All the Creatures

Even with the economy in the dumps, it seems that some people have money to blow on fancy design furniture for their dogs. I have dug up a few photos of the more elaborate doggy beds and couches that companies are selling and have them below. Most of them are priced over $100 so they are not cheap. Enjoy the photos and please refrain from laughing out loud too much.

All the Creatures

The Shih Tzu is a small breed dog that unfortunately is the victim of several genetic problems. Often they are the result of poor breeding by puppy mills and individuals that have not researched their dog’s bloodlines. The puppy rarely shows any deformities but as they grow and mature, that is when the problems arise.

The major genetic problems that the Shih Tzu dog face are problems with their eyes, more specifically Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Juvenile Cataracts and Entropion. Their kidneys are also subject to Renal Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is not limited to the larger breeds of dogs, Shih Tzu is also prone to that dreaded affliction. Of course there are many other lesser known genetic defects that the Shih Tzu can have. I have listed only a few.

Avoid obtaining your Shih Tzu puppy from a breeder that does not test their breeding stock for genetic problems. Ask to see their dam and sire’s certifications to see that they have passed genetic testing. Breeders who do not have their breeding stock tested are usually breeding dogs for mere profit, or should I say a quick buck and do not care about the future welfare of the puppy they have produced.

For more information on genetic problems of the Shih Tzu, visit the American Shih Tzu Club website, click here for their genetics page.

All the Creatures

Those of you that have outdoor cats have usually experienced your cat bringing home something less than desirable into your home. Be it a dead mouse or bird, their “gift” to you is not a well received one. Dead animals are not the only items that cats can bring home. Several years ago there was a news item about a cat that brought home diamonds. The cat came in the house limping after being out all night. The cat’s owner looked for the cause of the limp and removed what she thought was a piece of glass from between the cats toes. The same thing happened the next night. It was discovered that those pieces of “glass” were diamonds and it was never discovered where the cat got them.

We also knew a neighbors cat that would steal things. That cat took a watch of mine once and I had to chase the cat for a few 100 feet before she dropped it. The photo above is of Frankie, a “cat burglar” in England. Frankie brings home a kinds of stuffed animals. He never plays with them, according to his owner, just simply collects them.

Dogs also bring home some of the strangest things, including other live animals. My daughter’s dog ran off in our local woods to bring back something in her mouth…..a baby rabbit. Unharmed we managed to return the rabbit to its home within an hour of searching for it. Our dogs have also brought home kittens and other dogs. The dogs eventually returned to their homes but the kittens did stay.

All the Creatures