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Most of us have probably determined the age of our pets in "human" years, correct? When it comes to dogs no one formulation for a dog to human age conversion is scientifically agreed upon, and in fact the seven years to one human year is a myth. Age may differ from breed to breed, and essentially the average life span of the North American or European dog is around 12.8 years of age. For the past century there has been a rise in life span to most of our animal friends, from cats and dogs to rabbits, birds or even horses, thanks to improved veterinary care and more nutritious foods. Unfortunately, as our pet grows older they get closer to dying.

According to Fred Rogers, the famous author of "When a Pet Dies", the hardest part of losing a pet is dealing with the death. This is so relevant to children who matured with their pets. He implies discussing memories about the pet by holding pet memorials.

Here are some incredible facts, An African Gray parrot can reach the maximum age of 50 years, while a year in each horse's age is equivalent to three human years thus a 26 year old horse is as old as 78 year old human. The average lifetime of rabbits is suggested to be ten years. If changed into human years, a rabbit that is currently ten years old is similar to human who is already 75 years old. There is an easy way to do the computation yourself for your own pets at www.onlineconversion.com/dogyears.

It is in each one of us the wish that our pets can live longer than what is anticipated. The life expectancy of any specific dog or cat is determined by the stresses in its everyday life consisting of what it eats and physical and psychological stresses. The reason why larger dogs live shorter than scaled-down dogs is the fact that the huge bodies of these dogs undergo more stress than the bodies of smaller dogs. Medium dogs reportedly live to be between 11 to 14, while very huge breeds survive only 8 to 12 years. Smaller dogs can live up to 22 years. More compact breeds such take pleasure in a life expectancy of about 14.8 years of age, and yet many live to be 18 or older while a larger breed such as a Labrador Retriever might live typically 12.6 years. Normally, there will usually be an exception, of Labradors living longer than expected.

Most canines reach full growth and sexually maturation at about the age of one, although some dogs might still need to fill out, just like a teen. A two year old dog is equivalent to about another three to eight years in terms of physical and mental readiness. Each year following that is equal to four to five human years.

Cats, or felines go through puberty during a period of about 18 to 24 months, rather than 21 years as it is for people. One human year is equal to 16 cat years and the pursuing calendar year is now equivalent to 5 to 7 feline years. Then you can add about four cat years for each calendar year of the cat's life – a four to one proportion. So a ten year old feline would 40 in cat years.

It is so important to take good care of any animal, as they get older, making it comfortable as it approaches death. For instance, you will know his days are numbered if other pets begin to ignore or snap at the senior dog, when or when it halts eating, becomes incontinent or breathing becomes difficult.

When a pet passes away, a parent should permit their children to bid their pets good bye. As a family, choose an urn for cremation, or a coffin and a plot marker for burial. If you want to write and share your pet tales or buy pet urns and pet memorials, you can always search for that on the web.

Family members can also help the memories live on permanently in your heart by purchasing pet memorials at www.petmemorialsfromtheheart.com -- for commemorative art from Denice Lewis' Loving Hearts pet memorial collection. The piece usually begins as an authentic painting by Denice Lewis. Next a limited edition of 100 gallery-wrapped, museum quality gicleee prints are produced. Lewis will allow you to talk about your pet while incorporating your pet's remains on the last layer of the Loving Heart pet memorial art piece.