Your Dogs Skin - Something So Simple Yet So Complex
A wrapping
of fur is not
all there is
to your dogs skin.
It is
also a factory for vitamin D production,
it protects
the internal parts from injury, bacteria,
and viruses,
and it contains a sensory system
that is unsurpassed.
The network of
skin nerve cells goes
to work when
your dog is cold, has a
cut, or receives a pat on
the heat.
In cold
weather, the hairs stand
erect and form air pockets that insulate
against the cold.
Healthy skin
and hair coats are flexible,
glossy, and free of excessive oiliness, redness,
dandruff, scabs,
eruptions, or parasites. Run
you hand against
the hair coat and
check for growths or blemishes. There should also
be no areas of hair loss.
Each dog has its own
shedding cycle, which may
change from year
to year. Some
pets shed a small amount all the
time, while others
lose large clumps
at various levels.
Pets
can have
freckles, concentrations of cells containing the
brown pigment called melanin. These
can be found anywhere on the skin and even
in the mouth. Be sure to
check the skins
special alterations, the mammary glands, the foot pads, the claws, and whiskers.
Frequently check your dogs paws.
The thick, pigmented, tough
footpads are excellent shock
absorbers. The pads are named for their
location. Pets have sweat glands in the
footpad area.
If your
dog gets excited at the
veterinarians office, you may see
sweaty paw prints on the
exam table. Check the
spaces between the toes. Since your dog walks barefoot and this is a
very moist area, the interdigital
area can be easily
irritated and infected by briars, stones,
foxtail, sand, and salt.
Your dogs whiskers or
tactile hairs
as some veterinarians refer to them, are long, stiff hairs located on the muzzle,
upper eyelids, cheeks, and legs.
They are used as feelers and are especially handy for navigation at night or in
dark areas. There is a fable belief that a dogs sense of
balance will be lessened
if the whiskers are
cut or shortened, but there is no
truth to this at all. If any unusual
changes or defects are found on your
pet, do not hesitate to take him to the
veterinarian, as changes can
indicate an internal illness or parasite.
Randy
Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet
industry for a long time. Recently they formed
http://www.joncopets.com. On the site, customers can shop for the latest dog collars, dog
clothes, pet
supplies and more. Check them out at
http://www.joncopets.com.
Why Aren't You In Heaven Yet?
The only
reason we remain on
earth is to serve God.
Ever wondered why, once
you became a Christian, God has
left you here? Why he
hasnt taken you
to heaven?
The reason is
clear. The Bible
tells us
we are left here
for a reason. Knowing where
we are going,
knowing of our divine-set
appointment in heaven, we are meantime
to do Gods
work down here.
Consider
the story
of a Christian
woman named Rebecca OConnor. When she first saw
the horrific images of
the 2005
Asian tsunami disaster, she was working
the night shift at New
York Presbyterian
hospital, where she is a pediatric nurse.
She said she felt compelled
to do something.
And
OConnor did do
something. She flew
to Sri Lanka, along with eight other medical
professionals, for a
two-week medical-relief trip.
Arriving
in Sri Lanka, they traveled through 150 miles of destruction
before arriving in a downtown area
that had been completely
devastated. Setting up their clinic in a downtown Sri
Lankan mosque, they saw 40 to
100 patients
every shift. Respiratory problems
and foot
and leg
wounds caused by stepping on debris
when wading through water were the most
common ailments treated.
OConnor
and the others soon discovered they were less than a mile away from a
local hospital and another
large clinic. She questioned a Sri Lankan
friend, Why are people
coming to us?
The friend said, Because at the hospital someone asks,
Name? Age? Complaint? and then
gives them a sheet of paper and tells
them to go wait somewhere. You
sit them down, ask them
whats wrong and treat
them. You listen to them.
Rebecca OConnor summed it up:
It seemed that the most valuable therapy we were
providing had nothing to do with antibiotics
or wound
care. By listening to story after
heartbreaking story, admiring pictures of
families once
happy and healthy, and playing
soccer with children who lost everything, we were able to say, We care about you, and we
share in your grief, without
speaking a word.
See
how this principle works?
Like Rebecca
OConnor, are you
willing to risk everything, to
live boldly
as one privileged, charged and empowered to
represent Jesus Christ
knowing you have a divine-set appointment in heaven?
Mike Fletcher
puts out
http://www.onlinechristianshopper.com, which sells Christian
T-Shirts. He also runs the
http://www.faithfulchristian.com evangelism site.
Eight Ways to Enjoy Yourself on the Water
Throughout
the centuries, human beings have loved
the water. Water has
fed us, cleaned us,
quenched our thirst,
and given us
a convenient highway since long
before there were
real highwaysindeed, for as long as our species has been alive. Weve built most
of our major cities near
rivers, oceans,
or lakes. We compose poetry
and songs about
the ocean, write stories about
adventuring on mighty
rivers while floating on nothing but tiny rafts,
and build expensive waterfront properties so
we can live next
to water year-round. Weve devised thousands
of ways
to travel, play, and live
off-land. Following
are just a few ways weve come up
with for experiencing
the thrill and joy
of being out on the open water.
Yachts. Nothing
compares to the elegance of
a yacht. Powered by windthe ancient engine that Polynesian wayfarers used
to populate the
far-flung islands of the Pacific, Viking explorers used
to discover Greenland, and
Magellan used to circumnavigate the globea yacht
will take
you where youre going, and make you feel like a king or
queen while youre en route.
Lots of
yachting companies offer trips that involve fine wine, gourmet food, and a luxury experience.
Powerboats. Couple the thrill of being
out on the water with the
excitement of high
speeds, and youve
pretty much summed up a trip on a powerboat. We love skimming across the glassy surface of a lake or
riding the waves, the
wind scraping the hair back from our faces, the sun shining down on the surface of the water. The best powerboats are like convertible
sports cars on wateran unbeatably
thrilling experience. Windsurfing. For centuries humans have been harnessing the
power of wind to navigate on the water. But windsurfing
is a relatively new
invention that involves balance, strength, and timing. Windsurfing gives you
more range than a surfboardyou can
traverse wide lakes with no waves or perform daredevil stunts in the surf, depending on
your style and that of
your board. It takes practice, but its a sport thats growing in popularity worldwide.
Kitesurfing. Similar to windsurfing, except the sail
is really a kitelocated at the
end of a rope instead of attached to your board. Kitesurfing is a fun and challenging sport that requires
some coordination to
do wellyou need to be able to guide both the kite in your hands and the board thats strapped to your
feet. The sport has become far safer and more accessible to
beginners due to recent advances in kitesurfing technology.
Zapcats. Never heard of these? Youve been missing out. Zapcats are small,
motor-powered catamarans that can move at thrilling speeds and turn on a dime. Theyve got the speed of a powerboat and the
flexibility of a
jet skian undeniably exciting combination. Most rentals will
usually send
an instructor out with you, like they will with a powerboat. A zapcat ride is much more hands-on than the
typical powerboat ride, however, because both parties are needed to steer the craft. Theyre a blast to race in aquatic obstacle courses.
White water
rafting. Even if strong currents and big waves make you nervous, white-water rafting is a fun and amazing experience that will give you confidence on the water. Most white-water rafting companies will send you out with an
experienced guide and in a durable
craft specially designed to handle the rigors of the rapidsso youre perfectly safe. Its a fun and thrilling way to experience the power of nature
firsthand. Because of the size of the crafts and its accessibility to all
levels of ability, its also an
ideal way to bring a group together. White-water rafting is an ideal activity for an office outing or family trip.
Rapid running. Youd think this sport would be better for people
who are more experienced in white-water raftingbut actually, its
popular with all ability-levels. With rapid-running, you get your own inflatable two-person craft, and are
sent without a guide down a rapids course. Youre prepared beforehand, of coursemost companies that offer rapid-running activities will include a course on how to navigate the rapids safely. Its a lesser-known but no-less-fun variety of white-water rafting, perfect for those who like a little more autonomy in their boats or who just want to try
something a little different than the typical white-water rafting trip.
Jet skiing. Its been described as a motorcycle on water.
Jet skis are one-person watercraft that accelerates with a throttle in the handle. Theyre very flexible, with the ability to accelerate quickly and make sharp turns. Jet ski tours of bays, rivers, and otherwise-inaccessible islands are becoming
popular tourist activities in locations near water.
Whether you prefer relaxing yacht
cruises, heart-pounding motorboat rides, the hands-on excitement of white water, or the balance and skill of wind or kitesurfing, theres
sure to be a water activity youll love. Dont be afraid to get out of your comfort
zone and try
something newyou may
find more than one activity youll enjoy for years to come.
Janette Vince is
managing director of the
online experience
days and unique gifts website
http://www.thanksdarling.com For more information on a range of days out learning water sports visit
http://www.thanksdarling.com/categories/water.htm.
The Working Parent's Home Office--Organization for Success
The Working Parents Home Office
Organization for Success
If
youre a parent that
works at home, you already know about
the ongoing conflict between
your business and your family obligations. Home based businesses are rapidly becoming
the norm
in our world
of high technology. As
a parent, this
is great news, as it allows you
to be in
the house
with your kids
while still creating
a necessary income. So, when
combining your work life with your
home life, how do you find the proper balance, so each
can be stable
and successful? To begin with you need
to have the correct
tools at your disposal for whatever your work at
home business is.
While this may sound easy, the
lack of organization
can be a death
knell to your home based business. Beyond
strong organization, youll also need
to be able
to communicate with your
family effectively, set
limitations, prioritize your day, stick
to your commitments,
and learn how
to be flexible. Sounds like a lot,
doesnt it? Its not
only possible, its very manageable,
and while the balance will rarely be
perfect, optimizing your schedule and your office will
lead you to not only a stronger business but a stronger family
unit, as well. The following steps will help get you started:
Communication
Whether
youre running an internet home based business or another type of work at home career, start with communication.
Explain to your family what your home based business will require in order for it be
streamlined. This is all about
expectations, and may include establishing protocol for interruptions,
discussing your normal working hours, and basic rules to be followed. Be
ready to listen, question, and explain
every detail fully.
Organization
Its essential to have the proper tools in order to work at home successfully. Be sure to have a strong internet connection (especially if you have an internet home based
business), a
dedicated telephone (it
can be a cell phone), a place to keep files and
notes so you can find
them quickly, and a way of organizing your incoming work.
Limitations
Your family is
important and they are probably the main reason youre in a home based business to begin with. However, your children need to understand youre working even if youre only in the next room. Youll need to set limitations with them so they know how to approach you in
non-emergency circumstances. You could
designate a signal that will visually tell them you
cannot be
interrupted unless it is an emergency. This can be as simple as a closed door or a sign you hang outside of your office.
Prioritize
Invest in a calendar, whether the old-fashioned type or computer
software, to use as a planning tool. This is one of the most important steps you can take if you work at home, because you need a place to
pencil (or
type) in appointments,
school activities,
deadlines, etc. Get into the habit of
updating your planning tool throughout each day so you can set your priorities well in advance.
Commitment
If you tell your son that youll be at his soccer
game be there. If you tell a business associate you will be available to talk on a certain day and time, make sure you are.
Your word is important within your family and your business so unless something happens that you
cannot control, live up to what you
say. If you do have to break a commitment, be open and
honest about it and be ready with an alternate plan. If this happens it is essential that the alternate plans you made are adhered to.
Flexibility
As with anything in life, learning to be flexible will save you, your family, and your home based business unnecessary
stress. Things happen in life, try to find different solutions and different methods when issues pop up.
A work at home office can truly make a difference in
narrowing the gap between
career and family, especially if the office is organized and the expectations with your family are firmly in place. Combined, it will allow you to remain the stabilizing force you need to be both in your home based business and in your
family. Ruby River is the proud owner of an established home business whose business affiliate is one of the
oldest and continues to be the most successful within the billion-dollar personal
development community. A genuine business opportunity
promoting financial and emotional change is available without hype.
Success is a Choice. Serious, entrepreneur minded,
visit http://www.livegreatlife.com
Dog in Print: Five dogs you Must Bring Home
Calling all
dog-lovers! Dogs
have made some
of the most unforgettable characters
in literature.
Its not
uncommon for children
to become as attached
to a dog in print as
the real thing. Puppy love comes in all forms. In fact,
I believe I
can trace
my canine-cravings
to my earliest days
of reading, when I fell in love with Old
Dan and Little
Ann (from Where
the Red Fern Grows). Below, Ive
compiled a list
of five famous dogs you must bring home
for your littlest children! (Good
newsyou wont have
to clean up after these champions!)
Carl
is the
star of seven picture
books by Alexandra Day. The
gist of these stories is
that Carl, a responsible
and caring rottweiler, is given the responsibility of caring
for baby Madeleine while her parents are out. Once the adults are
out of the way the fun begins!
Carl includes Madeleine
on some wild adventures. Sometimes they just
trail the parents (keeping out of sight, of course),
and sometimes they get into troublebut Carl always manages
to cover
his tracks! With realistic watercolor
illustrations and few words (only those necessary
to suggest the storyline), Days books are
designed for very young readers,
2-5 year olds, and
will make rottweiler
fans out of
readers everywhere.
In 1976 Eric Hills son Christopher was born. Eric
created a story about a small puppy to read to his son
at bed-time. In 1980 Wheres Spot? was
published. Now over forty Spot titles fill the library bookshelves, and the list is
still growing. Cuddly and creamy-colored, with big brown spots
on his
back and the tip of his tail, this dog is
destined to be your childs best friend. With simple
storylines and sturdy flaps, Spot books appeal to 2-5 year olds.
This is the Fiftieth
Anniversary for our next dog protagonist. (Now how old would that be in dog
years?) Harry, a small
white dog with black spots, was created in 1956 by Gene Zion.
Five installments complete the Harry collection. He is a wholesome, amusing addition to
any childrens library. Whether hes trying to quiet down his neighbor, hiding a hideous
sweater, or visiting the seaside, Harrys always into mischief! Even reluctant readers, ages
2-8 years
old, cant resist Harry!
Norman Bridwell gave birth to the next character, basing him on the kind of dog
he dreamed of having as a little boy. But theres
nothing little about Clifford! Even though hes fire-engine red and as big as a
house, Clifford doesnt do anything a real dog couldnt do (with a little
imagination.) The Clifford stories are based on ordinary events that turn extraordinary when Clifford makes
innocent mistakes. His side-kick is his sweet little
blonde owner, Emily Elizabeth.
Designed for readers aged 6-10 years old, Clifford has been a childrens
favorite since 1963. Now a PBS cartoon, Clifford continues to
delight dog-lovers the
world over.
The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog introduces us to
Hank, and it isnt
long before you get the
impression that author
John R. Erickson is a keen observer of dogs. Indeed, as a former cowboy and
ranch manager, Erickson
started spinning yarns about Hank and Drover, two dogs he worked with on the range. These true stories became the Hank
series, which now numbers at 48 installments. Designed for middle readers, ages 6-12, these make
perfect read-aloud books that will
even entertain adults. There are even recordings of the author reading the books
available now!
Without a dog-gone doubt, dogs in print can substitute as
mans best friend. Its a fine reward to see your little one light up at the sight of a book.
A good dog and a good book, a match made in heaven!
Copyright
2006 Emma Snow
Emma Snow an animal lover works in marketing for Dog Pound
http://www.dog-pound.net and Horse Stall
http://www.horse-stall.net leading portals for
pet management.
Make Money At Home Online By Linking To and Becoming an Authority Site
If
you are looking
to make money at home online, it's a pretty challenging feat unless
you start linking
to authority sites, and start
becoming an authority site.
Authority
sites are respected websites built by respected
marketers that bring
in large amounts of
traffic and sales.
In
order to get there yourself,
you have to find out about
these sites, because they
will likely have some juicy, highly sought
after information
that you need
to know.
The information you find
on these sites will help you build a solid business
that will allow you to
make money at home online.
How
do you find these authority sites? The best way to
get ahold of
the top internet marketers who
really know what
they're doing is by joining
discussion forums in
your niche. For example, the Warrior Forum or Associate
Programs Forum have some the top internet marketers in the world that will help you make
money at home online.
It is in these discussion forums where you will get
and give help, as well as learn the tricks of any online business you may be
involved with.
Top internet marketers with authority sites will often have blogs that you can
subscribe to to get the latest information
on building you own authority site.
Oftentimes, when you subscribe to their newsletter lists, you will get
free ebooks with invaluable tips
and techniques within.
Be sure to
link to as many of these authority sites as you can, even if you have to pay, in
order to boost
your own website's rankings. When you have
good rankings yourself, others will want to link to you.
When you want to make money at home online, it's
not all about the rankings you get from links. True authority sites will offer information that is found no place else on the net and is hard to get a-hold of. Much of this information will be
absolutely unique to that web-master, and that's what makes it so good.
Becoming an authority site does
take time and effort, but if you can survive the tough times in
your business, and get
past at least one year in business, you are doing far better than most, and are on your way to success.
So you have some links, you have some
rank, and you have come
up with some good original articles and blog
content to add to your site regularly. You've been in business for over a
year, are in touch with the experts in your niche, and now what do you do?
For one
thing, search engine optimization, or SEO is extremely important if you want to generate traffic and sales to your site.
If you use good, researched keywords in your articles and
blogs, you are seriously getting there! Find out about SEO and keywords.
You won't regret it!
Next,
you're going to have to understand the
most effective ways to make your blog
posts if you hope to make money at home online.
Not only do you need quality
content and keywords, but you need to get involved with social networking services and get your blogs onto these sites. Find out about blogging, and social bookmarking and networking.
You won't regret it!
One of the easiest ways to draw traffic that converts on your site is by using tags that link to Technorati, and other
keyword links within your posts that get people to click. Find out about Technorati tags and link baiting! You won't regret it!
Finally, it's important for any business
- if you really want to make money at home online that you keep
up with the ever-changing internet.
Again, if you stick to some quality forums, you have a good
chance of knowing the most current buzz on any business related topic.
Right now, the whole
video marketing craze is
taking over the net as a top-notch way to advertise. If you're not in on that game, you may fall behind in your marketing efforts. If you stay hip in your market, you have a good chance of
becoming an authority marketer and site.
Liane Bate owns a Plug-in Profit Site web business, and is a member of the
International Association of Home Business Entrepreneurs (IAHBE).
