PetSugar

Would You Carry Pepper Spray?

PetSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:55:43 -0800

It's important to protect yourself and your pets from threats while on walks. You never know what you'll encounter strolling through an area with off-leash dogs or wild animals, and it's important to think about protection.

The idea of pepper spray was recommended in the comments of a past dealing with aggressive dogs post, and in Dean Koontz's A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, he mentions the same thing. After his dog Trixie was bitten by a loose dog, he kept a bottle saying it "discourages any dog mid-charge but does no permanent damage." What's your take on packing a bottle and using it?

Do Your Dogs Like Peanut Butter?

PetSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:07 -0800

Whether a teeny spoonful of the real thing or as a flavoring in treats, would your pooches' noses wriggle at the nutty goodness?

Do Tell: Would You Get a Dog With a Partner Before Marriage?

PetSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:30:44 -0700

Not that I'm trying to prepare for the worst but would you adopt a pet before getting hitched . . . or lay down the law in terms of who gets the furry friend if you break up? Perhaps the case of Dexter makes me a bit too worrywart, but lemme know if you did or would make this choice and how you'd prep for the future just in case.

Are Two Pets Easier Than One?

PetSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:40:22 -0700

Do Tell: Do You Think Dog Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

PetSugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:00:54 -0700

Seriously. I've heard all variations from Doritos and Fritos to nachos or regular tortilla chips - do you think doggie paws smell of eau de corn chip . . . or something else entirely?

Source: Flickr User ariel wants a chip.

What's Your Take: Legal Ban on Declawing?

PetSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:00:59 -0700

Considered mutilation by many, a simple mention of the word "declaw" warrants an adamant response from even nonfeline fans. Even though the vocal aversion to declawing is already a no-brainer to most of you, the recently proposed ban on the procedure here in SF has earned (what may appear to be) some unlikely challengers - the SPCA.
Even though the organization both opposes the procedure and doesn't practice onychectomy at its hospital, it doesn't agree with legal regulation and SFSPCA President Jan McHugh-Smith worries the proposed law could have other negative side effects:

"The SFSPCA is opposed to declawing . . . but we are concerned about the option being taken away from the guardian. They could potentially give up the pet, and it could end up in a shelter and end up being euthanized."

So the argument is not just about the morality of the procedure but on the involvement of politics in medicine and that city council members have no place regulating such procedures - what's your take?

Source: Flickr User Muffet

Would You Keep a Giant Cockroach as a Pet?

PetSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:15:25 -0700

He's a contender. This giant burrowing cockroach made the news for (potentially) being the world's heaviest insect. Related to, but not the same as the roaches we see stateside, these creatures can range from 1 to 1.5 ounces
While it's not yet certain if Heathcliff measures up to the title, I'm torn between wanting to look away . . . and not being able to! As it turns out, in Australia, these popularish pets can cost up to 100 Australian dollars (about $85 in US) for two! They give birth to live young, care for babes in a burrow, and dine on easily attained fresh leaves - would you wish for one as a pampered pal, too?

Source: Cameron Richardson

What's Your Take: "Human" Names For Pets?

PetSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:00:42 -0700

While traveling with my parents several years back, they made some "grown-up" friends at the resort. Later, running into one woman by the pool, my mom introduced me. The woman's response upon hearing my name: "Ohhh, that's my dog's name."

She was lucky I didn't push her into the water. Anyway, my pooch has a non-traditional human name but I'm not opposed to "people" names, as long as I don't have a bad association with that same one. P.S., after you vote, don't forget to play our Wacky Cat Name game to see if you get any name inspiration!

Do Tell: Have You Suffered an Allergy in the Name of Love?

PetSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:30:08 -0700

I know it would take something bigger than a new guy to shove my number one out of my life, but cat allergies are more common and typically more severe than dog ones. Which brings us to this adorable feline - she needs a new home since her owner is moving in with a new girlfriend who's just not that into cats and allergic!

It's a tough situation, but I'm curious to hear from you - ever sacrificed a pet or sucked it up to save a relationship? (Oh, and if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, shoot me a PM to hear more about this soon-to-be-homeless cat.)

Do Tell: Can Your Dogs Play Off-Leash?

PetSugar — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:00:00 -0700