Cats, Dogs, Birds or Fish?

The question every parent asks themselves when their child is begging for this, this, this or that. "What's the cheapest thing that will make them happy?" (It's ok, don't feel guilty!)

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has come to your rescue with an assessment on how much each pet costs at a basic ( but very acceptable) level of care.

So the list from MOST expensive to LEAST expensive is....

1) Dogs( especially larger breeds)

2) Rabbit: their food is actually very expensive and they have special needs like a hutch, toys to keep its teeth healthy, a litter box, bedding, plenty of hay AND pelleted feed.

Annual care for a rabbit estimated at $730

3) Cats

Annual care for a cat estimated at $670

4) Birds: A small bird ( not including spaying or neutering) ranged in the 200s

5) Fish: The best bet! Heck, go to a carnival and you can get one for a dollar if you can get that darn ring around that coke bottle! While equipment for aquarium and such can cost $200, thier food only costs $20 a year.

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America's Family Pet Expo

It's the world’s largest consumer pet expo! America’s Family Pet Expo will feature manufacturers, retailers, groomers, veterinarians, hobbyist groups, humane rescue organizations, humane societies, breeders, etc. I love this Expo because it's not just for dogs, or just for cats, its for dogs, cats, birds, fish & reptiles!

There's going to be something for everyone!

Some of last year's entertainment included, llama's, performing pigs, performing birds, performing dogs, animal competitions, a cat show, pet adoptions and aquarium displays!

When: Fri, Sat, Sunday April 11,12,13 2008
Where: OC Fair and Event Center @ 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626



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"Take Your Pet To Church" Day... Really?!

Francis of Assisi by Jose De Ribera

Yes sir! Though my title may be a bit crude, every year around this time, October 4th, some Catholic churches celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Though I'm not catholic, for those of you who don't know, St. Francis of Assisi is a patron saint known for his love of all creatures, particularly animals.

The Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

So in the spirit of Francis of Assisi, Catholic churches will be offering pet-friendly services. Some will be held inside, and some are coordinated for taking place outside. Many Catholic churches will use a prayer developed by the Franciscan religious order, which St. Francis founded. Here's an example of one prayer:

"Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless thispet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen."

Saint Francis in Prayer, 1580–85, oil on canvas

I had the opportunity, at an early age with a boys choir I sang in, to visit the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi (shown above) and sing at his tomb/shrine. It was a beautiful and amazing experience. I hope to get back there someday very soon.

For more information, call your local parish.

Who is St. Francis of Assisi?

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Act Now! Subscribe FREE to PlAnEt PeTs online newsletter, The Scoop! New Edition just about out!

This month's issue of The Scoop is just being polished off and we're getting ready to blow you away with another awesome newsletter!
We've been busy bees this month, searching for the web's hottest stories in the World of Pets, and bring them to you in a way you'll enjoy!
In this issue, we cover such stories as:

• Planet-Pets.com TV Episode 2!
  
• New trends in how to travel with your pet!
• Helpful tips on how to travel safe or move homes with a pet!
• A new winner of the "You and Your Pet" contest! Submit your story about your pet and compete to win an awesome pet owner's prize!
• All the funny videos and cartoons we could find on the Net!
• Famous Pet related quotes you can use with your friends!
  

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Dog Walking - Friend or Enemy?

Well apparently "Big Bird" organizations are out to get their natural rival, the dog. Apparently some stupid professor from the University of New South Wales has "published" (and I use that terms lightly) an in-depth study into how dog walking, or the vicinity of dogs has a devastating effect of the presence of natural bird wildlife.


His experiments show that dog-walking causes more than 40 per cent reduction in bird abundance and more than 35 per cent reduction in bird diversity in woodlands, even if the pets are kept on a lead. I say DUH!!!!!! What the heck do you expect when a bird gets around a dog? They fly away. But for Pete's sake, they come back! For anyone with large trees on their property like mine, I wish that a dog in the backyard would keep those bloody sparrow away for good. I'm tired of cleaning up the excess amounts of bird dung left all over the ground.
Seriously! I'm beginning to think that becoming a tenured professor is an easier and more "lax" job than flipping burgers and dealing with people's custom orders each day.
I don't even want to know how much money he so blatantly wasted on this study. Get real....

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