ISSUE #4 JULY 2010 FREE TO SUBSCRIBE
BARKING MAD ~ CATS MEOW~ FEATHERED FRIENDS ~ KIDS PAGE PET PAPARAZZI ~ FEATURE ARTICLE ~ PET GOURMET ~ Q & A
Jake ( Tag 207319) is an intelligent 8 month old boy with a heritage combination of Kelpie and German Shepherd. Jake may prefer to be the only dog in your life, as he craves attention and just wants to show you how clever and loyal he can be. He also makes a great playmate for children, and loves ball games of all kinds. He can be adopted for $300. ->
COVER ART “CLEO” By the AWL Gold Coast
Claudia ( tag 521302) just 3 yrs old gives loving little nose kisses. she is very pretty and sweet and craves attention and affection, so would be a great pet to curl up with! She can be adopted for $70.
All AWL animals are de sexed, micro chipped, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated, health and sociability checked. In addition to this, our animals have a 10 day health guarantee (covering any illness arising as a result of having been in our care), and a 21 day ‘settling-in warranty’. They also offer the Friends For Life dog training program for new owners. Neil (tag 41134) is - incredible!!! He doesn’t look a day over 2 years old but Neil is actually one of our Golden Oldie cats at age 13 years! He is so handsome and has the cutest little mouth that’s always smiling. He is very cuddly and loves to curl up on anything warm while you pat him and rub noses with him. He can be adopted for $50.
Thats right the AWL doesn’t just help Cats & Dogs Find new loving homes: Trev 521978 is a 10 month old Black & red Rooster who was surrendered to the AWL. He can be adopted for $10.
Harry (tag 207892) & Sally (tag 207891) are 2 lovable Golden Retrievers who were surrendered to the AWL. They are sociable with other dogs & love water. They can each be adopted for $220 each.
The AWL Qld does not receive Government funding for its welfare work and is therefore reliant on volunteers and the community’s generosity. With the average cost being $400 per animal we rehome, the AWL Qld runs at a large loss when rehoming our animals.
http://www.awlqld.com.au/ Phone: 07 5509 9000
Contributors:
Animal Welfare League Gold Coast Jay Gaulard - Happy Parrots Guide Pet Peoples Place Grant Draper - Poultry Breeder Kathryn Bramwell
Jim Hodges - Professional Dog Trainer Paul Linton Talbot - Aquaculture Andrew Markison John Grant - Persian Cats. Debra Atkins - Hermit Crabs.
Thank you. www.petscenemagazine.com.au
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Disclaimer Notice: The information, images and graphic design (artwork) contained on this web site is owned by Pet Scene Magazine and/ or the original authors where applicable. Information contained in any of the articles is not necessarily the direct opinion of Pet Scene Magazine and, where applicable, does not take the place of a consultation with a qualified and competent veterinarian. Veterinarian advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient. Pet Scene Magazine tries to provide quality information but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained herein.
WELCOME TO PET SCENE MAGAZINE Australia’s hottest resource in the pet industry. We’re going to be doing a lot of exciting things here at Pet Scene Magazine and we are thrilled to bring you on board. Pet Scene is Australia’s own online publication dedicated to bringing you a quality monthly magazine available FREE right across the nation. We pride ourselves on promoting responsible pet ownership, education and community awareness. Jam packed with informative articles and professional advice, Pet Scene Magazine will have you up to date on all the latest news and information for your best friend.
With this ongoing support we look forward to a bright future and many happy, healthy pets throughout our beautiful country. Kristy Hunter Editorial Director
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We are a family owned business with a long history of volunteering our time to animal welfare and from this came the drive to produce Pet Scene Magazine. With Australia having one of the highest incidences of pet ownership in the world, our goal is to provide a countrywide resource which utilizes today*’s modern technology to reach a wider demographic quickly and efficiently. In keeping our publication Free it is hoped that we can reach as many people as possible with our important message of responsible pet care. But we need your help, so jump on our support page and join the Pet Scene Street Team!
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Pet Scene Magazine will not be held liable for any loss, injury, claim, or damage related to your use of this site whether from errors and omissions in the content or from any other use of this site. This web site is not a substitute for the advice of a competent veterinarian. Some of the articles in this web site contain links to other resources and are not intended to state or imply that Pet Scene Magazine sponsors, is affiliated or associated with or is legally authorized to use any trade name, registered trademark, or copyrighted symbol that may be reflected in the links. Warranty & Indemnity Content and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. While every effort is made to gather information from professionals in good faith, No liability is accepted for issues or damages arising from content or advertising by Pet Scene Magazine. No readers should act on the basis of information contained in this publication without first seeking professional advice that can take into account their individual needs and their particular set of circumstances. This publication is intended to inform and illustrate. The publishers and editors or Pet Scene Magazine give no representation and make no warranties, expressed or implied, in regard to the accuracy, completeness, currency or reliability of any of the material contained within the publication or its associated web site. No correspondence will be entered into in relation to this publication by the publishers, editors or authors. Articles are published in good faith without our knowledge of any copyright infringement. The contents, design and graphics of Pet Scene Magazine are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form in whole or part without the written permission of the publishers.
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Contents: Contributors...................................................................................2 Welcome........................................................................................3 Guide To Responsible Pet Ownership...........................................6
Pet Gourmet.................................................................................10 Parrot Paradise Treats Kids Corner...................................................................................11 Fatty Acids May Improve Mobility In Osteoarthritic Dogs.............12 Feathered Friends........................................................................13 Keeping Chickens As Pets - Are You Ready For It? Pet Paparazzi...............................................................................14
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Stable Air Quality Affected By Stall Cleaning................................16 Zoe’s Story.....................................................................................18 The Heart Felt Story Of A Lost Pet Ask Mr Beefy Q & A.......................................................................21 Barking Mad..................................................................................22 The Golden Retriever Selecting Marine Or Saltwater Fish...............................................24 How To Litter Train A Cat...............................................................26 The Cats Meow.............................................................................30 The Persian Cat Hermit Crabs Make Great Pets.....................................................32
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Guide to Responsible Pet Ownership By Jay Gaulard
From insects to alpacas, pets come in all shapes and sizes. Many families feel that they are not complete without some little (or large) critter to love. In fact, more than 60% of all American households have pets, and many of those have more than one. If you are considering buying or adopting a new pet, you need to make sure that you are already to take on the demands of a furry (or scaly) companion. Choosing the Right Pet When most people think of family pets they think of furry one like dogs, cats, and a variety of domestic rodents. While these are common pets, they are far from the only options out there. Fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and even insects can all be great pets for a loving family. Choosing the right pet starts with a close look at your current lifestyle. One of the most important considerations to make is the amount of time you have free to devote to your pet. Dogs, for instance, need daily exercise and grooming. Are you going to be able to provide that? If you have a very busy lifestyle, choose a pet that requires less work to care for. www.petscenemagazine.com.au
There are many options that fit well into a busy life, including pet insects and reptiles. Some small rodents, like mice or guinea pigs, fit well into busy families. Keep in mind that your child’s pet will be your pet. Sure, your child will promise that he will walk, feed, and pick up after the dog, but these are ultimately your responsibility. If they do not get done, you will have to step in and do them for your child. Do not pick a pet that you are not willing to care for and assume that your child will. You also want to consider the financial responsibility of owning a pet. Some pets require much more of a financial investment than others. A few crickets each week to feed a lizard will not cost much, but bag after bag of dog or cat food does add up. Before you choose a pet, find out all of the gear the pet will need, and decide if you can afford it. Also, make sure you consider the cost of vet bills. Failure to take an injured or sick pet to the vet is considered animal cruelty, no matter what your income situation may be. Finally, consider any allergies in the home and extended family. Your immediate family may be Page 6
fine owning a rabbit, but if grandma is allergic to the bunny’s fur, you will be sentencing your children to never enjoying a visit from grandma. If someone you care about is allergic to a particular animal, choose something else. Make a Lifetime Commitment The animal shelters are full of animals whose families simply decided they did not want to be pet owners anymore. Before you adopt or buy an animal, make sure you realize that you are making a lifetime commitment to your new pet. Take into consideration the expected lifespan of the animal you are choosing. This is not something to take lightly. Some animals, such as parrots, can live as long as 70 years. Take the time to research the lifespan of the pet you have chosen. Also, if the lifespan is relatively short, such as for some
fish and rodent species, you will want to prepare any children in the family for the eventual demise of their beloved pet. Protect from Unwanted Reproduction If you purchase a pet, such as a dog or cat, that can be spayed or neutered, have it done. Unless you are planning to breed the animal to sell the babies, there is no reason to keep it intact. Unwanted reproduction will only put more animals in the shelters. You can also protect yourself from unwanted reproduction in small rodents. Be sure you know the sex of the pet before you buy it. Separate males from females in order to avoid an eventual litter of new critters. Prepare Your Home for Your New Pet Once you have chosen the type of pet you want and have decided to make a lifetime commitment to that new family member, you need to prepare your home for its new addition. If the pet will be
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Continued... kept in poor conditions in a pet store, and they are also usually overpriced. Adopting a pet that is in an animal shelter is always a good choice, if it works for you. Contact your local animal shelter to find out what types of animals they currently have available. Keep in mind that you may have a difficult time finding a young animal, like a kitten or puppy, because these are very popular and tend to get adopted quickly. one that can roam through the house, make sure it is safe. Put away medications and cleaners in a place where the pet cannot access them. Find out if your houseplants are ones that are poisonous to animals, and put them out of reach if they are. Provide a place for your pet to have as his own. If your pet is kept in a cage or tank, this is easy enough to do. Put a shelter of some sort in the habitat that the pet can go to when he wants some privacy. If your pet is going to have free reign in your house, give him a bed in a designated area where he will not be disturbed. Sometimes a crate works well. Every animal needs a place to go where other family members or pets will not intrude. Where to Find Pets The most obvious place to find pets available for sale is a pet store. If you are purchasing a small pet, such as a fish or hamster, this may be a good option. Larger pets, such as dogs, are often www.petscenemagazine.com.au
You can also find pets through animal classifieds, either online or through your local paper. This can be a great way to find an affordable animal or to purchase directly from a breeder. By shopping online animal classifieds, you will have a better chance of finding up to date information about available animals. This is also a great resource for those shopping for a more exotic pet that is not likely to be found in a pet store or animal shelter. Page 8
[http://www.jaygaulard.com]Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise.
This article was written on behalf of PetLeeg, a popular [http://www.petclassifieds.us]pets for sale website. Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Guideto-Responsible-Pet-Ownership&id=1685540] Guide to Responsible Pet Ownership
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Pet Gourmet Parrots Paradise Treats Ingredients: 225g Dates. 450g Dried Figs 450g dried Apricots 1 cup peanuts 1/2 cup raisins 1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds.
Instructions: - Chop dates, Figs, Peanuts, Apricots and Raisins finely with a food processor. - Spoon out by teaspoonfulls and shape into balls. - Roll in sesame seeds and lay them out between sheets of baking paper to keep them from sticking together. - refrigerate until firm.
Winter Gourmet Tip: During the colder months Guinea Pigs need more vitamin C to ward off colds. Capsicum is a great source of vitamin C for guinea Pigs and they love it
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FUN FACTs * A caged mouse will run approximately 4 kilometres each night on an exercise wheel.
* There are 220 million olfactory ( Scent) receptors on a dog’s nose - about 40 times the number in a human’s nose.
* A Cat has 32 muscles in each ear. These muscles help a cat rotate its ears independently some 180 degrees. In comparison, a human has just 6 ear muscles.
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Fatty Acids May Improve Mobility In Osteoarthritic Dogs Topeka, Kansas A series of recently published scientific papers have indicated that diets rich in fatty acids may reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. Three papers published in the January and March editions of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association investigated the effects of feeding a diet supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on dogs with osteoarthritis, and all three papers concluded that the results were positive. In a paper titled “A multicenter study of the effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis”, a team from Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc’s Pet Nutrition Center studied whether dogs with supplementation ended up receiving less of the antiinflammatory drug carprofen. The dosage of carpofen was decided based on investigators’ assessments of 5 clinical signs and owner assessments of 15 signs of osteoarthritis. In dogs with supplemented diets, the dosage of carprofen they received decreased significantly faster over the 12-week study period that in the control group. The team concluded that where dogs are receiving carprofen to reduce pain, a diet
with increased omega-3 fatty acids will decrease the carprofen dosage required for alleviation of symptoms. In another paper, titled “Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs” and supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc, researchers investigated the effect of food containing high concentrations of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids and a low omega-6–omega-3 fatty acid ratio on the clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. According to the owners of dogs on a supplemented diet, their dogs had a significantly improved ability to rise from a resting position and play at 6 weeks and improved ability to walk at 12 and 24 weeks after starting feeding. In the third paper, titled “Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis”, also supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc, researchers investigated the effects of a food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. The team concluded that
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dogs eating the supplemented food had improved weight bearing. All three papers appear to show that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids can bring a range of benefits, at least in the shortterm, to dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. Dog owners can expect to see increased mobility, weight-bearing and more playful behavior in a relatively short period after beginning to feed a diet rich in fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. Original Source: http://www. petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/fatty-acids-improve-mobility-in-osteoarthritic-dogs.htm Page 12
Keeping Chickens As Pets Are You Ready For it? By Grant Draper Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Keeping-Chickens-As-Pets---Are-You-Ready-For-it?&id=3231156] Keeping Chickens As Pets - Are You Ready For it?
Have you been thinking about keeping backyard poultry for a while, but have never got round to it? Are you looking for some tips and advice on keeping chickens as pets? Do you think the advice and information available on the internet is fairly limited? Good! This article will help you understand why this decision will be a good one! Here is the thing; most people think that keeping poultry for pets is fairly odd. The reality is that they are extremely great animals to have around your yard, as they are friendly and great to watch. In fact, there are two plus sides to keeping chickens as pets!
The great thing about keeping these animals as pets is they are extremely good at pest control! They constantly scratch the surface of the earth looking for bugs and worms, which means if you keep plants, they will always be safe! Another great thing is that you’ll be waking to fresh eggs almost every single day! There are a couple of things to take into consideration before deciding whether keeping poultry as a pet is the right thing for you to do. For a start, a lot of local councils will not allow it in certain areas, and if they do, then you may need to apply for a license. The other thing you need to ensure is that you have a safe place for them to live. If you want to save hundreds of dollars then you are probably better off building a chicken coop yourself using chicken hutch plans.
Thanks for reading my article... Breeding poultry is a great experience! If you want to find out more about [http://www.poultrypages. com/chicken-breeds.html]Keeping Chickens as Pets - please visit my website!
That isn’t all! If you want to find out more about [http://www.poultrypages.com]Building a Chicken Coop , take a look!
If you are serious about keeping chickens as pets then go for it you won’t regret it!
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Stable Air Quality Affected By Stall Cleaning Vechta, Germany A new study indicates that the air quality 4 horses. of a stable can be greatly affected by the In the first experiment, the team compared mucking-out routine used. the effect of using different bedding material Researchers at the University of Goettin- on the amount of ammonia generated. They gen, Germany, have found that the levels tested wheat straw, straw pellets and wood of minute air particles and biogenic gases shavings, and found that ammonia consuch as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and centrations were lowest when using wheat ammonia vary widely depending on the straw. The amount of the gas generated bedding material used in a stable, and when using wood shavings was approxithe cleaning routines employed. Kathrin mately 50% greater. Fleming PhD and her team carried out In the second experiment, the team meaexperiments in order to recommend how sured the amount of ammonia generated to improve an enclosed stable’s air qualand the the amount of minute air particles ity. Throughout the experiments, the generated when wheat straw is used as a team measured air quality in an enclosed bedding material and three different muckstable which had 5 single boxes housing ing-out routines are employed. Mucking-out
every day produced the most air particles and the most ammonia gas, where as there was less difference between partial muckingout and no mucking-out at all. The research is presented in a paper titled “Gas and particle concentrations in horse stables with individual boxes as a function of the bedding material and the mucking regime”, published in the Journal of Animal Science. The paper’s authors concluded that wheat straw was the most suitable bedding to reduce air particles and ammonia gas, and that complete mucking-out on a daily basis was not recommended if maintaining air quality is important. In horses who suffer from respiratory problems these findings may have a welcome effect.
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ZOE’S STORY - An Extraordinar My brother and I were ecstatic when we brought our new Jack Russell puppy home; it was like opening presents at Christmas time. On the ride home it was a debate on what to name her. In the end we all decided on Zoe (‘Zozo’), as her nickname. She was tiny, absolutely gorgeous and ready to be taken to our home so we could have another member of our family, and family member she was.
stayed strong and pulled through her illness, the whole time with my mum and I right by her side. This turn in the road was only the first obstacle Zoe had to overcome.
After a few months we gave up hope in finding her, but in the back of my mind I always knew she was safe and sound.
fireworks, our little Zoe ran away. She was three years old. We did everything to try and find her; posters, rewards, enrolled her in pet search, absolutely everything.
On the 5th of August 2008 I took my mother out for her birthday, unawares of an unexpected phone call we were going to receive late in the afternoon. We went about our business like it was a
In the next three years we were blessed with two more In the June long weekend beautiful Jack Russell dogs. 2005, my family and I had a We now had Xander, Lucy devastating weekend. Scared Loo, and Toby which was the from the loud booming offspring of Xander and Lucy Loo.
To my mother, she was like a baby, a real human baby as she did everything that a dog could possibly do that is human like. A couple of months later we decided to get Zoe a companion, another Jack Russell male dog whom we named Xander. They romanced right away and after a couple of years our tiny little Zoe conceived 5 puppies. After constantly feeding her puppies, Zoe encountered a near death experience known as milk fever, were there was a very slim chance that she would recover. She
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ry Heart Felt Tale by Kathryn Bramwell normal day, but, as we were driving home something remarkable happened. “We have your dog here; she was reported missing on the local councils missing dog list in June 2005”. My mother was on her phone at the time; she just froze, and then started crying. I took the phone, they had found her, a kind man had seen her wandering the streets and took her to an animal shelter. I asked the lady “is she ok”, “yes she is in great condition” the lady replied. We then went to pick up our dog that had been missing for three years, and it was her, she looked exactly the same.
Photo of Kathryn & Zoe
Remarkably, she remembered all the little traits and rules of the house; it was like she never left. I sometimes feel that she was trying to find her way home for three years. She also loves her new family, and of course her ‘ex-husband’ Xander and still melts our hearts every time she looks at us with those big puppy dog eyes. Zoe now lives with Xander (the ex-husband), Lucy Loo (the mistress) and Toby (the new toy boy). Drama! Drama! Drama! After three years of wondering and pondering, out of the blue on my mother’s birthday, we got our baby Zozo back, what a great birthday present for my mother! Written By Kathryn Bramwell
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Some Great dog signs we came across to share with our reader. The above photo was taken outside the Holland Park Quick Stop Convenience shop.
Q: My Cat really loves liver, but I was told by a friend that it was bad for her, is this true? A: Your Friend is correct in a sence. Cats adore Liver, Kidneys & Heart. They can become very quickly addicted & begin to refuse other foods. The problem with this is that if liver composes more than 10% of the diet the cat may develop hypervitaminosis A. The liver is the storage organ in our bodies for Vitamin A. Cats who are getting too much vitamin A in their diets will start to develop arthritis of the shoulder joints and become stiff. These signs and the condition are reversible if the high doses of vitamin A are stopped early enough. This is a good example of the problems which can develop when a cats diet contains little variation. We all hear stories of spoilt cats who are fed nothing but the best cuts of meat and eat better than their owners. But sadly this kind of diet is inadequate for any animals needs. When a cat is in the wild it catches its prey & eats the whole carcass. By doing this it consumes a balanced diet as each organ or tissue has its own concentrations of different elements. The cheapest and most balanced diet for cats is specially prepared commercial pet foods. It is important to make sure this contains Turine, an essential amino acid for cats that they are unable to produce themselves.
Q: Our Budgie’s beak seems to grow very fast and is overgrown. How long should it be? A: Budgies are frequently presented with overgrown top beaks need-
ing to be trimmed. A parrot’s beak is made of keratin, which, like nails and horns, is continually growing. The beak can be trimmed with a pair of specially designed beak trimmers, with a pair of scissors or filed back with an emery board or dremel tool. It should be trimmed back so that the upper mandible ( the top beak) overlaps the lower mandible by three millimeters. However a Budgie’s beak contains many nerves and blood vessels. So I would sugest going to your vet the first time where they can show you first hand how it is done until you are confident with the procedure. Providing your Budgie with a rough perch or specially designed chewing cage toy can help your bird to naturally grind down it’s beak, like it would in the wild whilst foraging for food or nesting. Providing your parrot with rough branches or bark to chew on not only help to keep it’s beak worn down, but also provides enrichment and stimulation for your bird as it encourages natural behaviors.
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Barking Mad
The Golden Retriever Is the golden retriever the right breed for you? Following is a brief standard on golden retrievers. Their history, their physical and mental makeup and how to best care for them. History: The golden retriever originated from Scotland in 1800. There were doubts over the original breeds which were crossed. The original or traditional opinion was believed to be among some yellow complexioned dog with a tweed or water spaniel. They were first recognized as golden retrievers in 1911 and in 1913 a club dedicated to them was also formed. The lineage of all golden retrievers is believed to be hunting dogs. The type of work the breed does: These are usually hardy dogs and very useful to humans. They are so lovable that they can win everyone’s heart. In the beginning, they were raised as hunting dogs. A few talents of the golden retriever are tracking, hunting (retrieving ducks and other small prey), agility, obedience, narcotics detection etc. Goldens also work as guides, companions, rehabilitation, and search and rescue dogs. Physical Representation: The natural life of a golden retriever is between 10 to 13 years. A male golden retriever can measure between 23-24 inches and a female one between 21½-22½ inches. The males will weigh approximately 65-75 pounds and the females will weigh 55-65 pounds. As with many other breeds today, I have seen goldens bred even larger. Golden retrievers can vary in the color of their coats as they come from different parts of the world. Some are cream in color. Some are of a dark brown or reddish color having a dense coat. Most are said to be of the light golden color, from where the name comes. It comes in various feathering and molding which are of golden, cream etc. Personality and Temperament: Usually, a golden retriever is a well-balanced, athletic & good mannered dog. It is very lovable & socially accepted for its friendly nature. They have a patient, fun loving temperament. They are also very intelligent. And, just as noted in its name, it loves retrieving anything like balls, www.petscenemagazine.com.au
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The Golden Retriever “A Loyal Companion” By Ursula frisbees, etc. It has a fun loving, entertaining temperament which is suitable for interacting with people and makes a great family dog. Care: Golden Retrievers, being moderately active dogs (males are more active), require a reasonable amount of exercise each day and are more active in the morning and evening. If they have a companion, they burn more energy through play. Golden Retrievers should be groomed at least once a week because their coats shed heavily the entire year and even more excessively during spring, their shedding season. I would consider feeding a bland diet such as chicken or lamb and rice type foods. Supplementing their diets will also be beneficial to them. Golden retrievers seem to be very prone to skin allergies and cancer. As with any big breed, careful care should be made regarding their hips. Living environment: Due to their very mild, calm temperament, they can be easily trained. As mentioned earlier, they are great family dogs as they are very loving and caring. They are not very vocal, so they do not normally bark a lot. Golden retrievers are very patient with children. Aside from bumping into toddlers on occasion, it is very rare to see an aggressive golden retriever. I have said this before and I will say it again. The golden retriever is probably the best all-around family
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dog (with children) that God ever put on this earth. Containment: Golden retrievers do need an area to be able to exercise. The electronic underground fence is a great solution for containing one, but not feeling contained yourself. In my experience, goldens adapt very well to these systems, especially with Contain-A-Pet Fencing, with proper training. Do not allow anyone to just shock these loving creatures, as it is not fair or needed. Never put a golden retriever or any other puppy on these electronic systems before at least 16 weeks of age. At a glance: •
Breed Group: Golden Retriever
•
Height: 23-24 inches
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Weight: 65-75 lbs
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Color: golden color coats.
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Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
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Average litter size: 6
Did you find this article helpful? Jim is a true professional dog trainer that gets results! To learn more about leading your dog, visit his two other sites at Jim Hodges Dog Training and his training and behavior blog at Contain-A-Pet Electronic Dog Fence.
Article By Jim Hodges
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Selecting Marine Or Saltwater Fish. By Paul Linton Talbot Some fish will turn your aquarium into a beautiful and peaceful biosphere while others into a chaotic boxing ring. There are many factors to consider when selecting fish. You need to ensure that you have the experience to look after the fish you select, that the fish you buy are healthy, and that they are compatible with the fish you currently have. As a starting point, it is very import that you only buy very healthy fish because the best way to keep strong healthy fish is to start with strong healthy fish. Buying a fish because it doesn’t look well or happy and you feel sorry for it and want to give it a better home in your display tank is not a very good idea. An unwell fish can introduce diseases into your tank that can infect your other fish, and may even cause them to die. It helps to become familiar with a species of fish before you buy it as this will allow you to be clear on exactly what it should look and act like. Ensure the fish looks alert with clean clear eyes, fins and scales. It is also important that the fish appears eager to feed and can maintain its position in the water column. And finally, as a precaution, only buy from a clean healthy store that you trust. To break this down I simply refer to all fish as number 1, number 2, or number 3 fish. I refer to number 1 fish as fish that most people can easily keep in regular aquarium conditions. Number 2 fish are fish that from my experience work for some
people and not for others and number 3 fish being those which don’t work for most people. Some examples of number 1 fish are Damsels, Clownfish, Dottyback, Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Foxface, Rabbitfish, most Wrasse, most Tangs, Blennies, Cardinal fish, lionfish. Some examples of number 2 fish are , most Tangs, Boxfish, Angels, Gobies, Sweetlip. Some examples of number 3 fish are Moorish idol, Powder Blue Tang, Achilles Tangs, Anthias, Filefish, pipefish, Mandarin fish, Butterfly fish. Many people select marine fish by wondering into aquarium shores and looking around until they see a fish that catches their attention at that time, they will them ask the staff member closes to them if this fish will go with the few of their fish that they remember to name. If the staff member says yes then that is a green light to buy the fish. This approach takes very little into consideration and will as often as not result in the person purchasing a fish that was not likely to work from the start. After a considerable amount of time and money, the person will start to understand which fish work in their aquarium, mind you most will have given up marine fish before this time has arisen. Instead of the impulse approach where you slowly learn the hard lesions of fish selection, I strongly recommend starting with a wish list.
seek out experts to ask in order to gain the right advise. With the impulse approach you are far more likely to ask the nearest sales person and hope that they know. With the wish list you are able to use the opinions of a range of experts to save you a lot of time and money learning hard lesson on paper instead of with real fish. This is a very responsible and economical approach. When selecting fish for your aquarium there are several things to consider before purchasing it e.g. diet, aggression, territoriality and weather it will nip at your corals. A simple thing that you need to remember is that fish don’t want to die. They will only die if you don’t provide them with at least their basic minimum requirements. By researching a fishes basic minimum requirements first and asking a few people for their experiences keeping that fish you can massively increase the amount of success that you have when keeping marine fish. The use of the wish list is going to help you make sure you are mixing fish that will commonly work together. Regardless of where you are at it is worth asking the right person the right questions to ensure that the fish you add are likely to work together. Regardless of how qualified the advice you get, fish are fish and in the end they do what they want how
A wish list is simply a list of fish that you wish to keep together in your tank. The beauty of a wish list is that you are able to show it to other experience aquarists to get their opinions on how these fish are likely to go together. If you have fish already you can add them to the top of the wish list to reduce the chance of adding other fish that won’t work with the fish you have. If you have a wish list you are likely to
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they want. Just because 10 experts tell you something is likely to happen, it doesn’t mean that that will happen. Understand that the fish you buy are your responsibility and your responsibility alone. So if the fish you buy don’t seem to be mixing well, it is up to you to separate them, before too many fish affected by the troubles. It is important consider aggression when selecting fish. Monitor the aggression of the fish you keep and only add fish that will be able to compete with the fish that you have and not over compete. If you add a fish that is too aggressive for the fish you have it is likely to act boisterously and eat all the fish food and attack the other fish in the tank, even killing them. When you see this type of activity remove the trouble maker before it is able to cause you any more problems. The key is just as much in the monitoring and the action you take once a problem is identified as it is in initial selection. Some fish are more so territorial then plan aggressive, an aggressive fish will attack fish for seemingly no reason. A territorial fish will drive fish out of their territory but leave them when the fish is out of its territory. It is worth considering territorial behaviour when selecting fish. Some fish like the Dottyback is territorial and can often be housed safely with many fish because its territory is small, leaving room for the other fish in the tank, while some other fish like coral trout can get so large that its territory can be the whole tank. There is a big difference between territorial, aggressive and predatory. Territorial fish drive fish out of their territory, aggressive fish attack other fish for what can seem like to reason but to show dominance and predatorily fish eat other fish. Predatorily fish don’t have to be aggressive or territorial. Predatorily fish are primarily concerned with their belly, what can fit in their mouth is what they will eat. A perfect example of a predatory fish if the lionfish. This fish is not aggressive or territorial but it will eat any fish that will fit in its huge mouth, which is about the same size as it body. When selecting fish it is worth assuming that all fish are predatory.
When creating you wish list also include when you intend to adding the fish, because you also want to gather comments on this. Most groups of fish are best added at the some time to reduce territorially e.g. any tangs should be added together, any clown should be added together, this is also true for many fish even Wrasse and angels. Many fish take about 3 day to settle into a new tank, in this time it is common for them not to feed and they may act differently. It is important to monitor new fish extra carefully for the first week for stress, behaviour, aggression and feeding habits. Always watch for changes in behaviour, action must be take when it is required. Some fish live in large schools in the wild and do tend to fret with kept in aquariums singly or in small groups. These fish are used to having a lot of their own kind around them as an instinctual form of security, when they are placed in aquariums lightly stocked with fish they stress thinking there is danger because the rest of their school is absent. This can be the case when all the other fish appear fine but an individual seems to be jumpy and breathing quickly, some examples of these fish are Blue Tangs, green chromis and anthias. If you are going to introduce fish to a tank with Coral and invertebrates it is important to identify which are likely to be a threat to them. This could be identified as A, B C fish. Some fish e.g. C fish will eat coral like Butterfly fish and Angelfish. While others e.g. B fish will nip at it sometimes like Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Foxface, Rabbitfish most Wrasse, most Tangs Moorish idol. Others are mostly safe with coral e.g. A fish like Damsels, Clownfish, Dottyback, Blennies, Cardinal fish, lionfish, Anthias. Filefish, pipefish and Gobies.
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Your wish list is a way of reduce the risk of introducing a coral eater to a coral tank. If you get a fish that only nips a particular type of coral you can consider avoiding that piece in the future. Hungry fish are more likely to graze on coral , even if your fish is not eating the coral it may stress it by nipping it regularly coursing it by often closed, depriving it of light. Most fish need similar amounts of nutrients but the way they process the food means that not all foods are appropriate for all fish. You must consider what you will be feeding that tank when you buy fish for the tank. Herbivores have long digestive systems and a designed for consuming green food stuffs while predators have a short digestive system for eating fish meat. Some high quality pellet and flake foods can be fed to all fish but many natural food like fresh fish and seaweed are not suitable for some fish e.g. Meat is not good for herbivores and seaweed is not good for predators, this is because of the way that the fish process that food. It is very important not to introduce new fish unless that your aquarium is running perfectly for the last month. You will increase the chances of problems like Whitespot if the fish are introduced more regularly than once a month, so add some fish then wait a month then add some more then wait a month. It will also help to ensure that you are running a lower salt level e.g. 1.020 when you introduce new fish, this will help lower osmotic stress on the fish and also help reduce the chance of problems like Whitespot. A quarantine tank is a very good idea to help protect your display tank from decease out break. All fish can thrive as long as their basic minimum requirements are met. I go into this further with my Instructional Marine Aquarium DVD available at http://www.exclusivefishfilms.com Good luck and enjoy Paul Talbot Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?Selecting-Marine-Or-SaltwaterFish&id=1206734] Selecting Marine Or Saltwater Fish
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How to Litter Train a Cat By Andrew Markison KITTY DIDN’T TAKE TO THE LITTER RIGHT AWAY
For most cat owners, training their cat to use the litter is a relatively painless process. It is among a cat’s natural instincts to eliminate in an area that they can cover their faeces in. This behaviour may be a way of your cat accepting what they perceive to be as the natural order of dominance. In the wild feral cats will bury their faeces if they are not at the top of their social hierarchy, if a feral cat does not bury his or her faeces it is likely that the cat exhibiting that behaviour is the dominant feline. So when your housecat buries his or her waste he or she may be recognizing your role as the dominant animal in their social community. It is also possible; however, that your cat may be displaying his or her inherited instinct to bury his or her faeces in order to hide their trail from would be predators.
If your new cat doesn’t take to litter training after your first few attempts you may want to consider teaching her using another common method. Confine your new addition to a small but comfortable room, preferably one with a hard floor if you have one. Place both the litter box and the food dish in the room but don’t place them close to one another. Your cat will naturally not want to defecate near its food source so she will look for another area. Eliminate any pillows, blankets, newspapers, towels or other soft items where your cat may decide to eliminate from the room before you close her in. If you have confined your cat to a room with hard floors she is likely to avoid eliminating on the floor since urinating is likely to splash back and get on her fur. The only remaining choice to the cat at this point is (hopefully) the litter box. MY CAT STOPPED USING THE LITTER If your cat was housebroken and all the sudden she seems to have forgotten that instinct there are a few possibilities you might want to consider before giving up.
1. Does Kitty Have A Dirty Litter Box? The most common cause of a housetrained cat to stop using the litter is your cat disagreeing with the level of cleanliness regarding Generally kittens will learn the behaviour of burying their her litter box. Your cat is more likely to stop faeces and using the litter through their mother once they using the litter if she feels that it is too dirty. It is best to clean your cat’s litter every day are weaned assuming the mother is litter trained. So if or at the very least every second or third day. you bring home a young kitten of about 12 weeks, you The dirtier a litter box gets the less likely it may only need to place kitty in the litter box and gently scratch the clean litter with your fingers . Shortly after she is that your cat is going to continue to use it. Your cat wants to eliminate in a clean envieats to indicate to her what she is to do.
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ronment and if she notices that every time she eliminates on the carpet you immediately run and clean it up she perceives that as a more desirable place to eliminate because it is so quickly cleaned. Keeping your cat’s litter as clean as possible is the best way to avoid this problem, and remember, what you consider clean, your cat may not. In addition to emptying the litter, you obviously need to change it from time to time as well in order to ensure good cat health and cleanliness. Weekly changing is best, this ensures that odours and wetness won’t have too much time to build up to unacceptable levels and it also reduces the likelihood of sickness due to high levels of bacteria. 2. Stress. A cat eliminating outside of the litter box may also be a sign for stress. The introduction of a new person or animal into the household may be putting a lot of stress on your cat. Cats generally like to feel like they know what is going on and what they can expect. If you upset that balance by introducing a new creature (even a two legged one) into the household they may get stressed which can cause them to eliminate outside the box. If you leave your cat alone for long periods of time (for example while you take vacations or go on business trips) and you come back you may notice that your cat will sometimes seem aloof and standoff-
ish. This is another instance in which your cat may react with eliminating outside the litter box as a sort of protest to what she perceives as being abandoned. A new piece of furniture, or conversely, a newly missing piece of furniture may also put stress on your cat. Order and comfort are important if you are a cat. If you decide to get rid of that old fabric sofa because of it’s ugly pea green colour and because it’s falling apart at the seams and then you replace it with a brand new, slick, top of the line, leather sofa with a refrigerator built into the side, and a massage and heating function, your cat is unlikely to see this as a stylish upgrade the way you would. What your cat will probably see is that one of her favourite nap spots has disappeared only to be replaced by something she is unfamiliar with and intimidated by.
also be quite finicky (remember Morris, the 9 Lives cat?). If you’ve recently switched the brand of litter you usually buy this may be cause for your cat to find another place to go. Some litters are perfumed (for humans rather than cats) and your cat may not react well to these smells, or perhaps your cat was used to a less dusty type of litter, a particular litter’s texture, or who knows what. Changing brands or types of litter may upset what your cat is comfortable with and the result may be a messy carpet. If you suspect this to be the cause, you can either
3. Changing Litter Brands. Cats are creatures of habit and can
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Continued..... switch back, or gradually introduce the new litter. Try mixing in a little bit of the new litter with the older brand at first and gradually step up the percentage of the new litter each time you change the box, eventually you will be able to replace the older brand altogether. This will help your cat ease into the new litter brand rather than upset her sense of the order of things. 4. Multiple Cats. As mentioned above a second animal may cause a cat to begin to eliminate outside of the litter box, but this may not necessarily be the result of stress. A second cat in your household should probably have his own litter box unless your cats have proven they don’t mind sharing. Again, remember cats are clean creatures and they can be territorial as well. Some cats may not mind using the same box, but others may refuse, which means again, the carpet becomes litter box number two. 5. Litter Box Size Or Placement. If the litter box does not provide enough room for your cat she may not use it at all. Your cat will likely want to scratch around and be able to feel comfortable in the litter box. Make sure it is roomy enough, easy for your cat to get in and out of (the sides of the box should be lower for kittens than for adult cats), and not in a high traffic area as cats seem to like some degree of privacy when eliminating. Lastly, make sure your
cat has access to the litter at all times. Putting your litter box in a room that is closed on occasion is a recipe for disaster. If your cat has to go and she can’t get to the room that you’ve put the litter in then she really will have no other alternative than to find another suitable area to eliminate.
outside of the litter box it is generally not good practice to scold her or punish her. Putting her nose in the mess and then tossing her in the litter is not going to solve your problem. Being upset with your cat is natural after such an incident, but to display this behaviour and then to put her in the litter box is only 6. Medical Issues. Your cat may making your cat associate the be experiencing kitty incontilitter box with a bad experinence. Like humans, incontience. Your cat may also begin nence can strike animals and to learn to be afraid of you, this may be an indication of which is obviously not what other medical issues with your you want. Your best solution cat. As a cat ages, she becomes is to clean up the mess quickly. more likely to lose control of Put your cat in the litter box her bodily functions just like a human does. If you suspect age and be friendly and speak in a calming voice with the cat. or medical reasons may be the Scrape the clean litter with cause for your kitty’s litter box your fingers and make sure problems then you should take your cat sees this behaviour, her to the vet for an examinahopefully it will sink in. To tion, advice and possible treatavoid having your cat defecate ment to resolve the problem. in the same place outside the WHEN YOUR CAT MAKES A MESS litter box a second (or third) time, cover the area with a If your cat does make a mess
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plastic sheet or something hard that will result in your cat splashing herself with her own urine if she should chose that place to defecate again. Clean the smell as best you can (white vinegar may help, but make sure your furniture or carpet can handle it). You can also move her food dish on top of or near the area that she used to defecate, a cat will not want to defecate near her food source. If your cat uses the litter again, even just once, reward her, play with her, pet her, give her a treat, make her associate the litter box with a good experience rather than a bad one. A cat that eliminates outside of the box is not a lost cat. Don’t give up on her until you’ve explored the possible reasons for the problem. Once you find it, you can most likely correct it and kitty and human can live a happy co-existence once again. Andy Markison is an illustrator, graphic designer, animal lover and pet owner living in Germany. His website, [http://www. zapgraphix.com]ZapGraphix. com, sells fun and humorous pet related graphics and gift merchandise.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Litter-Train-aCat&id=42381] How to Litter
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The Persian Cat By John Grant One of the most beautiful breeds of cats out there is the Persian. This is a very popular breed and one you should consider if looking to get your very own feline. Known as one of the most attractive, adorable, and interesting breeds of cats, Persian cats make great pets because of their ability to adjust to an indoor environment. With unique characteristics such as big eyes, wide heads, and thick fur, people can identify them more easily from other cat breeds. Because of their thick fur, pet owners need to wash, clean, and brush these cute little creatures regularly.
Compared to other breeds of cats, pet owners love Persians for their gentle and relaxed appeal, which makes them a perfect pet especially for children. Another advantage of owning such cats is their natural inclination to stay indoors, making them suitable pets even for busy people who are always in and out of their house. Their thick coats make them extremely lovable and very nice to cuddle.
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Because of their diverse colors, people can classify Persian cats into several different kinds. Some of their most common colors are lilac, black, and white. In the meantime, some of the cutest types of Persians are the Shaded Silver Doll-Faced Persian, the Persian Chinchilla, and the Red-and-White Bicolor Persian. Additionally, other types such as the Tortoise-Shell Persian Cat, the Persian Calico, and the Blue Point Persian are also very much adorable. Persian cats are very easy to feed and nourish, however their tastes are more sensitive compared to ordinary cat breeds. Owners usually feed them with cat biscuits, raw meat, and chicken. As they grow,
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their nutritional needs change, making it necessary for the owners to make a diet plan that will keep their pets healthy all the time. For one to two months old Persians, a milk diet seems very much appropriate. As they reach four months and beyond, pet owners can now start feeding them with soft diet, including chicken and other vitamin-enriched food. Grooming is an integral part when taking care of Persian cats, mainly because of their thick fur and gooey
eyes. Bathing, drying, and brushing are basic procedures needed to maintain the beauty and texture of their fur. At the same time, pet owners can make their Persians always healthy through regular visits to veterinarians. Keeping these cats always clean can help prevent infections and other diseases from pestering these lovable creatures. Concerning the skin of Persian cats, pet owners must check them out for wounds, abrasions, or cuts, which are possible sources of infections and diseases. While Persian cats do make excellent pets, owners can reciprocate such advantages by taking good care of them always. Expect longer years together with these super lovable and adorable creatures by taking care of them well through proper grooming and nourishment.
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John Grant is a the author for a site about Persian cats, where he is writing articles about Persian cats care. Article Source: http://EzineArticles. com/?expert=John_Grant
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Hermit Crabs Make a Great Pet By Debra Atkins Several things need to be considered when you decide to bring a new pet into your home. Are you going to be able to spend enough time with this new animal. Will you need to take it for walks every day or the vet. Not really a fish or bird type guy? If you are thinking about a dog or cat, will you have an issue with the fur and hair? Are you aware of the problems of the fur and hair all over your furniture and clothes? Are you or anyone else in the house allergic to dogs or cats? Have you thought about having to buy pet food and all the toys and supplies to help entertain this new pet? Also consider the cost of the shots, cleaning, and every day expenses of a healthy pet. What about the expanse of a sick animal? Some of
a dog? No problem with a hermit crab. Allergic to cat hair? Hermit crabs are hypoallergenic. No worry about having to take these little guys out for a walk every day, but of course you could if you are in the mood. Now you’re on the right track. A pet to fit your mood instead of their own. Could a pet like this really exist? Now you’re wondering where will I find a hermit crab of my very own? Where are the mighty hermit crabs for sale? Great news. If you live near the ocean, these exotic creatures can be yours for the taking. Just go help yourself. But wait. These are marine hermit crabs and will need a saltwater
the pets mentioned are more like work then enjoyment. If none of this sounds like the situation you want to be in, I have the perfect solution for you. Hermit Crabs! What? Think seriously about hermit crabs for pets. Yes, I said hermit crabs. No time to train
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tank. If you have a tank set up at your home or office, grab some crabs and go. If not you will need a land hermit crab. Now you’re thinking , “here it comes”. Calm down. The habitat for hermit crabs can be pretty cheap. If you have a fish tank aquarium that you are not using for fish, this would be great. Make sure you a secure top on it because the little crabs like to climb and will try to make the great escape. The idea of having a pet and not buying any type supplies is unthinkable. So you know the pet industry does make hermit crab supplies. Even a hermit crab cage can be purchased. As you and your new pets relationship grows, so will the hermit crab. One of the items that the crab really will need is progressively larger hermit crab shells to move into. If you have several crabs in a tank, you will need to have a space for each crab to hide as he goes through the molten stages of growth. Have no fear. The hermit crab gravel will help you to produce a perfect place for the crab to burrow down into and hide. The gravel and perhaps a few pieces of driftwood of the crabs to climb on and hide is really needed during the molten stage as the other crabs might eat that one. That thought brings to mind what
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do hermit crabs eat? The great thing about hermit crabs is the fact they will eat almost anything, meat or vegetables. As long as you keep away from the really salty or high fat, you should be okay to use your regular table food for the hermit crab food. But you can also find hermit crab food at your local pet store.
The hermit crab can be a wonderful addiction to your world. Being the crab is hypoallergenic is a great plus but the low cost of the hermit crab habitat will also be one of the important aspects of this exotic pet. The low cost is also reflected in the [http://hermitcrabpetcare.com/]hermit crab care and supplies. With the crab eating both meat and vegetables, it will be fun to figure out [http://hermitcrabpetcare.com/what-do-hermit-crabs-eat/]what-do-hermit-crabs-eat Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Hermit-Crabs-Make-a-GreatPet&id=1686443] Hermit Crabs Make a Great Pet
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