A cat went from yard to yard, and after a year of hoping, he finally had what he'd longed for. Chatons Orphelins MontrealOver a year ago, a cream-colored tabby wandered into a family's yard in search of food. He had certainly come to the right place to seek help.The family had always been kind to community cats, leaving out food and water and even building cat shelters on their patio. When the tabby arrived, he was famished and scarfed down the food, relieved to have found a lifeline.He returned to the same patio regularly, and as he grew more comfortable, he began napping in the yard. Chatons Orphelins MontrealFor weeks, he was nowhere to be found, and as temperatures dropped, the family kept an eye out for him, hoping he would return. Finally, he reappeared, though he was injured.He had likely gotten into fights with other animals and now needed some help. Chatons Orphelins MontrealThe family set up a humane trap on their patio, determined to get him off the streets. It wasn't long before he walked in. He was finally safe with his wandering days behind him.That night, he fell asleep in a cozy indoor space, his belly full and his mind at ease. Chatons Orphelins MontrealBearing the scars of many battles, the cat, Jasper, could finally begin to heal. "He has a small rib fracture that didn't heal properly, but it doesn't cause him any pain," Chatons Orphelins Montreal shared.At first, he was exhausted and wary of his new surroundings, but he never hissed or growled; he simply rested quietly as he adjusted to indoor living. "He spent most of his time sleeping after arriving in his foster home, slowly regaining his strength." Chatons Orphelins MontrealWith each passing day, he became stronger and more confident, rolling on the floor as though he knew he was safe. "He started purring, so happy to be cared for that you could tell he'd been waiting for this his whole life."Even though he sometimes kept to himself, he adored his foster family and loved snuggling beside them. Chatons Orphelins MontrealHe greeted them warmly when they arrived home and even offered his "help." "He makes these pigeon-like coos when he meets us at the door, always curious about what we bring home from the grocery store. He likes to be close to us and cuddle right next to us," the foster family shared."He closes his eyes and purrs whenever we pet him. If we stop, he'll let out his sweet coos to ask for more." Chatons Orphelins MontrealA few months after being rescued, Jasper was adopted, thinking he had found his forever home. But three months later, through no fault of his own, he was returned. His foster family immediately welcomed him back with open arms.He quickly perked up in the company of his caring people, following them everywhere and chirping happily for their attention and love. Chatons Orphelins MontrealJasper now clings to his foster family, meeting their eyes with loving gazes while his purr rumbles like distant thunder. "Whenever he needs a bit of love, he comes right over to cuddle in our laps."He's also discovered the joy of toys, zooming around in pursuit of feather wands. He loves rolling in catnip and watching little critters through the window. Chatons Orphelins MontrealAfter years of surviving the streets and more than a year of searching for his forever home, his foster family knew he was right where he belonged. "He's staying with his foster family, who have decided to adopt him.""When he falls asleep on the couch, he covers his eyes with his paw and sometimes lets his little tongue peek out, making him even more endearing." Chatons Orphelins MontrealShare this story with your friends. More on Chatons Orphelins Montreal on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Stray Cat Comes Running to Someone Calling to Him, Nestles into Her and Won't Let Go

At DogingtonPost, we know that trimming your dog’s nails can be a daunting task for many pet owners. However, it’s a crucial part of your dog’s grooming routine that shouldn’t be overlooked. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips for trimming dog nails to help you master this important skill and keep your furry friend comfortable and healthy. Why Nail Trimming Matters Regular nail trimming plays a vital role in your dog’s health and well-being. Let’s explore why keeping your furry friend’s nails in check is so important. Preventing Pain and Discomfort Long nails can cause your dog significant pain. When nails grow too long, they push back into the nail bed, which puts pressure on the toe joint. This pressure often leads to soreness and (in some cases) even arthritis over time. Maintaining Proper Posture and Movement Overgrown nails affect more than just your dog’s paws. They can alter your pet’s gait and posture, which leads to skeletal issues. Dogs with long nails often adjust their walking stance to avoid putting pressure on their nails. This unnatural posture strains muscles and joints, potentially causing long-term damage. Avoiding Accidental Injuries Long nails are more prone to snagging and tearing. These painful accidents can happen during play, while running, or even when your dog scratches itself. Torn nails cause extreme pain and can lead to infections if left untreated. Short nails significantly reduce the risk of these painful accidents. Establishing a Nail Care Routine To maintain your dog’s nail health, try to check your dog’s nails every week and trim them as needed. If you’re unsure about the process, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian for guidance. Your dog’s comfort and health deserve this effort. Now that we understand why nail trimming is so important, let’s move on to the essential tools and preparations you’ll need for a successful nail trimming session. How to Prepare for Nail Trimming Select the Right Tools You need the proper equipment for successful nail trimming. Pick high-quality nail clippers designed for dogs. The American Kennel Club suggests guillotine-style clippers for small to medium-sized dogs and scissor-style clippers for larger breeds. Keep styptic powder nearby – it stops bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick (the sensitive part of the nail). Set Up a Calm Space Choose a quiet, well-lit area for nail trimming. Turn off loud appliances and ask family members to keep noise minimal. Some dogs feel more secure on a non-slip mat or towel. For particularly anxious pups, consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or sprays (these can help create a more relaxed atmosphere). Introduce Your Dog to the Process Let your dog investigate the nail clippers before you start trimming. Touch their paws gently and often, and reward them with treats. This helps your dog connect paw handling with positive experiences. Start with brief sessions – even just touching one nail with the clipper and rewarding your dog can build trust. Increase the duration of these sessions gradually over time. Patience is essential; rushing can create long-lasting anxiety around nail trimming. Practice Your Technique Practice your technique on a fake nail first. This helps you gauge the right amount of pressure to apply without risking your dog’s comfort. Now that you’ve prepared for nail trimming, let’s move on to the actual process of safely and effectively trimming your dog’s nails. How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails Safely Position Your Dog for Success Start by placing your dog in a comfortable position. Small dogs can sit in your lap. Large dogs should sit or stand on a non-slip surface. If your dog moves a lot, ask a helper to keep them steady and offer treats. Identify the Quick The quick is the pink part of the nail with blood vessels and nerves. It’s visible in light-colored nails. Dark nails make it harder to see, so be extra careful. Look for a chalky white ring that shows you’re close to the quick. Master the Trimming Technique Hold the paw firmly but gently. Cut the nail at a 45-degree angle, removing small amounts at a time. For light nails, stop cutting when you see the quick. For dark nails, stop when you spot a small dark dot in the center (this indicates the start of the quick). A study by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dog owners’ knowledge and interest level for preventative healthcare topics, including nail trimming, varies. Handle Difficult Nails Thick nails might require trimming from different angles. Don’t forget to trim dewclaws – they can grow into the skin if neglected. For very long nails, trim a little bit every few days to gradually reduce the length without hitting the quick. Manage Accidents If you accidentally cut the quick, don’t panic. Apply styptic powder immediately to stop the bleeding. (Cornstarch or flour can work in a pinch if you don’t have styptic powder.) Keep pressure on the nail for a few minutes until the bleeding stops. If you’re still unsure, ask a professional groomer or veterinarian for a demonstration. With time and patience, you’ll become proficient at this essential grooming task. Ideally, trim your dog’s nails once a week to gradually shorten them and eliminate excessive clicking on hard floors. Final Thoughts Nail trimming is an essential skill for dog owners. Regular maintenance prevents discomfort and ensures proper posture for your furry friend. Our tips for trimming dog nails will help make the process smoother and less stressful for both you and your pet. Consistency plays a vital role in nail care. Check your dog’s nails weekly and trim them as needed to maintain a healthy length. This routine will help your dog become more comfortable with the process over time. Professional help might be necessary if you struggle with nail trimming. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a groomer or veterinarian for hands-on guidance. At DogingtonPost, we offer information to support you in providing the best care for your four-legged friend (including nail care and overall wellness).

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