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Ah, puppies…so adorable, filled with boundless energy and curious about any-and-everything around them. That’s why taking steps to puppy-proof your home will go a long way in protecting these little ones from harm. And on the flip side, your precautions will also safeguard your belongings from possible damage.

Your first task is to get a puppy’s point of view. How? By going from room to room, getting down on your hands and knees and taking a good look at what your puppy might be enticed by. Remember, they are new to the world and like toddlers, puppies are inclined to explore their surroundings by putting things in their mouths and poking around in nooks and crannies.

Cabinets

Be mindful of cleaning supplies and personal care items that are stored in low storage areas like kitchen and under-sink bathroom cabinets. Needless to say, the ingredients in these products are extremely harmful and can even cause death. If the cabinet doors can be easily pried open, think about storing these items in some other place. Another option is to purchase plastic child-proof cabinet locks that can be temporarily attached to the handles or knobs. These safety locks can usually be found online or in local pet supply (or baby) stores.

Electrical Cords

How tantalizing is an electrical cord especially when it’s looping down from a table or desk? “I can jump at it, pull on it, wrestle with it and even gnaw on it,” Puppy thinks to himself. Well, the dangers are obvious: a falling lamp or electrocution can cause serious injury or worse. Wrap up loose hanging electrical cords or at least block access to them. And for cords that need to run across the floor, use rubber or plastic cord/cable runners that can be purchased at an office supply outlet or home improvement store.

Plants

Household plants are attractive to most puppies but they are toxic. Ingesting a bite or two can cause nausea, vomiting and in some cases death. So re-position your plants so that they are out of reach.

Small Objects Around the House

Be alert to small items around the house that can be swallowed or cause choking such as coins, jewelry, sewing supplies, batteries, medication and miniature knick-knacks left on low surfaces. And don’t forget to block access to trash receptacles in the kitchen, your home office and even the bathroom. Now speaking of bathrooms…

Toilet (Or, “Beyond the Great Rim”)

To an adventurous puppy, the challenge of climbing up, up and over the rim of your toilet is a tail-wagging delight. Unfortunately, falling head first into this big, slippery bowl of water is not so delightful especially for a smaller-sized pup. Simple solution: make it a house rule to keep the bathroom door closed at all times.

Puppy-proofing your home may seem like a hassle but providing the safest environment possible is a necessity. After all, your lovable, four-legged bundle of joy is worth it.

The exotic and majestic appearance of the Persian cat captures the attention of cat lovers everywhere, making it one of the most desirable breeds of cats today. Their dense and lush long-haired coat, short legs and broad head with round eyes and flat muzzle faces are distinct physical traits that make them easily identifiable to just about everyone.

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, there are seven main categories of Persians. You can visit their web site for specific information on each group and view pictures.

1. Himalayans

2. Solid Colors

3. Silver and Golden

4. Calico and Bicolor

5. Smoke and Shaded

6. Tabby

7. Particolor

Within these categories, there are many colors and variations. The many different kinds of Persians that are available permit anyone to pick the perfect companion. However, before running out and snatching up the first Persian you see, there are several factors for purchasing a Persian you ought to consider.

First, give some thought on how this new addition will get along with any pets you already have. Then assess if you are able to take the time to groom this cat properly everyday. The next issue might be the hardest thing to decide. That is narrowing down which of the seven types of Persians you like the most. However, once that is resolved, you could even settle on the color you would prefer. After that, you may have a partiality for the specific sex of your pet. A significant issue to consider is if you intend on entering your cat in show competitions or if you are just looking for a buddy. A show quality Persian will generally cost more.

Depending on your personality and time constraints, do you want and are you able to raise a kitten? Then you will want to locate a reputable breeder. This is an important matter because the better the breeder, the better your chance of acquiring a strong and healthy kitten. See if the kitten appears to be well taken care of and is being raised in clean surroundings. Has a veterinary done a complete checkup for health problems and is it up-to-date with shots? Is the breeder aware of any genetic conditions that may run in this kitten’s pedigree lineage? Remember to obtain a health contract or guarantee from the breeder. A honest breeder will have no problem supplying you with one. Additionally, you will need the vaccination certificate. If the kitten is registered or you are planning to register it, you will need these papers from the breeder too.

Perhaps you are leaning toward an older cat. Adopting from a shelter or rescue could be a rewarding experience, not to mention saving a life. Just realize that this cat might have been abandoned due to a major health or personality problem. Ask a lot of questions and spend as much time with the cat as you can to determine if it will be a good pet for you.

No matter what cat you ultimately select, by doing your homework and being honest with yourself on your particular personality and situation, picking the perfect Persian can be a fun experience that later grows into a long loving relationship.

Boston Terriers are the top dog breed in many different respects. Bostons–or BTs–as many Boston owners often refer to them, are considered on-top for a variety of reasons:

** They’re tops in playfulness.

** They’re tops in eating.

** They’re tops in snoring.

** They’re tops in passing gas and producing solid waste (sorry, but it’s true).

** They’re tops in sleeping peacefully for hours on end.

** They’re tops in chewing and gnawing on bones.

** They’re tops in cuteness.

** They’re tops in loving.

It’s probably true that most dog breed owners believe their preferred dog breed to be the best, but Boston Terriers are some of the greatest dogs around. But let’s take a little closer look at Boston Terriers…

A puppy trainer once said that, “Boston Terriers are a big dog in a little dog’s body…”, and nothing could be more apt. BTs are not afraid of much. They’ll rumble at will with much bigger Golden Retrievers and Labradors. In fact, many Boston Terriers seem to prefer playing with big dogs.

Boston’s have a wonderful muscular physique. Compact and strong, they usually top out at 20 or 25 pounds, and it’s not uncommon to find more petite Boston Terriers as well.

BTs love to play and they’re speedy and athletic, so be sure to have lots of fetch toys available. They may even be good candidates for agility training, a sort of obstacle course for dogs. But they also love to chew and have strong jaws, so you’ll want to keep strong bones on hand, plus well-made chew ropes or hard rubber tug toys. Forget the little plastic squeaky toys… they’ll be mincemeat in minutes… honestly.

Boston Terriers do play hard, but when they stop, they sleep hard too. Few dog breeds can crash into total oblivion as fast as a Boston. And if they can curl up on the bed or couch with you, so much the better. They absolutely love to nestle into the curve between your butt and knees if you lay on your side. Be prepared to share your bed with your Boston Terrier… they’re almost impossible to resist!

Boston’s eat well too. Not picky, for the most part, they’ll wolf down meals with abandon. And be sure to keep some tasty–but healthy–snacks on hand too to reward good behavior, or just to spoil your little cutie.

And talk about cute… What could be cuter than your little “tuxedo man” (or woman) with the black and white markings, big brown eyes, huge ears, smushy face, and that little pout? One inquisitive look from a Boston Terrier with his head cocked, and you melt.

Of course, Boston Terriers are also “good” at some less desirable things. With their short snouts, breathing is more of a challenge, and they’ll snore better than some humans when sleeping. So, if you’re not a sound sleeper, it could create some problems. Some Boston owners consider their pet to be a “solid waste factory”. It’s not uncommon during a 10-block walk for him to “go” at least twice. So, bring lots of bags!

If you like to exercise, walk, or hike with your Boston, it’s also important to know that their short snouts make it difficult for them to cool their bodies effectively during hot weather. Their dark coats don’t help either. So, you may need to leave your Boston Terriers home on hot days… or to provide some kind of cooling, through a vest with cold packs in it or some such. Cold weather can be hard for a BT too, with their short hair and lack of extra fat. It may look silly, but your BT needs to wear a warm coat when outside on cold days.

But what Boston Terriers are absolutely the best at is… loving their owners. They love us with their total being, following us around the house, and always wanting to be close. Most dogs provide unconditional love to their people; it’s one of the biggest reasons to own a dog. But Boston Terriers are absolutely devoted to people.

Boston’s are hands down one of the top dog breeds you could ever own. Won’t you adopt a Boston Terrier today?