Borzoi by Dusty

The exact origin of the Borzoi (or sometimes known as Russian Wolfhound) is unknown.  What is known is that it is an ancient breed, the "standard" for being found as far back at 1650.  After the Russian Revolution, many Borzoi were slaughtered due to their association with the Czars.  They became nearly extinct, however some Borzoi's were found in England in the early nineteenth century.  How they came into England is unknown.  Queen Victoria had a pair presented to her at one point.  The first Borzoi to come into the United States from Russia were imported in 1890.  These dogs were not hardy and lacked stamina and strength which were required if used for hunting.  In 1903, a breeder by the name of Thomas, went on a quest to find a Borzoi of superior quality.  He finally found them in Russia and was able to obtain the Borzoi's he was looking for.  The name change from Russian Wolfhound to Borzoi came in late 1936, to conform with the name used for the breed in the rest of the world.

Average lifespan;

Up to 9 years of age.

Size and weight;

70-80 lbs

Personality, temperament and behaviour;

These dogs are sight hounds and will chase rabbits, birds, or anything that moves.  Their eyesight is keen, even in the dark.  They are "soft" dogs and require gentle handling as a harsh word will send them away very easily with their tail between their legs.  It is said never to smack a Borzoi, for they never forget.  Quite honestly, they don't need a smack.  They aim to please.

Care requirements;

Due to their large size and deep chest, a raised bowl for them to eat and drink from is important.  They can be prone to stomach tortions or bloat.

A brief summary and conclusion

Having owned one for five years now, I can honestly say, he's a joy.  Easy to train, obedient and loving, in an aloof sort of way.

Wag'n Tails - "For Dogs" by Tooty

For dogs

 

This is me - Tootypup

 

1. Have you ever escaped from the house. ?     

Well no not from the house, me did as a puppy. 

I rolled out under the gate of the back yard, and I was so lost.

Mum was at work and I didn't know what to do. So I just sat on the step at the front door and gave mum a huge hug when she came home from work.

I didn't tell mum then, but I was a little scared out there by myself, I was only 4 months old.

 

2. Do you like to eat from the rubbish bin  ?    

No way. I have good tastes like my mum.

I like to eat what she is eating. She does share too

I got my mum trained well - WOOF WOOF

 

3. Do you sleep on owners bed?

I use too when I was a young pup.....WOOF WOOF

But at my age, I find in a bit hard to get up on the bed now Mum has made me a bed right next to hers so I can see her still.

 

4. Do you chase your tail?

Nah - me has gots lots and lots of toys to play wiff.

 

5. Have you thrown up on yur owners bed?     

Awwwww no, I might have passed wind a few times though Mum would say, that I didn't have to share. She would breath all funny.

I thought it was funny, there were a few times even I had to leave the room 

 

6. Do you accompany your owner to the loo?

Gotta make sure mum is ok

 

7. Do you like a bath?

Oh yes, me wuvs water of any kind. Love to go for swim, play wiff hose and the best of all, when I was a young PUP, and mum went to have a bath.

I would wait till she was in and all cumffy, I would run and jump in wiff her    

 

8. Do you like being brushed ?

I love it! Use to go and get the brush and follow mum around till she brushed me. Me does do wuv it

 

9. Have you drunk from the toilet ?

Nope, I have water bowls in the house and outside for me

 

10. Whats your fav sleeping place

Oh that is a silly question MY couch of course and my basket at night in mums room

 

11. Do you pinch the other pets food?

Well a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do. If there is any spare tucker around. A dog has to put it into storage... Of course.

But not while mum is watching. She thinks I am so good all the time

 

12. Do you come back when called?

Usually, unless there is something really important to bark at outside like a cat or someone I don't know. But now I am a little deaf. 

Mum has taught me doggie sign language now. But sometimes I make out I no understand. But she knows I am only trickin Cause I have a grin on my chin 

 

13. Have you ever eaten the post?

Awww know, rather eat my tucker....... WOOF WOOF

But I did chew up my sticks when we played stick.....

 

14. What is the worst thing for you?

The vet..... I have to go and get needles. Well they don't really hurt.

Me just don't like the smell there

 

15.  Are you good in the car?

Oh me does do wuv to go for drive in the car.

Gotta have the front seat too, but sometimes I have to sit in the back

I am a good navigator....... WOOF WOOF

Mum even puts a seat bealt on me to keep me safe

 

16. Do you dribble when they eat?

Nope

 

17. Have you any doggie friends?

Oh yes of course. But me is boss dog......

This is my best friend Zarab...... He comes and stays wiff me sometimes

 

18. What did you get for Christmas?

New Toys Some Treats! And lots and lots of cuddles

 

19. What is your fav toy?

I have a big DOG squeaker cuddly toy

And when no one takes any notice of me....... I play wiff my toy

I think I make lot of noise........ WOOF WOOF

 

20. Do you sing?

Nope, but I can talk. Mum and me use to have lots of talks......

The Percheron Horse by Jayne

The Percheron Horse is a breed of heavy draft horse which originated in the Perche Valley region of France. In the Middle Ages, they were used as war horses because of their size and bulk.  Since that time, they have pulled heavy stage coaches, and, when the railroad was introduced, they switched to farm duty and heavy labor.  In more recent times, efforts have been made to breed a lighter, more elegant Percheron.  Today, they are used in hitches, as well as being ridden and appear in shows under saddle and in harness.

They vary in height from 15 to 19 hands high, with the median height being between 16.2 - 17.3 hands high.  They weigh an average of 1900 lbs, but can weigh up to 2600 lbs.

They are generally black or grey in color.

They are known to be of good temperament and very "easy keepers." They can adapt well to either a pasture or stable environment, although, as with all horses, regular turnout and exercise will help keep them physically and mentally healthy.

As with any horse, regular grooming will help keep their coat and mane and tail in good condition and will help the owner find any problems or irregularities before they become serious.

Regular hoof care and trimming is essential - usually on a six to eight week schedule.

Goliath, the world's tallest horse is a Percheron gelding standing 19.1 hands and weighing 2500 lbs. He goes through 18 pounds of Pilgrim's Pride Grain, 40 pounds of Coastal Bermuda hay and 20 gallons of water a day.

You can see photos of my horse, Star, who is a Percheron, on my website at http://www.geocities.com/jaynep12002/horses.htm

Jayne  

Happy Birthday Ciara!

OK, I am a week late but

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CIARA!

Mummy was very sick all week and we couldn't go out in da car like she promised on my birthday but she took me out the next day and we went to PetStock where she bought me a new fleecy jacket to keep me warm and a squeaky toy dog for me to bite and chew and pull apart!! I had the best time! And I saw peoples! Then we went to Nanny and Poppies and I ran around their yard and it was sooooooooooooooo much fun!  I was so tired by the end of it I needed another nap.  Happy Birthday to me.

This is Ciara sporting her new jacket with her fluffy squeaky dog.

Yep...Ra has a "hoodie"!  lol  She's a trendy pooch!

Wag'n Tails - Moon

I so love me!

 

In the morning, I get to crawl into a lovely, big warm bed. If I don't get my morning cuddles from mummy, well how can you expect me to start my day?

 

It all seems the same but I don't care.
Can I ever have too many naps during the day? I don't think so. I can sleep anywhere - the couch, my lovely sheepskin, in the bed with my head lovingly nuzzled into mummy's pillow. Even in the computer room, curled up on daddy's chair if I must, just so I can be near mummy.

 

If I'm lucky, some days I get a special trip.
When mummy gets my leash off the hook, I just know it's going to be one of those days! Yay for me! And my new carrier - I can see everything out the side now. No more yucky plastic bars for this kitty! Oh I love to go visiting with my 'nanny'. She feeds me, gives me pats & even lets me sleep in her linen cupboard. I try not to scratch the couch, though I swear it calls my name sometimes. Those days, I sure get in trouble but if I'm good (how could I not be?) I get to go visiting again:)

 

Oh is there any better time of the day than dinner time?
I'm fast & quick. Sometimes, I have to remind mummy when to feed me. None of this late dinner stuff - if it's 5, it's dinner time! I always sit & wait like a good boy but it's so hard. Mmmmm I wonder what I'm getting tonight?

 

I am so spoilt!
My sissy doesn't get as many cuddles as I do, but I am the baby. She runs & hides - how can I get cuddles if I do that? You would think she'd know how the cuddle thing works by now. All I have to do is sit there, meow, rub a few knees & I'm in for the evening. I can lay on the couch & snuggle up as long as I want to.

 

Well, at least until mummy & daddy go to bed.
Then it's play time!
Ooooo what can I break tonight?
I so rule this place!

...Malcolm

Wag'n Tails - Bobbi

Hello all of you Petlovers,

My Mom is one of your members.

Everyone in this house has had a chance to speak their mind but me.

Well it is my turn. My name is Duke Samson Zermane, duke for royalty. I am not the youngest fur man in this house but I do get treated that way. I turned 3 years old in January. I am a quiet puppy well, okay dog. I just like to sit around and be nice and wait for things to happen. Thing do happen. As mommy would say "life Happens" hehe. 

I am finally able to get mommy off this computer long enough to write something to you. As I  sit here typing my mommy is rubbing my head, ohhhh yes, rub it some more. I love that,.Hey mom get my other shoulder now.   Ewww yes, that is so special.  Can I give you kisses. No why not, I love my mommy. Ha ha, I got you mommy, I love to give sloppy kisses to my mommy.

 

Well anyway, Mickey is tearing up his bed now He grabs it and throws it around makes dust fly. Mommy just vacuumed the floor too.

I have 4 sibling pets and a mommy and a daddy. My real Mommy and Daddy were Cocker spaniels   too and that makes a real bred Cocker Spaniel but they say I am special because my Mommy and Daddy were different colors and I came out Chocolate and white with chocolate freckles. I am a pretty boy and I know it. Of course my mommy and daddy tell me that all the time,. when they aren't calling me Samson.  Other time they call me Sam when they aren't yelling at me because I  run off.

 

  But I always come back home. Mickey now, that is different, he has it made in this house but he stays away for hours if he gets off his leash.

He even lost his license and rabies tag so he is not allowed to drive any more. So mommy keeps him tied on his chain and when he goes in the car he usually goes in the back seat, Only us licensed pups are allowed to be in the front seat where the driver sits. But I usually sit in back with Mickey so he isn't lonely. See I am an easy to get along with dog,

I know mommy and daddy won't give me away. I just let gas and mommy and daddy and Mickey don't like it. lol ha-ha. Mickey is barking at me to leave the room but I say he can leave the room. I think Mommy is fixin' to leave and Daddy already did.  Woooo!

 

While everyone else is out of the room,I will let you in on a secret if you promise not to tell anyone I said this.

Mickey was such a bad puppy that when he 6 months old he had already went through 3 homes and was homeless and trying not to get shot by the last Daddy.  So my Mommy and Daddy decided to give him a home.  They rescued him, now this was before my time and it might be hearsay but I did hear them say, he was abused.

 

 He now bites Mommy and Daddy when they try to take their cell phones or shoes or other stuff that is not his back from him. He even tries to bite Mommy when she gets in bed. They think he is scared from his abuse so they will keep him just to save him from being killed elsewhere.  I think he is just a spoiled brat. He is only 2 since January and remember I am 3 and I came to live  with them one year ago on the 18th of April.  

 

 I have calmed him down some. I am bigger than him and he thought they brought in "the big guns" when I arrived and you might say that is true.  I am training him to be a dog. See we know we are not humans and we have dog people and cat people for parents. They don't feed us off  the table, we only get carrots and apples sometimes. We get our regular dog food with no red dye. Mickey has an allergy and he needs good dog food.  So Mommy and Daddy go to Sam's club and bye the good  stuff with Lamb and rice and peas and veggies. and it is yummy. They also get us treats but only Chicken treats now since they don't know if Mickey is allergic to beef. 

Well now I want to say a few words about the cats, my 2 sisters and 1 brother.

 

Beebee is about  7 yrs old  and she is jet black. They called her Beebee because she is a big brat, she is so stuck up since I came to the house and won't play with any of us. Mommy says it is because she is old and tired. She calls her Black Beauty but I know the true story of the B's .Well, it takes one to know one. lol Sorry Mom, oops don't tell her I said that. Anyway, after Beebee there is Angel, a tortoiseshell color,and she is about 5 yrs old,   I think., She is very sweet and will play but her and Mickey are best buddies and I don't get to play too much when we are outside because she runs away.

Tony is a Blue point Siamese and thinks he is royalty, hey his name isn't Duke Samson nope that is me.

So I think that says it all. I am royalty not him. hehe.

Tony is about 4 yrs old I think. Cannot think right now but anyway, I can ask Mom or Dad later if you really want to know.

Mickey gets Tony in a choke hold and Tony asks for more. He has an ear infection right now so mommy has to put drops in his ears every day. She does mine once a week but every day, whoa! I hate the feel of that stuff in my ears.

 

When I try to get  in on the playing Daddy yells "Stop it" and says "Mickey and Tony are playing so don't scare him."   Well, if Mickey doesn't scare him when he clamps his teeth on his head how could I scare him. Mommy doesn't like it when Mickey plays rough with Tony, but Tony asks for it. He bugs Mickey until he starts on him.

I guess I have finally had my say on this family  so I will not boar you anymore.  Just wait until Mickey hears that I was writing for so long.  He is asleep now so he doesn't know what I am doing.  He gets so jealous of me.  If I want to sit with mommy or Daddy he has to come sit with them too.  I do it to him too, but I am not jealous, Nope, not me.

Mommy is coming and she wants to play on the computer with her paint shop pro so I have to go back outside and watch Daddy clean up the yard. I can give him some new stuff to clean up too. ha-ha.

 

Wow, Daddy just came in and brought Mickey's tags to mommy, he found them when he was raking the yard.  He lost them in November before the snow came. Darn it now he can drive the car again.  He should still sit in back with me.

 

Bye for now,

Sir Duke Samson of Zermane 

Wag'n Tails - Jayne

Hi Stina and everyone,

 

My name is Missy and I live with my mummy and her new hubby, as well seven other cats, including my real daddy and my brothers.

 

My mummy will tell you I'm a very special kitty because I nearly died when I was a baby.  If it hadn't been for my mummy's friend back then, who hand fed me every two hours, I wouldn't have made it.  I've turned into a very beautiful cat, even if I do say so myself. I'm very petire, unlike my stinky brothers and I have long grey and white fur. I think the curls in my ears are especially cute.  I love to lick myself clean and if mummy lets me, I like to lick her face too,.  She keeps complaining about my rough tonque, but I think she should feel honored that I am grooming her.

 

Let me tell you, it's not easy being the only girl cat around here!  I get upset sometimes when my stinky brother, Bandit, stares at me and I have to hiss and screech at him and mummy comes to make him stop. My younger brother, Baggie, likes to chase me sometimes, which isn't fun. I hiss and screech at him and mummy comes and makes him stop.

 

I'm getting my new daddy trained - each morning he gives me a saucer of milk, but it takes several minutes of me reminding him, by winding around his feet while he's making his morning coffee and meowing loudly at him.  Eventually he takes the hint and gets the saucer out.  If I plan it right, I can get mummy to give me some milk before she goes to work, and then get daddy to give me some more milk when he gets up!

 

My birthday is at the beginning of March and I and  four of my brothers will be 8. I don't like having to share the birthday party, but mummy and daddy try to make sure we all get a special treat on our birthday. Uncle Merlin and Uncle Panther don't  know when their birthday is, so they get to choose when they have their party, but that's okay because they share their treats too.

 

Oh well, time for my nap now, before mummy comes home from work.

 

Missy