Your Total German Shepherd Dog - A Pet Owner's Guide

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Is a German Shepherd right for you? How will you know unless you read the owner's manual? Too many pets are brought back to animal shelters or worse, because of inexperience owners. Not just these type of dogs, but any pet. You need to know as much about that breed before you take them home.

A former co-worker of mine decided to get a dog for their oldest son. Neither he nor his wife had ever owned a pet before. They were inexperience. After a month went by, I asked about their dog. My co-worker replied, "We brought him to the Human Society a couple of weeks ago. He was shedding too much and we were tired of vacuuming."

If he had read the owner's manual first, would they have brought that poor dog into their home to begin with? If they had done their research, my co-worker would have had an idea on if a pet of any kind was right for them.

None of my pets came with an owner's manual. There were times that I wish they did. Even so, we have taken the time to research and train ourselves so that we can understand and be better pet owners.

How would you like to learn the secrets of having the healthiest and happiest canine possible without having to pay for an expensive training course?

Debbie Ray is the author of "Your Total German Shepherd Dog, A Pet Owner's Guide" and she has over 35 years of experience raising German Shepherds. She has raised them from puppies to senior citizens. Debbie's past experiences with her own dogs has given her an insight into this type of breed that few people have and she would like to share her knowledge with you. This 195 page book is very through and it answers just about any questions that you might have about your dog. Being a German Shepherd owner myself, I have learned so much from this ebook and Debbie offers.

Are you familiar with the health issues of this type of breed?

All breeds are known for their distinct health issues. No pet is maintenance free!
Here is a list of the Health problems of this type of dog. That does not mean your Shepherd will have these problems and it isn't to discourage you from owning this beautiful dog. This is to make you aware of the potential problems before you bring home that cute little puppy.

1. Abnormal development of the hip joint.
2. Elbow Dysplasia: Improper development of the three bones making up the elbow. The joint is loose.
3. Panosteitis: A bone disease that can last as long as 18 months, that causes pain. Aspirin can be helpful in controlling the pain.
4. Von Willebrand's Disease: is a blood disorder, a deficiency in clotting factor.
5. Progressive posterior paresis: is a neural condition, a paralysis of one or both hind legs.
6. Bacterial infections an skin allergies.
7. Abnormal growth of tissue or tumor.
8. Inflammation of the cornea and is potentially blinding.
9. Abnormal openings around the dog's anal area which soon get badly infected and can be painful.
10. Disease of the heart muscle.

The best way to keep your dog healthy is to find a reputable breeder. Or if you are looking into a rescue shelter, find out if they have up to date information on the dog. And always keep regular scheduled visits with your veterinarian.

To read more about this go to
http://www.squidoo.com/know-your-GSD

To your Success,

Sandy Mertens

Read more about me from my lenses at Squidoo.com under sandyspider

Dewey - By Vicki Myron

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A book about a cat in a library? How interesting a story can that be? The answer is - VERY interesting! Dewey is a great book - the biography of a real cat in a real library, Spencer Public Library, Spencer, Iowa, USA. I read the jacket, and knew I was in for a treat!

A ginger kitten, found in the library book return chute, on the coldest Iowa morning ever. With frost bitten paws, but still trusting, loving. It seems no matter what the animal or what it has had to endure at the hands of a cruel human, they know when they are in good hands - they have a 6th sense about these things.

Well Dewey Readmore Books - as he was christened by the townsfolk - although full of mischief, like any kitten, felt the love from the humans he had been dumped on, and he returned it 10 fold! He lived happily in the Spencer Public Library for 19 years. First becoming a town celebrity, revered by the townsfolk, and then becoming an international celebrity. People travelled from all over the world to meet him. Travelling 100's, even 1000's of miles, sending Christmas and birthday cards. Amazing the effect he had not just on the town, but on the world.

I knew this book would be sad, and in some places it really is. But also funny and, dare I say it about a book, "cute". It is a touching and entertaining tale, sensitively written by Myron - the lady who found Dewey on that fateful January morning. Vicki loved Dewey, as if he were her own, and although he belonged to the town, in his heart he was hers.

This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it even made me relate it to my own cats! The ending - I wont spoil it - touched me to the core. Dewey loved everyone he came into contact with, and shared something special, and something of himself with every single one of them. He knew who needed his comfort, having that 6th sense, not just to know when he was in the right hands but also to know when his special comforting nature was needed by those around him. He forged hundreds of deep and loving friendships with the unlikeliest of people and many of those are described in the pages of the book.

For a cat to have had such an effect on so many people's lives, truly shows how special Dewey was. This book also highlights the beauty of owning pets and the rewards one can get from it. A special book, it truly is worth the price and the time invested in reading it. Buy it now its purr-fectly enchanting!

With hope for a better future

Dale Preece-Kelly

More articles and reviews available at http://www.selfhope.co.uk/