Rocky presumptively found a way to escape his capturers and was later adopted by a family from Salerno. But his new owners said he never stopped trying to escape and finally followed last November.

Two months later, they were reached by a man in Pisa some 600 km away who had found their dog heading north along the roadway. The long journey had taken its toll on Rocky who was gaunt, dirty and limping on blistered paws.

His status suggested a visit to the veterinarian who found out a tattoo indicating to his original owner. Fwal said that he’d never given up hope his dog would come home one day and rushed to Pisa to regain his long-lost friend. After trekking halfway up the Italian peninsula, Rocky moved the last 100 km home on the seat of Fwal’s motor scooter.

Rocky’s adventured grabbed national headlines on Friday, setting him in league with another dog hero who came to celebrity in late months, a German shepherd called Black who saved his owner in Turin from an attempted rapist.

Learning how to groom your dog doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful, in fact it can be fun for you both providing you seek the right advise and follow the right tips and advice. That brings me onto the fact that you can learn to groom your dog online, and there is no lack of information for you to read up on, but I would like to take a moment to advise you that seeking the right information is crucial, not just for you to benefit, but to ensure your dog benefits and the information you read thinking will help your dog doesn’t harm him.

So, you want to learn how to groom your dog, but you also want to ensure that you groom them in a safe manner, so where to you turn for this advice? And by this question I am not trying to put you off learning hope to groom your dog, because I think that you are making the right decision due to the benefits that are involved with it. I just want to make sure you both benefit from the grooming activities as much as possible, allowing you to reap the most reward from the time you spend doing it.

As an answer for finding advise on how to groom your dog safely I would like to guide you towards The Perfect Dog Grooming guide – it has been written with precision after many hours of the authors research with professionals and vets to ensure that the information has been brought to you is a safe and factual method for you to learn how to groom your dog. It is full of tips, advice and secrets to enable you to enjoy and benefit from the grooming experience as much as your dog.

The author of The Perfect Dog Grooming Guide is, and has been a keen dog lover, owner and trainer for over 30 years, so combining the professional s view wit his expertise you can be assured that you will learn how to groom your dog in a successful and safe way.

Fetch the Dawn dishwashing liquid from the kitchen, and then scoop your beloved pet into your arms and carry him to the sink or bathtub. Lather your pet good, and then let the Dawn sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Why Dawn? It kills the fleas in a matter of minutes. That’s right; you’ll wipe those fleas out in no time with Dawn! Although Dawn will kill the fleas, those annoying little critters may return later, especially if you don’t treat your home and wash all the linens your furry friend has slept on. Therefore, it’s a good idea to bathe your pet at least once a week or, once every other week to keep the fleas under control. A natural flea collared will also help keep your pet from becoming infested with fleas.

After you bathe your pet with Dawn dishwashing liquid, follow up with a flea comb to remove any dead fleas that were left behind. You can find flea combs at your local pet store. If you want to make a really good flea repellent then you need a pot of boiling water and a lemon cut into wedges. The pot and lemon mixture is left overnight so it has time to cool down. By spraying this all over your pet, especially behind the ears and generally around the head, and at the base of the tail and the armpits, you can rid it of fleas.

Have you ever walked into someone’s home and been blown away by the smell of mothballs? Well, most people use the mothballs to keep moths, mice and other pesky critters at bay, but mothballs are great home flea remedies as well. What’s that? You don’t want your home to have that nasty smell? No problem, just don’t go overboard on the quantity of mothballs that you use.

Another common home flea remedied for pets involves a spray bottle, vinegar and water. Fill the spray bottle with half vinegar and half water. Next, spray the mixture onto your pet, using your hand to rub it in well. Lastly, don’t rinse; let the mixture remain on your pet because it will dry and that’s how it works. You have to let it dry for a more effective treatment.

A final solution to your flea dilemma is as simple as adding garlic to each of your pet’s meals, and once a week add salt. Keep in mind, this home flea remedy will not have an instant effect, but it will help to keep the fleas off your pet. That said, you might consider using one of the home flea remedies that kills instantly, and follow up with this remedy to keep the fleas from returning.

Horse shampoo does make human hair more manageable and shinier, that’s because the ingredients used are more concentrated, designed to beautify a horse’s coat. Naturally, when humans use it, they get double the conditioning and glossifying action than the ordinary shampoos designed for humans.

However, it does not guarantee hair growth as many believe it would. Only shampoos with minoxidil can do this. Horse shampoo makes the hair shafts thicker, giving you the feel of a fuller mane. It has more nutrients and essential oils which are good for the scalp. So, it may help clear dandruff and flaky scalp which can prevent falling hair and possibly hair loss.

Using this product made from equines is safe. In fact, other products for horses are safe for human use, hoof strengthener creams are excellent for brittle human nails, many Hollywood stars and famous models can attest to that. The product contains keratin which works wonders for all mammalian nails, horns and claws.

So, will your dog’s shampoo work just as well for you? As long as it does not contain insecticides, it will give the same manageability and shine to your hair as horse shampoo will. Use a brand designed for puppies and kittens. Make sure you read the label carefully. Products with good brand names will usually indicate that it is safe for human use. The best thing about dog or cat shampoos is their deodorizing action. If your problem is head lice, a dog or cat shampoo with flea-killing ingredients can be used. However, caution should be given. Never let the product get into your eyes and be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly. Follow the instructions very carefully.

Are Products Designed for Humans Good for Your Pets Too?

Yes, as long as it is all-natural. Germicidal soaps, laundry powders and bars can cause dandruff to your pets. If you can’t get shampoo for your cat or dog, baby products are the next best thing. Expensive organic beauty products can be used for your pets because they have all-natural ingredients. Even if you got your puppies for sale at a reasonable price, it is worth investing in good products to look after the health of your pet.

•          Provide some means of exercise for your pet. Not only dogs and cats need it, but also pet mice, hamsters and birds. Keep toys and gadgets like wheels in their cages to encourage them to work off those hi-nutrient feed they are fed on. Train dogs and even cats and ferrets to walk on a leash and take them on regular walks. Play ball or frisbee with them in your yard or park.

•          Ask the advice of your vet regarding your pet’s correct feeding plans. Adult cats and dogs usually need one square meal a day and a few low-cal snacks in between. Provide only the exact amount of feed for them.

•          Never feed cat food to dogs and dog food to cats. Cat food has a higher nutritional value which can make dogs and other pets gain weight. This is because cats have a higher body metabolism, which is why they lose weight and get inadequate vitamins and minerals if they are fed dog food.

•          Never feed puppy or kitten food to adult pets. Pet foods for young animals have a higher calorie content which can eventually lead to excess weight gain on adult cats and dogs.

•          Never give extra hand outs of human food. This includes junk food, table scraps and sweets which may also cause your pets to become sick.

•          Make sure your pets do not get into the food dishes of their fellow pet companions. Some food-oriented animals develop a sneaky habit of stealing food from others. This should not be tolerated. Opening cupboards and the refrigerator door is not a cute trick and should never be encouraged.

Before using herbs to treat your pet’s sickness, you must first know the ailments and their cause and study carefully the herbs, their composition and nature as well as their uses and application. If you are unsure, do not take the risk of guessing or experiment. Ask the help of a holistic veterinarian. The suggestions in this article do not mean to replace the diagnosis and prescription of a licensed veterinarian.

Pets like cats and dogs have different anatomy thus they cannot be likened or compared to humans. Moreover, the right dosage for a small cat may not be the same for a medium-sized rabbit or a big dog. Animals do not digest fresh herbs as easily as humans do, hence you must prepare a tea or tincture from herb to work better for them. An acceptable solution would be an herbal tea that is stronger than what you could take for yourself. Doses must be compatible to the size and weight of your pet. Giving several small doses throughout the day instead of one full amount once a day will hasten the effect of the herb in your pet’s system and boost the immune system. Like in humans, do not give herbs to pets continuously for a long time. The animal’s body will build immunity and will then develop resistance to the herb, thus it becomes medicinally useless. An interval of two weeks on, one week off will give the herb time to show its effect. Prolonged use may also make the animal’s body system develop resistance to the herbs. Take note, anything bad for humans will also be bad for these creatures.

In other countries, herbal medicine is now widely being looked upon and accepted as an alternative to orthodox cure. It is from the herbal extracts and mixtures where modern medicine has been derived, scientists believe. Even veterinarians are now looking into using plants to help in the cure and relief of animal ailments. The vets, like our dieticians, tell that a good diet for your pet will give them a longer and healthier life. You can consult your animal doctor or make your own readings and observations to determine what a really good diet is.

There is an old Asian belief that, animals bring prosperity to a business or household. It is said that each animal symbolizes a blessing to people and places who have adopted that particular animal. The Lunar New Year is a time when lucky pets should be bought or given by those who want to reap prosperity from the coming year.

In order to bring on luck, a pet owner must first and foremost be ready to take on the responsibilities of his or her new pet. According to Feng Shui experts, animals that are kept at home or in a business establishment should be healthy, well-fed and happy. It must have all the comforts it needs and a space for it to roam and exercise. If an owner does not take care of his or her animals, no luck will come to that individual.

You may not believe in Feng Shui, but as a true Christian, you have been taught the doctrine of unconditional love and responsibility to fellow human beings and the creatures that we share our planet with. The belief about good energies bringing blessings is the same as those of other religions. It is a benevolent cycle: Do well to others and good will come around to you. Here are some pet prosperity tips to keep those positive energies circulating around you and your space:

Fish – Kept in an aquarium and maintained regularly, they give a relaxing, happy, and refreshing atmosphere in any home or business establishment. The Chinese believe they boost up the business. This is because watching fish swim around in their tanks removes stress, anxiety and depression. A great way to cure bored, tired and cranky employees in an office or business area.

Dogs – A symbol of fidelity, many cultures associate it with faithfulness, especially in matrimony. Keeping a dog that’s just right for your lifestyle is the best thing you can have. No matter that kind of person you are, your dog will love you and never let you down.

Cats – It isn’t true that cats are haughty and aloof. It takes a special person to understand the feline mind. If you’re one of the people smart, spiritual, intellectual and mysterious person.

Birds – The song of these feathered pals cures depression and uplifts the spirit. Like cats, not all people can appreciate the charms of a pet bird. No matter what kind they are, a parrot, a mynah, a pigeon or a common sparrow, birds amuse and fascinate us with their intelligent antics.

Rodents – White mice (or rats), hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits are said to bring good luck. Some believe they see evil spirits and give warning of their presence. Other cultures consider them as messengers of the gods who bring luck to people who take them into their homes.

Reptiles – Snakes, turtles, and lizards are the symbols of long life, physical beauty and prosperity. In some Asian countries, they are associated with youth. They believe that the energies given by these creatures keep their owners young, strong, vigorous and healthy.

Amphibians – Their connection with water makes them symbols of wealth. Frogs are believed to make your business jump’ up, salamanders bring in the money and newts are believed to entice customers in.

One good thing about beauty products designed for animals is that they are hypoallergenic. They contain the most natural ingredients. Many pet products are organic and safe for human use. Pet soaps that don’t contain insecticides are good for dry skin since they contain pure natural oils like lemon, olive and other herbal oils which are very good for human skin as well. People claim that they don’t need to use lotion after bathing in cat soap. Pet perfumes and sunblock lotions and creams can also be safe for humans, as long as you read the labels to check out the ingredients. Remember, the ingredients used are the same as those made are double the dosage because animals tend to have drier fur and scalp. Sunblocks designed for hairless cats and dogs have an SPF of 35-50 which is a pretty good thing if you are exposed to the sun during activities.

Pet perfumes don’t contain irritating chemicals like alcohol, artificial scents and preservatives. Good product brands also carry designer scents for our four-legged friends, so there is a wide variety to choose from.
Pet beauty products are more expensive than those for humans, you can’t buy them in sample sachets and the places to buy good quality ones are limited. If you plan to use them, it is recommended that if you buy them from reputable pet boutiques. Horse shampoos are cheaper if bought in a pet store than in your local retail store, boutique or beauty counter. It works best when used with the same brand of conditioner. Make sure to leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing to get the maximum effect.

Read the labels very carefully and discontinue use if you experience irritation and redness. The great thing about using your pet’s beauty products is that you get double the cleansing, conditioning and other effects the product promises. It may be a bit expensive, but, hey, you can share it with your four-legged companions, so it’s all in one budget. The downside is that people who know you’re using pet products for your hair and body may think you’re some kind of nut! As long as you and your pet have a good hair or fur day everyday, who cares what others say!

When it all comes down to it, your pets have more sensitive skin and fur than you.

Lately, Jim noticed his dog Bismarck was getting too fat. Being a canine equivalent of Garfield, Bis hates the outdoors. He despises exercise and will prefer to sit on my favorite TV couch all day. Since he reached six months of age, he was feeding him only one square meal a day with a snack or two in between because he was afraid he would become overweight. His vet had given me this advice. But that didn’t stop him intelligent pooch from getting those extra meals which gave him the extra pounds. Obsessed with food, he ‘thought’ of ways to get them. One night, his sister, arriving late from work caught him on top of the outdoor kitchen counter eating the cats’ leftovers. Once when he was busy, he caught a glimpse of him outside where his nephews and niece were playing. He was begging for those Oreo cookies they were munching on. They have this naughty habit of eating only the filling and the lower half of the cookie, giving the other half to Bis. Later on, he learned that this happened all the time.

In other words, Bis was overeating behind my back. He has even learned a neat trick of opening the plastic container under the kitchen sink where his kibbles were stored. Sure enough, he was gaining unwanted weight and he knew it will cause him health hazards. He introduced him to a strict diet and regular exercise. In a few days, he had started shedding those unwanted pounds. Hopefully, he will get back to the healthy weight he’s got before.

Jim learned his lesson, too. This will teach him to carefully watch his pets’ food intake and teach his other family members the right way to feed their animal companions.

•          Fat pets are more prone to heart diseases. Heart attacks are not uncommon.

•          Extra weight can weaken bones, cause lameness, arthritis and rheumatism. They could also suffer from spinal disorders.

•          Skin lesions and infections can also occur and will ruin your pet’s looks and cause body odor.

•          Incorrect diet can also cause bad breath and cavities.

•          Diabetes is also a hazard for fat pets.

•          Obesity can ruin your pet’s quality of life. Fat pets have a shorter life span and they may become unproductive and give their owners more problems.

•          Obese pets reflect their owner’s lack of responsibility.

Becky is a cat person. Sam, Becky’s best friend, is a dog person. He tolerates cats and she does the same with dogs. Together, they’ve been good friends for the past ten years and have shared stories, tips and other pet talk with each other. He owns three large dogs and she have a menagerie of cats. One day, while sitting at the park, chit-chatting, they came upon the subject of their beloved pets.
He started boasting about his dogs, how smart, faithful and obedient they were, nothing compared to any kind of pet. Well, that triggered her defenses to catkind and she started telling him about the wonderful things her cats have done for her. Theirs was a competitive rivalry, he’s a writer and a photographer, and she is a writer-artist, they have been together all this time in the industry, and have many times worked together. They weren’t going to let their pet preferences make out of them.

They reached a compromise: There are dog-people and cat-people, there are a lot of differences about them and the animals they love, but they can still live in peace and harmony. Laughing, they listed the funny, amusing and out-of-this world things that separate the canine and the feline race…

The way we see cats and dogs:

Cats are sexy, seductive, graceful creatures. Dogs are slobbery, smelly, awkward animals. Here are some things that will tickle your funny bone about this comparison…

•        A woman who is compared to a cat is a complement, if she’s called a dog, this is an insult.

•        A ‘bad kitty’ is a knock-out, seductive lady who is out of reach to a man, a ‘bad dog’ is a quarrelsome, matronly, unattractive woman.

•        A woman described as a ‘tigress’ or ‘wildcat’ is someone who pleases men in bed. A woman called a ‘bitch’ is usually a whore, or someone with a nasty attitude.

•        Feline grace best describes a cunning person who moves with an accurate, rhythmic motion, never stumbling, never blundering. Canine attitude is quite the opposite, people who make a big mess, kisses other peoples’ behinds and makes a public scandal of themselves fit into this description.

•        The word ‘feline’ connotes mystery, seduction and naughtiness. `Canine’ brings to mind brute force, slobbery kisses, and a one-track mind.

•        A child referred to as ‘kitten’ means she’s the apple of her parents’ eye. How many people do you know call their children ‘poochie’ or puppy dog’?

But the dogs get an upper hand…

•        Dogs symbolize faithfulness, submissiveness and loyalty.

•        American Indians revere the wolf, a direct ancestor of domesticated dogs, as a sacred animal associated with harmonious family life, good leadership and strong blood bonds.

•        Dogs are companions of the goddess of the hunt, Diana, they help and protect her in the wilderness.

•        Canines are often the companions of the dead and the underworld, Ceberus; the Greek mythological three-headed dog guards the entrance to Hades. Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead is the patron of embalmers and guardian of the dead.

•        Many cultures regarded the dog as a guardian and protector of the home and livestock; they have been a great boon to many shepherds throughout the ages.

•        Greeks and Romans love their dogs; children are given puppies to be their companions which will teach youngsters responsibility.

•        Dogs have been with man as pets and hunting companions since the Neolithic Era.

The cats fight back…

•        Cats symbolize independence, strength and responsible motherhood.

•        The great civilization of Ancient Egypt worships the cat as a goddess of frivolity, femininity and the moon. The city of Bubastis was named after Bastet, the favorite cat-deity of the Egyptians.

•        Mohammed, Buddha, Mother Theresa, Confucius, are among the many spiritual leaders who were cat-lovers. Cats are associated by many cultures with spiritual harmony and contentment.

•        Cats accompany many goddesses too; they are associated with grace, arts and beauty. Nordic goddess of love, Freyja turns into a white cat. Bastet, Egyptian patron of single women is said to grant prayers for those seeking good husbands or boyfriends. Venus, who is also a love goddess, is known to transform into a cat.

•        Cats were the first pets who have been known to give therapeutic help and promote healing to their owners. Egyptians, Assyrians and Syrians have cats for pets to help soothe rattled nerves and calm the emotions.

•        Cats are associated to life-giving forces like the sun, moon, happiness and femininity.