Weddings: Decisions, Decisions By Eric Hartwell

Once you begin planning a wedding, you'll quickly encounter lots of options and choices for which you need to make decisions. These range from flower arrangements to destinations. Even then there are more choices!

For example popular wedding destinations include Cancun, Hawaii, Australia, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Greece, Italy, France, Fiji, the Maldives, Thailand, Bali, Bora Bora, and anywhere in the Caribbean. How do you make the choice?

You'll need to consider the music played during the ceremony. What will you choose and why? The music played during the ceremony includes prelude, processional, ceremony, recessional, and postlude music. The newlywed's entrance is grand and spectacular so it needs to have music that complements the entrance; your friends and family will be watching so choose the right music for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Also, consider the reception music and who will play it.

The type of wedding cake is a big, delicious decision. Size, shape, color, quality, style, etc. are all facets to consider carefully. Should it be round, square, themed, or heart-shaped. Do you want it made or flavored with the best chocolate, carrot, lemon, rum, vanilla, or other exotic taste? How many tiers do you want? What about the filling? Remember, you'll be saving the top tier for the first anniversary of your wedding. Slice it off before the cake is cut - neatly, and wrap it in several layers; next, store it in the freezer until your first anniversary arrives. A local bakery can deliver the best quality. Don't necessarily rely on a hotel because they can leave you wanting on quality.

Even then there are even more choices!

For example, there is the wedding videographer or, at least, a freelance photographer. Today's wedding videos are much different than former ones. They can be edited, produced, and have music, sound effects, slow motion, and other 'special effects' put in for fun. Smaller, more light-sensitive cameras are available to today's videographers. This means less anxiety and cumbersome cables and cords. You can get a documentary-style video of the day just how it happened, or you can make it more cinematic. Furthermore, the cinematic approach to the wedding can be reflected in a wedding with a lot of glam, posed shots, and royal fashion.

Book the videographer several months in advance, usually about 9 months minimum. Don't pick the first videographer you come across. Instead, look through his past work for samples. A good portfolio of videos speaks volumes about what you'll see. Look at the brightness, quality of sound, the picture, and other indicators. A good videographer should have some samples for you to look through. Always look through bridal publications and do a lot of interviewing yourself beforehand.

But what about the flowers? Pink, purple, orange, red, white, yellow, or any of numerous beauteous shades will be used for the bride's bouquet, the bridesmaids' hairpieces, the flower girl's hairpiece, the bride's going away corsage, the tables, e.g., head, guest, buffet, punch, the groom's boutonniere, the maid of honor's hairpiece, the alter candelabra, and the aisle pews - to name but some.

If all else fails - or if you just want a little extra help - contact a certified wedding planner or wedding consultant.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=140764&ca=Pets

Keep Your Dog In Good Health By Eric Hartwell

Taking your dog to the vet can be a harrowing experience for you and your dog. However, it is necessary to ensure your dog of a healthy, happy and long life. Your dog should see the vet once a year for annual checkups, shots and a blood test for heartworm. Always take your dog to the doctor immediately if it is sick or injured.

Puppies will need to be vaccinated with a “5 in 1” combination vaccine at 2, 3 and 4 months old, followed by annual shots. This vaccine inoculates your pup from hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and distemper. Larger dogs such as Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire terriers/pit bulls and Rottweilers will need the combination vaccine up until five months of age. An unvaccinated dog that is older than four or five months old will be required to have a series of two vaccinations administered two to three weeks apart. After these shots, be careful that your puppy does not walk outside or sit or walk on the floor of an animal hospital until a few days after the last vaccination is completed, thus avoiding infection. Some states require a rabies vaccination for your puppy which should be given annually for two years and followed up by boosters every three years. If your animal becomes sick and was not properly vaccinated, be sure to administer the vaccine once the animal has fully recovered.

Heartworm is a common and deadly parasite. It lives in the dog’s heart and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Every spring, it is a good idea to get your dog tested for heartworm. This test will determine whether or not your dog was infected the year before. During mosquito season, you can give your dog a once-a-month pill to protect it. If you travel out of your area and weather to a tropical or warm place where there will be mosquitoes, your will want to give your dog or puppy preventative heartworm medication for the duration of the trip. If you live in a warm climate all year long, it is advisable to constantly monitor and administer heartworm medication.

Roundworms and hookworms are also on the roster of disabling doggie diseases. Dogs can be exposed to these infections through microscopic eggs in another dog’s infected feces It is common for puppies to contract hookworms or roundworms and this can be treated by your trusted veterinarian.

Whenever you kiss or get licked by your dog and you inhale the “dog breath” this may not just be a case of gingivitis. Your dog’s bad breath is an indication to you that your dog may have a serious liver or intestinal disease, diabetes, kidney disease or just needs to go to the dentist. A regular dental check-up and cleaning will determine if your dog’s mouth has bacteria and plaque which would require professional treatment. You can maintain your dog’s good dental health by brushing the teeth on a regular basis and feeding it dental treats to chew on. With a child’s soft toothbrush, the owner can clean the canine’s teeth with dog toothpaste or baking soda and water paste weekly. If your dog’s bad breath is accompanied by other symptoms of ill health such as depression, loss of appetite or vomiting, take your dog to the vet to get a full check-up.

Always check your dog for fleas and ticks and never feed your dog medication that has not been prescribed!

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=140760&ca=Pets

Cat Health By Eric Hartwell

Cat owners should make sure to visit the veterinarian at least once a year for an annual examination and shots. If a cat becomes sick or injured, it is advisable to visit the veterinarian or animal hospital immediately. Your kitten will need a series of vaccines when it is very young. This series of shots is commonly referred to as a “3 in 1”. When your kitten is 2,3 and 4 months of age it will receive a combination vaccine that protects your cat from panleukopenia (also referred to as feline distemper), calicivirus and rhinotracheitis. If your cat has not been vaccinated and is four months or older, it will be necessary to administer a series of two vaccinations 2 to 3 weeks apart, followed up with annual vaccinations.

There are two immune system viruses (retroviruses) that can infect your cat or kitten; Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). There is a vaccination available for feline leukemia but not FIV. It is possible that your cat can be infected and show no symptoms for months or years with either of these deadly viruses and the owner should make sure their cats are tested when visiting the veterinarian. Its mother can spread these viruses to a kitten at birth or through a bite of another infected cat. Outdoor and stray cats often carry these infections but neither is transmissible to humans. To ensure that your cat does not become infected with these viruses, it is advisable to keep them indoors. If you do allow your cat to be an outdoor cat, you must vaccinate the animal against the feline leukemia virus. No vaccine is 100% effective but it is an excellent preventative measure to safeguard your cat from ill health.

Aside from FeLV and FIV, there are some other ills that can befall your cuddly companion. Tiny parasites in the form of ear mites are a common problem that is easily transmitted between cats. You may notice your cat scratching its ears or shaking its head, which are two symptoms of ear mites. Take your cat to the vet if this occurs, he or she will clean the ears of your feline friend and administer proper medication. Worms are another problematic medical condition to look out for when caring for your cat or kitten.

Tapeworms and roundworms are common parasites that can infect your companion. Your vet can properly diagnose this nasty bug and prescribe medication to treat your cat. Fleas can transmit tapeworms as well as irritate your cat’s skin. Check your cat weekly for fleas and ticks. Fleas are ubiquitous and will be all over your house if found on your cat and flea bombing your living space will be in order in addition to cat-safe flea shampoo or powder. Be sure to treat all domestic animals if you find one flea. Your vet can advise the best treatment program. Male and female cats can develop feline urological syndrome (FUS), which is an infection of the lower urinary tract. As in humans, if your cat is repeatedly visiting the litter box, you see blood in the urine or your cat is making loud cries or straining while urinating you must take your cat to the vet for medication. FUS is more common in male cats and this infection can be fatal if your cat does not receive rapid treatment.

Resource: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=139916&ca=Pets