Beagles @ USA - NEWSLETTER

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"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and man."
—Mark Twain

How can I get my pet to hold still, while I take the perfect picture?

That question comes to me a lot. So instead of finding an article that a vet wrote and re-write it, I decided to take a crack at the Ask The Vet question this month. I found an article in the May edition of Cats & Dogs Magazine called "Pretty as a Picture", it was written by Tony Farrell. I used this, and other articles, to write this Ask The Vet question.

There are many things to do to prepare your perfect puppy (or doggie) picture. First of all, you need a camera. If you are not very handy with a camera (I know I am not), you may want to hire someone to take it for you. If you live in Chicago, try Petrates. A auto focus, auto flash camera will work fine. Next, of course, you need film. Don't skimp on the film and film developing, if you want a really good snap shot of your dog, buy the best. Disposable cameras will do the job, but if you have no camera, try and borrow one from a friend.

DO NOT GO TO A GROOMER! Skip that part. Only go to a groomer if your pet is use to a groomer. If you want to remember your pet, don't try to cover up anything. You could also consider grooming your dog yourself.

Don't make a big fuss over taking the picture(s). If you do, your dog may get hyped up, and that is not what you want. You want your dog to be in a calm mood. If possible, try and take the picture at night, when your dig will be tired and will pose easy. If you are going to take the photo outside, do it on a cloudy day. Then you have better lighting. If you are in direct sunlight, you may have lighting problems.

Choose a spot that makes your pet feel normal or comfortable. Strange places may be upsetting to pets. Keep all sights, sounds, and smells familiar. Don't do anything you wouldn't do any other day. If you do not have a trained dog, don't let him off the leash. If your dog has never been outside, don't shoot outside. Either way, you could wind up with a lost or runaway pet.

Don't rush your pet. I am sure he doesn't want to sit there and let you take pictures of him. He probably doesn't even know what is going on. So if your pet does something that you don't want him to do, don't scold him. Be nice and understanding. Be patient.

Catch your dogs action too! If you don't want a picture that is dull and boring, spice it up a bit. Have your dog run and play. Take pictures of him doing what he wants to do. Also, keep your camera handy when you play with your pet. It may be a good idea.

You should be taking pictures of you pet if that is what you started to do. Isn't the best reason of all to get good pictures of your dog? They help recall happy moments after your pet passes on. If you and your pet used to be lazy and watch TV on the sofa, get a picture of it. If you used to run together, get a picture of it. If you are planning on getting a dog, get pictures from start to finnish. And remember to have fun with it!

This newsletter was made by David Sparks and the rest of the people who helped create the Beagles @ USA web site.

Brucellousis	A serious bacterial illness, often spread in kennels	Swollen testicles in males; inability to conceive or carry puppies to term in females; sometimes no symptoms
Kennel cough	A contagious disease that involves both bacteria and viruses that strike the upper respiratory tract; often spread in kennels where many dogs are housed together	Dry, gagging cough, sometimes followed by expulsion of mucus
Distemper	A disease caused by an airborne virus that spreads like a cold	Runny eyes and nose, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and eventually seizures
Coronavirus	A viral disease that affects the intestinal tract; can be contracted through contact with infected feces	Depression, vomiting and diarrhea
Parvovirus	A virus contracted through contact with the infected stool of another dog	Vomiting blood, severe bloody diarrhea, and dehydration
Infectious canine hepatitis	A viral disease that attacks the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, and other organs	Fever, loss of appetite, increased thirst, and reddened mouth, throat, or eyelids
Leptospirosis	A bacterial disease that attacks the nervous system and organs such as the kidneys and liver	Vomiting and difficulty urinating