"Topaz the Yorkie"
,Root: Topaz
Old French: Precious Gem
Expression- a dog with heartfelt expressions
Personality- he is happy go lucky
Natural- he has style and grace
Emotional- represents the highest form of universal love
Character- he is loyal beyond reproach
Physical- he is very good looking
Mental – he loves people and he tries to understand them
Motivation- knows how to get the most out of life
I have named this page after my Yorkshire Terrier, Topaz. I have decided to dedicate this page for links, information and stories that I have heard and would like to pass on regarding the canine world.
When I brought Topaz home he was 6 weeks old after taking him to the vet once I looked intoVeterinary Pet Insurance.1-800-USA-PETS (1-800-872-7387) This insurance covers more than 6,400 medical problems and conditions related to accidental injuries, poisonings, illnesses like ),livershunt (including cancer),along with everyday medical treatments. Coverage also helps pay for diagnostic tests, prescriptions, treatments, hospitalizations, office visits, x-rays, lab fees, and surgeries. Premiums start at less than $10.00 per month. You can use any licensed veterinarian in the world. This insurance has paid for itself and then some for me in the first 6 months that I had it for Topaz. A little money saving tip the way it works out, it is a few dollars cheaper if you buy it for a year in a one lump sum.
I also decided to get a chip placed into Topaz, which is completely safe for him at any age and will last him a lifetime. I decided to get it done while he was under Anastasia. I have heard many horror stories about pets being taken and many never make back home. (Every two seconds a family pet is lost) Some of the time it is because they can not be identified. Many locations that deal with animals on a frequent basis now have the capability of scanning for these chips. I have decided to go with the AKC Companion Animal Recovery www.akccar.org the hotline number is 1-800-252-7894 or another company that you can go with would be the AVID Friendly Chip by Pettrac Their phone number is 909-371-7505 or 1-800-336-AVID Email is Pettrac@aol.com. There are a few different companies out there offering this technology.
However, even though technology is good, I am still planning on getting Topaz tattooed as well. I have heard that dog napping is very common in the US and many other countries and unless you can prove that it is your dog right there on the spot you may have to jump though a few hoops before you can get your precious gem back. So since I do so many shows and Yorkies are a hot item to steel unfortunately, I have decided to look into having my dog tattooed. Here is a web site that I found that gave me some good information regarding tattooing www.tattoo-a-pet.com
When I brought Topaz home, he was eating Eukanuba I was very interested in the topic of food, especially since I read this article, it really changed my outlook on dog food. Better Nutrition Aug 2002: "bone appétit" When I read this article I wanted to get sick about what we may be feeding our pets. So I went on a personal search for the highest quality food that I could give my precious gem, but yet be easy for me to get at my local pet stores. I went to Concord Pet, Pet Smart,Petco, and Pet Value. At Concord pet I learned that Natural Blend by Royal Canin is one of the leaders in research on Holistic Dog Foods. They have done many years of research for dogs needs. For a treat, Topaz really enjoys Natural Balance pet food, I think Natural Balance dog food smells just like human beef jerky. So far I have had good luck with these.
I was also faced with another decision, weather to paper, outside, or the newest method litter box train him. I gave serious consideration about litter box training, and even tried it. However, Topaz, was more interested in eating the it than eliminating on it.
Topaz, travels to most of my shows. I thought that I would do something special for the canine world. I have designed these handcrafted portable pillows, what I call a "Gem Pillow" in the shape of a dog bone for our "gems" to lay on. I have found this to be helpful not only at home, but when I am away from home or in a car so that he will have something familiar. Gem Pillows can also help aching bones and help prevent arthritis. A portion of my proceeds from the Gem Pillows will go to the Delaware Humane Association and the Maryland Humane Association
I am also a strong believer in pet therapy “Prescribe Pets not Pills” quoted by theSkeeter Foundation. Listed are a few good resources that I have found regarding pet therapy and therapy-animal programs.
The First Strike: The Connection Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners Service Dog Tasks for Psychiatric Service Dogs
Pet Facility Therapy in Correctional Services
The Healing Power of Pets by Dr. Marty Becker with Danelle Morton ISBN 0786868082
The Four-Footed Therapist by Dr. Janet Ruckert ISBN0898151856
Here are some more of my favorite links…..
www.puppymills.com LETS STOP THE ABUSE!!!!!
Snuggle Safe heating pads for pets