First of all. I am an animal and dog lover. The shelters are overpopulated by large unwanted dogs millions of which are euthanized everry year. Most shelters will have very few if any small dogs and most have a long adoption waiting list for small dogs.
Large dogs have two or three times the number of pups per birth than small dogs do.
So there is clearly a very serious problem with large dog overpopulation.
In addition, large stray dogs acan be a serious danger resulting in thousands of serious hospitalized dog maulings every year.
So should all large dogs be required to be fixed by one year old unless it belongs to a licensed dog breeder?
Again SMALL DOGS are not the problem. In fact there is a shortage of them judging by the shelters long waiting lists for adoption so that is obviously a waste of time and resources. It is the large dogs who have 10-12 pups per litter vs small dogs 3-4 pups per litter.

The jury is out on what constitutes the "best" pet for children. On one side of the fence are those who say that it is the independent cat; perfectly happy to allow themselves to be observed from a safe distance, and occasionally deigning to allow a small sticky hand to give them a pat. On the other side of the pet fence are the dog lovers, who claim that no childhood is truly complete without the lapping tongue of a four-legged pal. Of course, there are those people who suggest that the best pet is no pet at all, but let's ignore those people, shall we?

For apartment dwelling children, smaller pets are the best, and are, often times, the only choice. Fish are beautiful and relaxing to watch, but do not really give the whole pet experience. Small birds can be trained to sit on a gentle finger, but are susceptible to colds and drafts and are messy beyond belief, something you might consider if you are a true neatnik. The rodent family offers many different types of options, some better choices than others. Rats are smart, if you can get past the fact that they are, well, rats. They can also be surprisingly affectionate and are rather easy to care for. Not ready to swallow your loathing of rats? Guinea pigs are another option to consider- less rat-like, the sweet natured guinea pig can be a really great first pet for most children to start with. The only thing to remember about them is the need for daily vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

If space is not a consideration and the entire family is in agreement, then a dog is a good choice as well. Remember that there are many factors to consider when choosing a dog breed, but there are several that will fit in with virtually any family. These include the gentle pug, the intelligent beagle and the ever-popular Golden Retriever. Of course, all families are encouraged to check their local shelter for their new family member first.

And, in the interest of fairness, there is the cat. Often given a bad rap for being too aloof, the cat is a very good pet, especially for those families that are involved in lots of activities. Properly fed, a cat will not really pout and mope if he is left for long periods of time- he will content himself to curl up on your bed until you get home. No matter what pet the family chooses, make sure it is a safe, loving choice for everyone, including the child that will bond with it stronger than anyone else in the household.

I take my german shepherd every once in a while to play with an american bulldog. The american bulldog's owner told me that her dog stayed itching himself all night long after it played with my dog. My dog is free from fleas & ticks. The other dog is also free from fleas & ticks. Someone mentioned dogs can be allergic to other dogs coats. Is this possible?

UPJ eyes a return to playoffs | Mountain Cats host home opener today at Point
The Pitt-Johnstown baseball team has something to prove this season. Many teams would be content coming off of a 29-15 season, but not coach Todd Williams’ Mountain Cats.After not qualifying and having to watch last season’s West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) Tournament from the Point Stadium bleachers, the Mountain Cats want to make sure they on they are on the field for ...

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