

The Pet Guardian also loves The American Dog Magazine. While this is a new subscription for us, we like their ability to get right down to the nitty-gritty about pets, lies, and legislation. You will read articles about socializing and training your dog, nutrition, and lifestyle issues for yourself, your family, and your dog. We look forward to receiving this magazine on a quarterly basis and know you will, too.

Our customers with the Kindred Spirits Gift Shop know that we like "giving back." Well, so does The American Dog Magazine. When customers subscribe to the magazine (a one-year subscription is $20), the customer just has to add their favorite animal charity in the charity box upon checkout, and American Dog will donate 100% of the subscription profits to that charity. That means $8 per subscription is going to the animal charity of your choice. How great is that?

Which pet publications do you like? And cat lovers, please, let's hear from you!

Make 2010 the year you learn more and improve upon your dog's health. The Whole Dog Journal and The American Dog Magazine are two ways you can do just that.

Disclaimer: These are unsolicited, unpaid-for "advertisements" by The Pet Guardian. We want our readers informed and capable of providing the BEST in overall health care for their dogs.