Surfer Dude or Surfer Dog?

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Dogs from around the country took part in this SoCal competition that has been going strong for 5 years, which also served as a fundraiser for the San Diego Police Department's canine unit.  Each dog had 10 minutes to show its stuff while judges noted the length of the dog's ride, its confidence and whether or not it could "grip it and rip it."   Fear not, animal lovers. The dogs were equipped with special harnesses and flotation devices so their owners can keep them safe.  There were three different heats for these 65 dogs to compete in: small dogs, large dogs and tandem and the breeds ranged from 5-pound Pomeranians to 85-pound Bernese Mountain Dogs.  The Surf Dog Competition is an extension of Loews Hotels’ Loews Loves Pets program and has become a successful fundraiser for local pet-related charities.

Braddock let's go get your life vest and "Hang 20"!

Memorial Day Activites

Memorial Day Weekend is coming up...woo hoo!  I love me some 3 day weekends, especially ones where people like to celebrate with each other by hosting picnic's and BBQ's and what about all of the sales!!!  While all of this merriment is occurring it's important to recognize what we celebrating and remembering.  This weekend is our special time to commemorate the Americans who gave their lives while serving in the military.

So how can we do this?  There are a number of activities going on in San Francisco:

May 30th - USS San Francisco Memorial - The ceremony begins at noon.  The USS San Francisco was built at the naval shipyard at Mare Island.  It was in almost every battle in the Pacific during WWII.  For more information check out http://www.usssanfrancisco.org/.

May 31st - Presidio Memorial Day Ceremony - San Francisco's largest Memorial Day observance is held in the Presidio and begins at 10:30 am when the 191st Army Band leads a parade from the Main Post Parade Ground to the San Francisco National Cemetery.  A formal ceremony at the cemetery begins at 11 am and includes flyovers, taps, a Korean War commemoration, a chorus, and a 21 gun salute.  For more information check out http://www.presidio.gov/.

Lost Boat Memorial Day Ceremony - Submarine veterans will gather on the USS Pampanito at 4 pm to honor submariners who were lost at sea.  A bell will toll 52 times, once for each US submarine lost during WWII.  For more information visit http://www.maritime.org/.






Even if you can't attend one of these events the official moment of remembrance occurs on Memorial Day at 3 pm for 1 minute.  Observe this moment in any way you like.


To get your dog in the spirit of things why not dress him up in some fun Patriotic gear:

Blue Stars Patriotic Dog Collar

Parade Frills Patriotic Dog Dress 

American Flag Dog Bandana

Patriotic Hawaiian Dog Shirt

Patriotic Dog Bow

 Either way have a very Happy Memorial Day!

Nutmeg...More Like NOTmeg!

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE NUTMEG, but when doing research on the ingredients I want to include in our new Pumpkin Flax treat currently in development I discovered that this common spice is surprisingly dangerous to dogs.  It can cause tremors, seizures, central nervous damage, and if ingested in large doses and left untreated can lead to death.  Like many other dangerous foods for dogs, the toxic compound in nutmeg remains unknown, and it is not understood why it is such a poisonous food for dogs. 

With this said just be careful and avoid products that contain this ingredient.  If you think your dog has ingested a large quantity call your vet immediately.

Acana Dog Food

Choosing a dog food can be tough as there are so many options out there, but we have found an amazing brand that Braddock just loves! Acana Dog Food is formulated with the same variety of fresh meats that dogs would eat in their natural environment and keeping in mind the modern lifestyle of today's Little B often means meeting healthy calorie requirements as well!

Acana Dog Food provides a meat-concentrated diet that is higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates and far better matched to support the carnivorous anatomy of your pooch. And by enhancing metabolism and enabling peak physical condition, Acana Dog Food helps keep your dog healthy allowing him to achieve his full potential…sweet!

For the health and well-being of your treasured four legged friend Acana Dog Food adheres to these FIVE NATURAL PRINCIPALS that guide the formulation of all Acana Dog Foods!

1) Ingredient freshness and variety to match the natural diet.
2) High in animal proteins.
3) Low or Free from grains (depending on variety) and carbohydrates.
4) Rich in fruits and vegetables.
5) Contain tonic herbs to strengthen the body and spirit.

Acana Dog Food is our kibble of choice and should certainly be considered to be included as part of your dog's diet plan. There are three flavors to choose from, Grasslands, Pacifica, and Prairie Harvest. We are big fans of the Pacifica which is a grain-free dog food made with fresh Canadian Pacific salmon, flounder, and herring caught wild off North Vancouver Island and delivered fresh each day so they are never frozen and arrive without preservatives! YUM!

New Flavor - Pumpkin Flax Treats!

This weekend I worked on our new flavor, Pumpkin Flax!  I am very pleased with these treats as they taste yummy and smell like pumpkin pie.  Ingredients used include organic oat flour, brown rice flour, flax meal, pureed pumpkin, molasses, egg, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, safflower oil, and filtered water.  They are the same size as the Veggie Parm treats and are perfect for all dogs as they are soft and easy to chew.

The fiber content in pumpkin can be useful in the treatment and maintenance of digestive health of our pets. Just a small portion in their daily diets (1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, depending on the pet's weight) can make the difference between a case of chronic diarrhea or constipation and a normal daily bowel movement.

Flax seed is an important source of fiber and antioxidants, and it may have anti-tumor properties as well.  If you would like a sample please let me know by responding to this post!

Happy Treating! 

Pet's Fly the Friendly Skies

So you want to go on a long distance trip via airplane, but you don't want to leave Fido at home.  One problem, you don't have the heart to put him in cargo either, so what do you do?  Started by Jack Russel Terrier owners in this same predicament you have an option, Pet Airways, a pet only airline where the "Pawsengers" fly in the main cabin! 

This means they fly in a temperature controlled environment with a "Pet Attendant" checking on them every 15 min.  The planes are regular Beech 1900 with the "human" equipment removed.  They provide the necessary pet carriers free of charge so you don't have to!  This is great as those carriers can take up valuable luggage space in the trunk of your car.  These carriers are secured to the plane with special fasteners that keep it in place so there is no chance of accidental movement.  You can even monitor your pets progress on their journey online as the site is updated every 15 min.  There are even potty breaks so you won't have to worry about your pet being uncomfortable during a 5 to 6 hour trip.

The airline is also doing its part to help out rescue pets by offering a 15% discount for rescue pets flying to their new home.

My only problem with this airline is they do not fly out of San Francisco.  But you lucky people in New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Ft. Lauderdale, and Atlanta have it made!  Necessity is truly the mother of invention :)

Pawtrero Party with Muttville Adoption

This Sunday from 2-6 pm Pawtrero will be holding their Re-Grand Opening Party and Muttville Adoption Event to celebrate their new store expansion and name change from South Paw to Pawtrero (on Brannan)!

Come join us in Potrero Hill for Appetizers & Refreshments at 199 Brannan St! Plus a chance to meet the Muttville mutts and find the one that’s right for you!

10% discount off all purchases to anyone who adopts a Muttville dog!

Muttville is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs. On a local level, Muttville rescues senior dogs and finds them new homes or gives them hospice. On a global level, Muttville provides information about caring for older dogs and support for people who do.

Through associations with shelters and other animal organizations, Muttville finds senior dogs that have been given up and are not likely to find adopted homes. Through outreach and networking, Muttville finds suitable new homes for these dogs. Ultimately, Muttville will have its own facility to house dogs that are not yet placed, or that are unlikely to be placed.

Meet some of the current mutts!

Eddie - Pit Bull Terrior Mix

Ellie & Sam - Rottweilers

Monroe - Labrador Retriever

Rosie - Pomeranian

Teaser - Lhasa Apso