Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Petlife.
Just a Dog
Like me, I’d like to think that my father’s love of dogs came from his father. Unfortunately, I can never be sure. I never knew my grandpa Shaw. He passed away when I was three, so any bit of knowledge about him has come from my father, aunts, and uncles, siblings, or cousins. That isn’t to say I don’t have memories of him. I remember an old hunched-over man with a kind smile and a traumatizing sense of humor.
By Frank Shaw5 years ago in Petlife
I, Zhamir
I, Zhamir, was not always a cat. You might not believe me when I tell you this, and that is quite natural. I’ve grown fond of sunlit patches of grass and glass-stained windows, small boxes, and yarn. I believe I’ve adapted quite well to life as a four-legged lesser god, in fact. I’ve almost made such a behavior an art.
By Cristina Carvajal5 years ago in Petlife
Nose Knows
I have lived in cities most of my life. I have, however, had encounters with wildlife where one would least expect to find them. Currently, my husband and I live in a complex that backs to a small woods and a ravine. My nose tells me we have had a visit from a skunk. Its odor reminded me of my last encounter with a skunk.
By Toni Compton5 years ago in Petlife
Old Australian Shepperd
Lately, I haven't been okay. Life loses color as you get older and as the colorful world I once knew as a kid fades away into a dim gray. One can't help but wonder why things can't be like they used to. I think it's because as I have gotten older I live more in my mind than I do in reality. Constantly worrying about hypotheticals that may never happen, worried about aspects of my life that I deem unsatisfactory yet I know I am trying my hardest.
By Christopher Munoz5 years ago in Petlife
The Human Animal Bond
Anthrozoology or the Human Animal Bond is a real and evidenced area of research. What I mean by this is that there is actual scientific evidence that having pets can be good for you. Maybe not all pets and maybe not for everyone, but there are definitely advantages, hear me out. People love animals, yes, and many people think animals love them back, too. Every species has been on an epic journey of how they first associated with humans, how they were seen to be helpful such as wolves beginning to protect human camps in return for food which over thousands of years lead to the domestication of wolves and over time the changing into subspecies of dogs. The same has been seen in the domestication of horses whose ancestor was the size of a modern-day fox. Over 65 million years, to be precise, horses have been domesticated and bred originally for food, then utilities such as agriculture, riding for war, leisure and sport. But is there such a bond and advantage to keeping domestic animals, even today? Well, I think there is.
By Emma Nicholls5 years ago in Petlife
Special Dogs With Suspected Hip Dysplasia
With this article, I want to inform you of the great importance of detecting hip dysplasia early. Depending on the age of detection, the surgical possibilities and the prognosis very gradually. We want to inform you what Hip Dysplasia is, when and how it can be diagnosed, and inform you of the different Surgical Solutions, which, depending on the age of the pet, can be performed at any veterinary hospital.
By Dominicthomas5 years ago in Petlife
Jesper’s Adventure
The sun was warm and delicate, cascading it’s soft tendrils upon the earth. Grasshoppers leapt about lazily in the heat and quiet. A sweet smell of clover hung heavy in the air while blackbirds warbled to one another. Taking flight, their wings tickled the air. It was a glorious afternoon, undisturbed, but for two travelers.
By Crissy Ferguson 5 years ago in Petlife
Big Dog, Big Heart
Saint Bernard's are a very large breed of dog. Most people know them from the movie Beethoven. Based of that movie most people believe them to be big, fluffy, lovable family dog. There are even several movies that have Saint Bernard's as rescue dogs in snowy, cold climates. However, there are some people who know them from the movie Cujo. Based off this movie people will believe them to be vicious and mean dogs that should be feared.
By Nitisha Chapman5 years ago in Petlife
Love at first sight
I have owned dogs my entire life, the breed I was most used to was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These dogs have a bad rep but in my opinion they are looking at the wrong end of the lead. I came across an ad once for an American Bulldog, I had never owned this breed before. I did a bit of reading on their breed and decided to go pick this dog up. I arrived at the door and was welcomed in. As I walked into the living room I saw the dog I had seen so many times but only in picture form, he approached me and instantly the owner told the dog off he went as flat as a pancake, this dog was scared he also looked underweight for his size. The woman wanted £1000 but I offerred her £600 due to his condition. I attached the lead handed over the money and left. Once outside the dog was jumping around like an excited deer, it was evident he had, had no previous training. Once I got home I introduced him to my female Staffordhire Bull Terrier called Roxy, it was like love at first sight. I called the vet and made an appointment for him to be seen, his name was Geo but I changed it to Buddy as I felt it was more suited to his sweet nature. At the vet it was found Buddy had 14 injuries including a fractured tooth along with his weight it was clear he hadn't had the best start in life, he also had muscle wastage in his hind legs consistent with being sat down a lot. The vet looked at me with a concerned look and said this dog has been abused. This saddened me, as I took his big bear head in my hands I looked at him and made him a promise, his life of abuse was over. Buddy had no seperation anxiety he loved it with me and would shower me in licks and cuddles it was like he was saying thank you. He had weekly visits at the vets to be weighed he put on 2kg in a 2 week period, the vet was pleased. He was booked in to be nuetered and settled in to his new life. Buddy fitted right in and passed all tests with flying colours, he was great with kids and other dogs. Buddy is nearing his 9th birthday the thought of life without him is just too much to bare. I made the choice to get another American Bulldog the search was on, I came across a post on facebook of a female American Bulldog and she was in labour. I typed the name into my messenger and enquired about the puppies. I was the first to message so was given pick of the litter, we chose a boy with a red patch around his eye and some patches on his back, we named him Kano. Kano was in Newcastle and we lived in Scotland, an 8 hour journey from us. I was super excited so off we set for Newcastle to pick up the new addition. When we arrived we were welcomed and taken to the living room, and there sitting on the lady's knee was Kano and he was stunning. He did ever so well on the drive back up sleeping most of the way, he had a little car sickness but apart from that it was a successful journey. Now to see if the big boy liked him, as soon as Buddy saw Kano his tail was wagging he wanted to play and before long they were cuddled up together sound asleep, Success!! I thought to myself. I stayed in contact with the family sending them pictures and videos of Kano as he grew, they were glad he went to good home. I remain close friends with the family and we talk on social media a lot. I got a message one day to say that their bitch was pregnant again this was not planned and they had no choice but to deal with it. The puppies were just too tempting I booked another one this time a little girl called Bonnie, she is pure white except from one red patch on her back. I then picked another one this time a boy his name is Bronson and he is pure white, I know you probably think I am insane but the way I see it is I can't make a difference for every dog in the world but I can make a difference to mine. I have always wanted a pack of dogs, we love the outdoors so American Bulldogs are well suited to us and our life style and I have the time and patience to look after them. It will be hard work no doubt about that but by the end we will have a pack of Bulldogs that are happy and fulfilled. Bonnie and Bronson are 4 weeks old now and due to be picked up soon, another road trip to Newcastle. The couple are glad 2 more of their babies come join us in Scotland to have the time of their life.
By Michelle King5 years ago in Petlife
