So Sorry For Being MIA

I am so sorry that I have been MIA.  As life sometimes does it was a little busy and needed some much needed spare time to catch up on some things...but I'm back and ready for the weekend!  Braddock is healing nicely from his Panosteitis and I have some baking in store!  Get ready for Mini Pumpkin Flax treats available the Little B's Organic Dog Treats store starting Monday.  I will also be experimenting with some new baking techniques that will ensure each treat is the exact same size!

Whatever you have planned this weekend have an amazing time.  I wanted to share this picture of Braddock in his Ruffwear Portage Float Coat paddle boarding in Lake Tahoe.  Isn't he just the cutest!!!  

Panosteitis

The joys of owning a Bulldog are many BUT the health problems we have had to deal with are crazy!  I swear we go to the vet at least once a month.  This time it was to get B's rear right leg checked out as he would limp on it after spending time running around at the beach.  What did we find out?  He has Panosteitis! 

What is Panotsteitis?  It is an acquired inflammatory condition of unknown origin affecting the long bones of large and giant breeds of dogs. The condition affects male dogs more frequently than females. It causes pain and leg lameness for the dog and the problem will often shift from limb to limb. The condition affects the long bones found in the hind and forelimbs of the dog, especially the ulna, femur, humerus, radius, and tibia. Panosteitis affects puppies between the ages of 5 and 12 months. Panosteitis causes the marrow cavities of the long bones to become inflamed.

So now on top of the salmon oil we give him to keep his shedding in check we will be adding a joint supplement to the mix once a day and will have to keep him pretty mellow for 4-6 weeks.  Our vet prescribed Glyco-Flex Stage 3 which is formulated for dogs with abnormal joint conditions, he also uses this supplement for his Lab. 

People really aren't kidding when they say that getting a dog is great practice for when you have kids :)

Just Sit Back and Relax

This is so adorable I had to share it with you all.  Please enjoy this great video sent to me by my good friend Carol of a Bdog enjoying her favorite TV show.

Sailor Inspired Dog Gear

I'm still fighting the fact that my vacation is over and I can't just roll out of bed and enjoy a quick sail in Buzzards Bay.  When I saw these adorable Sailors Knot Collars and Leashes from Mascot they brought back memories of the sun on my face and the ocean splashing on my toes.  The best part is that you don't actually have to know how to tie a knot to use them!  That is definitely something I left up to the captain...a square knot what?  Plus you can feel good about using them as they are eco-friendly and made from 100% recycled materials AND they are water resistant and antimicrobial!  The cast buckle with poured enamel on the collars will not rust, chip or fade, so they are perfect for the pup who loves to splash in the sea.

A Great Review from New Age Mama

Not only did we just get back from a great vacation with the East Coast family, but what do I find in my inbox?  Another great review from a blogger known as the New Age Mama!  I was pleased to hear that her finicky furbaby "gobbled down the adorable little heart shaped treats as soon as I handed them to her".  It also gave me a chuckle when she said, "Little B's treats come in fun and unique flavors like veggie parm and pumpkin flax. They look so good my kids thought they were candy and almost ate a few themselves." 

Just remember these are human quality treats, so if you want to take a bite go ahead :)

Laura Lowe Deluca, mother of 3 and dog owner, is based out of New Jersey and is the brain behind this blog that is solely focused on reviewing products for children, babies and parents.  Not only does she do product reviews, but you can also find great giveaways, freebies and contests that you can participate in.

Happy to be back!

Vacay with The Black Dog

I will be shutting down my computer for a while as I fly the friendly skies to visit my new family and friends on the East Coast.  While I am there a trip to "The Vineyard" is planned where a definite visit to The Black Dog Tavern will be made.  What is The Black Dog Tavern you ask?  Well to make a long story short it is a restaurant named after Robert Douglas' dog named The Black Dog after the character in Robert Lewis Stevenson's "Treasure Island".  This dog sailed with Robert for years and become a welcome wagon of sorts for Captains and sailor's visiting The Vineyard.  After living on the island for a while and being sick and tired of having no options for food outside of his own kitchen in the months that followed the business that summer brought, Robert decided to open up his own place.  And so, on New Year's Day in 1971 the Black Dog Tavern opened and has been a staple for residents and visitors alike ever since.

Today, the chefs of The Black Dog are eager to share their passionate culinary creations with you. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are currently served for locals and travelers alike. The Black Dog is known for its menu, desserts and atmosphere, as well as the view of the harbor and its sailing vessels.

The brand has grown into The Black Dog Cafe, The Black Dog Bakery, The Black Dog Store, and even Black Dog Wedding Cakes!  You can find a bunch of cute items for your pooches as well, like Mint Tennis Balls, Doggie Water Bottles, and Sporty Mesh Collars!

Don't miss me too much while I'm gone!

Herban Essentials Pet Towelettes

I don't know about you but we go through doggie wipes like they are going out of style.  Be it in between baths, going to the bathroom, getting muddy on walks, etc...they are always handy.  These cute little wipes are adorable and who wouldn't love this packaging? 

Herban Essentials Pet Towelettes are a fabulous treat for both you and your furry family member. The towelettes are made with the highest quality pure lavender essential oil (one of my favorite scents EVER!), which not only makes them smell amazing, but makes them naturally antibacterial and antiseptic as well. Plus, lavender oil is wonderfully calming and relaxing.

Use the towelettes to clean your hands and kill germs after playing with, caring for, or cleaning up after your pet. Rub a towelette over pet's hotspots, scrapes, or skin irritations to disinfect, promote healing, and prevent licking. Place a towelette in pet's crate to help calm and relax in stressful situations (ie: vet visits, illness, travel). Use towelettes to regularly clean pet's ears.

Herban Essentials is a Santa Barbara based company whose products are sold all over the world.  They use the highest quality, 100% pure, therapeutic grade, steam distilled or cold pressed essential oils. They make a constant effort to obtain organic, wild-grown oils from American farmers whenever possible. Their products are made in the USA, are cruelty free and are never tested on animals.  They have great products for humans too like their Lemon Towelettes which won an Allure Best of Beauty Award.

So go on and get clean!

Dogs and Design

If you love dogs and you love home design you will love this slideshow from House Beautiful!  In my opinion a house doesn't really become a home until the pitter patter of little paws so it makes sense the two go hand in hand.

Have a great weekend!

It's Time for a Barksky!

If any of you are as sick of this San Francisco "winter" weather as I am here is a great way to get out of the city with the pooch.  Head 30 miles south to the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and enjoy a brew, some bites, and great views and maybe even some live music (I highly suggest taking the scenic route along Highway 1).  Dogs are incredibly welcome on their front patio and Braddock had a wonderful time when we ventured on down the coast a few weeks ago.  He even made a few 4 legged friends while he was at it.  The food is great and the beer delicious!  With names like Sandy Beach Blonde Hefeweizen and Mavericks Amber Ale how can you go wrong?!  I don't recommend giving any of the liquid gold to your pooch, but the staff at HMB Brewing Co. is more than happy to provide fresh water for them to enjoy.  When you are done take Fido on a walk around the Marina and enjoy the sites, even pick up some fresh produce at one of the fruit and vegetable stands along the way!

Wine Fit for Dogs

If you have read this blog you should know I am a huge fan of all things wine, which is why on one of my recent wine tasting outings I squealed with joy when I found these adorable wine bottle squeak toys by Silly Squeakers!  With hilarious names like Grrrobert Slobbery Pinot Noir and Kennel-Relaxn Chardonnay your dogs will not only enjoy them but you will get a laugh out of them too.  Each squeaker is the size of a 12 ounce bottle and made of a custom blend of durable, safe rubber, it's fun for dogs of all sizes. 

The Cartoon Lovin' Momma Blog Review

I am so excited to have another rave review from a fabulous blog called "The Cartoon Lovin' Momma".  In this blog there are real reviews for tots and moms along with her "Bringing Home Puppy" reviews.  The author's test subject was her Boxer puppy named Cash (who is adorable!).  I am happy to say he tried both flavors and loved them!  I was also so excited to hear the author really enjoyed the way the treats smelled as that means a great deal to me.  I strive to make treats that are not only healthy and delicious but also fun for owners as well so appearance and smell are equally as important.  Check out these great photos of Cash trying out Little B's Organic Dog Treats and check out the review here!

http://cartoonlovinmomma.blogspot.com/2010/08/little-bs-organic-dog-treats-review-and.html

Thank you for the review and Happy Treating!

Braddock...is that you?

The Bman

Ladies and gentleman meet Paxton... BRADDOCK's BROTHER!!!  We still keep in touch with Braddock's breeder and she recently sent us this picture of Paxton and we could not believe how much they look alike!  If I saw him on the street I don't think I would be able to tell them apart.  Paxton I'm sure is much better trained as he is a show dog and has won Group and Breed awards...pretty impressive if you ask me.  I don't think Braddock would be able to sit still long enough for anyone to really look at him if we wanted him to...he would just want to play! 

We can't wait to head back down south for Christmas so that Braddock can be reunited with some of his siblings.  They are all so cute!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Don't Drink The Water

Every time I see a puddle on the street when walking Little B that Dave Matthews Band song, "Don't Drink the Water" pops into my head.  After taking him to the vet for his initial evaluation we learned that he most likely had a drink from a stagnant pool of water and as a result had...I hate to say it...worms!  Ew ew ew!!!  I'm not afraid of many things but worms give me the heebie jeebies!

Jump forward 2 months and B rushed toward another pool and you guessed it, round 2 began!  Needless to say I am now SO SO SO careful whenever he gets near water that is anything but fresh.  Even if we are on a walk and there is a doggy bowl I quickly water the plants with it and fill it up.  I am taking NO chances.

So enjoy the great outdoors but be careful and "Don't Drink the Water" :)

Bijou Dog

Calling all doggy fashionistas!  I am so excited to write about this adorable company called Bijou Dog!  100% made in the USA, not only is this a San Francisco based design company for dog products, but everything is SO CUTE!  The meaning of bijou is something small and delicately worked and/or something delicate, elegant, or highly prized.  A very fitting name for a very bijou brand :) 

Founded in 2009 on the concept of style and comfort for their most beloved friend, their dog Shiloh (see the fluff doggy model below), Bijou Dog is a socially responsible company with a portion of their proceeds donated to selected animal charities.

With products ranging from dresses to raincoats, beds to mats, you are sure to find something for the little fluff in your life.  If only Braddock was a girl and 30 lbs lighter I would put him in the Coco Coat in a flash!

Check out the Bijou Dog shop at bijoudog.com!

Here are just a few of the items Bijou Dog has brilliantly put together.

Suri Dress

Vinyl Placemat

Isabelle Bed

Coco Coat

Nick Raincoat

Follow Little B's Blog

Calling all Little B's fans!  For the month of August if you become a follower of Little B's Blog you will receive a free sample of both of our Veggie Parm and Pumpkin Flax Treats!  Once you become a follower please send me an e-mail with your address and it will be on it's way to you and your pooch!

All you need to do is click on the "Follow" button under the "Followers" widget.  Select how you would like to follow Little B's Blog, then click the "Follow this blog" button.

http://www.littlebsorganicdogtreats.blogspot.com/

Organic Veggie Parm Treats

Organic Pumpkin Flax Treats

Happy Treating!

Hot Dog's Aren't The Only Dog At This Game

I have been a little MIA this week as I was down in Orange County cheering on the Angel's while they played my husband's favorite the Red Sox's.  It was a gorgeous day with great company, but sadly my Angel's lost.  In honor of the sport here is a fun little video of a cute dog, who was the "Iams Adoptable Pet of the Game" at a Northwest Arkansas Naturals game enjoying in her own special way.  Not only did she get adopted from this cute little stunt, but she helped get two other dogs adopted at the same time!  Go Mona!

Dog Poops on Field During Naturals Game @ Yahoo! Video

Have a great weekend!

No Backyard No Problem!

For those of you living without a backyard this is your answer to the problem of "I want a dog but I don't have a backyard." The Porch Potty is awesome and it has saved our lives! I discovered this years ago while looking through one of those Sky Mall catalogs on the plane and never forgot it. I always thought it was a great idea...but does it really work? Yes it does!

It is basically a shower tub with drainage groves and a patch of synthetic grass made from waterproof nylon strands and a durable latex backing so the grass will not retain moisture. From there you wash everything down with water regularly where it all flushes out a flexible hose and into a nearby drain or in an indoor catch basin if you choose to use it inside. You can buy it with a built in sprinkler system and timer or you can buy a watering can and wash it off yourself. I recommend doing this after every use. There are two sizes, large and small, and even training sod to help your pup get accustomed to it if they are not taking to the synthetic grass at first.

This product is fabulous!

Keep those nails trimmed!

I have quickly learned that although clipping your dog’s nails is not fun it is definitely necessary to keep up on. For me it was hard to really know where the quick was and then even harder to get Braddock to sit still. So I did my best, but that just wasn't good enough as I soon learned that long nails aren't just an eye sore but a health hazard. The first instance was when he ran across the street dragging a table behind him, oh boy! This little incident resulted in two broken toe nails…ouch. The second was when he began to pop up on the side of our bed to say hello. Once he was done, instead of pushing himself off he would slide down the side, one time resulting in his nail getting caught on the side board of our bed resulting in a pulled toe...bummer!  He has heeled from all of these ouches beautifully but I would like to avoid this from happening again.

I have tried the PediPaws Pet Nail Trimmer but his nails are similar to Jim Carrey's in Dumb and Dumber so it takes a long time to produce any results. The standard nail clipper works the most efficiently but it was still hard to tell how far was too far. I then tried a little trick that has been very helpful, I use a flashlight! That's right, I shine a flashlight behind his nail and I can see the quick clearly! He still will only let me cut 2 or 3 at a time but at least it gets done.

So keep those pawdicures up and your pets feet happy :)

Little B's Birthday Gift

It's Braddock's 1st birthday week and I am so excited!  We had to get him a special gift (not that he isn't spoiled already) and we went with something that benefits not only him but us as well!  As you know he loves the water, but also as you know Bulldog's sink!  We are not about to deprive him of the joy of splashing around, but we would love to feel more comfortable with him around water...SO WE GOT HIM A FLOAT COAT!

Portage Float Coat™ from Ruffwear to be exact!  Now we can let him run in waves and splash around in the lake without concern.  We can even bring him on kayak and rafting trips and won't have to worry about him jumping off and sinking to the bottom.  I can't wait for the first time his feet leave the sand and he begins to doggy paddle.  It will be a proud day indeed :)

The Portage is a high-quality life jacket at an excellent value. Great for calm water activities, or for dogs who are less buoyant and/or new to the water.  One of the biggest advantages of a Ruff Wear Float Coat is the strategically placed PVC-free buoyancy cells that support dogs in a natural horizontal swimming position, allowing them to go farther, longer, with less fatigue.

Happy Birthday Braddock!

The Dog of Beers

Photo's by Will Seith

This week my dad and brother found themselves cheering on the Angel's at the All Star Baseball Game held at Angel's Stadium.  It was a fabulous affair filled with sports, food prepared by executive chefs from stadiums around the country, and stadium vendors who traveled from as far as Canada to be a part of the celebration, which ended in a gorgeous display of fireworks.  They sent me photos of their good time and these were so adorable I had to share.  Meet the Anheuser-Busch Dalmatian!

The Dalmatian atop of Anheuser-Busch's beer wagon has become an iconic staple to the brand. Alongside from the Clydesdale horses, the Dalmatian remains a fixture in public events and advertisements. Though the horse team was introduced in the 1930s, the Dalmatian made its first introduction in the 1950s. Historically, the Dalmatians were often used to be a watchdog over the beer wagon while making deliveries.

So cool!

Dog Day's of Summer

With outside activities abound I hope you are liberally and regularly applying sunscreen to protect yourself from the suns harmful rays, but are you also applying it to your dog?  You may not realize it but dogs can get sunburned just like we can, especially dogs with fair skin and white hair.  We found this out the hard way the last time we were up in Tahoe at high altitude on a sunny day. 

To prevent this from happening apply an all natural sunscreen to the areas of your dog that are most likely to get burned, these areas include the tips of the ears, bridge of the nose, groin area, inside of the legs and the underbelly.  I stress the use of natural sunscreen not just because it's good for the environment, but we are talking about dogs here and they love to lick everything.  You will avoid getting them sick by using an all natural sunscreen.  A great product for you and your pooch to use is Sun Putty which is approved by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as report by Healthy Bitch Daily.

Sun Putty SPF 30 - A water and sweat resistant SPF 30 sunscreen that topped EWG’s coveted rundown of the safest sunscreens, Sun Putty is a 100-percent plant-based and biodegradable sunscreen. It protects skin from the day’s rays with nourishing, active ingredients like avocado oil, andiroba oil, cupuacu oil, turmeric, and mango butter. Reapply every two to three hours for optimal protection.

COMING SOON

Keep your eyes and ears peeled as this company will be coming out with Pet Putty, a 100% natural, effective, all-in-one insect repelling, SPF sunscreen 30, skincare and wound ointment for dogs and horses!

Dry Skin...Try Salmon Oil

Even though we feed Braddock kibble made of fish on a daily basis we were still noticing dry flakey skin on his back whenever we brushed him or gave him a good scratch.  Hoping there was something extra we could do to help him we visited our good friends at Pawtrero and they recommended this great product that has worked wonders!  No more flakey skin!

This product is plain and simple Wholistic Salmon Oil and it's so easy to use.  Just add a squirt or two depending on your dogs' size to their food and that's it!  We saw results in as a little as a month! 

From the cold, pure waters of the North Atlantic with the added benefit of Vitamin E this Salmon Oil is the finest quality human-grade, salmon oil from the body of fresh-caught salmon. Rich in EPA and DHA, it is the perfect combination of Omega-3's and Omega 6's that is naturally present in their freshly-harvested salmon straight from the cold waters of the North Atlantic! Don't be fooled by false advertising claims of "wild" salmon. Keeping salmon in contained farming areas in the sea does not qualify as "deep sea" and for certain, not "wild". Farm-raised salmon is subject to pollutants and contaminants and have made many people and dogs ill! It is a poor substitute for true deep-sea, wild salmon oil that is 33% more potent than farm-raised!

Will SF Ban the Sale of Pets?

Last night a law that was under consideration this week by San Francisco's Commission of Animal Control and Welfare to ban the sale of companion pets was tabled.  A companion pet includes everything but fish.  The goal of this law was to address the issue of people taking on pets before they are ready and as a result placing them in shelters.  It was also aimed to stop the support of puppy and kitten mills.  If this law were to go through it would be the first of its kind in the nation and would mean all San Francisco residents who want a pet would have to purchase them in another city, from a shelter or rescue group, or through a classified ad.

I'm not sure how I feel about this one.  On the one had I support the idea of minimizing the number of animals that are turned into shelters, and doing away with puppy and kitten mills all together, but I don't know about banning the sale of animals.  If the problem is that people have misconceptions about animals before they buy them than maybe there needs to be a responsibility on the pet store to ensure that the purchaser is aware of the animals' habits and capable of caring for it in the way that shelters do.  Or what about placing a ban on pet stores being able to purchase their animals from pet mills?  It will be interesting to see where this all goes.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Rafting on the Russian

When it gets hot I like to get wet and so does Little B.  A fun way to accomplish this is by rafting in Healdsburg on the Russian River with Russian River Adventures!  Enjoy a leisurely day on the water in a SOAR inflatable canoe with your pooch as this company is 100% dog friendly.  They boast that they put you on the most secluded section of the Russian River and never put in more than 40 canoes in a day, so overcrowding is not an issue.  There are plenty of fun swimming holes, rope swings, and some great turtle sightings!  When you are finished with your trip there is a return shuttle for your convenience :)

Remember to bring cool water for your dog to drink and a pet life jacket if your dog needs help swimming (like Braddock).  For extra savings become a Goldstar member and save 50% off the ticket price!  

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Unless you live in San Francisco it is Hot, Hot, HOT out there!  It's a great time to escape the heat of being inside and enjoy the great outdoors.  Your dog loves this too but you must be careful and take precautions to make sure they don't overheat.  Owners of dogs with short muzzles like Pugs and Bulldogs need to be especially careful as they are in the pool of dogs like puppies and older dogs that are at a greater risk of getting heat exhaustion.  Remember to always have cool water on hand for them to drink, a good idea is to bring frozen water at the start of your trip so it is still cold by the time they need a drink. 

If they start to show the signs of overheating immediately place them in cool water or get a few ice packs and put them on his/her neck.  The signs you are looking for are:

- Excessive panting
- Disorientation
- Obvious paleness or graying of the gums due to a lack of oxygen

It is a good idea to take your dog to the vet once they are stabilized to make sure they don't need additional care. 

Have fun and be safe!

Hair Hair Everywhere!

We had no idea what shedding was until Little B entered our lives and holy cow his hair is everywhere!  Not only that, but it's short, straight, coarse hair that gets into the fibers of everything and does not like to come out.  We didn't know what to do, the vacuum we had was not powerful enough and we really wanted to avoid buying one of the very cool but expensive Dyson Animal vacuums. 

So one day while at Bed, Bath, and Beyond we discovered this very cute, compact, and powerful Shark Navigator and we have been so thankful ever since.  It still boasts that it never loses suction, it's small and easy to carry, huge when you don't have a lot of storage space, and has a FABULOUS Power Nozzle with additional Turbo Power Brush that works like a charm!  The best part is it's half the price of comparable vacuums...woo hoo!  Don't forget to use one the many BBB 20% off coupons I'm sure you have lying around the house for even more savings :)

Organic Pumpkin Flax Treats on Etsy!

Our new Organic Pumpkin Flax Treats are available now on Etsy!  In each order you will receive a 5 oz bag of 100% Organic Pumpkin Flax Dog Treats. Wheat, corn, and soy free! The perfect heart shape for medium to large dogs or torn in half for small dogs.

Purchase multiples and save on shipping. Just contact me and let me know how many you want and I will make a custom listing for you. These can be kept fresh in the freezer beautifully!

Made with organic oat flour, organic brown rice flour, organic egg, organic safflower oil, organic pumpkin puree, organic molasses, organic flax seeds, organic cinnamon, organic ginger, and organic allspice each treat measures about 1 inch in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.

These soft vegetarian treats were inspired by the Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay. When you open the bag you will be greeted with the pleasant aroma of pumpkin pie. Not only do these treats smell and taste delicious but with all of the pumpkin and flax seed they are very beneficial to your dogs’ digestive system.

These treats are made to order once payment has been received and will be shipped within 1 to 2 days in a freezer safe vacuum sealed bag and a bubble wrap envelope or box depending on order size. Since these are homemade there will be slight variation from treat to treat. Also, since they are baked without preservatives please place them in the refrigerator upon arrival, once opened place in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

Happy Treating!

Happy 4th of July!

Is your pet celebrating the Red, White, and Blue? Want to see how other pets show off their patriotic best? Check out these Yankee Doodle dandies, the finalists from Martha Stewart's Patriotic Pets Contest to find out. 

Have a safe and happy 4th of July everyone!

Dog-Friendly Archives

For those of you who know me well you aren't surprised when I send another e-mail out requesting we go on one of the many fabulous excursions that Weekend Sherpa has recommended. If you aren't familiar with this site get familiar because it is awesome! They send out a free weekly e-mail newsletter giving you insiders' recommendations on the best outdoor pursuits exclusive to Northern CA. We are talking hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, etc... I have never had a bad experience with one of their suggestions!

Now it gets better as they just added a dog-friendly search so if you want to go on a hike with your Little B all you have to do is click on the link and you have tons of ideas to choose from! I LOVE IT! For example, it's 4th of July weekend and you feel like going to the beach...but where to go? How about Limantour Beach in Point Reyes? There are tons of trips to choose from!

So get out and explore!

Pumpkin...Delicious and Nutricious

 

This beautiful orange fruit is not only great for human consumption but canine as well, and thanks to the invention of canning we can enjoy it year round!  The health benefits of this pumpkin pie ingredient are many and should be enjoyed regularly by your pooch.

Packed with fiber, beta-carotene, antioxidants and vitamins K, C and E, pumpkin is a super food with a taste your dog will love. It is also low in calories and fat so it will help with weight management.  This delicious fruit helps prevent cancer, heart disease and cataracts. It's orange color comes from carotenoids, which attack free radicals that weaken cell membranes. It also is high in iron, which is good for your dog's blood cells, and helps both constipation and diarrhea (this I have seen with my own eyes).

Our new Pumpkin Flax Treats are a great way to enjoy the benefits of pumpkin where ever and whenever!

Happy Treating!

Dura Doggie™ Disc

Fetch Toy - Water Bowl - Chew Toy... ALL IN ONE!

The story behind this product is great.  Remember those classes you had to take where you were paired in a group and had to come up with a new product to present to your class?  Well that is where the Dura Doggie™ Disc was born.  Three students at the University of California at Santa Barbara did just this and the class was so won over by what they had created they decided to make their fake product a reality...and the rest as they say is history.


Great for on-the-go, the Dura Doggie™ Disc doubles as a fetch toy and water bowl. This award winning toy is made out of nylon sandwiched between two layers of natural rubber, making it extremely durable. The nylon gives the disc its unparalleled strength, while the rubber helps maintain the disc’s shape. A great toy for your everyday dog!  The disc comes in two sizes, the Dura Doggie™ Disc for medium to large dogs and the Dura Doggie™ Petite for puppies and small dogs.
 
What a great toy to bring to the 4th of July picnic or BBQ you're attending this weekend.  Think about how much smaller your doggie diaper bag will be!

Not only is this product great, but the company gives back as one disc for every ten sold is donated to an organization helping dogs!

And if (you or) your dog chews up a Dura Doggie™ product in 30 days or less, they will send you a new, one time replacement, FREE of charge.

Tigers and Panda Bears...Oh My!

I felt like Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers on the Weekend Update when I first read this article...REALLY?! I dog that looks like a tiger? A panda that is really a dog? REALLY?! That's right people, what you see before you are dogs whose fur has been dyed so they resemble an exotic animal. This is the sign of a community with too much time and too much money. Is this interesting...yes...should it happen...HECK NO! I really hope these owners are using henna or herbal dyes, but from the look of the bright orange tiger retriever my guess is that's a NO. To force these animals through the hair dying process to me is just horrible and at the expense of the animals health. Come on people...REALLY?! Next time just buy a tiger or panda costume for your pet. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should!

Stepping off my soap box now :)

Kimpton Hotels LOVE Your Pets

I have heard many a person complain that when they go on a road trip and bring their dogs the places they find to stay that allow their pooch to stay with them are less than desirable.  Well Kimpton Hotels are here to answer your prayers with an amazing hosPETality program.  All of their boutique hotels welcome dogs, cats, and various other companions with no fees or special deposits and no weight or size limits.

Kimpton doesn't simply allow pets to stay the night—they roll out the red carpet. Their hotels have created unique and fun packages to ensure that your pet guests are treated with the same elements of care, comfort, style, flavor, and fun that they promise their moms and dads.  These packages include amenities and services like pet food, dog walking services, chew toys and their pet friendly attitude.

There are even four legged pet ambassadors at a number of their hotels that are responsible for welcoming guests with an enthusiastic wag, helping the concierge make suggestions for local pet-friendly hot spots, graciously hosting the complimentary evening wine hour, testing potential pet amenities and services, and making celebrity appearances at events for animal organizations. Their Directors of Pet Relations also provide endless inspiration for Kimpton's hosPETality program.

So go ahead and book a room today!

Dogs Get High Altitude Sickness Too

This past weekend was spent with my family in Lake Tahoe and of course Little B came along.  He absolutely LOVES it up there!  When I say up there I mean UP THERE too as where we stay the elevation is between 6400' to 7040' and with this we discovered that dogs can get altitude sickness just like we do. 

Anecdotal evidence suggests that dogs can become ill from the effects of high altitude, but there hasn't been much research on the topic. Like humans, at high altitudes some dogs stop eating, show discomfort and have no energy.

Our little guy showed a loss of appetite (which is very strange), started to chew on grass (which they do to throw-up), followed by 1 bout of vomiting.  We just let him move at his own pace and he seemed to be fine after a while, but it's important to keep track of your dog and how they are adjusting.  If a dog is exhibiting symptoms, it is wise not to take the dog any higher. Also be sure it has plenty of water. If there is no improvement, it is a good idea to take the dog to a lower elevation.

So be safe and have fun!