Recently, we were asked to adopt a bulldog who just had an eye operation. Long story short, we had prepared everything for her and even given her a name Elle Driver which we thought was really clever, if we do say so ourselves. But then at the last minute, we were told that Elle, our Elle, was going to be adopted by someone else (read: the breeder’s mother). Needless to say, we were very disappointed to the point of vowing to put off our dream of becoming pet owners for a couple of years. Yes, we know that we are being overly dramatic. But then again, you would be too if you have already bought toys, the cutest dog bed, and a mishmash of pet supplies. Anyway, don’t feel too sorry for us. We’re going to be A-Okay–well, at least okay enough to give you a list of the top four apps that you should download if you have the good luck to be a proud pet owner.
1. KittyBalls
Sure, we went on and on about dogs in our intro; but don’t let that fool you into thinking that we are strictly dog people. We like our cats too, especially Tard, the Grumpy Cat, which is why KittyBalls is, to use a much-loathed term, Amazeballs! Now, you probably won’t get to see Tard in KittyBalls but you will get to "play with cats in shelters all over the world who are waiting to be adopted." Created by Philip Reichenberger, Rodrigo Sanchez and Justin Isaf, KittyBalls "uses an existing webcam that is attached to a computer that has an app connected to a KittyBalls server." As a visitor, you can control the KittyBall, while the app broadcasts a video stream to the KittyBalls site.
2. PetSnap
Arguably, one of the greatest joys of owning a cute dog or cat is the freedom to take pictures of your pet whenever you want. It’s just a wee bit difficult when your little guy or gal "doesn’t play to the camera when you’re trying to get a shot." Similar to Dog Whistle, PetSnap can play more than 30 different sounds to get your pet’s attention. Once, you have it, the app will take several photos in sequence, which you can then (after adding your preferred filter) share via your Facebook or Twitter account.
3. Dog Whistle
Who says you need Cesar Millan to train your dog? With Dog Whistle, which is a free app by the way, you can select from four frequencies to train your dog to do tricks, stop barking, and so on. According to the app’s official Google Play page, "A dog whistle works by emitting a high frequency tone in a range that a dog does not ordinarily encounter. The highest frequency a normal middle aged human can hear is 12,000-14,000 Hz… High frequency tones have the effect of immediately getting a dog’s attention. Dog whistles are typically used as a part of a training routine… for behavior modification." Now, if you don’t have an Android phone, don’t worry. Dog whistle is also compatible with your iPhone or your Blackberry.
4. Pet First Aid
The great thing about Pet First Aid is that it works even without business phone service coverage. The not-so good thing about it, though, is that it’s not free. Still, for only $3.99, you get to check your pet’s symptoms and assess whether you need to take him or her to the vet or not. The app also helps you "find a home remedy to make them better" and features a Pet Info Section that keeps track of your pet’s medical records. Pet First Aid also comes with videos that "are to-the-point and useful for visualizing the information quickly," as well as "detailed lists for making your own first aid and disaster preparedness kits."
