Tag Archives: animals

Jun19

Paws For A Moment: 3 Simple Checks For Dog Owners

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Paws For A Moment: 3 Simple Checks For Dog Owners

Everyone wants to make sure that their dogs live the best lives possible. Indeed, that is why we spend a fortune on the best food and veterinary care. However, most owners don’t perform health checks at home. It’s vital that all of us get into the habit of performing these checks during the summer months when our animals spend a lot of time outside romping around and exploring. Failure to do that could mean that you don’t spot issues before they become severe. That could result in your dog suffering from something avoidable. You’re not going to feel like a good owner if that happens. So, pay attention:

Check your dog’s paws every time they come inside: The last thing you want is for your dog to get an infection in their paw. That can happen when the animal stands on something dirty that pierces the skin. In most instances, you will notice that your canine walks with a limp when that happens. That is because the injury can become very painful for the animal and it can make them ill. To ensure that your dog’s paw doesn’t become infected, you need to check them every time your doggo comes into your home. A quick two-minute assessment will put your mind at ease. If there are any injuries, you have to call your vet. Dealing with the issue early could limit the chances of an infection.

Spend time checking your dog’s coat for fleas: Nobody wants their dog to bring fleas and ticks into their home. If that happens, you might end up getting an infestation (Yuck!). That could result in you having to leave your property while the exterminators clean your home. It’s an expensive and disrupting situation that you should always aim to avoid. You can check your dog’s coat using just your eyes and fingers, but there are also specialist combs that you can purchase. Also make sure that you’re keeping the best flea and tick medicine for dogs at home. That way, you can treat any outbreaks before they spread. If you’re unsure of what to buy, just ask your vet.

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 PUPPER!

Take a look at the inside of your dog’s mouth: It’s vital that all dog owners get used to checking the inside of their canine’s mouth. That is because this area is prone to infection and other issues. At the end of the day, your dog doesn’t have opposable thumbs (It would be cool if they did, though!). That means that they use their mouths for almost everything. Common problems include bee and wasp stings, cuts, and bacterial infections. When you get used to looking inside of your dog’s mouth, you will be able to stop any problems early. You will notice when something has changed. Again, if you have any concerns, book an appointment to see a professional. It’s always better safe than sorry.

This summer, remember that dogs are more prone to becoming ill when there is hot weather. So, you’ll need to ensure that your pet always has enough water when they spend time outside. You’ll also have to place extra emphasis on performing the checks mentioned on this page for the next couple of months. LONG LIVE DOGS!!! ❤

Featured Image By: Flickr

Jun15

Rabbit Owners: HELLLLLP!!!

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Rabbit Owners: HELLLLLP!!!

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! For those of you who don’t know, I desperately want a pet rabbit. A black, female, Netherland Dwarf bunny to be specific. For the past year or so, I’ve been toying with the idea of getting my very own, adorable, precious pet and now I feel like I’m ready to take the plunge and welcome a sweet little girl home. I live in Akron, Ohio but I am willing to travel up to two hours to a reputable rescue group, as it’s very important to me that my lil furball is a rescue. If anyone has any groups in mind, as well as tips for the new rabbit owner – PLEASE LET YOUR GIRL KNOW!!

THANKS!!!!! ❤

Featured Image By: Bunnies Are Us

Jun14

Are You Ready For A Pet?

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Are You Ready For A Pet?

Owning a pet is special because the animal becomes a huge part of your life. Welcoming a pet into your home is like bringing in a brand new family member. Still, pets don’t work out for everyone. Sometimes, things get in the way and stop the special bond from occurring. The good news, is that you can tell if you’re ready or not. All you have to do is ask these questions and consider your answers. If all goes well, then congratulations are in order. If not, maybe put off going to the pound for now. And, as always, lifewithlilred supports the “Adopt, don’t shop” point of view and PuppyWire has an amazing article to help prep your home for your new rescue dog!

Do You Have The Time? Firstly, there are animals which need a whole lot of love, and that means spending quality time together. Dogs are the main culprits, yet they aren’t the only ones. For those of you with busy schedules, there might be a gap that is hard to bridge. Unless you’re willing to change your lifestyle, a pet isn’t going to work for both parties. Even animals like cats, which are a lot less high maintenance, require a bit of effort. Plus, what is the point of having a pet if you only see it for a few hours in the evening? It’s a waste of time and money, and it’s unfair.

Can You Commit For The Long-Term? Figuring out whether you have the time isn’t just about the present or the near future. It’s about the long-term outlook more than anything. Most animals have a long lifespan. Turtles, for example, can even outlive humans. So, getting one today and then getting bored with it after a couple of weeks isn’t an option. It’s like the cliché saying, a pet is for life, not just for Christmas (and it’s so true). Anyone that wants a new addition has to ensure that they will be there for the long haul. Otherwise, it isn’t a savvy move for all parties involved.

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Aww :*)

Do You Have The Money? Regardless of the animal, you will need a decent sized budget. Let’s take a look at dogs for a moment. They need basics such as food and water, but they also need everything from healthcare to an inside bed and toys. And, as http://www.pawcastle.com points out, doggy beds do not come cheap. Plus, there are the extras that no one thinks out beforehand. For example, the dog will need to be warm in the winter, which means that you’ll use the central heating more. As energy prices rise, this could cost a fortune. It’s wise to cover every base that’s necessary for your new pet before committing.

Is It A Family Decision? You might be totally on board because pet lovers can be extreme. In fact, www.wired.com thinks that some of you even love animals more than humans (I know I do!)! However, the pertinent factor is whether everyone else in the house is okay with a new pet. They live there too, so their opinion is just as important. Sure, the kids will probably jump at the idea of having a dog to play with, but that doesn’t mean that your partner will feel the same.

Getting a new pet should be treated as a big deal because it is. Ask yourself all of the above questions before committing and be ready to provide the loving home that your new furry friend so deserves!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

May28

Teaching Your Dog New Tricks

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Teaching Your Dog New Tricks

We have all been in a situation when we had to encounter an untrained dog and for most of us, it’s not exactly the most relaxing encounter. Whether it is having an overly playful puppy at a relative’s house or a wildly barking passerbying dog, these situations can make us feel a bit frazzled. But don’t you worry, because things like the examples listed are easily fixed. Guiding your pets through the experiences that dog training gives sets them on the straight and narrow when you have your pooch in public:

Importance of Obedience Training: One of the most important responsibilities of owning a pet is giving him or her the proper training. Having a dog that listens to you will save you a lot of stress. Your pet understanding basic commands such as sit, stay, or come can make a world of difference. Building this communication will help avoid problematic behavior and increase comfort and security. It gives you the necessary control to keep your dog and the people he interacts with safe. Accidents such as having your pet run loose by him slipping off of the collar or escaping out of the home can happen. Being able to prevent your pet from running across a busy road or into other dangerous obstacles at a moment’s notice can save his life and your emotional well being.

Not only will training help reduce problems, but it will allow for bonding experiences that both you and your pet will enjoy. Your pet chasing or pouncing onto others is always a potential risk and without control over the situation, you and your dog will run into trouble. However, obedience is not the only positive outcome. A well-behaved pet is a happy pet. It allows them to be free and the time you spend with him will be of quality instead of misunderstandings and frustrations. He can have the pleasure of being taken with you when going out to places and safely played with by family members and visitors, instead of missing out on the socializing and fun by being in the backyard due to potential misbehaving and unnecessary trouble.

Before Training Your Dog Yourself: When it comes to dog obedience training, you can either do it yourself or seek the assistance from a professional. Doing it yourself allows you to spend quality interactive time with your pet. However, in some cases, it might be better to reach for help from an experienced trainer. The journey of obedience training requires a lot of prior knowledge, in addition to time and patience. It is not as easy as reading a few lines from a book or watching a few minutes of a TV show and it is best for both you and your pet if you don’t try to make it up as you go along.

Improper training can lead to inconsistent messages and can be ineffective. Consequently, this is only allowing your dog to develop poor habits and bad behavior. If you have proper dog training experience, then doing it yourself can be fulfilling. The earlier that you put your dog on the path to obedience training, the better. Like us, dogs learn significantly faster at younger ages. Providing a proper foundation of training and socialization is important for all parties (and pooches) involved.

Be sure to give your pup lots of love and treats during your training and also a belly rub from yours truly! ❤

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May27

Hard To Say Goodbye: How To Teach Your Dog To Spend The Day Without You

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Hard To Say Goodbye: How To Teach Your Dog To Spend The Day Without You

We all know how much of a commitment it is to bring a new dog into your home. They need a great deal of care, affection, exercise, and training. A puppy can be an incredible addition to your home, but you definitely have to be ready not only for the work involved in looking after them but also the changes that you may well have to make in your life to fit around them. In that way, having a puppy is a lot like having kids since you now have a whole new set of priorities that you have to think about when you’re deciding how to spend your days and nights.

Of course, there is always going to come a time when you’re going to want to go somewhere without your furry friend (Crazy, I know.). It could be going to work or simply going for some drinks with friends. This can be seriously difficult for a lot of people because many dogs really don’t like being left alone. So does that mean you have to be either trapped in your house or take your puppy everywhere you go? Fortunately (or unfortunately) not! Here are some things that you can do to make spending time alone a little easier for your puppy:

Ease Them Into It: The worst possible thing that you can do is to just disappear for hours the very first time you leave your dog alone. They will almost certainly become very upset and that can lead to things like broken furniture and some seriously unpleasant accidents. If you want to start introducing your dog to the idea of spending time without you, then you need to do it gradually. Ease them into the idea of being alone. You may even want to start with something as simple as shutting the door on them and waiting outside for a few minutes. Over time you can increase how long you stay away until they’re used to keeping themselves entertained for decent amounts of time.

Give Them Things To Occupy Them: Speaking of entertainment, even if your puppy doesn’t get very upset when you leave, the other major risk is that they are going to end up being extremely bored! You will want to make sure that there are things around the house to occupy your puppy’s attention and prevent them from wreaking havoc throughout the house, like chewing furniture and knocking over lamps. Companies like http://tuftoys.com are fantastic, because you can rest assured that your pup isn’t going to chew through their toy before you get back. This means that they’ll have something to occupy themselves with all day long.

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Omg ❤

Play With Them as Much as Possible Before You Go: The last thing you want is to leave your dog at home with too much excess energy. Sure, a dog is going to have plenty of energy no matter what but if you can give them a decent amount of play and exercise before you go anywhere, they are that much more likely to feel relaxed, and they may even sleep for a lot of the day. Take them for a long walk, play with their favorite toy, or do some intense training before you go and you can make sure that they don’t feel bottled up and trapped while you’re gone.

Saying goodbye is hard – ESPECIALLY when it’s to your dog! These tips will help make the transition easier for both of you until you can be reunited again (and it will be beautiful!).

Adorable Featured Image By: Pexels

May23

Don’t Delay Dealing With These Top Household Emergencies

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Don’t Delay Dealing With These Top Household Emergencies

When an emergency hits our home, it can throw many of us into a state of panic. If something happens at our work or when we are out on the street, then we can live safely in the knowledge that once we get home, we are safe. After all, it’s not like any of us willingly live in homes that have any threat constantly present (unless you’re a total daredevil, that is). But if something occurs in your home that qualifies as an emergency, it is vital that you are prepared.

Your home shouldn’t be somewhere that you should have to leave for an extended period, especially if you have young children in tow. Leaving due to an incident beyond your control can be incredibly frustrating, and as kids depend on routine, you could find it a very challenging and emotional time. That is why it is in everyone’s best interests to get any household emergency sorted out as soon as possible, so you can all get back to normal life within a day or so. Here are some examples of the most common household disasters, and what you can do to solve them in record time:

Wild Animal Invasion: You may think that because you live in the city, that you are not at risk of an animal or pest invasion. It’s not exactly like there are wild deer or bears casually stalking your home every time you look out the window. But, it may come as a surprise to find out that animals and pests can be just as common within the city as they are in some rural areas – the animals are just good at hiding, that’s all! Common perpetrators include badgers and raccoons, who like to hang around trash cans, and insects such as woodworms. If you get a large animal in your home, try not to panic. Isolate it in a room to stop it from harming yourself or others and give it an escape route, if you can. Never try to tackle it yourself or let your dog or cat near it – you could end up with an even messier situation on your hands.

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Hello!

A Burst Pipe: As far at home-based mishaps go, few are more damaging than a burst pipe. This incident can cause a spectacular amount of damage in a matter of minutes, so it is vital that you act fast. Pipes can burst for reasons, such as a blockage or the fact that the pipe may be frozen. The most important thing to do is to seek help from a professional such as the people available from www.plumbingforce.co.uk. If your leak is particularly bad, turn off the main water supply and clean up any major spills as soon as possible – before your home turns into an indoor water park!

Internal Fire: House fires are typically every homeowner’s worst nightmare. They can easily get out of control even if they start small, which is why it’s very important to know how to deal with them. If the fire is in your oven, the worst thing that you can do is to open the door. Keep it shut, and eventually, the fire should burn itself out. If it is an open fire elsewhere, use an extinguisher or a fire blanket to try and tackle it, and then call the emergency services.

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Yikes!

Household emergencies can be scary and stressful – but knowing how to deal with them can help save you from even more panic/pulling your hair out.

May11

Ask These Questions If Your Dog Is Ill

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Ask These Questions If Your Dog Is Ill

If you are a real dog person, then you will know how upsetting it can be when they are not feeling on top of the world. Especially as with dogs we are so used to seeing them all bubbly and happy – when they are no longer that way it can be really quite distressing. If your dog has started to act strangely recently or if they look like they are getting ill, then you might be wondering what is going wrong. It goes without saying that if things get serious that you should take them to the vet – but what checks can you carry out at home to rule anything out? Let’s look at some of the questions you should be asking yourself if your beloved doggo is getting unwell:

Are You Feeding Them Properly? Just as with any other animal, your dog needs the right diet in order to function properly. Knowing what such a diet should be, however, is something else altogether. As it happens, most dogs need a combination of dried food like Royal Canin and meat, although what meat is not quite so important. If you are only feeding them one or the other, then this can cause some serious nutrient deficiency so make sure that you are giving them a more balanced diet. You should also check that you are feeding them the right quantity – this depends on the size and breed of your dog and it something that you should ask your vet about. Lastly, make sure that you are feeding them at regular intervals, in order to really ensure that their diet is as good as it can be.

Are They Getting Enough Exercise? Dogs of different breeds, sizes, and ages need differing amounts of exercise, so you should make sure that you know your dog’s type well enough to give them the right amount. Generally, however, walking them twice a day is optimal – and absolutely no less than once a day. If you have a large garden, then that can sometimes suffice instead of walking them, but you should still take them elsewhere occasionally to give them new experiences. You will know if they are not getting enough exercise, because they will start to look weak and might even begin whimpering. As a rule, you can’t over-exercise them – they will stop before they do any real damage to themselves. Make sure that you take them out for exercise as much as you can, which should help to keep illness away.

Are You Looking After Their Coat? As it turns out, their coat is not just an aesthetic concern – it is also a majorly important part of their health. There are a number of issues regarding their coat which you definitely want to avoid, such as fleas and nits, so make sure that you do everything you can to keep it clean. You might also need to brush it regularly or semi-regularly, so make sure that you do that too if necessary for your dog. If you look after their coat properly, you will actually help to keep them healthy and happy.

#DOGS ❤ ❤ ❤

Featured Image By: Pexels

May9

The Best Things About Owning A Dog

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The Best Things About Owning A Dog

Dogs are one of the first domesticated animals in history, and it doesn’t take long to figure out why humans have had such a long and amicable relationship with these amazing creatures. They’re funny, loyal, and are always happy to see you, whether you’re in the mood for their antics or not! If you or someone in your house needs just a little more convincing, here are some of the best things about owning a dog (besides for all of the things!!):

They’re Hilarious! Your dog will make you laugh pretty often, perhaps every day if you bring the right pooch home from the shelter! Dogs are always getting up to silly, funny things that will bring a little more joy to your day, even when you’re having a really tough one. Whether it’s breaking into fits of barking and howling when a certain song comes on or licking peanut butter off of their nose for an hour straight (and they will), as a dog owner, you’re sure to see all kinds of things that will put a smile on your face!

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DOGGO!

They Keep Your Mind Engaged: You probably already knew that dogs can be great for getting more physical exercise in, but they’re also very conducive to regular mental exercise, which is often just as important for a healthy, happy life. Any long-time dog owner will tell you that their dog has taught them all kinds of things, and continues to teach them to this day. This is especially true when they’re puppies and your mind is buzzing with all kinds of questions and uncertainties. What are the signs that they’re ill? How often should you walk them? What’s the best food for your dog? Similar to caring for a child, getting into the rhythm of parenting (lol) a dog takes a lot of time and mental effort, which never really stops.

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#friendship

You’ll Have a Friend for Life: Dogs spend a large part of their lives observing us and interacting with us. After a few years of living with a dog, they’ll be intimately familiar with all the little mannerisms and quirks that makes you the person that you are. Healthy dogs also have a natural sense of empathy, and will be able to pick up on a familiar human’s emotions with the drop of a hat. Many long-time dog owners have had instances where they’ve been feeling particularly dejected, and their pet had started exhibiting worried, submissive behavior. At times, it seems that man’s best friend can communicate better than man! Good dog. ❤

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Sweet PUPPER!

They’re Great Personal Trainers: If you know that you should be getting more exercise, you’ll obviously know how hard it is to push yourself into a solid regimen and then stick to it. When you own a dog, on the other hand, you’ll have your own little personal trainer who will keep on getting you out of the door and moving those muscles. No matter how lazy you’re feeling, when a dog wants a walk, they’ll come right up to you with some intense, meaningful looks, maybe even with their leash in their mouth. You won’t be able to turn down that little face as easily as yourself! Seriously. You won’t.

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SO. CUTE!

Long story short: dogs are the best. The end. 😀

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May4

Doggy Despair: Behavioral Issues Your Pooch Can Experience

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Doggy Despair: Behavioral Issues Your Pooch Can Experience

Dogs really are man’s best friend. They’re loyal and silly, they make us laugh, comfort us when we cry, and are an integral part of the family. But just like humans, dogs can experience issues which can leave them out of sorts. It could be a lack of socialization as a pup, something frightening which has made them anxious, or something you have encouraged without even realizing. Here are just a few of the behavioral issues you might face as a dog owner and what to do about them:

Aggression: Aggression in dogs can be targeted towards humans, other dogs and animals, or even objects such as bicycles and cars when you’re out on a walk. Fear often manifests itself as aggression, and a puppy that hasn’t been exposed to lots of different stimuli can grow up as a fearful and aggressive dog. Aggression can also come about due to resource guarding, where your dog feels it has to protect food, treats, toys, and even space. Aggression can be a tricky issue to deal with when it comes to dogs. For everyone’s safety, consulting a dog trainer or expert is in your best interests to make sure that you’re not aggravating the situation. The last thing you want is to make matters worse. Punishing your dog for aggression for example is likely to intensify the situation and make them more prone to biting.

Digging: Digging is a natural doggy behavior, but some dogs will do this more than others. In some cases it can become a huge issue, dogs can tear up gardens and even floors in the home. Digging is good exercise and is fun for dogs, so how about setting up a designated ‘digging area’ in your garden? Redirect them to this when they begin to dig, and use plenty of praise. This behavior might also indicate that your dog is full of energy. Taking them on longer walks could help to keep down their desire to dig.

Barking: Barking is one of the ways that your dog communicates with its humans and other animals. Different barks can mean different things, from ‘there’s someone at the door’ to ‘give me attention’ or ‘get away from me before I bite!’. Understanding your dog’s different barks will help you to give them what they need, although in some cases dogs can bark excessively. This can become a nuisance and can even land you in trouble with your neighbors or landlord. People have even been fined due to noisy dogs!

Correct barking behavior by getting your dog’s attention and diverting it elsewhere. Don’t ever use violence with dogs, but a nudge could help to ‘snap them out’ of the zone that they’re in. Teaching your dog commands like ‘bark’ and ‘stop barking’ using treats, praise, and rewards can help, too. That way when they begin to bark you can use the command to stop and praise them with a treat. If nothing seems to be helping, seeking professional training might be the way to go.

Begging: Dogs are very food motivated. This is great as it makes them easy to teach, most dogs will do anything you ask to get their paws on a tasty snack! However, it also means that whatever you have to eat, your dog will have eyes for. If you give your dog table scraps and food from your plate, you’re encouraging a lifetime of begging behavior – and dogs aren’t subtle about it! They will happily sit with their head on your knee or right next to your face while you eat given the chance! You can stop begging behavior by simply never feeding your dog table scraps. If you have leftovers that are suitable for dogs such as meat, vegetables, rice and other good stuff- scrape it into a container for later. That way they don’t associate you eating (or finishing your meal) with them getting fed.

You could also make them sit in their bed or in another room while you eat, or even use a soft crate. Unlike a wire crate, this is easy to collapse and is portable, so it’s useful for when you travel and not quite as imposing as other models. If you’re wondering what the best soft dog crates are on the market, there are plenty of reviews online. Dogs might also beg because they’re hungry. Making sure that you’re giving enough food for the size of your dog will help to prevent this. There are usually feeding instructions based on weight on most dog food products or you could ask your vet if you’re unsure.

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Yawwwn

Chewing: Dogs like to chew. Having a toy or bone for them to chew on can clean their teeth, vent their frustrations, and keep their mind busy which tires them out. However, some dogs won’t just chew their own possessions but anything in their path. This can be dangerous since they might choke on small parts, gnaw on something toxic, or even through wires giving them an electric shock. Teaching puppies what they can and can’t have is essential. Destruction is often a result of frustration or separation anxiety, so making sure that your dog is well exercised and not leaving them alone for long periods should help with this. You may find that confining them to a crate or one room is necessary to keep them from chewing up things that they shouldn’t. If you know your dog is a chewer, be extra cautious not to leave anything lying around that they can get a hold of. Wires should be tacked to walls using wire clips, shoes should be put in a cupboard, and anything else that might become a target should be moved – especially when your dog is unsupervised.

Keeping your dog healthy, making sure that they get enough exercise, and socializing them well when they’re young will help you to avoid all kinds of issues. However, sometimes they can still crop up either due to an experience that they’ve had or just out of the blue. A dog trainer or your local vet can provide further advice if you’re stuck. LONG LIVE DOGS!!! ❤

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr27

Underrated Careers You Should Consider

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We could probably name a bunch of careers that are overrated. ‘Advertising executive’ sounds flashy, but it’s actually a dying career field, with pay not being all that great. Lawyers get great pay, but when you consider the amount of work they have to put in (it’s basically non-stop, and the vast majority of it is paperwork), it may not be that great a trade-off. But, there are a bunch of important careers in our society that a lot of people don’t appreciate as much as they should. Not only are they essential to our country, but they’re also more complex, interesting, and stable than many seem to think. Here are just a few:

Accountant: A lot of people know that accountants are important, but they don’t see it as a particularly desirable career. After all, aren’t the accountants in films and books always really boring characters? The fact is, is that accounting is a very stable career choice that can land you a very healthy paycheck. It’s not just a career that people fall into because they couldn’t decide what else to do with their lives!

Nurse: When some unfortunate people think about nurses, they usually just think about hospital assistants who weren’t quite good or qualified enough to become “real doctors”. (Some people still seem to think that “doctors” are the males in healthcare and “nurses” are the females. To which I say… well, I don’t know what to say.). But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Nurses fill very particular roles that doctors couldn’t necessarily do, and becoming a nurse often requires very heavy-duty training and education. Courses in nursing science from the likes of Maryville University make clear just how complex and socially-needed this pursuit really is. Not to mention how rewarding!

Nurses are essential to healthcare

Vets: Vets, like nurses, are often just dismissed as ‘people in medicine who aren’t quite doctors’. (Although vets can actually refer to themselves as doctors in some parts of the world!) Some also seem to question why someone would choose to work with animals when human healthcare is so understaffed and overworked right now! But veteran veterinarians aren’t just high-earners; they’re also very important for society because they help deal with diseases and other issues in livestock. Without them, we’d have a much harder and more dangerous time getting… well, food. But us vegetarians have nothing to worry about! 😉

Also, you get to hang out with kitties!

Engineer: Like many similar careers in trade and manufacturing, civil engineering seems to have lost its cool factor, with an alarming amount of people assuming that such pursuits are basically pointless. But we don’t live in a post-industrial age; we’re still heavily reliant on careers such as this in order to keep our societies advancing. (Not just standing; advancing.) Someone with a great engineering grade can land a high-paying job pretty quickly, and the benefits for society when more people enter these fields are staggering.

Kitty Joyner, electrical engineer!

Waste collector: Seriously, they’re keeping the streets clean. People don’t just go into this work because they can’t do anything else; many do it because they care about their communities. That, and the pay isn’t half bad!