Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs August 2006
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1.  Featured Item
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Top 10 Pet Peeves
4.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
5.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
6.  How to Unsubscribe


1) FEATURED ITEM
Our all purpose totes are a great choice for those back to school
needs, a lunch
tote bag or for carrying all your essentials.  The totes are made of
cotton with
full nylon lining in your choice of pet or animal patterns. Measures
9" x 9",
is insulated, washable, has a velcro closure and a 30" cloth strap.
If you
don't see the pattern you want, please contact us with your
request.We specialize
in custom orders.
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Category_Code=14

2) PET JOURNALS
The litter of puppies snuggled close to their protective mother.
With her nourishment,
they grew quickly.  In a few weeks, they were waddling around,
exploring  their
new home.  They were healthy and happy, but one little guy was
different.  He was
smaller and was developing at a much slower rate.
We called him Chris-T-Fur.  Chris-T-Fur tried to keep up with his
brothers and sisters,
but always fell behind the pack.  He'd run in their direction, but
would slam
into the walls and furniture.  We grew concerned and had him
examined.  The vet
said Chris-T-Fur is blind.  His left eye is totally defective and he
has a juvenile
cataract in his right. He may have a little vision in his right eye,
but it isn't
much.  You need to make a decision."   My wife and I both work with
people
who have disabilities.  She is a physical education teacher for
severely disabled
children.  I work with adults with hearing loss.  Our little Chris-T-
Fur deserved
as much of a chance as anyone.  "Doc, we'll take him home and love
him
as much as our other dogs."  Chris quickly worked his way into our
hearts --
a special kinship was formed.   Chris-T-Fur soon learned the sound
of my car.  He
hears me coming and runs down the driveway head first into the metal
gate.  "Go
back to the house, Chris," I'll tell him.  He turns and runs back up
the
driveway, bouncing off the brick wall, using it as his guide.   On
outings, he runs
with the other dogs, barking at things he cannot see.  He runs into
bushes, trees.
Does it slow him down?  No!   Chris-T-Fur gets up, a little dazed,
and then shakes
it off, and continues the pursuit.  He wants to be part of the
pack.   At night,
I sit to work at my computer.  Within a few minutes, I hear Chris-T-
Fur enter the
room.  He sniffs the air, detects where I am, and soon I'll hear the
familiar
thud, as he bumps into my chair.  I turn, scratch him behind his
ears, give him
a couple of pats on his head, and show him all the love I feel for
him.  He then
wanders off to another part of the house.   At dinner, I purposely
drop a few treats
on the floor and Chris-T-Fur is quick to hear the sound.  With a few
sniffs of his
over sensitive nose, he can locate his treat.  In spite of all his
disabilities,
Chris-T-Fur is a happy dog.    He is friendly and always ready to be
my companion.
He's my hero.  He doesn't have a pedigree, but he's top dog in my
book.
I have a daily reminder that the struggles I
face are insignificant compared to what others deal with.  Chris-T-
Fur knows, if
you get knocked down, you brush yourself off and pick yourself back
up.  He's
taught me how important it is to keep a positive attitude.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our
pets, so send us
your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month to feature
in
our newsletter.

3)  TOP 10 PET PEEVES
#1. Dirty litter boxes. Picture for a moment, your home minus a
clean bathroom.
Your only option: a pungent port-a-potty in the backyard. You find
yourself wishing
for the lung capacity of an Olympic swimmer so that you can hold
your breath and
complete your deed before you need to inhale. Disgusting, right?
Some cats belonging
to delinquent litter box-scooping owners feel the same way.  "Cats
are fastidious
by nature so a dirty litter box is downright disgusting," says Dr.
Moon-Fanelli.
"They deserve a box that is scooped every day ­ and more than one box
if there
is more than one cat in the household."
Solution: She offers a few other feline-friendly gestures: skip the
perfume-scented
litter, lose the lid (for many cats, the hooded boxes trap odors
inside the box,
causing them to gasp or, seek a new place to potty ­ like behind your
sofa.). Win
over your cat by actually cleaning the box and re-filling with clean
litter once
a week. Location is also key. Pick a private, quiet place in your
home ­ not next
to a noisy washer machine or deep in the dark corner of your
basement.
#2. Blaring music. As your cat naps on the sofa, you rudely slip a
CD into your
stereo and crank up the volume until your walls shake. Yowl! Your
cat heads skyward,
lands harshly and then dashes to the opposite end of your home.
Reason: feline ears
are much more sensitive than human ears. They have more hair cell
receptors and
their cone-shaped ears capture more sounds. "Playing loud music
actually may
be painful to them," says Dr. Moon-Fanelli. "I find that my cats are
much
more comfortable when I play classical or jazz music than when on
play rock music
on a high volume."
Solution: Pump down the volume or wear headphones when you want to
blare music.
Or, Opt for classical or jazz radio stations or CDs. Cats seem to
like these musical
styles best, perhaps because they are rhythmical and don't pack
surprise beats.
#3. Tossing and turning in bed. Cats, the Rip Van Winkles of the
companion animal
world, can sleep 15 hours or more a day. One of their true life's
joys is to
snooze uninterrupted through the night curled up on your bedspread.
That tranquility
can be destroyed when you shift feet or flip from one body position
to another under
the sheets. As a consequence, your cat becomes nudged, shoved, or
even worse, airborne.
It would be as if someone roust you awake from a deep slumber by
leaping up and
down on your mattress. No wonder your cat reacts by toe pouncing or
biting.
"Generally, cats that get upset by your movement in bed tend to be
ones that
startle easily," says Dr. Moon-Fanelli. "Also, cats instinctively
want
to attack things that move ­ like feet under a bedspread."
Solution: Sleep on your back and don't move a muscle. Or, more
realistically,
provide a cat bed in your bedroom or leave your door open for them
to leave. If
necessary, protect your toes by wearing thick socks.
#4. Shouting. The human equivalent of cat fights -- yelling and
speaking in loud
tones during a spat with your spouse or your strong-willed teen-
ager -- can cause
cats to flee and often seek quieter places, like under your bed or
deep in your
closet.
"When you fight with a teen-ager or a spouse, cats typically are not
sure what's
going on," says Dr. Wright. "They go from first being alert, to
being
interested, and then to being terrified. Cats love ritualistic
activities, set routines.
They usually don't know how to deal with an upset in routine, like
their people
yelling. The loud voices often freak them out and cause them to dart
out of the
room."
Solution: Try to focus on solving problems in a civil tone, rather
than yelling
and finger pointing. If necessary, enroll in an anger management
class ­ to benefit
everyone in the household.
#5. Super-stressed humans. Cats tune in like four-footed mood
barometers. They know
when you're happy, sad, angry, and bummed.  "Cats read our body
languages
so well," says Dr. Wright. "When we're stressed, our muscles tend
to be tight; our posture rigid and our pupils dilated ­ not inviting
signs to a
cat."
Solution: Recognize that you can't totally control your life and
more importantly,
remember to savor positive moments and events. "When you come home
from work,
try to spend a few minutes with their cats," says Dr. Wright. "Spend
quality
time talking with your pets every night and think of good things
that happened that
day that you can share with your animals. They may not understand
your words, but
they do understand your tone. This activity can help reduce the
stress in you."
#6 thru 10 in September's newsletter
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

4)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Stan T. the winner of the pawprint visor and
August's drawing
is a paw print cosmetic bag   Congratulations to Fran B., the winner
of the $50.00
gift certificate.  After entering your name, check out the rest of
the fun page
at http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Tim Kathy
Michhael and Madison
L... for the photo of  Fletch, already a too cute.   We want to
honor your pet next
month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail
mail.  July's
question was:  Does your pet like to swim? Most of the responses
indicate our pets
don't like the water with  No, can't get them near it (66%), Yes,
loves
the water (31%) and other such as can take it or leave it (3%).

5)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
"I enjoy reading your newsletter.  It contains fun stuff which makes
me laugh.
Keep up the good work."  Regards,  Ellie P.

6) HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE (Sorry to see you go)
If you no longer wish to be on our mailing list or receive any
updates about products,
please reply to this email with unsubscribe in the subject line.
You will be removed
within 24 hours.

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've
provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your friends.
http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm
Thank you for taking the time to tell your friends and family about
Animal Designs.
It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs July 2006
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1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  The DNA Dog Diet
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Come and join us for our anniversary celebration on the internet with
an exclusive offer just for our newsletter readers. Your order this
month will be entered to win a $50.00 gift certificate!  A random
drawing will be held at the end of the month to select the winner.
Yes, spend it as you like at Animal Designs. Thanks to all our valued
customers who have made this celebration possible.  Be sure to visit
us today at www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
  The sun was shining and the weather was warm.  This was a vacation
day, a rare occasion just to goof off.   I never imagined I would
become a zoo exhibit.  My computer sits near the sliding glass
doors.  I had finished reading my email and was sitting with one of
my cats on my lap, soaking up the warmth of the early morning sun.
Another was sitting in the light on the desk.  A third basking on the
floor.  Suddenly, intent alertness in every muscle, each cats' eyes
focused on a shrub outside.  You could feel the predatory instincts
in their eagerness.  I turned my chair to face the shrub.  The first
cat stayed in my lap, content to be held, but with his tail whipping
wildly.  The cat on the floor did the "lion crawl" to the edge of the
glass, as close as he could get to the "prey".  The cat on the desk
literally "oozed" down to the floor joining the other at the door.
Then, I saw the object of their scrutiny -- a fat, gray squirrel.
She sat at attention, on a broken branch, with jet eyes locked on the
cats.  Both front paws curled up to her chest, her tail sending
semaphore signals to some unseen comrade.  I expected she would
scamper away at the first overt movement.  But no -- the squirrel was
enjoying her day at the ZOO!   There were predators within striking
distance but she seemed to understand she was safe.  You could see
she was getting an adrenaline rush.  She looked from at one cat to
another and then at me, turning her head this way and that to get a
better view.  She even indulged in refreshments, taking a seed pod
from the shrub, looking, for all the world, like she was eating
popcorn.  The gray lady was of course, alert to everything around
her.  A neighbor getting into his car and diving away.  Another
throwing trash in the dumpsters.  A hawk circling (she was safe, out
of its view under the canopy of the shrub).  But always her attention
returned to the "caged animals".  After several minutes, I could tell
she was getting bored.  Those mighty predators were just sitting
there. They were not providing new or exciting behaviors (Yawn).
Until, suddenly a yellow fuzzy monster -- my Golden Retriever service
dog, Vega -- came strolling up to the glass.  OH MY!  This was so
exciting.  The squirrel's tail started to flick a million miles an
hour.  One front paw came down to the branch, just in case she had to
make a run for it!  She was ready!  Prepared to cut in the after-
burners to get away!  But she was fascinated.  She could not break
eye contact.  My dog had realized that there must be something
interesting outside.  He trusts the cats to always know where the fun
is.  But he never looked up.  He looked out into the lot, down to the
patio but never up, he didn't see the squirrel, lost interest and
wandered away.   With the behemoth gone, the squirrel soon lost
interest as well. She had eaten all her seeds and was starting to
look around for something else to do or to eat.  Soon she meandered
out of the shrub, crossed the parking lot and went her way with a
final few flips of her tail, as if in farewell.  I wonder if she felt
brave and adventurous hanging around all those sharp teeth and claws
for such a long time.  With the squirrel gone, the cats soon drifted
off to sleep in the nice warm sun and I returned to my reading.  The
animals in the zoo went back to their daily routines. Perhaps, the
gray visitor may return another day to peer with  fascination, and a
courageous spirit, at the animals in the "zoo".
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Our billfold is great for those outdoor activities, biking, walking
or a day at the beach.  This softsided cotton fabric billfold is
available in your favorite pet or animal print and features two (2)
card pockets, (one for coins) compartment for paper money, nylon
lining, velcro closure and it's washable.  It measures 3" X 5" in
size when folded. Great to carry your money and credit cards when you
want something small and flexible. Want a different pet or animal
print, please contact us with your request.  Order yours today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=bil001&Category_Code
=15

4) THE DNA DOG DIET
Chow time takes on a new health significance for your dog ­ thanks to
an emerging science called nutrigenomics.  Nutritionists and
geneticists are working together to keep your dog healthy, one
molecular morsel at a time. This interplay between genes and
nutrients found in certain foods may transform the overall health in
dogs ­ and people. "Genes represent the blueprint for who we are ­ both
people and dogs ­ but they are not a jail sentence," says Ruth DeBusk,
PhD, RD, a geneticist and registered dietician in Tallahassee,
Florida. She co-authored, It's Not Just Your Genes with Yael Joffe,
RD and spearheads an international coalition determined to educated
experts ­ and consumers ­ about the benefits of nutrigenomics on
overall health and longevity. The buzz about nutrigenomics has
sparked debate ­ and hope ­ in the veterinary community. That's because
much of the canine research has been conducted by scientists at major
commercial dog food companies and the results have yet to be
published in peer-review medical journals. This manipulation at the
cellular level may prevent or eliminate osteoarthritis, epilepsy,
cancers, and a host of other canine health conditions. Research is
also underway for new gene diets for cats, too. "We're only beginning
to learn how certain foods can manipulate the genes for which we ­ and
dogs ­ are born with," says Robert Pickard, PhD, director of the
British Nutrition Foundation.  He points out that dogs and humans
have similar number of genes ­ about 23,000 ­ and most canine genes
appear to have human equivalents and vice versa.  "We know
the 'addresses' of genes," says Dr. Pickard. "Now, we need to learn
their 'occupations' and what influence certain foods have on
modifying these genes."  Scientists identified a specific omega-3
fatty acid called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) that can "turn off" a
degenerative enzyme that causes cartilage degradation. They recently
shared their findings at an international nutritional conference in
London and a genetics conference at Tufts University in North
Grafton, Massachusetts.  Curious about nutrigenomics?  To learn more
about this new science, please visit the Web site:
www.petnutrigenomics.com.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Katie H. the winner of the pawprint towel &
hotpad.   July's drawing is a paw print tote bag.  After entering
your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm Thanks to Timmy D...for the
photo of his cute rabbit Max. We want to honor your pet next month,
so send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail mail.
June's question was:  Have you entered your pet in a show or
exhibition?  Most of the responses said they don't have the time
(72%) , won 1st place(14%), would love to but don't know how (9%) and
others such as photo contests (5%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
Hello, wanted to let you know I received the two cow print cosmetic
bags I purchased from you. Wow!! they are so cute. Keep up the great
work, I look forward to buying from you again in the future. Thanks!
Tammy C.

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you
for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs June 2006
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1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Controlling Ticks
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

HAPPY FATHER"S DAY!!!

1) WHAT'S NEW
June's in full bloom and we have something to help you blossom!!
Yes, you'll receive a one of our hand crafted items free with every
order placed this month.  Its our way of saying thanks to you as our
loyal customer.  This complimentary surprise will come in handy for
those June gifts or keep it for yourself, so be sure to place your
order today at www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
Awoke to a hairball on my pillow,
I found kitty litter in my shoes.
Have to give the cat a pill -- OW !!
And I've got the Rescuer's Blues.

A dog ate the kids' lunches,
(and I think the remote control, too).
My hair is clumped in bunches,
and I have a vet appointment at two.

Parakeet!
Someone found a bird,
asked if I would take it
with the worst sob story I've yet heard.

I haven't seen a dentist
in so long, I don't know when,
but tomorrow the old Basset
is having a dental at 10.

Dingo!
Someone found one in a park -
called to see if I had room for him,
here at "Noah's Ark."
(Always wanted a dog who can't bark.)

People ask me why I do this
and I just shrug my shoulders and smile.
The unconditional love of a slobbery kiss?
It feels good going the extra mile.

For some critters I have saved the day,
despite these Rescuer's Blues.
But I'm still hoping someone will rescue me
(that online dating service I think I'll sue!)
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our
pets, so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each
month to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Get ready for those summer cookouts with our colorful apron with
matching mitt in your choice of pet and animal prints. Made of
washable cotton, adjustable neck band and generously sized. Makes a
great gift as well as being practical in your own kitchen. If you
don't see the fabric you want, please contact us with your special
request.  Order yours today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=ap001&Category_Code
=1

4) CONTROLLING TICKS
To most pet owners, the opportunity to spend quality time with your
pet outdoors can be an exhilarating experience. Just be sure to
watch out for some sneaky critters waiting to feast on your pet's
blood!  Everyone is well aware of the irritation that fleas can
cause our pets, as well as pesky mosquitoes spreading heartworm
disease.  But another problem parasite that shows up in the spring
and stays until about October is the tick ­ and they can cause
serious problems, some of them deadly.   Adult ticks will climb to
the top of a blade of grass or the edge of a leaf lying on the
ground and wait for their potential host. This "questing" behavior
puts them in the perfect position to sense movement, heat, and even
carbon dioxide. Reacting to these stimuli, the tick will climb onto
the new host.   Dr. Michael Dryden of the Kansas State University
Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology mentions that pet
owners might miss a few ticks for a day or two, thereby giving the
opportunistic disease-causing bacteria a chance to infect the pet.
A recent study shows increasing numbers of dogs with positive Lyme
Disease tests in the United States. Lyme Disease has been diagnosed
in all 48 contiguous states and more than 40% of the 1,400
veterinary clinics surveyed have reported cases of the disease in
recent years. Dogs with Lyme Disease will often present with a
sudden onset on lameness that appears to come and go. Other symptoms
include loss of appetite, high fever, and severe lethargy.  It is
possible though, to enjoy the outdoors and protect your pet from
ticks at the same time. Flea products routinely purchased through
veterinarians are also useful in the war on ticks. One popular
product veterinarians recommend is Frontline Plus and is
particularly effective in preventing tick infestations. Monthly uses
of such topical not only control fleas, but kills all ticks,
potentially stopping the spread of tick borne diseases.  Most pet
owners want to know when the best times for starting and stopping
flea and tick control. According to Dryden, on the Companion Animal
Parasite Council website, the changing climactic conditions of most
of the United States have made pinpointing a tick "season"
difficult.  For the pet's safety, Dryden recommends year round use
of these treatments. Getting out and enjoying the great outdoors by
camping and hiking can be a great bonding experience for you and
your dog.  For more information about protecting your dog from
ticks, visit www.petsandparasites.org. As always, seek your
veterinarian's advice. Watch an interesting video on tick at
www.MyVNN.com.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Jerry M....the winner of the pawprint flexible
brim cap.  June's drawing is a paw print towel & hotpad.  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Charlie B. for
the photo of  Scootter, his best friend.  We want to honor your pet
next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or
snail mail.  May's question was:  Do you feel health care is to
expensive for your pet?  Most of us thought that vet bills were
outrageous but felt that no expense was too great.  Yes my vet bills
are outrageous (48%), No expense is too great (39%), with I do most
of the health care myself (13%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
Thank you so much for taking the time to find the perfect animal
print fabric for my bathroom.  The shower curtain and cover set
matches my color scheme perfectly!  Joan M

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank
you for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1-866-468-1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs May 2006
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Traveling With Your Pet
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe


1) WHAT'S NEW
Looking forward to receiving our monthly newsletter?  Most Internet
Service Providers now place controls on unwanted emails.  Although
this is a good service, it may prevent some of you from receiving our
newsletter.  You may need to change your settings to allow mail from
admin@... to reach you.  Please contact your ISP if you
need assistance with this feature.  Again, thanks for your positive
comments on our newsletter and be sure to add www.animaldesigns.com
to your favorites list.

2) PET JOURNALS
  Do you find yourself among that rare breed of dog lover that your
friends think have gone just too far in your love for your dogs?
Read on and see if any of these dog lover traits sound all too
familiar.
  -- You circle the parking lot over and over trying to find that
perfect spot for your pooch.  You know the one I mean -- not too
close to the construction or traffic, in lots of shade on a warm day,
and by all means in plain view of the door so that he or she can see
all the comings and goings.  We wouldn't want our dogs to be too
bored or lonely while we're in the market, gym or post office.
  -- Even if it's threatening rain, we take our dogs along, thinking
we can always wipe out the soggy car later.  It's more important that
our dogs get a chance to get out and about, even if it means open car
windows on a rainy day.
  -- We fluff up their bed just one more time, to make sure they're
comfy cozy during the night-time hours.  And of course, if they
should deem our bed more to their liking at 4am, we're happy to
oblige with a scoot to the edge, braving cold toes or worse yet, a
dangerous fall-off to the floor below.
  -- If they ask to be in the bathroom with us during our morning
shower, we'll leave the door ajar should they feel an urgent need to
leave, even if it means less privacy and a strikingly cold draft.
  -- We plan our dinner outings around their eating habits, begging
them to chow down early so that we can sit in comfort at a restaurant
awaiting our entree, awash in the peaceful fog of knowing they're
safe at home with full tummies.
  -- We wouldn't dream of keeping the TV too loud, the house too warm,
or running low on dog cookies, treats and toys.
  -- We announce our comings and goings explaining when we'll be back,
how long we'll be gone and what we'll bring them when we return.
All in all, we know what life would be like without our dogs, and we
shudder to think of the possibility.   Are you a member of this rare
breed of dog lover?  If you are, then join the ranks with the best of
the best.  We can't ALL be crazy, can we?
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Trying to find that special pet gift or a unique treat for yourself?
Our Car Visor CD Holder organizes your CDs for easy access. Made of
soft non-scratch cotton fabric, measures 6" by 11.25", it has pockets
for six cd's with two adjustable velcro straps to fit most visors.
Plus there are extra pockets for a pen, gas receipts, and anything
else that you want to have handy. If you don't see the pet or animal
pattern you want, contact us with your special request. Custom orders
are our specialty.
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=vcd002&Category_Code
=5

4) TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET
A great number of us are already making plans to travel with our
furry-companions this summer. More and more, pet product
manufacturers are producing items that facilitate the guardian on the
move. From climate-controlled carriers to supplements designed for
the stress of travel, there were dozens of manufacturers at this
year's Global Pet Expo (the pet industry trade show) introducing new
lines and hoping to capture a strong share of this ever-growing
market.  Also this year, RV maker Damon plans to release the first
Class A motor home designed with family pets in mind. This includes
space for a crate and dining paraphernalia.  Resorts and Vacation
destinations are discovering positive profits by designating Pet-
friendly rooms and pet-related programs. Loews, a major hotel chain,
has vacation packages including activities for your pet - reflecting
the theme of the market. In Nashville, music city, one hotel bundle
allows your pet to cut a record or CD.  Kimpton Hotels CEO says he's
noticed an increase in people traveling with their pets since 9/11.
Kimpton has a program for those that aren't traveling with Fluffy,
but still want a divine presence in their room. Guests may order up
fish-tanks complete with Goldfish. The tanks even have tops so that
you can have one delivered for your cats' entertainment.  With the
proliferation of Pet-friendliness, there are handfuls of directories
listing everything from restaurants to hotels.  Some of our
suggestions are:
-Mobil Pet Travel Guide ISBN 0762730994
-Pet Lovers Publications - http://www.petloverspublications.com
-On the Internet - http://www.petsonthego.com/
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Stan B...the winner of the pawprint
billfold/wallet.  May's drawing is a paw print flexible brim cap.
After entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Jane D... for the
photo of  Trinka, her fine feathered friend.  We want to honor your
pet next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or
snail mail.  April's question was:  Does your pet need behavioral
training?  The voting was close with  I think it's me who needs it
(39%), No, they are perfect angels (32%), and Yes, they run all over
me (29%),

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
"I really like your monthly newsletter and the Pet tips are very
helpful.  I also enjoy reading the pet stories."  Submitted by
Darlene A.

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you
for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs April 2006
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Tricks To Train Your Human­Your Cat Has More Power Than You
Realize!(Continued from last month)
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions


1) WHAT'S NEW
Want a free gift?   Your ideas are very important to us.  We are
looking for your suggestions to continually provide the best customer
service to you.   When you contact us at our site, just give us your
comments and suggestions.  If we use yours in next month's
newsletter, you'll receive a free surprise gift!  Again, thanks for
your ongoing support and remember when you're looking for something
new, we can custom make it just for you. Contact us at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/contactus.htm

2) PET JOURNALS
I sat on my deck.  It was another peaceful spring evening in Nova
Scotia.  In the corner of my vision, I sensed movement.  It was a
large white cat.  His long coat of white was a stark contrast to the
green and brown of the awakening world of spring.   I watched the
cat.  He approached my flower bed, sniffed at the newly turned soil,
and began to dig.  "Hey!" I jumped from my chair, "Get out of
there."  The cat ran so fast, it was nothing but a white blur as it
fled.   A couple of days later, I was on my deck again.  The cat
appeared.  I chased it away again.   One evening, as I sat, I heard
a "Meow!     There was the white cat standing a few feet from me.
It'd come around the house from the other direction.  Its blue eyes
showed no fear.  It stood and looked at me.  I looked back at it and
admired its courage.   I put my hand down, "Here, Kitty." The cat
rushed to my hand and rubbed its head against it.  A few minutes
later it was in my lap, purring softly.    I saw the direction it
went when it left my lap.  It was always in the direction of a new
neighbor. One evening, I saw my neighbor in his yard.  I walked up
the hill and introduced myself.  His name was Ron.  As we talked, the
white cat appeared.
"Ron, is that your cat?"  "That's Matey.  I got him a few months
ago.  I noticed he goes down the hill to your property almost every
evening.  I hope he isn't bothering you."  "Not at all, Ron.  In
fact, he has become a friend."    Ron and I became friends too.  For
several years we lived as neighbors, sharing Matey's love between
us.    Four years and two moves later, we crossed the border to the
USA and into Ohio.   My barbeque was on my patio.  I sat and read a
book.  Across the field, I saw a black cat.  It glanced in my
direction and continued on.   One night the black cat appeared.  It
walked in my direction, came within 30 feet, stopped, rolled onto its
back, and meowed.  I approached it.  It fled.   A few nights later,
it was there again.  The routine was repeated and it ran away.  The
cat became a challenge.  One night, I sat on the curb and talked to
it.  It grew brave
and came within reach.  I rubbed its head.  A friendship was formed.
I would step outside and make a noise.  The cat would hear and come
to me, rub against my legs, and allow me to pet it.   I knew the
cat's home was a house next to our housing complex. I saw the owner
gardening one day and walked over to introduce myself.   "Hi!  I'm
Mike.  I live in the townhouse complex.  Do you have a black
cat?"  "I'm Don.  It's nice to meet you, Mike.  Yes, I have a black
cat.  His name is Bob."  We shook hands.  "Bob and I are friends," I
said.   "Really?"   "Yes!  He comes over to my townhouse, whenever I
am outside."  "Bob's a friendly fellow.  He likes attention."   "I've
noticed.  He is always coming to me.  He's a wonderful cat."
A week later, I was outside, and Bob came to visit.  He rubbed
against my legs.  I took a chance, reached down and picked him up.  I
held him to my chest.  He reached out, put a paw on each of my
shoulders, and rubbed his face against mine, one cheek after the
other.  A love was formed.  Don and I became great friends through
Bob.  Ron and I became great friends through Matey -- two friends
became four.     No matter where I work or live, I make new friends.
Through those new friends, I met more.  Two friends become four.
Four friends became eight.  The chain of friends grows.   Have you
heard of pyramid sales?  I have.  I don't like them. This is
different.  This is pyramid friendship.   Two persistent cats taught
me a new concept -- make friends, meet more through them, and meet
even more.  Allow your pyramid of friends to grow.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM-Microwave Hotpads
Never burn your fingers again when you use these microwave hotpads.
Made of cotton in your favorite pet or animal print, the set inludes
two(2) hotpads. They measure 4" X 8" have finger pockets and are
washable. Makes a great all occasion gift and if you like the idea
but want a different print, email me with your request.
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv  

4) TRICKS TO TRAIN YOUR HUMAN­Your Cat Has More Power Than You Realize!
(Continued from last month)
TIME TO EAT
21. If your owner sleeps late, swish your tail back and forth over
his face to help wake him up.
22. Another way to wake your sleeping owner is to extend one claw,
reach out and pull down her lip.
23. When guests sit at the table for dinner, jump on the table and go
from person to person for food. Odds are better when you train
several people at once.
24. Wind around your owner's legs when she begins to pour food into
your dish. She thinks you're being affectionate, but you're really
just keeping her there until you've been fed.
25. Train your owner to leave water dripping in the sink so you can
always have a fresh drink from the faucet. Look at him with sad,
pleading eyes until he complies.
26. Do you prefer moist food? Take your dry food and drop it in your
water dish before eating it.
TIME FOR TREATS:
27. To receive treats, go where they are kept and yell until your
owner gets the idea.
28. If you usually receive treats every evening when you come in from
the screened-in porch, get a second helping. Go back, bang on the
door, go to the treat cabinet and yell. She'll get the idea.
29. You can also train your owner to give you treats by stretching up
on the back of his legs and whacking his bottom fast with both paws.
Follow this by going over and sitting below the treat cabinet.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS --- INDOOR CAT STYLE
30. On rainy days, refuse to go to your outdoor enclosure. Stare at
your owner, making her feel guilty for trying to force you out of
your warm home. Make her late for work.
31. When it snows, look out the window, then let your owner know that
you do not appreciate the weather change and she should fix it, now
EXTRA TRAINING TIPS
32. If guests have overstayed their welcome, sit on top of a door or
high shelf, wait for the guests to stand beside you and suddenly drop
down in front of them. Repeat as necessary until they get the hint.
33. If your owner leaves the toilet seat up, enjoy some playtime
making sure much of the water ends up on the floor. This will help
remind your owner to keep the seat down.
34. Try opening cabinets that are not shut tightly. Sleep on the
dinner plates or rearrange the cereal boxes.
35. For advanced trainers, opt for a cabinet over the refrigerator.
It will take your owner a long time to find you and she will feel
badly that she did not know where you were for so long.
36. Drawers make a nice place to curl up for a nap. Particularly if
your owner just spent a lot of money on a nice bed for you.
37. Train your owner to leave closet doors ajar. If he closes the
door while you're sleeping inside, shred some items in an effort to
get out.
38. Do not take medicine when first offered to you. Force your human
to be creative about administering it.
39. The most important thing you can teach your owner is not to mind
when a hairball squishes between her toes.
40. But the best thing you can teach your owner is that a kitty means
love.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Gloria M...  winner of the pawprint cosmetic bag
and Bill J, winner of the gift certificate.   April's drawing is a
paw print billfold/wallet.   After entering your name, check out the
rest of the fun page at http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
Thanks to Jeannie for the photo of her cute and lovable dog  "Pee-
Wee".  We want to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy of
their photo either by email or snail mail.  March's question was:
Does your pet enjoy a bath?  Most of the voting indicates our pets
are not bathers with Runs the other way(82%), High anxiety about water
(9%), Jumps in with me (5%) and other such as Unhappy but tolerates
it.(4%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
I just received the Wings of Paradise Shower curtain.  It looks
wonderful and matches the wall hangings we have in that bathroom.
Wish I had found your website a long time ago.  You did a wonderful
job!  Thank you!  Lisa V.

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you
for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs-The Gift Place for Pet Lovers
www.animaldesigns.com
Ph. 1-866-468-1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs March 2006
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Tricks To Train Your Human­Your Cat Has More Power Than You
Realize!
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions

1) WHAT'S NEW
Ready for Spring?  To help you celebrate, everyone who places an
order in
March will be entered in a drawing for a free $25.00 gift certificate.
And.. if you want to spruce up your home or yourself, we can help
there too!
So, its a time for renewal at:  www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
I live in a shelter, alone in a cage
With food, and a towel on which to sleep
I'm small, with spiky fur, and of kitten age
Folks come here looking for a friend to keep
Some days others and myself are taken to a home
A place where strangers live, but each is alone
Once an old man caressed me gently, murmured and sighed
As his tears spilled to my shoulder from tightly closed eyes
We also went where there are machines and bright lights
A big place for babies and children who are ill
As each child checked us over it was hard to stay still
To each patient was given the choice of us to pick
A time for a while to forget they were sick
I was brought to a girl, with hair the color of night
With her hands she explored my body and face
And her touch as fragile and intricate as lace
She lifted me up so she could smell my fur
I mewed and she smiled, then stroked me, and I purred
She said, "I am blind, but you have made this moment bright."
During the week many come to the pound
Down each aisle they make the rounds
Sometimes a kitten is chosen and homeward bound
And even rarer, a lost loved one is found
The last of summer passed, then gone, too, was fall
No longer a kitten, I'd grown lanky and tall
In the wintry months fewer folks came to call
So the kittens were gone on a visit, but not us all
Lonely, I watched shadows move at the end of the hall
I fell asleep, dreaming of the visits I did make
When my fur was spiky and my pads pink and small
Then hands tenderly shook me and stirred me awake
As a man carried me, he took my picture from the wall
When he stepped outside, he wrapped a blanket 'round me
Put me in the back seat of a car and drove away
I sat up, wondering where we were -- trying to see
But the windows were frosty, so back down I lay
The car came to a stop and the man turned around
His expression gentle, he took me out of the car
He climbed some stairs, knocked, then opened a door
He strode in and laid me in another man's arms
I was hugged, caressed tenderly, and the old man sighed
As his tears spilled to my shoulder from tightly closed eyes
Thank you, my son! It is he, the one I had held before.
"Hey, fella!  I'll bet you wondered where you were bound?
"Well, my furry friend, you need worry no more.
"For you are here, and -- homeward found!"
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so
send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month to
feature
in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Smartly styled handcrafted unique cotton hat with flexible brim. This
pet or
animal print hat can be folded and stored in your pocket or purse
until
needed and it will return to it's original shape. Washable, fully
lined and
back has an adjustable velcro closure for a perfect fit.  Don't see
the pet
or animal pattern hat you want, contact us with your special request.
Order
yours today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=an
imaldesigns&Product_Code=cap001&Category_Code=18

4) TRICKS TO TRAIN YOUR HUMAN­Your Cat Has More Power Than You Realize!
1. Wait on top of the refrigerator, and when your owner enters the
kitchen,
leap onto her shoulders. You'll have her attention and enjoy watching
her
jump.
2. Lurk behind a chair. Jump out and grab your human's ankle as he
walks
past you.
3. Right when your owner begins to talk on the phone, whine. Loudly.
4. Station yourself outside the closed bathroom door. As your owner
comes
out she will probably trip over you. Look especially pained.
5. Groom your owner's face while he's sleeping. He doesn't groom
himself
nearly enough anyhow, and the feel of your tongue and the hairs
pulled from
his head should wake him quickly.
6. If your owner is sitting in the bathroom, walk in and sit on her
lap.
7. If she doesn't let you sit on her lap in the bathroom, bring in a
toy so
she can play with you.
8. When he's in the shower, use his towel as a comfy bed.
9. Drop a toy at your owner's feet and look up. Paw it until he picks
it up
and throws it for you to chase. Repeat often.
10. Have your owners carry you from room to room to look out the
windows
together.
11. Bring her a love offering. Something you've killed yourself is
always
appropriate.
12. While your human sleeps, stare at him just before the alarm clock
goes
off. He'll wonder how long you've been sitting there and will feel
guilty.
13. Bang on the bedroom blinds to wake your owner in the middle of
the night
for a play session.
14. Find the phone locator button and step on it repeatedly for
nighttime
play sessions.
15. If your owner mistakenly feeds you after being awakened at night,
accept
the food and simply wait another half hour and wake her again for
play.
16. To sleep under the covers near your human, paw the covers near
her head
until she lifts up the blankets to let you snuggle underneath them.
17. Sit next to your owner's computer keyboard and STARE at her until
she
plays with you.
18. Stand near the closet that houses the fishing-pole toy and stare
pitifully until your owner retrieves the toy and plays with you.
19. Teach your owner which items you will fetch. For example, if you
want
her to throw the green ball, but she throws the red one, refuse to
fetch it.
Only the ball of your choosing is acceptable. Ultimately, she will
only buy
the green balls for fetching.
20. When you want to play with the laser toy, sit it front of your
owner,
paw his leg and wait for him to look at you, then look at the place
where he
keeps the laser toy.
TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT MONTH'S NEWSLETTER!!!
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Martha J...  winner of the pawprint ceramic box.
March's drawing is a paw print cosmetic bag .  After entering your
name,
check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Trish and Jena
for this
month's pet photo of Kiki, their adorable best friend.  We want to
honor
your pet next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email
or
snail mail.  February's question was: What's your pets Valentine's Day
Surprise?  Most of the responses celebrated the day with a Special
treats
and dinner(72%), a Pet store shopping spree (23%) and A day at a pet
spa
(5%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
To all our Ani-mail Post subscribers...If your email changes, please
let us
know so we can update your email address.  This way you will be sure
to
receive our monthly newsletter.


As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've
provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your friends.
http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you for taking
the
time to tell your friends and family about Animal Designs.  It is the
ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs February 2006
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Exactly What Is Animal Communication?
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe


1) WHAT'S NEW
Valentine's Day may be red but our valentine's gift will save you
green!  Yes, there are no price increases for our products so you can
shop at last year's prices.  Think green and treat that special
someone today at :  www.animaldesigns.com  Happy Valentine's Day!!

2) PET JOURNALS
This is an amazing story of the tiniest little wild baby bunny you
can imagine who championed the odds and embraces life despite his
handicap.  It has been a life experience unlike any other, seeing him
develop, never giving up, and bearing testimony to his intense will
to live. We can all learn from such an indomitable spirit, to fare so
well despite dire circumstances and prevailing disability.  One
evening, I was walking the dogs with my friend. The dogs found a nest
of baby bunnies that I believe had already been attacked earlier in
the day. A momma rabbit makes her nest in fairly unprotected areas to
ensure her best chance at survival, but often at the demise of her
babies.  I was able to retrieve the two bunnies who were still alive,
and another one who was injured.  Shortly after returning home, I
lost the little one I was hoping would survive.  I discovered
puncture wounds on his little chest and concluded that between the
injuries and the trauma, his little body and spirit simply gave
out.   That left Kelsey, clearly the runt of the litter.  He was
barely half the size of his siblings and had sustained a puncture
wound above his left shoulder.  I immediately called my friend,  who
gave me a recipe for bunny formula.  The idea was to rehabilitate him
for release back to the wild, but his injury left him with
neurological damage.  He cannot sit up and hop like a normal bunny
without support.  Kelsey was no more than a few days old when he
entered my care.  He had very short fur, short little legs, eyes
closed, ears very small and flat to his little head.  He could easily
have fit into the smallest chicken egg.  I toted him to work in his
little basket with heating pad and "diaper" bag for 6 weeks.
Thankfully my boss was very understanding and supportive.    In that
time, I transitioned him to solid food and reduced the number of
feedings a day.  Transitioning a baby bunny to solid food is
extremely difficult.  The gut is sterile when the bunny is born, so
formula feeding has to be done under very sterile conditions.  Having
no way to get all the ingredients for the bunny formula during the
late night hours I brought Kelsey home, I gave him homemade Pedialyte
his first night home.  I have read that it is important that the
bunny's tummy be free of the momma's milk before formula is
introduced, so the Pedialyte feedings may have also contributed to
his successful survival.    He became quite domesticated.  I have him
in his own home, lined with a thick towel and water bottle fashioned
on the outside of his home, as he can now drink from a water bottle
without assistance. His daily maintenance is time-consuming, gladly
provided.  I no longer have to syringe hydrate him.  He has
completely weaned himself from requiring help eating.  He eats
completely on his own.   He loves his fresh greens, apple, carrot and
rabbit pellets.  He is now able to sit up on his "elbow" without
support, a grand improvement.  He is out with my other furry kids
every night.   He loves to be out with my cats and enjoys doing his
little leaps (with support).    This is all very, very unusual for a
little one that is meant to be wild and live in the wild.  Once I
realized that Kelsey would not be able to survive in the wild, I did
the best I could to help him adjust to home life.  Through his lick
kisses, body language, his vocabulary, wonderful appetite, and
impeccable grooming habits, he communicates to me that he is a very
content little bunny  indeed, happy to embrace life to the fullest.
I am in total awe of this perfect little creature.  It is an honor to
give him love and care each and every day.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Dog Collectibles.  These unique handcrafted gift products from
original wood carvings for the dog, pet or animal lover. Beautiful
hand-painted pieces in your choice of dog breed.  These collectibles
are priceless, yet affordable. As well as choosing from our extensive
list of AKC breeds,  please contact us to create a custom rendering
from a photo of your favorite dog.  As with all our products, since
we can't list all the dog breeds here, if you want a special order
contact us with your request.  We have 147 breeds to choose from.
Choose yours today at:  http://www.animaldesigns.com/dog-gifts.htm

4) EXACTLY WHAT IS ANIMAL COMMUNICATION?
Some people know what their animal is saying through body language.
They don't need to talk with a pet communicator. Others say they
don't know what their animals are saying. So they talk with a pet
communicator who confirms what they thought was happening with their
animal. In actuality, they have been receiving messages from their
animal all along and did not realize it. For others, animals just
exist and have no intelligence. For those of you who are curious
about what animal communication is and want to improve your
relationship with your animal, please read on.  The three ways
animals primarily receive and send information are pictures, words
and feelings. First, you need to find your primary form of
communication which would be pictures, words or feelings. Always
check what you are thinking, feeling and seeing inside yourself
before you start.  To communicate effectively, use the language of a
5-year human, talk slowly, pause often, and focus on pictures in your
head. Use no slang. Be literal, and use positive statements. Please
remove NOT from your speech because there is no picture for the word,
Not. Tell your animal what you DO want them to do in words and
pictures. Instead of saying bad dog/kitty, say that was a bad
behavior. When you call them a bad animal, they feel they are
inherently bad. Actually, it is just the behavior that is bad, not
them.  Remember when you communicate with an animal always accept
your first impression, even if it's just a fragment of something.
Things will become more complete and clearer as you practice.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Mary K...the winner of the pawprint cell phone
cover.   February's drawing is a paw print ceramic box.  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Shirley B.. for
this month's pet photo of her pet rabbits. We want to honor your pet
next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail
mail.  January's question was:  Do you make New Years resolutions for
your pets?  Most of the responses thought that our animals were
perfect with No, mine are just perfect (72%), Yes, but I give in
quickly (15%),  with  I make them more for me (13%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
  A recent comment from Pam D.  "Love your site and the great service
you provide.  Thanks again for your help in selecting a gift for my
friend"

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you
for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
www.animaldesigns.com

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs January 2006
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Animal Radio Partners With Pets 911
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions

  !!!  HAPPY NEW YEAR  !!!

1) WHAT'S NEW
Your top 10 reasons to shop with us in 2006.
1. Guaranteed secure 24/7 shopping
2. Unique quality custom products
3. Convenient payment options
4. Well established business
5 .BBB Member in good standing
6. Affordable pricing and selection
7. Toll-free number for assistance
8. Knowledge and experience
9. Privacy protection
10.Guaranteed customer satisfaction
These are just a few of the many reasons to visit:
http://www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
I've learned that the simplest way to inspire quality time together
is to plan it around the kitchen table.  When you cook a good home
cooked meal, a serving of family sharing will soon follow.   Having
grown daughters with their own busy schedules, it's not always easy
to keep them in their seats once dinner is done.  But the other night
I received a treat that had nothing to do with calories.   I can't
even remember how we got on the subject of pets, past and present,
but soon the memories were flowing.  Just remembering some of the
animal antics gave us a good laugh that lasted long after the dessert
was digested.  The first topic of canine conversation was Casey, the
Yorkie pup we welcomed into our life as a married couple.  We figured
little dog, less trouble... Boy, were we wrong!  Casey yapped from
sun up till sun down.  He'd bark until our nerves were frazzled, and
then he'd bark some more.  Crazy Casey, as we liked to call him,
seemed to hate the holiday season.  From the day our Christmas tree
went up, our little darling would lift his leg and water the trunk of
our artificial tree.  Bingo, the mixed up Lab mix brought us much joy
in the 14 years we were lucky enough to have her as a pet.  Our
hearts had been set on a female puppy but sadly the owner informed us
there was only one female and she had been promised to someone else.
We chose a dog and named him Bingo.  In the end it was the vet who
set us straight -- our dog was a girl after all, but Bingo was her
name until the day she went home to heaven.   Finally we reminisced
about our recent obsession with Golden Retrievers.  It started a
couple of years ago when we had the brainstorm idea of surprising the
girls with a puppy for Christmas. My vision of having a cute puppy
under the tree, in a box topped with a big red bow, didn't quite pan
out.  The puppy had to be picked up early Christmas Eve morning, so
my Santa of a husband, and two very excited daughters, headed toward
a tiny town about 150 miles away.   Bill, directions in hand, was
confident he'd find the gas station where he'd meet the puppy's
owner.  All he had to do was look for a guy in a black pick up
truck.  Bill found the gas station and the black pick up truck. The
girls were bursting with joy until they looked in the back of the
pick up to see a couple of Collies who were almost full grown. They
both cried in unison that Christmas Eve morning, "But we don't want a
Collie!"  Turns out, they were at the wrong gas station.  Bill did
manage to find the only other gas station and followed the gentleman
home to where the puppy was waiting.  Holly pawed her way straight
into our hearts.  So much so that Jaime returned home one Christmas,
gifting us with yet another golden surprise.   Holly and Hanah are
now the regal Retrievers in residence.  Bill and I are sticking to
our guns that there is no more room at the inn for anymore pets.  But
that, too, can change.   Laughing through all these doggy days, gone
by, I thank God for the gift of family and our furry friends who
allow me these joy filled years of love and laughter.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
The perfect gift, a custom made toiletry travel kit/shoe bag in your
favorite animal print. The toiletry travel kit measures 10 1/2" x 5
1/2" x 5 1/2", made of quilted cotton outside, spill resistant nylon
lining inside, zippered closure and handle. It is washable and
breathable. Want a different pet or animal print, be sure and email
me with your request. We welcome special orders.  See the pattern
selections at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=tvl001&Category_Code
=3

4) ANIMAL RADIO PARTNERS WITH PETS 911
Animal is proud to announce our new partnership with PETS 911. PETS
911's goal is to effect social change in this country by providing a
free public service that will one day ensure an environment where all
animals are valued companions and have lifetime, loving homes. This
free network, which is a collaborative effort of all the animal
rescue organizations and services across the country, is easily
accessible through both a toll-free phone number and website, which
promises easy access to all the local pet information necessary to
instill responsible pet ownership and overcome the issue of animal
homelessness.  What is PETS 911?  PETS 911 believes that if you
consolidate all the adoption, fostering, lost and found, volunteer,
shelter/clinic, and health and training information out there and
give the public a single and easy place to find this information,
education will substantially increase and euthanasia will decrease.
That is their mission. Please take a moment to look at their site.
You will see that PETS 911 is becoming an answer for not only the
public, but also the animal welfare community on how we in this
country can all take part in saving those 5 million animals every
year.  PETS 911 consists of not only a Web site, but also a toll-free
phone, bilingual hotline (1-888-PETS-911) that allows everyone to
access the important, life-saving information they provide. This is
why they consider themselves a true public service. They are a for-
profit company, because they are funded 100 percent by corporate
America, making it possible to provide ALL of our information and
services for FREE to both the animal welfare community and the public
alike. And, at the same time, they are not competing with our shelter
and rescue partners for donation dollars. Look for lots of fresh
content on Animal Radio from Pets 911, and be sure to use their
website to find animals anywhere and post yours in the Pet Alert
section, just in case they should get lost. Also look for our new
section at the Animal Radio website featuring Pet Resources,
developed by Pets 911.
http://www.Pets911.com
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Michelle S...  winner of the pawprint polar fleece
scarf.   January's drawing is a paw print cell phone cover.  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to .... for  this
month's pet photo of  ....   We want to honor your pet next month, so
send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail mail.
December's question was:  Do you prepare a special holiday dinner for
your pets?  It seems we share the holiday meals with our pets in
different ways.  The results were Yes, a gourmet feast (39%), No,
table scraps( 30%), We all have take out (28%), and other (3%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
This newsletter is being dedicated to our very own cat named Archie,
who crossed the Rainbow Bridge very recently.  It is just not the
same without him purring for his dinner and affection.


As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you
for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post @ Animal Designs          Dec. 2005
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1. What's New
2. Pet Journals
3. Featured Item
4 .Avoid Conflicts With "Wild Neighbors" This Winter
5. Drawing & Fun Stuff
6. Comments
7. Recommend Us

   We Wish You and Your Furry Friends A Happy Holiday Season
               and the Best NewYear Ever.

1) WHAT'S NEW
Undecided what to get for the pet and animal lover in your life. Why
not give them what they really want with a Gift Certificate from
Animal Designs. Purchase any gift certificate during the month of
December and we'll include a free gift from us. To  order:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/giftcertificates.htm

   2) PET JOURNALS

Recently, my husband Roger was taking Maggie, our Cairn Terrier, for
their daily constitutional on the "tow path".   Behind the houses on
the street where we live, next to the alley, is an old canal which
runs about the entire length of the street, approximately one mile.
On the opposite side of the canal is a path, referred to the "tow
path".  It is a popular walking/bike riding area for residents, has
trees on either side of the path and gives the feeling of walking in
the woods.   Roger usually walks the entire path and near the end of
the path, makes a right turn up a small grade which brings him back
to the alley. Well, when he went to go right, Maggie didn't want to
go.  She sat down and wouldn't move.  And believe me, when Maggie
doesn't want
to do something, she's very determined and it's hard to change her
mind!  Anyway, Roger tried to drag her to the right and she just
wouldn't budge.  He said she seemed to want to keep going straight on
the path.  So he gave in to her whim and they continued to walk on
the path.  Suddenly she stopped and went into a hunting dog-like
point stance.  Roger wondered what had her spooked!  He happened to
glance to the left of the path, and laying in the bushes, was a
little Dachshund that looked completely exhausted.  Its eyes were
almost pasted shut.  He walked over and the poor dog got up and ran a
short distance, obviously very scared.  Roger tried to calm the dog
and talk to  it.  Meanwhile, another gentleman came along who had a
cell phone.
He called our town office to see if they had received any calls about
a missing dog.  He learned that indeed the town had received a call.
Soon, the elderly couple who had reported their lost pet were on
their way to see if it was there dog.  Fortunately, it was!   The
owners live in a small town about 3 miles north and the dog had been
missing for four days!  They were devastated because their pet had
never before strayed from the yard.  They explained that the dog was
14 years old and blind!  Roger said the lady just cried and was so
happy that he had found the dog and kept thanking him.  Roger
said, "Don't thank me. It was Maggie who was the heroine!  If she
hadn't wanted to keep going on the path, who knows when and if the
dog would have ever been found."  The lady then picked up Maggie and
hugged and kissed her.  Of course, Maggie was her in glory!  She just
loves people and all animals and just seems to bask in attention.
When Roger told me what happened, it brought tears to my eyes. But
after all, I've always known Maggie is an exceptional dog.  We're so
grateful that through her perseverance, she brought happiness for
this couple who had given up hope of ever seeing their beloved pet
again.    It was a happy ending.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsl

3) FEATURED ITEM
Our stylish, warm and versatile polar fleece neck warmers that are
just the thing for colder weather.  They are made of soft and cozy
fleece measuring 8" X 22" and come in a variety of animal prints.
Stop by and select your favorite at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

    4) AVOID CONFLICTS WITH "WILD NEIGHBORS" THIS WINTER
by Dr. John Hadidian, Dir. of Urban Wildlife for the HSUS   As the
temperatures turn colder, homeowners-and many wild animals-are
preparing to
weather the long winter months. By taking a little extra care in
winterizing
your home, you'll not only save money on your heating and cooling
bills, but
you'll also keep your wild neighbors from becoming seasonal house
guests.
Here are ten tips for preventing wild animals from moving in.
1. Inspect! Inventory holes or cracks larger than one inch around
could
allow animals to enter.
2. Check for loose siding or holes at the roof line. Hire someone if
you are
unsure about inspecting it yourself.
3. Inside, use a bright light to inspect areas you don't use often:
attic,
basement, crawl ways, and closets. Then shut off the lights and look
for
places where you can see daylight.
4. Look behind appliances and anywhere pipes enter the building for
potential entry points.
5. To make sure no animals are inside before you seal entries, plug
holes
loosely with insulation, paper or cloth, and wait a few days.
6. If the plug has been disturbed, contact a wildlife rehabilitator
or visit
The HSUS Urban Wildlife Program pages for humane methods to encourage
animals to leave.
7. If there's no sign of wildlife, caulk small holes, staple hardware
cloth
over larger ones, or make a permanent repair. Fill holes around pipes
with
copper wire mesh and use expanding foam on cracks and along leaky
windows
and doors.
8. Inspect your chimney to ensure it's not home to birds or other
animals-then install a cap.
9.Secure trash containers with bungee cords, ropes or weights. Cover
or
secure compost piles.
10. Trim branches away from your house to limit access for climbing
wildlife, and clean up any debris around your home's foundation.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Jerry P.  winner of the pawprint travel bag.
December's drawing is a paw print polar fleece scarf.   After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Sarah L. for
this month's pet photo of  Rudy, her attentive terrier.   We want to
honor your pet next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by
email or snail mail.  November's question was:  Do you have a health
insurance for your pets?  Unfortunately, most of the responses
thought it was too expensive.  The results were No, too expensive
(94%), My vet won't accept it (4%) and Other (2%).

6) COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
A recent comment from a valued customer  Marianne S.    " I love the
new dog tote!  Wanted to use it when we moved, but it like most of my
clothes got packed and I'm
really looking to use it now in our new neighborhood and let everyone
know I
got it from your website!


7) RECOMMEND US
As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends. Recommend Us   Thank you for taking the time to tell your
friends and family about Animal Designs.  It is the ultimate
compliment and we greatly appreciate it.


All the Best,
  Jeanie

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs November 2005
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Why Is My Dog Digging?
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
We are introducing our stylish, warm and versatile polar fleece neck
warmers that are just the thing for colder weather. They are made of
soft and cozy  fleece measuring 8" X 22" and come in a variety of
animal prints.  Stop by and make your selection at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=nkw001&Category_Code
=20

2) PET JOURNALS
Before my alarm clock went off, I was barely awake.  I heard the
scrabbling noise of Lady Pooh moving about on her table over my bed
(I've slept comfortably on the floor for years now.)   The room is
dimly lit because it's foggy and grey outside and the sun has yet to
clear the wintery horizon.  I pay it no mind because she's probably
looking for a breakfast munch, right?   Well... she moves across the
table over to her tree branch at the foot
of my bed and came shinnying down to the floor.  Next thing I know, I
feel this weight on my feet atop the comforter and hear my little
grey lady.  She's strutting slowly up to my head, and with each stiff
step she makes a silly, sweet little "grunt grunt grunt" noise.
Since I fell asleep last night reading, the tiny lamp that shines
down and illuminates my pillow, is still on -- creating a pool of
buttery light.  Still not awake fully, I feel her on my chest and
hear her give a grunt -- an almost human "harrumph!"  I dutifully
open one eye a bit.  She steps closer and in the soft light I find
I'm nose to nose with her.  I open both eyes and say "Good Morning,
Madam."  Now, I've still got both arms under the covers, and if I
move, it will discombobulate her, so I stay very still and wait.  We
eye each other and I break the silence with a whispered, "Well?"
Suddenly, she BURSTS into song and dance!  Grunting and pronging,
leaping and rolling about, flipping that tail around in a
choreographed frenzy!  For a full minute, she just flung herself
gloriously into it!  Then, as abruptly as she started, she stopped,
stood up and righted her fur regally.  She looked at me again, took a
step forward and nipped me sweetly on the nose.  And then, with the
UTMOST dignity, she grunted her way gracefully back to her branch, up
to her table, climbed into her nest and crashed!  The entire episode
didn't take four minutes.  I was so delighted, entertained and
touched that I was truly speechless.   There is absolutely NO doubt
in my mind that Lady Pooh came down and sang to me before the dawn!
I grinned ear-to-ear all day.  While I gave her tons of kisses and
tummy loving before I left for work 90 minutes later, she acted like
I made a big to-do about nothing!  No one will ever convince me now
that creatures don't KNOW things and understand.  She'd never done
anything like it in her two years and it was a complete surprise, to
have a squirrel sing to me.  I have to share it because animal lovers
will not only understand, in your mind's eye, you'll see it happen,
too.  Then we can all laugh at her joy.   It was incredibly special.
And my BEST birthday gift ever.  But I still don't know how SHE knew!
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Our soft and cuddly washable slippers conform naturally to your feet.
They are made of cotton/flannel outside with soft polar fleece
inside, have a 1/2 inch foam padding and a toughtek non-skid sole.
Just the slippers to keep your feet warm and cozy this winter. Be
sure and check out the many  pet and animal patterns at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Category_Code=21

4) WHY IS MY DOG DIGGING?
Has your dog made your yard look like the Grand Canyon by digging
holes all over it?  And just why does he do this?  Unfortunately,
dogs dig by instinct, a natural behavior they learned from their
ancestors, who would dig to create their own shelter. Now, they dig
for many reasons. Your dog could be digging to make a cool place to
sleep like his ancestors did, making a place to bury his things, or
digging just because he is bored.  Chances are if your dog is left in
the backyard all day by himself, he's just simply bored and is
creating something to do.  The first thing you need to make sure is
that your dog knows how to obey. He should learn to sit, stay and
come when called.  When trying to teach him something, don't yell the
word  no  at your dog when you are upset with him, and do not use the
word no with his name following it.   Don¹t yell at him and say no
Fido, bad boy, no digging Fido.  Instead, tell him no digging and
leave it at that.  If he stops digging after your command, make sure
to give him lots of praise and even treats.
You also want to make sure that he is not bored. Have him come in the
house on a regular basis to make him feel like a part of the family.
If you keep
him outside in the yard by himself all of the time, he is probably
starved for attention.  If he is an only dog, you might want to think
about getting him a companion. And lastly, you can actually provide a
place for him to dig, as dogs love to have a job!  Find a place in
your yard where he can dig, or make a place and fill it with sand and
his favorite toys.  A kiddy  pool also makes the perfect digging box
for your dog.  Let him watch you dig in it yourself, and then tell
your dog to do the same, by telling him go dig.  Again, give him a
lot of praise when he digs there on his own.  If he still digs in
other places, fill the holes with his own feces and tell him no
digging.  Okay, now you have the perfect place for your dog to dig,
but it is full of fleas.  If so, there are many products on the
market today that you can use to treat this area so it will remain a
great place for your dog to play
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Elizabeth M... winner of the pawprint drawstring
bag.   November's drawing is a paw print travel bag   After entering
your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Rosemary B. for
this month's pet photo of  Sonsy, her adorable cat.  We want to honor
your pet next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email
or snail mail.  October's question was:  Do you have a disaster
relief plan for your pets?  It was good to see that most of the
responses were that we want our pets with us, Yes they're coming with
me (87%),  No, never needed one (9%), with Started thinking about one
(4%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
A recent comment from Becky F.  "I enjoyed talking with you about the
horse print tote bag for my daughter.  The tote is perfect and she
loves it!  Thank you for taking the time to work with me to make her
birthday gift special.

7) HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE (Sorry to see you go)
If you no longer wish to be on our mailing list or receive any
updates about products,  please reply to this email with unsubscribe
in the subject line.  You will be removed within 24 hours.

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you
for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs "When you Want Truly Unique"
http://www.animaldesigns.com

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs  October 2005
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Cats Have Defective Sweet Taster Receptor
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

We extend our thoughts and support to all the victims of the recent
hurricanes, both human and furry.  Our sincere wishes for their
speedy recovery.

1) WHAT'S NEW
  This month's new product is a real treat for dog lovers.  Check out
the unique handcrafted gift products from original wood carvings .
These beautiful hand-painted pieces are available in your favorite
dog breed and we have 147 AKC breeds to choose from.  These
collectibles are priceless, yet affordable. As with all our products,
since we can't list all the dog breeds here, if you want a special
order contact us with your request.  See the beautiful selections of
door toppers, water globes, hang ups and figurines at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/dog-gifts.htm

2) PET JOURNALS
WHEN I AM OLD
       When I am old...
       I will wear soft gray sweatshirts...
       and a bandana over my silver hair...
       and I will spend my social security checks on wine and my dogs.
       I will sit in my house on my well-worn chair
       and listen to my dogs breathing.
       I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night
       and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow...
       When people come to call, I will smile and nod
       as I show them my dogs...
       and talk of them and about them...
       ...the ones so beloved of the past
       and the ones so beloved of today...
       I will still work hard cleaning after them,
       mopping and feeding them and whispering their names
       in a soft loving way.
       I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat,
       like a jewel, and I will be an embarrassment to all...
       especially my family...
       who have not yet found the peace in being free
       to have dogs as your best friends...
       These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall...
       and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep,
       to greet you as if you are a God,
       with warm eyes full of adoring love and hope
       that you will always stay,
       I'll hug their big strong necks...
       I'll kiss their dear sweet heads...
       and whisper in their very special company....
       I look in the mirror... and see I am getting old....
       this is the kind of person I am...
       and have always been.
       Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me.
       Please accept me for who I am.
       My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives...
       they love my presence in their lives...
       When I am old this will be important to me...
       you will understand when you are old,
       if you have dogs to love too.
                             -- author unknown
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Looking for a stylish product to carry all your essentials, then
check out our tapestry tote bags in your choice of pet and animal
prints.  These totes have a full nylon lining, two 30" cloth straps,
and an easy velcro closure. They are 15"x18" and very durable. See
the selection now at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant

4) CATS HAVE DEFECTIVE SWEET TASTER RECEPTOR
Scientists from the Monell Chemical Senses Center, in collaboration
with scientists from the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, UK, report
that a defect in a gene that codes for part of the mammalian sweet
taste receptor can account for cats, indifference to sugar and other
sweets.  Cat owners have long recognized that, unlike most mammals,
domestic cats are uniformly uninterested in sweet-tasting foods.
According to an early study conducted at Monell in the 1970s, the
same indifference to sweets is also evident in wild cats such as
lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars.  "One possible explanation for
this behavior is that felines are unable to detect sweet-tasting
compounds like sugars and high intensity sweeteners because their
sweet taste receptor is defective," comments Xia Li, PhD, a molecular
geneticist at Monell and lead author of the current study. "An
obvious place to look, therefore, is at the genes coding for the
sweet-taste receptor." Although sweet sugars are ubiquitous in human
foods, they are seldom added to cat food, and owners usually do not
feed sweets to their cats. This is because, in contrast to most other
mammals, both domestic cats and their wild cousins, the big cats, do
not show a preference for and, most likely, cannot detect sweet-
tasting compounds. Other than this sweet blindness, the cat's sense
of taste is normal. The molecular mechanism for this unique behavior
towards sweets was not known, until now. Sweet compounds, including
sugars and artificial sweeteners, are recognized by a special taste
bud receptor composed of the products of two genes. The authors found
that in cats, one of these genes is not functional and is not
expressed. (It is called a pseudogene.) Because the sweet receptor
cannot be formed, the cat cannot taste sweet stimuli. During the
evolution of the cats' strictly carnivorous behavior, selection to
maintain a functional receptor was apparently relaxed. This research
provides a molecular explanation for the common observation that the
cat lives in a different sensory world than the cat owner.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Annie S., winner of the pawprint tissue box cover.
October's drawing is a paw print drawstring bag   After entering your
name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Pam K.. . for
this month's pet photo of  Heidi and Jess two of the cutest
dachshunds you'll ever see.  We want to honor your pet next month, so
send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail mail.
September's question was:   What is your pet preference?  The results
were evenly split with Males (37%), Females (35%) , and either one
(28%).  It was good to note that there were not any votes for
the "other" category.

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
A big  THANK YOU is extended to all the volunteers who unselfishly
gave their all to assist those affected by the hurricane disasters.

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you
for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the best.
Jeanie
www.animaldesigns.com

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   September 2005
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  How Dogs Think
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions

1) WHAT'S NEW
After a summer recess, our newsletter has returned.  We hope you had
a great summer and welcome back.  The move to our new location was a
success and all our animals have settled in and are doing quite
well.  We are developing new designs and exciting products, so be
sure to add Animal Designs to your favorites list.
www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
You know your pets have total control when you have to sneak around
in order to leave the house!  I've been known to slip my purse into
the garage, as well as my shoes, while the dogs are in another room.
Those items are a dead give away if you hope to get out of this house
without a ruckus.   I was simply going to the bank to drop off a
deposit at the drive-through, but since I know Shiloh and Hank love
the doggie treats that are delivered by the mysterious tube, I
decided to take the little monsters along.  After all, it had been a
while since they'd gone along to woof at the tellers.   I should have
known it was going to be a bad trip after the wrestling match in the
utility room.  I'd just about get Hank's collar on when Shiloh would
pick up his leash and give it a good yank and I'd have to start all
over again.  Then I'd begin to hook Shiloh's collar and Hank would
high jump her or shove her so he'd be closest to the door.  One of
us, or both of us, would lose our balance.  I'd lose my grip and have
to start all over.  It should not take ten minutes to attach collars
and leashes on two small dogs!     Next was competition to see who
could get in the car first, followed by console-standing rights.
Naturally, I keep my trusty towel along to prevent toenail
scratches.  Two blocks from the house I made my first stop to scold
them, and reposition the towel.  Four blocks further down the road I
stopped again for a repeat performance.  At last, we arrived at the
bank and I pulled up to grab the tube that would swish my deposit
away like magic.  As the window started down, Shiloh launched herself
from the back, through the console opening, and landed on my neck.
There she was -- stuck between my neck and the headrest and I didn't
even have the deposit tube in my hand yet.  Somehow she had also
tangled her leash with my seatbelt and it took some fancy moves to
remove her, since I couldn't even see what was hung up on what!  Once
she was in the backseat again, I made another attempt to retrieve the
tube.  As I was doing so, I noticed a BMW in the next lane.  The lady
inside was all decked out in her business suit but her eyes were the
size of plates, like she was watching a sideshow or something.
Evidently she's never taken her dog to the bank!   Oh, finally, sweet
success!  The tube was now swishing it's way up, up, and away, as I
yelled hello to the teller through a two-inch crack in the window.  I
noticed she had a strange look on her face too, much like the lady in
the BMW.    I soon heard the tube rattling its way back down the
shoot.  I opened the window, pulled it inside quickly, and ran the
window back up.  I opened the lid and both dogs went berserk as the
aroma of the treats permeated the interior of the car.  They were
fussing and grumbling as they struggled for position on the console
again.  I could hardly wait to cram a treat into their yappy little
mouths to calm them down and shush them up, but the treats were like
molten lava.  And, they were just the right size for a couple of
miniature Schnauzers to choke on.    Suddenly my nose was nearly
touching the floor carpeting, the seatbelt was gouged into my tummy,
and I chomped down hoping to shatter the lava into bite-sized
pieces.  I was praying the tellers in their "window to the world"
thought I had simply dropped something.   I smiled and waved to the
tellers as we drove out, and continued to give each little monster
tiny bites.  I had one more hunk of lava in my hand, which I tossed
out as soon as I rounded the corner where the treat-giving tellers
couldn't see me.   By the time we got home my nerves were shot.  I
hung up my jacket, checked the answering machine, and then noticed
both little monsters already sound asleep smack dab in the middle of
the king size bed.   Ah -- they looked just like two precious little
angels.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Our softsided cell phone cover is made of cotton fabric outer
shell/polar fleece inner lining, built in belt loop, velcro closure,
and measuring approx. 3" by 6".  It will fit most cell phone brands
providing great protection and is washable too. Be sure and check out
our entire collection of pet and animal cell phone covers at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

4) HOW DOGS THINK
Listen to the Future
We know, for example, that dogs have very sensitive hearing and this
can account for some apparent instances of precognition. A recent
incident involved Valerie Smith of Plymouth and her collie Tommy.
Valerie, who is partially deaf, was walking down a public path with
Tommy. She reported, "He stopped and just stared at the trees. As I
stepped forward he turned and barked at me, which he never normally
does. When I went to walk on again, he really turned, baring his
teeth. He stood still as if to say 'Stay There.' Within seconds, a
large tree crashed down on to the path, so close to Valerie that it
scratched her right arm. "I was just so shocked to see the tree,
which was about five meters long. It was covered in ivy and you could
see the bottom half was rotten, but Tommy knew it was coming down."
Although one could attribute Tommy's behavior to some form of
precognition, in this case it seems more likely that the dog's sense
of danger came from the popping and cracking sounds the tree made as
it began to fall. We do know that dogs have sensitive hearing, at
least for some frequencies of sounds. The dog's sensitivity to
specific frequencies depends, in great degree, on the size of the dog
or, more specifically, on the size of the dog's head. For a large dog
with a large head the ear is correspondingly larger. That means that
the canal that lets sound into the ear is wider, and every structure
in the ear is correspondingly bigger. A small ear is tuned for higher-
pitched sounds while a larger ear is tuned for lower-pitched sounds,
much the way that a small, narrow organ pipe will produce a higher-
pitched sound while a long, wide organ pipe, will produce lower
sounds. This means that smaller dogs have an advantage in hearing
higher-pitched sounds but may have greater difficulty in hearing
lower-pitched sounds. On the other hand, some researchers believe
that dogs with big, square, mastiff-type heads, which includes the
Saint Bernard, New-foundland, and Great Pyrenees, can actually hear
subsonic tones. These are very low-frequency sounds which are far to
low for humans to hear. This may explain how the Saint Bernard is
able to hear the faint low frequency sounds made by people trapped
under snow by avalanches, while dogs with smaller heads may not sense
them at all. The dogs detect these avalanche victims, not because of
some psychic power of location, but simply because they hear the low-
frequency sounds that make their way through the snow.
This is an excerpt from Dr. Coren's latest (ISBN 0-7432-2233-4)
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
September's drawing is a tissue box cover.  After entering your name,
check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Janie P. for this
month's pet photo of her adorable rabbit, Felix.   We want to honor
your pet next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email
or snail mail.

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
"I was so pleased when my ordered arrived!!  The tote bag is exactly
what I wanted , especially made with the beautiful cat print .Thank
you and I will be sure to tell my friends."  Thanks again, Sandy C.

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank you
for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   June 2005
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Ticked Off
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
We're moving to a new home and you know what that means. Total
Chaos!!!. So we wanted to let you know that the newsletter will be
on hiatus for a while and will resume again in September.  You can
still contact us and shop with us at your convenience, just visit:
www.animaldesigns.com.  Enjoy your summer and all the festivities
associated with it.  See you again in September.

2) PET JOURNALS
According to Merriam-Webster, the definitions of "lucky" are: 1)
having good luck, 2) happening by chance, 3) producing or resulting
in good by chance, and  4) seeming to bring good luck. "Feline"
comes from the Latin felinus, from felis and means: 1) of, relating
to, or affecting cats or the cat family, 2) resembling a cat and
sleekly graceful, sly, treacherous, or stealthy.  As I read these
definitions of lucky and feline, I wondered how my Lucky came up
with his name.  But, it really is a very simple story.   Lucky is
one of the more common names for cats and dogs, and even though I
wanted him to have a unique name, Lucky basically named himself.
It was probably around 10:30pm because I had taken my aunt to see an
ice show at The Forum in Inglewood, California.  However, when we
approached the front door of my apartment, we discovered something
lying there.  We saw it was a kitten, even though it looked more
like something the cat would have dragged in, instead of the cat
itself. This poor little thing was dirtier than any other feline I
had ever seen in my life.  A great deal of its fur was missing, and
if that wasn't enough, fleas were literally eating him alive.  My
aunt and I knew that something had to be done right then and there.
Fortunately, she had always been around animals, as well as being a
nurse.  Since I already had two cats and was on a fixed income, I
was hesitant about bringing this little one in.  If I did, I knew I
would end up having three cats.  I quickly said a prayer telling God
that I was willing to take care of this critter, but I needed help --
  both physically and financially.   I had already named him Lucky
for obvious reasons.  My aunt had never come to stay overnight and
Lucky chose that night to show up on my front door.  Of course, we
brought him in and he began to inhale his food. When he was finished
eating, Mama Faith -- my aunt -- began washing him in the bathroom
sink.  Although cats are known for not liking water, Lucky didn't
squirm very much.  I believe he knew that this lady was giving him
the love and care he so desperately needed.  (I would have given
anything to have been able to help her, but because I am
quadriplegic, this was not possible.)   Because of the infestation
of fleas, Mama Faith went back to town to find some flea shampoo.
When she returned, she finished bathing him.  She continued picking
those fleas out one-by-one until 3am.  My other two cats, Magique
and Jynx, were not thrilled about this little intruder, but as
almost all cats are, they were extremely
curious.  Mama Faith inquired the next day to see if my Lucky
belonged to anyone and found out that he had.  A neighbor woman with
many children told her that she would be very happy for me to take
Lucky since she knew her children hadn't done an adequate job of
caring for him.  (I later found out that these same children had
abused Lucky. Also, instead of being the eight weeks that I had
guessed him to be, he was actually four months old.)
All four of us were very lucky that day.  From the moment Lucky came
to join our family, my vet never charged me for taking care of any
of my "children."  I don't need Merriam-Webster to define lucky or
feline because I get to look at a beautiful blue-eyed bundle of fur
every day -- and,
for me, that truly defines Lucky.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our
pets, so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each
month to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Just in time for the travel season, this custom made toiletry travel
kit/shoe bag in you will come in handy.  The toiletry travel kit
measures 10 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 5 1/2", made of quilted cotton outside,
spill resistant nylon lining inside, zippered closure and handle. It
is also washable and breathable.  Order your favorite animal print
at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=tvl001&Category_Cod
e=3

4) TICKED OFF
Ticks are categorized in the class of Arachnida, phylum Arthropoda.
Even if your Latin is rusty, you might recognize Arachnida as the
class of creature that also includes insects such as spiders,
scorpions, and mites. While ticks are a hassle, be glad that most of
us donât have to worry about keeping scorpions off of our cats.
Arachnida are characterized by four pairs of segmented legs and a
body that is divided into two regions.
* There are over 800 species of ticks worldwide and they all feed on
the blood of mammals, birds and reptiles.
* The two families of tick are called Ixodidae (hard ticks) and
Argasidae (soft ticks). The Ixodidae have a hard dorsal scutum
(shield). Argasidae have a soft exoskeleton with no scutum.
* While one would seem to be weaker, both groups unfortunately have
the ability to transmit disease.
* The saliva of the hard tick has an anesthetic effect at the site
of the bite.
* The saliva also helps keep the blood flowing by keeping it from
clotting while the tick is feeding.
* In many hard ticks, the saliva also acts like cement, helping to
anchor the tick in place and making it harder for you to remove it.
Scientists and pet companies have worked long and hard to provide
you with products that help keep your four-legged friends safe from
fleas and ticks. But they can't do everything. Here are some simple
steps you can take toward a safer environment for your dog.
* Mow your grass frequently. Sure, itâs a hassle, but this is
probably the best reason of all to make it a habit. Removing weeds,
brush and other ground cover from your property will raise the
ground temperature and humidity, which can lead to adult tick death.
Also, this will help eliminate the habitat of other hosts like small
rodents.
* Go to the source. Treating your lawn with an outdoor tick
repellent or residual insecticide may also help decrease the tick
population.
* Keep your dog out of tick areas. Dogs who stay mostly indoors are
at a low risk of picking up ticks, but at some point Barkley has to
go outdoors, so check him daily for ticks. Tick-control insecticides
can be used according to label directions to help repel ticks, but
nothing beats a regular policy of hands-on inspection.
The Lifecycle of Ticks
The lifecycle of the hard tick varies. Some hard ticks will pick one
host and stay with it throughout the three stages of it's life cycle
(if it makes it that far). A tick that follows this type of life
cycle is called a one-host tick. Another type will stay on one host
through the larval and nymphal stages, then fall off and feed on a
second host as an adult before laying eggs. This type, as you may
have guessed, is called a two-host tick. Most hard ticks are three-
host ticks; for these, each stage of the life cycle requires a new
host. When the tick egg hatches, the larvae have six legs. A larva
will set out on a quest for a host. The larva, nymph or adult will
climb onto a blade of grass or shrub, and perch itself with it's
front limbs outstretched waiting anxiously for a host to brush by.
Once the host picks up the larva, the feeding begins. The larva will
feed on the hostâs blood from three to five days and then jump
ship
in time to transform into the nymph stage. The nymph will again
quest for a host and then molt into the adult tick. Once the adult
form is taken and the female has consumed a large blood meal, her
body can expand four to five times the normal size. The male will
not eat at this time, but instead will mate with the female, fall
off and die. Once the female has her last blood meal and has mated
she will go lay her eggs. Amazingly, some species will lay several
thousand eggs at one time. The soft tick life cycle is different.
The soft tick will have several hosts between molting. Some types of
soft tick will quest for a host, much like the hard tick. However,
many will inhabit nests, caves, and burrows and simply wait for a
host to happen by. The sneaky soft tick will feed on a sleeping host
and retreat back to it's hiding place when the host awakes. Unlike
hard ticks, soft ticks can live for many years and can survive long
periods of time without food. Both hard and soft ticks can be
vectors for disease, which means they can both be harmful to your
pet. Luckily, the products available to protect your pet are
effective at slamming the door on both. There's a strong arsenal of
products available to control fleas and ticks, but if a tick should
become attached to you or your dog, remove it as soon as possible.
The quicker you get the tick off, the greater your chances of
preventing the tick from transmitting a disease to your dog.
* Always wear rubber gloves when removing ticks from your dog and
avoid touching ticks or tick secretions with bare hands. You don't
want the little beast touching your pooch and you don't want it
touching you either.
* Move carefully and use the tweezers to grab the tick close to the
surface, where the tick's mouth attaches to your dog's skin.
* Use steady pressure to pull the tick out straight. Do not twist or
rip the tick out. Your goal is to remove the entire tick; yanking it
out without paying attention could leave part still attached.
* After removing a tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash
your hands with soap and water.
* Once the tick is out, you can safely dispose of it by placing the
tick in a small container of flea and tick spray.
Hard as we try to keep ticks from finding our animals, it is not an
uncommon occurrence when they do. With the proper steps and careful
attention, though, they'll be just fine.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Darlene M ....the winner of the pawprint tissue
box cover.  June's drawing is a pawprint baseball style cap.  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Maryann T . for
this month's pet photo of Penny,  her new foal. ..  We want to honor
your pet next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by
email or snail mail.  May's question was:  Do you think your pet
laughs?  The majority of responses thought our pets do laugh with
Yes, usually at me (47%), No, but they make me laugh (44%) and Can't
really tell (9%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
"Just a quick note to let you know that I love the tote bag you made
for me.  The size is perfect an the cat print is so cute.  I use it
all the time.  Thanks so much for working with me."  Kate A.

As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm   Thank
you for taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   May 2005
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Animals Laugh Too
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

   "WISHING YOU THE BEST MOTHER'S DAY"

1) WHAT'S NEW
Looking for a unique or unusual gift?  Call, using our toll-free
number 1-866-468-1739 to get some great ideas.  That special someone
will be happy you did.  To visit us online, stop by
www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
Our two year old black cat, Otie, has discovered the bathtub. For two
years, he's lounged on the toilet carefully observing my husband and
me taking baths, but other than sniffing the water a few times, he's
never made a move toward the tub.  This week, after studying the tub
all that time, he suddenly
figured out what it's for -- it's for tail-chasing!   Each morning
after we drain the tub, the cast iron stays toasty warm, so Otie has
taken to playing in it.  Otie's a big heavy cat with a 14 inch tail,
solid muscle.  And very fast.   Last week we heard scuffling in the
bathroom and when we hurried in, we found him tumbling around in the
tub. He starts with a grand LEAP into the tub.  Once in, he gets a
running start by scrubbing out on the bottom and then GRABS his tail
and slides up and down the sides of the tub while still running in
circles.  Whatever you are imagining in your mind, play it at double
speed and it probably looks like the whirling wild fur show we see.
After a half dozen tail rolls he does patty-cake.  He puts his paws
up on the sides and digs as fast as he can, really really fast. For a
full minute, like punching bag practice time.  Then he chases his
tail again.  This can go on for a nonstop 20 minutes as he gets
dizzier and dizzier, falls down, gets up, chases, slides down the
side, dives between his legs to chase his tail in the OTHER direction
(top to bottom), and then hammers the sides of the tub with his pat-a-
cakes again.  Whenever any one goes into the bathroom through the
day, he DIVES past and leaps into the tub.  All the better if you
went in there to sit on the toilet because then he knows you'll stay
to watch him do his fancy dancing.  This morning after Joseph had a
shower, I went in to run a bath but Otie was in the tub playing.
Ten minutes later, still there. 20 minutes later I went in and asked
him how much longer he'd be because I really did want to take a bath
some time soon.  Knowing his weakness for drawers, I finally went in
the kitchen and opened the dishtowel drawer.  He leaped out of the
tub and nestled himself down in the drawer for a nap.   When I was
sure he was snoozing, I went in and started running a bath, being
careful to shut the door behind me going in and going out.  A few
minutes later, I opened the door to check the tub and WHAM -- Otie
BLEW past me, leaped onto the toilet and FLEW gracefully right into
the tub.  I didn't have even a nanosecond to grab him -- SPLASH! --
he was immersed in water halfway up his shoulders.  Otie is a BIG cat
and our tub isn't that deep, so he was in no danger.  His feet were
firmly planted on the tub bottom, solid in a John Wayne kind of
way.   A normal cat would have said, "Water? I'm out-a-here!" and
leaped out, right?     Not Otie.  He stood in the water, completely
calm, not the least bit upset.  In fact, he looked sort of intrigued,
like he thought the tub was playing a new kind of game back.  I
yelled to Joseph as I scooped the drippy wet boy up and, with much
fussing on our part, we toweled him off as we oohed and aahed about
his magnificent leap off the toilet diving board.  After we dried him
off, I arranged my bathrobe on the toilet lid so it was all plush and
comfy and then I put him on it so he could watch me bathe, which he
did, with a big ole' cat smirk on his smug black face. You've never
seen such a I'm-so-pleased-with-myself cat face. Otie, the high-
diving, tail-chasing, over-and-under, rub-a-dub-dub tub cat.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
A smartly styled baseball style cotton hat with a flexible brim. This
handcrafted unique cap/ hat can be folded and stored in your pocket
or purse until needed and it will return to it's original shape.
Washable, fully lined and back has an adjustable velcro closure for a
perfect fit. Don't see the pet or animal pattern hat you want,
contact us with your special request.  Order yours today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=cap001&Category_Code
=18

4) ANIMALS LAUGH TOO
Life can be funny, and not just for humans.  Studies by various
groups suggest monkeys, dogs and even rats love a good laugh.
People, meanwhile, have been laughing since before they could
talk.  "Indeed, neural circuits for laughter exist in very ancient
regions of the brain, and ancestral forms of play and laughter
existed in other animals eons before we humans came along with
our 'ha-ha-has' and verbal repartee," says Jaak Panksepp, a
neuroscientist at Bowling Green State University.  When chimps play
and chase each other, they pant in a manner that is strikingly like
human laughter, Panksepp writes in the April 1 issue of the journal
Science. Dogs have a similar response.  Rats chirp while they play,
again in a way that resembles our giggles.  Panksepp found in a
previous study that when rats are playfully tickled, they chirp and
bond socially with their human tickler.  And they seem to like it,
seeking to be tickled more.  Apparently joyful rats also preferred to
hang out with other chirpers.  Laughter in humans starts young,
another clue that it's a deep-seated brain function.  "Young
children, whose semantic sense of humor is marginal, laugh and shriek
abundantly in the midst of their other rough-and-tumble activities,"
Panksepp notes.  Importantly, various recent studies on the topic
suggest that laughter in animals typically involves similar play
chasing.  Could be that verbal jokes tickle ancient, playful circuits
in our brains.   More study is needed to figure out whether animals
are really laughing.  The results could explain why humans like to
joke around.  And Panksepp speculates it might even lead to the
development of treatments for laughter's dark side: depression.
Meanwhile, there's the question of what's so darn funny in the animal
world    "Although no one has investigated the possibility of rat
humor, if it exists, it is likely to be heavily laced with
slapstick," Panksepp figures.  "Even if adult rodents have no well-
developed cognitive sense of humor, young rats have a marvelous sense
of fun."   Science has traditionally deemed animals incapable of joy
and woe.  Panksepp's response is, "Although some still regard
laughter as a uniquely human trait, honed in the Pleistocene, the
joke¹s on them."
by Robert Roy Britt
LiveScience Senior Writer
adapted from www.petwarmers.com

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Lynette T....the winner of the pawprint travel
kit.  May's drawing is a pawprint tissue box cover.  After entering
your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Jo G. . for this
month's pet photo of her adorable pets Rags, SamiSue and Ladybug. ..
We want to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy of their
photo either by email or snail mail. April's question was:  Does your
pet like visitors?  The reaction of our pets to visitors was split
fairly evenly with Yes, greets them eagerly(39%), Shy but very curious
(32%), No, runs and hides(27%) with other (2%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
I am looking for a cosmetic bag in a flamingo print for my daughter.
Do you have a pink flamingo print available?  We work with many
fabric suppliers and will send you several electronic photo samples
to choose from.  We will then custom make your cosmetic bag for you.

All the best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs-When You Want Truly Unique
Toll-Free 1-866-468-1739
www.animaldesigns.com

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   April 2005
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Things We Can Learn From a Dog
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions

1) WHAT'S NEW
Spring is a time for renewal and Animal Designs wants to renew our
pledge to you.  Our newsletter is sent to you once a month for your
reading enjoyment.  If you receive other spam emails from Animal
Designs, rest assured they are not from us but someone using our good
name to mislead you. We have even received mails addressed to
ourselves!  We wish you a happy spring and remember when you're
looking for something new, we can custom make it just for you.
www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
Thanks to Missy B. for this month's Pet Journal... .I had recently
adopted an adult female mane coon whose previous owner said she was
the indoor/outdoor type and fortunately did most of her business
outside.  I woke up during the evening to hear her meowing near the
front door and figured she was ready for her late-night
constitutional.  After a quick throw of the door,  I tucked back in
bed for an hour or so when I suddenly awoke to a rather large dog
barking outside the front window.  I made my way out to the living
room and opened the front door to see the neighbor's large yellow lab
cornering my cat.   He barking incessantly while my cat hissed and
arched -- none to the care of the undeterred dog.   Let me remind
you, it's late .. 4 o'clock in the morning late!  After I flung open
the door, the cat ran in and dog proceeded to follow her.  They ran
through the rooms as I (in my flannel nightgown and bare feet)
trotted behind.   After a chase through several rooms, I was finally
able to separate the two,  picked up the cat, took her outside and
put her in my car in the drive way then went back in to retrieve the
high-strung pup who was jovially sniffing his way through the cat's
scent.   I walked the dog out across the street holding tightly to
his collar eyeballing my cat who was now perched in the driver's seat
looking out the window mouth MEOWWWING and eyelids fluttering.  If  I
didn't know better,  I think she may have enjoyed watching this late-
night romp from her safe haven.  After returning the dog to his
owners,  I retrieved the cat from the car and put her back in the
house.  I managed to drag myself back to bed but did not sleep well
as the 7a.m. workday quickly approached.   We have since moved,
however that was one late-night I haven't forgotten nor want to
repeat.  ...By the way, the new house has a cat door far removed from
the neighbor's dog's reach!
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Colorful apron with matching mitt in your choice of pet and animal
prints. Made of washable cotton, adjustable neck band and generously
sized. Makes a great gift as well as being practical in your own
kitchen and for those upcoming barbecues. If you don't see the fabric
you want, please contact us with your special request.  Order your
favorite pattern available at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

4) THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM A DOG
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.... Allow the
experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
ecstasy.... When loved ones come home, always run to greet them....
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.... Let others
know when they've invaded your territory....
Take naps and stretch before rising.... Run, romp and play daily....
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm....  Stop when you had enough....  Be
loyal....  Never pretend to be something that you are not....  If
what you want lies buried, dig until you find it....  When someone is
having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently....
Thrive on attention and let people touch you....  Avoid biting when a
simple growl will do....  On warm days, stop to lie on your back in
the grass....  On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady
tree....  When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire
body....  No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the
guilt thing and pout..run right back and make friends....  Delight in
the simple joy of a long walk....  Author Unknown

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Karen B...the winner of the pawprint cosmetic
bag.  April's drawing is a pawprint travel kit.  After entering your
name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm    Also, thanks to Marie C.,
the winner of the gift certificate for the most friend referrals.
Thanks to Jill C. for this month's pet photo of  Sahara, her adorable
Siamese kitten......  We want to honor your pet next month, so send
us a copy of their photo either by email or snail mail.  March's
question was:  Does your pet get a yearly vet check?  It is good to
see that the majority of responses indicate that people do take care
of their pets. The results were Yes, actually looks forward to it
(61%), Yes, but throws a real fit (28% ), with No, treat them myself
(11%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
A recent comment from Jim F. "My wife just loves the rabbit print
cell phone cover and cosmetic bag which I gave to her for her
birthday.  I will definitely order again from you in the future."


All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   March 2005
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  10 Tips For Toilet Training Cats
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Win a $25.00 gift certificate in our Tell-A-Friends promotion for the
month of March.  It's easy, forward this url to your friends
www.animaldesigns.com/tell-a-friend.htm  and have them enter your
name in the referral box (#4).  The more friends you tell, the more
chances you have to win!  The newsletter subscriber with the most
referrals wins the gift certificate.  Thank you for taking the time
to tell your friends and family about Animal Designs.  It is the
ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

2) PET JOURNALS
For nearly 20 years I lived on an island. One year, I had a house way
down by the great ponds -- bigshallow brackish ponds just inside the
sand dunes. There were very few people down that way.  Each fall a
huge flock of swans did a migration stop on the pond  near the
house.  We'd seen them fly over a few times and settle into the great
pond a ways down the road.  So one morning, very early, a girlfriend
and I decided to see the flock up close    We took the canoe and
paddled quietly across the pond, through the little strait, into the
smaller pond where hundreds of white swans were feeding on the pond
vegetation. We crouched low in the canoe and paddled very slowly
toward them.  I was so-o-o naive about disturbing wildlife back then,
but I was about to receive three lessons in natural history that
would ensure I never tried this again.  The swans were, of course,
well aware of us and casually but deliberately moved toward the far
side of the pond.  My idea was that we'd coast silently through the
flock as they nibbled water lilies.      Oh, how little I knew.
Eventually we got about 50 feet away from them. The swans were now
quite aware of us and were massing into a snickering group.  About
then, I turned and whispered to my friend my first question. "How
close do you think they'll let us get?" Apparently the answer to that
question was 50 feet, because suddenly all hell broke loose.  That
was lesson number one.  Hundreds of swans turned in the blink of an
eye, squawking and swearing at our presence and readying for
takeoff.  Usually a swan goes into flight by gracefully rising up out
of the water, taking a few gliding steps across the water's surface
and effortlessly lifting off.  But we'd inadvertently herded them
into a tight corner with no room to maneuver, so instead of gently
rising up, 400 huge swans turned to face us and the open water behind
us.  With a sound like a freight train barreling toward us, they ran
straight at us.  Thundering wings, splashing webbed feet and
unbelievably loud "ong-ong-onging" swan honks.  Here's where I got my
second natural history lesson:  It takes a swan approximately 48 feet
of swan running room to hit airspeed.  Lines of swans broke from the
water scant inches from the side of our canoe in a deafening roar. We
yelled, screaming at the blanket of swan underbellies and feet inches
over our heads.  Then we dove for the bottom of the boat, arms over
our heads as the third natural history lesson revealed itself.  Each
swan neatly defecates all extra weight on takeoff!   It seemed like
it took an hour for all 400 swans to fly over and poop on us but I'm
sure it was over in under a minute.  Oh, but I tell you, that was one
endlessly long, loud, unbelievably rank, smelly, wet, never-will-I-
bother-another-swan-again minute.  The romantic image of being
underneath a rising flock of white swans in the crisp morning air was
tempered by the reality of my girlfriend and I, covered - and I mean
covered  in swan poop, laughing hysterically.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Thinking Spring?   Be comfortable and cozy in this soft cotton
nightshirt designed like a scrub top. The one size fits all is
generously proportioned, measuring 60" at the hips and 36" length. It
is fully washable and also great for around the house or as a beach
cover up. If you want a special pet or animal print, please contact
me with your request.  Order yours today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=clo001&Category_Code
=2

4) 10 TIPS FOR TOILET TRAINING CATS
Why doesn¹t my cat use the litter box?  It¹s a common question
among
cat lovers and finding the answer can be difficult on your own. But
noted veterinarian Dr. Rolan Tripp has some helpful tips for cat
owners fighting the problem commonly known as Feline Inappropriate
Elimination.  Have a veterinary exam.  Feline Inappropriate
Elimination (FIE) is a symptom of an undiagnosed medical problem 30%
of the time. If the exam and lab work are negative, you¹ll rest
easy
knowing the problem isn¹t a result of poor physical health. Then
you
can proceed with behavior modification. Once all medical issues are
ruled out, behavior medication is often needed to compliment a
retraining program.  Increase the cleanliness. Studies have shown
that many problems can be solved by simply increasing the frequency
and thoroughness of cleaning the litter box. Scoop the litter box at
least twice daily to remove odors and encourage its use. Or use a
litter box that does the job for you, such as the Petmate Purrforma
self-cleaning litter box. It uses multiple infrared sensors to detect
clumps, then automatically disposes them in an odor-proof waste box
for easy removal.  Remove the soiled-litter smell.  It¹s a mistake
to
keep the soiled litter in a bag near the litter box instead of taking
it to an outside trash container.  Cats have an excellent sense of
smell and a waste-filled container can repel them.  A new solution is
the Petmate LitterLocker® which locks odor away from cats and
people.
It can store up to two-weeks of waste (for single-cat households), so
you can empty it less often without worrying about the odors
escaping.  Increase the number of litter boxes.  If battling FIE, you
should have at least one box per household cat plus one extra.  After
your cat has an accident, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner and
put a litter box where the accident happened.  If the cat uses the
new box, move it a few inches each day until you reach the desired
location.  Review box locations.  Many people think, Let¹s put all
the cat things together.  So they put the litter box near the food
and water for one-stop feline supply maintenance.  This reasoning
doesn¹t work because the fastidious cat does not want to eliminate
near where food and water are available.  Place litter boxes away
from high-traffic locations and noisy appliances. Another common
mistake is putting the litter box out of the way,
often so far away the cat simply finds a more convenient spot.
Increase the litter options.  Since each cat has its own personality,
you can't predict what type of litter will attract a certain cat.
Therefore test several!  Place multiple boxes near each other, fill
each with different litter and track which ones get used.  Try
clumping litters as well as processed paper, wheat and corn-based.
Increase exercise.  Exercise is a stress reliever, but most indoor
cats are couch potatoes.  Solve this problem by having several
interactive toys that require you to hold one end and participate in
the play.  These are the best toys for exercising your cat and
building the cat-human relationship. The goal is to exercise your cat
to open mouth panting at least once each day.
Increase resources.  Provide more play, attention, beds, and food and
water locations. If floor space is a problem, increase the number of
cat beds up off the floor, placing them as high as possible. Cats
often relax when they are in a high place. In lower areas, use
multiple plastic portable kennels with comfy pads inside and leave
their doors open to provide an ample supply of safe, private resting
areas.  No punishment, but lots of rewards. Cats respond poorly to
physical punishment, but favorably to verbal praise ­ although
their
response is often subtle. Verbally praise your cat every time it uses
the litter box, and every time it does anything right. Positive
reinforcement is the foundation of a special loving bond.
{Dr. Rolan Tripp, DVM, is an occasional guest on Animal Radio. He's a
veterinarian with a special interest in animal behavior.  He's also
the founder of Animal Behavior Network, www.AnimalBehavior.net  800-
372-3706, an affiliate professor of applied animal behavior at two
veterinary schools, an on-air personality and behavior consultant for
DVMtv, and a consultant to Petmate.}
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Judith P. ..the winner of the pawprint cap.
March's drawing is a pawprint cosmetic bag.  After entering your
name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Marylin T...  for
this month's pet photo of  Ben, her four year old adorable Huskie.
We want to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy of their
photo either by email or snail mail.  February's question was:   Do
you dress your pet for winter weather?  It was another close vote
with  No, rely on mother nature (45%), Yes, a real fashion hound
(38%), and Winter weather, what's that?(17%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
A recent comment from one of our valued customers Patty;  "Thank you
for confirming my order.  I look forward to getting my draft
stopper.  Working with you and the company has been very easy and you
have been exceptionally helpful.  Thank you again"

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

> Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   February 2005
>
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

> 1.  What's New
> 2.  Pet Journals
> 3.  Featured Item
> 4.  Elephants Saved Tourists From Tsunami
> 5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
> 6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
> 7.  How to Unsubscribe
>
>  ** HAPPY VALENTINES DAY**
>
> 1) WHAT'S NEW
> We want your opinion!!  While entering your name for
> the monthly contest would you please take a few
> moments to express your ideas for improving Animal
> Designs.  It can be about the website, products,
> fabric patterns/styles, or any likes and dislikes.
> We do listen so that we can continue to make  your
> shopping experience the best it can be. To submit
> your ideas and enter your name for the contest go
> here:  www.animaldesigns.com/contactus.htm
>
> 2) PET JOURNALS
> For two years, I have been one of eight who has
> served as a volunteerfacilitator for a pet-loss
> support group held at the Seattle-King County Humane
> Society. Our coordinator was being given special
> recognition at the annual meeting, as she stepped
> down from over nine years of dedicated service.  I
> wanted to be there for and with her!  Beyond that, I
> had read in their newsletter of the opening of a
> brand new cat room which I HAD to visit!  It is
> similar to one my husband and I visited last year
> where we found Mikey, our youngest kitty.  To a cat
> person, and to cats, I believe, it is the closest
> thing to Cat Heaven.  Several cats are selected for
> pre-adoption, spending their time with each other in
> an area far superior to a caged confinement.
> Besides having each other around and all the
> potential ownees (notice that I didn't say owners)
> to pet them and play with them, their food, water,
> litter boxes, climbing and resting areas were all
> there to be shared.  What a neat way to prepare
> these kitties for their new homes! Sliding the glass
> door to the left and stepping in, there I was among
> seven or eight cats.  My husband, Jim, showed me a
> large, long, tabby kitty.  There was a feisty one in
> a basket, and a white cat with pink ears (sounds
> like a description of a bunny to me), but when I
> touched it, it was all cat!  As we were making our
> way toward the door, a young dark tabby thought it
> might be a good time to wander out.  Sorry, kitty.
> We headed him in the other direction and snuck out.
> Yeah right!  That young cat knew what we were up to.
>  He'd try again later with someone else -- perhaps
> go home with someone!  Oh yes!  The annual meeting
> and dinner!  We hurried to our places and were so
> proud when our friend received her award -- a
> beautifully framed copy of "Rainbow Bridge", which
> is special to our pet-loss support group.   The
> theme for this year's annual meeting was cats.
> After all, the Humane Society staff wanted us all to
> know that they indeed were not"dogcentric."  Our
> keynote speaker was Anne Gordon, who has trained
> cats for films and television, including "Homeward
> Bound."Training cats?  I didn't think those two
> words could be arranged in the same sentence!  Not
> only did she explain how cats can be trained, but
> she brought her cat, Raider, to show us just how it
> was done. We were shown how the promise of a reward
> could be given by using a clicker to reinforce
> improved behavior, and when the desired behavior
> occurred, the primary reward, food, of course, was
> given, only when accompanied by a buzzer sound.
> Cats are trained to respond to certain sound stimuli
> so that multiple trainers can be successful.  Raider
> responded to sit and stay commands (no, she really
> wasn't a dog) and waving and finally putting her paw
> around a glass as if she might carry it with her.
> It took several reminders for us not to applaud or
> laugh loudly, since Raider worked best in a quiet
> environment.  Cats having their own minds as they
> do, even Raider occasionally did her own thing.  It
> was explained to us that several cats are used for
> anything from a short commercial to a full-length
> movie since cats cannot be depended on for doing
> what they're told even after being well-trained.
> More than one Sasha in "Homeward Bound?"  More than
> one Morris?  It's true.   Certainly it was amazing
> to learn just how trainable cats can be, but fear
> not, if you have cats that would never make it in
> the movies, you're not alone.
> www.petwarmers.com
> We all  have stories that we like to tell our
> friends about our pets, so send us your favorite
> "tail",  and we will select one each month to
> feature in our newsletter.
>
> 3) FEATURED ITEM
> Keep your tea warm with this handcrafted cotton
> padded tea cozy. It is washable and adjustable to
> fit most teapot sizes or it can be custom made to
> fit your own teapot.   Makes a great gift or
> addition to your collection.  See the many pattern
> choices and select yours today at:
> http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv
>
> 4) ELEPHANTS SAVED TOURISTS FROM TSUNAMI
> Agitated elephants felt the tsunami coming, and
> their sensitivity saved about a dozen foreign
> tourists from the fate of thousands killed by the
> giant waves.
> "I was surprised because the elephants had never
> cried before," mahout Dang Salangam said on Sunday
> on Khao Lak beach at the eight-elephant business
> offering rides to tourists. The elephants started
> trumpeting -- in a way Dang, 36, and his wife
> Kulada, 24, said could only be described as crying
> -- at first light, about the time an earthquake
> measured at a magnitude of 9.0 cracked open the sea
> bed off Indonesia's Sumatra island. The elephants
> soon calmed down. But they started wailing again
> about an hour later and this time they could not be
> comforted despite their mahouts'
> attempts at reassurance. "The elephants didn't
> believe the mahouts. They just kept running for the
> hill," said Wit Aniwat, 24, who takes the money from
> tourists and helps them on to the back of elephants
> from a sturdy wooden platform. Those with tourists
> aboard headed for the jungle-clad hill behind the
> resort beach where at least 3,800 people, more than
> half of them foreigners, would soon be killed. The
> elephants that were not working broke their hefty
> chains. "Then we saw the big wave coming and we
> started running," Wit said. Around a dozen tourists
> were also running toward the hill from the Khao Lak
> Merlin Resort, one of a line of hotels strung along
> the 10 km (6-mile) beach especially popular with
> Scandinavians and Germans. "The mahouts managed to
> turn the elephants to lift the tourists onto their
> backs," Kulada said. She used her hands to describe
> how the huge beasts used their trunks to pluck the
> foreigners from the ground and deposit them on their
> backs. The elephants charged up the hill through the
> jungle, then stopped.
> The tsunami drove up to 1 km (1,000 yards) inshore
> from the gently sloping beach which had been so safe
> for children it made Khao Lak an ideal place for a
> family holiday. But it stopped short of where the
> elephants stood. On Sunday, the elephants were back
> at work giving rides to the tourists on whom the
> area depends. German Ewald Heeg, who said he came
> from a small town near Frankfurt, said his charter
> company had offered his family -- wife, two
> daughters and one of their boyfriends -- the chance
> to go straight home, but he had turned it down. "Our
> family is OK so we stay here to make our holiday,"
> he said. "Today, we make a safari. We go by
> elephants at first, then we make a boat trip.
> Adapted from the Animal Radio Network
> http://AnimalRadio.com.
>
> 5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
> Congratulations to Cheryl L...the winner of the
> pawprint polar fleece scarf.  February's drawing is
> a pawprint flexible brim cap.  After entering your
> name, check out the rest of the fun page at
> http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to
> Jo G.. for this month's pet photos of
> Lady,(dachshund))and Sami Sue,(a vervet monkey).
> Stop by and see these inseparable friends. We want
> to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy of
> their photo either by email or snail mail.
> January's question was:  Do you and your pet make
> new year resolutions?   The total results were: Yes,
> made a pawprint deal (45%),  They're already perfect
> (34%)  No, couldn't agree on any(20%) and other (1%)
> with a real cute other "We shook Paws on It".
>
> 6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
> A recent question we received was "I just love your
> paw print monthly prizes.  Can I order any of the
> items?  Yes, any of the monthly prizes can be
> ordered.  We will gladly make one just for you.

>  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions
> and suggestions and we've provided this link for
> sharing this newsletter with your friends.
> http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
> taking the time to tell your friends and family
> about Animal Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment
> and we greatly appreciate it.
>
> All the Best,
> Jeanie
> Animal Designs
> www.animaldesigns.com
> 1.866.468.1739
>
>




__________________________________

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   January 2005
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Pulling On The Leash
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Happy New Year and best wishes from Animal Designs.   Have we got a
surprise for you!!  Order any merchandise valued at $20.00 or more
during January and receive a free surprise gift.  It's our way of
saying thanks and showing appreciation to all our valued customers
for their continued support.  Why not start the new year with a
resolution to visit:  www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
YOUR DOG'S NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
1.  I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the
toilet.
2.  The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.
3.  I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under
the coffee table.
4.  I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.
5.  I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the
house.
6.  I will not eat the cats' food, before, or after, they eat it.
7.  I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of carpet in
the house when I am about to throw up.
8.  I will not throw up in the car.
9.  I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.
10.  The litter box is not a cookie jar.
11.  I will not wake up Mommy by putting my cold, wet nose up her
bottom end.
12 . I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
13.  I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or
my people will think that I am hemorrhaging.
14.  When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled
down when it's raining outside.
15. I will not drop soggy tennis balls in the underwear of someone
who is sitting on the toilet.
16.  We do not have a doorbell.  Therefore, I will not bark each time
I hear one on the television.
17.  I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back
yard with them.
18.  The sofa is not a face towel.  Neither are Mom & Dad's laps.
19.  My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
20.  I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's
driver's license and car registration.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Multi purpose softsided cotton bag with spill resistant nylon lining
in your favorite animal print. Measures 5" by 7", has a zippered
closure and is washable. Great as a cosmetic bag, jewelry or for all
those purse odds and ends. If you don't see the print you like or
would like to view a larger sample, email me with your request.   See
it now at: http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Category_Code=15

4) PULLING ON THE LEASH
Most dogs want to go out for walks and get very excited when the
leash is brought out. But, do you have one of those dogs who is so
enthusiastic that
he literally pulls you out the door? Walking should be fun for both
you and your dog and there are some things you can do to make it so.
Start by
checking your dog's collar. It should be snug enough so she cannot
pull out  of it, but not so tight that you canât put a finger or
two
between the collar and her neck.  If your dog is especially
rambunctious, one strategy you can try is playing with her in your
yard first to release some of her excess energy. You will find that a
tired dog can focus and will learn more easily than a wired dog.  The
way to teach a dog to walk with a loose lead is to reward for a
relaxed pace and stop walking if you are being pulled. You can begin
teaching a dog to walk nicely on lead in your home or yard. Put a
four- to six-foot lead on your dog's collar and talk to her as you
start to walk. If she walks without pulling, praise her and walk some
more. If she pulls on the lead, stop, and wait until she stops
pulling. As soon as the tension on the lead is released, praise the
dog, offer a quick treat, and then continue walking. If your dog
continues to pull after you stop walking, turn and walk the other
way. A change in direction will cause her to be behind you. Then, as
she comes by, you can get her to focus on you with praise and a
treat.  Don't yank the leash when you change directions let the
action itself serve as the correction. One good technique is to
practice a lot of random direction-changing, so the dog gets used to
focusing attention on you and moves with you.  If you're not making
much headway with a regular collar, you might want to purchase a head
halter. Made by Gentle Leader, Halti and other companies, these
halters can be valuable tools for training dogs to walk on a loose
lead. They wrap around the dog's muzzle and operate on the simple
principle that a dog will follow where his head leads him. A gentle
tug on the head halter will turn the dog's head back toward you. A
head halter will not choke or pinch your dog. Once your dog is used
to the head halter, it can make training much easier. Keep in mind,
however, that all dogs need a little time to adjust to wearing a head
halter. At first, they often try to take off the foreign object. Each
halter will come with fitting instructions, so make sure that you
read the instructions and properly adjust the halter to fit your dog.
If you don't want to use a head halter but have a dog who tries to
pull back out of his collar, a martingale collar may be a safe
choice. They are designed with a fabric loop that tightens if the dog
pulls. Be patient and persistent your dog will improve with practice.
She'll gradually learn what to expect, and both of you can enjoy
daily exercise. Your efforts to train your dog in this and other
aspects of good behavior will be rewarded and you'll have a polite,
well socialized animal who is
welcome in many places. {Sherry Woodard is the dog training and care
consultant at Best Friends. She develops resources and provides
consulting services nationally to help achieve Best Friends No More
Homeless Pets mission. You can hear Sherry every weekend on the Best
Friends Radio Show -
http://www.bestfriends.org/allthegoodnews/bestfriendsradio or
http://AnimalRadio.com}
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Nancy G. ..the winner of the pawprint Car Visor CD
Holder.  January's drawing is a pawprint Polar Fleece Scarf..  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Christine B...
for this month's pet photo of Mandy, who just loves to help with barn
chores. We want to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy of
their photo either by email or snail mail.  December's question was:
Does your pet send Christmas cards?  Most of the answers were; Yes,
and loves to receive them (83%), Tried but ate the stamps (11%), and
Other (6%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
A recent comment from Karen L., one of our valued customers. "My
husband gave me a pair of your cow print slippers.  I just love
them.  They are very warm and fit my feet great.  I wish I could wear
them to work!!

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   December 2004
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Holidays Ring In Stressful Time For Pets
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Best wishes to you and your families, both human and furry, for a
happy holiday season.  Is the time running out to get that purr-fect
gift for a pet lover? Why not give them a choice with an Animal
Designs gift certificate.  It couldn't be easier, just click here:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/giftcertificates.htm  and choose the
dollar amount and add it to your order. You can shop with confidence
knowing that your recipient will select a truly unique gift.

2) PET JOURNALS
T'was the night before Christmas... Well, it was actually about 3
o'clock Christmas Eve day. The sign out front said "Closed early for
the holiday" and everyone had already left to finish last minute
errands and get home before the storm. I, too, would be gone after my
final round of the kennels, distributing treats to the eager animals
who were safe, warm, clean and dry but nevertheless homeless and
unwanted. I had a lot to do before Christmas morning and places I had
to be, and for a split second I thought of pretending I didn't hear.
But doggie doorbells erupted in riotous barking and my lone car, in
the otherwise empty parking lot, betrayed my presence and kept me
from sneaking out the back. So I responded to the rather insistent
pounding on the front door. A young woman stood there with a very
pregnant cat wrapped in her red scarf. She was a tender hearted
student on her way home for Christmas who just couldn't leave this
obviously stray cat with no place to go, alone, and about to give
birth -- especially now that it was spitting snow. With a sigh in my
heart but a smile on my face for this humane act, I took the cat in
and let the good Samaritan go on her way, complete with wool muffler.
The cat and I eyed one another. She was a matted Maine coon mix with
big green knowing eyes that gave this very soon to-be-mom my number
in an instant -- that red "S" on my forehead which is highly visible
to animals stands for "sucker" not "superwoman". An irresistible purr
started at the bottom of her eight toed, double pawed white feet,
kneading in time to the rumbles in her throat. "Well, I can't leave
you here to have your babies all alone, so you're coming home with
me," I informed her, as I bundled her into a crate and we headed out
into what was becoming a full fledged nor'easter. She never quit
purring, even when the car stopped dead on the long deserted country
road and refused to start again. "This can't be happening. Not my
trusty old Volvo, not on Christmas Eve, not with a cat who was about
to pop!" I muttered. Well, this was long before the days of cell
phones, and I had two choices -- wait or walk. After 15 minutes went
by with no cars and the blizzard intensifying, I wrapped the cat in a
scarf again, my own this time, pulled up the hood to my parka, took
the crate firmly in gloved hand, and we headed out on foot to the
house lights I could dimly see in the distance. It might have been
the cold air searing my lungs, or the blinding snow obscuring my
vision, or being suddenly stranded on Christmas Eve, but I couldn't
help thinking of another couple seeking refuge this same night nearly
two thousand years before. With both wry humor at this situation and
respect for the first, I named this expectant lady "Mary" too.
Despite the lights, there was no answer at the first house, or the
second. As I kept trudging to the third, that bone thin cat gained
weight with every step I took. Ah! Someone was home. The look on her
face was priceless as she struggled to understand my story as the
storm howled around us. She wasn't quite sure she wanted to let some
stranger with a pregnant cat into her beautifully decorated living
room. I shook the snow from my hood and tipped it back so she could
see that I looked harmless enough, and she exclaimed in
recognition, "Oh, I know you. You're the humane society lady on
television!" With that, I went from potential nutcase to needy
humanitarian and she let me in to use the phone. She dismissed the
melting snow on her clean floor, and warmed and fed us royally as we
waited for our ride and repair. We didn't get home until nearly 10pm -
- the final presents not wrapped or delivered, the last minute
groceries not bought, and the parties unattended. I was exhausted and
beyond frazzled, but I got Mary situated in the big kitty condo and
introduced my own nine cats and three big black German Shepherds to
this latest foster edition. I finished my chores and finally soaked
the long difficult day away in a bubble bath. I dozed off, and woke
after midnight when the water had cooled and the house was totally
dark and silent. "Ut oh, the storm knocked out the power." I dried
off, lit a candle, found the oil lamp and stoked the woodstove. Then
I checked on Mary in the flickering light. She was still purring,
even louder now, accompanied by tiny meows. The three Magi (my dogs),
who came to celebrate these holiday births, watched in quiet
fascination with gently wagging tails. I laughed, helped her clean
her kitties, and called them by name. "Now Dasher, now Dancer, now
Prancer and Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen..." I
know I'm mixing the metaphors of Christmas, however that seems to be
what happens at the end of the Twentieth Century. But Mary and her
tiny babies were alive and well that night because people cared, and
went out of their way to help even on a busy holiday and in a raging
storm. A concerned college student hurrying home took the time to
pick up a poor stray cat and take her to the humane society. An
overextended shelter director was generous enough to welcome a
pregnant cat into her own home. A kind, gracious lady trusted enough
to let a stranger and cat in her house for safety and warmth. A
caring and dependable friend came to the rescue even in treacherous
weather. Kindness and caring, compassion and generosity, trust and
love. That is the real meaning of Christmas, and I think both Mary
and Santa would agree.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Our very own handmade cozy flannel slippers are soft and cuddly.
These washable slip-ons conform naturally to your feet. They are made
of cotton flannel outside with soft polar fleece inside, are
generously padded and have a non-skid sole. Just the slippers to keep
your feet warm and cozy this winter. If you don't see the pattern you
want, please email us with your request.  Order your pair today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Category_Code=21

4) HOLIDAYS RING IN STRESSFUL TIME FOR PETS
The house is decorated in holiday cheer, with gifts under the tree
and bright lights flashing. Family members from out-of-state will
arrive later in the month and stay through New Year's Eve, when
everyone gathers outside to watch the local fireworks show. Schedules
are turned  upside down in preparation. Perhaps it's the year to
travel for the holidays  instead, leaving the dog or cat behind with
a friend or in a kennel.  Such excitement can overwhelm not only
people, but their pets as well. The animals' territories have been
altered, and unfamiliar visitors may be perceived as invaders.
The "tell-tail" signs of distress among dogs may  include excessive
barking, whining, chewing and house soiling. Cats will  display
destructive behaviors such as urine marking, adding to the chaos
already associated with the holidays. The key scenarios leading to
canine stress include: separation anxiety, or
physical separation from owners; new people or things, including
festive  decorations; fear and phobias of loud noises such as
fireworks; and temporary changes such as car or air travel, boarding
or unfamiliar  furniture and surroundings. Stress-inducing conditions
for cats include: other animals, such as the pets  of houseguests;
new people in the home; a change in environment, such as the  big
Christmas tree in the living room; and being transported or boarded.
The holidays come wrapped in these situations every year -- but a
solution  is available for pet owners. A pheromone therapy developed
by  veterinarians can ease the season's tension for the 68 million
dogs and 73  million cats in the Unites States. D.A.P.(tm) (Dog
Appeasing Pheromone) and  Feliway¨ for cats are synthetic
pheromones
that naturally control and manage  pet behavior associated with
anxiety, fear, stress or phobias.  The canine pheromones are released
into the dog's environment through a  diffuser that plugs into an
electrical outlet, delivering the therapy 24 hours a day for
approximately 30 days. The treatment is designed for dogs
specifically and will not affect humans.  In spring 2004, a pump
spray version of the therapy is scheduled to hit store shelves. The
cat pheromones also are released through a diffuser, and are
available in a pump spray as well. The spray is perfect for traveling
with, crating or boarding a cat. "The problems associated with
animals and the holidays can be anticipated in advance, because you
know what changes will be taking place in your home and  schedule,"
said Audra Boyd, product manager for Phoenix-based Farnam Pet
Products. "The best way to treat the unavoidable is to start using
the diffusers a few weeks prior to the celebrations, and ease your
pet through  the season. The spray offered for cats makes traveling
that much easier too."  How Do Pheromones Work?  D.A.P. calms dogs by
emitting a synthetic pheromone that mimics the  pheromone of a
lactating female dog. By replicating the signal of comfort,  D.A.P.
helps alleviate fear and stress related behaviors. Feliway
replicates  the friendly facial pheromones cats use to mark their
territory when they  rub their cheeks against people and objects. The
presence of the pheromones  calms cats in stressful environments and
reduces their impulse to urine mark their territory and scratch the
furniture. Pet owners can ask their vet about D.A.P. and Feliway or
go to a specialty pet store or online retailer and look for Comfort
Zone(tm) with D.A.P.(tm) and Comfort Zone(tm) with Feliway¨.
Information also is available at www.farnampet.com.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Cathy D..the winner of the pawprint Drawstring
Bag.  December's drawing is a pawprint Car Visor CD holder.  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to for this month's
pet photo of . We want to honor your pet next month, so send us a
copy of their photo either by email or snail mail.  November's
question was:  Do you and your pet look alike?  Most of us thought
there were some similar features with Maybe just a little (62%), Yes,
uncanny resemblance (26%), with  No, I hope not (14%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
  "I am purchasing placemats as a holiday gift and having them shipped
to a friend.  Can you enclose a card with the gift?"  Yes, we will
gladly design a personalized card for any special occasion and
include it with the shipment to that person.  Just let us know what
message you want on the card.

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

Happy Holidays,
Jeanie

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   November 2004
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Home 4 The Holidays
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Animal Designs wishes you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving
Holiday!  With the cold weather approaching,  you'll be looking for a
warm stylish accessory like our latest collection of polar fleece
scarves.  We have many new patterns to choose from featuring your
favorite animals, horses, dogs, cats and wildlife.  These scarves are
also a sure hit for the gift giving season, so shop early. Choose
from over 30 patterns at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

2) PET JOURNALS
A whole new world opened up for my disabled friend when she adopted a
cat from the animal shelter.  This "runt," now three years old, still
weighs less than five pounds. Recently, she shared several
heartwarming stories about her friend, Sooty.  Sooty sleeps on her
own pillow next to my friend.  At first, this location was selected
so each could give and receive lots of affection from the other.
Now, it has become a lookout for a very competent mouser.  My friend
told me this recent story.   "At 2:15am, as we both slept
comfortably, Sooty jumped off the bed and ran across the floor to a
bronze container holding magazines.  Even though cats have the best
eyes in the dark, I just knew she was not going over to read!  I
assumed she had heard an intruder or was ill.  "She began crying and
pawing the edges of all the magazines.  She then took her chin, and
brushed it back and forth across the bronze container as she peeked
over to look in.  She then took out each magazine, one by one. When
she brought out the largest magazine in the container, she also
brought out a huge roach!"  My friend and I still don't understand
how her cat found that roach. Just like we don't understand how she
has found every wasp in the house, in the most obscure locations
imaginable.  Not one has been missed.   Doesn't this story, in a
small way, parallel my friend's life?  Everyone has a purpose, if
only given a chance!  All of this from a tiny disabled creature that
almost didn't make it home.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Place this attractive as well as functional draft stopper at your
door to keep away the winter chill. It measures 36" X 7", is made of
cotton outer shell, stuffed with polyfill and is machine washable. If
you don't see the pattern you want just email us your request. We
specialize in custom orders.  See the selection at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

4) HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS
More than 200,000 orphaned dogs and cats are expected to begin the
New Year in their new homes following the 5th annual Home 4 the
Holidays pet adoption drive.  Home 4 the Holidays began in 1999 when
Helen Woodward Animal Center organized 14 San Diego area shelters,
finding homes for orphaned pets. Each pet went home with a holiday
meal of Iams food and a booklet of coupons redeemable at PETCO. In
its 4th year 1,200 Home 4 the Holidays animal shelters and pet rescue
groups in 20 countries completed 180,000 adoptions during the
holidays. Animal shelters and rescue groups worldwide will join paws
during Home 4 the Holidays with a goal of 225,000 adoptions. Home 4
the Holidays will continue to break records, according to its
creator, Michael M. Arms, President of Helen Woodward Animal Center.
What better gift can any of us give during the holiday season than to
give a home to an orphaned pet?  Arms says that adopting a shelter
pet during the holidays is a necessity. More families invite pets
into their homes during the holidays than any other time of year. If
our shelters turn them away, we may as well give them a map and send
them to a puppy mill while the orphans continue to wake up behind
bars.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Maureen G..the winner of the pawprint Cell Phone
Cover.  November's drawing is a pawprint draw string bag  .  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Janet T. for this
month's pet photo of Smokey and Bandit, who are the best of friends.
We want to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy of their
photo either by email or snail mail.  October's question was:  Do you
have a pet evacuation plan?   It was good to see that we plan for our
pets.  The  voting was close with Yes, absolutely essential (39%),
They stay put with me (36%),  No, never needed one (22%) and other
(3%).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
Looking for that special gift in you're favorite fabric?  Animal
Designs can help and we are just a phone call/email away.  We will
gladly work with you to make the upcoming gift giving season the best
ever!

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post @ Animal Designs              Oct.. 2004
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1. What's New
2. Pet Journals
3. Featured Item
4. Neutering Drug for Puppies
5. Drawing & Fun Stuff
6. Comments
7. Recommend Us

1) WHAT'S NEW

Looking to compliment your bathroom decor?   Then you'll love the new
additions to our line of ceramic bath accessories. The nite lite,
tissue box cover and towel hook will add that special touch.   And
with the gift giving season just around the corner, they will also
make a thoughtful gift for all pet lovers.  Choose your patterns and
order early at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

2) PET JOURNALS

Recently, some government officials have proposed the elimination or
reduction of animal shelters for lost or stray pets as a way to save
money.  I only wish they could fully understand the importance of
recovering a pet and the importance of animal friends.  They must
have forgotten Coleridge's Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner, "He made and
loveth all..."  Or they need their own animal friend.  Pets render
immense service in our society -- from providing comfort to those in
residential facilities to waking us to a fire or an intruder.  Each
of us has some element of sadness in our lives.  Pets are obviously a
comfort which we could find in no other source.  We all get "teary-
eyed" once in a while, either about something very personal or about
a sad event on the news.  I believe that holding back heavy crying
shows no less depth in our sadness.  Actually, without the release of
a "good cry", we hurt even more.  My daughter lives in Brooklyn
Heights, a beautiful area, and works at a great fashion and design
firm in the greatest city of the world, New York City.  She recently
visited us back here in Western New York state.  However, all visits
come to an end.  The most difficult to end are visits home.  Before
boarding her flight back, she cried in a very controlled way, keeping
most sadness inside -- a very normal reaction.  She was going back to
the city of eight million but away from friends and family.  But she
has a little friend, a Yorkie, whom she takes almost everywhere with
her.  A smart and caring little canine.  I was amazed at the reaction
of this little Yorkie to seeing those tears.  At the airport, her
Yorkie stretched to her and carefully licked her tears. She did a
very thorough job.  All around her eyes!  She even caused three
slight smiles. The value of our animal friends?  Priceless.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Give your kitchen a fresh look with these new kitchen towels with
matching hot pad. This set is ideal to hang on your stove or
cabinets. Easy on/off velcro closure.  See the patterns at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

4) NEUTERING DRUG FOR PUPPIES
Puppy owners will now be offered a choice for neutering their male
puppies. The Federal Food and Drug Administration has approved
Neutersol® (Zinc Gluconate Neutralized by Arginine) as the world's
first injectable neutering drug for puppies 3 to 10 months of age.
The procedure is brief and  Neutersol is 99.6% effective in achieving
sterilization. Benefits Prompt Immediate Understanding of Choice:
Owners are relieved of their worries of subjecting the puppy to
surgery and the time it takes, thus providing an attractive
choice. "When presented with the time-savings, speed and ease of the
Neutersol procedure, owners immediately understand the advantages of
choosing Neutersol as the neutering approach," notes Jim Howard, DVM,
owner of Howard Veterinary Hospital in Jefferson City, MO, one of the
five test sites for the neutering product. "They now have a choice
between surgery or an injection that takes only a few minutes."
Study Findings:  Neutersol (Zinc Gluconate Neutralized by Arginine)
for pharmaceutical sterilization of 3 to 10 month old male dogs was
developed by the late Dr. Mostafa S. Fahim, Director of the Center of
Reproductive Science and Technology, School of Medicine, University
of Missouri-Columbia. The research and development of Neutersol and
other technology was conducted by Dr. Fahim and his staff and was
sponsored by Technology Transfer, Inc. (a Missouri corporation) since
1990. The long process of obtaining FDA approval of Neutersol began
in 1991, and Technology Transfer, Inc. licensed Addison Biological
Laboratory, Inc. to market Neutersol after receiving FDA approval.
Pilot, dose determination, and target animal safety studies were
completed prior to the field study that was conducted at five test
sites throughout the U.S. The test sites enrolled 270 puppies, ages 3
to 10 months,  Post-injection, the participating puppies were
monitored for general attitude, appetite, ability to walk and
temperature.  Complete physical exams were conducted at three days,
two months, and six months post-injection. Of the 224 dogs that
completed the study, 223 (99.6%) were permanently sterile. Mild,
temporary swelling is an expected reaction to the injection noticed
within 24-48 hours after injection. Other possible side effects
include vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, diarrhea,  pain and
inflammation.  Min Wang, MD, Senior Research Associate, Center of
Reproductive Science and Technology, School of Medicine, University
of Missouri-Columbia, conducted the study and presented the field
trial findings in "Neutersol: Intratesticular Injection Induces
Sterility In Dogs" at the April, 2002, International Symposium of Non-
Surgical Methods for Pet Population Control. See
www.neutersol.com/study for detailed study protocols and report of
findings. Adapted from the Animal Radio Network
http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Kathryn O....the winner of the pawprint CarVisor
CD Holder. October's drawing is a pawprint Cell Phone Cover.  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm    Thanks to Susan M. for
this month's pet photo of her best friend Max. We want to honor your
pet next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or
snail mail.  September's question was:  Where does your pet sleep? It
appears that a third of us need a larger mattress.  The percentage
responses were; In their own bed (48%), Taken over my bed (32%) Where
ever they choose (18%),  and Other (2%).

6) COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS

From Debra B.  "I just wanted to tell you that I love my cat cell
phone cover.  I am getting many compliments on it and I tell people
where I got it.  Thanks so much."

7) RECOMMEND US
As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions and
we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends. Recommend Us   Thank you for taking the time to tell your
friends and family about Animal Designs.  It is the ultimate
compliment and we greatly appreciate it.


All the Best,
    Jeanie

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   September 2004

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

  1.  What's New
  2.  Pet Journals
  3.  Featured Item
  4.  Good Treat Habits Help Dogs Stay Lean, Healthy and Happy
  5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
  6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
  7.  How to Unsubscribe

  1) WHAT'S NEW
  Feeling uncertain?  Then look for the seal.  For your on-line
  shopping piece of mind, we've partnered with Geo Trust Digital
  Certificates ensuring the highest level of security available for
  our site.  For more information about this service, just click on
  the seal at:  http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

  2) PET JOURNALS
  Fur, fins or feathers... I've lived with, and loved them all.  It
  started out with a clam I found in a fish market when I was 4 years
  old.  I kept it in a little jar of water.  The only trouble was that
  it's hard to tell when a clam goes to that "big clambake" in the
  sky. My parents sensed that something was not quite right with
  Clam-entine, when our home started smelling a bit like the Fulton
  Fish Market.  It progressed through the years... birds, reptiles, a
  wonderful dog, cats.  I've learned that all of these critters have
  their own unique personalities, if only you take the time to watch
  and listen.  About two years ago I decided to add to my family with
  the addition of a tank of beautiful "show guppies" -- lovely
  creatures that are each as unique as snowflakes.  I came out of the
  petshop with high hopes, a large bowl, and eight beautiful guppy
specimens -- 4 boys and 4 girls.  I set up the new home, while
  contemplating hours of relaxation just watching these beautiful
  living gem stones glide through the water.  My dream started fading
  by the second day.  One went belly up, then two, and so on.  Back to
  the pet shop I flew.  Conditioners, antibiotics, special gourmet
  guppy food -- I tried it all, but to no avail. Finally, I was down
  to one pathetic female.  I did everything but hold her hand!  LIVE!
  Please little girl!  Nope, she was doing the dead man's float early
  the next morning.  I was in the process of cleaning out the tank
  when I noticed an air bubble dashing around.  Upon closed
  inspection, I saw the tiniest little eye looking at me!  OH MY
  GOODNESS!  Before mama exited this planet, she presented me with a
  baby!  I was so thrilled I rushed back to the pet shop and bought
  live plants, extra decorations and baby fish food.  I was going to
  give this little survivor every chance to reach guppy adulthood.  At
  about two months, I realized that I had a little girl.  I named her
  Moby, after a distant relative on her side of the animal kingdom.
  Not only was my little girl flourishing, she recognized me!  When I
  approached her tank she did this crazy little guppy dance.  She >
even
  learned signals to give me, showing she wanted food.  We were
  relating.  Moby remained a lone guppy for about a year.  And then I
  thought,
  "Dare I introduce a boyfriend?"  Back to the petshop for the
  prettiest male guppy I could find.  And in he went.  Moby freaked!
  She hid in the foliage and she stopped dancing.  I thought perhaps
  things would change after she realized that the little fellow only
  wanted to be her friend (well, maybe he wanted a little more.)
  Two weeks after introducing Ishmeal into the tank, he disappeared.
  GONE!  The question is still unanswered: Is Moby guilty of
  Guppicide?  It has been about three months now.  Things are back to
normal.  Moby is once again dancing whenever I approach her home.  I
  guess I'll leave well enough alone and be content to live with this
  solitary finny funny fish.
  www.petwarmers.com
  We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our
  pets, so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each
  month to feature in our newsletter.

  3) FEATURED ITEM
  Give your bathroom a new look with this custom made cotton fabric
  shower curtain , standard size (72" X 72") with sturdy metal
  grommets. Easy care and washable. If you don't see the pattern you
  like, please email us with your request. Be sure and check out our
  ceramic bath accessories to complete your bathroom decor.
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code
=animaldesigns&Product_Code=sct001&Category_Code=19

  4) GOOD TREAT HABITS HELP DOGS STAY LEAN, HEALTHY AND HAPPY
  The most important thing one can do to help dogs live longer,
  healthier  lives is to keep them lean! Giving and getting treats is
  fun and rewarding for humans and dogs. It is an interaction that
  brings joy and strengthens relationships. Sometimes treats can add
  many unneeded, unwanted calories that pet owners neglect counting.
  Veterinarians, trainers, groomers, and other pet care professionals
  have a powerful influence that can help shape the choices people
  make about types and frequency of treats, which can be part of a
  healthy weight control program.  Recent research clearly shows that
  overweight dogs die younger, and get cancer, arthritis and other
  debilitating diseases at younger ages. Treats  are often a part of
  the problem. Some treats, especially the large biscuits and green
  treats, are high in calories. Consider that a medium-sized biscuit
  may contain 50 kilocalories, a large
  biscuit or green treat 110 kilocalories. Since many people give
  their dogs more than one treat a day, biscuits may be a major reason
  a recent
  government (National Research Council 2003) report estimated that
  25% of all dogs and cats in the U.S. are obese!  Instead of high
  calorie, high carbohydrate biscuits with little nutritional  value,
  other treats should be considered including small pieces of carrot,
  a blueberry, or a tasty low calorie treat (weighing less than one
  gram per treat). The size of the treat is not important to a dog
  (though taste certainly is!) - it's the interaction and play with
  their humans that is significant. Keeping a dog lean is important
  for its health. Getting treats is an important part of a dogs day,
  and provides pleasure to humans as well. When pet owners develop
  healthy eating habits for their dogs, they can also increase the
  odds that their dogs will be lean and live longer, healthier, happy
  lives.
  Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

  5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
  Congratulations to Miles G....the winner of the pawprint billfold.
  and to Denise F.... winner of the $30 gift certificate. September's
  drawing is a pawprint CarVisor CD Holder.  After entering your name,
check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   This month's pet photo is
a three year old goat named Brownie, our newest addition to the
  family here at Animal Designs. We would like to honor your pet next
  month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail
  mail. August's question was:  Have you taught your pet any tricks?
  The percentage responses were Yes, a real pet star (54%),  No
  diagnosed ADD (31%),  Learned on their own (14%), and other (1%).

  6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
  A recent comment from a valued customer, Linda H.  "The tropical
  bird shower curtain you made looks fantastic in our bathroom. Thank
  you for working with me on the color selection and fabric choices.
  Also, I am very pleased with the quality of the shower curtain."

   As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
  and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
  friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
  taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
  Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate
  it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs   August 2004
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Trying to find that special gift or a unique treat for yourself?
Then take a look at our new Car Visor CD Holder.  This practical
holder organizes your CDs for easy access.  Made of soft non-scratch
cotton fabric, measures 6" by 11.25" and it has pockets for six cds
with two adjustable velcro straps to fit most visors.  Plus there are
extra pockets for a pen, gas receipts, and anything else that you
want to have handy.  Stop by today and choose your favorite fabric at
www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
It's funny how human beings whom you call friends come in and out of
your life all the time, but your true best friends are your animals.
I have two cats, Marley and Bonnie.  I once submitted a story to
Petwarmers about Bonnie, so this one I would like to dedicate to my
best friend in life, Marley.  She came into my life at the perfect
time.  I was in high school and, other than having goldfish, I was
always told that I would never be able to have an animal because they
are too much work.  Well, much to my surprise, I came home from
school one day and my mom told me I had company.  I looked around and
didn't see anybody, but I saw some dishes on the floor, and became
quite confused as to what was going on.  She told me that she had a
co-worker that needed to find a home for her mother's cats, and they
arranged for a meeting.  My mother fell in love with Marley right
away.  I looked around and found this beautiful Maine Coon cat hiding
behind the couch.  I called her name and she came right out, cuddled
up right to my leg and started purring.  That was in 1994.  My father
was ill with cancer and I was going through all the drama of being a
teenager and dealing with my own issues, when Marley came into my
life.  She has been by my side ever since.  I am now 28 and living on
my own, and Marley is about 13 years old. We have definitely have had
our ups and downs, and at one point, I almost had to give her up.
That was the most dramatic time in my life.  I thank God that it
didn't happen.  I seriously believe that it was my father helping me
from above and making sure that she didn't have to leave me.  She is
my true best friend in life.  I am very fortunate to have her-- she
is my child, sister, and friend all-in-one.   I love to come home to
her everyday and she is always waiting to be held or petted.  She is
the biggest mush you will ever meet.  She loves to be pampered.  She
follows me wherever I go, and she is always right there when I need
her.  She was my support system when I lost my father, always right
there when I got home from school or work, sat with me and purred all
the times that I cried.  I know a day will come when God will want to
take her back and just thinking about it makes me tear up.  There
could never be another Marley in my life.  She is truly my best
friend in the whole world.  I wanted to share my story with all of
you.  I hope everyone is fortunate enough to have a best friend like
mine.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Microwave Hotpads are cool.  Never burn your fingers again when you
use these hotpads.  Made of cotton in your favorite animal print,
they measure 4" X 8", have finger pockets and are washable.  Makes a
great all occasion gift and if you want a different pattern, just
email me with your request.  See the featured item today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=mhp001&Category_Code
=11

4) Myths and Facts About Spaying and Neutering
Myth:  Spaying or neutering will make my pet fat.
Fact:   Nope!  Overeating makes your pet fat.  After spaying or
neutering an animal may relax more because it is no longer looking
for a mate.  You may need to decrease the amount of food you are
feeding and find ways of exercising your pet so that it will continue
to burn fat.  Spaying or neutering is good for your pet and will help
it live an average of two to three years longer than an unsterilized
pet.
Myth:  Spaying or neutering will change my pet's personality.
Fact:  Any slight changes will be for the better.  No matter what age
an animal is altered, it will remain a caring, loving, and protective
companion.  Neutering reduces the need to breed, and that has a
calming effect on many animals.  Neutered males tend to roam and
fight less and have less of a desire to mark their territory.
Myth:  Neutering will make my dog too nice.  I want him to protect my
family.
Fact:  Don't confuse aggression with protectiveness.  A neuter dog
protects his home and family just as well as an unneutered dog.
Myth:  Sterilization is dangerous and painful surgery for my pet.  I
don't want to hurt him.
Fact:  Spaying and neutering are very common surgeries.  With some
tender love and care after surgery, your pet will resume normal
behavior in a couple of days.
Myth:  A female should have a least one litter before she is spayed.
Fact:  A female has a greater likelihood of developing mammary tumors
or uterine infections if unspayed.  Finding homes for just one litter
can be difficult and add to the number of unwanted animals in the
world or take a family that another unwanted animal may have been
placed in.
Myth:  Children should witness the miracle of birth.
Fact:  Buy a video or book.  Letting your pet produce a litter that
you have no intention of keeping is teaching your children
irresponsibility.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Belinda B....the winner of the pawprint cosmetic
bag and to Diane E... winner of the $30. gift certificate. August's
drawing is a pawprint billfold....   After entering your name, check
out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Sally N. for the
photo of Eddie, her adorrable Cockatoo. We would like to honor your
pet next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or
snail mail.   July's question was:  Does your pet understand you?
Most of the responses were positive Yes, we are on the same wave
length (108), Understands but chooses to ignore me (49) with No, like
talking to the wall (17).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
Just a reminder that we have extended our 5 year anniversary
celebration through August!!  Join the fun at Animal Designs for free
gifts and prizes!!  Order any item of $15 or more (excluding S&H)and
receive a free 2 1/2" ceramic paw print box.  Also, hunt for the
yellow paw print ball and enter your name in the drawing for a $30
gift certificate.

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs     July 2004
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Animal Years vs. Human Years-The Truth
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions

1) WHAT'S NEW
Good news!! We're extending our 5 year anniversary celebration
through August!!  Join the fun at Animal Designs for free gifts and
prizes!!  Order any item of $15 or more and receive a free 2 1/2"
ceramic paw print box.  Hunt for the yellow paw print ball and enter
your name in the drawing for a $30. gift certificate.  All this in
addition to our unique selection of handcrafted gifts.  Visit us now
at www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
I was going for a walk in the woods with my wife's faithful canine
companion, Gus.  Gus loved my wife, The Queen B, and only liked me
when I let him ride in my pickup or took him for a walk.  This day,
he liked me.  The woods were alive with birds, flowers and insects.
I was happy to see them all.  The mosquitoes were even happier to see
me. I was meals on wheels to the skeeters.  Gus went exploring.  I
could hear him snuffling as he investigated the various scents.
Suddenly, I heard a commotion in a thicket.  I ran to the sounds.
There I found Gus.  He was staring intently up a tree, making odd
growling noises while a bit of drool danced on his doggy lips.  I
looked up into the giant bur oak tree to see if I could determine the
object of his attention.  There in the crotch of the tree, maybe 15
feet above the ground, was a young raccoon.   I find baby raccoons
cute and mischievous.  Gus found them irritating at best, and well
worth chasing.   The little raccoon was looking down at Gus.  I could
see the fear in the young animal's eyes.  (Don't worry, the raccoon
was never in any danger.)  Gus, being a dog, could sense the fear.
Because he could think of nothing else to do, Gus began to bark.
This wasn't what the little raccoon wanted to hear and he had seen
all that he wanted to see of Gus.  He put his paws over his eyes.  I
found it cute.  Gus found it confusing.  Evidently, Gus had been
focused in on the raccoon's eyes.  Once the eyes disappeared, Gus got
the oddest look on his face.  He stared up in the tree for a couple
of minutes, uttered a single, last bark and bounced back off into the
brush.  We see what we want to see.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Here's your chance to have the popular and genuine toile look.
Enhance your table decor with a tablecloth, placemats, table runner
and accessories.    Made just for you in three available "Country
Life" colors at a price you can afford. Order yours today at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

4) ANIMAL YEARS VS. HUMAN YEARS - THE TRUTH
For the longest time, it was believed that you could calculate your
dog¹s age in human years by multiplying their age times seven.  We
now know that
is not true. With dogs reaching adulthood within their first 2 years,
a more accurate formula would be to calculate their first 2 years by
10.5 humanyears, and then each year after that by 4 human years. How
long a dog will actually live also varies by breed, with most dogs
living to 12 or 14 years of age.  A dog¹s weight will also
determine
how it ages.  For example, a dog that weighs 20 pounds or less at age
5, will be 36 in human years; a dog that weighs between 21 and 50
pounds at age 5 would be 37 in human years; a dog that weighs between
51 and 90 pounds at age 5 would be 40 in human years; and a dog that
weighs over 90 pounds at age 5 would be 42 in human years. Following
is a rough chart to calculate both dogs and cats in human years.
Because there are so many other other factors, such as breed and
size, to take into consideration when calculating their age, there is
no one chart that can properly represent all animals.
Dogs Age     Human Years      Cats Age      Human Years
1 year             15 years           1 year             15 years
2 years           24 years           2 years            24 years
4 years           32 years           5 years            36 years
7 years           45 years           7 years            45 years
10 years         56 years           12 years          64 years
15 years         76 years           15 years          76 years
20 years         98 years           18 years          88 years
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Michael L., the winner of the pawprint eyeglass
case and to Lori M., winner of the $30. gift certificate. July's
drawing is a pawprint cosmetic bag.   After entering your name, check
out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm   Thanks to Donna P. for the
photo of her adorable goats. We would like to honor your pet next
month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail
mail.   June's question was:  What phrase best describes your pet?
Most of the responses said that their pets were Cute and cuddly
(110), Some were the King of the jungle (38) and others play Hide and
seek (17).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
A recent comment from a valued customer, Ann S. "I really enjoy your
site, especially the polls, fabric voting and of course all the great
gift items. Keep up the good work".

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs June 2004
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1. What's New
2. Pet Journals
3. Featured Item
4. Planet Dog's Tips For a "Pawsitive" Office Experience
5. Drawing and Fun Stuff
6. Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7. How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Come and join us for our 5th anniversary celebration . Free gifts
and prizes!! Any order of $15 or more receives a free 2 1/2" ceramic
paw print box during the month of June. Also, search for the yellow
paw print ball on our site and enter your name in the drawing for a
$30 gift certificate. Yes, spend it as you like at Animal Designs.
All this in addition to our regular monthly giveaway. Just a way of
saying thanks to all our valued customers who have made this
celebration possible. Visit us at www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
My co-workers and I were busily checking email and organizing for a
beautiful Texas morning of work when we heard loud chirping from an
obviously very irritated or scared bird. Shortly, our "bird hunt"
revealed a little fellow stuck behind the heating unit vent. We took
turns trying to reach him -- unsuccessfully. We appealed to our
neighbor with longer arms in the next office to help with the rescue
mission. When he tenderly placed the tiny bird in my hands, it was
love at first sight! He was pathetically naked, except for a thread
of down on his back and a layer of dust. The large yellow mouth
comically covered most of his head and black eyes stared trustingly
into mine. Joy filled my heart and... our home. I almost cried
to think his life was, literally, in my hands. I knew absolutely
nothing about caring for birds. I'd read someplace that baby birds
eat constantly, so food was first on the agenda. The pet section of
our local grocer offered bird seed and not much else. Instinctively
knowing he wasn't ready for solid food, I bought jars of strained
baby food and parakeet gravel. Mixing a bit of this together and
using my pinky, I pushed the mixture gently into the rear of his
mouth. He gobbled up the makeshift meal like I was his mother bird,
stopped his incessant squawking, and went to sleep. Hourly feedings
got us through the first day and kept him fairly quiet. Thereafter,
until he was able to eat on his own, we went to work together.
Experimenting, I offered him tidbits of food until I discovered his
favorites -- grapes, chicken, hardboiled egg and cornbread were top
ranked and eaten with gusto. We had no idea what kind of bird he
was. His feathers were mostly brown at first, then getting darker
until finally, the unmistakable iridescent, black spotted plumage
identified him as a European Starling. Joy stayed in a cage during
the day, but evenings he was allowed to fly about the house.
Perching on our heads, shoulders, or the arm of a chair, he'd watch
TV and cock his head from side to side, screeching like an owl during
noisy action scenes. Our two old poodles tried to ignore him, but he
would swoop down, land on their backs, and search through their fur
for tidbits. Joy's antics amused us for hours. One evening the most
delightful thing happened. As I let him out of the cage for his
evening routine, I greeted him asusual. Not believing my ears, I
called to my husband, "David, please come hear this. Joy can talk!"
When David came in the room, our talented bird said plainly in my
voice, "I love you, Joy," "Give me a kiss," followed quickly
by "Joy's a pretty bird." The little rascal, mimicking me, repeated
all the phrases I'd said to him. He even laughed like me! Next
night he asked, "Where's the monster?" This seemed to be his
favorite expression as he frequently inquired about the monster. I'd
never said this to him, so he must have picked it up from
some "scary" movie we'd watched together. Out of curiosity, I put a
tape recorder in his room when we were away. He talked nonstop. One
night I heard a different sound. Looking around, I discovered him
taking a bath in our aquarium! Needless to say, he got his own
bathtub the next day. He enjoyed his daily baths, splashing water
everywhere until we bought him his own aquarium. (He'd had the right
idea after all.) Besides his tub, we placed some pots of grass
inside. He enjoyed snacking on it, plus he kept it well-watered as
he shook his feathers to dry off. Each night before retiring, I'd
say "Good night, Joy" and he'd repeat the words back. One night he
didn't respond. Something had to be wrong! Joy was on the bottom of
his cage struggling to breathe. We rushed Joy to the vet's office,
but he couldn't save him from an infection. Wrapped in a soft, warm
towel, he died cradled in the palm of my hands. The voice of my
beautiful little bird was stilled. For six years, this wonderful,
handful of iridescent feathers had enriched and blessed our lives. I
like to think he is flying high above the Rainbow Bridge, dive
bombing all the pets waiting there for us and yelling, "Joy is a
pretty bird." Or "Where are the monsters?" and "I love you Joy."
www.petwarmers.com
We all have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail", and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Our popular cell phone cover is this month's featured item. Made of
softsided cotton fabric outer shell/polar fleece lining with built in
belt loop, velcro closure and measures 3" X 6". If you want a
different size, just email us with your requirements. To order your
favorite design, visit :
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Category_Code=4

4) PLANET DOG'S TIPS FOR A "PAWSITIVE" OFFICE EXPERIENCE
For Office Manager:
·Inform co-workers in advance of an employee who will be bringing
a
new dog to the office to make sure there are no surprises or concerns
·Doggy-proof the office, especially if puppies will be present
(cover/protect all garbage cans and remove toxic items from snout's
reach e.g., ink, toner cartridges, white-out, etc.)
·Create and post guidelines/tips/doggy etiquette rules
For Dog Owner:
·Take an honest look at each dog's temperament, if the dog is
excessively shy or aggressive, bringing the pooch to a busy workplace
might not be a
good idea. Have a back-up plan in case things don't work out for
your dog at the office.
·Practice obedience training with your dog before bringing them to
work - this will increase their chances of being allowed to stay.
·Make sure you have "please don't let the dog outside" signs or
knob
tags on office doors if escape or mingling is a concern with your
dog. It's also
important to let visitors know that there are dogs inside who are
friendly, although sometimes loud.
·Once in the office, practice doggy etiquette by making sure it is
okay and safe for your dog to approach or brown nose co-workers or
other dogs.
·Bring a leash and keep it handy in case your dog is apt to
wander.
Baby gates are useful devices that can help keep your dog in your
office instead
of wandering the halls. ·Bring plenty of toys to keep them busy
and
treats to reward them for good behavior.
·Make sure you provide adequate water - Planet Dog's portable and
collapse-able water bowl comes in handy at the office, on breaks and
in transit.
·Coordinate your schedule to take breaks to take the pooch out to
take care of its business and be sure to pick up after your pooch.
Save the loud,
roughhouse play for outdoor breaks.
·Have clean up supplies ready should there be an accident!
·A new environment can be fun - but overwhelming, so keep on the
lookout for signs of stress (panting, licking the lips, yawning and
whining)
·Bring along a dog bed or make sure there is a quiet, comfortable
place available for nap time. Planet Dog's unique corner bed is
great for confined work spaces.
·Be considerate of others, especially minimizing barking (keep
treats
handy)
Company Benefits (Pet Products Manufacturers Association 2000 Survey):
·73% of companies surveyed said pets create a more productive work
environment, lead to a more creative work environment and improved
interpersonal skills, compared to 42% improvement through business
development or management training courses
·20% showed a decrease in employee absenteeism
·96% said pets created positive work relations
·58% of employees stayed later with pets at the office
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network http://AnimalRadio.com.

5) DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Barbara W. .....the winner of the pawprint
visor.... June's drawing is a paw print eyeglass case. After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
Thanks to Mary S .... for this month's photo is of Chester.... We
would like to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy of their
photo either by email or snail mail.
May's question was: Who's the boss, you or your pet? It's a mutual
compromise (171) had the most respones followed by My pet, of course
(136) with a fewer votes for I'd like to think I am (48).

6) COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
We get many questions about making a personalized card for those
special occasions, such as, weddings, housewarmings and special
friends. When you place your order and ship to another person, we
will gladly add that personalized extra touch. Just email us with
that special greeting you want and we will do the rest!.


As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends. http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247 Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs. It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs     May 2004
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Take Your Dog to Work Day
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions

1) WHAT'S NEW
Here's your chance to have the popular and genuine toile look.
Enhance your table decor and impress your dinner guests with our new
tablecloth, placemats, table runner and accessories. Choose from
three available "Country Life" colors at a price you can afford.
Order yours today at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=ttd001&Category_Code
=9

2) PET JOURNALS
We just sat down for supper when the doorbell rang. A stranger
explained that he was referred to our family by our friend, the
Sheriff.  He was being transferred by his company and had nowhere to
leave Charlie.  He asked if we would keep him. The entire family had
gathered at the door to see what this was all about and we followed
him out to his truck.  He opened a cage and extracted a fat raccoon
who scrambled onto his shoulders.  From that lofty perch we were
surveyed through a black furry mask by two dark shiny eyes.  "This,"
the man said, "is Charlie."  And this was no wild raccoon!  I went
inside to phone the Sheriff, and returned in time to see our youngest
son, Chris, lugging Charlie toward the backyard.  His brothers were
carrying the cage.   Since no one's arm had been chewed off and each
boy was trying to hold him, I could see the family was falling in
love with this fat bandit.  I
figured we had another "critter" added to our household.  The guy
thanked us and left.  We put Charlie's cage behind the garage,
clipped on his long chain and looked for his bedding materials.
That's when we discovered that he didn't have anything -- just his
big striped ringtail to sleep in.  We got dishes and gave him dog
food and water, put cut grass in for a bed and a rain cover over the
cage.  We finished our cold supper and Chris and his dad left for a
boy scout meeting.  Later, an excited group of scouts came over to
see our raccoon.   The next day, I called my father who lived
nearby.  He came to check on our newest orphan and give advice.  The
major skill raccoons use for protection is tree climbing and Charlie
was too terrified to try.  Our oldest son reluctantly volunteered to
try to teach him.  With Charlie wrapped around his shoulders, he
climbed up a ladder into the tree.  Those
black paws had a choke hold over the top of Steven's head.  Above all
the screeching and chattering I heard Steven's voice. "I'll bet I'm
the only
kid in the world that's up a tree trying to teach a raccoon to
climb.  I quit!"  Down they came.  Jerry and Chris took over the job
and got Charlie to
climb trees by rewarding him if he climbed up to them.  Charlie had
no idea how to eat like a raccoon.  Mealtime found me and Charlie
rolling pieces of
chicken and stuff in his water pan to entice him to feel his food.
He finally caught on and dunked a frog before he ate it. Charlie
learned lots of raccoon skills and had grown a thick coat of fur, so
my father made arrangements to release him at his club located out on
a big lakeshore.  The staff agreed to keep an eye on him.  We took
off his collar, painted a red mark on his back and said a sad goodbye
to Charlie.  Things were going well until the night a large bank
arranged a fish fry for their  employees.  The program was in
progress, the bank guard was chatting with the bus
driver, and the workers were preparing the food in the kitchen when
Charlie wandered out of the woods and smelled fish.   He sensed the
aroma was coming from the clubhouse so he pushed open the screen door
and strolled straight down the aisle and right onto the stage.
Screams erupted from the ladies as they tried to get away from
Charlie.  Still following fish aroma, Charlie scampered into the
kitchen where he located the grand prize -- a plate of fish.   By the
time the cook saw Charlie, that bandit had climbed onto the food
table.  Shouting and swatting at Charlie, he tried to remove him but
it was a futile effort.  The noise and bedlam brought the bank guard
with drawn gun, as the kitchen crew shouted, "Don't shoot Charlie!"
Our favorite raccoon was spread-eagled over a plate of fish, growling
and chewing away.  With the help of the kitchen crew, the cook lured
Charlie out into the
tool shed with the ruined plate of fish.  The guard finally calmed
the ladies and the kitchen crew got things reorganized and they were
able to complete their unusual evening.   Charlie made the headlines
of the bank's newsletter, with pictures, as the only successful
robber in the history of the bank.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Make your picnics the talk of the town with a unique animal print
apron & mitt.  These colorful aprons with a matching mitt are made of
washable cotton and generously sized.  Makes a great gift as well as
being practical in your kitchen and at the BBQ grill.  To order your
favorite print visit:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=PROD&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Product_Code=ap001&Category_Code=
1

4) TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY
On Friday, June 25th, businesses across the country are going to the
dogs by participating in the 6th Annual Take Your Dog To Work Day
hosted by Pet Sitters International, an educational organization for
professional pet sitters.  Planet Dog, a manufacturer and retailer of
high-quality and innovative products for dogs, is partnering with Pet
Sitters International to support this national holiday.  Take Your
Dog To Work Day was created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate
the great companions dogs make and to encourage adoptions from local
shelters, humane societies and rescue groups.  According to the
American Pet Products Manufacturers Association's 2003/2004 National
Pet Owners Survey, there are approximately 65 million dog companions
nationwide. In the average workplace, that translates to 62% of
employees who own dogs. Each year, more and more of them are bringing
their canine co-workers along for a day on the job.  "What a
difference a day makes," states Patti Moran, president of Pet Sitters
International.  "People bringing their dogs to work one day to
celebrate Take Your Dog To Work Day can make a huge difference in the
adoption rates at shelters in North America.  Dog-less co-workers
will see the human-animal bond enjoyed by their colleagues who are
dog parents and then adopt pets from local shelters," adds Moran.
Pet Sitters International provides "pet briefcases" to companies and
individuals who want to take part in Take Your Dog To Work Day.
Planet Dog will be providing their stylish and popular dog collars
for the pet briefcases.  Thanks to their donation, dogs nationwide
are sure to adhere to office dress codes.  For Planet Dog, every day
is "Take Your Dog To Work Day."  Planet Dog celebrates dog
companionship daily with employees barely outnumbering dogs in their
office 21 to 17.  "Dogs are a part of our lives and we recognize how
important they are to our employees," states Alex Fisher, Chief
Creative Officer and co-founder of Planet Dog. "They are true family
members and we fully support the meaningful relationships enjoyed by
all of the Planet Dog Family," adds Fisher.  According to the
American Animal Hospital Association's 2002 Survey of People and Pet
Relationships, 76% of 1.242 owners surveyed believe that their pets
ease their stress levels and 43% have taken their dogs to work.
Studies also show having a dog at work can create a more relaxed and
productive work environment.  Companies like Planet Dog that allow
dogs at
work have found that creativity, interpersonal skills and positive
work relationships have increased while stress levels and absenteeism
have decreased.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.
Be sure to read June's newsletter for Tips for a "Pawsitive" Office
Experience.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to  Terri P......the winner of the paw print
drawstring bag.  May's drawing is a paw print visor.  After entering
your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
Thanks to Sallie D. for this month's photo of her recently born
calf.  We would like to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy
of their photo either by email or snail mail.
April's question was:  Would you take your pet to work if you
could?   The overwhelming response to this question was that Most of
us would not get any work done (177); followed by everyday (82); they
are my work (63); with 30 responses for occasionally.

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
Just a reminder not to miss our five year anniversary celebration
during the month of June.  There will be games, prizes and a free
gift with any purchase.

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs     April 2004
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Treating Your Pet At Home
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions

1) WHAT'S NEW
We are taking inventory!!!  In preparation for our fifth year
anniversary celebration in June on the internet, our store will be
temporarily off-line April 5-15.  We apologize in advance for any
inconvenience and we'll be ready for business again on April 16th.
Thank you to all our customers and see you then.
http://www.animaldesigns.com

2) PET JOURNALS
Woofy, my handsome young Golden Retriever, disappeared one day, as
dogs sometimes do despite our best efforts.  We have a large,
securely fenced backyard, and we thought it was foolproof.  There's
plenty of shade from huge pine trees and oak, ample water, and
squirrels to chase, and he had his Samantha, a Lab, for a companion.
And yet, somehow Woofy managed to "Houdini" his way through a tiny
opening in the basement which led under the house and out through
another small portal that had apparently been nudged aside by a
raccoon.   I discovered all of this later, of course.  As a
precaution, I locked Samantha in the house and then set out to find
our beloved Golden.  I drove up and down the streets, calling his
name and frantically peering into every yard, but he was nowhere to
be found. I called my husband at work, and I could hear the deep
concern in his voice.  But he couldn't come home to help me, so I
continued to drive around, crying -- my fear and dread growing with
each passing minute.  We have no children, so our dogs are our
kids.    The next stop was the pound and I arrived at the same time
as the dogcatcher, who had just come from my neighborhood.  I
described Woofy, and he said, "Oh yes, I have him."  Then he pulled a
beautiful, limp Golden out of his truck and cruelly tossed him head
first into a trash bin.  It was the meanest thing I've ever seen
anyone do!   I was hysterical but had the presence of mind to ask
about his collar,
which had his name and our phone number embroidered on it.     "Do
you have his red collar?" I sobbed.  The man handed it to me
wordlessly.  Even though the dog looked exactly like Woofy in that
brief glance, it wasn't his collar!   The tears made it hard to see
the road as I drove home, one minute
wondering if that had really been Woofy and the collars had gotten
mixed up, and the next minute thinking he might be playing in our
backyard when I
arrived.  He wasn't there.  Miserable, I glanced at the answering
machine.  The light was blinking!  I punched the button and listened
to a woman saying she had found my dog.  When I called her to get the
address she said, "I saw him playing in the middle of the street.  As
I would with any child in danger, I put him in my car and took him
home!"  She hadn't seen the name and phone number on the collar at
first because his heavy fur had covered it.  I was at her house in
two seconds flat, hugging and kissing Woofy and thanking the woman
profusely for her good deed.  He, of course, had no idea
what he had put me through.  He just wagged his tail furiously and
gave us that ridiculous, loveable Golden grin.  And then Woofy and I
drove to the closest flower shop where I purchased the biggest and
most beautiful basket of spring flowers I could find.  I put it on
her front porch, knowing I couldn't begin to repay her for what she
had done.  Woofy lived to the ripe old age of 12, and I have never
forgotten the the kindness of that woman.  And I have never passed a
dog without stopping to rescue it and find its owner.  I believe the
term is:  Pay it forward.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Looking for that special touch to complete your bathroom?  This fine
porcelain bath accessory set  has a soapdish and pump, toothbrush
holder and cup. Using only the highest quality transfers to hand
decorate each piece, these white bath accessories will compliment any
bathroom decor.  To complete the set  is an adorable bud vase and a
round jewelry box with lid.  To order your favorite design, visit :
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?
Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=animaldesigns&Category_Code=12

4)TREATING YOUR PET AT HOME
Even though there are many times you need to get your pet to the
veterinarian immediately, there are also some conditions you can
treat at home.
If you notice that your pet is having difficulty with breathing, has
bleeding that does not stop, his tongue is blue, his abdomen is
swollen, he is having trouble urinating or has blood in his stools,
get your pet to the veterinarian immediately.  If your pet has minor
conditions, such as bad breath, has been stung by a bee, gets car
sick, or has diarrhea, there are some home remedies that you can
use.  For bad breath, brush your pets teeth. You can even feed them a
raw turkey neck or raw carrots. There are also great dog chew toys on
the market that will help remove plaque when they chew on them. Rope
twists are also great by creating a natural flossing action. Ever
give your pet Vitamin C? It helps bolster their immune system so they
can better fight the bacteria in their mouth. Give your cat 100 to
250 milligrams a day; dogs up to 50 pounds can take between 250 and
500 mg a day; and dogs over 50 pounds can take 500 mg two or three
times a day.  But, be careful, don¹t give them too much, as this
can
cause diarrhea. If this happens, cut back the dosage.  If a bee
stings your pet, you can give them Benedryl®. Give your pet 1mg
per
pound of weight 2 times a day. For example, if your pet weighs 12
pounds, you can give them 12mg twice a day.  If your pet gets car
sick, try Dramamine®.   For pets that weight 3 to 25 pounds, give
them 12.5 mg; pets that weigh 26 to 50 pounds, use 25 mg; for pets
over 51 pounds, use 50 mg.  Give this to them at least one hour
before travel, and not more than once a day.  Do not use this
medication for animals with glaucoma or bladder problems.  If your
dog has diarrhea give them  Pepto-Bismol®. Give your pet 1-
teaspoonper 20 pounds of weight every 6 hours. For example, if your
dog weighs 40 pounds, you can give them 2 teaspoons every 6 hours. Do
not use this medication for cats. Home remedies are very safe, but
there are limits.  If these remedies don¹t
seem to help your animal improve, or their condition gets worse,
please contact your vet immediately.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Karen B  .....the winner of the paw print cosmetic
bag.  April's drawing is a paw print drawstring bag .  After entering
your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
Thanks to Lisa T. for this month's photo is of  Mandy. such a happy
dog.  We would like to honor your pet next month, so send us a copy
of their photo either by email or snail mail.
March's question was:  Have you ever put your pet on a diet?   The
most responses were eats everything in sight (178); followed by daily
exercise (105); and the low carb low fat diet at (34).

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
By now, everyone is familiar with spam emails.  This newsletter is
sent to you once a month for your reading enjoyment.  If you receive
spam emails from Animal Designs, rest assured they are not from us
but someone using our good name to mislead you.


  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs     March 2004
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  What Is This "Bird Flu" I Keep Hearing About?
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions

1) WHAT'S NEW
Think Spring!!  From cool cotton nightshirts to unique bathroom
makeovers, Animal Designs has what you're looking for.  Stop by and
see what we can make for you @ www.animaldesigns.com   If you don't
see your favorite animal print, just drop us a note with your special
request.

2) PET JOURNALS
HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAT A PILL
1)  Grasp cat firmly in your arms.  Cradle its head on your elbow,
just as if you were giving baby a bottle.  Coo confidently, "That's a
nice kitty".
Drop pill into its mouth.   2)  Retrieve cat from top of lamp and
pill from under sofa.   3)  Follow same procedure as in 1, but hold
cat's front paws down with left hand and back paws down with elbow of
right arm.  Poke pill into its mouth with right forefinger.   4)
Retrieve cat from under bed.  Get new pill from bottle.  Resist
impulse to get a new cat.   5)  Again proceed as in 1, except when
you have cat firmly cradled in bottle feeding position, sit down on
edge of chair, fold your torso over cat, bring your right hand over
your right elbow, open cat's mouth by lifting upper jaw, and pop the
pill in  quickly.  Since your head is down by your knees, you won't
be able to see what you're doing.  That's just as well.   6)  Leave
cat hanging on curtains.  Leave pill in your hair.   7)  Now pull
yourself together.  Who's the boss here anyway?  Retrieve cat and
pill.  Assuming the "who's the boss here anyway" attitude, open cat's
mouth, take pill and... ooops!   8)  Crawl to the linen cupboard.
Drag back on large beach towel.  Spread towel on floor.   9)
Retrieve cat from kitchen counter and pill from plant pot.   10)
Spread cat on towel near one end with its head over long edge.   11)
Flatten cat's front and back legs over its stomach.  Resist impulse
to flatten the cat.   12)  Roll cat in towel.  Work fast.  Time and
tabbies wait for no one.  13)  Resume position 1.  Rotate your left
hand to cat's head.  Press its mouth at the jaw hinges like opening
the petals of a snapdragon. 14)  Drop pill into cat's mouth and poke
gently.  Voila!  It's done.   15)  Vacuum up loose fur (cat's) and
apply bandages to wounds (yours). 16)  Take 2 aspirins.  Lie down.
17)  Cat walks past, gives you "that" look, and spits out pill while
disappearing through the catflap.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Check out our popular baseball style hat.  This flexible brim cotton
cap can be folded and stored until needed and will return to its
original shape.  It is washable, lined and the back has an adjustable
velco closure for a perfect fit.
  See the many pattern choices and select yours today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

4)WHAT IS THIS "BIRD FLU" I KEEP HEARING ABOUT?
  Type A influenza viruses can infect several animal species,
including birds, pigs, horses, seals and whales. Influenza viruses
that infect birds are called avian influenza viruses.  Birds are an
especially important species because all known subtypes of influenza
A viruses circulate among wild birds, which are considered the
natural hosts for influenza A viruses. Avian influenza viruses do not
usually directly infect humans or circulate among humans.
Avian influenza usually does not make wild birds sick, but can make
domesticated birds very sick and kill them. Avian influenza A viruses
do not
usually infect humans; however, several instances of human infections
and outbreaks have been reported. When such infections occur, public
health
authorities monitor the situation closely because of concerns about
the potential for more widespread infection in the human population.
Certain water birds act as hosts of influenza viruses by carrying the
virus in their intestines and shedding it. Infected birds shed virus
in saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Avian influenza viruses spread
among susceptible birds when they have contact with contaminated
nasal, respiratory and fecal material from infected birds. While many
of the cases of Bird Flu are being reported in mostly Asia and China,
it could become a reality here in the U.S. If you are concerned
whether or not your dog or cat can contract the Bird Flu, well rest
easy, there is no evidence that bird flu can be transmitted to cats
and dogs. If you own a pet bird or pet chickens you are advised to
take precautionary measures such as keeping your birds in a bird-
proof enclosure (e.g. cage, hen house or a netted area in their
gardens) so that they do not come into contact with wild birds. Also,
owners should not introduce birds of unknown origin to their existing
pet birds.  Anyone who handles pet birds should also practice good
hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap after handling
their pets.
Adapted from the Animal Radio Network  http://AnimalRadio.com.

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to  Karen W.....the winner of the paw print
drawstring bag.  March's drawing is a paw print cosmetic bag .  After
entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
This mont's photo is of  Zack and Coby showing how rough our horses
have it.  We would like to honor your pet next month, so send us a
copy of their photo either by email or snail mail.
February's question was:  Do your pets like to be groomed?   It must
feel good to be groomed as the majority of answers were Yes (168),
Fetch their own brushes (79) with No, run the other way (45)

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
We want to dedicate this newsletter to our very own Louisa who passed
over the Rainbow Bridge.  She will be missed as she was always by our
side.
We want to encourage everyone to give their furry friends extra hugs
and kisses.

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.tellafriends.com/p?id=2247  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

Ani-mail Post@ Animal Designs     February 2004
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


1.  What's New
2.  Pet Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  Peanut Calling
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Happy Valentine's Day to one and all!!  Thanks to everyone who
submitted names for our newsletter last month.  There were so many
good and catchy suggestions, it was difficult to choose.  As you can
see, the name "Ani-mail Post", submitted by Diane S., was the judge's
unanimous choice.
It will still contain your favorite pet stories plus other
information you can use.   Previous newsletters can be viewed at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Animal-Designs/

2) PET JOURNALS
  As a girl growing up on a small southern farm, I probably had a
wider variety of pets than most.  My mother was an animal lover too,
which made
it a little easier to do the "Mom can I keep it?" thing with
success.  As an adult, I continued my collection of pets, which by
now were only the domestic kind -- cats, dogs, hamsters, an
occasional squirrel, a pair of skunk and maybe a bird or two.  That
is, until one warm May evening, when into my home and heart came the
animal that was to forever change my life.  My son was visiting, and
since he is night sport's editor for a newspaper, he's used to
keeping late hours and there was a West Coast ballgame he wanted to
watch.  My fur babies feel they have the obligation of training new
people to the true doggie duties in life.  One of these duties
includes letting them in and out on demand.  (No, they are not
spoiled!)  After about a dozen or more in and out door openings, my
son decided to just leave the patio door open.  Well, you guessed it -
- he fell asleep on the couch leaving the door open.   The next
morning as I came downstairs, my dog Sammi -- all 160 pounds of her --
  accompanied me to the kitchen, to make sure I didn't get lost, and
stopped at the bookcase by the door and started to bark her "one of
my babies is under there" bark.  Sammi's babies can be anything from
a ball to a kitten, but I knew "we" would have to get whatever was
under there or there would be no peace in the house that morning.  I
got down on all fours with Sammi's big ole' Newfoundland head stuck
in the way, trying to see what was there.  There he was, all bristle
and blow, about two months old and scared beyond belief!  A baby
opossum!   He must have fallen off his mom's back and become lost in
the dark,
because he was much too small to be on his own.  I guess he found his
way to the first warm dry spot available.  Fully furred and with
almost all of
his fifty teeth, he did his best to scare away the two monsters.
But, after all, he was only a baby, and I'm a sucker for anything
furry and helpless.
Now, most southerners are not known to be possum lovers and I had
never been a particular fan of them myself.  Like most other people,
I was
under the mistaken opinion that they were mostly rat like -- nasty,
garbage eating smelly things!  Nothing could be further from the
truth!
Sweet Pea (don't laugh) was the sweetest, most gentle and cleanest
animal ever.  They clean themselves as thoroughly as any cat and can
be
trained to use a litter box.  With opposing "thumbs", they grip and
use their hands in a very humanlike fashion.  I had no idea how to
take care of
this kind of baby, so I immediately turned to the modern day
information hub, the Internet.  What little information available on
possums has been compiled by a worldwide network of "rehabbers".
These beautiful selfless people have made it their job to help these
little fellows and to educate the world on what wonderfully valuable
creatures they really are.   That was then.  This is now.  And many,
many opossums later, I am
fully and thoroughly hooked!  I have successfully raised and released
all but two that have been put in my care.  Miss Molly is a non-
releasable due
to an injury to her right shoulder and leg.  But she's my little
princess and an ambassador for her kind.  She and I visit clubs and
schools to
educate people on the good that opossums do in our environment.  We
try to show how gentle and smart they are and that they should be
left alone to dotheir little opossum thing.   People are always
amazed at how sweet and soft and gentle she is.  Now they're hooked
too!  After all, when you live with a princess who has over 75
million years of heritage behind her, you are indeed privileged.
When she accepts you as one of her special people and looks to you
for comfort and affection, well let's just say your life is never the
same again.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Keep your teapot warm in this cold weather.  This handcrafted cotton
padded tea cozy is washable and adjustable to fit most teapot sizes.
Makes a great gift or addition to your collection.  See the many
pattern choices and select yours today at:
http://www.animaldesigns.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

4)  PEANUT CALLING
When the phone rings at Craig and Sue Harms' house, you aren't really
sure whether or not you should answer it. It may just be Peanut,
their adopted Congo African Grey parrot, doing his telephone ring
imitation. Peanut also mimics telephone conversations - in two
different voices - and he talks from morning till night. Craig and
Sue adopted Peanut after seeing him on Petfinder.com, the largest
searchable database of homeless pets on the Web. His photo and
description were posted by Perfectly Precious Rescue and Adoption in
St. Louis. Their adoptable pets can be viewed at
http://perfectlyprecious.petfinder.com.   Peanut had been
relinquished by a family that no longer wanted him; perhaps they
found out that a parrot is a long-term commitment. Parrots can live
from 20 to 50 years or longer.  When Craig and Sue arrived to meet
Peanut, he climbed up into their arms, nestled against their cheeks
and said, "Hello."  The next thing Peanut knew, he was going upriver -
  in this case to a new home in Illinois.

Petfinder.com has approximately 300 adoptable birds on its Web site,
which highlights about 130,000 pets in all.  In 1998, The American
Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) partnered with
the site to provide shelter outreach and an extensive library of pet-
related materials.
Petfinder.com has also allied with PetHealth, Inc., to provide a gift
of two months of ShelterCare Pet Insurance, paid for by
Petfinder.com, to every dog or cat adopted from a Petfinder.com
member in approved states and provinces. The program is the first of
its kind for shelter pets.
Sources:   Petfinder.com; www.petfinder.com; Happy Tails
© 2004 Animal News Center, Inc.


5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to  Lianna S.  ...the winner of the paw print polar
fleece scarf.  February's drawing is a  paw print drawstring bag.
After entering your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
Thanks to Sheila T. for submitting this month's photo of  Duncan and
Fifi, cute enough to be pet stars!   We would like to honor your pet
next month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail
mail.
January's question was:  Do you support any animal charities?  It is
good to see all your support with (119) Yes votes followed by those
who volunteer their time (46) and (21) no votes.

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
This winter salad receipe was submitted by Janet K.  Thanks Janet.
Ingredients:  6 apples, quartered;  8 carrots, cut in three inch
pieces; 2 cups Quaker Oats; 1 cup sweet feed;  Molasses.
Directions:  Combine all ingredients and fold in enough molasses to
make the oatmeal and grain stick to the fruit.  Chill overnight and
serve.

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=620320  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739

What's New @ Animal Designs     January 2004
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1.  What's New
2.  Pet  Journals
3.  Featured Item
4.  7 Steps to a Happier Pet
5.  Drawing and Fun Stuff
6.  Comments-Questions-Suggestions
7.  How to Unsubscribe

1) WHAT'S NEW
Win a $15 Gift Certificate from Animal Designs!!!  Yes, a gift of
your choice.  Just think of a catchy name for our newsletter and send
it to us.  We will be taking entries through Jan 25th, 2004.  All
names are welcome so submit as many names as you can think of.  As we
begin the new year, we also want to thank all our valued customers
for their support and wish you all the best for 2004.  Happy New Year!

2) PET JOURNALS
  Pet Instructions
Dear Dogs and Cats:  When I say to move, it means go someplace else --
not switch positions with each other so there are still two of you in
the way. The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your
food.  The other dishes are mine and contain my food.  Please note,
placing a paw print in the middle of my plate or food does not stake
a claim for it becoming your food and dish.  Nor do I find that
aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object.  Tripping me doesn't help,
because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed.  I am very sorry
about this.  Do not think I will continue to sleep on the couch to
ensure your comfort.  Look at videos of dogs and cats sleeping.  They
can actually curl up in a ball.  It is not necessary to sleep
perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent
possible.  I also know that sticking tails straight out and having
tongues hanging out the other end to
maximize space used is nothing but sarcasm.   My compact discs are
not miniature Frisbees. For the last time, there is not a secret exit
from the bathroom.  If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to
get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, try to turn
the knob, or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door
open.  I must exit through the same door I entered.  In addition, I
have been using bathrooms for years, canine attendance is not
mandatory.
The proper order is:  1) kiss me, and then 2) go smell the other
dog'sbutt.  I cannot stress this enough.  It would be such a simple
change for you.
www.petwarmers.com
We all  have stories that we like to tell our friends about our pets,
so send us your favorite "tail",  and we will select one each month
to feature in our newsletter.

3) FEATURED ITEM
Keep that cold winter chill away with our door draft stopper.  It
measures 36" X 7", is made of cotton outer shell, stuffed with
polyfill and is machine washable.  This attractive and functional
draft stopper will be the talk of your guests and enhance your decor.

4) 7 STEPS TO A HAPPIER PET
1}Make sure your pet wears an identification tag to enable him to be
returned to you if lost.
2}To prevent destructive animal behavioral problems, make sure you
enroll your new puppy or dog in behavioral training classes.
3}Animal behavioral problems can be health related.  Make sure your
pet has a complete medical exam by a veterinarian at least once a
year.
4}Prepare for disasters.  Make sure you have a plan for your pet in
the event of a hurricane, tornado, fire or flood.
5}Plan for your pet's future in case something happens to you.
6}Learn how to avoid dog bites, and how to prevent your dog from
biting.
7}Have a heart, be smart and make sure your pet is spayed or neutered.
adapted from The Humane Society

5)  DRAWING & FUN STUFF
Congratulations to Joanne S ..the winner of the paw print mini-bag.
January's drawing is a paw print polar fleece scarf..  After entering
your name, check out the rest of the fun page at
http://www.animaldesigns.com/trivia.htm
Thanks to Barbara W.  for submitting this month's photo of  her
adorable goats, Moms & Babes.   We would like to honor your pet next
month, so send us a copy of their photo either by email or snail
mail.
December's question was:  How do you care for your pets teeth?   Lots
of bones & biscuits seems to be the preferred way to care for our
pets teeth with 197 votes followed by the yearly visit to the vet
(88) and brush & floss daily (22)

6)  COMMENTS-QUESTIONS-SUGGESTIONS
A recent question was " Are your products ever on sale?"   "Sales"
are reductions of markups to make you think you are getting a
bargain.  Our items are all custom made by us and priced fairly to
give you the best value, so when you shop Animal Designs you know you
are getting truly unique.

  As always, we appreciate your comments, questions and suggestions
and we've provided this link for sharing this newsletter with your
friends.   http://www.recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=620320  Thank you for
taking the time to tell your friends and family about Animal
Designs.  It is the ultimate compliment and we greatly appreciate it.

All the Best,
Jeanie
Animal Designs
www.animaldesigns.com
1.866.468.1739