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

Campers for Seniors with Dogs

 

if you live on the Central Coast of California or know someone who does and have an RV, camper, mobile home or trailer that is gently used and would like to provide a home for a senior or veteran, please call CeliaSue at 702-225-8206…have a list of those in need of housing. Hundreds of senior women and veterans have been displaced with their pets. Single women without children, women who are not mentally ill, not drug addicts, not alcoholics, with low income, not working or cannot find work, veterans, and other seniors with dogs, over 50 years of age, some ill and who’s health has deteriorated without shelter. Thank you for your kindness and SAVING LIVES.

People such as Stu and Stacey are sleeping in a tent in Carmel Valley and are experiencing bronchitis and asthma due to the unhealthy air filled with smoke from the Big Sur fire, 77,000 acres is burning, and 55% contained, causing people without homes numerous breathing issues and medical problems.

 

 

 

http://monterey.craigslist.org/rew/5728749956.html

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.

 

 

 

Holiday gift guide 2013

The holiday season is truly UPON us, jack frost nipping at our paws… chanukah and thanksgiving arrived around the same time this year.

Will you buy your cat or dog a gift for the holidays? How about a gift for your dog walker, pet sitter, pet rescuer or for that oh so very special pet parent/guardian in your life?

Here are a few suggested gifts for your four legged friends and a few human gifts, too.

1. A happy dog box:   Cici received a box filled with toys and treats and your dog can too. This should be called the happy people and dog box because it lasts for hours/days and makes everyone happy. There was a very nice selection and assortment of treats.

Monster mouth toy… I have never seen her play with a toy for as long as this one. You can hide treats inside the mouth and your dog will enjoy finding them.

Curly chew bully stick

Waste bag container

Jump your bones kangaroo treats

Cloud star hip and joint treats, bacon and cheese, grain free

Woofables gourmet dog cookies

Each monthly box, worth over $30, comes packed with high-quality dog treats, toys, and accessories specially selected for canine health and well-being.

You can find out more info at the link below:

 https://www.happydogbox.com/welcome?ex=52a4b7beba4b426515000a40

2.  Lupine leash and harness. Cici received two sets that consisted of a step-in harness, leash and collar, one 3/4 wide and 1 inch wide. We LOVE THEM except the clasp is hard to open.

Lupine Collars and Leashes has been selling collars since 1991. They have developed a very successful line of woven patterned nylon collars, leashes and harnesses for dogs and cats. Not only are there great designs but the quality of the products is exceptional.   They even offer a lifetime Even if Chewed Guarantee, which really means that they will replace any product, no matter how or when it was damaged–even if chewed!! And no receipt or shipping fee required! In addition, all the products are made in New Hampshire.

Please visit the website (www.lupinepet.com)

3. Bravo raw food

Cici scarfed up the raw turkey and was licking the bowl and the floor clean, which means she really really loved the food. She was begging for more.

I like the ingredients…

The one drawback is that I wish it came in burgers rather than a big huge loaf because I had to defrost the entire thing, and then feed it to her quickly, so 1/4 of the loaf the first day which was too much food in one day… and too much food in a week…

4. Spring natural dog food

http://www.springnaturals.com/

Turkey, chickpeas, peas, dried eggs, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dicalcium phosphate, sun-cured alfalfa, flaxseed, sweet potatoes, natural flavors, salt, spinach, tomato pomace, calcium carbonate, blueberries, cranberries, apricots, carrots, potassium chloride, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, chicory root extract, dandelion greens, mixed tocopherols (preservative), rosemary extract, choline chloride.

Every recipe is made in the USA.

5.  Savannah Bee Doggie and Me Balm 

Sweetness from your pet deserves sweetness from the hive. All natural beeswax pulls moisture from the air and feeds the skin while providing a protective barrier from the elements. Subtle scents of Clary Sage and Basil are said to calm, soothe, and focus your pet.

Apply Savannah Bee Doggie and Me Balm to your pets nose, paw-pads, dry spots, hotspots, and sores. The easy to use applicator is pet tested and pet owner approved. Give your pet the very best in skin care.

Doggie and Me Balm is supposed to be good for pet owners, too. Use it on dry human elbows, hands, knees and heels. Feels soft and soothing. Doggie and Me Balm is made with 100% all natural ingredients. Has a kind of earthy herbal smell. Comes in a deodorant type looking jar or a candle jar without the wick.

http://www.savannahbee.com/product/Savannah-Bee-Doggie-and-Me-Balm/1113

6. Kurgo Auto barrier

Keep Fido in her place

Cici loves to jump into the driver’s seat when I run into the store. I come back to find you-know-who drooling on the steering wheel and getting the front seat all hairy.

Here is where the Backseat Barrier™ comes in. Super stylish, this cloth barrier attaches to the back of your front seats, creating a soft wall between you and Fido…blocking that little space above your center console. She can still sit and peer through the mesh top; you can even reach back for a scratch if necessary. Most importantly, this barrier helps to keep you distraction free while driving, and keeps your pup safely out of the front of the car.

This products is versatile and simple to install and remove. See for yourself how just a tiny bit of separation makes you a better puppy parent and driver.

• Protects passengers and cargo from roaming dogs
• Protects dog from launching into the front during quick stops
• No need to remove when passengers or cargo are in backseat
• Front seat stays clean of dog hair
• Universal fit for most vehicles from a compact to a SUV (does not accommodate 2 door cars or minivans)
• Simple installation / removal

7. Perfect leash

Similar to the stereotypes people use about pit bulls, when I first saw The Perfect Leash, all plastic, and I thought it was one of those leashes with the retractable line, I was not impressed, but then I Looked Further and actually tried out the leash rather than base my review upon false premises.  I liked the way it kept Cici from pulling me down the street. Unfortunately, Cici lost the Walker leash so I cannot use it anymore.

Designed with both the dog and human in mind, the flexible Perfect Leash makes a great gift for dog owners who want to bring comfort and enjoyment back to their walks.

The Perfect Leash line of pet accessories includes a full-length dog walking leash (the Walker) that suits large and small dogs alike. Made of a proprietary polyurethane formula, the Walker’s flexibility provides an enjoyable walking experience for both the dog and handler. The ergonomically designed, patented, comfort grip handle is designed with adults and children in mind, so every family member can walk the family dog with ease, confidence and comfort.  Unlike cloth leashes, the Perfect Leash is odor resistant and easy to clean.

The Walker is the only full-stretch dog leash on the market! Its high flex capability provides an enjoyable walking experience for both dog and handler. The ergonomically designed, patented, comfort grip handle is designed with adults and children in mind, so every family member can walk your dog with ease, confidence and comfort. Available in Black, Blue, Red, Yellow, Blaze Orange, JD Green, Safety Green, Military Green, Tan, Pink and Purple.

www.Justduckyproducts.com.

8. Books

 

Dog Ambassadors

Dog lovers everywhere will enjoy the entertaining stories of the 24 dogs in this book. Dogs are ambassadors to the world and our own local communities. They serve and love us as only they know how. Accompanied by 175 color images, discover the remarkable connection between dogs and humans through the inspiring stories of 24 dogs and the owners whose lives they have made better. Meet Paddington, the official greeter at Thorncroft Equestrian Center , and Cody, a search and rescue dog. Learn the story behind Pals for Life, an organization that provides therapy animal visits, and Francisvale, a safe haven for abandoned dogs. The stories range from service dogs that make life easier for those in need to much-loved household pets that offer love and companionship each day for family members.

Author and dog enthusiast, Lisa Loeb, speaks here about her new book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9UcNakfn4&feature=youtu.be

Size: 6″ x 9″ | 140 illustrations | 160 pp
ISBN13: 9780764344688 | Binding: hard cover |$19.99

Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. is a family-owned, independent publisher of high-quality, nonfiction books. Since 1974, Schiffer has published thousands of titles on diverse subjects.

Beautiful Old Dogs

This beautifully illustrated book features 44 color photographs of senior dogs taken by the late photographer Garry Gross and edited by David Tabatsky. An incredible tribute to the souls of elderly canines.

In BEAUTIFUL OLD DOGS edited by David Tabatsky, photographs by Garry Gross (St. Martin’s Press; on sale 11/5) the relationship between humans and dogs are explored in over 44 stunning color photographs from Gross and through short essays and poems from a range of writers, including Dean Koontz, Anna Quindlen, Doris Day and Marlo Thomas.

 

In BEAUTIFUL OLD DOGS, Gross showcases the beauty and soul of every dog he photographed, though it was the older, more senior dogs that most fascinated him. After retiring from the world of fashion photography, Gross established Dog Trainers of New York, a highly successful dog training business that has helped thousands of dogs enjoy better lives with their families and shortly thereafter decided to combine his two passions: photography and dogs.

Shake

Shake is a heartwarming collection of sixty-one silly dogs caught in mid-shake. This graphic photo book by award-winning internally recognized photographer Carli Davidson shows how funny dogs look caught with: hair wild, eyes darting, ears and jowls flopping every which way. You’ve never seen dogs looking like this.

A few years ago Carli Davidson was a volunteer at dog shelters. In 2010, she began photographing the rescue dogs in mid-motion, capturing their movements at a thirteen-thousandth of a second. She called the project Shake and posted a few pictures on Facebook—they quickly went viral, and she was covered on Huffington Post, The New York Times, and Vanity Fair Italy, just to name a few. In a 90-day period her site spiked to 8.5 million views.

One hundred adorable models posed for the book. Sixty-one of them, including Scooby the Rottweiler, Greta the Shi Tzu, Twinkie the Jack Russell Terrier, and the famous, mixed-breed Ramen Noodle were selected. Two photographs of each dog are featured side-by-side in the book to capture the motion of their shakes. One photo shows the dog beginning to turn; the other shows its wild hair and fabulous facial expression mid-twist. Many of the dogs are shaking off water and the high quality of the photo shows the droplets as well.

http://harpercollins.com/books/Shake-Carli-Davidson/?isbn=9780062242648

9. Do you brush your dog’s teeth? Nah. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. More than 60% of dog owners never brush their dog’s teeth. The main reason is that it’s just too difficult.

To help improve the state of canine oral hygiene Kissable has launched two new ‘Brushless’ Dental Solutions to make dental care easy for the owner and painless for the pooch. Instant Fresh Breath Foam adheres to teeth to gently clean, sanitize and loosen plaque build-up without using a toothbrush!  Oral Care Water Additive is a super-easy-to-administer liquid. Just add a capful to your pet’s water. No toothbrush required.

Instant Fresh Breath Foam

This all natural breath foamer combines the deodorizing powers of baking soda and peppermint with the anti-bacterial power of aloe vera. All promote excellent oral cleanliness which results in fresher breath. The sweet-tasting minty foam immediately adheres to teeth to gently clean, sanitize and loosen plaque build-up without using a toothbrush| 8oz

Oral Care Water Additive

Helps loosen plaque build-up and freshens breath while your pet drinks from the water bowl. Just add a capful to your pet’s drinking water when you refill the bowl and the ingredients in the product do the rest. When the pet drinks from their water bowl, the liquid will pass over the teeth and gums leaving behind ingredients that promote fresh breath and oral cleanliness| 16oz

I put the foam into her mouth. She gave me clenched teeth mouth, which was perfect, i moved her lip and put the foam on her teeth, used my fingers and rubbed it on.  i give her water with her food so not sure how to make that work … smells nice and pepperminty… Cici in general has pretty good breath for a dog, because I feed her high quality foods and treats, no kibble… raw foods and still it is nice to be able to give your dog a sweet smelling minty fresh mouth.

Ecowelldog donates a portion of proceeds from the sale of its products to Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Ecowelldog creates eco-friendly grooming and wellness products for the modern dog. They use the finest (“better than human quality”) ingredients to solve the toughest problems that dogs face, like itchy skin, tear stains and bad breath. Ecowelldog is sold and recommended by veterinarians aroun

Pupdate 22

Had to take Cici to the vet AGAIN because her rear end was all red and swollen near her tail. Turned out that she needed to have her anal glands expressed (which I suspected)… and it turned out that she also lost 2 pounds (last time she gained 6 pounds, so this time she lost 2, she only gained 4 pounds then of the 14 she has lost in total)… have to pig this girl out, any suggestions???  vet said I just feed her even more food, am already giving her three meals a day plus treats. It is making me somewhat nutty that she is still so skin and boney.

The vet admitted that Cici’s skin is better even though she is still somewhat itchy. However, I did NOT enlighten her that I stopped the antibiotics. She wanted me to give her steroids but I have opted out of that too.

I called our local health food for dogs store (yes there is one in Carmel) and asked what they would suggest (sometimes the MOST obvious things you do not think to do until you do think of it)… this was after I ordered some special doggie shampoo from Amazon that turned out to be NOT so natural and made me ill… smelled like a combo of hair spray and those plug-in fragrances, two odors that are not not not all natural and get me sick.  I washed Cici with the shampoo and now she smells like that, ugh. But the company said they give 100% refund so I called Amazon and asked what their policy is and thankfully they said they would take it back, too. Refunded my card and sent me a link to print out a shipping label, too so I do not even have to pay the shipping charges. Gotta love Amazon for that !!!

Moving on in this saga, so I called the raw food doggie store, The Raw Connection, in Carmel and asked for their suggestion of an all natural doggie shampoo that would stop the itchies. And they told me about Miracle II Soap and Neutralizer (Liquid and Gel). She said it worked really well for her white poodle. I decided to give it a try. They had it on Amazon but I did not want to wait so we toodled on down to Carmel after the vet and got the moisturizing shampoo and gel.

 

This stuff is lauded to be good for just about EVERYTHING (I googled it)… so far have not given Cici another bath because TWO baths in ONE week would surely make her leave me. But I have used the gel on her icky areas (where she chews on herself until red, raw and bleeding) and voila, works!!!  also have rubbed the gel onto my osteoarthritis knees and seems to eliminate the pain, so am a happy camper.

Not cheap and there is the gel (which I bought) and the neutralizer liquid which I still plan to buy. The liquid can be taken internally for various reasons.

Fleas and Ticks:
Shampoo dog and cat with Miracle Soap – rinse. Then spray Neutralizer and let dry.  It will not hurt their eyes. Heals rashes, and cuts on dogs, cats and horses. Animal lovers, you will love it!

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.

Putting on the Pooch

Update about my Cici girl….

SHE HAS GAINED SIX POUNDS… she had lost 14 pounds. Now to recap, she had fleas and possibly a tapeworm so I tried EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN and nothing natural really worked for her, the aromatherapies just made her rashy and itchy. Finally, I took her to the vet.  She is still somewhat itchy but I have ordered some doggie shampoo for her and an anti-itchy spray (herbal) that hopefully will take care of the issues. I talked to the company and found that I could get the products at a slightly better price and no shipping charge on Amazon.

I have been giving her an extra meal a day to put the weight back on and it is working.

No more fleas.  Now the vet gave me drugs to give to her including antibiotics. I gave her them for a couple of weeks but then it seemed to me that the drugs were making her rashier and itchier so I stopped.

And the medicated shampoo she gave us got Cici all greasy and did not stop the itchies.

So now am giving Cici the Herbal Internal Powder and No More Flea Drops from earthanimal.com that Kate suggested and it appears to be working since she is due for her flea medication and has NONE.  We shall see.

The powder and drops adjust the blood chemistry so that the fleas do NOT like the taste of it anymore. The powder is filled with good stuff like alfalfa, kelp, blue green algae, and the drops have wormwood (good to taking care of tapeworms), and other ingredients. I still have the confortis from the vet if necessary but am hoping that the powder and drops will work.

And we are not due back to the vet for a month and Cici should be back to her normal weight by next week. Am back to feeding her Canine Health by Dr. Harvey’s and a can of dog food (a huge can from Trader Joe’s). The rabbit and turkey burgers are great AND kind of expensive.

Voila.

and the big lump you see hiding under the cover is Cici LOL… If/when I put a cover over her, she will just stay like that until I take it off again… what can I say, she’s weird that way…

Fleece the dog you love

cici in her pretty hot pink stretch fleece, she is a fleecetionista dog… love this fleece, it feels so soft and love the color… yummy for cici… (not edible)… part of the goldpawseries.com it is a year round jacket made with recycled polyester and spandex, machine washable, made in the USA … if you have a dog that gets chilly or simply one that wants to show off their furshionista sense and go styling when you are traveling… this is the fleece to be in…

what I LOVE about it, is is EASY to put on her, she is such a pest when it comes to putting anything on and I do not usually make her wear clothes… but since she has been so itchy, been trying to cover up the spots… hot spots… so far, she has not been able to chew this to bits… and it does not provide full coverage, but looks soooooo good on her…

one concern I had was it would be too warm on her, but it is not… it is our turn to have summer weather here, but it is not that hot out yet and so this fleece is also good for Fall weather, or spring, wherever you live… you could get your doggie a gift for the New Year.

Comes in 11 fashionable colors and has 15 different sizing options, including custom sizing to fit any breed (Great Danes included). And Gold Paw Series’ products are eco friendly, Bluesign certified, use low-impact dyes, cirrus fleece from recycled polyester and even tags made from recycled materials.

Flee fleas… in your fleece… no, it does not make fleas go away… just playing with words.. what do you think of my fleece-sionista???

http://www.goldpawseries.com/product/fleece-stretch-colors/

Are you prepared?

Within the last week, 11 major wildfires have blazed across California. With the unusual increase in wildfires due to California’s bone-dry conditions, it’s crucial for families to have an emergency evacuation plan in place for not only themselves, but also their pets. In the heat of the moment, pet owners may overlook the key actions that will save their pet’s life if they don’t have a preconceived plan. Brad Kriser, pet expert and founder and CEO of Southern California-based Kriser’s, shares his advice on how to keep pets safe during a wildfire.

1.       Prepare essential supplies: Having your pet’s daily necessities packed and ready to go in an easily accessible place is the first step. It is recommended to stock up on two weeks’ worth of supplies because wildfire disasters may last longer than a few days. Some necessary supplies include sealed pet food and water, a leash with a collar that includes an identification tag, pet medication, supplements and a portable pet carrier big enough to give your pet extra wiggle room. If possible, include your pet’s bed, calming doggie music, Rescue Remedy and toys to help reduce stress.

2.       Research local boarding facilities and animal shelters: Don’t wait until the wildfire happens before you start finding local boarding facilities and animal shelters that will house your pet in the event of an emergency. Create a list of local pet boarding facilities and animal shelters along with their contact number and address. Also, if you’re staying at a local hotel, check in advance to see if they are pet friendly during emergency disasters.

3.       Gather pet records: It’s important to have accessible copies of your pet’s medical records because many boarding facilities will require proof of up-to-date vaccinations as well as medical documentation. Another thing to have on hand is a recent photo of you and your pet together along with a detailed description of your pet, which will help others identify them in case you and your pet become separated and will also serve as proof of ownership.

4.       Consider getting your pet microchipped: According to a study published in the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs had a return-to-owner rate of 52 percent while cats had a return-to-owner rate of 38 percent, so microchipping your dog or cat will significantly increase the chance for you and your pet to be reunited during an emergency. Also, it is crucial for the microchip to be registered and up-to-date in the database so that people are able to contact the pets’ owners once found.

5.       Know the signs of smoke inhalation: Even if the wildfire is not at your door step, the decrease in air quality in the surrounding areas can negatively affect your pet’s respiratory system. Some symptoms of smoke inhalation include coughing and wheezing. It is best to keep your pet indoors as much as possible and to continually observe your pet for any changes in behavior.

Be a good pet guardian and prepare in advance for emergencies.

Thank you to Brad Kriser for this list of tips.

Emma Zen Foundation raises money for pet oxygen masks

http://www.emmazen.com/

Fourth of July bucket list

Chocolate and pet friendly meals to Put on your bucket list

Some of the yummiest meals and specific foods I’ve ever eaten that you might want to devour over the Fourth of July this year or next r another time… and some of the places are even pet friendly… if I do not indicate a specific dish, it means ALL of the food is good, so try whatever appeals to you, it is all good, heave ho.

A vegan meal at Ravens, Stanford Inn, Mendocino, CA

A meal at The Farmhouse, Sonoma, CA

http://fathomaway.com/postcards/chill/farmhouse-inn-sonoma-california/

Eggs MacBenedict, Chocolate Extravagance, MacCallum House, Mendocino, CA

Apple pancakes, Strawberry Creek Inn, Idyllwild, CA

Ole’s Swedish Hot cakes, Little River Inn, Little River, CA

Greek pasta, chicken caesar salad, Dametra cafe, Carmel, CA

Chocolate Cocoa Lounge (Feb. 14), The Island hotel, Newport Beach, CA

Chocolate for Breakfast, Oak Knoll Inn, Napa, CA

Hot chocolate, Silly Rabbit Chocolate, Ashland OR

Robin’s restaurant, Cambria, CA

Chocolate cake, Gnome, Idyllwild, CA

Fish n chips, The Boathouse, Bodega Bay, CA

Calamari, Abalonetti Seafood, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CAfis

Calamari, fish n chips, Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant, Morro Bay, CA

Authentic Pad Thai from Thailand

NY pizza, pretzel, knish (street food)

German pretzel, spaetzle at Englischer Gartens in Munich, and a meal at the Kunstlerhaus

Masala dosa, southern India and meals

Gyro or a Souvlaki and shake at the Mad Greek diner, Baker, CA

Turkey Fat burgers or original with eggs and fries, Los Angeles

Chinese meal from NY or SF Chinatown

Pick your own fruit at Gilcrease Orchards, Las Vegas, NV

fish n chips and stuffed potatoes, London and the midlands

Patty melt, and doggie menu, Park bench cafe, Huntington Beach, CA

Mama’s Fish House, Maui, HI

French toast, Roughley Manor, 29 Palms, CA

world”s largest chocolate fountain, Jean Philippe’s chocolates, Bellagio, las vegas, nv

Omelette, Bagel sandwich, Bagel Cafe, Summerlin, Las Vegas, NV

Chicken and Rice, Mi Casa Too, Carson City, NV

Raw vegan food, Living Light Cafe, Fort Bragg, CA

Breakfast buffet, Top of the Riverfront, Millennium Hotel, St. Louis, MO

BBQ chicken, St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO

Turkey burger and fries, Sequoia Drive-in, Sebastopol, CA

other views:

http://www.nerdtravel.com/2013/west-coast-road-trips/#.UdG7z57BkKE.twitter

http://www.businessinsider.com/memorable-meals-to-eat-in-your-lifetime-2013-6

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/962095/fourth-of-july-flag-lasagna-recipe?sk_ref=poptoday

 

and some yummy pet menus at various hotels

http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-dog-owners-hotels-20130705,0,5336075.story