Cookie monster with spots

my Cici can be pretty picky about her cookies. especially healthy ones. a  month or so ago, we were at a fair nearby Whole Foods and a local gal had a table. She baked her own dog biscuits and was giving out free samples. We chatted and i gave Cici a biscuit to try. She would not eat it. I tried again and still, she was not biting into those peanut butter and something cookies. I figured well, she just does not like peanut butter all that much. She’s more of a meat eating gal. Kind of embarrassing though.

Yesterday, we were at Whole Foods and these kind people there took Cici for a walk and gave her some dog treats of the non-healthy kind. She loved the dog bone shaped cookies while I worried about her eating them. I am currently giving her a special kind of SPIRULINA to counteract all of the bumps, cysts and growths that have recently developed all over her body. A vet wanted to surgically remove them but I prefer a more holistic method, hence the BIOPREP. More about this in a later blog post. Suffice it to say here, Cici has some health issues that we are addressing and that the Bioprep worked a few years ago to eliminate a growth on her toe.

well, NO SUCH PROBLEM with Austin and Kat CBD infused Wellness Dog Biscuits Peanut Butter and Apple. Cici has scarfed up these cookies with all of the enthusiasm of a happy cookie monster doggie. She thinks they are very tasty and I love that they are good for her.  shhhhhh, do not tell her that they are good for her.

 

HOW CLEVER to pack a wellness punch into a doggie bite-sized snack. With no eggs, dairy, gluten or preservatives, these cookies offer oatmeal, coconut oil (CICI LOVES COCONUT OIL) and turmeric, a great anti-inflammatory and digestive aid. The organic, cold-pressed CBD Hemp oil is also an anti-inflammatory plus it supplies all of the good Omega 3, 6, 9 oils that doggies need.

And then there is cinnamon, maple, molasses, flax seed, probiotics, along with the oatmeal, apples and peanut butter. What a blend of goodness. No wheat or corn flour either, oat and rice flour and almond meal to hold these yummy for the tummy goodies all together.

https://www.austinandkat.com/pages/ingredients

i have rarely, if ever, seen my dog eat up cookies that were labeled healthy in any way like she has eaten these. She just doesn’t seem to enjoy the others but she is a big fan of Austin and Kat’s cookies and wishes there were an unlimited supply for her to eat.

 

And here’s the kicker, initially, Kat, the creator baker of these sweet things initially made these cookies for her senior doggie, Brady. And Cici is no spring chicken at the ripe old age of 10 herself. Kat also has a puppy named Austin who has enjoyed the health benefits of these snacks, too. Read all about their journey in Maine here.

https://www.austinandkat.com/pages/who-are-we-and-how-it-started

And what are you waiting for, go get your doggies some treats. OK, Halloween is over but that’s ok. Now, it is time for some goodies for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Make great paw stocking stuffers. Be sure to tell Austin and Kat we sent you.

 

Earth friendly dog toys

Cici has been enjoying these earth friendly new toys and she especially likes the squeaky ones. there is such diversity in the types of toys plus they are just plain fun and doggie mamas and papas can feel good about the ingredients that they are made with and how they are made. Affordable too. Every day is dog day, right.

 

Cici’s ears really perked up when she heard more about them.

 

 

These Honest Pet Products dog / cat toys are all organic, all natural toys, your dog’s best friend. for him/her to carry around and snuggle with, fetch, chew, and play with. made from organic wool, canvas, heavy rope, etc. Machine washable and dryable.
Non-toxic! Lead-free! Chemical-free! naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial so they are healthier and safer for dogs.  with various prices and sizes Each one is made by adults with disabilities in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

 

 

 

 

http://honestpetproducts.com/index.php

Fetch dog fetch

Cici does not fetch but she sure does like Fetch Fuel. And I like that the company, GoGo Pet Products, uses only human grade and high quality ingredients, the lab and manufacturer are located in northern California and the easy squeezy bottle makes giving her the “steak sauce” a breeze. No pills to stuff into hot dogs. No messy powders nor liquid. Just gotta shake the bottle, squeeze out one tablespoon a day into her bowl and there is no muss no fuss. All Cici has to do is scarf up her food and she is good at doing that.

The ingredient list includes: Glucosamine HCI, 600 mg, Flaxseed and Olive Oil, Omega 3, 143 mg, Omega 6, 52 mg, Omega 9, 83 mg and Vitamin A, and C (1,000 IU and 100 mg) plus Taurine, 100 mg.  Lots of support for Cici’s joints and hips, skin and coat, heart, bones and teeth, vision and immune system.

There is a refuel program of auto shipping with no shipping charge. Check it out at their website:  FetchFuel.com

and

facebook.com/fetchfuel

VALENTINE’S DAY has gone to the dogs

Valentine’s Day has gone to the dogs…literally!

 

From coast to coast, which state loves dogs the most?

 

A special Valentine’s Day survey of U.S. dog parents showed the following:

 

INFOGRAPHIC: https://www.bigheartpetvalentines.com/doggy-love-index.html

 

Post a perfect Valentine’s Day with your pet, or comment on the findings of the infographic and you might just win some doggie treats for your pooch. yummy treats !

by the way, Cici loves these treats, she cannot get enough !!!

****

 

How do your dogs help enhance your daily life?

How do your dogs help you become better people?

This year, let’s celebrate our wonderful animal companions by making February 13th Valentine’s Day For Dogs (#valentinesfordogs).

On this day, we make sure we’re also giving our pups the attention they deserve. How? I might take Cici out for a special walk, buy her a fluffy and comfy pet bed, or give her Milo’s Kitchen dog treats.

How will YOU connect with your dog this Valentine’s Day for Dogs?

The good folks at Milk-Bone, Pup-Peroni, Milo’s Kitchen, and Canine Carry Outs have made it easy for you this year with a doggie Valentine’s Day card. Get yours today at https://www.bigheartpetvalentines.com/

 

Got Squeaks?

wow, this was a very difficult box to open but once we did, Cici and I were beyond words excited and delighted, woof woof woof

we have received and reviewed a few of these monthly boxes and liked them. But this one has the MOST goodies of them all !!! Plus, you can customize the boxes. And  subscriptions start at $32/mo and go up to $61 depending on how many pets in your PawPack and how many months you commit to upfront.

Cici has been chewing on an old slipper that is threads basically, not much left to chew on (well, besides the other toys she chewed open to get to the squeaker in a few minutes)

and in this pawbox, are a few toys that she is chewing on that last longer than a few minutes…

happy dog !!!!

And these toys and treats are easy to take with you when you travel with your pooch. Keeps them busy chewing away.

https://pawpack.com/

a very strong rope (twisted) toy, good karma rope toy

Steph’s mom, green puppy organic cotton “biscuit”  (well, she really likes the squeak squeak squeak of this one)

silver Planet Dog Orbee-tuff double sided tuff (fill with treats)

the “hot dog” she was able to chew up and yellow stuffing is falling out, oh well

plus there were two kinds of treats

Buddy biscuits by Cloud Star, peanut butter soft chews

True chews, premium chicken jerky made in the USA

a water bottle

Harry Barker facial spray for that refreshing au d’canine scents

Ear wipe cleaner

a large clip for a dog food bag

Lavender stick

Organic doggie bar

Did we mention how much we love love love this paw pack ?   Your pooches will never forgive you if you don’t sign up to get them some.

https://pawpack.com/

Chewy chewy dog bones

We all know that dogs love to chew on bones (and other items, but we won’t go into that here).  I have given Cici all kinds of chews and bones. I have given her raw bones, frozen, but she would chomp them up and I was always afraid that those large pieces of bones might hurt her. What to do? You gotta give your dog a bone to chew on but you are not supposed to give them cooked bones and raw bones can be hard too. (Pun intended).

 

How about a healthy alternative…  Mercola dental bones

 

 

 

 

We have long been a fan of Dr. Joseph Mercola online. The info on his website is quite good, alternatively delicious and healing. And his team includes Dr. Karen Becker, a vet. So, we were delighted to receive these dental bones for Cici’s review. And she LOVES them. She gets one per day and drools whenever I take one out to give it to her. And it is good for me because I know that they are great for her teeth. Win-win. All four paws up and two thumbs up !

 

Ingredients include: Organic brown rice powder, Tapioca starch, water, natural chicken flavor, Organic Pea powder, Brewers Dried Yeast, Parsley powder, Peppermint oil, Rosemary Oil and Vitamin E.  Gluten-free.

 

Some info on Dr. Mercola’s website about oral health in dogs:

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs show oral distress by age 3. It’s one of the most common health issues treated in animal health clinics today.

Dr Becker says in the video that telling you not to brush your dog’s teeth is like telling you to forego brushing and just chew granola. She suggests that our dog’s oral health is VERY important. And that is why it is important to brush your dog’s teeth every day. So these bones are not a substitute for that. (Although I admit am not a big fan of brushing Cici’s teeth).

 

 

Here’s a quick checklist to help you start taking better care of your dog’s teeth:

• Have your dog’s teeth checked and professionally cleaned at your family veterinarian – follow your vet’s advice as far as cleaning regularity
• Start your dog off with as clean a mouth as possible prior to cleaning or brushing
• Pickup a soft-bristled tooth brush and toothpaste from your veterinarian – human toothpaste and baking soda may not be good for your dog
• Brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis – even with regular brushing, your dog may still need occasional professional cleaning
• In between brushing, find a healthy and tasty chew bone for your dog.

Avoid dog chews with these ingredients:

Here are some of the not-so-natural ingredients you’ll see listed:

• Gelatin: A potentially toxic animal by-product, created by boiling down various unused parts of animals such as skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and connective tissue.
• Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate (HSH): Low-carbohydrate artificial sweetener.
• Soy Protein Isolate: Known allergen, with reduced vitamin, mineral, and protein quality – and increased levels of potential carcinogens.

Mercola Healthy Pets Dog Dental Bones come in two sizes and contain absolutely no corn, soy, gluten, extra fat or sugar, or animal byproducts..

• Large Size (2.23 oz./63.4g) for dogs 25 pounds and over.
• Small Size (0.81 oz./22.9g) for dogs from 5 to 25 pounds.

And for puppies, senior dogs and dogs with delicate or missing teeth, Mercola Healthy Pets Gentle Dental Bones (1.43 oz./40.54 g) come in two sizes.

• Large Size (1.43 oz/40.54g) for adult dogs or puppies 15 pounds and over.
• Small Size (0.81 oz/22.9g) for adult dogs 5-25 pounds or puppies up to 15 pounds.

 

 

 

Ten Tips: When Your Pet is Lost

First thing to do is to PREVENT your dog from getting lost by ensuring that your gate at home is closed or locked and your dog cannot get out of it. When you are traveling, keep your dog on leash with you at all times. 

Prepare ahead of time for the worst case scenario. If your dog has a microchip, make sure that it is registered with the company with your current contact info. Cici’s is with HomeAgain and they also have a service that if she is lost, I can call them and they will send alerts out to all of the locals including neighbors, vets, and SPCA. Plus, if she is found 500 miles away, they will fly her home for free.

Get good dog tags for your pet to wear at all times. And when you are traveling be sure that the contact info is correct.

Now a word here about Pet ID tags. We have tried numerous pet ID tags. By far the BEST ONE we have found is this one…

http://www.1cutepooch.com/

We LOVE the various options, the state driver’s license tag is our favorite. Second is the Hello name tag version. Your dog’s name and contact info and photo is imprinted on the ID tags. And what really set these apart for me (and Cici) is that you can put the tags into a leather pouch that attaches to the harness or collar. It was a little bit hard to open but once done, that was it. With all of Cici’s rolling around on her back,, at home and in the grass, all of the other tags we’ve tried came off within an hour or two. NOT with these tags. She’s worn them now for a few weeks. Imagine my surprise.  The ones below are similar to the ones sent us.

 

 

 

 

Nearly one in five lost pets goes missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises, according to a survey by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And, while losing your pet can be a traumatic experience for both you and your pet, have hope as 93% of dogs and 75% of cats reported lost are returned safely to their homes according to another survey.

If you do lose your pet, here are 10 top tips to help reunite you with your furry friend as quickly as possible:

 

1. Contact or visit your local shelters and animal control organizations.  File a lost pet report with every shelter, dog pound and animal control office within a 60-mile radius of your home and visit the nearest shelters daily, if possible.
   
2. Get the word out to all veterinarians in the area.  Sometimes people pick up a stray and drive it to a distant clinic.
3. Search your neighborhood.  Walk or drive through your neighborhood several times each day. Enlist friends, family and others to help you.  Ask neighbors, letter carriers, and delivery people if they have seen your pet. Hand out a recent photograph of your pet and information on how you can be reached if your pet is found.
4. Go door to door and speak with your neighbors.  The more people know you have lost a pet, and that you are upset, worried and desperately trying to find your pet, the more people will call you if they see an animal in the woods or on the road, or in their backyard.
5. Place posters and flyers throughout the neighborhood.  Post notices at grocery stores, community centers, veterinary offices, traffic intersections, at pet supply stores, and other locations. Also, place advertisements in newspapers and with radio stations. Include your pet’s sex, age, weight, breed, color, and any special markings. To avoid scams, when describing your pet, leave out one identifying characteristic and ask the person who finds your pet to describe it.
6. Post info about your pet on all pet recovery websites and services.  Sites such as Craigslist.org, TheCenterForLostPets.com and FidoFinder.com allow you to broadcast your missing pet info quickly.  National pet care providers can be hired to assist you in your search for your lost pet.
7. Consider using a lost pet recovery service.  There are now numerous lost pet alert services, such as FindToto.com, that will contact homes, veterinarians, shelters and animal control organizations for a reasonable fee.
8. Place food and water outside your home.  Your pet may eventually return to your home when they get hungry or thirsty.  Consider placing the food in a rented or purchased humane pet trap to capture them.
9. Tell everyone you see about your pet and ask them to keep their eyes open for her.  The more people you alert about your missing pet, the greater the chance someone will recollect seeing your pet in their area.
10. Don’t give up.  Be aggressive in your search, get lots of help, get the word out right away – don’t wait a few hours “to see if she’ll come home on her own “– you need those early hours to put up posters and start your search.

Paul Mann is the Founder the CEO of Fetch! Pet Care—the nation’s largest and most trusted franchisor for professional pet sitting, dog walking, and pet fitness/exercise services—serving thousands of pets and pet parents throughout the United States from coast to coast. He may be reached online at:www.FetchPetCare.com.

Win a FREE Bag

You love your dog and your dog loves you. Fido shows you their affection with doggie kisses. You get a whiff of your dog’s breath and whew, stinky, smelly BAD doggie breath bowls you over. We’ve all had that experience, right.

Well, our friends at Pet Naturals of Vermont have a wonderful all natural solution. Breath Bars. And you and your pooch can enjoy a FREE BAG. Your dog will think it is a treat and will scarf it up like candy. At least Cici did. She loved them. The taste is made for canines and the ingredients are really good for them.

Pumice, is a natural abrasive that reduces plaque and bacteria in your dog’s mouth. Polishes the teeth naturally.

Parsley, a leafy herb known for its fresh, strong flavor, offers a deodorizing effect plus it has lots of chlorophyll which has antibacterial properties

Spirulina, blue-green algae which is also rich in chlorophyll

Champex, a brand of Champagnon mushroom which suppresses odor causing chemicals in the intestines

Directions for Use: Give 1 chewable bar daily.
Give 2 chewable bars daily for dogs over 50 lbs.
For best results use daily and give between meals.

Product Facts:

Active Ingredients Per Bar:

Spirulina                                                     100 mg      

  yielding Chlorophyll                                          2 mg

Parsley                                                        70 mg

Champignon Mushroom Extract (Champex™ brand)                   30 mg

Yucca Schidigera Extract                                       10 mg

Cinnamon Powder                                                10 mg <fontface=arial>

 

In order to get your FREE BAG of Breath Bars, all you have to do is go to this link. The first 100 will get a FREE bag and valuable coupon.

http://petnaturals.com/breathbars.offer/

Do so before THIS FRIDAY April 4, 2014 and you will make Fido happy plus you will not have to smell that doggie bad breath much longer.

Yummy Valentines Day gifts

If you love your dog(s) and want to give them a bunch of fantastic (and healthy all natural, too) treats this Valentine’s Day, all of these (below) scored OFF THE CHARTS on Cici’s YUMMY Drooly Delicious chart. Five paws up !!!!

Due to the winter snow, Cici was not able to taste test the NEW Old Mother Hubbard treats, but she LOVED their other ones, and this survey is just too cute. Plus, OMH is offering giveaways that you can win, if you go to on their Facebook page February 8 through 14.

Gourmet Goodies Valentine’s Survey  Counts the Ways People Prefer Pooches Over Partners

Men may be from Mars and women from Venus, but they do agree on “Pluto”—how much they love their dogs. Old Mother Hubbard, in honor of its newest line of bakery-inspired dog treats, Gourmet Goodies, conducted a Valentine’s Day “Puppy Love” survey, and it’s no contest—pooches reign supreme over human partners in this lighthearted look at who wins ‘top dog’ in true love. Gourmet Goodies surveyed 741 dog-owning adults in relationships to determine whether 10 key characteristics vary between human and canine relationships: love at first sight, faithfulness, friendship, unwavering devotion, protection from danger, being eager to please, always happy to see me, easygoing, always makes me feel good and doesn’t talk back or criticize.

• K-9s a perfect 10:  Fifty-five percent of dog owners in a human relationship strongly agree or agree that all 10 characteristics described their relationship with their dog. Only 32 percent feel the same about their human partner.
• Instant attraction:  Love at first sight strikes more often with dogs, with 78 percent saying they fell in love with their dogs at first glance, versus only 67 percent for human partners.
• Doggone devotion: When it comes to unconditional love and being faithful and devoted for life, furry friends are the best. Ninety-three percent of dog owners believe their pooch “loves them without question,” as compared to their human partners at 85 percent. As for fidelity, dogs win paws down once again, as 91 percent voted in favor of the pups, versus 82 percent for their significant others.
• Fido’s the biggest fan: Dogs rise to the top with their ability to unequivocally support their person. Eighty-four percent of dogs “Don’t talk back or criticize” as compared to 47 percent of humans; they are “eager to please” (84 percent vs. 66 percent); and humans appreciate their “willingness to go anywhere” (86 percent vs. 73 percent).
• Throwing humans a bone: Alas, relationships haven’t entirely gone to the dogs. Men and women agree, 94 percent and 90 percent respectively, that their human partner slightly edges out Fido in the best friend category…but only by a nose (eight percent and four percent, respectively).

Given the affection humans lavish on their canine companions, it’s no surprise that 33 percent said they plan to buy their dogs Valentine’s Day gifts. And when it comes to selecting a gift, pet parents find that the way to their dogs’ hearts is through their tummies, with the majority of dog owners identifying a “special treat” as the Valentine’s Day gift of choice for their beloved bowser. “Dogs certainly are easy to please, but that’s what makes pet parents want to go the extra mile to give them something special,” said Chanda Leary-Coutu, marketing communications manager for Old Mother Hubbard. “With Gourmet Goodies, pet parents can let their dogs indulge in artisanal-quality treats that before could only be found in a pet boutique.” The Old Mother Hubbard Gourmet Goodies line delivers irresistible flavors made with natural ingredients pooches will love. With seven new options to choose from, every day can be a new canine culinary adventure. Old Mother Hubbard Gourmet Goodies are available in 6 oz. re-sealable packages for $5.99 (U.S.) in the following varieties:

• Crispers: Crunchy, cheesy and savory, Crispers are available in Cheddar, Chicken & Rosemary and Parmesan, Bacon & Tomato.
• Soft Bakes: Moist cookies come in three varieties — Peanut Butter & Carob, Applesauce Oatmeal and Carrot & Pumpkin.
• Fruit’ins: Two delicious cookie and fruit layers are available in Honey, Oatmeal & Blueberries and Honey, Apple & Bacon.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, from February 8 through 14, Old Mother Hubbard will be offering daily Gourmet Goodies giveaways on their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/OMHpetsnacks, as well as highlighting “Puppy Love” survey statistics.

 

More Survey Results  Who gives better smooches, your pooch or your mate? And what about public displays of affection? The Gourmet Goodies “Puppy Love” survey found:

• Maybe it’s doggie breath?:  Men are more affectionate to their human partners – 68 percent would rather smooch their mate than their pup, and 74 percent of men agree that their human partner gives better kisses than their four-legged friend.

• Women want kiss quality & quantity:  Women, however, are more likely than men to believe their pooch gives the best smooch (24 percent versus 14 percent), which may lead to why women are twice as likely (26 percent versus 12 percent) to kiss their dog more often on a daily basis. But the majority of women (64 percent) do agree that their human partner gives “the best” kisses as compared to their four-legged “true loves.”
• People vs. pup PDA: Men (58 percent) prefer to hug or kiss their human partner in public, whereas women are more equal opportunity about with whom they show their affection – 36 percent will kiss or hug their partner or their pup in public.

About the Survey Conducted via Toluna’s Online Omnibus, interviews were completed Jan. 10 – 14, 2014, among a sample of 741 adults who own a dog, and are in a relationship with a partner. The margin of error on this sample is +/- 3%.

 

Old Mother Hubbard^® – “Give ‘Em Some Snack Love^®”  Since 1926, Old Mother Hubbard, a proud member of the WellPet family of brands, has used the same simple methods to bake snacks for dogs. Each home-style recipe is carefully crafted from wholesome ingredients that allow dog owners to feel good about giving their dogs a reward that is healthy and heartfelt. Find Old Mother Hubbard on Twitter: @OMHdogsnacks, or Facebook:  www.facebook.com/OMHpetsnacks.

Premium Tucker treats for dogs for gifts

The best chicken jerky treats, individually wrapped in oil with a  JUICY factor of 900 OFF THE CHARTS. I wanted to eat them !!!!!  But I let Cici enjoy them all to herself. What a dog mommy does for her fur kids, sheeesh… These strips were incredibly easy to break up into smaller pieces if you do not mind the greasy oil dribbling down your hands These treats are made in the USA, both meat source and processing, and is 100% human grade quality.

 http://www.naturalpetwarehouse.com/Tuckers-Klassic-Kellies-USA-Chicken-Breast-Jerky-For-Dogs-5oz

 

1-800-PetMEDS

Not only can you get an assortment of pet products from 1-800-PetMEDS (anti flea shampoos, breath fresheners, vitamins, and more), but did you know that you can also find a bunch of all natural treats (various brands) that will make your pooch go bow wow wow?

Grumps natural Sweet Potato Chews

It used to be that Cici would only eat treats like these if they were wrapped with some kind of meat but she loves loves loves these chews, could not wait to get her mouth all over them

PureBites chicken, freeze dried yummy pieces of chicken to sprinkle on food or give as treats

Wet Noses All-Natural Organic Dog Treats pumpkin

These look like little cookies and Cici sure does love to eat them up.

Pet Naturals Scoot Bars

Cici tested and approved, she loves these bars that save your carpet from your dog not expressing their anal glands scooting across the floor, Cici just thinks that these taste good and loves to chew on them.

Gift for dog moms and dad

Pet food can get pricey these days so why not cook for your pooch along with the rest of your family members? Cost effective and healthy meals can be made for all plus you will know what you are putting into their tummy. This may sound daunting which is why you cannot go wrong picking up a copy of the book below for your beloved cook.

Dog-Gone Good Cuisine by Gayle Pruitt offers lots of healthy, fast and easy recipes for you and your pooch, using healthy  ingredients such as coconut oil, quinoa, seaweed, vegan and more) there are yummy breakfasts, soups, broths, entrees (lamb burgers), side dishes, pasta (fettuchine and lasagna), veggies, desserts and juices with a few holiday treats plus an entire section for Canines only, raw (raw ground beef dinner), cooked and jerky (chicken, sweet potato) and the photos are adorable

http://www.doggonegoodcookbook.com/

 

 

 

and what pooch and their guardian does not enjoy a luxury stay at a pet friendly hotel?

A Furry Friendly Holiday

“A higher percentage of properties than ever permit pets (61 percent, up from 52 percent in 2010), according to a 2012 survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“…Kimpton, which does not charge for pets, also has daily complimentary wine hours (known as “yappy hour” at one of the brand’s hotels) at which dogs and owners mingle over cocktails as if they were a New Yorker cartoon.

“…Most pet-friendly hotels are lower- and midpriced brands (Best Western, Red Roof Inn), according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association.”

http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/travel/now-checking-in-pampered-pets.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Going away for a weekend with your pooch, just you and the dog, or planning trips to visit the family for the upcoming holidays?

Take a few essentials with you for a fun, healthy, safe escape. Some of these would make great gifts for the hostess, relatives, friends, or whoever you are visiting

l. a pit bull tote bag to carry snacks, waste bags, pet food and more

What better way to show off my poochie love for pit bulls than with a tote bag that can carry a bunch of travel items in it in the car? It also is good for taking shopping when you do not want to put stuff in plastic or paper bags.

Dog City and Co.  is a Chicago-based company that makes these totes :  http://www.dogcityandco.com/totes/.  The price of the bags are $20.  All of the products are the designs of owner Niki Crowe.  Niki is very active in animal adoption and donates a portion of each sale to shelters and other organizations.

2.  Sea buckthorn lotion, love the fruity smell and the way my legs feel after awhile, smooth as glass, this is a lotion that smooths away dry skin and soothes the itches with all natural ingredients. Incredibly  moisturizing with Omega 3, 6, 9.  Non-GMO ingredients. Scented with orange oil. Love love love this lotion.  When traveling my skin gets extra dry and I do not always remember to pack lotion with me on the road. But this lotion is a MUST BRING WITH ME.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oil, Vegetable Stearic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Vegetable Cetyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Essential Herbal Blend (Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower (Linden) Extract, Cornflower Extract, Roman Chamomilla Extract, Hypericum Perforatum (St. John’s Wort) Extract), Phenoxyethanol, Essential Orange Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera Gel), Pro-Vitamin B-5, Ethylhexylglycerin, Vitamin E.

http://www.seabuckwonders.com/products/sea-buckthorn-body-lotion/

3. a great doggie book to read: The Sound and the Furry by Spencer Quinn, another fun adventure in the Chet and Bernie mystery series.  A road trip from Arizona to Louisiana, with a bunch of suspects and crimes to solve. Chet learns firsthand about alligators and swamps and boats. There are oil wells, drug dealers, shrimp heists, a kidnapped inventor and family feuds to deal with and a roller coaster ride of who done its.

4.  Vitamins from Drvita, also dog food, treats and vitamins, supplements for dogs

On the road, we do not always eat great so it is good to be able to take these vitamins with us.  Been taking these vitamins twice a day with meals, supposed to be three times, but that is a bit much for me. There are a lot of good ingredients and there is no vitamin (icky) smell nor does it seem to come out in the bathroom (you know what I mean). These are capsules not hard tablets which makes a difference. And they are easy to take since there is no bad taste.  I also like that there are no gmo ingredients.

DrVita Six Daily Advanced Multi-Vitamin provides your body with over 100 essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fermented whole foods, herbs and other powerful nutrients to promote anti-aging, healthy energy production, good cardiovascular and immunity. These nutrients include effective dosages of alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, B-complex and CoQ10 for healthy energy production, standardized green tea equivalent to five cups of tea to protect cells from damaging free radicals and resveratrol found in red wine that are missing entirely in most multi formulations. Six Daily also contains 10X higher levels of vitamin D3 when compared to others based on recent studies showing this is the amount required for optimal blood levels to promote healthy bones, cellular health and immunity.

http://www.drvita.com/p-12867-drvita-six-daily-advanced-multi-vitamin-180-capsules.aspx

we would also like to try some of their dog food, vitamins and supplements

http://www.drvita.com/c-271-pets.aspx?N=10339

5. Some pure and tasty dog treats for the pooch

Gotta bring treats for the spoiled brat Polka Dot Princess, she is the boss, and knows what she likes. And she loves Whole Life freeze dried fresh dog treats… Cici says yummy and wants more… she gives them four paws up and so do I… this is why:

There is only ONE ingredient… beef, venison, chicken, wild caught fish, cheese or sweet potatoes.

All of the meats, with the exception of venison are shipped directly from farmers to a USDA human food facility that cuts, slices or cubes them, then pre-cooks them by either steaming or roasting. The meats are then flash frozen and shipped to their facility where they are freeze dried and packaged in house by staff.

The freeze dried beef strips are extremely lean making them low in fat, calories and carbs. They are an ideal healthy snack for both dogs and cats. The single ingredient formula provides pure protein without fillers, chemicals, additives or preservatives.

They use USDA certified hormone free lean top round from Washington State.

Freeze dried treats can be quickly rehydrated in warm water to produce a soft meaty texture ideal for older pets or those that have difficulty with hard treats.

I gave them to Cici both as a treat and I was able to crumble them in my hand to make them smaller as well as put some on her food that was rehydrated and she loved them both ways.

According to John Gigliotti, founder and CEO, “Every ingredient in our products comes from handpicked farmers, ranchers and fishermen we know personally and trust. We buy the highest quality cuts of meat, poultry and fish that we can find and continue to search for the best, like a high-end restaurant. And every Whole Life treat is made in western Massachusetts, in our own state-of-the-art facility.”

Pet parents will be equally pleased to know that Whole Life freeze-dried treats are made from only 100 percent human-quality, hormone-free, free range, and organic ingredients, and that every ingredient is sourced in the U.S. Each variety is produced in small, fresh batches and tested for quality and safety. This extraordinary attention to detail results in a line of products with exceptional aroma and palatability. For more information, visit www.WholeLifePet.com orwww.facebook.com/WholeLifePet.