If you ever confused a beagle dog with the breed of hounds or even the foxhound, you would now be far off the beaten track. Beagles are members of the group of Hounds and this explains why they are mostly used for their keen sense of smell. In certain parts of the UK and the US, a beagle is never far away from a hunting party, as they have a rather keen ability in sniffing our game like hare and rabbit, among other small and medium game in the age old sport of hunting.

In the legal circles in the world, the beagle dog is also part of the task forces that sniffs out the illegal and controlled items like banned food and agricultural products, controlled substances like drugs and recruited as detection dogs in customs and services departments all over the world. A little titbit of information you should know about is that popular belief by scientists is that the beagle dog has been around for about 2, 000 years, so it might have been around when a certain popular speaker stood a top a hill and swayed the world.

(more…)

The responsibility of a new pet is sometimes overwhelming. One of your new duties as a dog owner is to take care of your pet’s health. Here are two pointers for you to follow in taking care of your pet.

- The Veterinarian Is our Friend

Part of your duty as a dog owner is to know when to call for the vet. Don’t take a “wait and see” attitude when it comes to your pet’s health. Sometimes, that approach is fine but most often professional help is needed to treat your dog’s sickness. Depending on the dog’s condition, there are many ways a veterinarian may help.

There are several instances when it is essential that you call your veterinarian:

a) Always call your vet when your dog has been in an accident. If your regular veterinarian is not available, look for the closest emergency vet clinic.

b) Always call your vet when you suspect your dog has eaten something that may be poisonous or something inedible.

c) Call your vet immediately when your pet is in obvious distress.

d) Sudden weight gain or weight loss should be a warning sign for you to take your dog to the vet.

e) If your dog is coughing, vomiting or having seizure, call the vet immediately.

- An Ounce of Prevention Is Better Than A Pound Of Cure

Of course, going to the vet should be the last recourse. Preventing your dog from being hurt or getting sick is your primary responsibility.

(more…)

I have always had a soft spot for dogs, each has their own unique character and charm. I also seem to attract them like a magnet. Case in point, I have just moved to a sleepy small town in Mississippi and have already made a ‘new best friend,’ a rather timid four legged creature that lives across the street. I have no clue what his or her name is. I call it ‘Scardy Dog.’ I just have to make an appearance on the porch and it comes running over to say hello. It also has great road sense, stopping at the curb and looking both ways before crossing. It is also scared of its shadow, one quick movement and it is off like a jack rabbit.

Kim Pearson and Anne Lindsay clearly share my affinity with our four legged friends, and Dog Park Diary is an exquisitely executed and highly amusing look at their pets, and their pets’ best friends.

(more…)