Animal Quotes

We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals... In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.
Henry Beston

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.
Martin Buber


Everyone's pet is the most outstanding. This begets mutual blindness.
Jean Cocteau



Animals generally return the love you lavish on them by a swift bite in passing—not unlike friends and wives.
Gerald Durrell




Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.
Albert Einstein




Shall we, because we walk on our hind feet, assume to ourselves only the privilege of imperishability?
George Eliot

You enter into a certain amount of madness when you marry a person with pets.
Nora Ephron

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
Anatole France




The scientific name for an animal that doesn't either run from or fight its enemies is lunch.
Michael Friedman




The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
Mohandas Gandhi




Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be.
William Hazlitt



Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.
His Holiness The Dalai Lama




Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem.
Benjamin Hoff,
The Tao of Pooh




Mankind's true moral test, its fundamental test (which lies deeply buried from view), consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals. And in this respect mankind has suffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stem from it.
Milan Kundera,
The Unbearable Lightness of Being




I don't believe in the concept of hell, but if I did I would think of it as filled with people who were cruel to animals.
Gary Larson


I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.
Abraham Lincoln



The indifference, callousness and contempt that so many people exhibit toward animals is evil first because it results in great suffering in animals, and second because it results in an incalculably great impoverishment of the human spirit.
Ashley Montagu




Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.
Alfred A. Montapert

Maltese

One of the most ancient of the toy breeds, Maltese dogs were bred to be sweet and adoring of their owners. The Greeks even erected tombs for their Maltese dogs, and in Elizabethan times, they were called “The Comforter” because it was believed they could relieve pain and cure illness. 
Maltese dogs are also extremely hypoallergenic, with silky coats that don’t shed. And because of their size, these dogs are good for apartment living, too.
The Maltese is a small, hardy dog with silky hair. The body is compact, fine-boned, but sturdy and slightly longer than it is tall with a level topline. The chest is deep. The skull is slightly rounded on the top with a moderate stop. The medium length muzzle tapers, but not to a point. The pendant, low-set ears are set close to the head and heavily feathered. The black eyes are large, round and set moderately apart with dark rims. The nose is black with open nostrils. The dog has a silky, single layer coat that is white or light ivory. When kept long and groomed like a show dog, it hangs flat, long over the sides of the body almost to the ground (about 8½ inches (22 cm)), hanging on each side of a center part line and is not wavy, curly or kinky. A lot of owners choose to cut the coat into a short, easy-care puppy cut.


The Maltese is spirited, lively and playful. Gentle, loving, trusting and devoted to its master. Highly intelligent. Good at learning tricks. Bold and quick to sound the alarm in case of suspicious noises. It is a classic companion dog: graceful and lovable. It does well with other non-canine animals and other dogs. Maltese love to play outdoors. Some like to jump in puddles. May be difficult to housebreak. If you feed them table scraps, they can become picky eaters. Do not allow these dogs to develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This causes a varying degree of behavior problems. If the dog believes he is boss, he can be snappish with children and even adults. Do not over-pamper or overprotect these little dogs, for they will become unstable, and some may become jealous of visitors. Maltese that are allowed to take over the house, being boss of the humans, can also develop separation anxiety, guarding and obsessive barking. These are not Maltese traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the way the dog is treated by the people around it. These behaviors will go away when the dog is surrounded by stable pack leaders.
Prone to sunburn along the hair parting, skin, eye issues, respiratory, and slipped stifle. Some may be difficult to feed with weak, upset digestion. They may get the chills, and they experience discomfort in hot weather. Maltese should be kept out of damp areas. Also prone to teeth problems. Feeding dry dog biscuits in addition to their normal food can help the teeth stay clean and healthy.
Maltese need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. They remain playful well into old age. They are very active indoors.

Daily combing and brushing of the long coat is important but be gentle, as the coat is very soft. Clean the eyes daily to prevent staining, and clean the beard after meals for the same reason. Bathe or dry shampoo regularly, making sure the animal is thoroughly dry and warm afterward. Clean the ears, and pull out hair growing inside the ear canal. The eyes should be checked regularly and cleaned if necessary. The hair on the top of the head is often tied up in a topknot to keep it away from the eyes. Some pet owners opt to clip the hair short for easier and less time-consuming grooming. The Maltese sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers.
The Maltese was developed in Italy. It is said to have miniature spaniel and Poodle blood. The Maltese was first recognized as a breed in Malta, where it received its name. It was once known as "Ye ancient dogge of Malta." The breed was owned by royalty all over the world. Women carried them around in their sleeves and slept with them in their beds. They were first brought to England by Crusaders returning home from the Mediterranean. The Maltese was first recognized by the AKC in 1888.

Golden Retriever

It's no surprise that the Golden Retriever is one of the top ten most popular dogs in the U.S. It's all good with the Golden: he's highly intelligent, sociable, beautiful, and loyal. He's also lively. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise: a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake (Goldens love water), or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise, you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. The Golden Retriever is a family dog, and he needs to be with his "pack." Don't consider getting a Golden unless you're willing to have him in the house with you, underfoot, every day. There's one other potential drawback to the breed: He's definitely not a watchdog. He might bark when strangers come around, but don't count on it. Most likely, he'll wag his tail and flash that characteristic Golden smile.


History

For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth.
Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. Tweedmouth's breeding records from 1835 to 1890 show what he was aiming for with the Golden: A talented retriever — Tweedmouth was an ardent waterfowl hunter — with a superb nose, who would be more attentive to his human hunting companion than the setters and spaniels used at the time for retrieving. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home.
He began with a yellow dog named Nous, who Tweedmouth bought from a cobbler near Brighton in 1865. Tweedmouth favored yellow dogs, and Nous — whose name means wisdom — was the only yellow puppy in a litter of black Wavy-Coated Retrievers.
Tweedmouth took Nous home to Scotland, and in 1868 and 1871, bred him to Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel. Tweed Water Spaniels (now extinct) were known for being eager retrievers in the hunting field, and exceptionally calm and loyal in the home — characteristics you'll find in today's Golden Retrievers.

Nous and Belle's descendants were bred with Wavy- and Flat-coated retrievers, another Tweed Water Spaniel, and a red setter. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives.

Not surprisingly, Tweedmouth's breed first attracted attention for their skills in the hunting field. One of the most well-known was Don of Gerwyn, a liver-coated descendent of one of Tweedmouth's dogs, who won the International Gundog League trial in 1904.

The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the Golden Retriever as a distinct breed in 1911. At that time, they were classified as "Retriever — Yellow or Golden." In 1920, the breed name was officially changed to Golden Retriever.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1932. Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U.S.

A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage.
Like every dog, the Golden needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. And if you feel like tossing a ball in the backyard, they'd be more than happy to join you; true to their name, Goldens love to retrieve.
Tiring them out with 20-30 minutes of vigorous exercise twice a day will keep your dog mellow when he's back inside. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems.
Like other retriever breeds, Goldens are naturally "mouthy," and they're happiest when they have something to carry in their mouths: a ball, soft toy, newspaper, or best of all, a smelly sock.
You'll need to take special care if you're raising a Golden puppy. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Don't let your Golden puppy run and play on very hard surfaces such as pavement until he's at least two years old and his joints are fully formed. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes.


How To Take Care

Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test.

First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.

You'll need to take special care if you're raising a Golden puppy. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast.

For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

How About PitBulls

Pit bulls are a lovable and gentle breed that are often misunderstood and vilified by the press. These little known facts may help you to see these dogs in a different light and may have you adopting one of your very own.



K-9 Workaholics
This muscular breed loves to have a task or job, particularly if it’s a physical one. Pulling and tugging are one of their favorite activities, so consider having them pull you on roller-blades for exercise, or setting up a hanging tug rope in your backyard.


A Pit Bull’s Intuition

Many pit owners will tell you about the time their animal companion warned them of danger long before they were even aware that anything was wrong. Pit bull owners also constantly comment on how emotive and sensitive their dog can be. Far from the monsters that the media makes them out to be, well-trained and well-loved pit bulls are loyal, affectionate, and intuitive companions.


Tough Lovers

Because pit bulls are such an intelligent and strong-willed breed, they require an owner who can and will give them tough love. This should NEVER come in the form of spankings, hitting, or yelling. Rather, a firm tone, consistent correction, and tons of praise when the dog does what you’ve asked are the most effective methods.



An Adventurer’s Best Friend

This powerful animal loves to run, hike, play fetch and, if exposed to water early on, will even swim. Remember to ALWAYS keep your pit on a leash in public places and on public trails until he has been properly trained off-leash and will come when you call.


The Best Little Spoons

Pit bulls absolutely love to cuddle and be close to their owners. However, cuddling, petting, and praise should be reserved for times when your pit bull has earned these types of interaction. Too much affection can make for a “spoiled” animal that may become defiant. However, if you give your pit an appropriate amount of exercise daily, along with training, cuddling and praise should be their reward. Along with treats, of course.


Well-Behaved Children Are Welcome

Despite what the media would have you believe, pit bulls are actually wonderful with well-behaved children who know how to approach and play with dogs. Never allow your child to pull a dog’s ears, hit or kick a dog, or yell at a dog. Also, teach your children to ask before approaching or petting a stranger’s dog.

Be sure to expose your pit bull to children at a young age. They will often be playful with children and gentle, as long as they are given the right guidance. If you have children, make sure they are a part of your pit bull’s training program.



Aggression is Learned and Allowed, Not Inherent

Like any other breed of animal, pit bulls can learn to be aggressive. The key word here is “learn.” There is no scientific evidence to support the misconception that pits are inherently more aggressive than any other breed. However, because they have been taught, by humans, to fight throughout the centuries, this trait can come more naturally under the right circumstances.
That being said, if a pit bull is socialized from puppyhood, disciplined, given strict boundaries and tough love, there is very little chance of your pit becoming aggressive with other dogs or humans.


A few training tips that will help teach your dog to be submissive, calm, and loving include:

– Teaching them to sit, stay, come, and lay down on command (these commands should be reinforced all of their life, not just when they are puppies).

– Making sure they do not become food aggressive by feeding them with other dogs and cats when they are puppies, feeding them from your hand and allowing other humans to feed them, and periodically taking their food away from them and then returning it.

– Taking your pit to the dog park, on hiking trails, and to public events as a puppy is one of the most effective ways to socialize them. If you notice them playing too rough, correct them early on.

– Never allow your pit bull to jump up on another human

These gentle and smart dogs are the perfect companion for the owner willing to take the time and energy to train them properly and love them well.