Pit Bull Awareness Month

October is Pit Bull Awareness Month!

We've all heard the news reports and urban legends that surround this misunderstood breed. So what exactly IS a pit bull anyway?

Used correctly, the term "pit bull" refers to the American Pit Bull Terrier, however the term is also used to describe Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. Additionally, many other breeds that are not pit bulls are often referred to as "pit bull type dogs"! If you're thinking this sounds like a recipe for confusion, you're right.  In a recent study by the Matrix Canine Research Council, 600 people, 100 of whom were canine professionals, were asked to identify pit bulls.  Thirty percent of the participants misidentified boxers, 45% mis-identified mastiffs, and 44% misidentified Presa Canarios.  Only 2% of the survey's  participants correctly identified pit bulls without first mistaking them for another breed!

Another peer reviewed study published this year by the American Journal of Sociological Research asked veterinarians, shelter workers, and other animal professionals to identify dog breeds based on video images.  Our scores were similarly appalling.  If animal care professionals find pit bull identification this difficult, what hope is there for the reporters, journalists, and eyewitnesses who provide the general public with information about this breed?

This month, our blog will discuss facts vs. fiction as we get to know the pit bull.  But before you get to know them, first try to FIND them!  Take this test to see if you can correctly identify a pit bull.  If you tell us YOUR score, we'll tell you ours. :-)

http://www.understand-a-bull.com/Findthebull/findpitbull_v3.html

October Pet of the Month

Our October Pet of the Month is Lady! 

Lady is 7 years old and was adopted from an animal clinic in Wisconsin when she was 2 years old. You would never know she was brought in to be euthanized for aggression! Moo, her declawed kitty sister, was not impressed and quickly beat her up! 

Luckily, Moo and Lady became fast friends and play constantly. 

In Wisconsin she loved to chase squirrels, but once moving to Florida she discovered anole chasing is much more fun! 

Congratulations Lady! Tell all your friends that you are Our October Pet of the Month! 

Why Do Cats Do That? Rubbing up against everything.

Why Do Cats Rub Up Against Everything - Including Me?!

Cats have scent glands on their lips, chins, and tails.  Additionally, scent glands are present on each side of their heads, and between their front paws.  They use these glands to mark their territory with their scent.  

When your cat rubs you, she is marking you with her scent, thus claiming you as "hers".  In the process of doing so, she picks up your scent as well.  Cats rub up against furniture and doorways as well - to mark the objects and places as "hers".

Why Do Cats Do That? Drawn To People Who Don't Like Them.

Why Are Cats Drawn to People Who Don't Like Them?

When cats threaten or challenge each other, they stare boldly and intently while moving towards one another. 

People who do not like cats will often avoid eye contact with the cat. Rather than talk to the cat or attempt to engage it, they prefer to sit quietly, hoping the cat will ignore them.  Cats associate this body language with neutrality and passivity.  It tells them the person is safe to approach.  

Additionally, if the cat is accustomed to being the center of his human's attention, an aloof visitor can easily pique his natural curiosity!

Why Do Cats Do That? Making Biscuits.

Why Do Cats "Make Biscuits" With Their Paws?

When a cat "makes biscuits", she stretches out the digits on her front paws and pushes them downward as if she were kneading dough.  

When kittens are nursing, they knead their paws against Mom, either as a sign of contentment, or to encourage milk flow.  When they mature, they may knead against humans, toys, beds, blankets - anything is fair game.  

This behavior shows contentment and pleasure, and is often accompanied by purring.

September's Pet of the Month

September's Pet of the Month is Toby, an adopted 2 year old German Shepherd. Toby is easy going, happy, loves to play - and is super cute! 

Congratulations Toby! Share with all of your friends - You are our Pet of the Month! 

Summertime Safety Tips - Bugs...Ugh

Summertime Safety Tips - Bugs...Ugh

Thanks to warm winters across North America, entomologists are predicting an explosion in flea and tick populations this summer.  Mosquitoes carry deadly heartworm disease, and intestinal parasites thrive in humid conditions.  

Make sure your dogs and cats are up to date on heartworm, flea, and tick prevention, even if they never go outdoors.  The creepy critters can easily enter our homes when we open our doors, and often hitch rides on shoes, socks, and clothing.