Small Puppies & Kittens DONT mix with Small Kids

When we think of a family pet, dogs and cute little puppies & kittens often come to mind. Choosing the breed of dog is often the tough part. With the growing popularity of toy breed dogs such as Yorkies, Maltese and Chihuahua’s, more and more families are turning to these small little fur babies as family pets. And why wouldn’t they? These toy breed dogs make excellent family pets and companions. They are also great if you live in an apartment or a condo, they eat less and poop less. Sounds like the perfect pet, right? Well, these little toy breed dogs are absolutely wonderful for the family, but you may want to reconsider smaller breed dogs if you have small children around the house.

Toy breed dogs & kittens are very fragile animals. They are even more fragile when they are puppies. It doesn’t take much force to break a limb or seriously injure one of these little puppies. Remember, when these toy breed dogs are puppies, their bones are EXTREMELY delicate. And little toddlers and babies are absolutely strong enough to snap a limb in an instant. Of course little Junior has no real intention of hurting the puppy or kitten, but small children just don’t know any better. Furthermore, if left unsupervised for even a split second, your child could end up seriously injuring your little puppy or kitten. If you think about it, little kids love to pull, tug, and bite everything they see. I’m exaggerating a little bit here, but its mostly true. You definitely wouldn’t want your little fragile puppy or kitten subjected to this pulling, tugging, and biting.

Now I know many of you may be thinking that you could simply teach your kid what they should not do with the puppy and kitten. And I know there are very obedient little kids out there, however, it only takes one time to really jeopardize a puppies life. My teeny tiny Chihuahua's, Bailey and Lucy are 8 & 6 pounds, so we are extremely careful where we step, sit and sleep. Even with me, there have been some close calls where I almost sat on them! And sadly, I will always hold myself accountable for the accident that happened when little Bailey was just a puppy; he fell and fractured his leg. It cost several thousand dollars to repair. And I'm an adult who watches her dogs closer then ANYTHING. Now just imagine the responsibility a little toddler would need to take on in order to avoid a major mishap.

So if you absolutely have to get a toy breed dog, and you have little kids in the house, buy a full grown dog. I would say buying a dog at least 6 months of age. Most toy breed dogs are full grown in size at this point. I would also avoid the “Teacup” sized dogs. Try to get a larger sized dog of the particular toy breed that you desire.

And instead of getting a really tiny kitten, get a full sized cat, or again a kitten who about 6 months of age; (they are bigger and can fend more for themselves at this age). Shelters are FULL of family, kid friendly cats who would make an amazing addition to your household! :)

With that said, I hope this hasn’t offended anyone and their child. I’m just trying to help avoid any injuries, broken hearts, and vet bills. Smaller dogs just need more care which equates to a lot more and higher vet bills.

My breeder, who breeds the best Chihuahua's in the entire world, will not sell to parents with really small kids. I also just felt I had to say that while it's not the policy of For Cats Sake; (I'm not sure what their policy is on babies and new kittens); But I too will not let one of my foster kittens go to a family with really small babies or toddlers. Parents with bigger kids; (over 3) is great though; I think a family pet is a WONDERFUL thing. :) It teaches responsibility, empathy, love, being gentle....I watched my friends little three year old hold Violet, Adina, and Calleum the other day, and it was just precious.

Three Foster Kittens Have all Been Spoken for

I currently am nursing three new foster kittens back to health, originally from Milwaukee Area Domestic Control Center; (the pound). These little babies were going to be put to sleep due to lack of room and time to nurse small kittens several times a day. I rescued them through the organization "For Cats Sake" (www.forcatssake.org). All three of these little babies would make amazing pets! They will be available to take home on January 10th, 2010.

At the time of adoption all kittens are completely vet checked, with all shots and neutered/spayed. Anyone knows that this can cost anywhere between $200-500 to take your pet to the vet. Therefore, our adoption fees are next to nothing, and every penny goes towards supplies, medicine, and food to keep our rescued cats and kittens alive. Nobody in this organization is paid a salary; we are all volunteers and open our homes to save these little lives that are so precious.

Each kitten costs $100 and for a second one the fee is reduced to $50. This is an amazing deal and even cheaper then the Humane Society. If you don't already have a cat, you must take a pair of the kittens; they are very social creatures and need a buddy. :)

Lastly, we are a non-declawing group. At the time of adoption, you must sign a binding contract that states you will never at any time declaw them. Contrary to most people's understanding, declawing consists of amputating not just the claws, but the whole phalanx (up to the joint), including bones, ligaments, and tendons! To remove the claw, the bone, nerve, joint capsule, collateral ligaments, and the extensor and flexor tendons must all be amputated. Thus declawing is not a “simple”, single surgery but 10 separate, painful amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. A graphic comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the last joint of each finger. This is not only inhumane, painful, can permanently change the kittens/cats demeanor, but it is UNNECESSARY. For more info on declawing go to:

http://maxshouse.com/Truth%20About%20Declawing.htm

I train all my foster kittens to use a scratching post and they have never turned to my furniture. Another alternative to to use soft paws, which is a small cap that you place over each claw. The cat doesn't even notice it's there, and is an inexpensive and humane alternative to declawing. Check out http://www.softpaws.com/ for more info. You can also get them at most pet stores.

And finally, scroll down see the three little kittens that will be ready for adoption on January 10th, 2010. All three kittens are extremely well behaved, socialized, sweet, loving, and litter trained.

If you have ANY questions whatsoever, please respond to the blog, or call me at (262) 488-8988 and I will get back to you ASAP!

Please find it in your heart to adopt! :)

Violet - ON HOLD

Violet - ON HOLD

Violet is on hold for Kim and Dave and will be going home January 10th em>

Age: 8 weeks - Violet will be ready to go to her new home on January 10th

Sex: Female

Color: GORGEOUS Gray Tortie with a distinctive cream coloring on her face, belly, and paws. Extremely unique markings, just beautiful!!!

Weight: Over 2 pounds

Shots: Last shots will be given January 7th

Neutered / Spayed: Violet will be spayed on January 7th

De-wormer: Last De-wormer given January 7th

Violet is very outgoing and sweet. For being so tiny she isn’t afraid of anything, and will do great in a home with other cats and dogs. Violet was rescued from Milwaukee Area Domestic Control Center where they were about to put her to sleep. Fortunately Violet was rescued and is now doing great in her Foster home. She has a brother and sister that are also up for adoption! Please check out Calleum and Adina; they would love to go to a new home with their sister! Violet will be ready to go to her new home on January 10th, 2010.

Calleum - ON HOLD

Calleum

Calluem is currently on hold for Lori

Age: 8 weeks - Calleum will be ready to go to his new home on January 10th.

Sex: Male

Color: Multi

Weight: Over 2 Lbs's

Shots: Last shots will be given on January 7th

Neutered / Spayed: Calleum will be neutered on January 7th

Micro-chipped: Calluem will be micro-chipped on January 7th

De-wormer: Last De-wormer given January 7th


Calleum is a snuggler, and loves hands! The second he sees your hands; he wraps his little paws around so you just have to pick him up and cuddle him! He is great with other cats and dogs, and would be the perfect addition to any household. Calleum has two sisters, named Violet and Adina. Adina is his twin; the only way to tell them apart is their front paws. Calleum is a polydactyl, which means he has larger paws with an extra toe. Calleum is super unique and special and he would love to go to his new home with his sisters; please check out Violet and Adina!! Calleum will be ready to go to his new home on January 10th, 2010.

Adina - ON HOLD

Adina

Adina is currently on hold for Lori

Age: 8 weeks - Adina will be ready to go to her new home on January 10th.

Sex: Female

Color: Multi

Weight: Over 2 Lb's.

Shots: Last shots will be given January 7th.

Neutered / Spayed: Adina will be spayed on January 7th.

Micro-chipped: Adina will be micro-chipped on January 7th.

De-wormer: Last De-wormer given January 7th.

Adina was rescued with her brother and sister from Milwaukee Area Domestic Control Center. She is very playful with her brothers and sisters. She will have you in tears laughing as she tumbles around with her siblings. Adina is a little more shy then her brother and sister, although it’s too soon to tell if that will change as she gets older. While at first she can be hesitant, she warms up to people very quickly, and is incredibly sweet. She likes to lie on her back and let you stroke her little belly. Adina is a little angel and will bring her new parents a world of happiness and laughter! Adina has a twin brother named Calleum; She’d love to go to her new home with her sibling! Adina will be ready to go to her new home on January 10th, 2010.