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Friday, November 13, 2020

Friday the 13th Black Cats and Other Cat Superstitions

Superstition, prejudice, bringer of good or bad luck


As Friday the 13th rolls around, pictures of black cats are popping up everywhere. For some reason, black cats have been doused with a witch’s brew of superstition—the result of cult horror films (remember the Anna Faris vs. black cat fight scene in Scary Movie 2?) and society’s unending portrayal of black cats as unlucky or evil.



The folklore surrounding black cats varies from culture to culture. The Scots believe that a strange black cat's arrival to the home signifies prosperity. In Celtic mythology, a fairy known as the Cat Sìth takes the form of a black cat. Black cats are also considered good luck in the rest of Britain and Japan. Furthermore, it is believed that a lady who owns a black cat will have many suitors. In Western history, black cats have often been looked upon as a symbol of evil omens, specifically being suspected of being the familiars of witches, or actually shape-shifting witches themselves. Most of Europe considers the black cat a symbol of bad luck, particularly if one walks across the path in front of a person, which is believed to be an omen of misfortune and death. In Germany, some believe that black cats crossing a person's path from right to left, is a bad omen. But from left to right, the cat is granting favorable times. In the United Kingdom it is commonly considered that a black cat crossing a person's path is a good omen.
The black cat in folklore has been able to change into human shape to act as a spy or courier for witches or demons. When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, they brought with them a devout faith in the Bible. They also brought a deepening suspicion of anything deemed of Satan and were a deeply suspicious group. They viewed the black cat as a companion, or a familiar to witches. Anyone caught with a black cat would be severely punished or even killed. They viewed the black cat as part demon and part sorcery. These superstitions led people to kill black cats. There is no evidence from England of regular large-scale massacres of "satanic" cats, or of burning them in midsummer bonfires, as sometimes occurred elsewhere in Europe.

In contrast, the supernatural powers ascribed to black cats were sometimes viewed positively; for example, sailors considering a "ship's cat" would want a black one because it would bring good luck. Sometimes, fishermen's wives would keep black cats at home too, in the hope that they would be able to use their influence to protect their husbands at sea (see Ship's cat). The view of black cats being favorable creatures is attributed specifically to the Egyptian goddess Bast (or Bastet), the cat goddess. Egyptian households believed they could gain favor from Bastet by hosting black cats in their household. This view was held in the early 17th century by the English monarch Charles I. Upon the death of his treasured pet black cat, he is said to have lamented that his luck was gone. True to his claim, he was arrested the very next day and charged with high treason.
Pirates of the 18th century believed that a black cat would bring different kinds of luck. If a black cat walks towards someone, that person will have bad luck. If a black cat walks away from someone then that person will have good luck.
Conversely in the United Kingdom if a black cat walks towards someone, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it. If a black cat walks onto a ship and then walks off it, the ship is doomed to sink on its next trip.
Black cats have been found to have lower odds of adoption in American shelters compared to other colors except brown, although black animals in general take more time to find homes. Some shelters also suspend or limit adoptions of black cats around Halloween  for fear they will be tortured, or used as "living decorations" for the holiday and then abandoned. Despite this, no one has ever documented in the history of humane work any relationship between adopting black cats and cats being killed or injured. When such killings are reported, forensic evidence has pointed to natural predators, such as coyotes, eagles, or raptors as the likely cause. August 17 is "Black Cat Appreciation Day".
In the early days of television in the United States, many stations located on VHF channel 13 used a black cat as a mascot in order to make sport of being located on an "unlucky" channel number.

More Curiosities 

Most people wouldn't admit to it, but if it's Friday the 13th, even if you don't really believe all the superstitions, you might get out of a black cat's way (assuming you don't live with one) on this day. It's an odd superstition, but it wasn't just created out of thin air. According to the People's Almanac, there is reason behind the "don't let a black cat cross your path" on Friday the 13th superstition:

"The Egyptians worshiped the cat and punished anyone who dared to kill one. In the Middle Ages, however, the black cat was linked to witches and Satan. Since it was believed that a witch had the power to transform herself into a cat, it was thought likely that a cat who crossed one's path was a witch in disguise."



Of course, as friends of felines, we don't believe any of that...right!?

Here are some other cat superstitions that are out there:


  • If a cat scratches behind his ear, rain is on the way.
  • Dreaming of a white cat brings the dreamer good luck.
  • If a cat run around wildly, expect the wind to blow.
  • Kittens born in May will bring snakes into the house. (Celtic myth)
  • Cats found lurking in coal mines are bad luck.
  • Stroking a black cat's tail will cure a sty in your eye.
  • A black cat in the audience means success for a play.
  • If a young unmarried girl accidentally steps on a cat's tail, she will have to wait 12 months to find a husband. (French myth)
  • A cat's sneeze brings luck to all who hear it. (Italian myth)
  • If a cat sits with his back to a fire, expect a storm or frost.


Tuesday, November 10, 2020

 Ticks and fleas are not just a nuisance for dogs, but they can make him sick, especially if they linger on the skin. Furthermore, fleas can also infest the home, and ticks will spread diseases to humans. This is why every responsible pet owner should take the necessary monthly preventative measures against tick and flea all-year-round.

K9 Advantix is a widely used product that repels and kills fleas and ticks in dogs. By learning how to properly use and apply K9 Advantix, you and your dog will reap the best results in preventing and controlling tick and flea. With the love that you have for your pet, you may wonder how long you can touch your canine after applying the K9 Advantix. After all, you should avoid touching this chemical since it is powerful enough to repel and kill fleas and ticks.

Let’s look at K9 Advantix and how you can handle this product for effective results.


Applying K9 Avantix is just like using other similar products, which is a normal thing in the care of your canine. However, most dog owners will feel frustrated when restricted to touch or even play with their dog. You may also have to postpone other forms of care, for example, giving them a bath or other needs. Advantix should be applied after bathing your dog and the coat has completely dried.

The impact of K9 Avantix remains for about 48 hours. This means that the earliest you can touch your furred friend is 48 hours or 2 days after applying K9 Advantix. Ideally, most manufacturers of topical flea and tick products like K9 Advantix recommend you wait for the product to dry before you touch your dog.

Why You Should Protect Your Pet from Fleas and Ticks


Ticks transmits diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This is why we need to keep ticks away from our dogs. However, fleas are the worst type of pests that you would wish to infest your pets. Some pets are allergic to fleas and their bites can create a new set of skin-related issues.

Fleas can stay for over 100 days without feeding and this means they can stay in your home for a long time as they look for a host. When fleas eventually feed, they can itch and pinch both pets and humans. A severe infestation of fleas can cause anemia and this can trigger serious medical problems like organ failure. In some cases, dogs can ingested infested flea resulting in a serious medical condition known as heartworm and this is why heartworm medication should be administered.


K9 Advantix is one of the commonly used topical medications for controlling ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes on dogs. The best thing about K9 Advantix is that it remains effective even after bathing and washing. Additionally, K9 Advantix will not just kill immature and mature fleas and ticks, but will also repel these pests and prevent them from biting.

K9 Advantix breaks the life cycle of fleas by killing all forms of life i.e. eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. This prevents any new infestations on your dog. Additionally, K9 Advantix also protectsf against mosquitoes that spread heartworm disease.

To be effective, K9 Advantix takes about 12 hours. Once it’s effective, it will eliminate all the fleas on your canine. Afterward, your dog will have protection for 30 days and any new fleas that gets to your dog from beddings or floors die within two hours of being in contact with your dog. K9 Advantix should be applied on your canine after every four weeks as this is the specified duration of strength for this topical application.

What Are The Common Adverse Effects of K9 Avantix on Dogs?

When using K9 Advantix, you must ensure that your dog does not suffer any reaction. You should monitor your pet for a few hours after applying this topical product to make sure the dog does not develop adverse reactions or sensitivity. Ideally, K9 Avantix should be applied when you are during the day when you are home and can keep a close eye on your pet.

Avoid throwing away the packaging after applying this topical product. This is because you will need the information about the manufacture and ingredients in case your dog suffers a bad reaction. Some of the side effects that you should look out for are:

  • Vomiting
  • Stumbling
  • Poor appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Itching or burning sensation at the point of application
  • Digestive upset
  • Seizures
  • Foaming at the mouth or Drooling

How is the K9 Advantix Applied?

K9 Advantix is a topical solution that should be applied along the dog’s spine. Part the hair at the application points and then gently squeeze the Advantix solution onto the skin. Be cautious enough to avoid any excess drippage. Be sure to apply in 2 or 3 uniformly distributed locations between the shoulder blades and tail base and give the solution at least an hour to dry completely.

Some dogs may experience an itching or burning sensation in the area of application and this goes away after a few days. Ensure that you keep away cats from dogs that are using K9 Advantix, for at least 24 hours after application. This medication can make cats sick because they are unable to metabolize the main ingredients in it.

What Are the Common Misconceptions Regarding Topical Flea and Tick Treatments

Some pet owners complain that oral and topical tick and flea treatments are ineffective against the elimination of fleas on dogs and homes. However, both product manufacturers and veterinarians agree that most times people are not applying products correctly or have higher expectations of these products.

Getting rid of fleas from your home takes months. This is why scheduled and regular topical application is necessary. Fleas have a very short reproduction cycle that makes it difficult to eliminate them easily. This makes it necessary to have your dogs vaccinated monthly with K9 Advantix to ensure they have protection 30 days of protection against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

If you are not sure about what products to use or where to purchase, your veterinarian can help you out. Vets have worked with pets and will recommend the best products based on the medical history of your pet. Veterinarians can also come in handy if your dog reacts adversely to K9 Advantix as they can recommend oral or other topical products. You will avoid counterfeit products that do not produce results or may cause severe skin irritation on your dog.

Expert Advice When Using K9 Advantix

K9 Advantix is one of the best topical products on the market for killing and repelling fleas and ticks. The following are a few things to consider when using K9 Advantix on your dog.

Dog Size: When using K9 Advantix, you need to consider the size of your dog. Using a stronger dose that is meant for treating bigger canines may trigger unfavorable side effects. Conversely, using a mild treatment for younger dogs will lower its efficiency. K9 Advantix comes in suitable dosing packages for dogs less than 10 pounds, 11 to 20 pounds, 21 to 55 pounds, and canines over 55 pounds.

Age: It might not be appropriate to use K9 Avantix on puppies under a specified age. Your veterinarian will give you the best advice on the best age and time to apply K9 Advantix on your pet.

Separate your Pets: If you have more than one dog, you should separate them for a few hours after treatment. This will give the drug time to dry completely, especially if your dogs are licking each other or actively playful.

Components: you should check the product label before applying K9 Avantix or other topical flea solutions. Your dog may be allergic to ingredients in the topical treatments. An easy allergy test will help you know the products to buy and those to avoid.

Price: Purchase a topical treatment that is within your financial reach. Whatever product you purchase ensure it is effective and offers value for money. With K9 Advantix, you can expect excellent results at a competitive price.

Durability: Every pet owner desires a topical anti-fleas product that will repel fleas for a long time. Be sure to check how long the product you are buying will be effective on your pet. With K9 Advantix, you can expect it to last on your pet for 30 days offering the desired protection.

Eliminate Fleas From Your Home

Treating your dog against flea is one thing, however, you must ensure that you eliminate them from your home too. Fleas can lay eggs and live in your carpet and upholstery all-year-round. If you miss a dose of K9 Advantix, your dog will become infested again. The best way to eliminate fleas in all stages of their lifecycle is by thoroughly vacuuming your home.

This does not mean vacuuming the carpets only. You should vacuum your tile or hardwood floors and upholstery. All your rugs should be cleaned and including all items that your pet lays on, like beddings. Ensure that you use the hottest washer and dryer cycles.

Ensure that your yard is also sprayed and your home fumigated to eliminate any traces of these nuisance pests. Combining a scheduled application of K9 Advantix and a thorough cleaning of your home is all you need to eliminate ticks and fleas.

Conclusion


When ticks infest your dog, they can cause Lyme disease, anemia, and also poor health of the fur and skin. If they are not eliminated, they can make your dog extremely ill. Additionally, fleas are also dangerous as they trigger allergic reactions, works, and even anemia. The best thing as a pet owner is to protect your dog from these pests.

K9 Advantix is one of the highly recommended products for eliminating ticks and fleas from dogs. This topical solution provides 30 days of protection for your canine. This ensures they remain comfortable and healthy at all times.

Monday, November 9, 2020

A Golden Retriever - Poem

 A Golden Retriever is a bundle of fluff,

A Golden Retriever is all the right stuff,

A Golden Retriever is always a friend,

A Golden Retriever puts your heart on the mend….

A Golden Retriever loves to swim and to play,

A Golden Retriever will greet you each day,

A Golden Retriever never ever gets mad,

A Golden Retriever will cheer you when you are sad…

A Golden Retriever loves to play ball,

A Golden Retriever will give you their all,

A Golden Retriever will frolic and swim,

A Golden Retriever will lick you on a whim…

A Golden Retriever will lie by your side,

A Golden Retriever will narrow a bed you thought wide,

A Golden Retriever will smile for you each morning,

And yet to intruders, he’ll give you good warning…

A Golden Retriever knows just what you need,

A Golden Retriever is a permanent good deed,

A Golden Retriever will love you each day,

A Golden Retriever understands when you just need to play…

A Golden Retriever warms your cold feet,

A Golden Retriever knows when you’re beat,

A Golden Retriever will always trust you,

A Golden Retriever will always be true…

A Golden Retriever waits patiently till you come in the door,

A Golden Retriever is all this and more,

A Golden Retriever will steal your whole heart,

And once you have one you’ll not want to part !!


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