It is essential to make sure your dog is not overweight or underweight.

 

The consequences of being underweight include:

The dog would feel cold more easily compared to healthy dogs.

Enough nutrients would not be reaching the dog's body which would result in the dog feeling weak and tired.

The nutrients are required by the dog to function and the dog is more likely to suffer from health issues (including diarrhea) if he/she is underweight.

 

Source for the information given below: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1659&aid=694
The consequences of being over weight include:
 

Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)
One of the most common complications of obesity in dogs is the development of diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Obesity causes an increase in the secretion of insulin in response to the increased blood glucose level in the overweight dog. Insulin is also more in demand simply because there is a greater amount of tissue in an overweight dog. When requirements for insulin exceed the ability of the body to produce insulin, diabetes mellitus develops. If the need for insulin increases over a long period of time, the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin can actually 'burn out,' again resulting in diabetes.
Damage to joints, bones, and ligaments

Approximately 25% of overweight dogs develop serious joint complications.

Studies have suggested that approximately one-quarter of overweight dogs develop serious joint complications. The bones, joints, muscles, and associated tendons and ligaments all work together to give the dog smooth and efficient movement. If they are required to carry excess weight, they can start to become damaged. Arthritis can develop and the pain and joint changes associated with hip dysplasia can become markedly more severe.
Extra tension on joints caused by an increased weight load can also lead to damage of certain ligaments. Ligaments are tough, fibrous strands of tissue that hold one bone in proximity to another bone in joints. One of the ligaments in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament, is very prone to strains or tears. If this ligament is torn, the knee becomes very unstable and the dog is reluctant to use it. Surgery must be done to repair this torn ligament.
Certain breeds of dogs, such as Dachshunds are prone to develop intervertebral disc disease ('slipped disc'). Carrying extra weight increases the probability that they will develop this painful and sometimes debilitating condition.
Heart disease and increased blood pressure
As in people, overweight dogs tend to have increased blood pressure (hypertension). The heart has an increased work load since it must pump additional blood to excess tissues. This can lead to congestive heart failure.
Difficulty breathing
In overweight animals, the lungs can not function properly. The additional fat in the chest restricts the expansion of the lungs. The extra fat in the abdomen pushes against the diaphragm, which separates the abdominal cavity from the chest. This also results in less space in the chest for the lungs to expand on inspiration. To make matters worse, the increased quantity of tissue puts an increased demand on the lungs to supply oxygen. These changes are especially serious in dogs who may already have a respiratory disease.
Decreased stamina
Dogs who are overweight have less endurance and stamina. Carrying all that extra weight around takes a lot more work. The heart, muscles, and respiratory system are all asked to do more than they were designed for.
Heat intolerance
Fat is an excellent insulator, which is fine if you are a polar bear. But if you are an overweight dog in the heat of summer, the excess fat can make you miserable, and much less capable of regulating your body temperature.
Decreased liver function
The liver stores fat so when a dog is overweight, an increased amount of fat builds up in the liver. This is called hepatic lipidosis. This condition can result in decreased liver function.
Increased surgical and anesthetic risk
The effects of obesity on the heart and lungs have serious ramifications during anesthesia. Cardiac arrest (heart stops) and poor circulation of oxygenated blood to the tissues can occur.
Many of the anesthetics are taken up by fat, so an overweight animal will take longer to come out of anesthesia because the anesthetic must be removed from the fat by the body. In addition, many anesthetics are broken down by the liver. A fatty liver may not be as efficient at breaking down anesthetics and other drugs, so again, recovery may be delayed.
The increased fat in the tissues makes surgery more difficult. Basically it is harder to find or get at what you are looking for. The fat obscures the surgical area. For example, in abdominal surgery in an obese dog, there may be literally inches of fat between where the skin incision is made and the organ you need to work on, such as the urinary bladder. This makes the surgery technically more difficult and the procedure will also take longer, which again increases the anesthetic risk.
Reproductive problems
Overweight dogs tend to have more problems giving birth than dogs at their optimum weight. This difficult birthing is called dystocia. Dogs experiencing dystocia often need veterinary assistance to deliver their pups, and may require a cesarean section (C-section).
Digestive disorders
An overweight dog has an increased risk of developing constipation and may also have more problems with intestinal gas and flatulence, which is not pleasant for the dog or the owner.
Decreased immune function
Obesity in the dog is associated with decreased resistance to viral and bacterial infections. Canine distemper and Salmonella infections, especially, seem to be more severe in dogs who are overweight. The exact cause(s) of this lowered resistance to disease in obese dogs is unknown.
Skin and hair coat problems
The risk of skin and hair coat diseases are increased in dogs who are overweight. The skin forms more and different types of oils, the skin may fold in on itself creating pockets, which are ideal for the accumulation of oils and the development of infections.
Increased risk of cancer
The exact link between obesity and developing certain cancers is unknown. However, there have been studies which suggest that obese dogs tend to have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, including a particular type of cancer of the urinary bladder. A recent study also found that dogs who were obese at one year of age were at greater risk of developing mammary tumors.
 

 

 

How to deal with pregnancies!

When your dog is pregnant, there may be numerous questions running through your mind, But don't worry here is a guide to run you through the entire process..

Step 1: Search for the pregnancy symptoms in your dog.
Your dog might become uninterested in food and her appetite might become small.
She might start acting different by becoming lazy and sluggish.
There will be changes in her body. Some dogs' nipples get larger as early as a week or two into the pregnancy. You may notice the tissue there getting thicker, and for dogs that have given birth before, the nipples may begin to hang down.
You should also take your pet to the vet in order to check if her blood contains Relaxin. Relaxin is a compound produced by dogs when they are pregnant as early as three weeks into gestation.

Step 2: Once you know your dog is carrying, it's time to start taking extra care of her.
Make sure she gets enough rest and adequate exercise. She shouldn't be too strained or stressed so it is better to take her for short walks.
Try feeding her more than normal and add more calcium to her diet. In order to do this contact your vet, this will ensure that nothing goes wrong with her because of this change in diet. Additionally, make sure she is constantly drinking water.
Make sure she has a comfortable place to give birth. This place could be a spacious cardboard box with a cushion for support and shredded newspapers.
Make sure you are always there for her and comfort her when she is giving birth
Don't let her jump on high furniture or engage in any activity that could be fatal for the baby
Also note down where the nearest 24 hour veterinary emergency hospital is.

Step 3: After your dog gives birth do not give her milk as it may not go down well and could cause diarrhea.
Put your dog and her puppies close to each other in a separate area and make sure she has full access to food and water.
If you own the male dog, keep him in a separate areas as his reaction to the puppies could result in him hurting them without him meaning to. 
Make sure the puppies are always feeding and also make sure they are well rested.
Do not give your dog a bath for 3-4 weeks after birth and do not give the puppies a bath until they can open their eyes
If you are planning on selling the puppies wait for 8 weeks before you do as they need their mother's warmth and nutrition for that period of time.

I hope this guide helped you to become aware of what steps to take when you have a pregnant dog in the house.


 

A Dog’s fur coat is a very important part of his/her appearance. Usually what they consume and the exercise they get is what makes their fur coat soft and shiny. On the other hand as dogs grow older their fur begins to become rougher, frizzier and overall unhealthier. There are many homemade treatments that owners can turn to in order to make their dog’s fur coats look and feel better.

1.       Honey - for dry skin

2.       Lemon – treatment for dandruff/dry itchy skin

3.       Avocado (Just the fruit, the pit and skin should be removed) – for a frizzy coat

4.       Plain yogurt – treatment for a dull coat

Source: http://twolittlecavaliers.com/2013/01/5-homemade-dog-coat-treatments.html

 

The above ingredients can be massaged onto your dog’s coat in order to make it healthier. These ingredients can be very helpful but to be on the safer side you can apply a small amount on a small portion of your dog’s skin to make sure there wouldn’t be any negative reactions. You can also contact your vet before trying out any of these treatments in order to make sure nothing can go wrong.  

Are dogs psychic?

Dear diary,

When Bruno’s previous owner passed away, Bruno was in an extremely low point in his life. He would refuse to eat for days together and not a sound was heard from him. He also caught a fever which made his situation worse. We had to take him to the hospital where he was treated and given drips. I have always wondered if this was to do with the passing of his previous owner. I did know they had a very strong bond but the question remains of how exactly Bruno came to know of his demise. Does Bruno have a sixth sense? Is he psychic? Is he a special dog?

On the other hand Angel always knows when it is about to rain. She is extremely scared of the rain and cowers in fear when there is any mention of it. She hides under the tables and holds on to our legs when it is about to rain. This has always been extremely fascinating to us as it is a mystery how she knows whether it is going to rain. Does she have premonitions? Is she psychic too? To answer these questions I did a little bit of research and I have made this post to share my findings with you guys.

 

It is considered that dogs have a sixth sense, But there is always science involved when such theories are researched. Some theories of how dogs have premonitions and how they are bonded with their owners:

1.    Some forewarnings might be explicable in terms of physical clues, such as electrical changes before earthquakes and storms. Other premonitions are more mysterious, as in the case of animals that anticipated air raids during the Second World War long before they could have heard enemy planes approaching, or animals that become agitated before unforeseeable accidents. Here precognition or presentiment may be involved, implying either an influence passing backwards in time, or a blurring of the distinction between future, present and past.

 

2.    Morphic fields may also underlie the sense of direction. Animals are not only linked to members of their social group by morphic fields, but also to significant places, such as their home. These fields continue to connect them to their home even when they are far away, rather like invisible elastic bands. These bonds can consequently give directional information, “pulling” the animal in a homewards direction. Morphic fields may also underlie the sense of direction. Animals are not only linked to members of their social group by morphic fields, but also to significant places, such as their home. These fields continue to connect them to their home even when they are far away, rather like invisible elastic bands. These bonds can consequently give directional information, “pulling” the animal in a homewards direction.

3.    Additionally, there are different scents humans give off that dogs can detect. They know the scent is not normal so they let you know about it. They can smell fire long before we would or the smoke detector would. We let off odors that go along with certain illnesses. There is a hormone that goes off before the seizure hits and the dog will warn the person they are going to experience the seizure.

Common problems faced by elderly dogs

Elderly dogs are prone to face many problems. These problems should be detected at the early stage and should be treated by a professional doctor. These problems include:

Arthritis

People can easily recognize arthritis symptoms in their dogs, because they have seen the same things happen to humans. Dogs get to the point they cannot run and jump like they could when they were younger. An elderly pooch might have trouble leaping onto the couch or into the car. People sometimes get stairs or ramps for their dogs.
Some dog breeds have a genetic predisposition for arthritis. Overweight canines are also at increased risk of arthritis, and they suffer more when they do get the disease.
Another problem that inhibits a dog's flexibility is dysplasia of the hip or other joint. Certain breeds, especially large dogs, are particularly susceptible to this disease.

‘Leaking’

A common issue with elderly dogs is "leaking," the inability to hold urine. This incontinence is usually a result of kidney failure or a urinary-tract infection. Kidney malfunction, bladder infections, and other issues affect a dog's urinary system.

Loss of Vision or Hearing

Like elderly people even dogs experience a decline in their eyesight and hearing as they age. Glaucoma and other ocular diseases are frequently found in elderly dogs.

Heart disease

Heart disease is also common in older dogs. If your dog's heart is failing, it may experience difficulty breathing, fatigue, or even fainting. Other signs to look out for include a swollen stomach and grey or blue gums.

Problems inside the Mouth

Dogs can get cancerous growths inside their mouths, which can make it hard for them to breathe or eat. Gum diseases like gingivitis, a bacterial infection that starts in the gums and can spread to other parts of the mouth, are also common. If this condition is not treated, a dog's teeth may eventually loosen and fall out. Some veterinarians recommend regular tooth brushing and cleaning to prevent this from happening.

Cancer

Cancer can occur at any age, but it is much more common in senior dogs. They can develop cancer anywhere in the body that a human can, but the disease is often treatable. Signs and symptoms to watch out for include loss of appetite, sores, swelling, bleeding, foul odor, difficulty breathing, and lack of interest in exercise. If you suspect your pet has cancer, your veterinarian can run blood tests, perform ultrasounds, and analyze your pet's urine to come up with a diagnosis. Treatment often includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Trouble with the Brain

Dog can get cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which has symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's disease in humans. The syndrome can cause disrupted sleep patterns and housetraining lapses.

 

Common dental problems:

1.       Plaque and Tartar: Plaque and tartar begin to build up on your pet’s teeth, affecting not only the tooth itself but the tissue around your pet’s teeth. Tartar and calculi appears as tan or brown colored deposits on your dog or cat’s teeth.

2.       Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease begins to occur and affects the tissues surrounding your pet’s teeth. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is one of the first changes to occur. However, the majority of dental disease occurs below the gumline.

3.       Toothache: the discomfort (due to dental disease) can be severe enough to cause your pet to stop eating and even begin to lose weight.

4.       Systematic illness: dental disease can also cause more serious systemic illnesses, such as kidney disease and possibly heart disease.

5.        Bad breath: (halitosis) is one of the first signs of dental disease in pets.

6.       Retained baby teeth: Also known as retained deciduous teeth, retained baby teeth are commonly seen in dogs, particularly in small breed dogs. If these baby teeth do not fall out normally and are allowed to remain in your dog’s mouth, they can cause crowding because of the extra teeth and can even make it difficult or impossible for the permanent teeth to erupt properly.

7.       Stomatitis (mostly common in cats): The inflammation of a pet's oral mucuous membranes, also known as stomatitis, can affect wide portions of the mouth and can be quite painful.

Oral care for dogs

It is important to make sure you take care of your dog’s teeth and that you regularly brush his/her teeth in order to prevent illnesses or diseases that are associated with a dog’s mouth. It is also important to regularly visit the vet for checkups and to make sure that your dog’s teeth are in great shape.

Common dental problems:

1.       Plaque and Tartar

2.       Periodontal disease

3.       Toothache

4.       Systematic illness

5.        Bad breath

6.       Retained baby teeth

7.       Stomatitis (mostly common in cats

I will be describing each of these dental problems in my next post so keep an eye out!!

Dental sticks for dogs:

 

 

Dog toothbrushes and toothpaste:

 

 

 

 

TOILET TRAINING

Toilet training is another important aspect of raising a dog. You definitely don’t want to be spending your time cleaning up your dog’s mess for the rest of his/her life. Puppies learn fast by forming habits. Toilet training is solely based on helping your puppy create this habit. If you have a garden then make that your pets’ toilet area permanently but, if you don’t have a garden then you can pile up some old newspapers in one area and that should be designated as his/her toilet area.

It would be useful to keep a record of when your puppy eats sleeps, urinates and defecates so that it becomes easier for you to make sure when to let your puppy out into the garden or when to take him or her towards the pile of newspapers. If you don’t have a garden and you don’t feel comfortable with using a pile of newspapers you can take your puppy for a walk after he/she eats. Puppies tend to urinate a lot (every 1-2 hrs) and additionally also may urinate when they get excited. Dogs usually urinate around 15 mins after food and defecate around 30 mins after food.

How to toilet train your puppy: common errors

Source: - See more at: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/general-advice-about-caring-for-your-new-puppy-or-dog/toilet-training-for-puppies/#sthash.3wyBh2Ds.dpuf

Unfortunately there are many reasons why 'toilet training' might not go as smoothly as it could, so make sure you do not make any of the following mistakes:

Over-feeding.

Feeding an unsuitable diet or giving a variety of foods.

Not feeding at regular times. Feeding at the wrong times (which could cause overnight defecation).

 Punishing the puppy for its indoor accidents (which can make it scared of toileting in front of you - even outside).

Feeding salty foods (e.g. stock from cubes) which makes them drink more.

Using ammonia based cleaning compounds (which smell similar to urine).

Expecting the puppy to tell you when it needs to go out; this is unrealistic, so it is better to take them out at regular intervals.

Leaving the back door open for the puppy to come and go as it pleases (a puppy will think that the garden is an adventure playground, rather than a toilet area.

Also, what is a puppy meant to do when the weather gets cold, and it is faced with a closed back door?). Leaving the puppy on its own too long, so that it is forced to go indoors (which sets a bad precedent, or even a habit of going indoors).

Mistakenly associating the words 'good girl' or 'good boy' when they toilet, as opposed to the specific cue words. Guess what could happen the next time you praise your dog? Access to rugs or carpet (which are nice and absorbent - just like grass).

Laziness on your part, resulting in more wees indoors than outdoors.

Leaving the puppy alone in the garden, so you are not there to reward it for going outdoors… how is it meant to learn that it is more popular and advantageous going outdoors, if you are not there to show your approval?

Submissive or excited urination on greeting (if this occurs, take your puppy outside before you greet it and tone down your greeting so it is less exciting or overwhelming).

It is unfair to expect your puppy to go right through the night when it is very young.

Making the puppy in a crate or puppy pen can help with house training but you should let it out in the garden to relieve itself during the night.

Dear Diary,

Today we took Bruno and Angel to the desert. They absolutely loved it there. As it is scorching hot during afternoons in Dubai, we took them to the desert at around 4:30-5:00pm hence the weather was pleasant. We took them off their leashes, so they were extremely happy. It was amazing to watch them dance around kicking the soft sand behind them. It was purely magical. They ran around the area like free birds. After their over excitement and joy they began to calm down and become more peaceful. They had occasional sips of water, and we gave them treats because they were so hungry after all the running. For the rest of the evening they sat near the car for shade and rested. Occasionally they would go for another run and return extremely exhausted. They enjoy these trip immensely, but they also get very tired easily because of their old age. The next day, I’m guessing their limbs hurt because they refused to walk around much and they spent their time sleeping around the house. When we were at the desert there was another group of people enjoying Dubai’s evening air. Angel, being the naughty little dog decided that she wanted to join them and began running towards their area. We had to chase her and catch her before she ruined their picnic.

Exercise is extremely important for the well-being of a dog. Make sure your dog gets at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Exercise can improve bone and joint health. Heart and lung function can improve. Sport and working dogs need the right exercise to be able to perform well. On the other hand, Excessive or inappropriate exercise can damage a dog's body and mind. Jumping high in the air to chase a toy and landing awkwardly has crippled many dogs. The best type of exercise includes short walks, a healthy game of tug and war or catch-catch (with tennis balls).
Keep the weather and surrounding temperature in mind when you exercise your dog. Dogs can experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Unlike humans, dogs do not have an efficient body-cooling system. Young dogs and old dogs have poorer temperature regulating abilities than dogs in the prime of life and the peak of physical condition. Dogs with shortened muzzles are at an enormous disadvantage in heat tolerance. Black dogs in the sun are at greatly increased risk of overheating, as are long-haired dogs whether in sun or not.

This post includes a compilation of the various dog breeds.

Dear Diary,

We give Angel pedigree and Bruno food from Royal Canin. Bruno’s food is prescribed by the vet and he eats that to avoid renal failure. He is at risk of renal failure because his health is deteriorating as he’s getting quite old now. They are fed twice a day, once at 8 in the morning and once at 8 in the night. Both Angel and Bruno get treats occasionally. Additionally to improve the way their breath smells we also give them chewy treats. These chewy treats come in different flavors. On special days like their Birthdays we give both the dogs cake. This cake can be bought from pet stores as cakes that contain cocoa beans and sugar that are harmful to their health. When Angel was a baby, she would teethe a lot so to keep her mouth busy we would give her treats that were very thick and would take her at least 3 hours to completely demolish. Until Bruno was around 5-6 years old his diet was restricted to only yogurt and rice. Surprisingly, he has grown up to be one of the strongest, most muscular dog I have seen.

Thinking about what to feed your dog, and about the various nutritional foods is an important aspect of raising a dog. Mentioned below are tips that you should keep in mind while choosing an appropriate diet for your dog.

1.       Harmful food for dogs:

Avocado, Alcohol, onions and garlic, coffee and tea, grapes and raisins, milk and other dairy products (though it is alright to dilute milk and give that to your dog, dairy products may cause diarrhea), macadamia nuts, candy and gum, chocolates, fat trimmings (from meat), persimmons, peaches, plums, raw eggs, raw meat and fish, salt, sugary goods and drinks, yeast dough and your medicine.

2.        When choosing a diet plan for your dog keep his/her weight, size, breed and age in mind. Additionally stick to this diet and if you do plan on changing it gradually bring it into your dog’s diet.

3.       Refrain from giving your dog table scraps, not only is it unhealthy for your dog but it also results in an undisciplined dog.

 “’Cleanliness is godliness” Ever since I can remember, people have always told me this saying. It is important to follow the rules of hygiene and groom your dog. Dogs can be bathed by being sprayed with a hand-held shower head, or doused with water from a bucket. Use warm water to bathe your dog. While bathing your dog, it is important wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty in. I warn you bathing a dog is not for the weak hearted. It makes your job easier if you use hand scrubs to scrub your dog’s coat. When it comes to using shampoo, there are different kinds. I would suggest you use a sweet smelling, fleas repellant and anti-tick shampoo. This guarantees cleanliness. Also note that when you wash your dogs’ face make sure to be careful because if water gets into your dogs ears it can be extremely harmful. Additionally make sure you rinse them well because if any shampoo remains on their body, it can cause irritation. Most dogs hate baths (I know mine do) but later being wrapped up in a warm towel is the best thing for them. Angel and Bruno have their own towels that they absolutely adore.

 Brushing your dogs’ hair is also an essential part of grooming. It gets rid of loose hair, enables you to find any insects residing in the comfort of your dogs’ fur and guarantees a silky coat. You should also make sure your dogs’ nails are trimmed by professionals (to make sure they’re done properly). This gives them more comfort while they are walking, and ensures their sharp nails don’t harm you.

These are the tools you might use to groom your dog:

1.       Nail clippers

 

 

2.       Shampoo

 

 

 

3.     Brushes

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

This Blog doesn’t exist solely for me to talk about my dogs and how much I truly love them but also to educate the owners out there about how to bring up dogs. Dogs are like babies, they do require food and shelter but they also need love, affection and undivided attention from their owners. And yes, for those who may be wondering, Dogs are a man’s best friend. The first steps you should take when you get a dog are to identify which kind of food he/she prefers to eat and to ensure that you have a vet who you can turn to at any time of the day. It is also extremely essential to make sure that your dog is given all the required vaccinations. Do not disregard the vaccinations, I repeat DO NOT DISREGARD THE VACCINATIONS. This is for both yours’ and your dogs’ safety. I’ve listed below all the basic vaccinations your dog requires. To avoid potential problems please consult your vet.

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs

Diseases	Primary Vaccination	Secondary Vaccination	Re-Vaccination
Canine Distemper Canine Hepatitis   (CanineAdenovirus 2) Corona Viral Enteritis Canine Parainfluenza Parvo Virus Infection Leptospirosis   (Canicola)   (icterohaemorrhagiae)	6 weeks of age	2-3 weeks later upto 16 weeks of age	Annual
Rabies	3 months of age	After 3 months	Annual

 

 

Dear Diary,

So now you know how I got my Angel, this is another story about a magnificent beast (I’m joking, he’s harmless). 2 Years after we got Angel, we decided there was room for one more. Our friend was having trouble taking care of his 5 year old dog, Bruno due to his old age. He was looking for a good family for Bruno and BINGO! We were more than happy to welcome him into our home. Bruno is a big dog, nearly twice the size of Angel but he considers himself a baby. His protective instincts make not only us but even our neighbors feel safe. The first encounter between the two dogs was strange. They played a short game of hide and seek and let’s see who smells better but they got along just fine. Bruno has been a great addition to our family and though he has the appearance of a pony, he’s just a big baby. His calm and composed personality rubbed off on Angel and for the past 6 years they’ve been supporting each other and the safety of our house. Bruno is a golden brown Labrador and his muscular body frame makes him one of the best looking animals I’ve seen. Well, if you ask me he could pass off as a dog model. Bruno is attached to each and everyone in the family and gives everyone his undivided attention which makes him super special. He is a great addition to the family and I’m the luckiest girl to have adopted him.

Dear Diary,

Ever since I was a child I’ve always wanted a pet. I had goldfish and Hamsters whose company I most indefinitely enjoyed but I was never satisfied. I always felt like a part of me was missing. One day, after a long day at school, I was just sitting on the sofa and basking in the glory of a hot glass of milk, when my dad told me that he had a surprise for me. Curiosity and excitement got the better of me and like the annoying child I was, I prodded and poked him until he told me the big surprise. We were going to get a dog! The whole car journey I felt a mix of emotions but above all I couldn’t wait to see the new member of our family. We reached our destination and a young man was standing outside the car holding a small cage. Inside the cage were 5 little puppies. They were Labradors. We had previously decided that we were going to get a male dog so we began separating the females from males. Through the short process one baby caught my eye and at that moment I knew I had to have her. Her coat was white with a tint of golden and her eyes were rimmed black. She was by far the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. My eyes welled up with tears as she bounded towards me and tripped over my shoes. At that moment I had formed an inseparable bond with her. Angel, I named her that because after all she was an angel in disguise. It has been 8 years now and she is a significant part of our family. Angel has always been by my side and in fact here she is sitting right next to me while I write this post. I feel blessed to have her in my life.