PetSugar

Do Tell: Have You Assigned an Animal a Gender?

PetSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:05:03 -0800

Hi, Mary . . . umm, I mean Terry. This Aldabra tortoise living at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo arrived in 1955 and, since then, keepers assumed he was a she. Since these reptiles' reproductive organs are not usually visible, it took more than 50 years 'til they've got her gender lined up right, so she's now known as Terry instead.

This confusing situation got me thinking: with pets like fish, lizards, small mammals, or even stray cats, sometimes people assume a pet is one gender only to find out later she's something else entirely - that is if they ever find out for sure. I know I'm not the only one with a salamander named Sam (that could have properly been a Samuel or a Samantha) - so share your stories of pets with gender-specific names and unknown (or noncorresponding) genders in the comments below.

Source: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Do Tell: What's on the Menu For Your Pets This Thanksgiving?

PetSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00:49 -0800

Introducing large quantities of rich "people food" into a pet's diet on Thanksgiving is bad for their tummies! In fact, some typical holiday fare should never be fed to pets. One sure way to be certain no one slips up is to place the appropriate portion of your furry friend's normal snacks in a convenient location. Point out the healthy treats to your guests and encourage them to pamper your pals with extra petting or playtime . . . not to feed the snacks all at once.

Dog-Approved Snacks:

Small piece of white-meat turkey
A few cooked, unseasoned carrots or green beans
Spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
Sweet Potato Dog Chips
Small apple or banana slice

What's on your pet's menu for next week?

Source: Flickr User TheGiantVermin

Do Tell: How Many Tricks Do Your Pets Know?

PetSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:00:05 -0800

This pooch named Paige has mine beat . . . by about 10 tricks - how about yours?

Do Tell: Would You Sing to Your Pets?

PetSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00:13 -0800

Umm, try telling North that "petting is passé!" I know it's sweet to treat a pet to a massage and I definitely liked Maryjean's tips on different tempos and the need to speak to a pet but, that's not where the video magic (mystery?) really comes in. When she started singing, I wondered what my dog would do if I crooned him a tune. I'm certainly no songstress so, if he could cover his ears, he probably would - do you create songs for pets swapping in their name for the normal lyrics?

Do Tell: Can Your Pets Perch in Small Spots?

PetSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:30:23 -0800

Acro~~bats~~cats entertain with regular balancing acts and I often wonder not only how they perch so precisely, but how they land all right up there in the first place . . .

Do Tell: Do You Greet Pets on the Street?

PetSugar — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:00:04 -0700

How easily can you resist a lil scratch and sniff with a stranger's pup? Yes, it's risky to approach a tethered dog (since you don't know if he's friendly) but sometimes those furry faces are darn hard to resist . . .

Source: Flickr User greenkozi

Do Tell: How Do Your Pets "Ask" You to Stay Home?

PetSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:52 -0700

Do Tell: Do Falling Temperatures Change Your Routine?

PetSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:45:39 -0700

Since we're rather temperate out in SF, North still enjoys his trips to Baker Beach . . . but stays far away from the now-chilly water save a few sniffs. When the temperatures drop in your neck of the woods, how do you alter your pup's fitness routine, be it shorter trips outdoors or active indoor alternatives?

Do Tell: Did Gender Play a Role In Your Pet Selection?

PetSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:30:00 -0700

When deciding on North, as the litter's ~~sole male~~ crown prince, I learned his sisters were all rather independent as pups where he would whine and cry until he got attention. Nothing has changed. What I thought was cute then . . . in the middle of the night now, not so much. Whether you chose your pet from a breeder or through adoption, how picky a role did gender-picking play?

Source: Flickr User 3Neus

Do Tell: Have You Ever Impulsively Purchased a Pet?

PetSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:55:22 -0700

I've got a good pal in NYC who, after wanting a dog for several years, finally committed upon spotting a box of abandoned puppies at a local market. Even seeing shelter kittens on cages streetside on sunny days or finding fishy faces at a pet store, I would often wish I could take one home.

Similarly, during a trip to the California Pet Center near Calabasas on Wednesday, Britney Spears went in to pick up some dog food . . . and left with a little bird, too. An eyewitness told PeoplePets that she settled on a yellow parakeet and bought a big, white cage and several toys for the bird before leaving the store. Of course, it's important to be able to care for any pet's needs both financially and emotionally no matter how much deliberation goes in, but have you ever picked up a pet when you hadn't technically planned on it?