TempleTreats

Avoiding the Last Minute Rush for Pet Halloween Costumes

2008-06-19T14:34:00Z

Last year, I was so busy, Halloween sort of snuck up on me. I ended up being one of those last minute shoppers frantically searching for a suitable costume (for my dog) at the local grocery store. Luckily I live in a dog crazy area so my local grocery store did carry some dog costumes. Unfortunately most of them were picked through that I ended up purchasing a Batman costume that was too big and I simply used the cape. My dog is an adorable Boston terrier that already slightly resembles a bat so, luckily, everything worked out well in the end.

After my near miss last year, I vow to be more prepared for 2008. I have already begun looking for Halloween costumes online and found some adorable pet costumes! I fully intend to have purchase my little girl’s Halloween costume before the month is out. I just have decide if I want to go with cutie-pie flower look or the cutie-pie monster look.

While I am on the topic, I want to offer just a note of caution. Please only take your dog out for Halloween if s/he has the right temperament for it. If she is afraid of new things, hates loud noises, or can’t stand kids, maybe it is best to leave your fur baby at home while you are out Trick or Treating. Closer to Halloween, I will write a full post on tips for trick or treating with your dog.

Pet Insurance: What to Purchase and When

2008-05-09T18:10:00Z

The status of pets has come a long way in a very short time. Most pet owners consider their pets to be loveable, furry family members. It is no wonder, then, that pet insurance has become a booming industry.

Despite the fact that pet insurance is becoming more and more common among today’s pet owners, there are still a lot of questions surrounding the subject. The do’s and don’ts of obtaining pet insurance, shall we say. While I do not by any means claim to be an expert on the subject, there is a few pieces of advice I can offer.

Treat the process of obtaining pet insurance as seriously as you take the process of obtaining any other insurance. There are plenty of online resources and websites dedicated to helping people shop around for pet insurance. Pay attention to deductibles, excluded procedures, and clauses that enable insurers to not pay for conditions that are common to your breed of dog. For example, some pet insurance plans do not cover eye problems found in Cocker Spaniels becuase eye problems are so common to that breed.

The next piece of advice I can give is to not buy more insurance than you can afford. You do not want compound interest from monthly credit cards stacking up because of an issue that your pet may develop.

My final piece of advice is regarding when to purchase pet insurance. This answer is a little more subjective but I have read and heard on more than one occasion that it is usually best to wait until your dog is five years old before obtaining insurance for him/her. Of course, if you rescued a dog, or adopted a dog from a puppy mill (this includes dogs that come from most pet stores, unfortunately), you may want to look into insurance right away because health problems may crop up pretty fast.

It does seem that the main question surrounding pet insurance has evolved from “Should I buy it?” to “When should I buy it?” As the status of our four-legged friends rises, so does our need to sustain and nurture them.

Toronto Humane Society Adoption Blitz is Here

2008-05-09T17:40:00Z

FIGHT BILL 50: A Message From The Toronto Humane Society

2008-05-09T17:32:00Z

Dateline: Legislative Assembly, Queen’s Park.
Monday, May 06, 2008

Debate heated up again on May 6, 2008, for the second day in a row as MPPs tried unsuccessfully to persuade Minister Bartolucci to remove section 6 from Bill 50. The inflammatory section would have the Legislature strip words “humane society” from the names of community shelters across the Province.

During debate, NDP Justice Critic Peter Kormos asked:
“Why would this Government want to effectively shut down The Toronto Humane Society with its century-plus history of looking out for the welfare of animals?”

Peter Kormos
NDP Justice Critic
Hansard, May 6, 2008, p. 66

Why Bill 50 is flawed and why we must fight back for the animals

Section 6 of Bill 50 will result in community shelters that either don't want to be affiliated with the Ontario SPCA, or shelters that the Ontario SPCA itself doesn't want as affiliates, being stripped automatically of their names by the Legislature.

It could happen to The Toronto Humane Society or other any other humane society across the Province, without a hearing procedure or appeal to the courts provided for in the Bill.

Losing your name is losing your identity. Fear of being stripped of names used in communities for generations will stifle debate and discussion.

The Ontario SPCA favors one voice for animal welfare in Ontario, but we know that our strength as a movement is in its many voices. We ask the Ontario SPCA to re-think it's support for Bill 50 which could result in hurting other humane societies.

Ontario’s animal welfare movement does not belong to the Government or to he Ontario SPCA. It belongs to the communities that built shelters without Government or OSPCA money, organizations which have earned the right to call themselves “humane societies”, and the right to speak out on their own on the issues of the day.

For more information click here to see Tim Trow's letter to Rick Bartolucci

Other important concerns for the animals Bill 50 ignores:

Nothing for lost animals experimented on in laboratories

Nothing for animals and birds in the wild

Nothing for millions upon millions of farm animals and birds

Nothing for any other animals that Cabinet may decide to exclude

Dear Friend of the Animals:

Now is the time for humanitarians across Ontario to stand together.
Each of us should email our own MPP's urging removal of section 6 from Bill 50. We owe it to the animals who cannot speak for themselves and who will need us to speak out for them in the future as we have done in the past.
-Tim Trow, President, The Toronto Humane Society

World's First Green Puppy

2008-05-09T17:31:00Z

Rare green puppy born

April Showers Bring Vet Visits

2008-04-23T19:31:00Z

Spring is here and I am sure that my dog is not the only pampered pooch to be completely excited about the lack of cold. The first my dainty cutie pie did when she felt a cool breeze instead of an icy wind was roll around in a muddy garden. Sigh. As soon as I was done taking her home and giving her a good bath, I booked a visit at her Toronto vet.

Spring, of course, brings a few doggy obligations that need tending to. It is time for the spring season check up! Time to worry about fleas and tics and heartworm, oh my! Luckily we have a great vet and Stella seems to love visiting them.

Toronto animal clinics are in hot demand right now because of the seemingly instant (and completely overdue) change in season so if you haven’t booked Fido’s Toronto veterinary appointment, I would call now and avoid having to wait forever.

Funny Dog Video

2008-04-02T16:40:00Z

Okay, this is just pure evil genius.

Happy Easter From Temple Treats, Healty Dog Treats!!!

2008-03-20T20:37:00Z

Photo courtesy of AwwPix

When Not to Walk Your Dog

2008-03-13T13:25:00Z

We have been having such a ridiculously cold winter this year, I have had to shorten the length of poor Stella’s walks. She loves the snow, as do most puppies, but after romping around like crazy in it for about 10 minutes, I can tell she is cold and it is time to retreat to the warmth of the indoors. This is despite the fact that I have both a sweater and a coat on her. She is a Boston Terrier, her breed can get both over heated and too cold easily.

Yesterday was extremely cold. On our way to the park, we crossed the path of a French Bulldog and Boston pair wearing no coats. They were close to our building, though, so out to quickly do their business. To be honest, I am not sure how susceptible to the cold French Bulldogs are. I do, however, know that Chihuahuas are one of the many dog breeds that should not be out in such extreme weather at all, let alone out without a coat and shoes.

Like Bostons, and even more so, Chiuahuas are susceptible to both hot and cold. Unfortunately at the park last night, I saw a poor Chihuahua without any weather protection at all. The poor Chihuahua did not look at all happy to be out in the cold. With the exception of what had been plowed, the snow was higher than her!

I am going to assume that the owner of this Chihuahua was not out for long before Stella and I arrived at the park; even the most dense puppy owner would have more sense than to take a Chihuahua out for a stroll in the middle of a cold snap, right? After returning home from the park and thinking about it however, I should have talked to the Owner and asked her if she knew about puppy pads.

Puppy pads are a large square of diaper-like material that can be placed on a floor for puppies to do their business. They can also be kept on hand for emergencies like sever weather. There were just a couple of days over the course of this winter when I felt that it was to cold for Stella to go outside. Puppy Pads were a life saver. They are available in the puppy care section of most pet supply stores. If I happen to see a freezing cold Chihuahua in the park again, I will mention the product to the person on the other end of the leash
.

Video: Pedro and Marichal filmed at Cockfight in Dominican Republic

2008-02-08T19:59:00Z

In this video, the baseball "heros" are seen taking advantage of the fact that cockfighting is legal in the Dominican Republic.

Pedro, Marichal at cockfight

Looking for Puppies Online

2008-02-06T15:23:00Z

I had the opportunity to review a great site this morning, DogChannel.com. The sight is information packed, navigable, and fun. Their slogan “the website for dog lovers” may not be the catchiest catch phrase on the web but it is definitely apt.

This site is packed with a lot of information about puppies for sale, including an extensive list of dog breeders. The list is categorized by breed so, if you are looking for Golden Retriever puppies, for example, you just click on Dog Breeders and then Golden Retriever Breeders. Once you have clicked on the appropriate link, a page of classified ads, categorized by State, will appear.

The important thing to remember when searching for dog breeders online is to always follow up with more research. Websites are a great starting point for beginning your search for your perfect family dog, especially one as encompassing in their information as this one is. Still, it is important to talk to your potential breeders. Ask for references and call the reference numbers the breeder gives you. Visit their facilities and meet the mother of your expected litter. Are the facilities clean and is the mom healthy and happy? These are all signs to look for when choosing the right breeder.

Katyanna Performing at One Up Bistro & Lounge

2008-02-01T19:46:00Z

In case you missed this amazing performance last time, or, in case you caught this amazing performance last time and have been waiting to see it again, Katyanna is back at One Up this weekend!

Saturday, Feb 2nd, 2008

^{8pm-12midnite}

^{Join us for fantastic food, ambience and the sounds of Jazz}

^www.Oneup.ca

^{130 Dundas Street West}

^{(Bay and Dundas)}

^416-340-6349

Do Not Buy Your Pets from Pet Stores

2008-02-01T19:37:00Z

I have dedicated so many posts to the overwhelming reasons not to purchase pets from stores or other shady sources. Even if the pet store seems clean and friendly, it is still a very bad idea.

Here is a disturbing undercover video that is a must see for anyone considering purchasing a pet from a pet a pet store:

Kitty Wants to Stay Outside

2008-01-29T20:07:00Z

Katyanna Performing at One Up Cafe in Toronto This Saturday

2007-12-21T19:50:00Z

Just a freindly reminder that Katayanna is performing at the One Up this Saturday. Amazing entertainment, atmosphere, food and martinis. What more could we ask for!?

Saturday, Dec 22nd

^{8pm-12midnite}

^{Join us for fantastic food, ambience and the sounds of Jazz}

^www.Oneup.ca

^{130 Dundas Street West}

^{(Bay and Dundas)}

^416-340-6349

^{Book an intimate get together, dinner, a night out after the theatre for dessertor?}

Katyanna Vocals

with

Norm Amadeo- Keyboards

Peter Appleyard- Drums

Ron Johnston-Bass

The menu is available to peruse, as well as the owner has promised wonderful 3 or 4 course dinners for your enjoyment as well at varying prices.

Perhaps you would like to come for dessert and drinks or specialty coffees.

If you would like to just come for music and drinks there is a $10 cover at the door.

Michael Vick Sentenced to Less than 2 Years in Prison

2007-12-10T18:08:00Z

Michael Vick has been slapped with a 23 month prison term, a sentence which will be reduced by three months if Vick demonstrates good behaviour. Two of Vick's three accomplices have been sentenced with even less time than Vick. The third accomplice will be sentenced shortly.

Vick originally denied his involvement with a cruel dog fighting ring, discovered during an illegal narcotics investigation of one of Vick's family members, and also the senseless torture and murder of dogs that did not measure up to brutal dog fighting standards. After his three accomplices cut a deal in exchange for testifying against Vick, he then admitted his guilt and vowed to redeem himself in the eyes of his family and fans.

I personally think the sentence is a little short but perhaps the real punishment here is the suspension (which should be an expulsion) and complete loss of endorsements.

Source: Vick hit with 23-month prison sentence

47 of 53 Dogs Seized from Michael Vick to be Placed in Animal Shelters

2007-12-07T19:51:00Z

47 of the 53 dogs seized from Michael Vick's home during the bust of his infamous dog fighting ring are being released to dog shelters around the country. This is great news for the soon-to-be reformed doggies as many speculated that these dogs would not be given a chance to live a happy, normal existence, and instead would be euthanized.

In a strange twist, three of the 47 dogs will be placed in the brand new office of the Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, just a couple of miles from Vick's former residence, where the dogs were captured.

Spokesperson for the animal rehabilitation and adoption office, Joan Sammond is not worried about these three dogs' checkered pasts. She made it clear that she has all of the dogs' records and histories, that she looks forward to rehabilitating the dogs and sending them to loving homes.

Joan has a photo wall of previously rehabilitated animals. There are more than 200 photos; I am sure she is looking forward to adding three more.

Source: 3 of Vick's Dogs Coming to Georgia

New Blog: NJ Aid for animals

2007-11-30T18:27:00Z

I am adding a great new blog to my blogroll; It is called NJ Aid for Animals.

I took a look-see at the blog for the first time today and I just had to share. The first entry that I read was about a flea scarred Puggle named Chester. The formally unwanted doggie is now a pampered pooch living the in the lap of luxury (pardon the pun) with an owner who can stay home all day and a giant fenced in yard to play in. The second story I read was about a pretty Penny who was literally minutes away from the gas chamber (yes, some horrible places still do that but I am trying to keep this post light so I won't go on a rant today). Penny is still witing for a forever home so I will have to keep going back to the NJ Aid for Animals to check Penny's progress.

The next entry on NJ Aid for Animals was sad and made me cry but there are a lot of good news stories on this new blog, just in time for the Christmas season.

Speaking of the Christmas season, I am a huge hater of giving animals as gifts (anyone who has been reading my blogs for a while knows this). If you want to adopt from an agency like NJ Aid for Animals, there is still time to do so before the holiday madness begins.

Take a look at this blog today and don't be shy about contacting them, or your local shelter, and ask how you can help this holiday season.

Chester Puggle and Friend

Oddball Video: The Amazing Jumping Doggies.Also, my Dog's a Bat

2007-11-06T17:46:00Z

Here is an ADORABLE group of doggies that exel at skipping rope.
I particularly like the poodle with the bright pink fur on her ears.

Oddball: Amazing jumping dogs

Also, I just HAVE to show off my adorable Boston, Stella in her bat Halloween costume. I know, I know...a bat is not much of a stretch but she actually seemed to enjoy prancing around among all the trick or treaters in her cutie costume!

Video: Kissing Pandas Just Can't Help Themselves

2007-11-01T18:26:00Z

Okay, I know I have been pretty heavy on the video posts lately but this is simply too cute!
These two red pandas cannot keep their little paws off eachother - it's embarassing, really!

Passionate red pandas