Tag Archives: tree

Heatstroke in Pets

With the approach of summer, we pet owners need to start thinking about how our animal family members might be affected by the heat. Pets that go outside, particularly dogs and cats, face danger from heatstroke. In fact, even when an animal isn’t technically outdoors it can still get heatstroke if left in the car. I admit I’ve been guilty once or twice of leaving my dog in the car for “just a few minutes” in fair weather. Here’s the thing: according to a Stanford University study, a parked car on a sunny 70-degree day can reach dangerous internal temperatures. … Continue reading →

Glossary of Genealogy Abbreviations

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I sometimes look back at my previous posts for inspiration for new posts, or sometimes to see which topics may need a bit more elaboration. Today I want to create an extension from my genealogy glossary post from a few weeks ago. However, rather than providing you, my readers, with more genealogy terms, I want to help you understand the many genealogy abbreviations that are often used. General Genealogy Abbreviations abt. – about (sometimes also abbreviated as a. or ab.) ad. – adopted (sometimes adCL for adopted child, adD for adopted daughter, or adS for adopted son are also used) … Continue reading →

More Free Genealogy Websites

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In my previous post, I talked about four of my favorite free genealogy websites. Besides the four listed in that post, there are many more free sites available to genealogists. Some of these websites I do not personally use, but in the interest of providing you with as many free resources as I can, I am including them here. I do want to mention that prior to posting any of these sites here, regardless if I have used them during my own personal research, I did spend time reviewing each one to ensure I only provide you with sites that … Continue reading →

What to Consider When Getting a Dog

I realized the other day that in my short time as families.com’s Pets Blogger I’ve talked a lot about being a responsible pet owner, and all the things a person should consider before getting a pet, without actually expounding on what those things are. So today I’m introducing a new recurring column on what to consider when getting a new pet. This month’s topic is dogs. Dogs are some of the most common pets, and they’re also one of the ones that come with the largest responsibilities, particularly in regards to time. I’ll start with what to consider after adopting … Continue reading →

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate

Last week I took my cat to the vet for his routine yearly checkup. I thought I might find some inspiration for an article from the trip. I did, but it turns out it’s not about my cat at all. While I was gone with my cat, I forgot to close the door to the pantry. To make a long story short, although we put several safeguards in place to prevent something like this from happening, the dog still got into some chocolate. She’s doing fine, but I thought I would share what we did, and the information we learned … Continue reading →

Dogs and Toddlers: The Uncanny Similarities

Today I’m going to explore something I discovered when I adopted my dog: how much having a dog is like having a toddler. At first, I thought the similarities were just due to the young age of both subjects, but now that my dog’s aged to canine adulthood, I’ve learned that isn’t true. Nope, dogs and toddlers just really are alike. Don’t believe me? I’ve compiled the main similarities into a handy list. 1. You have to clean up their poop. And other unpleasant messes. For the first few years of your baby’s life, you have to wash and dispose … Continue reading →

Pets and Your Marriage

Today we’re going to look at pets and your marriage. Do you have a pet? What place does you pet or pets play n your marriage? Who made the decision to get the pet? Was it a joint decision or did one person inherit the pet when they married? Or is it a case of his and hers pets? Recently I heard of a woman who went out one day and bought home two dogs, without consulting her husband. To make matters worse the husband was not greatly enamored of dogs. Needless to say, her decision to acquire the dogs … Continue reading →

Fun Earth Day Activities for the Whole Family

Happy Earth Day! Today is a great day to talk to your children about the environment and ways you can help preserve the planet as a family. The following fun projects can help you get the conversation started: SEASHELL WIND CHIME If you live near the beach, then spend Earth Day combing the sand for seashells (if you are landlocked, then head to the discount store and purchase a few bags of shells). Then, use the natural items to create a simple wind chime, which will encourage you to appreciate the breeze on a daily basis. Materials: Plastic milk jug … Continue reading →

Learning about Coping Gracefully from My Pets

Over in Marriage I wrote about how this year has been one blow after the other and I feel like I’m living under a black cloud. A string of them to be exact. No sooner does one pass than another one moves in and pours on me some more. I don’t even get a chance to fully dry off. I’ve been trying to cope as well as I can, but I have to be honest. My defenses are wearing down. Yesterday I got another blow. My dad’s girlfriend called to say she was at St. Anthony’s with my dad. He … Continue reading →

Who’s the Dumb One? You or Your Dog?

I have a friend who’s convinced her dog’s the dumbest dog in the world. She tells the dog that regularly and shakes her head in dismay over “dumb” things he does. I ask her all the time for examples of his dumbness because I have yet to see him do anything dumb. She never really gives specifics, though. She just kind of skirts my questions and reaffirms that he’s dumb. I guess she expects I should just take her word for it. Now don’t get me wrong. I happen to like this friend very much, which is why she’ll remain … Continue reading →