Personal Checks That Help Animals

Cause-related checks make a statement.

Dubbed "money with a conscience" and the "bumper sticker of the financial world," personalized checks are an effective way to help raise funds for animal organizations and not-for-profits. And, if you have a favorite animal-related charity, your fund-raising support need not end with you simply writing a check. When you use personal checks that represent your charitable organization, you help spread the word and raise awareness with every bill you pay. Each time you write a check for groceries, pay the utilities or your insurance, you make a public image statement and put your charity in the spotlight.

Select your Interest

Support the Elephant Sanctuary with your checks.

Whatever your specific focus--animal rights, wildlife, or animal welfare--you are likely to find personal checks that reflect your interest. Want to support programs that advocate for spaying and neutering pets? There are checks for that! Options include the Alley Cat Allies, Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, and the North Shore Animal League, alongside designs that highlight your own local humane society. Passionate about wildlife? You have a range of choices for personal checks from the Defenders of Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, World Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club or Wildlife Waystation. Alternatively, you could elect to support and promote the work of animal sanctuaries, places where neglected, abused or discarded animals are given a chance to live out their natural lives. For companion animals, look to Best Friends, in Utah, which successfully rehabilitated the "Vicktory dogs" rescued from Michael Vick's notorious fighting ring. And for the victims of the food industry, consider using your personal checks in support of Farm Sanctuary, the bicoastal organization that gives rescued farm animals a new lease on life. And, of course, if you have a specific breed passion, you may be able to find checks to match--Ducks Unlimited, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International all have checks for their organizations.

Checks, Gifts and Accessories

Some organizations offer optional extras and free gifts.

Checks are usually available in single or duplicate styles and some have the added advantage of being environmentally friendly. Humane Society-themed checks purchased from Check Gallery, for example, are printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper. If you are purchasing from a new supplier, you may receive some extra gifts--a free checkbook cover and single deposit tickets with your first paid order. Matching address labels and contact card may also be available for a small supplemental cost. With any check design, look for a copyrighted logo, a call-out and appropriate imagery. The logo, often found in the upper-left corner of the check, is readily identifiable and will be the same as the one on the organization's website and print materials. The call-out is a line of text, often printed across the top of the check, that describes the organization's core mission. Generally, the same organization will offer different animal types for their checks; Defenders of Wildlife, for example, offers designs as diverse as big cats, wolves, otters and polar bears.

Supporting Large Organizations

Promoting a compassionate message is a goal of many organizations.

Look for other popular institutions such as the Humane Society of the United States, Greenpeace, the Audubon Society, Vegan Action and PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). These groups offer a wide range of different check designs, each delivering a compassionate, animal-centric message. PeTA, for example, has checks that protest vivisection (animal testing) and circuses, and encourage respect for all creatures.

Copyright-Based Royalties

Cause-related checks are not expensive.

The cost of purchasing these checks is usually no higher than for regular checks, but a percentage of the sales price is donated to your cause. The final donation is based upon the check printer's right to reproduce the organization's copyrighted logo. The dollar and cent value of these royalties is calculated from the sales price and type of product, in addition to the licensing agreement. According to Message!Products, the average royalty is 10 percent, but you should verify this figure with your chosen organization to find out exactly how much money they receive.

Bill Paying as Public Relations

Spread your message.

Whatever the percentage of monies received, your checks can speak for you in an on-going public relations campaign every time you pay your bills. Message!Products estimates that each check passing through the Federal Reserve System is viewed by up to 16 different people. Any one of these individuals might be interested in supporting your cause and the animals will thank you.

Tags: checks that, personal checks, with your, Cause-related checks, copyrighted logo, Defenders Wildlife, Elephant Sanctuary

History Of The Siberian Cat In Russia

Yellow eyes are a standard for Siberians.

The Siberian Forest Cat, the national cat of Russia, has been in Russia for thousands of years though little documentation regarding its early history exists. The cats simply were present in Russian life as a landrace -- an animal that developed by natural processes rather than guided efforts by humans. Beginning in the 1980s, Russian cat fanciers began documenting the breed's history and establishing an official record.

Description

The Siberian is a medium to large size house cat featuring a rounded body and heavily-boned legs for support. Their dense fur coats of medium to long length with three layers repels moisture as found in the cold and wet northern climate of Siberia from which they originated. Their coats feature a variety of color combinations. They are highly athletic, able to leap far distances.

Early History

Some of the best evidence regarding this cat's relationship with its human companions is reflected in Russian literature. Several fairy tales recounted for centuries depict the cat as a protector of children. The tale Baba Yaga portrays a cat as guiding a young girl in her escape from an old woman that likes to eat children. In Kip the Enchanted Cat, a princess receives aid from a cat to undo a wicked spell and be able to marry a handsome prince.

Rodent Killers

The nature of cats on any continent is to chase, hunt and kill rodents. The same is true of the Siberian cat and its history in Russia. In the country, Siberian cats kept rats from eating grain thus earning themselves a place in the heart of farmers. Shopkeepers often fed stray cats -- not out of the kindness of their hearts, but in an effort to control rodent populations. Russian Orthodox literature makes several references to cats living around monasteries killing rodents. Yet, until the mid-1980s, Russian households did not commonly keep cats as pets.

Standard Established

In 1987, the newly-formed Kotofei Cat Club of Moscow set breed standards for the Siberian. Two male cats were used as a guide: Roman -- a brown and white tabby -- and Mars -- a blue lynx point with some white markings. Two years later in May, Moscow hosted the first All-Union Cat Show at which 12 Siberian cats were presented among the nearly 200 entries. A September show that same year saw entries of Siberian cats more than double.

Official Recognition

On September 16th in 1989, cat breeders applied to the Soviet Felinology Federation for an official registration of the Siberian Cat. The SFF itself was in its infancy having just been established earlier that year in April. Nearly a year later -- on Aug. 6, 1990, its status was granted. A second classification of the Siberian Cat known as the colorpoint was also registered.

Tags: Siberian cats, cats were

Cumberland Ohio Cabins

Cabins abound in the Cumberland area.

The town of Cumberland, in southeastern Ohio, offers attractions that bring guests from far and wide. The Wilds, one of the largest wildlife conservation centers in the world, gives open-range habitats to rare and endangered species. Other popular outdoor activities include hiking, horseback and bike riding, fishing and more. Stay at one of the region's rustic cabins during your visit to the Cumberland, Ohio, area.

Wolfie's Campground

Wolfie's Campground offers three cabins that sleep from three to eight guests. The cabins, while equipped with electricity, do not have water. Some cabins are air conditioned, have satellite television, refrigerators and microwaves.

On the grounds there is a heated saltwater pool, wireless internet access, hot showers, a basketball court and an outdoor movie theater. Just thirty minutes from Cumberland, Ohio, Wolfie's Campgrounds is conveniently located just a short drive from The Wilds Animal Park, the National Ceramic Museum and other parks and galleries.

Wolfie's Campground

101 Buckeye Drive

Zanesville, OH 43701

740-454-0925

www.wolfiescampground.com

Seneca Lake Cabins

Overlooking Ohio's third-largest lake, Seneca Lake Cabins offer modern amenities in rustic surroundings. Each cabin is secluded, ensuring guests enjoy a private vacation. Cabins are equipped with full kitchens, satellite television and private hot tubs for your enjoyment.

The grounds at Seneca Lake Cabins have gas grills, fire rings, hiking trails, a playground and an amphitheater. A full-service marina is also located on-site, in addition to a beach with a lifeguard and bath house.

The convenient location, less than a half hour from Cumberland, is easily accessible to golf courses and horseback and bike-riding trails.

Seneca Lake Cabins

P.O. Box 403

Senecaville, OH 43780

740-685-2896

www.senecalakecabins.com

Timberline Cabins

Located in the heart of Salt Fork Lake, just one half hour from Cumberland, the Timberline Cabins offers three cabins for your vacation accommodation needs. Each cabin has two bedrooms that sleep six to seven guests, in addition to a full kitchen, satellite television with a DVD player, a wood-burning fireplace, and a private deck with a charcoal grill. A hot tub also sits on the deck for your relaxation needs.

Nearby attractions include a golf course at the Salt Fork Lake Park, basketball courts by the beach, and trails for hiking and horseback riding wind throughout the region.

Timberline Cabins

65744 Endley Road,

Cambridge, Ohio 43725

740-432-9662

www.timberlinecabinsohio.com

Tags: Lake Cabins, Seneca Lake, Seneca Lake Cabins, Cumberland Ohio, from Cumberland

Calm A Nervous Rescue Dog

Rescue dogs are often nervous dogs, and care must be taken to calm them.

Once you have decided that you would like a new dog as a pet, you need to decide where you will get your new dog. Some people choose a pet store or breeder. Others choose a dog shelter or pet rescue. Getting a dog from a shelter or rescue can mean that the dog may have emotional or physical issues. Many dogs coming from rescues have been mistreated and are thus nervous dogs. You can help to calm a nervous dog and make it comfortable in your home.

Instructions

1. Visit the veterinarian for a checkup. Whenever you get a new dog, taking a trip to the veterinarian should be one of the first things you do. The veterinarian will examine your pet and can inform you of any underlying medical issues. If the nervousness of your rescue dog is unmanageable, the veterinarian can prescribe medication to help calm the dog.

2. Massage the dog. Dogs can experience the same relaxing benefits as humans from receiving a massage. Take a class from your veterinarian or a local massage therapist to learn helpful techniques. Go slowly, and use long, even strokes and gentle pressure. Experiment on your own to determine what your dog enjoys.

3. Give your dog plenty of exercise. Take your dog for a daily walk, a romp at a local dog park or a run in the backyard. A nervous pet needs a release for its energy; when a nervous dog is not exercised regularly, it may become destructive. Exercise will help a nervous dog calm down.

4. Set an example for your dog. A nervous, excitable dog is more likely to be calm if the owner is calm. Do not award nervous behavior, and exhibit calmness whenever you are around the dog. Dogs are naturally pack animals and follow the pack leader; establish yourself as the pack leader, and your dog will take its cues from you.

5. Introduce new people slowly. A nervous dog may get more nervous if it is introduced to too many things at once. Allow the dog to approach each person in its own time. As the dog becomes calmer, it will interact more with each member of the family and any others with whom it comes into contact.

6. Use natural calming remedies available for pets. These products are comprised of a mixture of natural ingredients that can have a calming effect on animals. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for this type of product. Watch the dog carefully to ensure that there are no negative effects.

Tags: help calm, nervous dogs, pack leader, shelter rescue, that have, your veterinarian

About Club Feet

About Club Feet

If your child is born with congential talipes equinovarus, it means that he has clubfoot. A clubfoot exhibits the following characteristics: downward-pointing toes; a rigidity in movements of the foot; inward turning of the front of the foot; resting of the foot on its outer border; an abnormal foot shape and a tightening of the heel cord, which is the Achilles tendon, according to Chealth.canoe.ca.

Genetic

Clubfoot may be genetic, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. If one parent had a clubfoot at birth, the likelihood that he will produce a child with a clubfoot is twice that of someone who didn't have a clubfoot. Both feet can be affected by this malady or just one. Boy babies are born with clubfeet more often than girls. Out of every 1,000 births, a clubfoot is apt to surface.

Expert Insight

The medical community isn't certain why a clubfoot occurs. When a baby has a clubfoot or feet, the foot will turn inward and it may look as though the top of the foot is where the bottom of the foot should be. The leg, calf and foot will be shorter and smaller than the unaffected leg/foot (if both feet aren't involved).

Considerations

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, clubfoot is not a painful condition; however, if it isn't treated it will lead to substantial discomfort as well as be disabling.

Ponseti Method

Over the past 15 years, doctors have begun leaning away from surgical correction of a clubfoot and more toward stretching the foot and casting it. This method is called Ponseti. When this option is chosen, the doctor will change the child's cast frequently over a period of several weeks with the goal being to stretch the foot in the right direction. After that is achieved, the heel cord is released and another cast is applied for several weeks.

Surgery

Sometimes the Ponseti method doesn't work and surgery must be done. This generally occurs when an infant is between nine and 12 months old. Following the surgery, the foot is put into a cast. Often, children must wear orthopedic shoes or even braces after surgery because their foot or feet may try to return to the clubfoot position. If your child undergoes surgery, his foot will probably be stiffer than it would be if he underwent the Ponseti method, but sometimes surgery is the only viable option.

Expected Outcomes

Once treated, the clubfoot still won't be 100 percent. It will be a size or more smaller than the unaffected foot and it will be less flexible and mobile than the good foot. The calf muscles on the clubfoot leg will be smaller than the calf muscle on the unaffected leg.

Tags: foot will, smaller than, About Club, About Club Feet, Academy Orthopaedic, Academy Orthopaedic Surgeons

Become A 501(C)(3) Business

Animal rescue is an exempt purpose under the Internal Revenue Code.

A 501(c)(3) business is an organization officially recognized by the IRS as being tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, otherwise known as a non-profit. The greatest benefit of being an official non-profit is the assurance that any donations, gifts or charitable contributions to the business are tax-deductible. Much paperwork is involved in becoming an IRS-recognized non-profit.

Instructions

1. Organize your business either as a trust, corporation or association according to the laws of your state. For information on organize a business in your state, check with your state tax commission or the secretary of state's office. Most states issue pamphlets on organize a small business. Fill out form SS-4 to get an Employer Identification Number. You will need an EIN to qualify for 501(c)(3) exemption.

2. Ensure that you have organized for an exempt purpose recognized under section 501(c)(3). The IRS defines exempt purposes as: "charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals."

3. Complete Form 1023 and be sure to attach exact copies of your business' organization documents. If your business has existed for fewer than three years, include financial statements for the current year and budgets for the next two years in Part IX on Form 1023.

4. If you would like to designate an attorney or other third party to represent you, fill out Form 2848 and attach it to your application.

5. Sign and date the application, attach the appropriate user fee. Page 12 of Form 1023 will help you determine the appropriate fee for your organization. Mail the completed application to:

Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 12192

Covington, KY 41012-0192

If you choose to use express mail or a delivery service such as FedEx or UPS, sent the application to:

Internal Revenue Service

201 W. Rivercenter Blvd.

Attn: Extracting Stop 312

Covington, Ky. 41011

Tags: Internal Revenue, Form 1023, your business, your state, application Internal

Zoo Writing Activities

Zoo-themed writing activities provide a reason to practice editing skills.

Zoo-themed creative writing activities help children develop and maintain their research, writing, editing and publishing skills while having fun. Writing from a zoo animal's point of view helps a child stretch his imagination. Crafting a call to action to help an endangered species uses the same writing skills children will need as adults. They will eventually compose presentations, proposals and business plans, document family and community events and write letters to family, friends, legislators or businesses.

Adopt a Zoo Writing Buddy

Telling stories from a zoo animal's point of view helps children practice empathy.

Writing buddy programs improve reading and writing skills by encouraging children to hug, read to and write to stuffed animals. One northwest Indiana school's sixth grade reading levels went from 47 percent to 93 percent after initiating a writing buddy program, states Purdue University Assistant Chancellor for Student Development & Outreach, Richard Riddering. (Reference 1)

Place a stuffed zoo animal in a book bag with a journal and pen. Include copies of magazine, newspaper or internet articles and short books about that animal and its habitat. Children take the book bag home, read one of the books or articles and write a journal entry from the zoo animal's point of view. Once each child has hosted the zoo writing buddy, the book bag goes to the next classroom. The children form relationships with the animal and with students from other classrooms, schools and communities around the world through their journal entries while practicing their writing skills.

Hold a Competition

Instead of the ice cream sundae theme that Pleasant Valley Elementary School in the Greater Johnstown, New York School District used for their contest, make a bulletin board with a grizzly bear, elephant, monkey or other zoo animal. Pleasant Valley students competed against faculty and staff to earn a chance to throw a pie in the principal's face. (Reference 2) For every essay, poem or story each child writes, the animal gets a habitat-related item, such as a bundle of grass for the elephant, a fish for a grizzly bear or bananas for a monkey.

"At the Zoo" Writing Fair

Hold a zoo-themed writing fair. Have students write to local and national zoos to ask about the animals they house and what everyone can do to help endangered species survive. Invite presenters from the nearest zoo to judge essays, poems, short stories and skit scripts that present information about an endangered zoo animal. Ask the zoo to display the top five submissions in their next newsletter.

Tags: animal point, animal point view, from animal, from animal point, point view

Brunch Restaurants In New York City

New York City has many great brunch restaurants.

In many parts of the country, diners may face a challenge trying to find a reputable restaurant that serves brunch. The challenge in New York City is different. New York boasts so many great brunch restaurants that it can be difficult to decide on one. From classy, upscale restaurants to friendly, down-home cafes, New York City has a number of options for a great brunch. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Penelope

Named after owner Jennifer Potenza's turtle, Penelope is a charming bakery, café and bar all in one. New York Magazine wrote that Penelope "feels like a New England country kitchen." Among the more interesting brunch menu items are French toast with a chocolate hazelnut filling, homemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, and the "Sam I Am," a scrambled egg dish with grilled asparagus and feta cheese. As of March 2010 the weekend brunch costs $14 and includes an apple cider mimosa or coffee and juice.

Penelope

159 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10016

212-481-3800

penelopenyc.com

River Café

The River Café has been a popular upscale eatery in Brooklyn since 1977. Located under the Brooklyn Bridge with a great view of Manhattan, the elegant café has been the setting for movies and television shows and has launched the careers of several world class chefs. The New York Times has praised the River Café's impressive wine selection. The restaurant's prices reflect its quality and fame, with a $55 fixed price brunch as of March 2010. Reservations for brunch are accepted up to a year in advance.

River Café

1 Water Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

718-522-5200

rivercafe.com

Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant

With selections like smoked salmon benedict, brioche French toast, the southern breakfast and huevos rancheros, the Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant is another brunch restaurant in the city worth checking out. Brunch is served on Saturdays, Sundays, and Fridays and Mondays of some holiday weekends like Labor Day. New York Magazine twice named Clinton St. Baking Company's pancakes the best in the city. With just 32 seats in its dining room, the restaurant does not take brunch reservations.

Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant

4 Clinton Street

New York, NY 10002

646-602-6263

clintonstreetbaking.com

The Stanton Social

The Stanton Social is a luxurious three-level restaurant with an atmosphere designed to recall the 1940s, from the staff uniforms to the fashionable furniture. The brunch menu at this Lower East Side bistro features such varied dishes as a Rhode Island lobster roll, chicken n' waffles, grilled apple and brie quesadilla, and caramelized banana pancakes. Drink options include a bittersweet mimosa, a combination of Guinness and champagne known as "black magic," and the "1940s L.E.S. Classic," a sundried tomato vodka.

The Stanton Social

99 Stanton Street

New York, NY 10002

212-995-0099

thestantonsocial.com

Tags: Baking Company, Clinton Baking, Clinton Baking Company, York City, Baking Company Restaurant, Company Restaurant, great brunch

Pug Dog Characteristics

Pugs have a variety of distinguishing characteristics.

Pugs are small, friendly dogs that are noted for their unusual appearance and endearing, often humorous behavior. Pugs are generally fawn or black in color. Although pugs are known as being good companion dogs and generally make very good pets, there are also some drawbacks to pug ownership, such as frequent health problems.

Temperament

Pugs are good-natured dogs and get along well with people and other animals. However, they can be stubborn animals at times, which can make them difficult to train or housebreak. With some pugs, the housebreaking process can take up to 6 months. Pugs are not mischievous by nature, but they can be somewhat childlike, meaning they need lots of attention and always want to be near you.

Physical Characteristics

Pugs are known for their short faces; small, stout bodies; and large, expressive eyes. They also have soft coats that are easy to groom, although they shed almost constantly. Pugs are also characterized by the large number of wrinkles on their foreheads.

Health Problems

A downside to owning pugs is their tendency to experience health problems. Their short faces, pinched nostrils and narrow windpipes make breathing difficult, so you should not smoke in the house if you own a pug. Their eyes are susceptible to injury because their shallow eye sockets mean their eyeballs protrude. The folds of skin in their faces can be breeding grounds for bacteria, so it is important to remove any bits of food from the folds after they eat. Pugs are also mouth breathers and tend to swallow air, which can lead to excess flatulence.

Sounds and Saliva

Because of their short faces and breathing difficulties, pugs make a variety of unusual sounds. They produce an odd-sounding bark and are always sniffling, snorting and wheezing. Pugs sleep through much of the day and snore loudly. Pugs are also known for slobbering and drooling, especially after eating or drinking.

Indoor Dogs

Pugs are best kept indoors, where they are less susceptible to extreme temperatures. In fact, extreme humidity can exacerbate their breathing difficulties. Pugs do not like to exercise, which contributes to their tendency to gain weight. Therefore, you should be careful not to overfeed your pug.

Tags: Pugs also, short faces, breathing difficulties, health problems, their short faces, their tendency

Christian Spa Retreats For Women

A spa retreat is the perfect getaway from life's stressors.

Spa retreats are an excellent way to relieve the stress and tension of everyday life, whether it be for a single hour or several days. For Christian women searching for spiritual as well as physical relief, there are a variety of spas across the United States offering an array of services and retreat options. Does this Spark an idea?

Christian Wellness Center and Day Spa

Located in Tyler, Texas, the Christian Wellness Center and Day Spa allows Christian women to retreat from the stressors of their lives for a single day or afternoon. The center specializes in colonics and colon-hydrotherapies to help women feel healthier, while the reflexology services help to lessen the tension. With a Christian-centered atmosphere, the center seeks to provide spiritual relief through addressing the concerns of the body.

Christian Wellness Center and Day Spa

1011 Englewood Avenue, Tyler TX 75702

903-593-4025

Total Health Spa at the Total Health Institute

Founded by Dr. Keith and Laurie Nemec, as a Christian-centered holistic treatment facility, the Total Health Institute is located in Wheaton, Illinois and offers one to four week programs. In addition, the institute offers a health spa for women that combines various treatments to help women feel healthier and more centered, including lymphatic drainage therapy, colon hydrotherapy, detoxification therapy, oxygen and infrared therapy as well as therapeutic massage. In addition to treatments that target the functioning of the body, the spa also offers beauty treatments such as microdermabrasion, organic peels, photo-rejuvenation, oxygen facials, and photodynamic skin tightening.

Total Health Spa at the Total Health Institute

23W525 Saint Charles Road in Wheaton, IL

630-871-0000

http://www.totalhealthinstitute.com/spa.html

Evensong by the Sea: Retreat and Spirituality Center

In beautiful Cape Cod, Evensong by the Sea: Retreat and Spirituality Center offers a variety of spiritual retreats for individual women and groups. Personal retreats are constructed to allow individuals time to reflect and recoup their inner peace through prayer, reflection, recreation, and time spent in nature. With beaches, water-related leisure activities such as fishing and boating, as well as hiking or walking through the onsite meditative labyrinth, a peaceful stay is guaranteed. Personal retreats require a minimum stay of two nights but can be as many as five or eight nights; there is also a 30-day Franciscan retreat option. The cost for personal private retreats is $125 per night, which includes meals; spiritual direction and Reiki appointments are available at extra cost. Evensong offers a unique opportunity to commune with God in a natural setting.

Evensong by the Sea: Retreat and Spirituality Center

326 Lower County Road, Harwich Port, MA

508-432-0027

www.evensongretreat.com

Tags: Total Health, Christian Wellness, Christian Wellness Center, Evensong Retreat, Evensong Retreat Spirituality, Health Institute

Careers Dealing With Newborn Babies

Newborns require a lot of attention and care.

As soon as a newborn child is born, he needs plenty of attention and care. Careers that deal with the immediate specific needs of a child in his very first stages of life include neonatal nurses, lactation consultants and postpartum doulas. Other careers that deal with newborns in the recreational field include nanny or a babysitter and preschool caregivers for toddlers. Whether looking in the medical field or the recreational field, all jobs are pertinent for the development of your newborn.

Medical Field

A lactation consultant is there to help make breastfeeding as comfortable as possible for baby and mommy. Consultants teach the proper way for an infant to latch on and be sure he is getting enough milk at each feeding. Postpartum doulas are also known as baby nurses and newborn specialists. Though a postpartum doula is not a registered nurse, she should be highly experienced and proficient in every aspect of newborn baby care as well as parental education and support. This includes such duties as changing and burping after feeding and caring for your infant while you get much needed rest. Other careers in the medical field include neonatal nurses, pediatric nurse practitioners and pediatric audiologists, who check the hearing of newborns.

Recreation Field

The objective of a nanny is to provide the best care to the infant as a parent would. Nannies normally care for the infant in the private home and provide support and expertise to parents by satisfying the physical, intellectual and emotional needs of the infant. Along with caring for the child, duties may include meal preparation and light housework such as laundry. As a nanny, you should be proficient in performing first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when required.

Educational Field

Many times, preschools offer child care for infants and toddlers to working parents. The infant caregiver in a preschool must be proficient in emergency health care such as administering CPR and first aid. Changing diapers and clothes as needed is another requirement. While the parent supplies the food and snacks, it is the caregiver who feeds the infant on a schedule. Another duty is to regulate the child's rest periods and naps, ensuring he has sufficient rest. Regular meetings with parents are encouraged for updates on the infant's development.

Other Careers

Other careers not necessarily specific to newborn care include photography, social work and children's clothing store retail. These professions work with children of all ages.

Tags: attention care, care infant, deal with, field include, include neonatal, include neonatal nurses

Understand The Advantages Of Adopting A German Shepherd Dog

There are many advantages to adopting a German shepherd.

German shepherds, also known as Alsatians, originated in Germany at the turn of the 20th century. It wasn't long before representatives of the breed left the country for other areas, and the result is one of the most recognizable and versatile breeds of dogs. Puppies are bred for a number of reasons and qualities, and while some are destined to be family pets others have the strength and drive that makes them excellent search and rescue, or police dogs. Before choosing to adopt one, it is important to know just what you're getting into.

Instructions

1. Read up on the breed profile from organizations like the American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club. These descriptions will give a good idea of the characteristics for which the dog was bred. German shepherds were created to be loyal, protective and brave companions, and the breed standard is what breeders strive to have their dogs achieve. It will also give an idea of how breeders select pairs of dogs to breed, and what traits they are looking for.

2. Listen to people who have German shepherds already. The best spokespeople for a breed are those who share their homes with them. Whether it's from talking to people at the dog park or reading online message boards, you can learn a lot about everyday life with their dogs. They will be able to tell you how the characteristics of the breed manifest themselves in everyday life. They will also be able to tell you just what the muscular build of the dog allows it to do, and what kinds of friendships this loyal, devoted companion has made.

3. Spend time at an animal rescue shelter. There are German shepherd rescue organizations across the country, and spending some time volunteering there can give some practical, hands-on experience. These rescues typically take in not only purebred shepherds but shepherd mixes. Working with them will also introduce you to an entire range of shepherd personalities. Hearing the stories of some of the dogs and all that they have gone through before coming to the shelter can give a new perspective on the difficult lives that some of these dogs have, and a new-found respect for the fearlessness and determination that has long been bred into German shepherds.

4. Watch canine demonstrations through the police department or any other organization that trains and uses German shepherds for work. Many of these trainers become so closely bonded with their dogs that they are more than just a part of the family. They are relied on in life and death situations and trusted as much as any human partner would be. German shepherds are one of the most popular breed choices for law enforcement, search and rescue and military dogs. Seeing the bond between the German Shepherd and his trainer/owner is an inspiring thing, as is knowing that one of the characteristics of the German Shepherd is the ability to form that bond with their primary caregiver and other members of the family.

Tags: German shepherds, German Shepherd, their dogs, will also, with their

Pick The Right Poodle Puppy

Choose a poodle puppy that suits you.

While many poodle lovers will claim that every poodle is perfect, it is important to choose a puppy that is perfect for you. While most poodle puppies are energetic and playful, potential owners should find a puppy that suits their lifestyles and personalities. Since the puppy will not tell you its likes, dislikes, hobbies and other personality traits, it is up to you to know what to look for in a poodle puppy. Fortunately, there are a few ways to pick the poodle puppy that is best for you.

Instructions

1. Observe the entire litter of poodle puppies. If all but one or two puppies are shy, running away from you or barking out of fear, you should probably move on and find another breeder, according to "Your Purebred Puppy." Even the dogs that aren't backing away from you probably are a bit shy and timid, which can lead to fear aggression when the poodle puppy turns into an adult.

2. Watch the behavior of the poodle puppies. Many owners go for the pup that is running around, jumping on them, taking the toy out of their hands and is extremely outgoing. While this is fun and cute for the hour you are at the breeders, it is probably going to be annoying when the poodle puppy is in your home, chewing on and destroying everything in sight. Instead, look for the poodle puppy that doesn't bark or growl with its litter mates but who wags its tail and seems happy playing around.

3. Look at the appearance of the poodle puppies. White poodles are prone to tear staining---a discoloration that begins at the eyes and runs down the poodle's face, caused by eye drainage. Avoid any poodle puppies that already have this staining, suggests the "Official Poodle Guide" website, as it could be an indication of eyelid or eye shape abnormalities or infection, irritation or inflammation of the eye. In addition, avoid any puppies that have hair loss or other cosmetic issues or that appear sick or listless.

4. Spend time with a poodle puppy when it is away from its litter mates. It is helpful to see how a puppy will react with you when it is by itself. The puppy's personality may vary when it doesn't have its siblings around. The way the puppy behaves with you when it is alone is a better indicator of its true personality than how it acts when around its siblings.

Tags: poodle puppies, poodle puppy, puppy that, away from, poodle puppy that, litter mates

Government Grants For Wild Horse Adoption

Each animal requires a minimum of 400 square feet of enclosed space.

The federal government's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) operates the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, designed to help the wild animals thrive. According to BLM, the animals are descended from horses and burros released by Spanish explorers and Native Americans, among others. Those who are interested in preserving the animals may qualify for a government grant that will help pay for their purchase and care.

Nevada Training and Adoption

Individuals interested in caring for wild horses or burros in Clark or Lincoln Counties in Nevada may be interested in the Training-Adoption Mentoring Project. The total funding for the grant is $52,000, and grant awards range from $500 to $10,400. There are no restrictions on who may apply for the grant. Susan Kaller, a grants and agreements specialist, administers the program. As of 2011, she can be reached at 775-861-6559.

Utah

The Bureau also offers grants to Utah residents and governments, both state and local. The program, called the Utah Wild Horse and Burro Program, is funded at almost $1.1 million, with a range of funding from $155,000 to the entire grant. The purpose of the grant is to place the animals into private ownership, while the horses will be trained to use in the emerging scientific field of Equine Assisted Therapy. Maria Gochis, also a grants and agreements specialist, administers the grant. As of 2011, she be reached at 801-539-4178.

Nevada Holding and Training

Nevada is home to another BLM grant called the Nevada Wild Horse Holding and Training Program. It's funded at $3.125 million, and has a maximum grant award of $625,000. Eligibility is unrestricted, but funds must be used to care for the horses properly, while also ensuring their future adoption or use, and provides essential holding capacity for the horses. Susan Kaller administers this program, in addition to Nevada's training and adoption grant program.

A Warning About Grants

Individuals who would like to apply for federal grant money to adopt wild horses or burros should be aware that there are several legal organizations that charge for grant information, even though it's free on the Internet. The federal government does not ask applicants to provide credit card numbers or social security numbers on grant applications. The grants website, Grants.gov, provides all of the information a potential grantee needs to apply for a grant, including instructions and contact information.

Tags: Wild Horse, horses burros, 2011 reached, agreements specialist, agreements specialist administers, apply grant, Burro Program

Pest Control Schools Near Pensacola Florida

In Florida, pest control is a regulated trade.

In Florida, pest-control education is governed by the Florida Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control. According to their website, everyone who works in this field must be licensed by this Bureau, and there are no basic educational requirements for entry-level pest-control workers. They are expected to train on the job. However, if a worker wishes to become a certified pest-control operator, he must pass examinations and possibly receive more education, depending on the type of license or certificate he wants. Pest-control workers in the Pensacola area have some options when selecting a nearby school.

Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College is located at Lake City, Florida. This college offers an applied technology diploma in pest-control operations. It takes two semesters of full-time study to complete. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension website, after completion of this program a student will be qualified to take the Pest Control Operator examination, provided that she has the requisite employment experience.

149 SE College Place

Lake City, FL 32025

(386) 752-1822

https://www.fgc.edu/

University of Florida

The University of Florida at Gainesville administers a program in Pest Control through their Faculty of Entomology and Nematology. Certificates in Urban Pest Management, Landscape Pest Management and Pest Control Technology can be earned there. The program takes three years to complete through distance education.

University of Florida

Faculty of Entomology and Nematology

Bldg. 970 Natural Area Drive

Gainesville, FL 32611

(352) 392-1901

Florida Pest Education Tutoring School

According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension website, workers who have 3 years of experience in the field can apply for certification as a pest-control operator without attending a college program. According to the Florida Pest Control Tutoring School website, this particular school offers 5 hours of classes, all on the same day, in the Gainesville area. The focus is upon preparation for the examinations for general household pest and lawn ornamental pest-control operator certification. Classes are all held on a day that is close to the examination date and additional student support is offered.

Florida Pest Education Tutoring School

2247 Citrus Blvd. #316

Leesburg, FL 34748

(352) 638-0956

Tags: Pest Control, University Florida, pest-control operator, Tutoring School, According University, According University Florida

Get Started Trapping Raccoons

Raccoons may appear cute and cuddly, but that's not the case.

The raccoon is among the most industrious animals, able to thrive in both wilderness and urban habitats. These animals are omnivorous scavengers and not the least bit picky about what they eat. Raccoons typically make a den in a tree or a hollow, but they also can find their way into attics and crawl spaces. Trapping raccoons is common in neighborhoods and usually performed by animal-control specialists. Trapping is also done for a source of food and fur by some hunters.

Instructions

1. Consult with your local animal-control office or department of wildlife to see if you need a license to trap raccoons, or if any laws exist prohibiting trapping raccoons in your community. A hunting license or a trapping license or permit may be required.

2. Locate the raccoon's den. If attempting to trap in the wild, look for tracks leading to hollow tree trunks, holes near tree bases or claw marks heading up trees toward the top. At your home or property, look in barns, sheds, near available food sources, in your attic or under the home if it's elevated.

3. Purchase a few traps corresponding to the size of the raccoon you're attempting to trap. Determine if you want to use live traps or killing traps. Both are available at sporting goods or home and garden stores. Typically for small raccoons, trap dimensions of 10 inches wide, 1 foot high and 32 inches long will be suitable. For larger raccoons, dimensions should be about 1.5 feet wide, 2 feet high and 40 inches long.

4. Read the instructions for setting and handling the trap. Set traps during the day, near the area frequented by raccoons.

5. Place bait in the trap and in a trail leading to the trap from the raccoon's living area. For bait, raccoons' favorites include fruits, nuts, berries, insects and eggs, but almost any food will work. Avoid meat, which may attract other animals, such as opossums or cats. Check your traps at least on a daily basis.

Tags: attempting trap, high inches, high inches long, inches long, raccoon attempting, raccoon attempting trap

Help Your Horse Gain Weight

A companion may help if your horse exhibits signs of stress.

Talk with your veterinarian if your horse is too thin. Work together to devise a strategy to help your horse gain weight safely. To do this properly, you need to do more than offer her food. Without the proper knowledge, feeding your thin horse more may not help. Rule out underlying health issues and reduce her stress level. If she spends a great deal of time walking or running along the fence, she's just burning more calories. An animal companion, such as a horse, a pony or a goat, may help your horse stay calm and relaxed.

Instructions

1. Check your horse's teeth, especially if he's older. With horses, their teeth keep growing. This may result in an older horse with missing or overgrown teeth. If he's missing teeth, he needs special care; a soft mash diet of senior feed and hay chaff usually works well. Have his teeth floated if they're overgrown -- this includes filing and sometimes snipping. Overgrown teeth can cause mouth injuries and pain, and may prevent proper chewing. Don't float your horse's teeth yourself. Get a farrier or a qualified veterinarian to do it for you.

2. Follow a deworming schedule. Ask your vet to run a fecal test to determine whether your horse has parasites if you aren't sure of her medical history.

3. Give your horse psyllium for seven days straight once a month if he feeds from the ground or grazes in places where he can ingest sand -- this can make a horse feel full when he should be hungry. Psyllium cleans out your horse's colon, which enables his body to get back on track so he can digest food properly. This step isn't necessary in snowy areas.

4. Talk with your horse's veterinarian about vitamins. Supplements may help your horse gain weight.

5. Avoid grains with a high fat content. High-fat grain puts your horse at risk of developing diarrhea, which will only hinder his progress. It could also dehydrate your horse. Feed your horse a grain that's high in beet pulp. Confer with your vet to figure out the best grain and feeding schedule for your horse.

6. Don't free feed hay if your horse is particularly thin or emaciated. Limit his roughage at first. His body must work hard to break down and digest hay. Offer him the already somewhat broken down hay chaff -- shake your hay leaves or bales. Slightly dampen this before offering it to him to prevent him from inhaling dust. Don't let damp hay sit for any length of time. Monitor and remove it within a few hours, especially if it's hot outside. Refer to your veterinarian to find out how much broken down hay chaff to give your horse. If he's in bad shape, his vet may not allow hay for the first week.

Tags: your horse, your horse, help your, help your horse, with your

Create A Pdf Fillin Form For Your Website

Create a PDF Fill-In Form for Your Website

The Portable Document Format (PDF) conversion file type has many opportunities for obtaining and converting data for tracking and storage. Because anyone with a PDF viewing program installed on their computer can view the material, it is a popular format for posting documents, such as forms, on the Internet. A PDF form posted on a website may be downloaded, filled out and returned. The data from the forms can be converted to a text or data file and dropped into a spreadsheet or database. You can create a PDF fill in form for your website, with the right application, by following a few steps.

Instructions

1. Download and install a PDF writer onto your computer. Make certain the program you choose has features that allow you to create form fields. PDF writing programs that have features, such as those necessary to create forms, may be somewhat expensive. PDFill is used for the steps that follow, and you may download the program for free at www.pdfill.com.

2. Launch the PDFill PDF Editor portion of the PDFill program. If you want to use an existing document to create the form for your website, click once on the "Open new PDF project" option under the "File" drop down menu and move to step 4. If you want to build a form from the ground up, click once on the "Open new blank PDF project" option under the "File" drop down menu and move to step 3.

3. Select a page format for the form you want to create for your website on the "New Blank Page Properties" window. These options are basically the same as a word processing document, as you may choose landscape or portrait, as well as the page height and width. If necessary, you may change the background color of the page on which the form will appear using the "Background Color" feature. After you have finished adjusting the page format, click once on the "OK" button.

4. Use the "Insert SingleLine Text" and "Insert MultipleLine Text" buttons to add text boxes to the form. These should not be confused with the "Text Box" form field, which would be used to collect a free-form text response on the form.

Click once in a location on the document where you want to add text and a box will populate that area. To add text, just begin typing and your text will appear in the box. The text properties for the "SingleLine" and "MultipleLine" boxes may be adjusted by clicking once on the border. The text properties within the selected box may then be adjusted using the options on the font formatting toolbar, similar to a word processing program.

5. Insert form fields, such as check boxes and radio buttons, using the available tools on the "Forms" toolbar.

Click once in a location on the document where you want to add a form field and drag down and to the right while holding down the mouse button to position the form field. After you create a form field, a "Properties" window will automatically generate. Use this window to edit any specific properties and click once on the "OK" button.

Use the "Select to edit" option under the "Edit" menu to edit a form field's size and appearance. Highlight a field that you want to change and click once on the "Edit Current Object's Properties" button on the "Forms" toolbar. You may move any form fields and text boxes by clicking once on the border and dragging to an alternate area of the page while holding down the mouse button.

6. Click once on "Save Project As" in the "File" menu to save the form for your website. If you find that the form needs to be adjusted in the future, click once on the "File" menu and select "Open Project to resume editing." The file is now ready to be used in connection with your website.

Tags: form field, click once, create form, form fields, option under

Catch A Squirrel In The House

Red Squirrel

You don't want a squirrel in your house, and usually, the squirrel doesn't want to be there either. Typically it's red squirrels who find their way in, as they can fit into small points of entry, and they are also livelier and more inquisitive than the larger gray squirrels. If a squirrel gets inside, the first thing to do is secure any pets in a different room with the door closed. Next it's time to deal with the squirrel itself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

A Room With a Doorway

1. Barricade the squirrel in one room if possible, either by closing a door or setting up a large sheet of plywood.

2. Move slowly and cautiously in this room so as not to antagonize the squirrel.

3. Open windows so the squirrel can get out. If the room has a door to the outside, open that too.

4. Pop out any window screens.

5. Leave the house for 10 minutes. The squirrel will usually find its way out quickly.

Open Spaces in the House

6. Open some windows and doors in the rooms near the squirrel, if the animal is in an the basement or an open space that you cannot barricade.

7. Pop out any window screens.

8. Leave the house for 10 minutes. Again, the squirrel will probably find its way out quickly once it realizes no people are in the house.

Live Traps

9. Set up a live trap to catch the squirrel if it is still inside. These are available in single- and double-door models from companies such as Havahart. Single door traps are about 18 inches long, while double door models are about 24 inches. Both are about 5 inches wide and tall.

10. Use peanut butter, nuts or sunflower seeds, or any combination of the three, as bait.

11. Leave the house for at least a half hour so the squirrel has a chance to find the trap and be caught.

12. Release the squirrel outside the house if this is a one-time fluke occurrence. You can than block or repair the place it entered.

13. Release the squirrel at least five miles away if you have good reason to think it will come back inside. This is considered a less animal-friendly option, however, because squirrels are very territorial: if you move a squirrel in this way, the animal can find it extremely difficult to survive.

14. Try calling Animal Control if you're not sure what to do, but they probably will not come over for a squirrel.

Tags: about inches, Leave house, find quickly, house minutes, Leave house minutes

Adopt A Kitty

Bring a furry feline into your household.

If you want a fluffy and small friend in your life, one option is to adopt a kitten. A lot of benefits are associated with owning a cat, including companionship and affection. Although the kitten adoption process is relatively simple, it's important to first consider all the responsibilities that come with having a cat.

Instructions

1. Understand that getting a kitten is a long-term commitment. Cats often reach 20 years or longer in age. As cuddly and cute as a kitten is, it requires many years of care. You must put in the time and money necessary to keep the cat healthy and thriving. These costs include cat food, litter and veterinary bills -- including shots, microchipping and medical care.

2. Look for available kittens. Options for finding available cats include animal shelters, pet rescues and breeders. Since you're looking for a kitten, a breeder may be your best option as some animal shelters and rescues tend to have older and abandoned strays. Yet other shelters frequently get kittens birthed by stray mothers, so call your local shelters to check if any are available. Browse through Internet listings on websites like Petfinder.com, Craigslist.org and Pets4You.com. Look through newspaper classified ads. Visit local shelters in person. Go to pet stores near you and look at the bulletin board. And ask family members, friends and coworkers.

3. Visit the kitten. If you hear or read about a kitten that interests you, visit it. Interact with the kitty before you officially adopt it. When you visit the shelter, breeder or foster owner, ask detailed questions. What is the history of the kitten? Is it female or male? Has it had all the appropriate vaccinations? Does it interact well with the other cats? How is its temperament? While getting your questions answered, examine the kitten closely to see if it looks clean and healthy -- from its fur to its eye area. Take your time and be choosy when it comes to picking out a kitten.

4. Answer questions. If you seem serious about adopting a kitten, a reputable breeder or shelter rep will ask you a lot of questions to make sure you are legitimate. These questions include everything from whether you plan to breed the animal to how often you are away from home. Be prepared to answer these queries as honestly as possible.

5. Indicate your interest. If you are comfortable with the circumstances and think you have found your kitten, tell the seller you wish to adopt it. Ask about any papers you may receive as part of the adoption. Also inquire about the payment procedure. How much does the animal cost, and what type of payment is accepted? If you do adopt the kitten, when it will be ready to bring home?

6. Prepare your home. Before bringing a kitten into your home, make sure everything is all set up. Purchase food for your kitten. To slowly adjust your pet to its new life, try to feed it the same food it ate before, at least in the beginning. Other things you need to prepare include a scratching post, toys, litter tray, and bowls for food and water. If you have other cats in your home, slowly introduce the new kitten as to not shock any of them. Keep the new addition in a separate room for a few days, if possible. They'll get used to each others' scents by sniffing under the door, and feel less threatened when they finally meet.

Tags: your home, adopt kitten, animal shelters, animal shelters rescues, into your

Get A Passport In Los Angeles

If you want to get a passport and you live in Los Angeles, you’re in luck. Los Angeles is one of just 14 cities in the United States with a Passport Agency office of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA), where you can apply for a passport and get it with a minimum of waiting time. To do this, you do need to make an appointment, but according to the BCA, you can expect to receive your passport in about two weeks. If you are not in a hurry to get your passport, you can also go to any of the designated public facilities that can accept passport applications, although the wait to get a passport in Los Angeles is longer if you do. Steps 1 to 4 describe get a passport in Los Angeles from the local Passport Agency office. Step 5 explains locate the public facility nearest you, if you choose to go that route.

Instructions

1. Gather the necessary documents. You will need proof of citizenship. For most people, this means a certified copy of their birth certificate or a previously issued passport. Alternate documents include a naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. A driver’s license or other government-issued ID is also required. You must also provide a Social Security number. Finally, fill out an application (Form DS-11). The best way to do this is to use the Document Wizard (link below) and print out the form. However, DO NOT sign the form until the agent tells you to. (He must witness your signature.)

2. Have two prints of a recent (no more than six months old) color photo measuring 2"x2". Dress In normal street attire for the photograph, and don’t wear a hat. You must provide pictures and the documentation listed in Step 1 for anyone seeking a passport, including infants.

3. Make an appointment at the office of the Los Angeles Passport Agency. You can apply at this office only by appointment, and all persons applying must appear in person (including children). Call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment. The address of the office is 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90024-3615.

4. Pay the fees for the passports you order. A regular adult passport is $75. For a child 16 or under, the cost is $60. A passport card is $20 ($10 for children). In addition, there will be a $25 execution fee for each of these passport documents, regardless of type or the age of the recipient. Once you’ve completed the application process, allow about two weeks for your passports to arrive.

5. Avoid having to make an appointment or driving a long distance by placing your passport application at one of the alternative public facilities that are authorized to accept them. The application procedure is the same, so this is a convenient option if time isn’t an issue. To locate the facility nearest you, choose the “Office Locator” link below and use the search engine (it’s easiest just to input your zip code). If you choose to apply this way, allow at least four weeks for delivery.

Tags: make appointment, Passport Agency, your passport, about weeks, Agency office, apply this

Handicap Grade A Greyhound Races

Grade A greyhound races have the best dogs at the track squaring off against each other. From a handicapper’s view, the dogs in Grade A are the ones who show the best form on a regular basis. This makes them more predictable, but at the same time decreases your chances of a high payoff, as the mere fact that they are in the highest possible grade shows that they are hitting on all cylinders. Here is some insight into wager on Grade A dog races at the track you frequent.

Instructions

1. Don’t try to beat the superstars. The very best greyhounds at the track are going to go off at low odds--often at dimes to the dollar. The temptation is to ignore them and try to find a dog that can pull an upset, so you can make a big score. This strategy is flawed. Unless one of the best dogs at the track is in a terrible post position with the chance for early trouble, they are going to give a good account of themselves. Rather than looking for a miracle, be content to try to find the best-value wager with the big favorite. Perhaps you can load up on an exacta that may pay twice as much as a quiniela with this racer.

2. Make the youngsters prove they belong. Dogs that rush up the grading ladder are in for a rude awakening once they get to Grade A. They may have coasted through the lower grades and then won their B race, but A is a whole new ballgame. In A, they can’t afford a single mistake in the early going, or they will find themselves in unfamiliar territory. The number of dogs that go straight up through the ranks and then dominate in A is minuscule. Until these hotshots establish that they are to be taken seriously, go with more seasoned veterans.

3. Know that early speed is going to win the majority of grade-A races. Come-from-behind dogs win their share, but the odds are in the favor of the dog that is leading at the first turn in A. Closers have to overtake and pass the early foot specialists that are chasing the leader. Any bumps or hesitation mean they won’t have time to catch up. Figure out who is going to the front in grade A and use that dog prominently in your wagers.

4. Avoid shippers from lesser tracks. Dogs that come to better tracks from inferior ones are going to at best take some time to make the transition to the new oval, and will at worst be way over their heads until they drop down in grade. The top tracks, like Derby Lane and Palm Beach, are so superior to most facilities that it takes a special dog to walk in and have success.

5. Use track websites to decide between evenly matched dogs. Grade-A races often come down to a choice between two dogs. If you are handicapping at a track that has replay archives, take a look at how the dogs in question perform from the boxes they have drawn. Derby Lane and Palm Beach Kennel Club both have excellent websites that allow you to do this.

Tags: that they, best dogs, best dogs track, Derby Lane, Derby Lane Palm, Dogs that, dogs track

Natural Habitat Of Siberian Tigers

A Siberian tiger in the forest.

Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, are the largest of the wild cats. Adults are up to 13 feet long and can weigh up to 700 pounds. They live 10 to 15 years in the wild. These powerful animals have an extensive habitat, though it is becoming more and more threatened due to hunting and human settlement.

Natural Habitat

Siberian tigers live predominantly in Russia's birch forests but are also found in China and North Korea. Their habitat ranges from Siberia to the forests of the Amur Basin. According to National Geographic, there were only 400 to 500 Siberian tigers living in the wild in 2010. Though colder in climate, Russia's forests offer the Siberian tiger protection since the forests are more remote. There are fewer humans living close by, and their prey is more plentiful.

Protecting Offspring

Siberian tiger mothers protect their cubs while the fathers hunt. The mothers wean the cubs at two to four months, but she will protect them from predators and male tigers for another two years. Cubs learn hunt once they reach 16 months old, and at two to three years old they leave their parents and find their own territories.

Predators Within Their Habitat

The main predator of Siberian tigers is man. Overall tiger populations--including tigers that aren't Siberian and tigers in captivity--have decreased from hundreds of thousands to approximately 5,000 to 7,000, due to forest destruction and hunting, National Geographic asserts. A very real threat to Siberian tigers is poaching, though it has declined.

Prey Within Their Habitat

Siberian tigers hunt lynx, fish, birds, rabbits, moose, deer, bear, elk, hares, cattle, goats, pigs and small animals. Their primary food source is antelopes, rodents and buffaloes. They will travel many miles to find their prey. It is rare that a Siberian tiger hunts humans. In these cases it is usually due to illness, lack of prey, or human encroachment on their land.

Protection for an Endangered Species

The Siberian tiger is a critically endangered species. Along with poaching and forest destruction, Siberian tigers are hunted for their fur and body parts. Chinese medicine uses bones and other body parts for healing purposes. According to the "Explore the Wild" website, in 1991 an estimated one-third of the Siberian tiger population was killed for this purpose. Since 1993 it is illegal to use tiger bones for medicinal purposes. According to the Animal Welfare Institute, there are strong conservation efforts in place to protect the Siberian tiger and its habitat.

Tags: Siberian tigers, Siberian tiger, Habitat Siberian, body parts, find their, forest destruction

Build A Bird Crate For Shipping

Bird crates are designed to keep birds safe and comfortable during transport. Such crates can vary greatly in size and detail. Here's a way to build your own bird crate that is sturdy enough to hold your feathered friend for a trip.

Instructions

1. Cut six pieces of plywood with your skill saw. Make sure they are all the same height and width and at least double the height and breadth of your bird.

2. Cut 8 pieces of pine board. These will form the top and bottom framework for your crate. They should be as long as the plywood pieces are wide.

3. Cut each piece of plywood in half. Cut an inch out of each board lengthwise straight down the middle.

4. Make the crate frames. Glue and screw the pine boards together to make two squares.

5. Add sides to your bird crate. You will use the plywood pieces to make the slats in the crate. Nail two pieces to each side of the squares. One pine square will be the top, and one the bottom. Use at least 4 nails for each plywood slat on each end. There will be small spaces in the middle of each side.

6. The the drill and jigsaw to carve out an opening for the bird. Drill a large hole where you want one corner of the opening to be. Use the jigsaw to finish cutting it out.

7. Provide a perch for the bird by inserting the dowel rod. The dowel needs to be slightly longer than the width of the cage. Drill one hole on each side of the cage directly across from one another so that you can slide the dowel all the way through and secure it with glue.

8. Staple the chicken wire over the door once your bird is inside. This will give the bird plenty of air, but will not allow it to escape.

Tags: your bird, each side, bird crate, plywood pieces, your bird crate

Restaurants In Ewing New Jersey

Dining destinations in Ewing, New Jersey

Ewing is situated in Mercer County along the Delaware River. Popular activities in the area include fishing, pottery-making and hunting. Boasting many creeks and natural resources, Ewing is also home to various dining destinations serving different cuisines. If you are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, Ewing has several restaurants worth visiting locally and nearby.

Erini Restaurant

A stylish and elegant restaurant with a casual ambiance, Erini was named after the owner's late mother. The restaurant is located near the Delaware River, close to principal routes in the area. This modern Mediterranean-American inspired restaurant uses the freshest ingredients in order to serve high quality, delicious and healthy foods. Erini prides itself on supporting local farmers, and the restaurant offers a variety of foods to choose from for both lunch and dinner. Erini also has a bar, an outdoor patio and WiFi. The restaurant caters banquets, private parties and special occasions.

Erini Restaurant

1140 River Road

Ewing, NJ 08628

609-882-0303‎

erinirestaurant.com

The Firkin Tavern

Firkin Tavern offers numerous selections of draft and bottled beers and a food menu that is available for lunch and dinner. Aside from the usual favorites like sandwiches, burgers and a chicken dinner, Firkin’s special menu differs every night. The tavern also features a game room with air hockey tables, dart boards, pool tables, shuffle board tables, video games, and a life-size Jenga.

The Firkin Tavern

1400 Parkway Avenue

Ewing, NJ 08628-3021

609-771-0100‎

firkintavern.com

Revere Ristorante

Revere Ristorante is located less than 10 minutes from Ewing, in West Trenton, New Jersey. Originally established in the 1700s as a ferry house, this locale has been a tavern, and a hotel; the site was destroyed by a flood in 1955. In 1965, a new Revere was reopened, and since then it has made its name popular with its traditional and delicious Italian fare at reasonable prices.

Revere Ristorante

802 River Road

West Trenton, NJ 08628

609-882-6365‎

revereristorante.com

Tags: Firkin Tavern, Revere Ristorante, Delaware River, Erini Restaurant, Ewing Jersey

Become An Elder Care Advocate

An elder-care advocate works with you and your doctor to help ensure you receive the care that best fits your needs. The advocate can help you prepare a long-term plan of care based on your own financial resources. Elder-care advocates help people navigate complex medical, bureaucratic and financial systems. Their needs are multifaceted, and the laws constantly are evolving. The role of an elder-care advocate also will evolve as the individual's needs change.

Instructions

1. Develop a passion for human rights in the area for elder care. People who are elderly often need help navigating systems they are unfamiliar with. They fall prey to people who look to steal or abuse them. There are no federal mandates requiring licensure for elder-care advocates. Being an advocate for the elderly takes commitment and love for the job.

2. Learn the elder-rights policies and legislation in your state. Be able to apply these policies to specific individual cases. Patients have the right to manage their own medical decisions and might need your help communicating their wishes to their medical professionals.

3. Learn the resources available to the client at the state, local and family levels. Know the funding sources of each resource. Be aware of any restrictions that are placed on assessing the resources. Government resources often are tied to the family's ability to pay or their level of income. Know these rules.

4. Develop a filing system that maintains the confidentiality of your clients. Allow limited access to the files. Only employees who work directly with the client should have access to the case file. Occasionally, a supervisor might need to view the file to monitor your quality of work, but they should not have ongoing access to the client's information.

5. Receive training in financial planning and management. Helping people who are elderly leverage their limited financial resources may be your most demanded service. You will likely need training to effectively help people develop budgets that allow them to maintain their lifestyle, have adequate food, clothing and shelter and pay for unexpected health care costs. Further financial management may be required if the client suddenly needs to receive support through home health care services in order to remain in their home.

6. Listen to your clients. Being a good elder-care advocate will require you to become familiar with the needs of each client and to treat each with respect.

Tags: elder-care advocate, financial resources, health care, help people, might need

New York State Dog Laws

New York has specific dog laws.

Being a dog owner is a major responsibility. Every state has laws that specifically pertain to dogs. In New York state, dog laws exist under the state of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Article 7 clearly outlines the responsibilities of dog owners, veterinarians and animal control officers in New York.

Licensing

All dogs in New York must get licensed.

All dogs in New York that are older than four months require a dog license. To be licensed, a dog must have a rabies vaccination and be spayed or neutered. Dog license applications are available at the town clerk's office in your area. A dog must wear the license identification tag on her collar at all times, unless competing in a dog show.

Licensing Fees

New York has specific dog licensing fees.

New York law requires a $2.50 licensing fee for dogs that are older than four months. Each town or city may have additional licensing fees above and beyond those set by state law. According to the state of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, any additional fees must be used for subsidizing spaying and neutering facilities, controlling dangerous dogs and public education regarding dog ownership. Guide dogs and police dogs are exempt from any licensing fees.

Dangerous Dog Law

There are laws for dangerous dogs in New York.

In New York, a person who witnesses a dog attack on a human being or other animal can make an official complaint to the police or animal control. The animal control officer must seize the dog until a judicial determination is made as to whether or not the dog is a public threat. Proving that a dog is dangerous must be done with clear and convincing evidence. If a dog seriously injures or kills a person without justification, a judge may order the dog to be humanely euthanized or permanently confined.

Tags: dogs York, animal control, licensing fees, Agriculture Markets, dangerous dogs, Department Agriculture

Be A Foster Parent In Ohio

Foster parents in Ohio are needed.

Foster parents can be very influential in the lives of children. They serve as role models and guides for children that have experienced loss and instability. Foster parents in Ohio have to meet some general requirements before they can complete pre-placement training. Foster parents in Ohio have to be over the age of 21 and must have enough income to pay their bills among other requirements. To become a foster parent, Ohio residents must obtain an Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) certification.

Instructions

1. Look at the general guidelines for becoming a foster parent in Ohio. These are easily accessible on the ODJFS webpage.

2. Call your local County Family and Children's Services to sign up for pre-service classes. The amount of classes vary by county and some counties offer these classes more often than others.

3. Attend your classes. The classes are usually offered over a six to eight week period. You have to attend each class. Everyone in your household over 18 must attend the classes.

4. Fill out detailed application. Within 30 days of completing the classes, you will receive an application form, medical statement form, fire inspection form, and fingerprinting card in the mail.

5. Complete fingerprinting card and return to agency with your application. These must be returned within 30 days.

6. Bring medical statement with you to your family physician. He will have to sign that you are healthy enough to take care of a foster child.

7. Complete the fire inspection card. The medical statement and fire inspection card will have to be returned before the last interview for the family assessment.

8. Schedule family assessments. A social worker will visit your home three to six times to assess safety and space, and to talk to your references.

9. Wait for approval. After the family assessments, the assessor will take all of his reports about you and your family to the Placement Supervisor and or the Administrator of Children's Services. This person will decide whether you will be approved for a license.

Tags: Foster parents, fire inspection, Foster parents Ohio, medical statement, parents Ohio, Children Services

Get A Restraining Order Against Someone In Ohio

Restraining orders can help protect you

Physical abuse, harassment, stalking and threats give reason for getting a restraining order against someone in Ohio. Restraining orders help protect your place of employment, children and other family members from harassment during domestic discord or divorce. Restraining orders also offer asset protection during divorce, stopping sales or termination of real property and health insurance. Do not take threats of physical harm or violence lightly. Get a restraining order against the person to help protect yourself and family members. If you need immediate assistance, contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911 for an emergency.

Instructions

1. Contact your county Common Pleas Court

Contact your county Common Pleas Court by phone or in person. Ask where to get the necessary forms to fill out. Some county courts have forms available online, others only in person.

2. Fill out the needed information

Fill out all necessary information and submit to the court. The Court will set a hearing date for the restraining order. Emergency cases need to be heard more quickly. Explain your situation and retain an attorney to represent you if you need help getting through the process.

3. Attend the hearing

Attend the hearing with any evidence you have of abuse, threats, stalking or harassment. Take any witnesses along to testify to the need for a restraining order. Follow the court's direction if there are instances of the abuser not following the restraining order.

4. Ohio has Common Pleas Courts in all 88 counties

Inquire about a CPO, Civil Protection Order, in cases of physical harm done by someone in Ohio. A CPO offers protection with specific guidelines. An SSOOPO, stalking or sexually oriented offense protection order, covers other behavior including stalking and following.

5. Allow an officer to inform

Allow the Court and law enforcement to inform the one you have gotten a restraining order against in Ohio. Do not attempt to contact him yourself.

Tags: restraining order, Common Pleas, help protect, order against, Restraining orders

What Are The Pros & Cons Of International Adoption

Adoption is complex and challenging. When you adopt internationally, the complicity of adopting a child increases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 21.449 children per year came to the United States for adoption between 2005 and 2009. Although there are so many pros to international adoption, there are just as many cons to adopting outside of the United States.

You're a Parent

Becoming a parent is the most rewarding experience a person can experience. When you adopt a child internationally, you are bringing the child into your home and offering your unconditional love. Whether you have children already or this is your first child, you will proudly become a mom or dad. Some children overseas don't have parents or have never known their parents. You will be the first example of a parent the child will experience. You may have some communication issues to overcome, but this is parenting and you both will learn together.

Health

Many children in overseas countries don't have enough food to eat or live in overcrowded orphanage without medical care. Diseases in orphanages are widespread in third world countries. Children have delayed development and may need special care. Diseases such as tuberculosis, intestinal parasites and hepatitis B are just some of the medical conditions that you may need to deal with when you adopt internationally. Limited health information can be the result of poor medical examinations in third world countries. When the child comes home to the United States, a medical doctor who specializes in examining internationally adopted children should be consulted as soon as possible. Some children are only malnourished and can quickly recover with love and caring.

Travel

Traveling to the country in which the child lives can be rewarding for many reasons. You can see where the child lives and how the child reacts to being with you. Meeting your child for the first time can mean a lot to the child and the bonding process can begin. The price of traveling and staying in a hotel can be costly, but if you treat it as a mini vacation and share time with the child, the cost will be a pittance compared to the rewards you have as you watch your child grow.

Adoption Cost

International adoptions cost more than what you would pay for a domestic adoption. Costs can include a translator to translate paperwork, processing fees, post-placement visits to your home after the adoption and medical exams. Although the fees may be higher than domestic adoption, the paperwork will be in order so nothing will put your and your child's happiness at risk.

Tags: United States, your child, adopt internationally, care Diseases, child lives, child will

Flood Relief Programs In Connecticut

Flood insurance can be purchased through FEMA.

Flood relief in Connecticut is largely provided by federal organizations such as The Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Association, and others. However, in the case of a flood, state-run programs such as the Department of Social Services have been known to step in and help those in need of assistance.

Additional flood relief is provided through emergency relief funds approved during a state of emergency such as the flooding in April 2010.

National Flood Relief Programs

FIMA, part of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is the Flood Insurance and Mitigation Administration that was created in 1968 to help with the rising cost of flood repair. FIMA manages and oversees the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides assistance to over 20,000 communities. NFIP provides federally-sponsored insurance to both private and public sectors. The American Red Cross also provides relief including shelter, food, and general support to victims of natural disasters such as a flood. Their website contains information on contact them for assistance as well as information on emergency preparedness to allow natural disasters to have the least possible effect.

The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers loans to small businesses affected by flooding though their help is dependent on the situation and level of damage. Officially the relief is offered through SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans Program.

State-Sponsored Flood Relief

In Connecticut, flood relief is added by the state after surveying the damage caused by a flood. In April 2010, the state of Connecticut approved low interest loans for homeowners to help with the cost of structural repair caused by flooding.

The Connecticut State Department of Social Services also offers replacement aid for food stamp recipients who are affected by flooding. However, this only extends to families whose food has been spoiled by flooding or other disaster-related problems.

Additional Flood Relief

Many religious or nonprofit organizations offer disaster and flood assistance. From Adventist Community Services (ACS) to The Catholic Charities USA Disaster Response, they provide both temporary and long-term assistance to families of all denominations that have been affected by natural disaster. Food banks such as Second Harvest Food Bank also provide disaster assistance through storing and distributing food for other relief agencies.

Children's Disaster Services (CDS) offers childcare to families who have been housed in shelters or are affected by natural disaster. They provide individual counseling and reassure children in disaster areas.

Tags: have been, affected flooding, affected natural, affected natural disaster, also offers, April 2010

Adopt Baby Chickens

A chicken can make a wonderful family pet.

Chickens are highly intelligent animals that form life-long bonds to their human families, and as a result, they are commonly kept as pets. Unfortunately, many chickens that are raised for agricultural purposes are highly neglected or abused. For this reason, there are several chicken rescue organizations that help animal-loving individuals to adopt chickens.

Instructions

1. Contact your local city offices and ask for information regarding regulations about keeping farm animals as pets. Some municipalities have strict requirements about keeping chickens, so it is important to find this information before you begin looking for your new pet. Citychicken.com has a list of chicken laws sorted by state for your reference.

2. Contact your local animal rescue shelter, and ask if they have chickens available for adoption. You may have better luck finding these birds through animal rescue shelters in more rural, agricultural areas. If you are unable to find a chicken locally, Petfinder.com. has a searchable database of animals available for adoption across the United States.

3. Arrange to meet with the organization that has the chicken you wish to adopt. The organization will want to discuss several topics with you, making sure that you are aware of the care that chicks and chickens require for good health. The organization may also want to perform a background check on all members of your household, to ensure no one has a criminal history of animal abuse.

4. Prepare your chicken's new home, according to the standards that were discussed with the animal rescue organization. Gather the necessary food for your new pet, as well. It is important that you prepare your chicken's new home carefully, since the organization will likely want to see it before allowing you to take the chicken into your care.

5. Arrange a time to pick up your baby chicken. Gather the money needed to pay any fees that the animal rescue organization may charge. If the organization charges no fees, you can still offer a small donation. Because these types of organizations spend large amounts of time and money on the care of their animals, donations are always appreciated.

6. Consider adopting other baby chickens to keep your new pet company. Chickens, like all birds, are flock animals and thrive on the company of other animals. Spend as much time as you can caring for your new bird, in order to build the trusting bond necessary for the rescued animal's health and well-being.

Tags: animal rescue, about keeping, animal rescue organization, available adoption, chicken home

Lab Dog Health Problems

Labrador retrievers sometimes suffer from health problems.

Labrador retrievers are generally healthy dogs, though they can be susceptible to certain health issues, veterinarian Becky Sweeney writes on PetPlace.com. According to the American Kennel Club, Labradors were the most popular dog breed in the United States in 2009.

Types

The most common health problems affecting Labrador retrievers are hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders and epilepsy, dog trainer Norma Bennett Woolf writes in the Dog Owner's Guide at CanisMajor.com. Common eye disorders are progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Labs also are susceptible to ear infections and bloat.

Causes

Many Labrador retriever health problems are genetic, Sweeney writes. Hip and elbow dysplasia are caused by poor joint development. Progressive retinal atrophy is caused by a recessive gene that both parents must carry in order for the puppy to inherit the disease. Some problems, however, are not inherited. The Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles explains that floppy-eared dogs such as Labradors are prone to ear infections. Bloat is caused by a buildup of gas in the dog's stomach, and often causes the stomach to twist. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated.

Time Frame

If a Lab suffers from dysplasia, owners usually recognize some signs of it between 12 and 36 months, according to the Labrador Retriever Club Inc. The disease often causes arthritis in older dogs. Diseases such as epilepsy and retinal atrophy also tend to make their first appearance in puppies or young adults. Mar Vista Animal Medical Center lists retching as the main sign of bloat in dogs. Dogs with ear infections tend to scratch their ears excessively, shake their heads or hold one ear slightly drooped.

Identification

A Lab owner can check for hip dysplasia by having the dog x-rayed at around 4 or 5 months of age, although x-rays at 2 years, according to the Labrador Retriever Club. A veterinarian can perform a genetic test for retinal atrophy with a blood sample. The vet can check inside the dog's ear for an ear infection. Mar Vista Animal Medical Center says that vets test for bloat primarily by feeling the dog's stomach for swelling.

Considerations

Woolf recommends that potential Lab owners research a number of breeders before purchasing a puppy. A good breeder genetically tests the breeding dogs, and does not breed unhealthy dogs. Both parents should be available at the breeder's home, and the breeding dogs should be champions in obedience, agility or another canine activity. Buying a puppy from a reliable breeder greatly reduces the risk of getting a puppy with health problems.

Tags: retinal atrophy, Animal Medical, Animal Medical Center, health problems, Labrador retrievers, Medical Center, Vista Animal

Hotels On The Riverwalk In San Antonio Tx

Tour the River Walk in San Antonio.

For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of San Antonio, Texas is The Alamo. However, San Antonio is also well-known for its Riverwalk, home to fine dining, southern hospitality, entertainment and plenty of activities in Texas' second largest city. Plan to taste mouth-watering finger-licking Texas barbecue, experience Ripley's Tomb Ride 3D to explore the ancient tomb of the Egyptian god Anubis and shop in the Rivercenter Mall.

Courtyard Marriott Riverwalk

Not only is the Courtyard Marriott situated near the riverwalk, this 220-room hotel is minutes from The Alamo. Guest rooms have spacious desks with ergonomic chairs, designer furnishings, flat-screen televisions and complimentary Internet services. Sleep on luxury bedding with plenty of fluffy pillows and a down comforter. Business travelers may use the courtesy business area with individual spaces and computers. Stop by the on-site Bistro for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other dining options less than a mile away are Dick's, Rain Forest Caf , Morton's of Chicago, and Biga on the Bank. Area attractions are Hertzberg Museum, McNay Art Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum.

Courtyard Marriott River Walk

207 N. St. Mary's St.

San Antonio, TX 78205

(210) 223-8888

courtyardriverwalk.com

Homewood Suites San Antonio-Riverwalk

Homewood Suites San Antonio Riverwalk is located in downtown San Antonio in the midst of the Riverwalk. You may select one of the 26 different room layouts for your stay. Some of the amenities in the suites are complimentary high-speed Internet service, cable channels, fully-equipped kitchens including dishwashers, and sofa beds. Homewood Suites San Antonio Riverwalk also offers accommodations for extended stay travelers. Use the on-site fitness center, business center, coin-operated laundry facility and lounge near the rooftop swimming pool. Start your morning with deluxe complimentary breakfast with scrambles egg, fresh fruit, sausage, muffins and even make your own waffles. Local dining options within a mile from the hotel are Casa Rio, Laundry's Seafood House, Boudro's, and Biga on the Banks. Nearby attractions within five miles from hotel are The Alamo, Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Tanger Factory Outlet Center.

Homewood Suite San Antonio-Riverwalk

423 W. Market St.

San Antonio, TX 78205

(210) 222-1515

homewoodsuitesriverwalk.com

Mokara Hotel and Spa

Mokara Hotel and Spa, formerly the Watermark, sits in downtown San Antonio. Expect warm colors, high ceilings, leather-topped desks and iron four-poster beds in the guest rooms. Relax in the Jacuzzi tubs in the marble bathrooms, and receive high-speed Internet service. There is a 2,500 square-foot meeting space available also. Make an appointment for a spa treatment in the 17,000-square-foot spa. There are private lounges, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms for men and women. Dine in the on-site restaurant Ostra, or try nearby restaurants such as Iron Cactus, Boudro's and Joe's Crab Shack. Area attractions less than 15 miles from the hotel are the IMAX Theatre Rivercenter Mall, Ripley's Guinness World Records Museum and The Briscoe Western Art Museum.

Mokara Hotel and Spa

212 W. Crockett St.

San Antonio, TX 78205

(210) 396-5800

(866) 605-1212

mokarahotels.com

Tags: Antonio 78205, Courtyard Marriott, from hotel, Homewood Suites, Mokara Hotel, Antonio Riverwalk