There is no secret that economic times are tight. If there are any ways that we can cut some corners to save a little cash we find them. For example, I use to buy a complete horse feed for my senior horse. The price of that feed sky rocketed from $11 a 50# bag to $27 for a 40# bag in about 6 months. There was no way that my old guy could continue on that diet. What I did is find a substitute feed that worked for him and kept him in good condition. I ended up mixing 2 bags of feed to get the right ratio that he needed. In the long run my new mixture costs about $9 for 50#. I ended up saving more than the original cost of the feed I was giving him over 7 months prior to that.
I also found my neighbor cutting costs in her barn. Instead of using convectional lighting during the early morning hours when she feeds, she turns on a string of C7 led christmas lights that she put up. The light level is bright enough to see her horses and to feed them. Another neighbor is using the same type of lighting on his front deck year round instead of porch lights. What he did was to put the lights on the floor of the deck so he could see the steps.
Other neighbors have been fencing in more of their property and letting their livestock graze in more areas. That is to cut back on the amount of hay they have been normally buying since a ton of hay now cost over $140.
Everyone I know digs for pet food coupons like they were gold. I have not been able to find many of those since I don’t get magazines nor newspapers anymore.
Saving money…..it’s a lot like hard work.o
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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.
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