Feeding Dogs From The Table and Tablescraps

Feeding your puppies or even grown dogs from the table can be tempting. They look at you with those pleading eyes and say, "Just a tidbit please". This, however, can lead to your dog always hanging at the table while you eat your meal. It is better to train your dog to wait until after the meal and then to give them the food in their bowl after the meal is over. This way you can still share, but they will not be staring at your guests at the table when you have company over for a meal.
Also, be VERY careful never to give your dog turkey bones or any small slivery bones.
They are very dangerous to your dog. They can get caught in their throat or stomach.
Too much rich food is never good for your dog either. A few turkey meat scraps and potato would be just fine and your dog will think he/she is in heaven.

On a different subject, NOW is a great time to purchase a home. If you have been thinking of jumping into the Ventura Real Estate market I cannot think of a better time than now. Ventura County foreclosures are up, interest rates are low, and those sellers/banks need to sell those properties. Check out my website at: www.Venturahomesforsale.org

Happy Holidays!

Need Help Selling Your Home? Got Animals?

If you are looking to sell your home and have animals choosing the right listing agent is really important! Our animals are like our children and making sure that you hire an agent with a compassion for your animals and one that will provide care and reassurance to their well being while your home is being shown is critical. We certainly do not want to lose or harm our "children" just in order to get our home sold. Providing that care and nurturing attention to your animals is what I feel is important. Making signs to keep the door shut, or making sure the dog is left in a safe place and that they are still in their favorite place after a showing of your home is what I pride myself on.
If you are thinking of selling in the near future and have precious animals that you love dearly, consider using me as your agent. You won't then have any regrets!

Specializing in Ventura Homes For Sale and Ventura County Properties!


Contact Janis at www.venturahomesforsale.org today!

In Down Times, Dogs Make Us Feel Good

I don't know about you right now, but watching the economic downturn has tended to depress me a bit lately and lose faith in the way we do business and in the people we think we can trust. I know I have always prided myself on being trustworthy and forthright as a real estate agent. Yes, I have lost some deals by being too honest and too caring and too willing to point out every little thing I see that might be a concern on a property. But "YES!" I feel so good about being the way I am. Ventura County is a lovely place to live. Ventura County homes for sale is what I am all about. Believing that real estate is definitely a good investment in the long term will never change for me. So, I come home and I greet my dogs, love my current German Shepherd puppies and bask in their unconditional love. They love me, they trust me, they believe in me and they will stick with me through thick and thin in the real estate market. I hope you will too!
Contact me for any Ventura County Real Estate needs at:

www.Venturahomesforsale.org

Anyone know of a Kennel For Sale?

If anyone knows of a kennel facility or a property that could be utilized as one could you please email me at Janis@janiscalkins.com. Looking for one in both Ventura County and in Los Angeles area.
Thanks!

Also take a look at: Venturahomesforsale.org

Other Victims of Foreclosure...The Ones We Don't Always Think About!

In this time of thousands of foreclosures, there are many many pets being given up by their owners who have lost their homes to foreclosure. Perhaps there should be a hotline for homeowners facing foreclosure to call. People are in depression and agony over their homes and at the same time are losing their beloved pets. Many rentals will not accept animals and they are costly to keep. Shelters have been inundated where foreclosure rates are high-from Florida to Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona and California. In May, the number of animals turned into Los Angeles City shelters jumped 30 percent. Pets seem to be the silent victims of this whole economic downturn. The harsh reality is, as more animals come into the shelters, the more that have to be put down. If you are ready for a new pet, please take the time to visit a shelter and give one of these older, loved pets a new home.
Let's not forget these silent victims!

Please visit www.JanisCalkins.com

Canine Melanoma

According to a recent article in the AKC Gazette by Betty Liddick, research is being done to help stop melanoma in dogs. There is work being done to produce the first cancer vaccine. It is in the beginning stages and there is high hope for it. Signs of Melanoma occur most commonly in the mouth. Affected dogs may lose weight, sneeze and develop bleeding, bad breath and face swelling. Round, dark melanomas can also develop in footpads, nail beds, lips and eyes. All dogs are susceptible but breeds with a lot of dark pigment seem particularly vulnerable.. These would Black Labs, Chows, Doberman Pinschers Flat Coated Retrievers, German Shepherds, Goldens, Setters,
Rottweilers. Scotty's, Standard Poodles and Vizslas.
The first clinic to investigate a melanoma vaccine is Katonah-Bedford Veterinary Center in New York.According to the article two more veterinary schools are investigating melanoma vaccines as well. The Univ. of Wisconsin and the Univ. of Florida.
So, if our dogs develop melanoma....first we should know how to recognize it and second where to go to investigate the possibility of help!


Search Ventura County Real Estate at:
www.JanisCalkins.com

Two Topics this Time: Cushing Disease and Smelly Homes!

Just a reminder to animal lovers that plan on selling their homes. When you have dogs, it is very easy to become accustomed to their doggy smell within the home. However, from personal experience in showing homes of animal lovers, I can tell you that there is often a leftover odor from Fido, even when FIDO is not present. Please bathe your dogs and wash their bedding often. Also, remember to shampoo anything used by your dogs and to clean the carpet before putting your home on the market. "Doggy Smell" can definitely turn buyers off.

Know the Signs of Cushing's Disease!
This glandular disorder strikes many older dogs, but owners may not recognize the symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage. The P's that make up the classic signs of Cushing's syndrome are:
Polyuria-urinating a lot
Polydipsia-drinking a lot
Polyphagia-eating a lot
Panting
Potbellied appearance

Check out Ventura County Homes For Sale at:
www.JanisCalkins.com