Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Monday, March 20, 2023
Where to Find My Books
Please use this handy chart to find your next good book on legit sales sites! You can click on the links to the right. I'm working hard at getting my books into more markets, with more options, but it'll take time. You can also see my latest project at the very bottom of the list! More info to come soon!
Name of Book | e-book | Print Book | Fict. | YA/ 18+ | Fantasy | Action-Advent. | Myst.-Thriller | Click On Link |
The Aquaria Chronicles | Y | Y | Y | YA, All Ages | Y | Y | ||
Just One More Purr - Terminal Illness Support for Cats & the Humans Who Love Them | Y | Y | ALL | |||||
A Collection of Cats Short Stories | Y | Y | ALL | Y | ||||
Karen, Mayor of Zombtown | Y | Y | Y | 18+ | Y | Y | Y | |
Zombie Survival Club | Y | Y | Y | ALL | Y | Y | ||
Writing Powered Up | Y | ALL | ||||||
WE ARE WATCHING YOU | Y | Y | Y | ALL | Y | Y |
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
How to Cope with a Golden Retriever and Asthma
by Mel Dawn
Dogs are mammals, and unfortunately, they can get the same health conditions that their human admirers can. But the good news is that asthma in dogs, including golden retrievers, is not only treatable, it’s fairly simple to give medication as prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.You’ll still need some guidance on how to cope with a golden retriever who has asthma though. It may seem overwhelming at first, and you may feel quite bad as your loved one has a bad health condition. Here we offer you some tips on how to cope with a golden retriever and asthma, along with the treatment plan that your veterinarian will provide to you.
Can a Golden Retriever Get Asthma?
Yes, a golden retriever, or any type of dog can get asthma, just like us humans, and other types of mammals too. Not everyone gets this condition, but it’s important to be aware of any symptoms so you can quickly get your pup or adult dog to the vet for proper diagnosis. If you believe it’s life-threatening, immediately take your dog to your local 24-hour emergency pet hospital! And don’t worry, this condition is fully treatable, and your golden retriever with asthma can still live a long and happy life!
What Exactly is Asthma?
There are a few different causes for asthma, but unless your dog has been diagnosed as a pup, most likely it’s due to an allergic reaction to something in the environment. It will be airborne particles that they breath in. Their immune systems will react negatively to the allergens in the air, which can lead to mucus or fluid in their airways. This can fill up, causing the airways to constrict. This results in your dog having difficulties in breathing. Most times, it will resolve on its own, but if it doesn’t, the most severe form of asthma can lead to hypoxia. This is when your dog can no long breath in oxygen. Over time, if asthma isn’t treated, a dog’s airways and lungs can be permanently damaged. The most severe form can lead to death.
What Are the Symptoms of Golden Retriever and Asthma?
It’s normal for your dog to pant, but they may exhibit other signs that can lead to asthma. These may include being out of breath, even if they’re not running, or with any difficulties in breathing. Your dog may have pale or blue gums. They may be tired and not interested in eating. They may cough and wheeze like humans do. The severity can vary from a minor inconvenience, to be seriously life-threatening. It’s best to book a vet visit, as asthma can worsen if left untreated, particularly if you don’t understand what is triggering symptoms in your golden retriever.
Why Types of Things Can Trigger My Dog’s Asthma?
Generally, it’s airborne particles that can trigger an asthma attack, though foods can do it too. Cigarette smoke is a common one, as well as campfire smoke. Exhaust fumes from vehicles or machinery is common too. If you don’t do housework on a regular basis, the household dust can affect your dog. Mold spores can be an issue in the home if there isn’t adequate ventilation. Aerosol sprays can affect your dog, including hairspray, scented air fresheners, and pesticide. Burning candles with fragrance, or air freshener plug-ins can be problematic, as well as burning incense. Wheat-based and clay-based cat litter can be a problem if your dog likes to sniff their boxes. Our perfume, hand lotion, and deodorant can trigger asthma in dogs. Cooking smells from the oven can trigger asthma, as well as deep frying or frying foods. Keep in mind that certain foods are toxic to pets, including chocolate, garlic, onions, and peppers, and even their cooking smells can cause an allergic reaction in our furry ones. Dogs can also be susceptible to flower, tree, and plant pollen. Keep in mind that flowers from the lily family are highly toxic to pets, and that includes Easter lilies and aloe vera plants.
What Types of Medications Will Be Prescribed?
There are three different types of medications that may be prescribed for your golden retriever dog. The first type you will be familiar with, as they are antihistamines. These block the allergic response in your dog’s body. The second type are bronchodilators. These are inhalers, much like the type we use for our asthma. The medication will help to open the bronchi in the lungs to make it easier for your dog to breath. The third type of medication will be anti-inflammatories. These help to reduce the swelling in the lungs. The lungs will strengthen over time and help the immune system to fight off any triggers.
What Can I Do to Protect My Golden Retriever?
The best thing you can do is a survey of your house and your dog’s environment. This includes removing all toxins that may be triggering their asthma. You can opt to use fragrance-free and unscented personal care products and cleansers. Adjust your cooking menus or turn on the fans and open the windows, while placing the dog in a room away from harmful smells. If you have a cat, opt for a plant-based cat litter, such as grass or tofu. Avoid using pesticides and aerosol sprays around the home. In fact, go through your home and toss anything problematic into a box and give it away. Also include any perfumes, candles, and air fresheners too. And just because there may be one item triggering your dog’s asthma, other items could trigger it in the future.
Your wonderful golden retriever dog is a part of your family, and soon their asthma treatments (whether daily or as required), will quickly become part of your daily routine. You’ll be relieved that your dog has a proper diagnosis, and a good treatment plan. Now you can focus on making your dog as happy as possible, which will also make you feel happier and relieved that you can do something to make them feel better!
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What Are the Golden Retriever Genetic Problems?
Before you adopt a puppy or an adult dog you want to know about any possible health problems. This isn’t to screen out any high-risk breeds, but more to be prepared so you can care for your pooch the best you can. Many purebred dog breeds have specific health issues. If you love the golden retriever breed, and have the opportunity to adopt a pup, or maybe you’ve seen a golden retriever at your local animal rescue center, you need to do your research first. You want to know what are the golden retriever genetic problems to expect?
Here is some value information so you can decide if you can afford vet care if there are any future issues, and also to be mentally aware, should you have to bring your newly adopted dog to the vet clinic in the future.
Are Golden Retriever Dogs Healthy?
The golden retriever dog breed is generally healthy, and they can live up to 10 to 12 years. Unfortunately, some dogs are poorly bred, so this can lead to specific genetic issues. You need to be aware that your dog could have allergies and asthma, an eye or ear condition, hip or elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, heart disease, and cancer. Dogs that suffer from these medical conditions can have a bad temperament (just like people who don’t feel well either). While it’s important to adopt a golden retriever dog from a good breeder, at times that isn’t possible if you’re adopting one from an animal shelter or a friend, where you don’t know their history. And many health conditions occur in senior or elderly dogs, so it can be difficult trying to find a dog breed that will be healthy their entire life.
Minor Skin Health Issues
Golden retrievers have thick coats. If they love swimming, you should be aware that they may develop bacteria under the skin. This leads to what are called hot spots. Your dog may incessantly scratch their skin. The skin will become inflamed and infected. This may lead to sores, scabs, and hair falling out. These hot spots can appear anywhere. The good news is that with regular bathing, and a topical and oral medication, this condition can easily be cured when it flares up.
Another skin condition that golden retrievers are prone to is called atopic dermatitis, or atopy for short. This is more related to allergies. This condition is caused by allergens that float through the air. They may be from plant pollen, tree pollen, or flower pollen outdoors, or from indoor dust mites, or mold. If your dog is going to suffer from this condition then it usually occurs from around two to four years old. Like hot spots, your dog may also scratch the problematic regions. It’s treatable with ointments. If the skin isn’t treated, constant scratching can lead to bacterial or yeast infections that are more difficult to treat. The most common locations for these skin conditions are around the eyes, the groin, the paws, and the mouth.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a health condition that is due to an endocrine disorder of the thyroid gland. The gland loses its ability to produce enough hormones. There may be weight gain and decreased energy levels in your dog. Skin and ear infections will increase. Their coat may thin and they may have skin conditions. This health condition occurs around the middle ages, and is not as serious as hyperthyroidism, fortunately!
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
These are inherited orthopedic conditions where the bone does not sit securely in the joint. This causes them to rub against the socket, causing arthritis and pain. In hip dysplasia, the dog can having trouble getting up, and having trouble walking and running. They may be reluctant to walk up or down stairs. There may be one leg that is awkwardly held out. Elbow dysplasia is similar, but affects the elbow joints. Surgery may be required with both conditions. This condition can be prevented by spaying or neutering your golden retriever dogs.
Eye & Ear Conditions
Golden retriever dogs can be susceptible to ear and eye conditions. Their ears hang done loosely and ear wax can accumulate. This can lead to infection and inflammation in their ear canals. And since they enjoy swimming, that can also lead to ear infections too. Signs include red ears, brown or yellow debris in the ear canal, scratching or rubbing ears against furniture, bad odor, head tilt, and imbalance. Pigmentary uveitis is an inherited eye condition that can affect golden retrievers too. This involves small fluid-filled cysts in the uvea or pigmented region of the eyes. These cysts are benign, and can start growing around five years of age. You can glance at their eyes to see if they have this condition. While it is benign, it can lead to vision loss, and more serious eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. Medication is used to treat it.
Terminal Health Conditions
Lymphoma, lymphosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma are also cancerous conditions that can affect lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and heart. If caught early, chemotherapy is the best treatment. Various types of heart diseases can also affect your dog. Subaortic valvular stenosis and nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy are heart conditions that can cause issues too. It’s important to give your dog a healthy diet and to exercise them on a regular basis.
The golden retriever dog is one of the most popular breeds today. When you look at them and interact with them, you can easily understand why. These dogs are smart and loyal to their family. They are simple to train and highly affectionate. They do well with children and other pets. But like with other dog breeds, they can bring with them specific genetic health conditions. The good news is that you are now aware of these health issues, and you can keep an eye out for them in the future. Your golden retriever will appreciate how much you love and care for them!
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What Dog Breed Is Better: Golden Retriever Vs. Husky?
by Mel Dawn
Your Breed Choice Based On Appearance
These two dogs breeds have a distinct appearance from each other. The golden retriever has a distinctive golden appearance, while the Siberian husky is black and white. The golden retrievers are slightly larger dogs. They have long floppy ears while the husky has upward pointed ears like a cat. Some husky breeds do have slightly floppy ears. Golden retrievers are named for their colour, while the Siberian Husky is bred in multiple colours. Huskies can have blue eyes or multi-colored eyes. Golden retrieves have brown eyes. Those both have long snouts and pink tongues.
The Siberian Husky has several different variations of colours. These can be from agouti (multi-colored strands) to black, black and white, all-white, grey and white, red and white, brown and white, black with tan and white, and variations thereof.
The Siberian husky grows to about 20 inches to 24 inches tall, while the Golden Retriever grows from 21.5 inches to 24 inches in height. The Siberian Husky dog’s average weight ranges from 35 to 60 pounds, while the Golden Retriever dog ranges from 55 to 75 pounds.
Longevity Considerations in Dogs
The Siberian Husky dog can live up to 12 years old and sometimes 14 years old. The Golden Retriever dog has a slight disadvantage, as their average age is 10 years old to 12 years old.
Energy Levels in Huskys and Retrievers
You may want to base your choice on the dog’s energy levels. For instance, if you have a teenager that needs to work off their energy, a good dog walk three times a day will help. But if you’re a senior, then you may want an average level of energy in your new dog adoption. The Siberian Husky has extremely high energy levels, while the golden retriever has average energy levels.
Need a Good Watchdog?
If you’re seeking a companion and a watchdog, then the Golden Retriever dog will keep an eye on things while your family sleeps at night, but don’t expect too much. Likewise, the Siberian Husky dog has low watch dog instincts. You may want to opt for a smaller dog breed if you are getting one for security of your home. Or, just buy an alarm system instead.
Ability to Train These Dog Breeds
All dogs need some form of training so that they can live happily and peacefully with their families. The Golden Retriever dog is easily trained and eager to please. You may be able to do the training yourself, rather than going to the expense of hiring a trainer, or taking them to doggy school. The Siberian Husky dog is harder to train, as they are independent. There may be more challenges in getting these dogs to obey and do your commands.
Dog Breed and Tendency to Bark a Lot
If you’re surrounded by neighbors, and you need to leave your dog alone while the family is at work or school, then you need a quiet dog. The Golden Retriever is low on the tendency to bark scale. In contrast, the Siberian Husky loves to bark, a lot, and often.
The Qualifying Factors in Your Decision
Perhaps the main distinction between these two wonderful dog breeds are their appearance. They can’t be mistaken for each other, as they have distinctive characteristics. Their size is similar, but slightly different in width. Their ears are different. You can certainly base your decision on appearance, if you love one type of dog. The Siberian Husky may come out ahead in this game, because they are fluffy and cute!
But there are also other considerations. Temperament and tendency to bark, reasonable energy levels and ability to train are big factors, particularly if you live in a small housing development, or have young children or other pets. You want an easily trainable dog who doesn’t bark a lot, and will be gentle if the children get a bit crazy. For this reason, the Golden Retriever comes out ahead.
As for longevity, there are no guarantees. Dogs can get health conditions just like we do. They can suffer from accidents and injuries, and aging issues. The two-year difference can offer no guarantees, so it’s hard to choose a breed based on this consideration.
If you’re basing your decision on their watchdog abilities, then again, a smaller dog breed may be right for you. But both types of dogs will alert you to someone at the door, or in the yard. And that might be all you’re seeking in a canine alarm system.
The Final Verdict
If it were up to us, we’d adopt a Golden Retriever dog! Not only are they attractive to look at, they’re smart, loyal, and friendly. They will be easy to train, and eager to please. They have a good longevity, and will make the perfect friends with your entire family!
Now that you understand the similarities and the differences between the Siberian husky and the golden retriever dog, you can make your decision. Even learning all this information may not really help your choice. You’re going to have to go with your instinct and your heart. Go ahead and meet those puppies, or visit your local animal rescue center. Chances are that one of the dogs will stand out to you, based more on personality and temperament. Or even better, one of the many dogs will choose you! Now you have your choice made and you can live a long and happy life with your warm new companion!
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Thursday, February 16, 2023
Why Adopt a Maine Coon Cat?
Ten Reasons Why You Need to Adopt a Maine Coon Cat Now
If you’re seeking to adopt a cat then you may be trying to decide on why get a Maine Coon cat. Maine Coon cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world today. Whether you have a friend who has a Maine Coon cat, or you’ve simply viewed photos or videos online, this amazing cat breed can bring happiness to your life.
Adopting a cat is as serious as adopting a human child, so you need to carefully consider your reasons why you want to shop, not adopt. If you already have a few cat rescues, then good on you! Now you can find the cat of your dreams who will get along with all your other furry or hairy companions. While there are dozens of pure bred cat breeds out there, there are also shelters full of cats too. We can assist you in finding your reason why you want to adopt the wonderful Maine Coon cat breed.
If you’re puzzled and uncertain how to start your cat adoption journey, here are ten reasons why you should get a Maine Coon cat.
Why Adopt a Maine Coon Cat or Kitten?
Just what is so special about Maine Coon cats? They appear to get a ton of recognition in cat magazines, on cat social media websites, and at competitive cat shows. This cat can grow up to twenty-five pounds, though there are records of them being up to fifty pounds in weight. These cats can be up to 14 inches in height, and 40 inches in length. If you have young children, your main concern will be if this cat is safe around children. Perhaps the concern is because the Maine Coon cat is so large. It’s uncertain how they were initially bred, perhaps with Siberian forest cats, or Norwegian forest cats, then brought to the USA by settlers. The cat’s thick coat make them survive the harsh winters more easily. And since the cat is descended from a mix of house cat and wild cat, you may be wondering why you should get a Maine Coon cat.
Here are ten reasons to help you learn about what is so special about Maine Coon cats.
1. The Maine Coon’s Beautiful Coat Pattern
The Maine Coon cat has some beautiful coat markings. Their fur is of medium length, and can also be long-haired too. Their coat is super soft and silky, with some variations. This does make them a bit more difficult to care for, but that’s some of the fun of having a cat. Their long-haired coats are also much easier to care for than a Persian cat, so might be a better choice if you don’t want to do hours of grooming every day. Their fur length can be longer on their stomach, and they may have a mane of fur around their necks. Their fur does get thicker in the winter, then sheds before the summer. Brown tabby is their most common coat pattern colour.
2. Their Wonderful Personality
Despite their appearance, Maine Coon cats generally have a calm and gentle demeanor. They are also highly intelligent, which may be a part of how they recognize that they will thrive with a family if they are cooperative. And due to their intelligence, they are easy to train. This is not the type of cat that hisses or swats at you, though there may be an exception. If you have young children or other pets, the Maine Coon cat will be relaxed around others. They’re also quite loyal to their families.
3. A Fur Coat That Protects Them
Maine Coon cats evolved to survive harsh conditions on the sea, and also on land. If you live in a wet or colder than expected part of the UK, Europe, or the world, then this may be the right cat for you. They have long fluffy tails, and more fur on their tummies. This helps to keep them protected from snow or icy surfaces. They can take their long fluffy tails and wrap them around their face and shoulders to keep themselves warm. They also have extra-large paws, with some of them being polydactyl, with extra feet. Their ears have long tufts of fur at the top, with extra tufts of fur growing from between their toes.
4. The Maine Coon’s Amazing Size
This type of cat is too big to be a lap cat, so if that’s what you want, you may have to choose a different breed. This is one of the largest cat breeds in the world today, with the exception of the Savannah cat. Male cats can weigh up to 18 pounds, while female cats cat weight up to 16 pounds. There are some exceptions, as this breed has been recorded to up to fifty pounds (though likely overweight). Including the tail, their bodies can be 38 inches in length. They have solid muscular bodies and can defend themselves quite well against predators (though you’ll want to keep your family member inside).
5. Their Method of Communication
If you want a quiet cat, you’d best look elsewhere. The Maine Coon cat is quite vocal, and they enjoy having chats with their humans. These extremely vocal and highly sociable cats have no problem in telling you what they want. They have a wide range of sounds that you’ll soon learn to understand. These sounds can vary from howling or yowling to trilling, chirping, meowing, and other loud vocalizations. They also enjoy when their humans participate, so you’ll be able to have a good conversation back and forth.
6. The Maine Coon Cat’s Love of Water
Cats generally hate water, so it can be surprising when your cat climbs into the shower or bathtub with you. And that’s what can happen when you adopt a Maine Coon cat. They love the water, whether it’s joining you in the bath, or going for a walk outside in the rain, or hopping into a lake. They have this wonderful fascination with water. This adorable trait is believed to come from their ancestors, who had to get used to long ship journeys from Europe to America, then back again. Back then these cats would spend a lifetime on these ships, controlling the rodent population so that the human food chain was kept safe.
7. They Don’t Need a Special Diet
One of your concerns when adopting a cat may be if this cat breed requires a different type of diet than your average house cat. The truth is no, they don’t. They can eat the same crunchies and wet food and treats that other cats can eat. The difference is that the Maine Coon cat does need more food, as they are not only bigger, but also can expend more energy. They’ll also need to be fed more often throughout the day. They are as simple to feed as your usual house cat though.
8. Maine Coon Cats Are Extremely Affectionate
One of their most notable personality traits can be how affectionate these cats are. They are very gentle, and have a calm demeanor, but they are also not afraid to express their affection to their family too. You can expect to be greeted when you arrive home from work, and have your cat rub around your legs, and hop on top of you in the chair to give you a big hug. And it doesn’t matter if the cat is male or female, they’re both big cuddlers. The more you encourage the cuddles, the more that they’ll be willing to cuddle up to you, particularly in bed at night.
9. They Love to Play
Sometimes you adopt a cat and they aren’t too playful. But that isn’t true for the Maine Coon cat. These cats love to play as they’re highly energetic. They’ll have fun with your other pets in the household, or by themselves. But you should also join in on the fun and toss their toys around. They’ll have fun, and maybe even bat that toy back at you, or carry it back to you in their mouth. You should dedicate time each day to spend with your cat. You’ll both have fun together, and playing together will help you to both bond more quickly.
10. They Love Going Outdoors
Maine Coon cats love going outdoors, but you should only allow them monitored outdoor visits. The good news is that these cats are easy to leash train, and will enjoy a daily walk outdoors. Rain or snow will not stop them, they’ll still want to go out! If you build a catio for them, this will provide them with some fresh air while you take a break. And since these cats are so calm, they’ll do well in your local parks, even if there are other people or animals around.
Hopefully the wonderful ten reasons listed above will assist you with deciding why you should get a Maine Coon cat. You’ve now learned what is so special about Maine Coon cats, their size, traits, and personality, and how they can be the perfect pet for you or your family. Your male or female kitten or adult cat will quickly settle in, and you’ll be so happy to have a furry new family member!
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