Holistic Pets

Most people know that iguanas are reptiles. Yet, they belong to the largest reptile family: lard. Their natural habitats are the tropical rain forests, hot deserts and semi-aquatic places. You can see these iguanas in places in North America, South America as well as South Africa, Canada, Madagascar and on the island of Galapagos.

Reptiles and Environment

Iguanas are adaptable to all kinds of environment. They are cold blooded which means they can’t produce heat. They also lay eggs like many other reptiles.

Each iguana in different parts of the globe are different because they get used to their habitat. In certain places, iguanas lay about in high trees which can jump down to the ground without any injuries. Galapagos Island iguanas are known to be excellent swimmers.

The iguana species are different in their coloration – some have bright colors where others are quite dull.
Iguanas’ size, their behaviors and even their status in extinction can be different.

Iguanas grow fast and are nearly 100 times heavier than hatchlings in just two and half years. This only happens if the iguana has been given correct care, enough food, plus have air circulation and plenty of sunlight.

Iguanas are mainly herbivores even though some iguanas are omnivores or even carnivores. This depends on the the habitat they live in.

Terrestrial dwellers are carnivores and live off of mealworms and wax worms in the forest. Tree dwellers are herbivores and eat flower buds, fruits and young leaves.

It’s very important that iguanas eat properly to ensure their survival. A diet that is lacking in proper nutrients could lead to some diseases. Insufficient intake of food could lead to bloating and obesity. Like any pet, keep an eye on their health.

Iguana Health Care Regarding Weight and Diet

Even if your iguana is overweight, this does not mean it is unhealthy. Yet you know ensure it gets proper diet such as one with a high calcium intake with low phosphorus diet. Be sure your iguana gets as much sunlight as possible.

Should your iguana show signs of NSHP or MBD, it is imperative to bring them to a veterinarian. Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathrodism, which is a metabolic bone disease is one disease your iguana could get. Keeping an eye of them is vital.

Suppose your iguana’s body is bony and fat with jaws appear swollen, this means your iguana is in the critical stages of NHSP or MBD. The disease leads to fragile bones those of which can cause deformities and possible fractures.

Give your iguana a proper diet along with exercise and maintain their weight. A fat iguana should have the needed calcium to keep healthy bones.

How to tell if your iguana is growing healthy

When an iguana is only a hatchling, it will measure to two and half to three inches from its snout to vent. Once the iguana comes from its shell, the iguana will grow three-quarters of an inch a month for nearly three months.

The growth slows down at about three months of age to half an inch but at one year the growth kicks back in and during twelve and fifteen months, it will triple the original length. Over the next few years, the iguana will only grow sparingly. This is the time to give a healthy diet so the iguana won’t grow any bigger.

If you are interested in iguanas and like to own one, be sure to read about their environments and diets because it can be the difference between the iguana’s life and death.

Even though there are bags of commercially manufactured pet food available in the market, a true dog lover will always favor nature dog food recipes over them. The reasons for this bias are not hard to fathom. For one homemade dog food is safer and secondly it is also not that difficult to make, if you are willing to invest just a little bit of your time and energy. One person who is best placed to advice you on natural recipes for your dog is your vet. They can offer you valuable tips on the ingredients based on your dog’s breed, size and the climatic conditions in your place. Here are some great tips for natural dog food recipes for the overall good health of your pet dog.

Organic or raw meat is something that finds a place in many nature dog food recipes. You can try out various cuts of organic or raw meat. Nature dog food recipes with assorted grains are also known to be a healthy option for your dogs. They are known to provide all the energy that your dog needs throughout the day, while also making them feel ‘full’. If you have some garden space available in your home, you can also try out nature dog food recipes with juices of vegetables and fruits, which are home grown. Dogs are known to love these juices, especially during the hot summer months. Apple bits and baby carrots can be used as snacks for your dog. Additionally you can try giving them ice cubes during the summers. These snacks make for excellent nature dog food recipes. Homemade doggy biscuits with natural ingredients are another option that you have got. Not only are they quite simple to make, they are also highly nutritious and help in keeping your dog’s daily calorie dietary intake’s calorie count low.

Now Pay Close Attention Here-

To ensure perfect growth, dogs require fiber and other nutrition’s beside meat in their diet. The Dog Food Purchased from Market is not full of all required Nutritions. Make the best healthy Dog Food Recipes at home and Increase the life span of your Dog by 134%. If you don’t know how to make healthy dog food recipes for your Dog, then this is the most important message you will ever read- <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://dogsfoodsecrets.blogspot.com/2008/07/dog-food-secrets-review.html”>Click Here</a>

A call from a realty professional requesting a showing is the first goal of every homeowner attempting to sell their house, and once a showing is scheduled it is time to begin last minute steps to make the home attractive to potential buyers. It takes more than simply cleaning, washing dishes, and making beds to make a home appealing to buyers. The following tips will help you accomplish a successful showing that could very well bring an acceptable offer.

Last Minute Organizing and Cleaning

Organization is very important when trying to sell a home, but it is difficult to keep a house in perfect condition when still living in it. Once you find out a realty professional wants to show your home, begin last minute organizing and cleaning. Major organization should already be finished, but make sure countertops are free from clutter, toys are picked up and put away, and make sure the house is in tiptop condition. In addition, make sure the dishes are washed and put away, dust furniture, and make sure the floors are clean. A clean and organized home is an impressive home, and a little last minute organizing and cleaning goes a long way.

Find a Pet Sitter

Homeowners are encouraged to depart before a showing, but many leave their dogs behind, and this is a big mistake. Putting up with a barking dog is not pleasant, but an aggressive dog is worse yet, even when confined to a garage or another area of the home. This prevents potential buyers from seeing specific locations, and an excited or aggressive dog does not encourage anyone to stick around to examine the house. Take your dog along when you leave before a showing, or make arrangements for someone to keep the dog for a short period of time. It can make the difference between people really seeing your home or leaving as soon as possible because they are annoyed.

Make the Kitchen Appear More Inviting

The appearance of the kitchen can make or break the sale of a home, and making it appear more comfortable and inviting is helpful before a showing. If time allows, set out a freshly baked pie or hot steaming apple cinnamon muffins. The smell will waft throughout the home and make it look and feel like a home potential buyers could call their own. After all, who can resist the scent of freshly baked goods?

Too many air-fresheners send up a red flag to those looking at a home. They will think you are trying to hide an offensive odor, but it is okay to set out a fragrant basket of potpourri or scented oil if fresh baked goods are not your style. Strategically place a container of scented oil or a dish of potpourri in an inconspicuous area of the home. It will smell fragrant, but not so much that people will wonder if you are trying to cover a much less pleasant scent.

Open the Shades and Turn on Lighting

Rooms that are light and bright look larger than ever, and it is helpful to open the shades and turn on lights before a showing. This is a technique used by realty professionals, and when trying to make a positive impression, this little trick is quite effective. Light up dark areas with room-enhancing light bulbs, and take advantage of any natural lighting by pulling up shades or opening blinds. When rooms and other areas of the home are dark they not only appear smaller, but it also appears that the homeowner really does not want potential buyers to inspect those spaces. Keep it light and bright, and along with organization and a little planning, you will make the best overall impression and have a better chance of selling your home.

look and as nicely packed as they are, packaged dog food at the mall with its endless variety of nutritionally balanced dog chow can be a nightmare for regular dog lovers who have a tough time figuring out the real value of all listed ingredients. But, there you are – these bags of commercially manufactured dog food just seem to be everywhere and so convenient to use, too – but, if you are a true dog lover and can spare the little time it takes to keep your furry, four-legged friend healthy and happy, you can be sure your home-made doggy chow will pass muster any time – you only have to know how to put the essential doggy diet together!

Easy to make and filled with natural goodness, the dog food you make at home is a reassuring sight for your eyes after hours of straining to figure out the various scientific names on kibble-packs, so take charge of your doggie’s health now – make natural dog food at home!

Always consult with your vet about the meal options you can have for the breed, size, weight and age of your pet besides the weather conditions where you live; this is the best person to guide you about the various products and ingredients in the market and how to mix the right proportions for your dog’s balanced nutritional meal besides educating you about any supplements the dog may require.

Raw or organic meat diets are preferred by many dog owners; the first consists of various cuts of raw meat, juices of vegetables and assorted grains while the latter has pretty much the same things, except these are organically produced or home-grown, depending on the kind of garden space the dog owner has!

With this natural meal option plan, you can afford the occasional processed food treats for your dog’s tastes too, but it’s preferable to stick with snacks like baby carrots or apple-bits besides ice-cubes in the summer! Frozen vegetable juice and homemade hard doggy biscuits (organic ones) make for good healthy and nourishing treats besides helping to keep the calorie count low for the dog’s daily dietary intake.

Up to 5 baby carrots a day are acceptable treats and you can always subtract any extra treats from the ideal calorie count for your pet anyway; so actually au naturelle is the best way to go for any dog lover with a keen eye to keeping dog-health a priority life-long!

Bathroom
- Keep a container of disinfectant wipes inside the bathroom. Each night after you brush your teeth, use them to wipe down the counter, sink and toilet. That way you can avoid soap scum from building up and droplets of water from leaving a stain.
- Go ahead and multitask. Get some diluted cleanser and spray the shower walls, tub, counters and toilet. Every once in the while, let the cleanser soak in the toilet bowl while you empty trash cans and hang towels. Then go back and rinse everything down and wipe those mirrors clean.
- Use your bath towel from yesterday as a bathmat or on the floor of the shower while you clean to keep water from pooling. Then take it and toss it into the hamper when you’re done
- Hang a squeegee in the shower and use it to wipe the walls and shower door down after each use.
- While your kids are in the tub take advantage of the time to clean your sink or mirror. That way, you don’t just get the cleaning done, you can also explain how important it is.
- Keep brushes, combs and hair accessories in small baskets or drawer organizers to prevent them from cluttering around the mirror.
- Store your blow dryer, curling irons and other equipment in a cabinet or drawer. It means less clutter and less chances of getting electrocuted.
Kitchen
- Use baking soda or peroxide to clean your kitchen counters and appliances. It will take out the smell of food and keep them gleaming.
- Every night use your soapy dish cloth to quickly wipe up the floor before you toss it into the laundry.
- Wash your dishes and put them away after you’re done with them. Or if you have a dishwasher, load the dishes after each meal instead of letting them stack up in the sink throughout the day.
- If you have any pets, be sure to vacuum up the hair before you sweep. Sweeping only moves the hair around. What’s worse is that it lets the hairs get into hard to reach corners.
- Be sure to rinse out your dish cloth each time you use it and hang it to dry so that it doesn’t become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Change it every day so that you can be sure that you’re wiping your dishes clean instead of getting them dirty again.
- Make sure that your sponges and potscrubbers have been wrung out and soap free before you put them back in place. Puddles mean one more mess to clean up.
Nightly Clean Up
- Make sure that all your dishes have been cleaned and put away and that the counters are wiped off and free from stacks of “stuff”. It makes the morning much nicer to wake up to.
- Once you’re done with the bathroom for the night, give it a quick look over to see if there’s anything lying around that isn’t in it’s proper place or shouldn’t be there. If the last thing you did is take a shower, wipe up the spills and renegade water droplets to avoid any accidents.
- Take the laundry basket and check the rest of the house. Gather up the toys, clothes and anything else that’s out of place. The faster you put them away, the less chance they have to accumulate.
Quick Tips
- Set the timer for 15 minutes and see how many rooms you can get cleaned up before it goes off. You’ll be surprised!
- Cleaning for short periods of time makes the task seem a lot smaller. If you think that you’ll be taking a while, grab that headset and start playing your favorite music our audiobook. This will keep you focused and actually enjoying your work.
- Keep your cleaning supplies where you’ll be needing them. Since there are specific supplies that you’ll need for your bathroom or kitchen, keep a set handy under the sink or in a cupboard. That way, in case you suddenly decide to sprucen the room up a bit, finding the right tools won’t be a problem.
- When you clean your windows wipe up and down on the outside and side to side on the inside. That way if you have any streaks left when you’re done, you’ll at least know what side they’re on.
- Clean each room from top to bottom in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. That way you will be sure not to miss anything or go through the same place twice.
- Keep a bunch of plastic grocery bags near your pets litter box with a scooper. That way you will have what you need handy any time it needs to be cleaned.
- Store extra garbage bags near each garbage can so that replacing them won’t be a hassle.
- Keep an extension cord attached to your vacuum cleaner so that you can clean an entire area without having to stop and unplug it.
- Have a supply of cotton swabs with your cleaning supplies. This is for all those little nooks and crannies that you can’t get with your rag.
- Do it now! Organize things as you get them. It’ll prevent the clutter from piling up and each item will be easier to find.
- Throw a pile of laundry into the washing machine while you wait for something to cook in the microwave. Or run a load of laundry or the dishwasher while you clean something else. You’ll accomplish twice as much in the same amount of time.
- When cooking, put each ingredient away after you use it instead of setting it on the counter. Wash your cooking utensils right away too. Not only does this prevent dirt and grease from sticking to pots and pans, it makes it easier to clean up after dinner.

Some more enquiries please check http://www.healwithease.com

Granting Fleas the flick freely.

I have been working with homeopathic medicines on farm animals for one decade and there are a few staffs that have be converted tovery sure to me in that time. First of allis that a energetic, fitanimal can’tplay multitudeto parasites – worms, fleas, ticks, etc. After that and maybethe utmostinteresting is that large amount of animals in nowadays’s civilization are venomous.

From vaccinations to medications to pollution and pesticides our animals are being unprotectedto poisons at every point. it’s not surprised that we are viewing a growthn disease (meaning that the body is at dis – ease, not equivalent), showingit’s self in the way of sternitch, serious disorderalong withgeneral sickness.

We are noticed that our itchy cat is sensitive to fleas as a result we bringadditional chemicals on it, placing the pet over the edge further. IDuring the timeof performing this we are not only causing our dog more toxics, but ourselves and our families as well.

The question has been that we demandthe fleas to go for our pets and for our families. Althoughit’s unsensible”destroythe apartment to quitthe ants” as it were. There must bea more feasiblesolutions.

This has been my probefor the earlierfew years. My clients inquire me what we should do homeopathically to ‘beat fleas’. Homeopathy doesn’t perform like that consequentlyI shouldreconstructmy mind from what could we create to ‘clear fleas to what would we do to formthe system of the body to cause it ‘naturally repel fleas’. I have fotever acceptedthat a healthy, strong body could not host fleas and this was my understandng
In my business, I helpmy clients to primitively detox the poisons out of their animals and then provide them with a tonic that they could use daily in the first instance to really make the immune system and then abandon treatment back to weekly.

The results have been wonderful Not only have the fleas packed up while removed- probably to a less healthy animal, but also problems like arthritis pain, skin health and energy levels have been improved .

In these times of intensivealertness of chemicals in our lives, we are all exploringfor a way to live without doing more contamination to ourselves, our families, our pets and our environment. Looking to anothermedicines, like homeopathy is a great place to begin.

Catherine Tighe
Heal with Ease
“Healing animals naturally”

About the Author: Catherine Tighe has been healing animals naturally with homeopathic remedies and Reiki energy healing for at least tenyears. She is passionate about the environment while helping people to maintain good health in their animals without the use of chemicals and expensive treatments. Some more enquiries please check http://www.healwithease.com

Some more enquiries please check http://www.healwithease.com

Granting Fleas the flick freely.

I have been working with homeopathic medicines on farm animals for one decade and there are a few staffs that have be converted tovery sure to me in that time. First of allis that a energetic, fitanimal can’tplay multitudeto parasites – worms, fleas, ticks, etc. After that and maybethe utmostinteresting is that large amount of animals in nowadays’s civilization are venomous.

From vaccinations to medications to pollution and pesticides our animals are being unprotectedto poisons at every point. it’s not surprised that we are viewing a growthn disease (meaning that the body is at dis – ease, not equivalent), showingit’s self in the way of sternitch, serious disorderalong withgeneral sickness.

We are noticed that our itchy cat is sensitive to fleas as a result we bringadditional chemicals on it, placing the pet over the edge further. IDuring the timeof performing this we are not only causing our dog more toxics, but ourselves and our families as well.

The question has been that we demandthe fleas to go for our pets and for our families. Althoughit’s unsensible”destroythe apartment to quitthe ants” as it were. There must bea more feasiblesolutions.

This has been my probefor the earlierfew years. My clients inquire me what we should do homeopathically to ‘beat fleas’. Homeopathy doesn’t perform like that consequentlyI shouldreconstructmy mind from what could we create to ‘clear fleas to what would we do to formthe system of the body to cause it ‘naturally repel fleas’. I have fotever acceptedthat a healthy, strong body could not host fleas and this was my understandng
In my business, I helpmy clients to primitively detox the poisons out of their animals and then provide them with a tonic that they could use daily in the first instance to really make the immune system and then abandon treatment back to weekly.

The results have been wonderful Not only have the fleas packed up while removed- probably to a less healthy animal, but also problems like arthritis pain, skin health and energy levels have been improved .

In these times of intensivealertness of chemicals in our lives, we are all exploringfor a way to live without doing more contamination to ourselves, our families, our pets and our environment. Looking to anothermedicines, like homeopathy is a great place to begin.

Catherine Tighe
Heal with Ease
“Healing animals naturally”

About the Author: Catherine Tighe has been healing animals naturally with homeopathic remedies and Reiki energy healing for at least tenyears. She is passionate about the environment while helping people to maintain good health in their animals without the use of chemicals and expensive treatments. Some more enquiries please check http://www.healwithease.com

Whenever we find that we have mold growing somewhere in our home, it is not a good thing. Toxic forms of mold can lead to all kinds of allergic reactions for people or pets. It can cause serious breathing problems, skin rashes, throat soreness, sneezing, nausea, and other symptoms. People who have compromised immune systems can be especially sensitive to mold.

Once you have found it somewhere in your home, it is necessary to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Mold will only continue to grow and come back if it is not killed completely. The source of mold can come from many different things. Water leaks are one of the main sources. Make sure you have no leaks behind your walls where sinks, bathtubs, showers, or washing machine. Mold growth behind walls can be very difficult to kill and in many cases the walls will have to be torn out and replaced.

Basements that have a lot of moisture, especially during wet or winter seasons, can also be a place where it will often be found. Using a humidifier or fan can help reduce moisture and humidity. In a serious basement moisture problem, sometimes the only permanent solution is to hire a professional.

These are only a few places where you might find mold. Chlorine bleach or other toxic cleaners may not be a good option for you if you are sensitive, have children and pets, or if you had just rather use a natural product that will work well.

Tea tree oil can be used to kill mold. It does have a pretty strong smell that some people do not like. It can also be a little expensive, but a little will go a long way. Since tea tree oil is often used for medicinal purposes, it is safe to use.

Vinegar is another popular natural product that is used for cleaning many things. It is good to use to run through your coffee maker. It will clean the inside really well and remove the bitterness that can get into your coffee from build up of residue. Use vinegar full strength in a spray bottle to kill mold. If you are using it on fabric, dilute it with water first. There is no need to rinse from most surfaces.

Borax is helpful to kill mold growth. It can work well for walls and cement Mix about a cup of borax to a gallon of water. Use a scrub brush to clean the area thoroughly. Wait a few days and if there is a dusty residue, vacuum it off. Do not mix vinegar and borax because that will neutralize each other and become ineffective.

It has been said that necessity always brings out the best in people. This is true, considering the many products and services brought out due to demand and thirst for innovation. In line with this, it is also best to be prepared once you decide to have a ferret. As for new ferret owners, if necessity tends to bring out your best, commitment is what fuels every known interest.

Here is a list of reliable and helpful tips:

1.    Find a reliable vet. Ferret owning is all about taking care of your pet. It has something to do with providing him the best care. Finding someone who clearly understands is necessary in order to fully provide for your ferret’s needs and demands. Also, establishing a relationship with your animal doctor lessen your worries as a pet owner.

2.    Know where to buy ferret food and treats. Food is mainly your pet’s source of strength. Vitamins and nutrients are also needed by your pets. As a new ferret owner, it is part of your responsibility to find the best food sources and guarantee that such is served on a regular basis.

3.    Learn everything about litter training. Discipline is crucial in maintaining that good relationship between you and your pet. You have to understand that your ferret may show signs of weakness in terms of hygiene. Being a new ferret owner, it is always up to you to keep everything organize and clean.

4.    Hygiene is essential if you want to keep your ferret in tip top shape. You have to clean their ears or clip their nails. Bathing your pets is also a valuable practice. As much as possible, read everything about ferret grooming. In the long run, it will benefit you as a new ferret owner.

5.    Learn how to keep your surroundings clean. Bringing home a pet means having to deal with certain adjustments. For one, you might want to see if your new ferret can interact with other sort of pets. How about thinking of possible risks by examining floorboards and small open spaces. In other words, try to create a ferret-friendly environment.

6.    Provide for their basic needs. Be prepared with additional expenses. Try to determine probable purchases namely cages, toys, supplements and accessories.

Aside from the above-mentioned tips, it always helps to seek the advice of other ferret owners. Knowing their experience will also prepare you for similar events. Learning and new ferret owning definitely goes well together. For it means acquiring every possible idea and concept.

Believe it or not the 2009 hurricane season is upon us. Many of us are still recovering from Hurricane Gustav which wreaked havoc on the Louisiana and Texas less than one year ago. One lesson I learned personally during Gustav is that you can never be too prepared for a natural disaster and the more preparation you do the better.

With that being said, I would like to share some very important information on topics such as hurricane safety tips, understanding hurricanes, staying at home or choosing to evacuate, family planning, supply kits and pet preparation.

Hurricanes such as Katrina and Gustav most recently were deadly storms. Many, many lessons were learned from the mistakes made prior to, during and after Katrina. The preparation was much better for Gustav, but I think most will agree we still have work to do.

Key Hurricane Safety Tips include:

Emergency telephone numbers should be posted close to land line telephones. For cell phones, put the emergency numbers on speed dial. These include fire, police, EMS, local shelters, hospitals, etc. Each member of your family (over 3 years old) should be taught to and when to call 911. Learn and teach all family members how and when to turn off utilities such as gas, water and electricity Review your home and automobile insurance and make sure you have adequate coverage Learn how to use fire extinguishers and make sure all family members know how to use them and where in the house they are located. Install smoke detectors within the home, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms Learn CPR and First Aid from an accredited organization such as the Red Cross. Escape routes to your home should be memorized. Plan a location to meet family and friends should you become separated from us

Understanding the Severe Danger Posed by a Hurricane.

Hurricanes can dump upwards of 15 inches of rainfall in a very short amount of time. This can lead to devastating flooding, this combined with storm surge can be lethal. Storm surge is responsible for the great majority of deaths from hurricanes. Most people I speak with don’t quite understand what storm surge is. Think of it like this, have you ever watched a movie or sporting event about surfing? If you have, you remember seeing those huge rolling waves that the surfer attempts to ride into shore.

Now think about a wave that is about 20 feet high and stretches 50 to 100 miles wide, this is a storm surge. The power and force associated with the surge is what everyone should be aware of prior to deciding to “ride out a large storm”. The storm surge, not the wind, poses the greatest risk to life and property.

Most experts recommend evacuating in the face of a hurricane, but for those individuals who are set in their ways and determined to stay preparation is crucial.

Know how to turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities. Post a set of instructions that can be easily followed by others by in the family Fill your bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes Make sure you have a battery powered radio, flashlights, batteries, canned goods and non-electric can opener. Remove objects from around your home that could become dangerous projectiles. Put the refrigerator setting on the maximum cold and only open when necessary. Freeze water to create ice. Keep adequate supplies on hand. Board of the windows

Prepare a Family Disaster Kit
You need to make sure that your disaster kit includes six basics. Water, food, clothing and bedding, first-aid supplies, emergency tools and supplies.
All of these items should be kept in a waterproof container that can be easily transported from home to car to safe place. Your family’s disaster supply kit should include at least a three to five day supply of:

Water – One gallon per person per day
Non-perishable food – ready to eat canned goods, meats, fruits and vegetables. Canned juices, high energy foods, and food for infants.
Clothing and bedding – At least one change of clothing and footwear per person. Sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, hats and gloves and thermal underwear.
First aid supplies – Get a basic first aid kit for home and one for your vehicle.
Emergency supplies – Paper cup, plates, plastic utensils, radio with extra batteries, cash, fire extinguisher, tent, pliers, tape, compass, matches, aluminum foil, storage containers, signal flare, paper, pencil, medicine, personal alarm or loud whistle, sanitation supplies, and travel map/evacuation guide.

I am pet lover and own two dogs. Both of my dogs are like family to us and it would be tragic if harm came to them because of lack of preparation. Your pets are helpless without you so take some time now to put a plan together.

Make a Pet Emergency Supplies Kit:

Have an airline approved carrier or wire pet crate Identification papers (picture of your pet, contact information, shot records) Recommend micro-chipping with your local vet. Pet medication Beds and toys. This will help ease the stress.

Where To Take Pets
First, check with your veterinarian, or kennel to check on the ability to shelter or board your pet there. Call the local Office for Emergency Preparedness Center to see if there are any pet friendly shelters. Find hotels/motels that allow pets. You can check at www.petswelcome.com

If You Have to leave Your Pet Behind
If you have no choice but to leave your pet behind do the following:

Secure them in an upper level room with plenty of food and water. Post stickers on all exterior windows to display the number of and location of your pets. Never leave your animal chained up ID your animal with information on a collar.

Preparation, is what it all boils down to. Should you have any questions ro recommendations. Please do not hesitate to contact us at questions@guardian-self-defense.com

Moving is one of life’s most stressful events.  To help you have a stress-free move, we’ve researched dozens of moving books, articles and websites to create a list of the 101 best moving tips.  Use this article to save time, energy and money on your next move.

The tips are organized by category to make them easier to use:

Getting Organized

Start early-  Almost everyone has more stuff than they think they do, and almost no one leaves enough time to pack it. This will help you manage what has to go where. One study reported that it takes 4-5 hours to pack an average dorm room, so that should give you an idea of what’s involved. Calendar- Pull out a calendar and plan by day when each room will be completed. Delegation- If you’re moving with family members, agree with them exactly while tasks they will be doing and the date they will be finished. Revise your plan if you’re falling behind.

Finding Great Movers 

Referrals-  Get referrals from local real estate agents and friends who have moved recently. Licensing-  Only consider movers that are licensed, bonded and insured. Research-  Investigate your potential movers through the U.S. Department of Transportation, MovingScam-dot-com and the Better Business Bureau. Estimates- Evaluate a minimum of 3 movers based on in-home estimates of goods to be moved. Price- Price isn’t the only factor- extremely low bids indicate a desperate mover. Estimates- Ask for written “Binding Not-To-Exceed” estimates. Avoid “rogue movers”- if you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts!  Never agree to move your possessions with anyone you don’t trust.

General Packing  

Keep the suitcases separated from all the other items to be moved, such as in your car, at your new workplace, etc. so you’ll have everything you need for the first few days without searching through boxes. Then mark the sides of the boxes so you’ll know which ones are which. One at a time-  Wherever possible, work on packing just one room at a time (instead of several all at once) to keep things focused and organized. You’ll save time and expense. You’ll find you get much more accomplished. You’ll always know where to look and save time putting things back together. It will save room in your boxes. Then tape perpendicularly at the center of the first tape, forming a cross. Stacking-  Stack boxes with the heaviest on the bottom, lightest on top to prevent crushing. Heavier boxes lead to injuries, are much more likely to burst their tape or seams and tend to get dropped. Scale- Keep a bathroom scale in the room you’re packing so you can keep the boxes below the weight limits.

Packing Electronics

This will make hooking up the items in your new place much easier.

(I realize that most of us don’t have the original packaging for much of anything, but I thought I would bring it up anyway). This two-box system seems like a pain but seems to do a better job isolating items from jarring impacts. Never throw unwrapped cords into boxes- they get tangled and caught on other items. Then you’ll know exactly which cord you’re seeing and where each end connects when you put things back together. The two-inch rule-  Use at least 2″ of biodegradable packing peanuts around each side of fragile items.

Box Inventory and Labels 

“Fat” is in-  Use the thickest, darkest marker you can find for labeling boxes. Pencils, pens, tin or light markers are almost impossible to see even just a few feet away. That way if a box gets turned, you can still identify its contents. Abbreviate room names-  Start box labels with the abbreviated name of the room followed by a box number, such as “BTH2-6” for “second bathroom, 6th box.”  You can then track each box to make sure everything arrived safely. Label “Open Me First” on boxes where it applies. Mark “Fragile” where appropriate. Identify contents- Identify the major contents and where they came from, such as “Medicine Cabinet” or “Linen Closet- Towels and Wash Cloths.” Box Inventory-  Keep a clipboard and write down each box’s room, box number and contents (graph paper is great for keeping things recorded neatly).  Then you’ll know everything arrived safely. Labels out- Ask movers to stack boxes in your new place with the labels facing out so that you can easily spot a specific box.

Letting People Know 

Post Office- File your change of address with the Post Office at least 30 days prior to the date of the move. Referrals- Ask everyone you notify for a referral in your new area. Records- Get copies of your existing records (transcripts from schools, medical records from doctors, etc.) while you’re notifying the changes of address.

Change of Address- Whom to Notify 

Accountant/tax preparer; Alumni associations; Attorneys Babysitter/ child care provider; Banks (auto loans, checking accounts, credit cards, home equity, IRA’s, mortgage, safe deposit box, savings account); Broker; Business cards (order new ones if applicable) Cell phone provider; Child care/ daycare; Chiropractor; Courts, especially for traffic tickets or local disputes; Credit bureaus; Credit card issuers Dentist; Department of Motor Vehicles; Diaper service; Doctor; Dry cleaning pick-up and delivery Family members Health clubs; House cleaning service; House of worship Insurance providers (auto, health, life, other vehicles); IRS (form 8822) Lawn care; Luggage tags (replace existing ones) Magazine subscriptions New business cards; New employer; Newspaper subscriptions Old employer; Orthodontist Parent-teacher association; Passport; Pet sitter/ dog walker/ pet day care; Pharmacy (BONUS: get year-to-date expense summary for taxes); Physical therapist; Physician (BONUS: get referral for new location); Post office; Professional organizations Retirement plan holders; Return address labels (order new ones) Schools (BONUS: get copies of transcripts); Snow removal service; Social Security Administration; Swimming pool maintenance (pool cleaning, pool opening or closing); Swimming pool memberships Veterinarian BONUS get vet records and recommendations Water delivery service

Moving With Kids

Consider “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day.” If appropriate, let children pick their room. If possible, let kids pick a decoration for their new room. Pack a kid’s sized suitcase and let each child pick out a special toy to keep with them and a special outfit to wear on “new home day.” If the child has a special dish or cup, include it in the kitchen “Open Me First” box so familiar items await them at their new place. Consider unpacking the kids’ rooms first, or at least their “Open Me First” boxes to help them settle in.

Open Me First Box: The Kitchen 

Aluminum foil or plastic wrap Break-proof or disposable flatware, cups, and plates Coffee maker and coffee (don’t forget the filters!) Dish detergent Frying pan and spatula Pet food and bowels Scissors Tea kettle

Open Me First Box: Main Bathroom  

Bath mat Bath towels First-aid kit (aspirin, band-aids, hydrogen peroxide) Hair dryer Shampoo Shower curtain and rings Soap toothbrushes and toothpaste

Open Me First Box: Tool room or drawer  

Duct tape Flashlight Flat-head screwdriver Hammer Level Phillips-head screwdriver Picture hangers Tape measure Utility knife

Moving Day

Again, start early- You want to have everything as organized as possible prior to the arrival of the movers. Your attention will be needed for the nuts and bolts of the move. Have food ready-  Whether you have professional movers or friends and family, having coffee, orange juice, and bagels or donuts available will make it easier for everyone to get started. Cell phone numbers- Make sure you have the cell phone number of the driver of the truck entered into your cell phone, and that the driver has yours in case you get separated or have a problem. Make sure you have payment ready. Directions- Have directions and a map ready for anyone will be driving between your old place and your new place.

Unpacking 

1.  Trash and Recyclable Boxes- Keep at least one trash bag (for the real trash) and one large emptied box (to hold used packing paper and biodegradable “peanuts”) available in each room BEFORE you start the heavy unpacking.

2.  Time Limits- Set an objective of unpacking a certain number of boxes each day until all the boxes are all unpacked.

 Good luck on your upcoming move!