Funny Video: Cat Show Part 2

Planet-Pet's TV is back! Here is part 2 of our coverage of The Fancier's Cat Show. Enjoy!


Cute Cat Show Comedy 2 - Planet-Pets TV Episode 6 - Click here for the funniest movie of the week



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Funny Video: Cat Show

Recently Planet-Pets TV covered this year’s Cat Fancier’s Association Cat Show. Click here to check out the all the furry fun!

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at http://www.planet-pets.com/ and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to our monthly online newsletter, The Scoop today!

PDA Approves Drug For Fat Cats... and Dogs!

What's next, Ritalin?
In a related story to my last posting, I came across this new bulletin as well.
Pfizer has been approved to market Slentrol, a liquid formula to help pets maintain a healthy weight, to the estimated 5 percent of U.S. dogs that are 20 percent over their ideal weight.
It seems like their heart's in the right place when the FDA explained this approval by proclaiming that "Overweight pets are more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes and joint problems, according to the government agency." They just want to help is all....
I'm not a huge fan of pharmaceutical drugs and the whole industry, but I know that some good has come out of it over the past 60 some odd years. Whereas I know that this can help some pets that are outrageously overweight, I'd rather stuff some sense down the throats of the owners first. I'm sure that it's not just a "glandular" problem that ole' Poochie is dealing with... more like someone that doesn't know how to say no.....

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Newest Addition To Our Planet-Pets Family - CutePicturesofCats.com Free Pictures of Cats

Even though it's still under construction, cutepicturesofcats.com is our awesome new addition to the Planet-Pets.com's family.

Featuring high quality, free pictures of cats, cutepicturesofcats.com is the perfect place for cat lovers to find the best pictures on the Web!

While you're there, join our free "Cat Tales" weekly email updates about the world of cats and receive 10 FREE Kitty eCards!!! Doesn't get any better than that!

THE SCOOP IS OUT!!!!

Hey everyone!

We've finally put the final touches on September's issue of THE SCOOP, Planet-Pets.com's monthly online newsletter and have emailed it out to our lucky, and amazing free subscribers.

We're very excited about this newest issue, and are very proud to bring it to you again!

We also wanted to say thank you to the over 400 subscribers we've welcomed over the past 4 months, and look forward to making this pet newsletter the standard for all the rest on the Web!

We enjoy any feedback you can give us, such as your opinions, ideas for articles or interests, issues you may be dealing with with regards to your pet, etc.... PLEASE SHARE WITH US!

To have a look at our September Issue, click http://www.planet-pets.com/scoop-volume01_issue05.htm then if you like what you read, feel free to join us TOO! We'd love to have you :)

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!
  

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at www.planet-pets.com and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to The Scoop today

PLANET PETS TV - Episode 2 - Now On Stands Everywhere!

We at Planet-Pets.com are proud to present our second installment of our brand new show, Planet-Pets TV, hosted by none other than Me :), Brandon James and Amanda Fruta. This episode continues on the topics we discussed with dog owners at the Huntington Dog Beach, a beautiful 3/4 mile stretch of Ocean front dedicated to dogs. We found out some interesting things about personal experiences with the pet food recall, how to get your dog trained to become a therapy dog, and about how rescues work. Check it out!



Video: Planet-Pets TV Episode 2

Is Corporate Going to The Dogs too?

It is in this office! Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. is a company that walks the talk -- and the dog too. At the company's site in Hertfordshire, Britain, several dogs can often be found in the office. Walking into the LA based advertising company TBWA\Chiat\Day, you would find both 2 legged and 4 legged employees running around. There might be 40 to 50 dogs -- compared with 850 people -- in the company's largest office at any time.

"If it is practical it can be a great benefit," says Ziela Haider, a spokeswoman for Blue Cross, an animal welfare charity in Britain. "Dogs really do reduce stress. We have a part-time office dog and spending a few minutes stroking him lets you take a mental break." They also found that many employees spend longer hours at work, knowing that their dog is beneath their desk where they can care for them.

While I can definitely see the benefits of having the wonderful energy of pets around in the office, I can also relate to the other side of this debate that feels as though they are a distraction. It's not hard to imagine that. I guess my thoughts and feelings tend to go to a larger debate that I have which is how we North Americans 'live to work' and not 'work to live.' I see this step to include our amazing bond with domesticated animals as one step closer to the latter. So I'm all for it... allergies included ;)

Come join us in the web's most dynamic and fun online pet community at www.planet-pets.com and keep your finger on the pulse by signing up free to The Scoop!

Single? Love Your Pets? Listen up.. this may be why...

So apparently whether or not a potential companion sticks around with you does depend on what pet you own, how many you have, and how much money you spend on your precious little "fuzzy wuzzy."
Here's some of the research that the Guardian reported:

• 48% of women admitted to being repelled at men who own pet spiders
• Men are turned off by partners who pamper their pets, identified by owners who spend on average $100 or more per week on their pets.
  

• One in four men said they would not date a woman with two or more cats
• A third of women said they would avoid men who let cats sleep on their pillows

I think the shock piece of information that they found was that if a pet owner was forced to make a choice between their pet and their new mate because their companion turned out to be highly allergic, one quarter would stick with their pet! WHAT?!?!
I think it's perfectly expressed by Victoria Lukats, a psychiatrist at Sussex Partnership NHS trust in Brighton, who was involved in the survey, said: "The image of Paris Hilton and her pampered pets is one that seems to send most men running for the hills."

PLANET-PETS.COM TV IS FINALLY HERE!!!!!

An Increase in Vigilance On Their Produced Food Says China...

Well I suppose we all knew this was coming. The Chinese premier has passed a new law that dictates stronger supervision and more severe penalties for negligence of Chinese companies producing dangerous products.
This of course comes on the heels of a massive world wide rejection of many Chinese produced products, from toothpaste to seafood.
I really do hope that something happens, as unfortunately, we Americans rely heavily on products "Made In China." Try going to the grocery store or any store for that matter and not buying anything made in China. It's harder than you might think. Outside of the obvious issues I have with their political views and the tragic pet food poisoning of earlier this year, I'll be wary of any Chinese products for a while now.
Take a few seconds and choose to remember the helpless victims of that tragedy, and stay alert.

Read more from Brandon James in Planet-Pets.com's free monthly pet newsletter, The Scoop or check out the website at www.planet-pets.com.

Update on Michael Vick story

Just this past Thursday, Michael Vick pleaded not guilty to the charges brought on him for this dogfighting scandal, and his trial date has been set for November.
He categorically denies being involved in the dog fighting ring that allegedly was taking place on his Virginia property, and is determined to clear his "good name." I for one can't see a way out for him, based on the information that has been released, and after reading around the web, neither do any of the legal pundits out there.
Of course, all the usual suspects have come out in support for him, such as his adoring, hormone driven fans and his teammates, but their support sounds more like media platitudes rather than heartfelt support - "He's our teammate..." or "Mike's like a brother to me..." etc etc etc.... If I was Mike, I be like... "Nice try guys..."
Anyhow, I hope that much like what happened with the media exposure of the pet food industry after the pet food recall, that the dark world of underground animal fighting as a betting sport gets exposed and cracked down on. It's an absolute horror to think of what some of these beautiful animals are subjected to, and I can only hope that they drag out a few more of these lowlife a*%holes and give them their "just desserts."

Read more from Brandon James in Planet-Pets.com's free monthly pet newsletter, The Scoop or check out the website at www.planet-pets.com.

Your Boxer Dog And Its Main Health Concerns

A good owner is always concerned about his or her dog’s health, regardless of breed, and it seems to be a constant struggle. However not only can visits to the vet be expensive, but also anyone who cares about their pooch will hate to see it in pain. However, the breed of the individual dog will ultimately determine the nature and content of those health concerns. Certain breeds seem to be more prone to certain diseases, ailments and niggles than others. The Boxer dog breed is one of the most affected breeds.

One of the main concerns for the Boxer dog owner is hip dysplasia. This particular ailment can cause lameness as a result of looseness in the rear hip joints. Often, the tissue around the hip can work its way loose over time, causing the ball to move more than it actually should in the socket. The unfortunate thing is there is nothing any owner can do to prevent it because it is part of their genetic nature.

The Boxer dog is 67^th on the list of breeds that suffer the most with hip dysplasia, and over 10% are actually diagnosed with a severe form of it at some stage during their lives. The Boxer dog may also fail to show any symptoms of having this ailment, even while suffering from it. However, dogs can be screened for it from two months old and every Boxer dog should have had a scan by the time they hit two years old. Every dog is simply X-rayed under sedation and then graded according to the results.

Regardless of how your Boxer dog is graded, he or she may not feel the effects of hip dysplasia until they reach eight or nine years old. In some cases it can lead to lameness and arthritis, but a few dogs never show any signs of it. It is an ailment to be aware of, but not one to be overly worried about. The best thing you can do as a Boxer owner is to learn all you can about this particular ailment, and be prepared to best deal with it should it develop in your dog.

A New Puppy In The House: Welcome Home!

On your new puppy's first day home, one of the best things you can do for him is give him a complete tour around the house on a loose leash. This is the pup's first introduction to whatever limitations you want to put on his future access to your possessions - your furniture, golf clubs, books, the kids' toy shelves, etc.

This is not the right time for disciplining him or saying "no." (The puppy might begin to think that "no" is his name!) Instead, use a guttural "Yack!" combined with a very slight tug-and-release of the leash as he sniffs to warn him away from untouchables. He's new at this, but just saying, "Puppy!" in a happy voice may be enough to get him to look at you - "Good dog." Back to happy chatter as you move on.

All you are doing is letting him know by means of prevention what things he will have to avoid in the future. Be sure to use growling sounds that he’ll recognize and understand. Let him sniff first because he'll remember the objects more by scent than by sight. He looks up at you and he is praised. Think of it this way: "No!" means "Don't do that!" whereas "Yack!" means "Don't even think of doing it!" Chit-chat is natural and pleasurable to both of you; but in the beginning, the puppy will only pick up on his name because everyone uses it in connection with things he finds pleasurable - play, food or praise. If you use the word "din-din" many times while fixing his meals, that word will stand out in the midst of a five minute speech on nutrition as a clue to the observant pup that he is about to eat. The human-canine teaching language is based on short, simple words that are consistently applied to specific actions.What this first guided tour also teaches your puppy is the layout of his new home, what it looks like, smells like, even feels like (rugs, carpets, tile, or wood), most importantly, that some things are off limits, even to adorable puppies.

There is one more important lesson he is learning from this adventure: that you are his new Leader, the He or She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed. If you do not take on this role, your new fuzzy puppy will. Somebody's got to do it, and he'll fill the vacancy immediately! You may be familiar with the saying, "Lead, follow or get out of my way." Every dog is born knowing it and continues to live by it!

Once the house tour is over, now it's down to specifics. Show your puppy where his water bowl will always be. Let him investigate his crate. Then take him outside (still on leash) to the exact area where you want him to eliminate. Stand there until he does. (Have patience! He's new at this.) Praise quietly as he goes, after which you can make the same kind of tour outside, with warnings about flower or vegetable beds, bushes or plants. Or you may live in a city and by law must curb your new dog. Be sure to go to the quietest no-parking spot you can find. If you remain on the sidewalk, he will naturally want to join you, so stand down in the street with him. It will take time, plus your casual, confident attitude, to get him used to the noise, the confusion and the speed and size of trucks and taxis. No outside walking tour at this time. Wait until his immunizations are complete, by which time he will also be more accepting of city life.

Note: If the original trip home from where you picked up your puppy took more than an hour, reverse the two "tours" to let the pup eliminate first.

SOS!!! Putting This Out to My Trusted Readers....

Alright guys... so I know I'm usually the one bringing and breaking down the information so it becomes palatable, but I'm calling on all your self-professed dog experts out there!
My girlfriend has a cute, just turned 1 year old Toy Yorkie. This guy has energy TO SPARE! And for the most part, he's the most adorable freakin' thing you'll ever have the pleasure of spinning around the living room with, but sometimes, especially when trying to train him, he's unmanageable. It's like he's got the most severe case of ADHD you've ever seen. Granted I understand he's still a puppy, but typically after the 4th or 5th time you correct a dog on something, they typically pick up on it that it's something they shouldn't do. I can tell he hears us when we correct him, and it does stick.. for about 2 seconds. One night after battling with him over not coming on the bed and climbing all over us with a toy to play at 4am in the morning, there were threats levied (and not by me...) that he just might find himself flying out the second story window. Needless to say, it can be very frustrating.
I'm looking for good training techniques that helped begin to establish obedience, and usher out the "headless chicken" puppy act. When's the right time to start?

Read more from Brandon James in Planet-Pets.com's free monthly pet newsletter, The Scoop or check out the website at www.planet-pets.com.

This food safety/recall issue is now officially a three-ring circus...

I almost have to thank Menu Foods, Inc. for colossal mistake they made in using the melamine-tainted gluten back in early 2007. Now that may sound bad, but ever since that happened, a much needed light has been shone down on an area of security that I don't believe many Americans considered - our food. More importantly, our imported foods.

Over the past week, I've read a continuing string of stories that continues to blow my mind. Yet, it's so obvious. Unfortunately, we've come to a point in our nation's history where we want things cheaper, faster, and above all else... NOW! Capitalizing on our market mentality is our precious friend, the communist country of China. A country that for all it's power over controlling and dictating it's citizens, just can't seem to quite figure out how to exercise that same authority over it's manufacturers that are shipping to the US. In all reality, while they state their concerns, I'm taking a real guess that they probably couldn't care less.

First I read about how our fondness for cheap, quick product solutions has gotten us into trouble on products from everything like toothpaste to pain medicines. Bogus products stating they have the "active" ingredient in them, that have no such ingredient at all. One example was chondroitin, and how millions of dollars worth of faulty products are bought every year that are a complete scam.

Second, I read another article about how just this past month, a Chinese manufacturer of dumplings was recently reprimanded for "repackaging" TWO YEAR OLD FILLING into new dumplings. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! I guess I shouldn't be surprised about this. I mean if China can't even get Communism right, why should I believe they'd get a free market capitalist society down either?

And now.. for my third and final trick....

I'm just going to quote the news article I read this in because it says it all....

"China's regulatory standards chief pledged Wednesday to update and boost enforcement of food safety rules as the country faces intense international pressure for exporting unsafe products, from tainted pet food to popular children's toys manufactured with lead paint."

I'm sorry but can anyone really take that seriously?

Introducing the Hottest, Newest Pet-Focused Online Newsletter - The Scoop

Hey Everyone!

We'd like to take a moment to introduce you to The Scoop; Planet-Pets.com's exciting and FREE newsletter all about the World of Pets and the people who love them!

Be on the lookout for this exciting newsletter featuring breaking news in the pet world, funny pet videos, cartoons, contests, recommendations, fun polls and other features such as "Celebrities and their Pets" (video) and "Discover Planet-Pets," an exciting feature that helps you learn more about our 3,500 page website!

When you subscribe to The Scoop, you will receive your issue via e-mail on the 15th of the month and you can unsubscribe at any time. If you have any questions, comments or story ideas for "The Scoop", please e-mail me, Brandon James at: brandon@planet-pets.com

The Planet-Pets team is excited about serving you with the latest in fun, exciting, important and intriguing pet information and entertainment, every month - come aboard!