Pet Connection for Summer 2019 by Southern Lakes Newspapers / Rock Valley Publishing

Pet Connection Inside

SUMMER 2019

A ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC publication

• Traveling with pets • Tips for bird owners • Teach kids about pet ownership

For more assistance choosing a pet, speak with a trusted veterinarian or animal expert about the traits of certain animals and breeds up for consideration.

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Choose wisely

PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

What is the right type of pet for your family?

Welcoming a pet into one’s life can be a rewarding experience. Pets promote compassion and discipline in their owners, and their companionship can be incredibly rewarding. They also can be helpful tools for teaching children responsibility. Pets require commitment, patience and financial investment. Potential pet owners also need to understand just what they’re getting into when they decide to bring a pet home. Certain animals require a greater level of attention than others, and some pets might not be the right fit for all involved. After all, a pet is not a temporary playmate, but a long-term family member who will require considerable love and attention. Prospective pet owners should consider various factors to help them find the pet that suits their families. Decide if you want a young pet or

prefer an older animal, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. While puppies and kittens can be attractive, they require extra time and care upon being welcomed into a home, and that can be rough if young children are in the home and not accustomed to pets and their unique behaviors. In such instances, an older established animal may be a better fit, especially if you can devote the time to retraining the animal to your preferences. If you already have pets, you’ll need to find one that’s compatible with your existing animals. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation says to carefully consider if you can provide the amount of attention your pet will need. Different species and breeds require various amounts of care. A ferret or hamster may be self-sufficient most of the day, while a boisterous puppy

will not be. People who travel frequently or are out of the house most of the day will have to keep this in mind as well. Affordability is another factor to consider. Assess whether you have the money necessary to offer shelter, recreation, medical care, food, exercise, and socialization for this particular pet. If you cannot budget for a pet that has a lot of needs, look for one that has relatively inexpensive care requirements, like a fish. Remember that some animals can live many years, while others have a relatively short life span. Factor this into your decision as well. Once you make the commitment to the pet, it’s unfair to surrender an animal simply because you failed to recognize the time and energy required to take care of it. (METRO CREATIVE)

Out & about

How to safely take dogs for wilderness walks

Hiking is a rewarding, healthy activity that can help people connect with nature. Walks in the wilderness also present perfect opportunities to get the family dog out for some fresh air. When walking dogs in wooded areas, pet owners must exercise caution to protect their dogs, themselves and fellow nature lovers.

Use a leash

Apply tick repellant Even dogs that stay on walking paths in wooded areas are vulnerable to ticks. That vulnerability increases their owners’

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Wilderness walks provide great opportunities to get dogs exercise and fresh air. Some simple precautionary measures can ensure such walks are enjoyable for everyone.

susceptibility to ticks as well, as ticks that attach to dogs may eventually bite the dogs’ owners. Flea and tick collars can effectively deter ticks from feasting on dogs. Owners also should apply tick repellant to themselves before entering wooded areas.

Pack a portable water bowl and extra water for your pooch so the dog does not become dehydrated during the walk. Some healthy, energy-boosting snacks can help dogs withstand lengthy hikes as well.

Bring water and treats

Recognize signs that the dog needs to turn around and go home. Heavy panting, a slow gait and repeated efforts to lay down are signs that dogs have grown tired. Monitor your dog’s energy levels and turn around or return to your vehicle at the first sign a dog is running out of gas.

Hikers bring extra water and food along during a hike to satisfy any hunger pangs they have while walking and to ensure they have some sustenance should they get lost. The same precautionary measures are necessary for dogs. 343818

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Pet Connection Summer 2019

Published by ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 (262) 728-3411

Phone: 815-961-1459 Cell: 815-222-2685

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Editor: Tracy Ouellette Page Design: Jen DeGroot Creative/Production Manager: Heidi Schulz Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff

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PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

When walking dogs in public settings, it’s always best to keep them on a leash. Many areas even have laws that mandate dogs be kept on leashes at all times. If you hope to walk a dog off-leash, visit the park or wooded area ahead of time or contact your local parks department to determine the laws governing the area. Even if you’re not legally obligated to keep the dog on a leash while walking through the woods, the benefits of doing so are numerous. Keeping your dogs on a leash makes it easier for you and your dog to get away if you encounter something unexpected, like a coyote or a bear. It’s also easier to keep your dog on the walking path and out of brush or bushes, where ticks or other bugs might attach themselves to the dog and ultimately put its health in jeopardy.

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Chickens require commitment and care that many people can provide. It is essential to do one’s homework to ensure that backyard chickens are a sound investment.

s n e k c i h C Backyard

Raising backyard chickens has been a growing phenomenon for several years. Many cities have passed laws legalizing backyard chickens, encouraging many to raise chickens as a rewarding hobby. One of the biggest benefits to raising backyard chickens is that their eggs are fresher and often tastier than store-bought varieties. Hens can lay one egg per day. Multiply that egg per hen, and breakfast is always available. Another benefit to chickens is they produce a natural fertilizer that can be used in gardens. “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” says chicken manure can be composted, aged and eventually added to the garden. In about six months, a person will accumulate about one cubic foot of manure per chicken. Egg shells and other compostable material can be added to create an even richer

RIGHT FOR YOU?

formula. Chickens also can help control bugs around the yard, offers the experts at Tractor Supply Company. Before investing in backyard chickens, people should determine if chickens will fit with their lifestyle. Costs and care are a big consideration. Each chick will cost anywhere between $3 to $5 a bird. Then there’s feed to consider. The most expensive item will likely be the coop. The experts at The Happy Chicken Coop, a resource for raising chickens and starting coops, says handy men and women can build homemade coops, but ready-made ones will cost a few hundred dollars. The coop will need to offer around four square feet of space per chicken (or what’s recommended for the breed).

Despite being seemingly independent birds, chickens need people to be active caregivers. They require feed and water daily. The chickens will need a caregiver while you vacation. People who are frequently away from home should reconsider chickens. Chickens also are prone to worms, parasites and lice. They need to have rear feathers trimmed to stay clean and sanitary, and they will require an area where they can “dust” and self-groom. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises not to cuddle and kiss chickens like pets because they can carry salmonella. Not every coop is completely varmint-proof, and some chickens may succumb to predators. Squeamish or sentimental folks may find chickens aren’t the right fit. (METRO CREATIVE)

PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

ARE

Tips for traveling with pets Many pet parents choose to include their four-legged companions in their travel plans. Bringing pets along can reduce the hassle of finding a pet sitter or a boarding service. Traveling with pets in tow also can be enjoyable for the entire family, including pets. Perhaps that’s why a recent study from AAA and Best Western International found that more than half of American pet owners take their cats and dogs with them when they travel. Traveling with pets can be fun, but it means taking some extra steps when planning a trip to ensure pets are safe and content. Before anyone hits the road or soars into the sky, consider these tips. • Acclimate the pet to the car. Conduct a trial run with your pet in tow to gauge how he or she handles a car ride. Start with shorter trips and build up. Assess how the pet reacts so you can make adjustments if necessary. • Get a wellness check. Visit the vet prior to departing, particularly if you will be traveling far or abroad. Pack an

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See TRAVELING, Page 10

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Pets are traveling with their owners more often than ever before. Travel safe and smart at all times.

Is it contagious?

The bond pet owners have with their pets is strong. Pets bring a lot into a home. The opportunity to care for a pet can provide fulfillment and joy, and the unconditional love pets give to their owners can improve their owners’ moods. Like their owners, pets are not immune to illness, and some of these illnesses can even be passed from pet to owner. Pet owners may assume diseases can only be transmitted via pets with whom they have routine direct physical contact, such as cats and dogs. But other pets, including parrots, can transmit disease. Parrot fever, sometimes referred to as “psittacosis” or “chlamydiophila psittaci,” is a bacterial disease that can be passed from certain birds, like parrots and parakeets, to humans. The bacteria behind parrot fever commonly infects birds. While it’s unlikely that this bacteria will infect bird owners, it’s possible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can become infected with parrot fever as a result of breathing in secretions of psittacine birds, such as parrots and parakeets. Birds may or may not exhibit signs that they’ve been infected with the bacteria, so bird owners may be vulnerable to the disease without even knowing their birds are sick. Birds shed the bacteria behind parrot fever in their droppings and respiratory secretions. When these secretions dry, small dust particles, including the bacteria, can get into the air. When humans breathe in these dust particles, they may then become infected with parrot fever. It’s possible that birds can spread the infection through biting or beak-to-mouth contact, but the CDC notes that such instances are rare. And while it’s possible for the bacteria to be spread from one human to another, that, too, is unlikely.

Signs and symptoms Parrot fever typically causes only mild illness. The potential indicators of parrot fever are different for birds than they are for humans. The CDC notes that signs of parrot fever in birds are non-specific, and birds infected with the bacteria may exhibit no symptoms at all. If they do exhibit symptoms, they may include poor appetite, inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, and/or diarrhea. Humans exposed to the bacteria behind

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Parrot fever is a bacterial disease that can be passed from certain birds, like parrots and parakeets, to humans.

parrot fever may begin developing symptoms within five to 14 days after exposure. The most common symptoms are fever and chills, headache, muscle aches, and dry cough. These symptoms also can be a result of other illnesses unrelated to birds, so bird owners should consult their physicians if any appear and inform their doctors that they have a bird at home. This may lead

doctors to conduct tests designed to detect parrot fever. Antibiotics are an effective and common treatment for birds and bird owners affected by parrot fever. And while infection is often mild and harmless, bird owners should keep an eye out for symptoms to ensure the health of their birds and themselves. (METRO CREATIVE)

PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

Parrot fever and the threat it poses to humans

Pets come with responsibility 5 important facts to teach kids about animal ownership

Kids instinctively love animals. Children begin learning about animal species, their habitats and behavior during elementary school, and this is when children also become more interested and involved in caring for family pets. They may even become pet owners for the first time at this age. Learning about animal care is fun for kids, while also teaching them life lessons about empathy, compassion and responsibility. Here are five important facts that children need to know about pet care:

All pets need water Water is essential for every pet, every day (some even live in water). Keep water dishes or bottles clean so their water is always good to drink.

Pets need particular food PetSmart is a great place to find the right food for any pet. While some (like rabbits) eat fresh vegetables like you, most pets don’t thrive on people food. Feeding them scraps from your plate STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Kids can learn valuable life lessons by caring for a pet.

See RESPONSIBILITY, Page 10

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Shelters are bursting at the seams strays and pets that have been turned over by owners who are unable to care for them. Do your part to help keep the pet population at a sustainable level by spaying and/or neutering your animals.

5 BENEFITS TO

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One of the most important aspects of welcoming a pet into a home is to be a responsible pet owner. Responsible pet ownership involves providing for the animal’s physical and emotional needs, making sure to keep the pet out of danger and providing love, affection and training. Responsible pet ownership also includes a commitment to maintaining a reasonable pet population. Due to unchecked breeding, shelters are bursting at the seams with animals who have been found stray or were turned over by owners who are unable to care for them. The ASPCA says millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays every year. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters. Neutering, also known as spaying and neutering, can help keep animal numbers in check. American Humane says spaying is a general term used to describe the ovariohysterectomy of a female animal. Neutering is a general term used to describe

the castration of a male animal. However, neutering is often used in reference to both genders. Veterinarians perform these surgeries, which often result in the sameday release of pets if there have been no complications. Many shelters require adoptable animals be neutered before they can be released to a new family. Pet owners can work with veterinarians to determine the best age for sterilization. There are many great reasons to neuter pets that go beyond reducing overpopulation. • Improves animal health: Spaying can help prevent uterine infections and breast cancer in female pets. Neutering males can prevent testicular cancer. • Reduces unwanted marking/mating behavior: Female pets advertise that they are ready to reproduce by leaving scents (urinating), barking, meowing, and being more agitated during breeding season. Spaying can reduce these inclinations. • Reduces the need to roam: Male animals

will travel near or far to find a female. Once on the prowl, the animal runs the risks of injury from altercations with other animals as well as traffic. Such animals also may get lost. • Responsible breeding: American Humane says 25 percent of shelter dogs are purebreds. Responsible purebred breeders have homes lined up before they breed. There’s no need to mate purebreds simply for the sake of continuing the lineage. • Improved behavior: The ASPCA says a male pet might be less likely to mount other pets, people and inanimate objects after he’s neutered. Some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering as well. Neutering is a smart choice. After the surgery takes place, give the pet a quiet, safe place to recover and inhibit jumping or running for a few weeks. Also, try to keep him or her from licking the wounds. When the vet gives a clean bill of health, pets can resume living full, happy lives. (METRO CREATIVE)

PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

spaying/neutering

• Traveling

updated copy of health and immunization records, as well as proof of ownership of the pet. Some countries require pet passports. Investigate if the destination country requires quarantine of the animal. • Buy a quality pet carrier. Be sure to have a secure and comfortable pet carrier for your dog, cat or small animal. This can make travel safer for the animal. If flying, you may need to purchase an airline-approved crate. Mark the crate with identification information and contact numbers. • Pack a pet-friendly kit. The ASPCA suggests bringing along food, a bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and first-aid, and any travel documents. Pack a favorite toy or pillow. Bring along bottled water as well. Drinking unfamiliar water can upset pets’ stomachs. • Book direct flights. A direct flight reduces the likelihood a pet will be kept on the tarmac or spend even longer times in the baggage hold of the plane. A pets-only airline might be a good choice as well. For example, Pet Airways offers climate-controlled cabins outfitted with individual crates, and a flight attendant checks on the animals every 15 minutes. After landing, pets are given a bathroom break. • Reserve pet-friendly lodging. Many hotel and motel chains now offer pet accommodations. For a fee you can have your pet stay in the room. There may be specific requirements, such as restricting the pet to a crate when unattended. • Make sure microchip data is current. Log into the service that coordinates with the pet’s microchip. Check to see that your address and phone number are current. Consider adding temporary travel contact data so the pet can be reunited with you if it gets lost at your destination.

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Each pet needs a different habitat While cats or dogs share our homes, others require special houses. Fish need aquariums with water that’s filtered, at the correct temperature. Smaller pets need cages - they’re not littertrained, and they’re small enough to get lost in your house. Reptiles need glass enclosures called “vivariums” and require heat to be comfortable. Birds need cages to prevent them from escaping. Whatever habitat your pet requires, it’s important to keep it clean and give them toys to entertain them.

Pets need socializing

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Just like people, pets can get lonely. Dogs need lots of human time, and walks to go to the bathroom and exercise. While cats seem like loners, they’re actually quite social. Even a cat who doesn’t want to cuddle may sit nearby. Fish or gerbils are more contented with the presence of an animal of the same species. Adopting two pets together can prevent loneliness.

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PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

(Continued from page 8)

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(Continued from page 6)

Finally, most pets need regular check-ups. Vet visits can be costly, so before becoming a pet owner, make sure you’re prepared. Pet ownership is a serious responsibility – their health and care is now up to you. Understanding these important facts about pet care for each type of animal can help every family find the right pet. According to the ASPCA, about 3.2 million cats and 3.3 million dogs are brought to shelters each year. Whenever you’re looking for a pet, remember that there are always many more available than human families to give them homes. (BPT)

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Extreme weather can be harmful to dogs. But there’s still ways to exercise pooches in periods of inclement weather.

Exercise is important for every member of a family, including the family dog. According to SPCA Florida, regular exercise is just as important for dogs as it is for their owners. Many dog owners find ways to incorporate their dogs into their own exercise routines in order to ensure their four-legged friends get enough physical activity each day. For example, dogs might come along on jogs around the neighborhood or join their owners on walks

Change times In conditions that are extremely hot, dog owners can change their routines so dogs get out and get some exercise during the times of day when the weather is temperate. Early morning and evening or even nighttime exercise sessions afford chances to time to run around outdoors without doing so under the blazing summer sun. If walking dogs after sundown, dress them in reflective materials so they’re visible to oncoming motorists.

Dress dogs for the cold Dogs can be bundled up just like their owners bundle up in gloves and layers when spending time outside in cold weather. Salt and chemical de-icing solutions can injure dogs, burning and drying out their paws, so make sure their paws are covered before taking them outside in icy, snowy

conditions. Dogs may need a few practice runs wearing booties indoors before they’re comfortable enough to wear them outside without trying to remove them. In addition, Petfinder recommends keeping dogs’ bodies warm by dressing them in doggy jackets or vests.

Reduce the length of time spent outdoors Cutting back on the time dogs spend outdoors in extreme weather is another way to protect them from the elements. Shorter, more frequent trips can ensure dogs get enough daily exercise while limiting their exposure to extreme weather. If dogs are accustomed to 30 minutes of running around in the backyard in the afternoon, break that down to three 10-minute sessions instead, spacing out each sessions so dogs have time to recuperate.

Exercise indoors if necessary Avoid exercising dogs outdoors in especially extreme conditions. Rather than exposing dogs to extreme weather, make a game out of running up and down staircases or play fetch in a hallway to help dogs burn off their energy and get some exercise. (METRO CREATIVE)

PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

How to exercise dogs in extreme weather

in the park. But what about those times when the weather is extreme? Snowstorms and heat waves might compromise dog owners’ efforts to get their pooches daily exercise. But there are many ways that dog owners can work around extreme weather to ensure Fido gets enough physical activity to stay healthy.

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SNAZZY PETS

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Individuals and families who decide to bring new puppies into their homes understand that their lives are bound to change until the new pup acclimates to the household. Many are willing to accept the work involved because of the love and affection their adorable puppy offers. Arguably one of the most challenging – and often frustrating – components about puppyhood is training the dog to use the outdoors for bathroom needs. It’s easy to underestimate the time involved in housebreaking a puppy. The Humane Society of America says puppies typically can control their bladders for one hour for every month of age. That means if the dog is three months old, he can hold it for about three hours. How often a puppy will need to defecate depends on the food being fed and when meals are offered. The American Kennel Club says that most puppies will need to poop shortly after a meal, anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. Puppies typically can hold urine a little longer overnight, but probably won’t be able to go the entire night without a potty break. Many

pups can last around six hours from the last time they’ve gone out. An early-morning bathroom break will be needed, or consider penning the dog with puppy pads to catch the mess until the dog gains greater control over its bladder. The following are some other tips for housebreaking success: • Take pups outside immediately in the morning, after naps and after vigorous play. • Pick up food bowls and water several hours before bedtime. This can prevent accidents by ensuring dogs’ stomachs and bladders are not full overnight. • Some pups may be hesitant to go outside when the weather is cold, rainy or snowy, so people who live in cold climates may want to wait until the weather warms up to adopt their puppies. • Err on the side of caution at the start and take the pup outside once every 30 to 60 minutes to establish a system of reward and praise for going outside. • Contain the pup when you can’t provide it with your undivided attention. It only takes a moment for a puppy to wander off and have an accident. (METRO CREATIVE)

Cat rescue seeks donations Touched by a Paw Cat Rescue and Shelter, 182 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wis., is in need of donations and volunteers. The shelter’s wish list includes: • Kleenex, paper towels, toilet paper; • Antibacterial dish soap; • Hand sanitizer; • Clumping and gravel cat litter; • Purina ProPlan Savor for adults and Pro Plan Focus kittens; • Wet (canned) cat food, prefer chicken or turkey; • Wet (canned) Friskies Poultry Platter, any size; • DM canned and dry food for diabetic cats, purchased at a vet clinic; • KMR Kitten Formula Milk; • Huggies brand baby wipes; • 39-gallon garbage bags and 13-gallon kitchen-size garbage bags; • Rubber backed bath rugs; • Soft, small blankets; • Cat toys – crinkle balls, small mice, glitter ball, etc. • Cat beds; • Revolution flee treatment, purchased at vet clinic; • Volunteers. For more information, call 262473-4769.

STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Housebreaking requires extreme patience, routine and practice. Eventually the puppy will gain greater control of its bowels and stop soiling inside the house.

PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

Set realistic expectations when housebreaking puppies

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PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

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STOCK PHOTO Pet Connection

Attention to detail can help prevent lost pets.

5 ways to prevent your pet from getting lost

Get a collar and identification tag Collars may seem “old school” in a digital world, but a dog tag is an ideal way to identify a pet and provide contact information should he or she get lost.

Invest in microchipping Microchipping is an effective way to ensure current contact information always accompanies the animal, whether he or she is wearing a collar or not. Microchips are small identification devices about the size of a grain of rice that are painlessly inserted just under the skin of a pet. The microchip gives off a signal that can be read with a handheld scanner used by animal shelters and most vets. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, examined information from 53 animal shelters across the U.S. and confirmed the high rate of return of microchipped dogs and cats to their families.

Ensure your pet is spayed or neutered Animals that have not been spayed or neutered have a tendency to roam because they are looking to fulfill the instinct to mate. Neutering removes

this desire, and the pets may be more content to remain at home.

Leash pets outdoors Even the most well-behaved and trained animals may dash off after a squirrel or other distractions from time to time, especially if the animal is scared. These issues can be prevented by using a leash outside at all times.

Escape-proof homes and yards Check to see if any potential escape routes are around the house and outside in the yard. Dogs that dig can be derailed by burying chicken wire around the edges of the fence. Make sure gates are self-latching as well. Indoors, check that windows are secure. Exercise caution when opening doors and check that pets have not squeezed through, advising visitors to do the same. If you have a Houdini on your hands, supervise outdoor play. (METRO CREATIVE)

PET CONNECTION • SUMMER 2019

Loving pets want to be right by their owners’ sides as much as possible. As a result, a boisterous puppy may follow underfoot while a cute kitty will snuggle on the sofa with its owner. Even though pets prefer to stick close by, there are times when distractions, events or noises can cause a pet to roam. Animals that do not know how to find their way back home can quickly become disoriented and lost. The number of pets that go missing can be staggering. The American Humane Association estimates that more than 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the United States every year. One in three pets will become lost at some point during their lives. The following are five steps pet owners can take to prevent them from getting lost.

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The Kishwaukee Kennel Club and Blackhawk Kennel Club are dedicated to supporting purebred dog and responsible dog ownership through public education, legislative programs, events and responsible breeding for type and function.

KISHWAUKEE KENNEL CLUB

Why choose a purposely bred purebred from a preservation breeder? Welcoming a dog into your life is a lifelong commitment and finding a pet whose temperament matches your personality and lifestyle is important. A preservation breeder strives to select the right forever home for his puppies. Preservation Breeders: selectively breed for health and the heritage of each breed. Predictability: because purposely bred purebreds are bred for type and function, it is fairly easy to predict their size, color, coat and body type as well as their temperament and behavior. Health and Expert Care: a responsible preservation breeder knows the ins and outs of their breed, and you will have peace of mind knowing that your dog has had expert care since birth. Training and Socialization: A responsibly bred puppy is coming from an environment where early stages of training and socialization have already begun. A network of resources: a responsible dog breeder can be an invaluable friend and advisor for the life of your puppy. The American Kennel Club Rescue Network is the largest network of dog rescue groups in the country, with more than 450 groups participating.

The Kishwaukee and Blackhawk Kennel Clubs will join forces once again to bring the dog loving public their American Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Shows this July 11th to July 14th at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Belvidere, Illinois. Show hours will be 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. After July 5th check Kishwaukee Kennel Clubâ€™s Facebook page for times for your favorite breeds!

Kishwauke e Kennel Clu b and Blackhawk Kennel Club are de dicated to all thing s dog!