Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Prepare to volunteer. Represent your shelter. Donate. Think about fostering an animal.

Answer: You may need to provide your own lunch. Dress appropriately for the weather if you'll be working outdoors. Consider bringing tennis shoes or rubber boots, depending upon your chores. You shouldn't wear shiny jewelry or baubles, because you don't want the animals taking them, breaking them, or fighting you for them. It's also a good idea to bring bandages, peroxide, and disinfectant cream. Some people believe that animals in shelters are unwanted or undesirable in some way. One of the most beneficial things you can do is to share the positive facts about your shelter with people, especially those who have never adopted a pet before. By helping to change the mindset of the public, you can help more animals find their "forever homes." If you can't afford to spend much time volunteering at a shelter, you can still help out by donating money and animal-care items. Shelters need food, toys, bedding, and grooming items for each of the animals that come into their care. Most shelters will be happy to accept donations of used items. Ask for a list of things that they need. Some of these items may include:  Pet food, pet treats, feeding items, and bowls. Blankets, towels, or padding or bedding for cages. Try going to a local hotel and asking them for their stained linens. Disinfectants, grooming items, and newspaper for puppy training and cleaning. Toys, scratching posts, balls, and toys. When you foster an animal, you are committing to take it into your home and to care for it. It is your job to help it get healthy and socialized before it is placed for adoption. Make sure that you have room for a temporary dog or cat in your home, and ask yourself whether you have the energy to care for this animal. If so, ask whether the shelter has a foster program. This is a big responsibility, but it can be deeply rewarding.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Go for shorts that hit below your belly button if you are petite. Try shorts with an A-line cut if you are curvy. Size up for a more comfortable fit. Make your own pair of high-waisted shorts with old jeans.

Answer: Try high-waisted shorts that hit a few inches below your belly button so they do not swallow up your torso. Shorts with a top button that hits just below your belly button may make your torso appear shorter, rather than elongate your frame. You may need to try one several pairs of high-waisted shorts with different inseam lengths to find the right one for your petite frame. An A-line cut will help to elongate your legs and flatter your curves. A-line means the shorts have a narrower waist and a slight flare from the hips to the leg. This forms a nice A shape to the shorts.  You can shop for A-line cut shorts online or in stores. Sizing up can make the shorts feel more casual and comfortable, especially if they are made of denim. Try sizing up so you have more room in the waist and legs.  If the waist is very big on you when you size up, you may not want to go for this. Instead, look for high-waisted shorts that still fit well in the waist and have a bit more room in the legs when you size up. If you have a pair of high-waisted jeans that already fit you great, consider cutting them and making your own high-waisted shorts. Use a pencil to mark where you want the shorts to hit you on your legs. Often, five to six inches from your waist is ideal. Go shorter if you don't mind showing more leg in the shorts. Use scissors to cut the jeans into shorts. The edges of the jeans will fray over time or once you wash them, but that can become part of the distressed look of the shorts.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Rub and scratch hard-to-reach spots. Wash with warm water. Pick up the feet  Learn some basic horse massage techniques Try aromatherapy.

Answer:
Grooming your horse is an important bonding experience, as it shows the horse that your relationship is not all about riding and work, it's also about spending time together and finding things that make him happy. Thoroughly grooming your horse with a curry comb is a good place to start, just make sure to get all those spots that he can't reach himself, like his chest and belly. When it comes to bath time, make the experience as pleasant as possible for your horse by washing him with warm water -- not too hot, not too cold.  Work a specialized horse shampoo into his coat with a soft sponge, but be sure to thoroughly rinse it out afterwards, to avoid irritation. Remove any excess water with a sweat scraper. . A horses legs are very sensitive, so by allowing you to pick up his feet, a horse is displaying great trust. Let him grow accustomed to your touch by gently running your hands along his foreleg, starting above his knee and slowly working your way down towards the fetlock. If he grows skittish, stop and start again from the top.  Once he allows you to touch his fetlock, lightly squeeze a few inches above it with your thumb and forefinger. This is his cue to lift his foot. Once he allows you to lift his foot, check that the shoe is intact and that there is nothing lodged in his hoof. Gently place his foot back on the ground and reward him with a pat. . Giving your horse a massage is a great way to relax him and encourage trust. By working on any knots or sore spots, you will also be relieving pain and tension, which may also enhance his performance.  Learn to recognize the feel of your horse's muscles, and be able identify which areas need the most work. In time, he will learn to lean into the massage, showing you where he needs work. Sometimes a quick mouth massage is all that's needed, other times you will really need to dig in deep, working hard to loosen his hips or shoulder muscles. Essential oils (designed especially for horses) can work wonders for relaxing and calming your horse while you work on grooming.  Rub a couple of drops of your chosen oil under his nostrils and around his muzzle and he will happily oblige your every request. As an added bonus, essential oils also work as an insect deterrent, which can be helpful during summertime treks.