Archive for May, 2011

Alternative pet ideas for children that have cat and dog allergies.

1. Rabbits- Fuzzy and adorable and easy to housetrain

2.Rats-Highly intelligent and social only down side is short life span about 2-3 years

3. Parakeets-Hand-tamed from a reputable breeder can be very friendly. Another option cockatiels which if properly cared for can live a long time

4.Chickens- cheap and easy to keep , they don’t require much space. Females are calmer and quieter.

5. Goats-make surprisingly good pets.  They are affectionate active and silly. You will need more space for a goat at lest 20 by 20 pen and some solid high fencing.

Just remember what ever pet you decide on you are making a commitment to that pet to care for and treat that pet for their life. Pets are a luxury not a necessity.

Now before you ask there is an animal relevance here. I found this in a magazine some web site that can sow the troops you care.

Pets For Patriots- Matches homeless dogs and cats with military families  looking to adopt a furry friend. The nonprofit arranges for to help for veterinary bills and pet supplies.

Here are a few other sites.

Operation Write Home- operationwritehome.org

K.I.D.S- kidsdonation.org this promotes reading by giving books to children of military families

Good Grief Camps- taps.org  this is a place for kids of families that have lost loved ones can go and be paired with an active duty service member trained in supporting a bereaved child

Operation Military Kids- operationmilitarykids.org this offers recreation programs, assistance with school issues, free camp and more.

Hugs For Soldiers- hugsforsoldiers.org send a handwritten note or volunteer time preparing care packages

Homes For Our Troops- homesfortroops.org nonprofit that builds adapted housing for severely wounded veterans.

Cell Phones For Soldiers- cellphonesforsoldiers.com prepaid calling cards and free phone services for military personnel

Pizzas For Patriots- pizzas4patriots.com this charity shipped close to 60,000 pizzas to troops around the world

If you get bit by a tick and need to know if it is a tick carrying Lyme disease, please call the Monmouth County Mosquito Commission at (732)542-3630. If you are looking for more information about Lyme disease you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.CDC.gov. As far as our furry friends, you should start using your flea and tick preventative. We recommend Frontline or Vectra. The Lyme vaccine is also available especially for those dogs that go to the dog park, woods, or high grass areas. These products are not repellents so please remember that after a walk in a wooded area you should check your pet and yourself for ticks. It is especially important to check around the head and neck area.