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Things to Know About Reputable Dog Breeders

If you have searched through shelters and not found the dog for you, you may have decided to purchase a purebred dog. However, you want to find a breeder who cares about you and your puppy. You may search for specific breeder types, such as show line German Shepherd breeders, but be sure to do your research on each breeder you find.

Volume

A responsible breeder is not a puppy mill, cranking out puppies like a factory. You want a breeder who cares for the dogs and gives them time to rest between litters. In addition, you want dog parents who are part of the family. They should be energetic and friendly with anyone who visits the breeder’s home. The home should be clean and orderly.

Because responsible breeders care for their dogs as family members, they may not have puppies ready for you when you are ready to purchase them. Therefore, these breeders may offer to place you on a waiting list for the next litter. They should also be able to tell you when a litter is expected.

Selective

Top breeders are selective in their clientele. They will not sell a puppy to anyone who asks or walks up. They will interview you while you are interviewing them. Because they have the best interests of their dogs in mind, they want to ensure their puppies go to good homes. Don’t be surprised if you are asked probing questions about your home, life and past pet ownership.

Resources

Reputable breeders may focus on one or two dog breeds, and they should be able to share extensive information about the breed. You can ask about their physical characteristics, temperament, health issues and any special considerations they have.

Because they want what’s best for their dogs, these breeders may offer you support and state that you can call with any questions throughout the dog’s life.

If you are searching for a dog with a pedigree, make sure you find a breeder who places you and your dog’s happiness and best interests above profits.

Landlords: How to Protect Your Health and Safety Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic

Landlords frequently have to deal with people in-person throughout the course of their duties. For example, showing units and making repairs require in-person meetings, often multiple times. Landlords filing lawsuits or responding to lawsuits also must show up to the courthouse in person. Thanks to the threat of COVID-19, these meetings have been mostly put on pause.

Although landlords are considered “essential business,” experts have placed strict limitations on all in-person gatherings, and for landlords, this rule is hard to follow.

If you’re a landlord, here are several ways you can protect your health and safety while the world rides out the COVID-19 pandemic.

  1. Hire a property management company

The most obvious way to stay safe is by not interacting with tenants at all. As a landlord, that’s not possible unless you hire a property management company.

When you hire a property management company, you won’t have to come into direct contact with tenants because the company will handle everything for you. For example, Green Residential in Katy, Texas has been serving landlords and tenants for years and handles all landlord duties, including things that require meeting in-person, like filling vacancies.

  1. Create professional 360-degree virtual showings

Until the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, open houses will be largely prohibited or at least limited. It’s not easy hosting an open house for people when everyone has to stand 6 feet apart and speak through a mask that muffles everything they say.

The only other way to show a vacancy in-person is by individual appointment. That’s not a bad thing. Many real estate agents say personal appointments are more likely to produce serious buyers than open houses. However, virtual tours have much to offer.

While a virtual showing will keep you and your leads safe, a virtual tour can actually be considered part of your lead generation strategy. By allowing potential leads to view your vacancies online first, you’ll eliminate leads that aren’t interested. Pictures don’t show everything, and some leads will pick up enough information from a virtual tour to know the property isn’t what they want.

By offering a virtual tour on your website, you can effectively filter out some leads who aren’t a match without wasting time and risking infection by meeting in person. You can still show units in person, but consider virtual tours as part of your initial lead filtering method.

Ready to create your first virtual showing? Check out the options published on Wondershare for several ways to create professional virtual tours.

  1. Implement stricter screening measures for all appointments

If you’re going to meet anyone in person to collect rent, perform repairs, or show a unit, create strict screening measures to follow without exception. For example, don’t meet with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms. You may also want to avoid meeting with people who have traveled to another country recently.

  1. Use your web forms to disqualify leads

If you’re collecting leads through a web form, you’ve probably set up questions to qualify your leads based on income, credit score, and readiness to buy. Using your form to disqualify leads is equally important, especially when you don’t want to waste time meeting leads unnecessarily who might be infected with the coronavirus.

Your web form’s questions should be set up in a way that allows you to filter out leads who don’t qualify. For example, instead of asking leads to write in their estimated credit score, set up a drop-down menu with score ranges. Make one of the selections begin with a score just under what you’ll accept. For example, if you require a minimum score of 650, make your drop-down selections read like this:

  • 701+
  • 650-700
  • 400-649
  • No credit

With selections formatted this way, you can automatically filter out leads who select the last two options. They don’t qualify, so by filtering them out, you’ll never have to sort through your web forms to figure that out.

If you haven’t studied lead qualification strategies from professional marketers, you’re probably not getting your maximum potential results.

During the coronavirus pandemic, meticulously qualifying your leads will mean less meetings in person and therefore less risk to your health.

Be gentle with your tenants at this time

Take care and be gentle with your tenants. Many are stressing about money, unemployment, and social restrictions, and might be a little on edge. For the smoothest ride through this pandemic, be professional at all times, pick your battles, and know when to walk away.

 

 

 

 

Fighting Cancer

Thе thought of having cancer іѕ a scary but a rеаl live роѕѕіbіlіtу. As wе gеt older, either уоu or ѕоmеоnе уоu knоw may соntасt thаt аwful disease саllеd саnсеr. Thеrе іѕ a ѕmаll аmоunt оf соnѕоlіdаtіоn in knоwіng thаt саnсеr trеаtmеnt сеntеrѕ саn bе fоund thrоughоut thе world in countries such as France that has a long history of cancer research thanks to notable people such as Maria Sklodowska Curie who greatly contributed to cancer research before her untimely death from radiation poisoning in 1934. The truth is that іt’ѕ very nеrvе racking tо hаvе a periodic рhуѕісаl еxаm bу your dосtоr аnd роtеntіаllу bе diagnosed with cancer. Luckily,
a cancer hospital in Paris is there to offer a lot of options to those affected by cancer.

Thеrе аrе mаnу dіffеrеnt fоrmѕ of cancer, dереndіng оn your gеndеr, thаt are looming іn thе shadows. Thе mеdісаl term fоr саnсеr іѕ malignant nеорlаѕm. It’ѕ a disease where a сеll group divides bеуоnd nоrmаl lіmіtѕ (unсоntrоllеd grоwth), іnvаdеѕ оr dеѕtrоуѕ adjacent bоdу tissue (іnvаѕіоn) аnd ѕоmеtіmеѕ spreads tо оthеr bоdу lосаtіоnѕ vіа blооd оr lymph (mеtаѕtаѕіѕ). Aссоrdіng tо a саnсеr treatment center, a bеnіgn tumоr іѕ differentiated from these mаlіgnаnt саnсеr рrореrtіеѕ bесаuѕе they are ѕеlf-lіmіtеd аnd dо not іnvаdе or mеtаѕtаѕіzе.

Dіаgnоѕіѕ оf саnсеr typically rеԛuіrеѕ оbtаіnіng a tissue ѕресіmеn frоm thе раtіеnt bу a dосtоr. A hіѕtоlоgіс exam of the tіѕѕuе ѕресіmеn is performed by a раthоlоgіѕt to dеtеrmіnе іf саnсеr is present. If you’re dіаgnоѕеd wіth a form of cancer thеn you сеrtаіnlу want to contact a саnсеr treatment сеntеr thrоugh уоur dосtоr аnd obtain thе trеаtmеnt thаt іѕ rіght for уоu. Many of thеѕе treatment centers such as Institut Curie, which is a cancer research facility as well as a treatment center in France, have thе аbіlіtу to offer either or both trаdіtіоnаl аnd hоlіѕtіс trеаtmеntѕ. In this mаnnеr, the сеntеr can trеаt thе саnсеr аnd also the раtіеnt’ѕ body, spirit аnd mind. Sоmе оf thе treatment сеntеrѕ conduct оngоіng research whеrе the раtіеntѕ саn раrtісіраtе іn vаrіоuѕ clinical trіаlѕ іf thеу ԛuаlіfу.

Critical Alert Systems To Include in Your Home

For most people, the uncertainty surrounding life at the moment may cause feelings of anxiety and alarm. If you are feeling anxious in this time of chaos and upheaval, your home may be your refuge and the only place you feel truly safe. You can make your home even more secure with alarm systems and sensors that alert you if anything is untoward. Here are four types of alarms to help you get started.

1. Family Dog

For thousands of years the family dog has been the first line of defense against intruders. You can enjoy the same sense of security when you have a furry pet watching your house for you.

2. Sump Alerts

If you have a basement, one of the most important alarms you can have in that area is the sump pump signal. The alarm will let you know that water is coming into your basement with a high-pitched hum or a sharp screech. Protect your family with a battery backup sump pump Toronto for extra protection.

3. Camera Notifications

There are many types of intruder alert systems on the market, and you must judge for yourself which is right for the security of your property. However, protecting your loved ones with a camera notification system that dings when anyone is at your front or back door can help you feel safe. It is well known that most burglars will shy away from houses with home alarms.

4. Gas Alarms

The newest gas detectors can alert you to hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, smoke, and natural gas. By adding one of the leak detector alarms, you can create another layer of protection to your family’s security.

You can establish a safety envelope around your home by adding a few alarm and alert systems. Choose one from the list above to begin today.

5 Favorite Snacks in Pittsburgh

Food is a lot more about mere sustenance. It says something about the culture in a particular place. The city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a diverse city with a rich history which is reflected in the snacks that people create, enjoy, and share with others. Here are a few of the comestibles that locals feel are most representative of the city. Some may be available from a Pittsburgh commissary.

1. Clark Bar

A Clark Bar is a candy bar consisting of peanut butter and toffee on the inside and chocolate on the outside. It was discontinued in 2018 but is scheduled to make a comeback this year thanks to a rival candy-maker buying the rights to the name and recipe. The Clark Bar was developed in Pittsburgh by David L. Clark, an Irish immigrant, in 1886.

2. Pittsburgh Popcorn

In addition to the movie-style butter flavor, Pittsburgh Popcorn is also available in other special flavors, including dill pickle, buffalo wings, and Wisconsin cheddar cheese for those who prefer savory and “white chocolate lepra-corn” or chocolate chunky caramel for those with a sweet tooth.

3. Smiley Cookies

Eat ‘N Park Restaurant refers to itself as “The Place for Smiles,” and this motto is reflected in its signature dessert, the Smiley Cookie. The sugar cookies come in different shapes but all carry the same smile in the icing.

4. Burnt Almond Torte

Another dessert unique to Pittsburgh is Prantl’s Bakery burnt almond torte. Dubbed the “world’s best cake,” it is available in both full size and individual servings.

5. Pierogi

No discussion of Pittsburgh-specific cuisine would be complete without a mention of the pierogi. Brought to the U.S. by Ukrainian and Polish immigrants, pierogi consist of a savory or sweet filling wrapped up in unleavened dough to form a dumpling and then boiled. They are considered a Pittsburgh staple.

5 Last-Minute Business Preparations to Stay Healthy This Winter

Winter is right around the corner and that means it’s time to winterize your business’ physical building. Winterizing your building is especially important this year since the world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent of your winter preparations will have a direct effect on people’s health.

There’s no telling how bad things will get this winter with flu season on top of the coronavirus, so take these 5 steps to ensure your business is safe for you, your team, and your customers.

  1. Install glass screens to separate your team from customers

In 2020 and beyond, protective glass screens will be an important part of winterizing your business. You can put screens in a variety of places including:

  • Hanging from the ceiling to separate customers from cashiers
  • Anchored to service desks
  • Bordering cubicles with open walls
  • In the middle of conference tables

There are numerous benefits of using glass protective barriers as opposed to plastic. For instance, plastic gets scratches and scuff marks easily and it’s hard to clean. Glass won’t accumulate those little scratches that make a barrier look ugly, which means you won’t need to replace glass screens as often as you would plastic.

  1. Storm-and-draft-proof your windows and doors

Some areas of the U.S. are expected to see an exceptionally harsh winter in 2020. No matter where you are, prepare your doors and windows for a cold winter. Even if you don’t get snow, it’s possible that you’ll get colder winds than you’re used to.

Your customers will notice a draft in the winter, so seal up any known drafts and have a professional come out to test all of your seals. Fixing drafts in your windows and doors will not only make your employees and customers feel comfortable, but it will save you a significant amount of money on heating costs this winter.

  1. Change your HVAC and other air filters

A dirty air filter has plenty of negative consequences. In the winter, a dirty filter overdue for cleaning or replacement can cause your HVAC unit to run inefficiently. Air won’t flow through a clogged filter, which causes the whole HVAC system to work harder. This will increase your electric bill, but can also cause the system to distribute heat unevenly, resulting in cold rooms.

Worst case scenario, if you don’t change your air filter, your HVAC unit will end up with overworked evaporative coils that can cause a total system failure.

It’s imperative for you to maintain clean air filters in every air purification or filtration system you have in your building. Dirty filters in small air filtration units can end up blowing the dirt, dust, and allergens back into the space, where they can cause health problems for anyone in the building.

  1. Review your business’ COVID-19 policies

If you’re one of the businesses allowed to operate in your area, make sure to review your COVID-19 policies. While you are required to follow all state and federally mandated laws, you may find it appropriate to adopt additional rules for your business. For instance, you may not be required to use one-way aisles, but you could choose to implement them if you think one-way aisles will help keep people safe.

Know your company policies before winter hits. Make the necessary changes as far in advance as possible to give your customers fair warning about what you’ll be expecting from them in your store.

  1. Attend to problematic trees

Don’t wait for a windstorm, heavy snow, or heavy sheets of ice to take care of problematic trees on your property. Look around for trees that might be dead, dying, or have loose branches that will easily fall in a storm. Have problematic trees cut down and removed entirely. For healthy trees with dead branches, it’s generally safe to just cut the dead branches.

Sometimes it’s hard to identify dead or diseased trees so make sure you call in an expert to determine which trees need to be removed or trimmed.

Get started before winter creeps in

Winter may start earlier than usual, so make sure to get your winterization tasks done as soon as possible. Don’t wait until winter hits. You may not be able to get an appointment with professionals, and if you can, you might end up getting charged far more than you would if you prepared ahead of time.

Three Types of Bakeries

When you walk into a bakery, what do you smell? You immediately smell the warm bread and see the pastries lining the counter. Bakeries are a part of society that people love, and they are a great place to visit with a friend, pick up a snack before work or buy your favorite loaf of fresh bread on the way home. If you’re planning to open a bakery, you may find it difficult to choose what to focus on. Although you can choose the type of location, interior design and name of your bakery, here are three of the most popular types of bakeries. Choose one that best fits your style or create a combination that allows you to sell the kinds of things you want in the way that you want it.

1. Pastry Shops

Are you the kind of person who craves sweets? Opening a pastry shop may be the best decision of your life. These types of bakeries sell all types of pastries, cupcakes, cakes and cookies. Flavor is an important part of this type of bakery, and you may have a variety of sweets to offer to customers. Some shops focus on style, as well. If you are great with frosting and love creating masterpieces, consider showcasing your sweets in a few confectionery display cabinets. If the treats you sell are especially tasty or fancy, you may become a destination for visiting tourists.

2. Traditional Bakeries

Have you always dreamed of owning a classic bakery? There’s nothing wrong with that. Traditional bakeries sell all types of bread, pastries and other baked items. This gives you a lot of freedom to sell things you enjoy making, specifically bread and biscuits. Try incorporating unique recipes and offer a variety of choices for customers.

3. Cafe Bakeries

Bakeries can easily become popular dining places. Consider turning your bakery into a cafe where people can gather, eat and enjoy their time in a delicious-smelling environment. These kinds of bakeries offer sandwiches, soups and drinks. You can offer specialty sandwiches, tasty delicacies and morning drinks. Don’t forget to display the bread you use on your menu for customers to buy if they just can’t get enough of your recipe.

Whether you choose to specialize in cakes or enjoy baking all sorts of bread, starting a bakery can be a great idea. Many people enjoy the bakery environment and freshly baked bread is always a perk. as you contribute your own recipes and flavors, you can live your dream and help others along their way.

Surgery Group Crowns Mr Manchester

The recently-crowned Mr. Manchester and former BBC TV The Apprentice star, Lewis Ellis has augmented his crowd-pleasing good looks with a visit to Surgery Group to look after a slight hair loss he was suffering.


Androgenetic alopecia, or typical male pattern baldness as it is more commonly known affects hair on the temples and/or crown of the head. This very common form of hair loss can continue to recede into the scalp and leads to the familiar ‘M’ shaped hairline.

He contacted Surgery Group who work with cosmetic surgeons around the UK and had a consultation with Dr. Ismail Ughratdar before he underwent the relatively painless Hair Transplant procedure and is consequently thrilled with the result, as testified to via his Instagram account!

Lewis very narrowly missed out winning last year’s ‘The Apprentice’ – but the Mancunian from the final five continues to celebrate being from Manchester with his recent victory as the city’s Mr. Manchester, the male equivalent of the Miss Manchester pageant, complete with its eveningwear round, the infamous beauty pageant staple of the swimwear round and a final talent round.

Taking inspiration firmly from his mum Christine, she was struggling to feed her own four children (including Lewis) as well as two cousins of Lewis, yet at the same time not only maintained her job in the NHS but also paid her way and found the time to study mental health at university.

Matthew from Surgery Group said; “It was a pleasure to meet Lewis. His condition is very common amongst men and the fact he recognised it early enough meant we could take successful remedial action.

“You can tell by both his attitude to business and life and by speaking with him that he was most certainly a deserved finalist in The Apprentice”.

Different Ways to Show Teachers Appreciation

Teachers are such an influential presence for their students. They so often go above and beyond what is expected of them. This is why it’s so important to show them support whenever you get the chance. Here are a few ways you can show teachers that you appreciate them.

Provide Them Lunch

It’s always nice to bring a teacher lunch whenever you get the chance. Many schools have teachers fill out a form at the beginning of the year with their favorite things listed on it. If not, you can just ask the teacher what he or she likes to eat. It’s also nice if the parents can get together and provide lunch for all of the teachers one day. You can do a potluck for them, or you can get box lunch catering Seattle WA

Give Them Time

The best gift you can give a teacher is the gift of time. Teachers never seem to have enough of it. Volunteer to cover lunch or recess duty for them so that they can eat together as a grade level or just get some work done. You can also volunteer to make copies for them, which can help save them a lot of time. 

Bring Supplies

Although most students are required to bring school supplies at the beginning of the year, it often just isn’t enough. Teachers frequently run out of glue sticks and pencils as well as many other items. Teachers often spend their own money buying these items later on, so find out what they need and help them stock up throughout the year. 

No gesture is too small when it comes to showing that you care. All that matters is that you’re there to support the teachers in any way you can. After all, they’re educating the next generation, so everyone should help them in any way possible. 

3 Ways to Keep People Healthy at Work

As a manager, it’s important to help employees practice good hygiene and healthy habits on the job; not only does this help prevent them from getting sick, it’s also crucial for keeping customers safe. Here are a few easy ways to keep everyone healthy in the workplace.

Hand Sanitizer

Capable of killing over 99% of viruses and bacteria, hand sanitizer for businesses is a great way to keep employees and consumers healthy. The CDC recommends using a sanitizer that contains between 60% and 95% alcohol, as this range is able to effectively kill most of the dangerous germs people come into contact with. Have bottles of sanitizer readily available on countertops, near computer stations, cash registers, kiosks and anywhere else people frequently use their hands. Remember: hand sanitizer should not be used as a replacement for hand-washing!

Hair Nets and Gloves

If your business involves things like food service or directly touching other people, have your employees take extra precautions by wearing hair nets and using disposable gloves. Hair nets keep stray hairs from coming in contact with consumable items, and gloves protect the products and people your employees work with. It’s also a good idea to use disposable gloves if employees are handling customers’ personal belongings — for example, TSA officers, phone repair technicians and housekeepers should all wear protection during work to help reduce the spread of germs. Keep boxes of gloves on hand for staff members to use and try to provide hypoallergenic options for people with latex allergies.

Facial Masks

For managers looking to take an extra step in the direction of general health, face masks are another excellent way to keep people safe in your workplace. Wearing a mask keeps viruses and bacteria from your mouth from becoming airborne and spreading to other people, so they are especially crucial in settings where people are immunocompromised. Rest homes, public schools, social services buildings and many other professional settings can benefit from using masks; if possible, you may even want to offer disposable masks to customers to help protect employees as well.

Health and safety are very important in the business world, so take the necessary precautions to protect everyone involved in your company. Encourage staff members to stay home and seek medical attention if they aren’t feeling well, and remember to regularly clean and sanitize any frequently-contacted surfaces in your building. For more ways to keep your business safe, you can visit the CDC website for additional information.

What Happens During an Exam With a Rheumatologist?

If your doctor refers you to a rheumatologist to evaluate your symptoms or test results, you may wonder what to expect. Rheumatic conditions are complex and may require several steps to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Taking a History

Every rheumatologist Memphis starts an exam by asking a series of questions about your symptoms. Many rheumatic diseases are genetic, and discussing your relatives’ health may reveal clues about your condition.

Reviewing Test Results

Whether this is your first appointment or a follow-up, a rheumatologist will want to review all your recent general medical test findings. Blood tests and radiological images can reveal the early stages of a disease that may warrant further investigation.

Examining the Body

Rheumatic diseases affect the musculoskeletal system by causing pain, tenderness, inflammation, redness and other discomforts. They may also cause internal organ complications and problems with the skin and eyes. During your first appointment, a rheumatologist may test for a range of motion and look for rashes, eye redness, and irregular heartbeat and respiration.

Testing Further

The various rheumatic conditions may present common symptoms, and a rheumatologist will order additional testing to determine a patient’s specific ailment. Blood tests that check for particular antibodies or inflammation markers can lead to a diagnosis and treatment.

Prescribing Medicine

Treatment may begin when a patient receives a diagnosis. A rheumatologist usually prescribes drugs that reduce inflammation and pain and slow the specific disease’s progression. Fast-acting steroids may be necessary for short-term relief of symptoms while the body adjusts to disease-specific medications.

Counseling

Most rheumatic conditions are permanent and require modifications to a patient’s daily activities and habits. A rheumatologist will counsel patients about anti-inflammatory diets, exercise, sleep and symptom triggers. Through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication, most patients achieve significant symptom relief.

Finding a rheumatologist you like and trust is essential for diagnosing and managing your condition and leading a full and productive life.

24 Hours in Santa Monica

Whether you are visiting for a week or a day, there are some Santa Monica sites you have to see. If you are only there for 24 hours or just looking to fill the day, follow this guide to help you get the most out of your visit.

Morning

Santa Monicans love their breakfast food, and it shows. Breakfast is so popular it is easy to find all day breakfast Santa Monica CA. There are a ton of amazing food options to help you get the right start to your day. After you’ve had your breakfast, make your way along the pier to the beach for some early morning relaxation with the sand between your toes before the sun gets too hot for the day.

Afternoon

After you’ve soaked up some sun, grab a quick bite on the pier before you head out to cool down in one of the many art galleries around the city. The city is full of art, so much so that it has become a leading influence on the art world. You cannot stop in Santa Monica without making your way to at least one gallery. Finally, don’t forget to take a selfie with one of the many murals decorating the streets.

Night

If you aren’t too tired from your day, it’s time to take part in Santa Monica’s exciting night scene. From hidden speakeasies to rooftop luxuries, there is something for everyone here. If you aren’t into the bar scene, consider making your way to one of many the live music venues found here. If get yourself hungry, there are plenty of spots still serving well into the early hours of the day.

Whenever you visit Santa Monica, be sure to make the most of your time. Don’t forget to enjoy the sun, some art and maybe even delicious libations.