Diana L. Guerrero’s Ark Animal Tracks: January 2007
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Volume 5, Number 1
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
Online: http://www.guerreroink.com
Copyright © 2007 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved.
Content may not be reproduced without permission.
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January News & Tips
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
2. Question(s) for the Month
3. Critter Chronicles
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
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Happy New Year...I hope you had a great holiday season and are ready for new and exciting adventures in 2007. I have a feeling that this year is going to be really busy.

I kept close to home for the holidays. We had some great snow and in between working on my websites, I spent time with friends. We had several snow storms which reminds me of why I love the winter. However, I am not too keen on the cold snaps and this year seems colder than normal.

On the campaign front I withdrew from the race for mayor and asked that my funds be distributed between the other two candidates. Why? Basically because I believe that life is too short for drama or disharmony…I got a peak at what might be in store for me if I won and didn’t want any part of it.

The good news is that we raised about half of the budget for the organization and had a blast at my pancake fundraiser. If you would like to see the snap shots you can find them at http://www.fawnskinflyer.com in the archives (December 16, 2006).

As usual, I have a lot on my plate. The book editing took a good chunk of December and is moving along nicely. Marc Bekoff and some other notable people have agreed to provide endorsements and I’ll share them with you once they are in.

I thought it would be nice to show my appreciation for your support. So, each month I am going to send you something special via email. The first will be a sneak peak into the new book and bonus material not available anywhere else.

On that note, have a great month and thanks for your continued support.
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2. Question(s) for the Month
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Are you going to be exercising and dieting with your pet?

One of the annual resolutions made at the New Year is to begin a healthier lifestyle. The two biggest efforts involve dieting and exercising. Just like humans overweight pets have many added stresses upon their bodies and are at an increased risk of diabetes, liver problems and joint pain. The ASPCA recognizes that and suggested the following:

1. Obesity develops when energy intake exceeds energy requirements. The excess energy is then stored as fat.

2. Certain groups of animals appear more prone to obesity than others.

3. Although there’s less data regarding obesity in cats, it appears to be less common in cats than in dogs.

4. Is your cat too fat? Is your dog a hog? If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs without pressing, there is too much fat.

5. Pets should have a "waist" between the back of the rib cage and the hips when looking at your pet from above. Viewed from the side, there should be a "tuck" in the tummy—the abdomen should go up from the bottom of the rib cage to inside the thighs.

6. Before beginning any program consult with a veterinarian.

7. Correct the diet of overweight animals who consume more calories than they require. Work with your veterinarian to determine your pets’ caloric requirements, select a suitable food and calculate how much to feed.

8. Increasing physical activity can be a valuable contributor to both weight loss and maintenance.

9. A successful weight management program requires permanent changes in human behaviors—not just the pets! Stop giving your pets too many treats and make sure they get ample opportunities to exercise.

10. Other tips:
- Remove pets from the room when the family eats.
- Feed pets several small meals throughout the day.
- Feed all meals and treats in the pets’ bowls only.
- Reduce snacks or treats.

Have a question? Drop me a line for the next issue.
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3. Critter Chronicles
I don’t have much to share this month. My neighbors are up with their pups again. I first met them when they were tiny little tykes. Now, they are monsters and adolescents. If you have ever dealt with ANY adolescent you know that they are trouble and a handful.

For some reason people still wait too long to take action on schooling their “furry children” and as a result most animals end up abandoned or relinquished due to poor behavior.

What most people fail to understand is that pets need EARLY schooling. Kitten Kindergarten and Puppy Preschool are two programs that will help circumvent problems that can escalate as an animal ages.

Pet parenting programs begin teaching pets and their owners about good behavior and how to get it and keep it. They also help socialize animals to other environments, people, and experiences so they become secure creatures.

In 2007 I will begin offering pet parenting programs throughout the area. Keep an eye out for the discount cards that will be handed out to veterinarians and other pet supply and service businesses. Programs start at eight weeks of age and efforts continue until about 16 weeks of age. Then they begin more serious training within a short time. These efforts are fun and pretty painless so tell a friend and plan on attending if you get a new critter!

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4. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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Visit the index page of http://www.arkanimals.com for any last minute updates and bookmark my calendar page at http://www.dianalguerrero.com for the scoop on upcoming 2007 events.

This January I am sticking close to home working on the book marketing and other projects but I should have updates on activities up by next month.

Thanks for your continued support and suggestions.
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Have a great month and stay tuned!
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Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who is on the lookout for new books, speakers, and information related to animals or writing.

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Thanks for joining me. If you have a topic you would like to see covered in this newsletter, please visit our online form at http://www.arkanimals.com/ark/contact.html

Want to advertise or sponsor an event? Contact me below.

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ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Copyright © 2007 by Diana L. Guerrero
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