Charming Trends in Dog JewelryWritten by Carolyn Schweitzer
Fashions owners and dogs can share. The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly power of protection. By 1890's charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake. Now, as then, charms are often given by mothers to their daughters as gifts or family heirlooms. Many women start collecting them as pre-teens and continue adding to collection as they mature. Charm bracelets make an ideal gift because of their broad appeal.Italian charms are hottest trend right now and show no signs of slowing down. Silver, gold, and non-precious charms snap into place onto a bracelet similar to a watch band. The charms are like "links" on band. They're decorated with pictures, letters, symbols and designs that can be combined to create a message or theme. Which reminds me of a great thing about charm bracelets -- you can add to them. That means future gift giving opportunities! Another growing trend in modern jewelry is "theme" bracelets. If you're looking for ideal dog jewelry gift, a dog-themed charm bracelet could be your answer and a dog themed Italian charm bracelet might just be a slam dunk! Want to coordinate your accessories with your dog's? Buy her a branklet®, doggie version of a bracelet or anklet. As Italian charms have grown ever more popular, variations have come on scene, one of which is a plastic or leather version. The charms slide onto leather or plastic bracelet, which comes in a variety of fashionable colors. These charms usually take form of letters, numbers, and popular symbols like hearts or butterflies. Like traditional kind, they can spell out a message or a name, or advertise wearer's interests or sentiments.
| | Three Important Litter Box ConsiderationsWritten by Nancy E. Wigal
There are three important litter box considerations to account for whether you're a new kitten owner, or someone who has had a cat for a while. If kitty isn't happy with any or all three of these, you may find she'll start urinating outside box. 1. Litter Box Location: Location is all-important in real estate. The litter box location is important to your kitty. As an owner, you need to be certain her box is in a quiet location, away from traffic and noise. Ideally, a room that is seldom visited, such as basement or laundry room is a good choice. Cats need to be left alone while tending to their business. A child's room, hallway by front door, or family room may be too noisy for her. 2. Litter Box Type: New cat litter boxes are marketed constantly. The final decision may rest with kitty. If you buy her a box, and she doesn't use it, think about way she does her business. For example, my boy, JJ (who is fixed), urinates standing up. He's 14 years old, and it may be too much effort for him to squat. We have tall sided, and hooded litter boxes to accommodate splash on back wall. You may consider mechanical, self-cleaning litter box. They rake results of kitty's visit into a small container. The drawbacks are that your cat may be scared of motor noise. If so, she won't use it. The rakes, or tines, need to be cleaned regularly. They're close together, and can be a real trial to clean properly. What if you lose electrical power for an extended period of time? The motor won't operate, and box won't get scooped, if you forget!
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