Ah!  Spring is in the air!  The sun is shining, the air smells fresh, the birds are singing and the trees are starting to bud.  Nature is coming alive and soon it will be Easter.  The stores are stocking up on Easter merchandise and kids are looking forward to painting and hunting for eggs.  It seems like happy times are ahead …

Not quite!  Every year at Easter time pet shops stock-up on bunnies and the sales of cute little creatures rises dramatically.

With proper research and preparation for pet ownership, bunnies can make a great pet and a wonderful addition to your family.  However, when bought on impulse at Easter they can become victims of a great tragedy.

Rabbits bought around this time of the year are nothing more than impulse driven purchases.  They are bought because they are “Oh, so cute”, or because they are on sale, or because they look just like that bunny in that commercial with the chocolate eggs, or because a child refused to stop crying until daddy buys one, and so on…   Later these bunnies often end up abused, abandoned, surrendered to shelters, or released outside.  The reason?  Most people aren’t willing to cover $100+ vet visit and medicine cost for a bunny who’s price was only $20.

Before purchasing a bunny, or any animal,  everyone should do serious research on what kind of pet would be best suited for their lifestyle.  Consider pet‘s needs,  habits, behaviour, life expectancy, health issues, etc.   No living creature should ever be purchased on an impulse, or as a gift.

Impulse rabbit buying is starting to become a serious problem.  Yes bunnies are cute and cuddly, but there are some facts that most potential rabbit owners don’t realize:

1. Rabbits come with different personalities.   Not all are docile and laid back.
2. Rabbits come in different sizes.  Some, like Herman, a “German Gray Giant” grow to be over 3 feet long, weigh 22lb and eat 2kg of food per day.
3. Rabbits are territorial.  They may kill other rabbits.  Without regular handling they may attack and bite you.
4. Rabbits need to have a place to run around.
5. Rabbits may get jealous when expected to share attention with another person or pet.
6. Rabbits kept indoors can live up to 9 – 12 years.
7. Rabbits bought in the store are bred in captivity and are fully domesticated.  If released into the wild they WILL NOT survive.
8. Rabbits are exotic pets.   Most exotic Vets treat birds and reptiles.  Not all Vets will treat rabbits.
9. Rabbits are fragile and are prone to eye infections, heart and stomach problems.  They hide illnesses well and often you will not know they are sick until it may be too late.

In the right home a rabbit can be a gentle, loving, happy member of the family with a great sense of humor.  Under different circumstances rabbits can become victims of often unintentional cruelty and neglect.  Let’s choose to be responsible pet owners.   Let’s not purchase bunnies at  Easter time, be aware of our responsibilities and educate ourselves and others before purchasing a life.  Next time you see someone buying a bunny at Easter, ask them if they truly thought this through.  This year may Easter Bunny only arrive to homes of those who have properly prepared themselves for a responsibility of owing a pet rabbit!

In memory of Binky Bunny, Crystal, Cuddles and Babies.

VividLife.me Contributor

Milana comes from a family of highly intuitive Russian women. As a young widow, her grandmother Ana fed three small children by reading fortune cards for soldiers during WW2. Because life in the former Soviet Union was very restrictive, Milana’s mother Inna was denied an opportunity to nurture and accept her own gifts and was unable to encourage or support Milana’s inherent empathic gifts.

Milana has always had very strong connection to animals. When reading them she literally hears their thoughts in her mind and feels their joy or suffering. She is also able to connect with pets who are no longer with us.

She ensures that the information received provides a well-rounded holistic approach to the animal’s well-being. Milana provides you with insight into your pet’s opinion about their own physical fitness, as well as their mental and emotional contentment.

www.milana.me

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“My dog barks a lot. Why is he doing that?”

Dogs can bark for many reasons. The reason your dog is barking is to let you know of the spirits that are in your home. Recently, you lost your father. Your dog has been trying to tell you your father is there with you. Be aware from now on where he starts barking. I am betting you will find he is barking toward a corner where you have a chair in a family room. Once you acknowledge to your dog that you are aware of your father’s visit, he may shift to wagging his tail, or sniffing that area. Just so you are aware I teach people to connect with their loved ones so if you want my help please give me a call.

“My cat keeps kneading my arm. Why?” – Betty

Animals have a sense beyond ours. Whenever an animal kneads or sniffs a part of your body, they sense something is going on within us. I’ve known animals to find cancer, and many other conditions. My suggestion to you Betty is to visit your doctor and get it checked out. My feeling is that you are going to find it very healing!

“Why does my dog constantly have ear aches?” – Bob

There is a great book I like to recommend to my clients…”You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise L Hay. In this book Louise shares conditions along with the emotional reasons behind it. If you look up ear ache you will discover the meaning to be something you don’t want to hear. I feel your dog doesn’t like to hear the arguing that has been occurring a lot in your home. When you change that about yourself, you will find your dog’s earaches will go away. Animals come into our lives to help us learn lessons. Your dog is your teacher!

“Maxx won’t come into the kitchen at all, even if I have a treat in my hand….there’s no way he’s stepping foot in there! Can you help me to understand why he would act this way?” – Heather

This question comes up a lot. Animals see spirits. Many times when they bark, when they growl, or run away, or like Maxx won’t go into a room it is because of other energies there. A way to help you zone in or to connect is get yourself in the present moment. Many times when you are grounded and in the present moment, you will feel that the energy and temperature is different. You may even feel tingling in your body if you have a spirit close to you. Sometimes people can even smell their loved ones favourite perfume they used to wear. We will be discussing this more in detail during the upcoming teleseminar– HEALING WITH YOUR PETS AT A DEEPER LEVEL. Just visit my website www.asksuelondon.com for more details.

“My dog is really sick and old and I feel he wants to die but is holding back for some reason. Is there something I can do to help him with the process?” – Marie

Often our pets don’t cross until we have let go. I personally experienced my dog Rocky hanging on for me also. I had to let go of my selfish reasons of wanting to keep him with me. I held him in my arms, told him I loved him so much, and thanked him for being such a huge positive part of my life. I told him that I would be okay and that I knew he would always be with me. I kissed him on his head and minutes later he passed away peacefully in my arms. What you need to do is to thank your dog for all the wonderful things he has done for you, thank him for helping you heal and move forward in your life. Look back to when you got him. He came to you at a time when you needed him. Now he has helped you heal and move forward. His job is done and it is time for him to move on. You can and will feel him with you when he is crossed over.

“My cat is leaving me puddles and piles all around my room. I don’t know why. She hasn’t done this since last April. Can you explain to me why she has started doing this again?” – Meghan

You get very anxious during exam time. Like in April, your last exams, here you are preparing to do the exams again. Your cat is picking up on your emotions. He is mirroring you! I suggest you fit in some daily exercise into your routine. Spend some time each day doing meditation and visualization. This will help you to calm down which will help your cat. When the puddles and piles get less and less you will know you have done a great job at working on your anxiety. I feel within a week you will have things back on track.

“My dog is pregnant and due to have her first litter next week. She is suffering constipation and I am not sure how I can help her. Do you have any suggestions?” – Lynn

I am a Reiki Master and can send your dog some healing energy that will help her become regular again. If you are a breeder you may want to consider doing your Reiki training. I have found it very beneficial in helping both animals and people! I was on site when a rabbit delivered her babies. One of the babies was not moving after delivery and was very cold. We didn’t think it was going to live. By me giving it Reiki, the healing energy gave it what it needed and helped him to survive.   Just so you are aware, I feel your dog is feeling your anxiety about how this delivery will go. Between you becoming aware of your emotions and putting the energy out there that all will be well, and me sending her distant healing Reiki she will be regular in no time! Reiki healing works on 4 levels – emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual.

(2 days later after replying to Lynn, she emailed me to share that within hours of me sending the Reiki her dog was back to being regular. Lynn really understands how her emotions were playing a role in her dog’s health) If you are interested in learning how to do Reiki on your loved ones please give me a call. I guarantee it will be life changing for you and those you love!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each one of you a very Healthy and Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2010. Be grateful for all your blessings! I have been very grateful sharing with you.

– Much Love & Many Blessings, Sue

VividLife.me Contributor

Sue London is a People & Pet Therapist known for helping people create the life they desire. She hosts a radio show on this topic called ‘Get Inspired’. Sue is a Reiki Master and Life Coach and provides distant healing services and training around the globe.

In her earlier adult life, Sue experienced a series of challenges, including being told that she had 30 minutes to live.  Sue wanted to help others cope with adversities in their life and wrote a book, “Soar Above It All”. This book weaves in her true-life experiences with relationship issues; self-esteem challenges; back-to-back health threats and coping with near death. She has also authored two children’s books.

Sue can be contacted through her website www.asksuelondon.com or through phone at 1-888-812-1181

Technorati Tags: animal healings, animals connecting with spirits, Ask Sue London, distant healing Reiki, Healthy Pets, pet owners, pregnancy in pets, Reiki, Sue London

Dog walking services have been available in many American cities for the busy urban dweller for many years. It is a comparatively new phenomenon in Canada and a very recent one in the smaller cities and towns. Approximately fifteen years ago, fewer than twenty percent of the people in the smaller locations knew that this service was available. That figure is closer to fifty percent now.

Typically, the walkers take several or individual dogs for walks on the streets or parks in the neighborhood. Some transport them to leash- free dog parks and let them run with other dogs.

Cat care is usually much simpler since there are no walks involved. The cat is fed, given fresh water, litter box cleaned and most importantly given some love and attention.

For longer absences of the owner, such as holidays, a few pet care businesses provide a live in service. They will provide a mature adult to live in the home with the pets while the owner is away. Not only does your pet stay in an environment with which he is comfortable but also an added bonus is that security is provided for your home.

Another service which some pet care businesses provide is security checks of the house while the owner is away and no animals are involved. On the average, the house is visited every three days. Insurance companies love this, especially in the winter where there is the chance of water pipes freezing.

There are some important questions you should ask before hiring a pet care business:

• Are you bonded and insured?
• Do you have proof of your bond and insurance?
• How long have you been in service?
• Do you have references?
• Do you meet the owners and pet prior to the assignment?
• Is there a contract to be signed?

There are several ways to find pet care businesses: Yellow Pages in the telephone book, YellowPages .ca (look under pet care), bulletin boards in pet supply stores, www.petsit.com and www.acpsn.com

Len Kay

Len’s Home & Pet Care

lenspetcare@on.aibn.com (905) 335-8494

I have been using Len’s Home & Pet Care service for my pets for over 10 years. It gives me such peace knowing my special friends are well cared for and our home is looked after.  The next time you have to travel or be away from your pet for a length of time check out home pet care services for your pets. They will love you for it!

Featured Contributor

Sue London

As a Reiki Master, People & Pet Therapist, Spiritual Life Coach, Radio Host, Motivational Speaker and Author, I am here to help you if you are looking for positive change in your life and in your pet’s life.

Because I have endured serious illness, abuse, divorce and near death, I made a decision to soar above it all and have embraced the passion of helping others BE INSPIRED.

Using Reiki, I communicate with you through hands-on healing and distant healing techniques. Coaching sessions are scheduled over the phone to talk through the healing issues. I also use these hands-on techniques for your pets and transmit messages from your pet back to you through animal communication. Lost a pet or loved one? I can channel healing messages to you from them. And I teach you how you can do it too!

Call me at 888-812-1181 to learn how to start leading the life you love. Contact me by e-mail at sue@asksuelondon.com to register for a workshop, or book healing sessions. And, please check out my web site www.asksuelondon.com to learn more about how I can help you and to purchase my books “Soar Above It All” – Overcoming Adversities in Life and the ”Rocky” series of children’s books.

Start creating the life you desire today – GET INSPIRED! Ask Sue London how!

Technorati Tags: pet care, pet day care, pet owners, pet services

Is it possible to walk your dog without it pulling? Wouldn’t it be nice to take a walk without our dogs pulling?

It is often simple things that make a difference in our lives. The wheel is a good example of a simple thing that has made our lives easier. A simple thing that can make your dog walking life easier is a front-leading chest-attached dog harness like the Walk Your Dog With Love dog harness. It stops a dogs pulling and gives you more control.

How it works is very simple, interesting too.

Simple – More Control

The first thing you will notice when you see this harness is it leads the dog from the front; which seems backwards. Most people attach their leash to a collar or choke chain (which slides to the back of the dog when walking) or to a harness on the back of the dog. So why does the Walk Your Dog With Love harness attach on the front of the dog?

Albeit it is a “revolution” in dog walking, Walk Your Dog With Love actually is just revisiting a 10,000 year old practice—that of leading an animal from the front. Horses, oxen, camels, even elephants are led from the front; they always have been. This is what gives their handlers control.

It is nearly impossible to control an animal from behind. Yet, silly humans, that is exactly what we are trying to do with “traditional” collars or harnesses.

What leading from the front does is it gives us more control. It uses physics, and like a great karate or wrestling move, it allows us to steer the dog. It is not that we will have a less passionate or exuberant dogs – they are, after all, dogs – it’s just that we simply have more control.

Naturally, if you give your dog 30 feet of leash, it will be 30 feet away and you won’t have any control. Yet, if you have the leash short, and take a walk not a sniff, then you will be in the lead, not the dog. Like it should be.

And all this is done naturally, without choking, pinching, or otherwise manipulating our dogs. Leading from the front has other benefits too.

Deceptively Simple – Stops Pulling

Most animals, including dogs and humans, usually pull away when they are pulled on. That is how a horse carriage, and ox cart and a dog sled team work. We attach them to a harness—from behind—pull on them, say mush, and they pull forward. Technically that response is called Negative Thigmotaxis. Practically it means our dogs pull away from us when we pull on them. And when do we pull on them? When we have a traditional collar or harness on them.

Pulling on our dog actually triggers off our dog’s million year old instinct . . .  to pull away. And, paradoxically, when do we pull the most on our sweet dogs? When we most want them to heel! I said HEEL! This is confusing for a dog, as being pulled on is really the natural command for “Go Forward”. By leading from the front we no longer prompt our dog to pull.

If your dog is one of those dogs that really pull when it is pulled on then Walk Your Dog With Love’s harness may be a miracle for you.

Easy Too

Lastly, this harness is easy-to-use too. Many harnesses are difficult to figure out and often end up not being used at all: Which end is up? What goes where? How do I adjust it to fit my dog? With many harnesses our dogs need to step through or over and “cooperate” with us in some manner.

The Walk Your Dog With Love does not have any of these issues. Due to its simple design, it takes minimal adjustments to fine tune it to our dogs’ particular shape, and it simply slips over the dog’s head. Now walking can be a pleasure.

Dan Merson

Dan@WalkYourDogWithLove.com

914.330.6860       

www.WalkYourDogWithLove.com

Feature Contributor

Technorati Tags: dog walking made easy, exercise for dogs, Healthy Pets, pet owners, Walk Your Dog With Love