Articles written by Pat Merewether in Pets & Animals

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About me - Pat Merewether

Thank you for visiting my Helium page. My passion for writing started when I was in high school and won a nationally run essay contest for my school. The writing came through in letter writing (Back when people still wrote letters). Shortly after my husband

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Pets & Animals > Animal Rescue & Adoption Things to consider before adopting a pet: 1 of 25
Pet adoption is not something to be entered into lightly. Some breeds of dogs and cats can live up to nineteen years, it's almost welcoming a child into your life. Some exotic birds live for decades and may even out live you! Make your choice carefully so both of you will have a long happy live together. What kind of pet is ... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Training Essential training for rescued dogs: 1 of 13
Rescue dogs often come with a lot of physical and emotional baggage. The very fact that they are in a rescue situation means they are in distress, even if it's just the fact that they no longer have their 'family' with them due to illness or a move. I've been a foster mom for rescue dogs and have learned a lot (most of it th... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Rescue & Adoption How to successfully foster cats and kittens: 1 of 7
Fostering cats is the best way many of us can help save unwanted pets from a fate worse than death without becoming one of those cat freaks' who end up with dozens of the furry critters and ending up on the evening news wearing a head coat'. We were a foster family for cats for a number of years and found it a very rewarding... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Rights & Issues What to do if you suspect animal abuse: 3 of 17
Please step up if you see a dog roaming loose in the street, tied to a tree without shelter or food or water, or being mistreated anyway, please have a heart and report it to your local ASPCA, Humane Society or Animal control. Rescuers are the last hope of abused and neglected animals and often all it takes is a bit of commu... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership How to keep your pet when surrender seems to be the only option: 2 of 10
For most of us, our pets are family and giving them up is unthinkable. But a pet owner my lose their home, become ill or unemployed and feel they have no choice but to surrender their animal. Quite often there is help available and pet surrender may be avoided. Is your pet a specific breed? Groups dedicated to a particular b... More..
Pets & Animals > Birds Tips for feeding suet to backyard birds: 1 of 5
Birds need suet for the same reason people avoid it; it's full of calories. Birds' metabolisms run at warp speed and they need a lot of calories to maintain their weight and energy, especially during the winter months. Not so long ago, you could go to the butcher and he'd give you a hunk of beef fat, or suet. Now they charge... More..
Pets & Animals > Cat Psychology Cat communication: 7 of 26
Muppy was our rescued pure bred Himalayan. She showed up in our garden one day and I was certain she belonged to someone and would go home. But, he never did, and finally one day my daughter carried her inside and said, "Mom, this cat is skin and bones! We have to take her to the vet!" And, she was right. The vet told us he ... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health Finding the right diet for an overweight dog: 9 of 32
Dogs metabolism slows as they age, just like ours does. They burn less calories and need a little more exercise in order to maintain a healthy weight. It's best to know your breed and discuss their diet with your vet or their breeder. Our neighbor's Bouvier must be kept on a very strict diet as this breed tends to have diges... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Rescue & Adoption The merits of adopting a dog through a rescue league: 29 of 102
The merits of adopting a dog through a rescue league: Serving as a dog rescuer is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you love animals and want to invite a dog into your life, I strongly recommend a adopting a rescue dog. Rescue dogs are literally that, animals who have been rescued from puppy mills, abandon... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health How to safely contain your dog without a fence: 4 of 14
Few situations are more dangerous for a dog than running loose. Many newer subdivisions and neighborhoods prohibit fences and this can become a big problem for dog owners. Keeping a close watch over your dog and making sure everyone in the family is responsible for keeping the dog home is very important. One way to insure do... More..