Obscure Cat Breed of the Month: Pixiebob

Pixiebobs are often called “dogs in disguise” because of their affectionate natures and their enjoyment of walking on a leash and playing fetch.  Adjectives used to describe this breed include “mellow,” “laid-back,” and “amicable.”  These cats get along with just about everyone, including the other family pets.  

Pixiebobs vocalize, not in meows, but in chirps, trills and chuffs…and of course its purr.  It is known to have one of the loudest motors of all the cat breeds.

The legend of the origin of the Pixiebob breed is that a wild bobcat mated with a domestic cat.  As exciting as this may sound (!), it has never been substantiated.  A more believable story is that a breeder named Carol Ann Brewer crossed a male polydactyl kitten with a bobbed tail, spotted coat and outgoing personality with another domestic cat.  The offspring are considered the beginning of the Pixiebob breed, an breed accepted by the International Cat Association since 1998.  

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

Obscure Dog Breed of the Month

The Mi-Ki is a small companion dog bred in the United States in the 1980s. They... are the result of crossing several breeds, including the Papillon, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier. It has been called the “truest companion breed of all.”

The breed is known for its consistent personality. It is always in a good mood, happy to play when you are, happy to amuse itself when there is no one to play with. They are absolutely wonderful for small children and older adults.

These cute dogs come in both a long and short haired version. Both have silky, fine hair, with the difference being the beard and mustache of the long-coated dog. They can reach a whopping weight of 10 lbs, and generally stand a maximum of 10 inches tall. They are good with all other pets.

November is National Senior Pet Month

November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul. Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.

1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!