Say Goodbye to Your Little Friends

That's right ladies and gentlemen today is the day our little boy gets neutered.  BIG DAY!  At first I thought this decision wouldn't be hard.  They were so tiny when we first got him that I figured he wouldn't miss them.  But as he grew so did they and have become a larger part of his personality than I realized.  It just won't be the same when he gets comfortable on the couch lying on his back full spread eagle anymore.  The view from the rear won't be the same either...I know it's for the best but I can't help but feel a little bad.

It will be interesting to see how his behavior changes.  Will he feel the need to mark everything?  Will dogs be a little bit friendlier to him?  Will lying on the floor like a pancake be more comfortable?  I am happy that this procedure ensures he will never have problems with testicular disease and will reduce the chance for problems with his prostate glands and cancerous growths.

We had initially planned to do this a little over a month ago, but then the whole table dragging, toe nail breaking incident occurred the week before and we couldn't bear the thought of him wearing the cone of shame longer than he had to.

So wish him luck B lovers and say goodbye to these!

Lafayette Park

If this weekend turns out to be one of those unbelievable ones where you couldn't imagine being anywhere more beautiful than right here in good ole SF.  You know the kind with cloudless skies, temps in the upper 70's, and barely any wind to speak of, it might be a good time to head to Lafayette Park located at Gough/Sacramento/Washington/Laguna Streets to get your dose of vitamin D and let your Little B enjoy some time outside.  This park is great in that it is at the top of Pacific Heights and has amazing views of the bay and twin peaks.  It is a very popular place to go when it is nice outside and the people watching doesn't suck either.  Stop by Whole Foods on your way over and grab a picnic lunch to enjoy with you and your pooch.  Braddock and I had a blast when we spent a day here a few weekends ago :)

Organic Beet Powder

Organic beet powder is made from ripe organic red beets that are cooked, peeled, sliced, dried, and ground.  It is a natural food coloring and used in our red "Veggie Parm" treats to give them that extra pop in color.

Red beets contain a pigment called betalain which causes its red color.  The health benefits of beets include fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and are rich in iron, potassium and niacin.  Beet powder is also known as a great herb to help build the liver.

The only drawback is it may cause tear stains in dogs with white fur.  If you have a dog that fits this description you will have to see if this is the case on an individual basis, however; given every now and then should not be a problem. 

As a result we are offering a version of our "Veggie Parm" treats without beet powder to accommodate our fair fur friends.  If this is something you are interested in let us know.  The color won't be as vibrant but they will be equally delicious!

Digital Creations from Adam's Rib

Erica Eley from Adam's Rib is the master mind behind my banners which are AWESOME!  She is also a fellow Etsian and found me when I sent out a request for some help with my image (Alchemy is genius).  She took my photo and concept and turned it into beautiful digital artwork that has now become the image of Little B's. 

Now she can do this for you too!  If you have a favorite picture of You and Your Pet, or anything really, she will transform it into custom digital art.  All you need to do is email her a photo and you will receive an artist signed and dated OOAK digital art print on 11x14 heavy card stock with HP Ink, immortalizing you and your wonderful pet!  This print is suitable to stand upright without a frame.  What a great gift idea or fun photo to have up in your office.  Imagine the possibilities!

To top it off they offer a 10% discount on anything in their shop (including custom items) for military service members :)

Please allow up to two weeks for completion of art.

We are up and running on Etsy!

It is official!  We are up and running on Etsy and have already had our first few orders...woo hoo!  Please check it out.  If you have had a chance to try the Veggie Parm treats feel free to leave feedback and heart the product and the shop!  Please also share with friends and family if you think they will like it!

If you are a fan on Facebook I have also added a My Etsy tab for easy access if you want to order :)

Meatball is King!

You heard me, Meatball has been crowned "Beautiful Bulldog" at the 31st annual Beautiful Bulldog pageant in Des Moines, Iowa.  As the bearer of the crown and cape he is the official mascot for the 101st Drake Relays track and field event at Drake University held on April 21st.

There are 50 coveted slots in this competition that were filled in 22 hours!  I so wish I could have been there to see this event.  As a first time owner of an English Bulldog I have gained a new found appreciation for this wonderful breed.  I had no idea how silly, sweet, and hilarious they are.  One of my favorite things that Braddock does is stick out his tongue like in the picture below of the cheerleaders.  I'm not sure if his tongue is to big for his mouth or if it's just more comfortable, especially when he is in a deep sleep, either way it sticks straight out and it's adorable.  Now imagine a room full of 50 of these cuties doing the same thing!  LOVE IT!

Congratulations Meatball!

Bring Your Dog Wine Tasting in Healdsburg

As you might have guessed it Healdsburg is one of my favorite places in Sonoma...heck anywhere.  If you want to go visit this gorgeous piece of wine country but don't want to leave your Little B at home, bring him!  There are plenty of wineries that are dog friendly, so grab a picnic lunch from Costeaux French Bakery and enjoy this beautiful place!

Matrix Winery 3291 Westside Rd. - With panoramic views of the Russian River Valley and critically acclaimed wines - Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels, Syrahs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays and Bordeaux varietal blends - you are bound to enjoy the trip.

Armida Winery 2201 Westside Rd - Just around the bend from the town of Healdsburg this winery is nestled in the western hills of Dry Creek Valley overlooking Healdsburg, Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley.  Armida invites you to come to their Healdsburg Tasting Room and play on their beautiful bocce ball court, a great way to spend the afternoon!

Mauritson 2859 Dry Creek Rd - Stop by and try their delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, which showcase the fruit-forward, floral and spice-driven characteristics attributed to these appellations.  It doesn't hurt that there are adorable doggies there too!

Selby Winery  215 Center St - Believe in utilizing sustainable and organic vineyards...who doesn't like that!

Papapietro Perry  4791 Dry Creek Rd - a blend of fun-loving friends who wanted to drink Pinot daily so they made it themselves.  They specialize in small lots of handcrafted, single-vineyard designate Pinot Noir and Zinfandel produced from the finest grapes.

Quivira 4900 West Dry Creek Rd - Their organic and Biodynamic (which is amazing!) winery is teeming with colorful gardens, entertaining animal life, soothing waterways and, of course, abundant vineyards, offering breathtaking views of this small but thriving wine region.

Cheers!

Grapes of Wrath

To continue the wine country theme this week I thought it important to talk about dogs and grapes.  Did you know that grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs?  According to the Animal Poison Control Center or ASPCA, "Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure.  In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic."  While I have known a dog or two in my day to eat a grape off the vine and be fine, it is important to err on the side of caution.

So what do you do if your dog has eaten this fruit?  Try to determine how much they ate and contact your vet immediately.  It's a good idea to contact the ASPCA as well to ensure the correct actions are taken.  The ASPCA can be reached at (888) 426-4435. 

Happy Earth Day!

Winery Dogs

I will be heading up to wine country this weekend to celebrate Russian River Passport in my favorite part of Sonoma, the Russian River Valley!  I am biased as that is where we were married, but even so the area is stunningly beautiful and has maintained a small winery feel while producing award winning results.  There are still many places you can go and taste where the pourer is also the wine maker!  The wines are to die for and the restaurants are some of the best around.  A few of my favorites include Seghesio Family Vineyards, Dutcher Crossing, Yoakim Bridge, and Dry Creek Vineyard.

While I am up there I will be keeping my eyes out for the Winery Dogs from this adorable book.  There is something so fabulous about enjoying some delicious wines in a beautiful winery with friendly people and their equally friendly dog.

If you aren't able to make it to Sonoma this book is a great way to transplant you there, or bring home to remember the good times!  This line of books also includes Winery Dogs of New York, Napa Valley, and Central California so there is definitely something for everyone :)  The Napa Valley book was even included in the gift bags for the 2006 Emmy's!

Veggie Parm Treats

The second test run of the first product has been completed and I am very happy with the results.  Please say hello to the first treat in the "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" line called "Veggie Parm".  This treat is inspired by one of my husband's favorite dishes Chicken Parmesan.  The color is exactly what I was going for and it smells and tastes like Chicken Parm minus the chicken...so like cheese pizza!

The ingredients include organic oat flour, brown rice flour, egg, olive oil, tomato paste, beet powder, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and filtered water.

I have samples ready for whoever wants them, each will include 6 treats and will arrive in a vacuum sealed bag that you can either feed to your dog right away, save in the refrigerator for a few weeks or keep in the freezer for a few months.  Once opened please store in an air tight container.  Keep your eyes peeled for this listing to appear on our Etsy shop this week to purchase these treats for you and your dog to enjoy.  All of my treats are made to order and sent to you within a day or two of your purchase.  Happy treating!

Through a Dog's Eyes

“Through a Dog’s Eyes will change the way you feel about your own dog. The documentary follows a handful of people as they journey through the heartwarming and often challenging process of receiving their service dogs”. This movie will warm your heart and make you appreciate even more the amazing creatures that dogs are, just watch the trailer and you will see what I mean.

Service dogs are assistance dogs trained to help people with disabilities. If you have not seen one of these pooches in action you need to, they are incredibly smart, well behaved, and loving.  So turn on your TV to PBS this coming Wednesday, April 21st at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT to see what service life is like Through a Dog's Eyes.

If you are inspired to help an organization that trains service dogs be sure to check out Guide Dogs for the Blind.  They are always looking for community volunteers, breeding stock custodians, puppy raisers (fun!), campus volunteers and speakers.

Have an amazing weekend!

Crissy Field Park - Off Leash!

I thought a great place start the activities section of this blog is one of our favorite places to take Braddock, Crissy Field Park, located at 603 Mason St. located in the Marina/Presidio area.  This is a wonderful place to take your pooch to frolic in the sand and surf while enjoying some amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco bay.  Off leash areas include the beaches along the waterfront and the large flat grassy field behind them.  If you want to venture to the West beach closest to Fort Point you will need to have your dog on leash and remember to avoid the fenced restoration zones and the lagoon area.

Braddock loves the wading pools as they are shallow enough for him to run through and roll around in without sinking (see pic).  There is nothing better than to see the excitement on his face when you take his leash off, present the huge beach to him and say, "Go Get It!".    He is also a huge fan of playing in the waves.  Can he swim...no...but does he love to get in up to his shoulders...heck yeah!

This is a very popular beach with many dogs to play with or just to dog watch.  It can get windy in the afternoon so remember to layer your clothing.  With the wind comes the wind surfers, kite boarders, and sail boats which adds to the charm.  There is plenty of great parking, a nice bathroom, and an area to wash the sand off and even BBQ.  Remember to pick up after your dog to ensure these places remain dog friendly and enjoy this beautiful city we live in!

Benefits of Tomato Paste

Did you know that tomato paste has been shown to have a positive effect in dogs as well as humans when it comes to taking steps towards preventing cancer?  Lycopene which gives tomatoes their fabulous red color is an antioxidant, which appears to prevent the formation of harmful by-products of metabolism called free radicals.  Free radicals are harmful to body cells, as well as genetic makeup, leading to certain chronic diseases like cancer.  So why is tomato paste more beneficial than fresh tomatoes?  When a tomato is cooked the heat liberates three times more lycopene from the plants tissue...isn't that great!  There is one extra step, since lycopene is a lipid remember to consume with organic olive oil for better absorption.

While tomato paste is a great way to get this wonderful antioxidant to your dog via a treat DO NOT let your dog eat tomato plants!  The green part of a tomato plant is considered poisonous to pooches and can cause abnormal behavior, clumsiness, diarrhea, dilated pupils, drowsiness, excessive salivating, fatigue, loss of appetite, slow heartbeat, vomiting, and weakness.

Happy treating!

Blomma Dog Stationary

My good friend Courtney turned me on to this adorable stationary by Blomma Dog.  She is a fellow Etsy shop out of Chicago and makes these fabulous Bulldog and Black Lab cards.  Her line also includes Boxers, Dachshunds, Poodles, etc...  AND if you don't see your favorite breed she is currently working on her next line and just might include your request. 

You can make these cards extra special by sending them with a USPS Stamps to the Rescue cat or dog stamp.  "In celebration of the new Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps, the Postal Service together with Ellen DeGeneres and Halo: Purely for Pets, is giving shelter pets around the country a First-Class meal.  During the launch of the stamps, Halo will be donating 1 million meals to animal shelters around the country."  To date there have been 600 thousand meals donated!  There are still 400 thousand to go to meet the goal, so why not help out an innocent animal while doing something you have to do anyways!

1st Test Results

The first test of the line I am calling "I Left My Heart in San Francisco Treats" is a success! I plan on making a few adjustments, but for a first try I am very pleased.

For this version I used a combination of organic oat flour, brown rice flour, tomato paste, beet powder, freshly grated parmesan cheese and filtered water.

If you would like to receive a free sample all you need to do is become a fan of Little B's Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/San-Francisco-CA/Little-Bs-Organic-Dog-Treats/110831608940319?ref=ts

and let me know you are interested. Once received please feel free to give me any feedback you like as I am still in the development period and your input is greatly appreciated!

Little B's Blog Content

When you first see this blog you might ask yourself, "Why should I visit Little B's Blog on a daily basis?" Well I will tell you. It is my hope that this blog will one day be the place you go to brush up on all kinds of dog related news. Starting Monday you can expect the following topics to be discussed:

Mondays - What's new with Little B's Organic Dog Treats?

This is when I will catch you all up on the latest and greatest in the development of our products and company.

Tuesdays - Products

Outside of dog treats there are so many amazing new and interesting products just waiting to be discovered to help better your life and your pooches. I will share with you all of my latest findings and encourage you to share your favorites as well.

Wednesdays - Health

(Wo)Man's best friend deserves the best treatment (s)he can get after all of the unconditional love they throw our way. Here is where I will discuss things we can do to help them live a long and healthy life.

Thursdays - Activities

Dogs are amazing and always down for a good time and Thursdays will be the day to get inspired about what fun adventure you and your dog will go on! Will it be a hike followed by a swim? Will it be a relaxing day at a cafe? The sky is the limit so go out and explore!

Fridays - Interest Stories

TGIF! What a better way to start the weekend then by reading a fun and inspirational story about our 4 legged friends. I encourage you to send in any photos and stories that you would like to share :)

I look forward to sharing all that I know with you, thank you for reading. Have an amazing weekend!

Who is Little B?

Little B is our fabulous 8 1/2 month old English Bulldog Braddock you see frolicking in the waves.

I have been a dog lover my whole life and have always enjoyed the company of a fine furry friend, be it Scruffy our peak-a-poo or Connor my parents Shi-poo (we like poodle mixes). My husband on the other hand had never had a dog and always dreamt of having an English Bulldog, so when it came time for us to add a new family member we decided to make his wish come true and that is how Braddock became the newest member of the family.

He is a love, a mush, a nerd, a silly boy, a food vacuum, the list goes on and on. He also loves my treats! I have him to thank for inspiring me to create Little B's Organic Dog Treats and my family and friends to thank for supporting me in this endeavor. You all are the best and I love you so much!
Photo: Crissy Field, San Francisco, CA

Following A Dream

I am so excited to be be posting on my very first blog. I am following a dream of mine to own my own dog treat business and I am making it happen! I am in the start up phase of this project and wanted to start documenting asap so I hope you will look forward to my posts which will include anecdotes about my experiences with the creation of Little B's Organic Dog Treats, fun dog news and anything I really feel worth noting. Thank you for reading!