Pets

How did dogs maintain dental health in the past?

By now, most dog owners realize the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Although some may not realize that a gum infection (gingivitis) also releases bacteria into the bloodstream and can cause serious damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys leading to death. And just like in humans, dogs can have loose teeth due to loss of bone mass.

Canine dental care is not a completely new idea. Herbs have been consumed by dogs and applied by masters who understood the importance of dental health and the effect of certain herbs. Herbs help stimulate healing. There are many books available for those who want to keep their dogs’ dental health at an optimal level at home. Some of these herbs that are used for canine dental health are goldenseal, myrrh, and Oregon grape, as they are natural antiseptics and cause new gum tissue to grow. Echinacea also helps with infections. Calendula will heal wounds and may even stop gum bleeding. And Aloe, the wonderful herb, soothes inflamed gums and helps heal.

If your dog allows you to put a small, soft brush in his mouth, a mixture of 1 cup of water with ground vitamin C works wonders. As we know, vitamin C stimulates the immune system and helps fight bacteria in the mouth.

There are many products that claim to be natural and effective in curing gingivitis and periodontal disease. However, there are studies available that point to products that are worth spending your money on.

  1. Leba III Spray actually removes tartar and plaque by stimulating the natural enzymes in the dog’s saliva.
  2. Plaque Off by ProDen is a seaweed powder and studies show that Plaques off can significantly reduce plaque when added to dog food, whether wet or dry.
  3. PetzLife Oral Sp; ray is completely natural and kills bacteria on contact and should help eradicate plaque and tartar.
  4. Petz Life also comes in a gel made from a blend of grapefruit seed extract, natural herbs, and wild salmon oil to entice the dog to cooperate. It mixes with dog saliva, coats the teeth and kills bacteria and does not, per se, remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.

Throughout history, dogs chewed on bones and ate some bones to help clean tartar from teeth. But in nature, the bones are raw. Cooked bones chip easily and vets have had to move the splinter from between the teeth and even stab the jawbone, requiring a visit to the vet. To use bones, always use raw large knuckle bones and always keep an eye on them. They should not eat bones unsupervised, as the bones can also get caught in the throat.

Whichever choice you choose, cleaning should be done on a daily basis. But if you have a stubborn dog, try at least cleaning his teeth three times a week. Perhaps the dog will eventually get used to having his teeth cleaned and you can add a better method and add more cleaning days.

Extend your dog’s quality of life and make sure dental hygiene is a priority in your dog’s routine. He will be happy and you won’t have to deal with a dog with bad breath.

Pets

Sonography School Options: 4 Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Modesto, CA and Surroundings

Modesto is a California city that has successfully combined urban living with small-town charm. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, residents enjoy activities like rafting on the Stanislaus River and horseback riding on one of the many ranches. Food options range from four-star restaurant meals to an abundance of locally produced fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Diagnostic medical sonographers in Modesto, California, will also find a robust health care system serving a regional area.

Ultrasound Education in Modesto, California

The only way to get a credential as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is to pass the ARDMS exams. However, certain prerequisites must be met first. Programs accredited by the Commission on Allied Health Programs Accreditation (CAAHEP) further prepare students to master the exams at any time and ensure that students have met clinical training requirements. In 2014, the closest accredited ultrasound technician program to Modesto is Merced College in Merced, California.

Since ultrasound technician schools limit the number of applicants, it may be necessary to find a program further afield. If the student needs financial assistance to study ultrasound, there are many different types of scholarships, grants, and loan packages available. The school’s financial aid office is a good place to start your search, but there are many scholarships available outside of schools. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is the best starting point.

There are over 18,000 enrolled at Modesto Junior College in both day and evening classes. Within a 30 mile radius are three more universities and colleges with total enrollments of more than 19,000 students.

Salary Facts and Job Outlook for Sonographers in Modesto, California

Modesto diagnostic medical sonographers earned significantly more than the national average annual salary for ultrasound technicians. In May 2013, Modesto sonographers earned $ 77,230 in median annual wages or $ 37.13 per hour. Nationwide, the median salary in May 2013 was $ 67,170, meaning Modesto sonographers’ salaries were 15 percent higher. The bottom 10 percent of sonographers in Modesto earned 92 percent of the national median salary.

Modesto is located in Stanislaus County, California, where net job growth of 30 percent is forecast for 2010-2020 for diagnostic medical sonographers. In terms of wages and job opportunities, Modesto is an excellent location.

A list of the best diagnostic medical ultrasound programs in Modesto and nearby cities in California

School Name: Merced College

Contact person: Cheryl Zelinksky

Contact phone: (209) 384-6170

Program: Certificate

School Name: Community Regional Medical Center

Contact person: Joy Guthrie

Contact phone: (559) 459-2731

Program: Certificate

School Name: Foothill College

Contact person: Kathleen Austin

Contact phone: (650) 949-7304

Program: Certificate and Associate Degree

School Name: Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences

Contact person: Dorsey Ballow

Contact phone: (510) 231-5083

Program: Certificate and Bachelor’s Degree

Nearby states with accredited ultrasound programs

In 2014, you can find more accredited ultrasound technician schools in the following nearby states:

  • Arizona (3 schools)
  • Nevada (1 school)
Pets

Conversations with Animals by Lydia Hiby

Conversations with Animals: Cherished Messages and Memories Told by an Animal Communicator by Lydia Hiby with Bonnie S. Weintraub.

I liked this book. It was easy to read and there was a lot of useful information in the book for those owners who know that pets have feelings like us. They also know A LOT more than you give them credit for. Lydia tells about a cat, Boo, who had stopped using his litter box (as if none of us with cats had that problem, huh?)

Boo was using the bath mat in front of the litter box to urinate. The owner was of course frustrated and turned to Lydia to find out why this was happening. Boo said, “The bath mat is new and I don’t like the smell of the rubber backing.”

Now cats mark unpleasant odors with their urine. They will mark other ammonia odors, such as marking windows after they have been washed with Windex. Fabric softener sheets also have an unpleasant smell to cats, which is why clothes and bedding dried with these sheets are a favorite for urination.

Boo continued, “I like my new uncovered litter box. However, I liked my old litter better. The new scented litter gives me a headache.”

Helpful tips. Believe them. After 30 years of being in veterinary medicine, inappropriate urination is one of the most interesting and time-consuming problems I see.

Another tip is to advise new pet owners to take a photo of their pets right away and make a “Lost Pet” poster to keep in their pet’s health file ONLY BY CASE. What a good idea. Who has time to search through hundreds of images trying to find a good image of your pet when it is in a panic? I also think that the microchip is an excellent option. It is usually available through your local animal shelter for a very reasonable price, but many vets also chip in.

Pets

Pet Adoption: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog from a Puppy Factory

We have all seen horror stories about how cruel animals can be and are treated. We promise that we will never be victims of such forms of cruelty as a form of punishment or subject our pets to such dire living conditions. On a larger scale, puppy mills are notorious for mistreating animals. Animal organizations fight puppy mills and warn people not to continue funding the industry. But since you can’t blame the animals, is it ever okay to adopt from a mill?

Recently, a large puppy mill operation was raided in Tennessee. About 700 cubs were rescued by the Humane Society and those in good health were sent to animal shelters for adoption. People lined up outside the shelters to offer the pups loving homes. This raid was the largest ever conducted in Tennessee and has enlightened many people about the true conditions of a puppy mill.

So what is the difference between a breeder and a mill? In general, breeders are proud of their animals. They raise the animals with health and temperament in mind, and don’t take them away from the mother too early. They allow the females an adequate period of time between reproduction. The dogs are purebred and live in favorable conditions. If you’ve ever tried to buy a dog directly from a breeder, then you know how difficult it can be. Often times, a breeder will not give an animal to just anyone who wants it. A mill, on the other hand, breeds dogs for money. Living conditions are so bad – multiple animals confined to a small area, little or no grooming, and little food – that the animals often develop health problems early on. Female dogs are often forced to reproduce in each heat cycle, which affects the health of the mother and the litter. Young cubs have wings too early. While the dogs may appear purebred, the paperwork is often faked.

When an animal organization stresses the importance of not funding the industry, you might be wondering who exactly is doing all the funding. If you’ve ever purchased a puppy from a pet store or garden breeder, you may have contributed. In the past, pet retailers were known to buy their puppies from factories. Puppies are cheaper and the factory claims to have a pedigree. Now fewer shops buy from the mills, but sometimes the mill cubs sneak away. Often times, factory staff will disguise themselves as reputable breeders, offering purebred puppies with pedigree information. The stores then buy the puppies (contributing money to the puppy mill) and you, in turn, buy the puppy from the store. Due to sales, the store continues to buy from the “breeder”.

Many people go straight to the store when they want a purebred puppy, believing that the store can prove the pedigree. In reality, factories often falsify information. If you are looking for a purebred puppy, go directly to a breeder. Pay attention to the conditions in the breeder’s premises. There is a big difference between a reputable breeder and a backyard breeder. Backyard breeders have poor living conditions; they are very similar to small-scale mills. A true breeder will show love and care for animals. They can observe how you interact with the puppy and ask you many questions about the puppy’s possible living conditions. If the breeder feels that you are not a good match and you are leaving without a puppy, do not feel bad. Perhaps a different breed of dog would fit your lifestyle better.

If you are not looking for a purebred, check your local animal shelters. There, you can find dogs that were rescued from a mill or similar living conditions. You can also find breed specific shelters that offer purebred puppies. Adopting from an animal shelter means one less dog will be euthanized.

So is it ever okay to get a puppy out of a mill? The answer is no, unless the mill dog ends up in a shelter. Adopting a rescued dog is very different from buying it (directly or indirectly) from a mill. No, it is not the dog’s fault, but your money will only ensure that the mill continues to abuse it. Find breeders in your area and schedule visits. You can also visit your local animal shelter to find a dog that is right for you.

Pets

Teacup kittens: the pros and cons of a smaller size

The teacup kitten is not so much a breed as it is a description of a group of cats that are much smaller than average in size. This can be due to several reasons and some who are born very small do not always stay that way. For some people, its small size is a huge advantage, especially for those with smaller households. But there are also health considerations to take into account. Here we discuss the pros and cons of the smaller sized cat.

What is a cup of tea?

The standard size of a female cat is between 11 and 14 pounds, while a male weighs between 12 and 17 pounds. A teacup female will weigh between 3 and 6.5 pounds and a male between 3 and 7.5 pounds. Weight is a good way to tell the difference between a teacup cat and a cat that was just small at birth but can grow to a normal size. Just because a cat weighs less than 10 pounds doesn’t make it a cup of tea.

Teacup kittens come in a variety of different breeds and are specifically bred for their size. The smallest cat in the litter mates with the smallest cat in another litter, constantly reducing the size in each new litter until the teacup kittens are born. It is also a type of dwarfism and comes in two main forms. These are anchorplastics, where the dominant gene due to the mutation will affect the hormone that controls bone and primordial growth, which occurs naturally.

Teacup breeds

The most popular of the teacup breeds are those that are combined with the Persians and their related breeds. Known as MiniPers, these were developed by Cher Simmitt in California and are primordial dwarfs with proportionate bodies that are smaller than normal cats. Another version is the MiniPaws, which are a hybrid and carry both types of dwarfism in their genes. They have shortened legs that can warp a bit, but are otherwise proportionate.

The Napoleon was created by raising a Munchkin with a Persian, he has the long-haired coats and facial structure of the Persian. These are the newest breeds of teacups. The Lambkin was a cross between the Munchkin and the Selkirk Rex to obtain a cat with a soft, curly coat similar to that of a lamb.

Health problems

While these kitties are adorable when young, they grow into adult cats despite their miniature stature. This means that their behaviors change just like a normal adult cat would, and they often lose many kitten forms.

The inbreeding used to create these breeds can lead to other health problems. These range from neurological conditions and cardiovascular problems to physical deformities and even a shortened lifespan. Affectionate and professional breeders are very careful with their mates to produce healthy cats, but there are unscrupulous breeders who are simply looking to make money off a trend. Therefore, only buy from breeders registered in one or more of the big cat registries to ensure the quality of the kittens as well as their adorable appearance.

Pets

What should I feed my sick or elderly ferret? Duck soup!

When ferrets get sick, they may not want to do all the work of eating their kibble or ripping up the meat. Older ferrets can have bad teeth and kibbles can be too painful to eat. Then give them duck soup.

What is duck soup?

First of all, duck soup does not usually contain duck. As the story goes, a ferret named Lucky Ducky was sick and his humans fed him “soup” while he got better. Since then, any supplementary soft food is called duck soup.

When should you feed your ferret duck soup?

It’s okay to give most types of duck soup to your ferret as a treat. It’s even a good idea to give him some when he’s healthy, so he gets used to it and doesn’t care when he really needs it.

In addition, you should give this concoction to your furry when he is sick and has stopped eating or if he is older and does not eat enough.

Where do you get the duck soup?

You can buy something at the pet store called duck soup. I’ve never tried. that. Most of the people I know make their own soup for their stuffed animals. Most people seem to have their own recipes. Here are some of them.

Chicken food for babies

Gerber chicken baby food is easy to digest and a decent meal for a furry one. Most ferrets will lick it without much persuasion. Chicken baby food has the advantage that it comes in small jars, so not many will go bad at once. However, once you open the jar, you need to refrigerate it.

The variety of croquettes

Put your ferret’s croquettes in a coffee grinder (or blender) and pulverize it. Put your kibble powder in a tightly closed container. When it’s time to feed your weasel, put some kibble in a bowl and add enough water to hydrate it. You can even microwave it for a few seconds if you want. The advantages of this type of duck soup are that you are not changing your ferret’s food and you can prepare the amount you need without wasting. I use this form of duck soup when traveling with a sick ferret because it is nice and portable.

The sweet kind

If your ferret is having trouble with the desire to eat, this might be the way to go. You take 1 jar of baby chicken porridge and 1 container of Make sure. Put it in a tightly closed container and shake the mixture. This mix is ​​sweet and almost any ferret will love to eat it. The downsides to this soup are that the mix has a good amount of guaranteed sugar, and the mix won’t last more than a couple of days.

A more traditional soup

Have a chicken. Put it in a giant pot of water. Boil for a long time. Over time, the skin and meat will peel off the bones. Put out the fire. Take the bones out of the mixture. Get a hand mixer and blend the mixture. (You can put these things in a blender, but every time I try, I end up with soup boiling in my face. It hurts. Bar blenders are good.) -Cube trays and freeze. When you need to feed your furry, take out a bucket and heat it up in the microwave. Mix it up and feed your ferret.

Other things you might consider adding to your soup before freezing it are olive oil or some ground croquettes.

Like I said before, there are tons of recipes available for duck soup. If one doesn’t work, try another.

Pets

5 reasons why some people prefer cats to dogs

Cats are not that loud

Dogs will bark at passersby, other animals, and when they can’t get their favorite toy under the couch. No matter what the reason, the continuous barking can be annoying to even the most passionate dog lovers.

On the other hand, cats also make noise, especially at night when most cats are active. However, their purrs and meows can be relatively quiet. These sounds are not only cute, but they can actually mean something that cat owners have learned to recognize. Every time a cat meows, this can indicate whether it is hungry or wants to be hugged.

Caring for kittens is less work

Whether pet owners have a puppy or a kitten, they must put in the time and energy caring for it. They need to help him adjust to his new home and a different diet, as well as some preliminary training, which can cause some lack of sleep in the first few weeks with a new kitten or puppy.

However, puppies must go through continuous training (particularly when it comes to potty training) while kittens, when weaned from their mothers, can easily learn the basics of litter box use and may run out of bed. supervision during the day.

To be more cautious, it is best to leave the kitten in a room where it will not get into trouble while its owner is away. At least he / she can be sure that the kitten is safe because it is confined to a smaller space, where it will not be able to destroy anything.

Cats protect pests

Cats are hunters by nature, so it’s in their blood to hunt, stalk, and attack their prey, even if it’s only on television. Cat owners shouldn’t let their pet eat their catch, be it a mouse or an insect, but they are always happy to have a pest-free home, which is one of the many benefits of having kittens as a pet. Also, the smell of a cat can prevent rodents from invading your home, as when these pests detect a hunter indoors, they are less likely to advance.

The cats are clean

Dogs love smelly things like poop, garbage, and dead animals to name a few, plus they love to roll on them. For this reason, dog owners need to bathe and groom their pet on a regular basis, which can cost a lot when taken to the groomer.

In essence, cats clean themselves. Cat owners can brush their pet from time to time with a brush and clip its nails when necessary, however this is not required as cats can be kept clean all the time.

Cats respect human personal space

When people return home after a tiring day, they may not feel like playing with a dog that follows them wherever they go, insisting on playing fetch. Cats are sometimes known to be cold and distant, but they know what personal space means and they respect it. They do not crave the attention of the people around them, therefore their human family can find time to relax after work.

Pets

The top 10 dog breeds and their most common traits

A dog can be man’s best friend or his worst nightmare! Every year the dogs are returned to breeders or turned over to animal rescue centers because the owner just couldn’t cope …

True, a dog is for life, and sometimes it can be a handful, but there is a way to ensure you have the best possible relationship with your puppy companion. All you need to do is do a little research and think a bit.

Dogs have different personalities, and these will be shaped to some extent by you and the environment you create for your pup. But you can predict a dog’s innate personality (to some extent) by looking at the common traits of each dog breed. The bottom line is that you can minimize any problems simply by taking the time to choose a breed of dog that suits your personality and lifestyle.

Here are the top 10 dog breeds (by popularity) and their most common traits to help you decide which type of dog is best for you:

1. Labrador Retriever.

Labradors are medium-sized, intelligent and familiar dogs. They are arguably the most popular breed of dog in the world and it’s no wonder. Labradors are the perfect dog for families with young children. They are not overly sensitive or moody and love to be around young children.

If you are the type who loves dogs, choose a labrador retriever. If you have a family with young children, this may be your best option.

2. Yorkshire Terrier.

Affectionately known as Yorkies, they are small dogs but with a great personality. They are considered a “toy breed”, but they are terriers, so they are still brave and energetic.

Yorkies are beautiful, but they can require a lot of maintenance, mainly due to their appearance. They are very independent and very intelligent. But they will need your daily attention, so if you are the type that has a lot of time on their hands, Yorkies would be perfect for you.

3. German Shepherd.

German Shepherds are medium-sized sheepdogs. They are mainly used in police training and obedience schools as they are highly intelligent and have well-developed guard instincts.

This breed is extremely loyal and very protective. German Shepherds are very active dogs and would require larger spaces to live and exercise. Also, because they are very intelligent, you would not have any difficulty training them. If you want your own watchdog, the best thing to do is buy a German Shepherd.

4. Golden Retriever.

Like a Labrador Retriever, this breed is one of the friendliest, if not the friendliest, out there. Good-natured and good-natured are the best descriptions for this type of dog, which is why children like Golden Retrievers best of all breeds. However, they make bad watchdogs because they can be very sociable even with strangers.

5. Beagles.

Beagles are bloodhounds. Medium in size and low maintenance, they can make a perfect household pet.

They love to bark and howl, so you have to think twice if you live in a small apartment. They are neither too aggressive nor too friendly. But once you get their confidence, Beagles can be one of the most affectionate breeds. Just remember that, like all dogs, Beagles are pack animals, so they shouldn’t be left alone for long or they will suffer from separation anxiety.

6. Boxers.

This breed is generally entered in show dog competitions due to its stature and physique. Boxers are alert and sporty, and make excellent companions or watchdogs. Despite their intimidating appearance, Boxers are one of the friendliest dog breeds, especially around children. Boxers love being with people they trust.

Choose this breed if you already have an active lifestyle, in which you can afford to take your dog for exercise at least 1-2 times a day.

7. Dachshunds.

This breed is also known as “sausage” dogs due to their similarity to a hotd og in regards to their shape. Don’t be fooled by their appearance though – dachshunds can make excellent watchdogs. Small but brave, that’s the perfect way to describe this breed.

Dachshunds in general are active dogs: hunters. They love to chase anything that moves so you have to keep up if you want to have one. They are very lively and will even challenge any dog ​​twice their size. There would never be a dull moment if you live with a dachshund.

8. Poodles.

Due to their appearance (their curly coat to be precise), Poodles are considered high maintenance breeds. But this is a perfect example of never judging a book by its cover, or in this case, its cape.

Poodles are one of the smartest breeds. They are easy to train, agile and very perceptive. But they are also easily bored, which is why they often find themselves in trouble. Poodles are one of the only dog ​​breeds that come in all three sizes – small, medium, and large, so you have a choice.

Poodles make good companions, but they’re not great for young children, so make sure you pick the right one …

9. Shih Tzus.

They are small, compact and brave (as the name suggests, Shih Tzu = lion). Shih Tzus combine courage and beauty, which generally means that you should have a lifestyle that allows you to spend time on a daily basis not only walking, but grooming. Their long, flowing coats often need daily attention.

They are playful, active and intelligent. However, they are very difficult to tame, so you will likely need a little more patience and time with them.

10. Bulldogs.

Bulldogs are sturdy, medium-sized dogs. They are not usually perceived as lap dogs (and with their physical disposition who would), but they would like to be … Their somewhat grumpy expression may make you think that they are in a bad mood and difficult to deal with, but you you would not do that. be further from the truth.

Bulldogs are very adorable and friendly, albeit with a bit of stubbornness. They are good with children and get along well with other pets. So if you have a cat at home, the bulldog could be the perfect companion not only for you, but for your cat as well.

At the end of the day, selecting the best breed for your personality and lifestyle is like choosing a mate – you have to match up or things will be difficult. Please don’t be tempted to buy a puppy just because he looks cute – do him and yourself a huge favor and learn a little about each breed of dog.

If you are an active person, choose an agile and active dog. If you spend your days in front of the TV, quit your butt and exercise … Okay, I’m kidding … If your lifestyle is full of long work hours or too much free time, buy a dog that doesn’t. He doesn’t need too much attention or exercise (although all dogs need attention, so if you’re too busy to give it to him, consider a cat instead).

Pets

Choosing a Siamese cat as your new pet: the pros and cons

Learn why a Siamese cat will or will not make a good pet

Siamese cats have enchanted people around the world since the late 1800s. It was then that Siam, or Thailand as it is now known, gave the English ambassador some to take home. They began to appear in the English cat show immediately, and in the early 1800s they were seen by hundreds of shows in America.

Some of the reasons for having a Siamese cat as a pet is that he is very affectionate and affectionate, often described as outgoing for showing his feelings and enjoying human company. However, they are often depicted as evil and aggressive, like the two cats in “101 Dalmatians.” This is not entirely wrong, because some of them are very difficult to handle. There are cases in which Siamese cats are so sensitive that they cannot adapt to human company, so they behave aggressively. This would be one of the main disadvantages of owning one of them.

However, these are isolated cases, which lead to a great advantage of having a Siamese cat as a pet, as they need human companionship and are known to often have a strong bond with only one person. They are very playful and active even as adults. In addition, they enjoy the company of other sociable cats but be careful, these loving beings should not be left alone for long. Therefore, they rely on human affection more than other cat breeds, so if you don’t have enough time and attention to offer pets, it is not a good idea to keep a Siamese cat as a pet.

Another problem with Siamese cats is that they tend to be quite loud with a low pitched meow, also called meezer. It is similar to the cry of a human baby and they do it when they want attention. This particular sound is often irritating to some, so be careful before getting one as a pet.

A nice trait is the fact that they are not as active at night as other cats due to their blue eyes that lack the ability to amplify light and help ordinary cats see in the dark. So you don’t have to worry about your cat breaking the curtains while sleeping, because the cat will most likely sleep next to you.

Siamese cats are truly beautiful yet complex creatures and should not be confused with the common cats that you may see in people’s homes. If you want to own one, these are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages that you are likely to encounter when dealing with a Siamese cat. Do some research online or in your area and see if you are prepared to offer a Siamese cat everything it needs. If you can live with the little problems that accompany a Siamese pet, you will have one of the best pets you could wish for.

Don Levy, Siamese cat, Cat Fanciers Association, Inc.

Pets

The raccoon exterminator

He came in from the backyard with his nose so close to the ground that he looked like an anteater. Turning the corner abruptly, he entered the living room and headed straight for the fireplace. Although they are not as crazy as cats, dogs have their own idiosyncrasies, so I did not think too much about it. When dawn turned to midmorning, my wife was getting ready for work, in as much of a hurry as usual. I was in the process of looking for work online. Spence reentered my office for attention. “Do you want to hang out?” I asked.

He sat next to me, looked at me as if to say, “no, it’s not like that, try again.”

Now he was puzzled.

My wife was running, she gave me a quick kiss and said “I have to go”.

“Did you notice anything strange about Spence?” I would say that

“Not because?”

Not wanting to make her be late for work, he would say “I’ll take care of it.” He hurried out the door. “Okay,” he said.

I made myself 2 eggs for breakfast and would always spoil my dog ​​with some toast, every now and then. We could eat together that way.

Once again it was time for him to leave, and once again he returned in the same way as before. Head towards the carpet, directly to the left. He sniffed and stared intensely. I never knew my dog ​​looked like a hunter, but if he did, he would.

“That is all!” I thought “There is something in the fireplace!”

Through the glass doors I could see that the insulation had fallen to the bottom. With the doors partially pushed out in the middle, it looked like something had tried to break the latch from the inside, so I opened the doors to take a look. Seeing nothing the first few feet up and then a little further, there it was, 2 big eyes staring at me. I quickly backed away and then “bam” I hit my head against the hard brick.

Articles on the internet suggested ways to get rid of raccoons, such as dropping a rope down the chimney to make it easier for them to get out, playing loud rock and roll, and pulling out ammonia-soaked rags or mothballs. I tried them all and still the raccoon didn’t budge.

The next day I resigned myself to the fact that the only way to get rid of the rodent was to call a professional. It was time for the Varmint Police.

It turned out that the Varmint police were a guy named Bill.

Bill was a tough-looking guy, but the kind of man who could get rid of a raccoon stuck in a chimney.

On the way home I explained what the last 48 hours had been like.

“I’ll bring it,” he said. “I need to get my cage out of the truck.”

Standing by the fireplace, waiting for Mr. Varmint’s police to return, it seemed to last longer than the minute it did. Taking a long stick with a rope, he got on his knees and stood in the narrow opening of the fireplace. A loud “shit, he got me. #% **!” it was heard and then, through the opening in the chimney, came a pregnant raccoon, large, hissing, hanging by a rope, and Bill, the exterminator armed with blood.

They dropped him into the open-ended cage, trying to get out as soon as they put him in. KNOCK! the closed door. The raccoon was captured and taken to the truck.

I paid the Varmint police their fee for arresting the creature and thanked them.

I’m not sure what happened to the raccoon, but it did teach me a thing or two.

You need to have a chimney cap on the fireplace and a good dog in the house.