How Do I Know If My Dog Needs Grooming?

How Do I Know If My Dog Needs Grooming?

The simple answer to this question is that all dogs can benefit from grooming. It is true, however, that some dogs require grooming as a necessary part of keeping them healthy. Small dogs typically need to be groomed if they are a short-haired breed. A misconception with grooming is that it only consists of a bath and haircut. So why pay someone else for something you can do at home? Because grooming is not just bathing and haircuts. The service also provided anal gland relief, which is something best left to the professionals as well as ear cleaning and trimming their nails. If done by someone who does not know what they are doing, they could possibly cut too short and nick the cuticle which is painful and can quickly turn into an infection. Daily brushing not only makes them look good but is beneficial for all breeds. It helps removes dirt, dead hair, and dandruff. Regular brushing also helps bring out the natural oils in your dog’s fur, this coats your dog's fur in a healthy sheen. Professional grooming can help find any abnormalities, such as ticks or fleas, dry patches, inflammation, or infections. You can find issues with their teeth, ears, and eyes. When found early, problems can be treated before they become more serious.

I Take Good Care of My Dog

I am sure that most pet owners feel that they are meeting all the needs of their pet and treat them with the utmost care, but sometimes particular breeds of dog require special care that not everyone is aware of. For example, a friend of mine adopted a Maltese from someone who did not take very good care of him. He was a happy, healthy, and loved dog who seemed to never shed. He was brushed regularly, and finally, when his hair got way too long they took him to the groomer who was surprised at the condition he was in. The groomer was able to explain to my friend that Maltese, in fact, do shed, but not in the same way most dogs do. They shed down to their coat until; eventually, the hair matted to their skin forming a very thick matted coat and brushing only packs it down tighter. They require combing from the skin up to remove the excess hair. This is not something everyone would know. This is why it is important to visit a groomer.

A few things that can be done at home are cleaning your dog's ears, trimming their nails (if you feel comfortable and have the proper tools), brushing their teeth, wiping their eyes (depending on the breed), and trimming their fur around the ears, paws, and anus. Trimming the fur around the anus is important because if the fur is too long, feces can stick to it after a bowel movement.  

Dog Groomers In Abilene, Texas

Grooming keeps our dogs happy and healthy. Not only do we offer relaxing bubble bath massages and haircuts, but we also offer other hygienic services for your dog. At Diamonds in the Ruff, our experienced licensed staff knows just how to spoil your dog and provide them with the utmost care. Our dogs deserve to be pampered every once in a while so book an appointment with us today! Come by today or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for professional grooming in Abilene.

Wanting To Have Your Pet Looking Their Best For The Holidays?

Wanting To Have Your Pet Looking Their Best For The Holidays?

Many of us consider our pets to be family. They can be our best friend, constant companion, and sometimes are even considered our children. We want them to look and feel their best, so we feed them gourmet food, we take them for walks and car rides, and spoil them every chance we get. Sometimes we throw them doggy birthday parties and buy them Christmas presents to put under the tree. Keeping them clean and well groomed is a necessity. This should not be a torturous process for our pet. Grooming should be an enjoyable experience for them. They should feel as good leaving the groomer as we feel leaving the salon.

Family Ran Grooming Business

There are many grooming businesses out there, and many of them do an exceptional grooming job with pets. The benefit to using a family ran groomer is that not only do we do an outstanding job on your pet like the big corporations, but we really love what we do, and it shows. We interact with your pet throughout the entire process and show them the utmost care during their grooming. They are pampered and treated like a part of our family from the moment they walk in the door until the moment they walk out. We make sure that not only you are happy with our services, but your pet also. It is important to us that your pet is excited to be dropped off with us. We want them to recognize that they are about to be pampered and spoiled!

Dog Grooming in Abilene Texas

If you are looking for a groomer that will love your dog as much as you do, come see any of our licensed groomers at Diamonds in the Ruff and let us pamper your pet. We offer several different packages that will fit the needs of any dog, whether they need a full groom or just a bath and touch up service. Grooming is such an important process to keep your dog happy and healthy, and we take all necessary precautions when bathing and grooming your dog. There is no doubt your dog will leave happy and ready for their next visit. Stop by and see us or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for all your professional pet grooming in Abilene.

Does Your Dog Need to Wear Winter Wear?

Does Your Dog Need to Wear Winter Wear?

BarkPost- Winter is finally upon us, and if you live in Texas, you understand. It is after all the beginning of December, and most of us are still wearing flip-flops. But when it comes to our furry family members, those long days at the lake are over, and cuddles by the fire are a necessity. You may ask yourself, “Does my dog need to wear a sweater?” Some of use may hesitate to put clothing on our dogs, could be they think dogs don’t get cold because they have fur or they are afraid they may look silly. But if you are concerned about your pet being cold this winter, then, by all means, put a sweater on them.

It’s easy to see that dogs are equipped with their own layering system, but some dogs have a lighter/thinner layer of fur than others. Also, some dogs are not genetically suited to the environments they are planted in. So it is possible your dog may be uncomfortable with the current temperatures, just as we would be wearing a light sweater in Colorado at the beginning of December.

It All Depends on the Dog Breed

According to dog trainer Shelby Semel, it all depends on the dog on whether they need extra layering during the winter. Note: You should always consult with your vet or your dog breeder about anything your pup may need for their health! Breeds like Ridgeback Terriers have short-haired coats and are less protected from the cold. So it’s a good idea to cover them with a coat in the dead of winter. Similarly, dogs who have hair and not fur like Maltese and Havanese also tend to get chilly during the colder seasons. Semel also points out that the size of your dog won’t protect them from the weather. “You can have a large dog—it can be a Great Dane—but they don’t have a ton of hair and sometimes you may notice at certain weather points that they do get a little bit shaky, in which case they are likely cold and it would be helpful for them to have a sweater or a coat,” Semel said.

Winter may not be the only time to put a sweater on your dog. Dogs that have skin allergies, more commonly Boston Terriers or Pugs, may benefit wearing a cotton shirt to keep them from breaking their skin from scratching.

How to Tell If Your Pup Needs Protection

If you can’t decide if your dog needs a sweater during the cold months, Semel said there are visible signs to look for. “The most obvious [sign] that you would notice that is correlated with being cold is [your dog] being a little bit shaky,” Semel said. If it turns out your dog needs clothing to protect them from the elements, try to pick something that won’t cause emotional trauma when they wear it. “Figure out what works best for your dog and what they are and aren’t comfortable with,” Semel said. Dogs who don’t like having a harness over their head would be better off with a sweater that fastens around the waist. Your dog might need to get used to wearing their sweater in the house before you can take them outside in it. Overall, Semel recommends just “knowing your dog in general” and paying attention to the signs. For the most part, our dogs are accustomed to all sorts of weather conditions, and they’re happy to frolic in the snow for hours at a time without a care in the world!

Diamonds in the Ruff

Our pets are an extension of our family, and just like our human family members, we want the best care for our furry members. It only makes sense to treat them as such. Provide healthy meals, a dry place to sleep, and warm clothing. Here at Diamonds in the Ruff, we understand how important it is to provide your pup with the best. Our groomers are trained professionals that use quality shampoos and grooming equipment. Our boarding facility can house dogs and cats with play time, potty breaks, and nutritious food. Stop by today or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to view all that we have to offer in pet grooming in Abilene.

Paw Print Salt Dough Ornaments

Paw Print Salt Dough Ornaments

With Christmas coming, you can expect ornaments and decorations in every corner and every nook and cranny, homemade cards for grandma, and lights that brighten every street. Some might expect the gift of a family puppy or kitten. One way to celebrate that new addition to the family is salt dough ornaments. If you want to cherish the memory of your pet, make one of these paw print ornaments with the whole family! They can even be customized with so many colors, wording, add a little sparkle with some glitter; anything you want! It’s such a sweet Christmas keepsake idea and they ended up looking ADORABLE!

**Please note that these can be toxic to pets if eaten. So, just to be safe, hang them high up on the tree.**

Here is everything you are going to need to make these keepsakes and memories with the kids.

Ingredients

• ½ cup hot water
• ½ cup salt
• 1 cup flour
• Parchment paper
• Acrylic Paint
• Matte Finish Mod Podge
• Cup or cookie cutters
• Ribbon
• Gold Paint Pen or Sharpie, Glitter, or any other little trinkets

Instructions

1. Mix together the hot water, salt, and flour in a medium-size bowl. Knead it together with your hands until it forms a dough ball. If it's too sticky, add some extra flour.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough on the counter until it is ¼ inch to ½ inch thick.
3. Use a small plastic cup or cookie cutter of your choice to cut out circles or shapes.
4. Grab your cat or dog and gently press their paw into the center of the circle or shape to make an imprint.
5. Use a drinking straw to cut a hole for the ribbon.
6. Transfer the circles to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 225 F for 2 to 3 hours until they are solid and completely dried out.
7. Once they have cooled, you can paint, color, or draw on the ornaments to match your pet’s personality.
8. Write your dog's name and the year on the front or back of the ornament using a gold paint pen or a Sharpie marker.
9. If you want to add glitter to your ornament nows the time. Add a coat of Matte Finish Mod Podge and sprinkle it generously with glitter.
10. If you only want the imprint filled with glitter, allow the first coat of Mod Podge to dry completely. Then add a generous second coat to the inside of the paw print and sprinkle it with glitter.
11. String a ribbon through the hole to hang your ornament.
12. If you want you can attach other items to the ornament using hot glue.

There you have it. These easy and inexpensive decorations will show how much you love your pet, so spoil them rotten. And the best part, you can even make these keepsakes using your children's hand and footprints.

Diamonds in the Ruff

We know just how much you love your pets. Which is why you can trust our staff to provide the best care during their time with us. Our boarding facility is equipped to house dogs large and small, and our cattery is now open for your feline family member to enjoy. Come by or visit our website to view all that we have to offer. Our new cattery in Abilene is ready for your cat during this holiday season.

The World of Cat Cafes

The World of Cat Cafes

Have you ever heard of a cat cafe? Well, they are growing in popularity in the states. The idea of a cat cafe is a cross between an adoption center and a coffee shop. Customers can either make reservations or walk-in, order a cup of coffee or tea, enjoy a sandwich or pastry all while hanging out with a lineup of adoptable cats. This whole trend began in Japan, where you can find more than a hundred similar setups including "rabbit cafes" and at least one "goat cafe."

There is a possibility there will be one opening up near you. Cat-loving entrepreneurs are anxiously putting deals together with adoption centers and vendors, raising funds, and coaxing health inspectors in hopes of opening up a feline-friendly restaurant of their own.

Cat Town Cafe

One particular cat cafe opened its doors in 2014 in Oakland, California and was the first of its kind. Cat Town Cafe founders Adam Myatt and Ann Dunn told Mashable they have been amazed by the amount of attention the cafe has gotten in just the first week of opening. Reservations for opening weekend were completely booked up two weeks in advance, and the second and third weekends filled up shortly after. There are other businesses with the same idea opening in San Francisco (KitTea), Portland (Purringtons), Los Angeles (Catfe), Denver, (Catco) San Diego and Seattle (Meowtropolitan).

Cat Town Cafe is split into two separate spaces: one is a food preparation area and counter where patrons can order coffee, tea, sandwiches or pastries before entering an elaborate play area. The play area is complete with cat-sized replicas of city icons and murals featuring famous cats of pop culture. The lounge area allows a limited number of customers to interact with six to 12 cats at a time, who have the option of slipping away to a cats-only area if the adoration gets overwhelming.

Now while the pair did not know each other very well before they began their new adventure, it did not stop them from raising money through an Indiegogo campaign and Pet Food Express, not to mention private donations and grants. Myatt said they were able to work with regulators to ensure the operation was fit for health codes.

On a Mission

The whole idea is to find forever homes for the cats that are least likely to get adopted in a shelter environment, often because they are "extremely shy, sick or old," Dunn said. She continued to say that more people are inclined to adopting a cat in setting like the cat cafe where it is an all-around good environment; whereas a shelter can seem sad and depressing. You can visit with the cats in a playful setting. "Sometimes I think it's a lot to put the cats through, but if it means they will be adopted more quickly, then it seems worth doing," Dunn said. "If we were just opening an adoption center, people would have been like, 'so what?’”

Myatt warned any aspiring cat cafe proprietors that the business model is not for the faint of heart. "People don't realize that running a cafe is hard and takes a shit ton of work...and then there's cats," Myatt said. "It's like running two crazy businesses that take a lot of time and attention."

Two Crazy Cat Lovers

Before coming together, pair hardly knew each other and just had the casual conversation at a local coffee shop. The two had more in common than they thought. Dunn founded a non-profit rescue organization called Cat Town that places cats in foster homes, and Myatt, also known as the "Cat Man of West Oakland" for his wildly popular cat photography, had just returned from a trip to Japan, where he was fascinated by the country's "crazy cat culture."

"I've always been an animal person — not necessarily just a cat person — but cats seem to be the dominating force in my life right now," Myatt said. "If that's what the universe has got for me then I'll go with that."

Diamonds in the Ruff

We are happy to see so many people doing what they can to bring more attention to cat adoptions. And what an inventive way of doing it! At Diamonds in the Ruff, we are excited to offer a safe and fun place to bring your feline friends for the day or while you are on a weekend trip. Come by today and visit our facility or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com. We have what your pet needs at our new cattery in Abilene.

National Cat Day

National Cat Day

If you didn’t already know, October 29th is National Cat Day. It was founded to help the public recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued. It also encourages cat lovers/owners to celebrate the little furballs in their lives. It was created by Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige, in 2005. Here are some ways you can celebrate this joyous day with your furry and non-furry feline friends thanks to Blue Buffalo.

Nifty Ideas

There’s the obvious, adopt a cat from your local shelter or cat rescue, donate blankets, food and toys to animal welfare organizations, or volunteer at your local shelter and offer to play with some cats available for adoption, clean cages and litter boxes or anything else they need help with. You could always write your Congressman and ask that he/she support the ban of kitten mills and gas chambers in your state.

Have a National Cat Day party and invite all your friends and their cats! Paint your face, wear kitty ears or dress in cat-related fashion, buy your cat a collar and tag with your name and number, just in case they get outside and happen to become lost, hire a professional pet photographer for a fun photoshoot, or commission a custom portrait painted of your cat. Bake some cat shaped cookies for your kids, friends or office and bake some tuna cookies for your cat.

You could give your cat some fun exercise by putting up some walls shelves specifically for him/her, make a window perch for your cat to lay in the sun. Give your cat a calming massage, rush your cat to eliminate excess fur and hairballs, and make a commitment to your cat’s health and buy all natural products from food to litter, such as BLUE Naturally Fresh Cat Litter made from walnuts.

Diamonds in the Ruff

There are so many ways to celebrate the cat in your life and help those without a family. A simple photo posted on Facebook shows the love you have for these animals or buying an official National Cat Day Tee here and sport it proudly is also another way. Since Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate founded this day, it has helped save the lives of more than one million cats. Our staff at Diamonds in the Ruff can appreciate this beautiful day. Another way you can show your love and appreciation for your cat is to send them here to us. We now have a new cattery open with all the amenities they will love. If you are in need of a cattery in Abilene, come by and see us or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com.

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets

We are not the only ones who can enjoy Halloween, our furry pets can (and do) enjoy this spooky night as well. The ASPCA came up with a few helpful tips to keep our pets safe, happy, and healthy until November hits.

Stash the Treats

There are several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause serious problems in pets. If you think your pet has gotten into anything toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Watch the Decorations and Keep Wires Out of Reach

Pets, big or small, can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by a candle flame. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic but can produce stomach discomfort in pets who nibble on them.

Be Careful with Costumes

Because pets may become stress wearing a costume, the ASPCA recommends that you don’t put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. Be sure the costume does not restrict their movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. If he or she seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting your pet wear his or her “birthday suit” or don a festive bandana instead.

Keep Pets Calm and Easily Identifiable

Halloween brings a lot of activity with visitors arriving at the door. So keep in mind that too many strangers can stress out your pet. If your pet is not quite social, you might want to keep them in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. While opening the door for guests, be sure that your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. And always make sure your pet is wearing proper identification—if for any reason he or she does escape, a collar with ID tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver for a lost pet.

Diamonds in the Ruff

We love this holiday and especially love seeing your pets dressed up. Just keep these tips in mind and your Halloween night with be spooky and fun. If must leave your pet behind, but don’t want to leave them alone, we suggest leaving them at a trusted boarding facility. Diamonds in the Ruff offers a great, clean, and trusted boarding facility for your cat or dog. Come by and see us or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com. We have everything your pet needs to feel safe and happy at our dog boarding facility or cattery in Abilene.

Frida the Rescue Dog

Frida the Rescue Dog

METRO- During the natural disaster that devastated Mexico, hundreds have killed hundreds of people and trapped several others under the rubble. Hundreds of rescuers worked frantically digging people from the rubble after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Mexico City. One of those rescuers is Frida, a Labrador retriever that helps the Mexican Navy locate people from natural disasters in Mexico.

So far Frida has managed to rescue 53 people, including 12 people in life-threatening situations after the 8.1 magnitude earthquake that devastated Oaxaca September 7. Now she is back at it again working hard trying to save people trapped in debris after a deadly earthquake that killed at least 245 people and injured more than 2,000.

It’s not yet known how many people Frida has been able to rescue this time around, but she is doing her best, and we are all grateful for her heroism. Frida works for the Mexican Navy’s (SEMAR) Canine Unit. Appreciation and many “Thanks” to Frida’s work have been pouring in from all over the world, many telling her she’s been a very good girl while sharing photos of her getting ready for rescue operations – with tiny doggy boots and special dog-sized goggles.

She’s even been thanked by the President of Mexico, who tweeted earlier this month: ‘This is Frida. She belongs to SEMAR and has helped save 52 lives in various natural disasters at national and international levels.’ It comes after people in Mexico were left glued to their tv’s watching the delicate effort to reach a young girl buried in the rubble of her school. The rescue ended up stretching into a daylong vigil for the country. Rescue workers can be seen continuing their search in rain and darkness in the early hours of Thursday morning. The sight of her wiggling fingers in the school became a symbol of hope that drove thousands of professionals and volunteers to work frantically at dozens of other destroyed buildings in Mexico City looking for survivors.

Diamonds in the Ruff

There are no words to explain how grateful our staff is for the hard work the people of Mexico City, Frida, and the Mexican Navy put forth in helping their fellow man. It is people and animals that give hope to the rest of the world and show that there are great people willing to give a helping hand. From all of us at Diamonds in the Ruff in Abilene, thank you for all your hard work and heroism.

New Cattery in Abilene

New Cattery in Abilene

Hey there everyone! We are EXCITED to let y’all know that we have extended our facility to accommodate our new addition… a Cattery!!!

That’s right, we now have a place for your feline family member to play and relax while you are at work or away for a few days. Our cat condos can accommodate small and large cats.

Here are a few things to remember when you bring your fur baby in:

Please bring All cats in a carrier where they will feel secure. We will remove them from their carrier when they have safely reached their awesome personal condo. Our condos are perfect for cats who have not boarded or have had a bad experience boarding in cages. Every guest will be allowed playtime in our specially designed playroom. Upon arrival, we will evaluate the socialization level of your best friend and determine what will best suit their personal needs.

So come by a visit our facility today or visit our website at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for all your cat boarding in Abilene.

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe During a Natural Disaster

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe During a Natural Disaster

National Geographic- In the wake of the current hurricanes that have devastated towns and cities, destroyed thousands of people's homes and businesses, displaced families, and the lives lost; animals have also been affected. It is possible that no matter how prepared you are, your pet could get away from you and get lost in all of the chaos. Animal rescue organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals see an uptick in lost animals after storms because some pets get scared and run away. Tim Rickey, Vice-President of Field Investigations and Response at the ASPCA has a couple of tips to keep your pet safe and by your side during a scary time.

First off, Rickey suggests not to evacuate without your pet’s. Some people evacuate without their pets because they think they can not take them or have not made arrangements. “We strongly urge families not to evacuate without their pets. If it’s too dangerous for you, it’s too dangerous for your pet,” says Rickey. Animal microchipping is the first and best defense of saving your pet. The cost of a microchip is around $50, and low-cost clinics can often help with the expense. It is just as important keeping your information up to date. “All too often, people change phone numbers or they move, but they don’t remember to update their pet’s information,” Rickey says. Providing extra comfort to a scared animal during extreme situations can keep your pet close by. Treats, toys, and lots of snuggles with a human family can help reduce everyone’s stress level. Be aggressive in your search if they run away and keep looking for them. Animal rescues are often overwhelmed after a disaster, and Rickey recommends regular follow-up phone calls. Owners can upload their pet’s photo and medical information to the ASPCA mobile app to help expedite the process. Keep in mind, owners have been reunited with their pets months, even years after the animal first went missing. So do not give up. Animals are remarkably adaptable, and although they are generally healthier and better off with human help, they can also survive on their own for long periods of time.

Diamonds in the Ruff

These tips are very useful for any type of natural disaster; tornadoes, earthquakes, or fires. Love and affection, while your pet is scared, are always a good idea for both of you. At Diamonds in the Ruff, we offer tons of love, affection, and playtime while your pet is boarding with us. Come by and visit our facility or check us out at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com if you are looking for professional pet boarding in Abilene, TX.

The Raw Food Diet for Dogs

The Raw Food Diet for Dogs

WebMD- The raw food diet is a popular but controversial trend on the rise. It consists of raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables that racing greyhounds and sled dogs have long eaten. These practices have been passed on to our family pets, the idea was proposed in 1993 by Australian veterinarian Ian Billinghurst. He called his feeding suggestions the BARF diet, an acronym that stands for Bones and Raw Food, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.

He suggested that adult dogs would thrive on an evolutionary diet based on what canines ate before they became domesticated: Raw, meaty bones and vegetable scraps. There are those that would disagree, with Billinghurst, which include other vets and the FDA. The risks and benefits have been documented in several studies published in veterinary journals.

Potential benefits of the raw dog food diet that supporters tout include:

• Shinier coats
• Healthier skin
• Cleaner teeth
• Higher energy levels
• Smaller stools

Potential risks include:

• Threats to human and dog health from bacteria in raw meat
• An unbalanced diet that may damage the health of dogs if given for an extended period
• Potential for whole bones to choke an animal, break teeth or cause an internal puncture

Interest from pet owners continues to grow, with the widespread recall of melamine-contaminated pet food in 2007 bringing in new followers. Since Billinghurst’s book, Give Your Dog a Bone, was published, several other types of raw dog food diets have emerged. You can find commercially processed raw food diets at the grocery store.

Diamonds in the Ruff

At Diamonds in the Ruff, you can expect that we will feed your pets top quality food and care. Come by and see us or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com for all your pet grooming in Abilene. 

Land of the Strays

Land of the Strays

Mother Nature Network- Costa Rica hosts a unique sanctuary called Territorio de Zaguates, or "Land of the Strays." It is located an hour outside the capital of San José, it is privately funded and volunteer-run. The safe haven gives hundred of abandoned dogs a second chance at life, whether they are adopted or not. No mutt is turned away!

This sanctuary is a place you take advantage of, human and canine alike, with beautiful landscapes. Volunteers lead a pack of ragtag rescues on scenic hikes through the gorgeous mountains nearly every day. They are walked unleashed, all together. These dogs could be considered “free-range.” The place functions just like any other animal rescue or sanctuary. "First thing we do when a new dog gets here is spay/neuter, vaccinate and get rid of parasites," the organization explains on its Facebook page. "Then we assess if the dog requires any other type of special treatment [and] put them in quarantine if necessary." After this process, the dogs are released where they can be adopted or just spend the rest of its days in doggy paradise.

Territorio de Zaguates takes a distinctive approach to finding the dogs forever homes. Every dog is given a special “breed” name based on the dog's phenotypic traits. For example, "Alaskan collie fluffy terrier" and the "chubby-tailed German doberschnauzer." People are more likely to adopt a “breed” rather a “mutt.” Adoptions grew 1.4% after this approach. As you could imagine, maintaining a sanctuary like this requires an enormous amount of time, money and labor. But charitable donors and volunteers make it a great success. "We have a very small staff but still we manage to do everything from daily picking up the poo and disposing of it properly, to feeding and medicating the dogs, and everything in between," a spokesperson for the organization writes.

Diamonds in the Ruff

This is a wonderful place that treats dogs better than most. With three meals a day, lounge spots, and room for even older dogs who don’t get adopted. We can all appreciate the kindness of others. At Diamonds in the Ruff, you can expect your fur baby to be treated with the love and care this sanctuary provides. We offer clean boarding, grooming, and doggie daycare. If you're in need of a professional groomer in Abilene, TX, stop by and see us. You can also visit our site at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com.