Are you an outdoorsy kind of person? Do you love hiking? If so, you should consider that when you go to adopt a dog. If you are an avid hiker that goes on strenuous terrain on a regular basis, you should seek out a dog that will be able to successfully keep up with your … Read more
Happy 4th! In the spirit of the festive nature of today’s holiday, it may be extremely tempting to take Fido with you to your neighbor’s backyard BBQ. We don’t recommend it. While we associate the lights, whizzes and explosions with the excitement that is celebrating the birth of our nations, these things can often terrify … Read more
Looking for an appropriate boarding facility for your dog is similar to looking for a good veterinarian. If at all possible, you want to do the work before you actually need to. Boarding facilities are all different. There are in-home options, active open playground type kennels and enclosed ones that only allow your pet out … Read more
Reputable shelters often get “bonded” pets – meaning two pets that are emotionally very tied to each other and have a very good, close relationship. When shelters see this, they will often refuse to adopt them out separately. Adopting out a bonded pair together often raises their chances of successfully becoming happy members of their … Read more
You and Fido have had a wonderful relationship. He doesn’t earn money or do chores, you have to feed him his every meal, take him out multiple times day, exercise him, love him, play with him, groom him and keep him happy, but in return he gives you 100% unconditional love. This is a relationship … Read more
It is always a wonderful thing to decide that a new dog will be a great addition to the family, but before you go and pick her out from your local shelter (remember – adopt, don’t shop!), have you considered the costs associated with getting her? Have you made room in your budget for the … Read more
Maybe you’ve seen Bryant, the dog in Sweet Home Alabama, go for a calm swim in the lake, or maybe your own dog is a big fan of your pool at home. Whether or not either of these things is true, you should still take some precautions before taking Fido to the beach for the … Read more
Having a deaf dog gives an owner a unique chance to communicate with the animal on their terms. Dogs don’t communicate using words the way we do, but they do use energy and body language. It may take some extra time to guide them to where they need to be, but if you are present … Read more
Have you ever watched your dog eating and wondered why he does what he does? Does he paw at his bowls and look at you expectantly? Does he take his bowl and drag it somewhere else? Does he take mouthfuls of food and eat it elsewhere? Does he snack all day? Has he stopped eating … Read more
We here at Last Chance Ranch Sanctuary are obviously big supporters of all animals, but we especially have a soft spot for our special needs friends. There was a conversation I overheard the other day at a shelter between a parent and her child regarding why they didn’t need to adopt a, “broken,” pet. I … Read more