2014 Holiday Pet Gift Guide

Americans will spend more than $58 billion this year on our pets, according to the American Pet Products Association.

Here are a few eco friendly gifts that Cici thinks will warm your pet’s heart and keep them safe and happy.

Holiday collar

Made in USA • A laser beam permanently engraves the collar’s design, dog’s name and contact information into the leather.
• The noisy metal tags are now engraved on your dog’s collar; guaranteed not to fall off.
• The collar leather is 100% full grain, vegetable tanned cowhide – the most eco-friendly tanned leather

Go to the website, www.ruha.com, you’ll find that you can create your very own personalized collar in a few easy steps:

Step 1:  Select the collar size
Step 2:  Choose a color
Step 3:  Pick a design
Step 4:  Add your dog’s name and the desired contact information

Voila !!!!

Holiday ornament 

Holiday bed

CuddleCouch is filled with EcoRest™, a soft and resilient material made from recycled plastic bottles, which are spun into a fluffy fiber that provides durability and comfort.  For more info, go to:  http://www.worldwise.com/

Pet portrait

An original oil painting of your pet for the holidays by Gillian Wainwright…. http://nycpetportraits.com/

Value of planning ahead

last Friday was my birthday and I had planned to drive down to Morro Bay with my dog and this gal who has been my driver for the past six months. Things started not seeming right with this person on Halloween and I began a search for another driver. After a couple of weeks, there was time for things to cool off.  I decided to give the person the benefit of the doubt and a second chance and hired her again to take me shopping. More problems and she was having personal issues. OK. stuff happens, right.

Well, I realized that there was actually something completely else that I wanted to do on my birthday (rather than go to Morro Bay) and I did not know how to get it all worked out yet it came together very easily. There was even a Wags Hotel in Redwood City (where the event I wanted to go to was being held) and they were offering a FREE first stay for the dog. Next, my roommate decided he wanted to go to Redwood City to visit a friend of his and he would rent the car. Then he changed his itinerary to San Jose, but we could still drive together.

The Hotel Sofitel where the event I went to was being held is pet friendly and offering a discounted rate of only $99 but with all the other expenses I could not stay over. The hotel charges $20 a night per pet. So we decided to drive up and come back after the event (which ended around midnight). The Wag Hotel required more vaccinations than Cici has plus their hours would mean that instead of Cici playing with other dogs, she would mostly be in a strange room by herself. So I opted to leave Cici home. I figured that she would do better in her own home environment with familiar smells and items, toys and food.

It did not occur to me to look for a pet sitter. I called upon the driver gal (since she knows my dog and has worked with dogs) and my neighbor to look in on Cici. If the gal would walk Cici and feed her around 4 pm and my neighbor would check on her about 9 pm, I thought she would be OK.  She mostly sleeps from 5 pm on most days/nights.

On Thursday, the gal drove me shopping and to dinner and I paid her and gave her the key and instructions.

On Friday, we left around noon and arrived back home around 3 a.m. Imagine my shock, when I saw that she had not bothered to show up and feed and walk my dog. Thankfully, Cici was just fine. I had left the door to the backyard open for her so she could do her business any time she wanted. And she must have spent the time sleeping away. Still, she was VERY happy to see us. And was rewarded for NOT tearing the house apart with some bacon and sausage we had brought back from breakfast at Denny’s.

The next morning, after a few hours of sleep, I discovered there was NO message on my phone, email or Facebook page from this person. What the heck was going on?  I expected that at the very least there would be an explanation and apology. Instead there was nothing. As time went on, I became more livid. My neighbor came by and told me he just plain forgot to come by. He apologized and gave me the key back. I should have gotten his phone number to remind him since I knew that he has a bad memory. But what was up with the driver???  I sent her a nasty Facebook direct message and received no reply, no phone message.

By Monday, I decided to call the police and/or a lawyer (I have Legal Shield) for advice. Thinking about things this person told me about themselves had me more and more concerned. She has an arrest record for shoplifting and is not allowed to go into Target. She is very young with a five year old daughter who lives with her mother but she lives with a drug addict friend. She was concerned about being evicted and on her Facebook page she put up very strange, provocative (sexual) images and sayings. She was supposed to be going to Heald college to become a police officer yet this is how she conducts herself?

The lawyer said that he would call her and tell her to get the money and key back to me by Wednesday. She told him that her car broke down and that she would get me the friggin key and money whenever she could. Nasty and cursing at a lawyer. The lawyer did say that he managed to tell her that if anything happened to this house (if it were to be broken into while she still has a key), that she would be liable.

Now I do not believe for a minute that her car broke down.  If so, and she were an honest and responsible person, she would have called and left me a phone message and apologized at the very least. Otherwise, she should have found a way to get here and GET THE JOB DONE (a ride from a friend, a bus, whatever). I have been told that people with arrest records cannot ever become police officers. And so I now believe this person to be a liar and a thief.

I sent her an email (after unfriending and blocking her on Facebook) letting her know that I do not believe her and that she needs to get the key and money to me by tomorrow. If she is unwilling to do anything else, she can MAIL the key and money.

I tried calling some professional pet sitters for tips how to avoid such a situation. One tip was to get references. Another was to not  pay the person ahead of time. What would you do?  I think that this situation is unique and I am endeavoring to learn from it (while processing my anger). I am thankful that I never drove down to Morro Bay with this person. And thrilled that Cici is such a rock star. I have left her alone for 2-4 hours maximum in the past. I would not ever leave her alone for 14 hours but next time, she will be with a reliable pet sitter who will love her and do the job.

Does a pet sitter need to be bonded and insured in order to be hired? Would you have a written contract even for a one time situation?

The Marriott Hotel nearby the Sofitel charges a $100 nonrefundable pet fee. There are other less expensive hotels in the area that are also pet friendly (Good Nite Inn, Motel 6) but not nearly the same quality of hotel accommodations and amenities for humans.

I have another driver in my neighborhood taking me shopping tomorrow. But so far, the drivers have not been very reliable. One gal could not even drive her own stick shift vehicle. Should I find another source to hire people other than craigslist? I cannot pay much but I try to go above and beyond (fed the other gal, took her to the movies one time, and accommodated her schedule and requests). A courteous, responsible and professional person communicates honestly and GETS THE JOB DONE NO MATTER WHAT. At least that is my standard. No More Flakes Need Apply.

DogVacay.com and other organizations provide in-home dog care while you are away. What do you do when you travel and cannot take your pets???

A pet friendly Howloween

Fun things to do with dogs for the spooky holiday

Nowadays the whole entire family can join in the fun of the holiday season. There are a variety of entertaining activities to do including Howloween events such as costume parties and parades featuring canines as well as fundraisers, shopping and ghostly tours. You should be able to take the entire family pumpkin shopping. Here is a sample of what is going on in the Monterey Bay area this year.

pumpkin patch shopping

there is a long list of places where they will have kid friendly pumpkin patch events here, if you want to go, call to see if they are also pup friendly

http://www.mbaykids.com/Halloween.asp

Make a peanut butter and pumpkin doggie treat for Fido

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/peanut-butter-and-pumpkin-dog-treats/

Carve the pumpkin to look like your dog

http://www.canidae.com/blog/2012/10/how-to-carve-pumpkin-that-looks-just.html

the City of Carmel-by-the Sea is celebrating its 97th Annual Birthday Celebration and Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 26, 2013. The parade begins at 11AM meandering through the commercial district on Ocean Avenue. Adults, children and leashed dogs are welcome to participate in the parade. Make sure you wear your costume and join City Dignitaries riding in grand old cars as the City salutes its residents, as well as elected and appointed officials.

A wonderful hot dog lunch and entertainment await outdoors at Sunset Center parking lot (located on San Carlos between 9th and 10th) beginning at high Noon! Tickets for the lunch will be available for purchase at Carmel-by-the-Sea City Hall (E/S Monte Verde btwn Ocean & 7th) and the Carmel Chamber of Commerce (W/S San Carlos btwn 5th & 6th) and at the event, buy early, as a limited number are available. $5 for a hot dog lunch including chili, chips, a drink, ice cream, cake and coffee (donated by the Monterey Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross). For ticket information please call 831/620.2020.

For up-to-date information please call 831/620.2020, or e-mail clopez@ci.carmel.ca.us

Haute–nd Howl-o-ween

October 26, 2013 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Haute Enchilada
7902 Moss Landing Rd.
Moss Landing, California

View Website

Ph: (831) 718-9122

Taco bar, live music with Carolyn Sils Band, drawing, dog costume contest, awesome prizes!

Entry: $5 Donation to POMDR (Peace of Mind Dog Rescue)

Savor a special Haute Style taco bar available for purchase for $15.00 (BBQ is optional)

Wine and Beer also available for purchase.

Costume Contest at 1:45 p.m. judged by Mike Hale:

-1st Prize $100 gift certificate to The Haute Enchilada,

-2nd Prize $50 gift certificate to The Haute Enchilada,

-3rd Prize $25 gift certificate to LightHouse Harbor Grille

Trick or Treat Pacific Grove

All are encouraged to put on their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat throughout downtown Pacific Grove, Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All ages welcome. Look for the Halloween balloons at participating businesses.

Zoom Room Howl-o-ween Spectacular

Join the annual Howl-O-Ween party and fundraiser at Zoom Room, 120 Central Ave., Pacific Grove on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 2-4 p.m. This dog-friendly event will include costume contests, doggie games and prizes, tasty treats, adoptable dogs, and Halloween portraits. Information: (831) 717-4580.

Pumpkin Pandemonium & Community Trick-or-Treat

Join the annual free family fun at this year’s Pumpkin Pandemonium and community trick-or-treat, Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey. Information: www.shopdelmonte.com.

 

 

 Don’t forget to enter our Halloween pet photo contest, to win prizes,

http://celiasue.com/2013/10/03/the-furriest-halloween-contest/

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link 

The Furriest Halloween Contest

We’re so excited to announce the 1st annual Halloween Costume Photo Contest!   We’d love for you and your pets to join us!

The rules are simple. Check it out:

1. Take a photo of your pet all decked out in its Halloween best and email it to me at prmatchmaker at yahoo.com from October 3rd to the day before Halloween, October 30. Use the words “Contest Photo” in your email subject line.
2. Include your pet’s name, age, breed, and your first and last name.
3. We’ll add your pet’s photo to the official Costume Photo Album on our NEW Facebook page, Cici the Polka Dot Princess.

It’s your chance to show off your pet in her Halloween best!  We’ve got great prizes for the 3 pets that win!

Prizes include your very own copy of The Sound and the Furry by Spencer Quinn. And to honor the book, please dress your pooch up as an ALLIGATOR…can be a homemade costume, store bought or whatever, use your imagination !  Creativity will be rewarded.

Spring Naturals dog food and other treats will also be given to the winners.

http://celiasue.com/2013/09/20/senior-pets-rock/

Halloween Safety Tips For Pets

Pet costumes are cute. And Halloween can be spooky for dogs. Be sure that your dog is safe in the neighborhood when you head out with her on Halloween. Pets do not always enjoy the sights and sounds of Halloween. Here are a few precautions to take to keep them safe:

1. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag with your current contact information and that the microchip has up to date info, too.

2. Keep your pet on a leash. There may or may not be a lot of kids or teens where you live outside going trick or treating door to door. But be safe and control your pet with a leash. You never know when your dog might see a cat or decide s/he wants to chase or run off and scavenge or explore.

3. Make special Halloween treats for your pets. Give your dog a new bone, some doggie biscuits, dog jerky or dog cookies. But do not give candy to dogs or cats. Chocolate, nuts, raisins and candy with ingredients like xilothil and other “sugar-free” chemicals can be life threatening and even fatal for dogs.  

4. When you are at home entertaining trick or treaters or having your own party, keep your pets in a safe place behind a closed door or gate. Otherwise, your pets might quickly get outside without a leash and get spooked, stolen or get into trouble.

5. Pets should stay indoors on Halloween night, especially black cats and even dogs that are outside. There is a high incidence of pets being stolen during the month of October, and you do not want your pets to become a statistic.

6. Have your own Halloween party for your pets and invite the neighborhood pawpals. Give out baskets of pet treats, play games and give our prizes for the best costumes !

BOO ! Share your plans for Halloween, the spookiest night of the year in the comments below and on our Facebook page, and be sure to send us your pet’s photo.

 

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link 

 

Dog Days of Summer Travel

Top 8 Summer Travel Accessories for You and Fido

Traveling with your dog or cat this summer? You must bring these tips and gear for a comfortable, calm, healthy and safe trip.

Summer Pet Travel

Hitting the road with your dog or cat during the dog days of summer can be a fun time for all, lots of memories filled with sunny days and moonlit nights.

The items below will help you and your pet be more comfortable and safe while traveling.

1. All Your Stuff in one Place: The Yak Pak Duffle Bag is a great bag to take with you on road trips and travels with your pooch.

Yak Pak is a New York-based company that manufactures backpacks, luggage, and accessories (neck pillows, dog clothes, phone cases, and leashes, too). They are known for their fun prints and revolutionary designs. Yak Pak allowed me to choose a bag to review and I selected the “dufflebag/backpack in one.”  Colorful print and design and handy dandy for outings and traveling with the pooch.

The backpack feature is really handy especially if you need your hands free to walk the dog…

I stuffed the bag full of snacks, treats, waste bags, pet food, bathing suit, shoes, a book, purse, change of clothes, lotions and potions, towels and sprays and there was plenty of room for more. The bag is fun and easy to use. The backpack straps are durable, though not padded. When you want to use the pack as a duffle bag, the backpack straps slide under the handles.

For more info and to get your very own Yak pak, go to:

http://yakpak.com/

You too can win a Yak Pak bag,

Like” YakPak on:

1. Facebook (facebook.com/yakpak.usa)

2. Twitter, (twitter.com/yakpak)

3. Instagram (instagram.com/yakpak_USA)

4. Pinterest (pinterest.com/yakpakusa)

2. No One likes a Stinky dog: Critter Zone now has an air purifier you can plug into your car for clean air on the go – for you and Fido. Great for the hotel room too.  We LOVE it and keep it plugged it at home, too. The CritterZone Air Naturalizer creates a natural air flow that fills the room. You can also get the one that you can use in your car or vehicle. The air purifier continually cleans the air.  The CritterZone air purifier eliminate odors, allergens, dust and bacteria and it is small and easy to pack on any trip or vacation! Learn more about CritterZone at: http://www.critterzoneusa.com.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ CritterZone. Twitter: @CritterZoneUSA.

3. Keep Fido Calm: Comfort your pet’s anxiety from the stress of traveling, fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises you may encounter on your trip with ICalm calming music for dogs and/or the new Through a Cat’s Ear, calming music for felines.

http://celiasue.com/2013/07/05/pet-music/

4. Delicious Rewards: What dog does not like a  healthy, nutritious treat from Orjen?

Our good friends over at Chewy.com has a wide selection of dog treats and dog foods. And they offered Cici the chance to pick out the treats she would like to taste test and she chose the Orjen Ranch Raised Lamb Singles.

These single serve treats are made from 100% all-natural grass-fed lamb and contain zero preservatives, artificial flavors, or additives, and each freeze-dried treat only has 7 calories.

Key Benefits

• Grain-free foods are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Made without preservatives
• Single-ingredient treats reduce food-related allergies
• Freeze-dried for freshness

Cici is soooo smart… I gave her a couple of treats which she scarfed up… then I put the bag down on the couch. She was snuggled next to me. I was not paying attention to her for a moment and next thing you know, she snuck up on the bag and stuck her nose/face into it… She loves these treats !!!

There are several other flavors including duck, bison and wild boar and you can get a 2 oz. bag or 3-1/2 oz bag.

http://www.chewy.com/dog/orijen-ranch-raised-lamb-singles/dp/46176

5.  Spray The Pests Away:  Dr. Ben’s Paws and Claws Cedar oil kills fleas and other pests and is nontoxic to humans and dogs. Natural antimicrobial properties promote healing of yeast and bacterial infections of the ear canal. Offers relief from flea dermatitis, dry flaky skin, hot spots, mange, burrowing mange mites, ear mites and other parasitic related ailments. Aids the healing process of damaged skin. This spray solution is applied on your pet’s coat as an insect control agent. It comes in various easy to use sizes. The formula is all natural, chemical free and you can use to protect yourself whether you’re indoors or out. Sporting events, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting or during virtually any activity you wish to enjoy while not having to worry about insects.

Cici and I have suffered through all kinds of different products. Before trying this cedar oil, I changed her diet, gave her Doggie Goo (for allergies, which works but not to eliminate fleas and pests),  slathered her with healing cream and coconut oil (also works but did not get rid of the pests),  sprayed her with different combinations of essential oils and raw apple cider vinegar, plus I washed her in Dawn and herbal shampoo (both worked but not for long).

Most all natural products with essential oils gave her rashes and splotches and blotches. But not this product. Plus it smells refreshing and I have sprayed it on our carpet, cici’s bedding, blankets, covers and sleeping bags as well as clothing. No stains just protection from pests.

For more info, go to DG Cedar at http://bit.ly/15ylmaK

6. Nutrition on the Road:  Lugging heavy bags of dog food with you is not fun. With Petsana, you can get freeze dried raw food delivered to your door before you leave. An 8lb. bag makes over 40 lbs. of wholesome food. Or you can bring a 3 lb. bag if you prefer. All you have to do is add hot water, wait 15 minutes and voila, you are done.  Cici has been enjoying the Turkey Feast (there is also Beef flavor). Your pup will enjoy freeze-dried chunks of real turkey (or beef) along with dehydrated fresh fruits and veggies.  100% grain free & gluten free.

Full Ingredient List:

Sweet Potatoes, Turkey, Whole Egg, Broccoli, Celery, Apples, Flax Seed Meal, Pecans, Tricalcium, Phosphate, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Basil, Dried Alfalfa, Ginger Root, Dried Kelp, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin A Palmitate.

For more info, go to:

http://www.mypetsana.com/content/turkey-feast-dehydrated-natural-dog-food

7.  Bowls on the Go:  I always bring a collapsible bowl/portable bowl for water and on the go and another bowl to feed Cici in the hotel room. We love the eco friendly Bamboo Bowls by Loving Pets which are made from 100% renewable and sustainable resources (Bamboo and Corn Starch). These bowls are durable and dishwasher safe and feature anti-skid feet to prevent spills and slippage. Bamboo Bowls also have cutouts on the side which allow them to be lifted off the ground with ease. Sustainable, renewable and affordable. Available in 3 different colors and 4 different sizes.

http://www.lovingpetsproducts.com/

This wonderful mix of reliable pet travel products will provide your pet with a comfortable, calm, healthy and safe journey.

Whether traveling by road, sky or sea, your pets’ safety, health and overall well being is a priority. These products for pet travel will make vacationing with your furry friends a better experience for everyone.

A Dog’s New Years Resolutions

New Year’s Eve is almost here… some tips from last year that are still relevant.

http://celiasue.com/2011/12/29/party-animals-play-it-safe-for-new-years-eve/

Do you set goals? Write New Year’s Resolutions?

http://celiasueink.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/new-years-resolutions-for-champs/

Some dogs who are ready to party hardy…

http://thefw.com/new-years-dogs/

Fun New Years Resolutions for Pets, check out Animal Planet’s ‘official’ pet resolutions!

Cici’s Top 22 New Years Resolutions

1. Eat more treats. (Have Mom, get more Dr. Harvey’s Power Patties).

2. Scavenge for more food other than the bread left out for the birds.

3. Get more belly rubs.

4. Give more kisses.

5. Take more walks and runs at the park.

6. Get yourself to the beach and swim.

7. BOYCOTT  BATHS, and NO SLATHERING CREAMS.

8. Chase more cats, squirrels and birds.

9. Dream more about chasing cats, squirrels and birds.

10. Dine on fine cuisine and travel more.

11. Play more with neighbor dogs.

12. Start a barkday list a few months early.

13. Hoover the food off the kitchen floor while it’s fresh.

14. Dig a hole in the back yard to recline in for the spring/summer.

15. Squirm out of taking photos and dressing up.

16. Learn how to drive to feel my fur in the wind.

17. Be a good ambassador and END BSL.

18. No more itchies.

19. Make more doggie friends.

20. Eat more.

21. Get more bones, deer antler chews and Chew On.

22. Help doggie pals get adopted.

• Feel free to share your pet’s resolutions in the comments.  We wish you and your furries a very happy and healthy 2013!

 

 

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

 

pain is the pits

I was diagnosed with fibro in 1996… have relieved 98% of my symptoms and agree that PET THERAPY of the pit bull variety kind helps a lot… since pibbles are funny dogs… goofy… warm… cuddly and silly… much comic relief, lots of laugh, plus calming warmth and an abundance of licks… of course I am biased…

pain is the pits… this morning my lower back was hurting, cici is applying her special therapy upon it and my back feels better already…

http://www.fmnetnews.com/latest-news/pet-therapy-reduces-fibromyalgia-pain

more about how I have relieved my pain from fibro is here…

loved that Animal Planet had pit bull puppies in their Too Cute segment but miss Pit Bulls and Parolees, which will be on again January 5.  below is just a Dogs 101 segment about American Pit Bull Terriers…

http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/american-pit-bull.htm

what do you think????

Holiday gift guide for pets plus

This holiday season, nearly 63 percent of dog owners and 58 percent of cat owners will be buying Christmas gifts for their furry friends, according to the American Humane Association.

Aromatherapy dog gift set

Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Treatment Experience For Pets is a natural, therapeutic and effective pet care regimen and makes a wonderful gift set. The Rose Essential Oil hand poured soy candle smells yummy while balancing the body/mind. also comes in Jasmine and Wildwood scents. The gift set also includes Rose Aromatherapy Shampoo & Conditioner For Pets, Rose Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray For Pets and a lovely Logo Tote Bag.

http://www.gerrardlarriett.com/balancing-rose-aromatherapy-deodorizing-soy-candle-for-pets.html

Books

Adalyn’s Clare is a heartwarming, adventure-filled story that draws attention to the realities of social anxiety and the need to help create meaningful relationships for children who have difficulty making friends in grade school – just like Adalyn.

Author Kari Dunn Buron developed an Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate program for educators at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, and has done volunteer work specific to autism around the world.

Adalyn, a smart but lonely fourth grader, is not very good at finding human friends but loves animals and is a whiz at science. Her favorite place in the whole world is the science room where her “animal best friends” live. In fact, Adalyn knows details about animals and the places they inhabit that most of us would never know or remember.

Adalyn often finds people confusing and frustrating, which in turn causes her a great deal of worry and often gets her into trouble. Clare is a therapy puppy. When Clare gets assigned to help Adalyn calm her anxieties and help her find (human) friends, it seems like a tall order for a 3-month-old puppy. But Clare takes it in her stride. It’s during these times when Adalyn worries that Clare creeps up close and gently puts her chin on Adalyn’s foot to reassure her. Together they wait, silently and relaxed, until Adalyn’s nerves start to get smaller.  Recommended for young readers in grades 3-6.

http://www.aapcpublishing.net/book/view/701/adalyns-clare

Dogs teach unconditional love. The purr of a kitten can bring peace. Horses show us how to harness our strength with grace.

Paws to Reflect offers gentle daily reflections for those who seek to grow spiritually by observing the animal kingdom and all the lessons it teaches.  This is a Christian book.

GRILL-ICIOUS™ (Loving Pets)

http://www.lovingpetsproducts.com/pet-treats/grill-icious

Cici LOVES these delicious treats. She sits there and DROOLS until I give her one.

Add sizzle to your pet treat assortment with Loving Pets’ new Grill-icious, 100% all-natural Beef, Chicken and Turkey treats. available in both Regular and “Bite Size” treats. Made in the USA from USA-grown ingredients, these lean and tasty meat treats mixed with a touch of antioxidant-rich sweet potato will light a fire in dog’s taste buds. Each treat is naturally seared over a hot grill to seal in a juicy flavor dogs love. Continuing its commitment to pure, unprocessed ingredients, Loving Pets’ GRILL-ICIOUS™ recipe contains no gluten, byproducts, or preservatives. These all-natural treats are made in the USA, and contain only 100% USA farm-grown ingredients.

Designer and Expressions Bella Bowls™ (Loving Pets)

http://www.lovingpetsproducts.com/pet-accessories/bella-bowl-designer-collection

Loving Pets’ #1 selling, dishwasher safe BELLA BOWLS™ are now available in eight new designer prints.  Designer and Expressions Bella Bowls™ bring a new level of style to Veterinarian-recommended stainless steel.  Cici and I love her new bowl…

For Dog Lovers:

•    Classic Pink Argyle

•    Playful Turquoise Dragonflies

•    Antique Gold Fleur-de-Lis

•    Compassionate Valentine Red Hearts

•    Contemporary Silver “Bow-Wow”

•    Whimsical Steel Blue “I Love My Dog”

Slow down, Fido… Cici scarfs up her food, she eats sooos fast, you’d think it was her last meal. Food gulping isn’t only a messy habit that’s difficult to break, but a behavior that can lead to vomiting, choking, bloat and digestive issues. Plus, eager eaters don’t realize how much they just ate, so they keep begging for between-meal treats that can quickly turn into extra pounds. Fortunately, now there’s an innovative way for pet parents to end this “feeding frenzy” by turning mealtime into a challenging, entertaining game.

The Company of Animals presents GREEN by NORTHMATE – an innovative “turf placemat” for pets that turns mealtime into a fun , stimulating game. Just scatter a handful of kibble or two across the deeply sculpted surface. Then it’s up to the dog or cat to seek out the food in the valleys between the simulated grass blades. Especially recommended for aggressive gulpers and pets on a restricted calorie diet , GREEN prolongs eating time, making meals healthier and more fun . And since this product is made of durable plastic that’s phthalate-free, it’s 100% pet and dishwasher safe.

Brewer’s yeast and garlic helps to repel fleas. You can give your doggie treats and bye bye bugs. This daily nutritional supplement helps support healthy blood sugar levels and can also be especially helpful during flea and tick season and during times of stress. Available in chewable tablets or tasty soft chews!  Cici LOVES them.

http://www.probioticsmart.com/pets/pscpets-brand.html.

Does your doggie have bad breath? PlaqClnz may be the answer. For fresh breath and good oral care, go to www.plaqclnz.com for more details.

    Its zinc-based formula works to stop bad breath (a warning sign of deteriorating gum and teeth conditions) while it guards against the build-up of plaque and tarter. Most dogs 3+ years already have the signs.

Are your pets scratching up the house? Then SoftClaws nail caps for dogs and indoor cats could help. The caps mute scratching damage and avoids cat declawing…a big issue for cat parents.

    See www.softclaws.net  for details, size and color selections. These were invented by a vet.

    When you travel with your dog/cat, putting these on helps to avoid tearing up car upholstery, hotel furnishings, strangers’ clothing and more.

To apply, fill each vinyl nail cap with the adhesive that’s provided, then slide it on over your dog’s toenail. It stays on for 4-6 weeks.

Each low-cost nail kit comes with 40 nail caps, the adhesive that secures them onto your dog’s toenails, and simple instructions.

You can place them only on the front paws or on your dog’s front and back paws.

for the humans

Mighty Mug is great for pet parents and parents, people like me who are clumsy and spill everything. I LOVE IT. (only wish it came in PURPLE). This mug is amazing. powered by patented Smartgrip Technology which allows Mighty to resist tipping over and spilling that cup of tea, hot chocolate or coffee all over your pants (or even worse your computer). The best part about the Mighty Mug is that it knows the difference between an accidental knock and going in for a sip. If you can imagine a mug that won’t fall over even when punched but lifts naturally then you gotta try one for yourself, your favorite pet parent or computer geek coffee drinker.

Chia seeds bars

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these bars. Give the gift of CHIA this holiday season! these yummy bars are healthy, easy to bring with you to the dog park, traveling and/or to carry in your purse. Filled with Omega 3 and tasty… I love the ACAI BERRY and also the COCONUT bars. They also come in PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE flavor… great replacement to the high-sugar, empty-calorie-filled, non-nutrient providing candy all too often around the house during the holidays. They have only 100 calories and 5g of sugar per serving. And best of all, there are actual health BENEFITS to eating them: Chia provides six times more calcium than whole milk, six times more protein than soy, 15 times more magnesium than broccoli does, twice the fiber then bran flakes, and nearly nine times the amount of omega-3s found in salmon.

CreationScapes offers a gift of tranquility; a way to reduce stress that rejuvenates mind, body and spirit.  breathtaking beauty and sounds of nature, set to soothing music that calms, refreshes and inspires – all without leaving home!   Ahhhhhhhh…

http://www.squidoo.com/handmade-with-love-christmas-gifts-for-pets

http://www.squidoo.com/hanukkah-gifts-for-pets

http://www.squidoo.com/stocking-stuffers-for-dogs-and-puppies

 

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop code

a very doggie holiday

Tis the season to be a dog… well, that is year round… but this holiday season, below are some fun activities and dog friendly places to enjoy with your number one best friend.

Have a dog Christmas Eve or Chanukah party! Invite all your friends and their dogs over. While you and your friends enjoy fresh-baked holiday treats and cookies, egg nog and/or hot chocolate, your dog and her furry friends can munch on peanut butter dog biscuits. Do a Secret Santa Paw Pal type gift exchange… ask friends to bring a dog toy for their favorite paw pal.

Take your dog to visit Santa! S/he may have been naughty or nice and have her own wish list. Plus, she’ll enjoy the fun of meeting Santa and you’ll get a photo of your pooch on Santa’s lap to cherish and send to loved ones!

Listen to holiday music, sing songs, go Christmas carolling with your dog and give out dog treats and cookies to your neighbors.

Kosher dog cookies?

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/holiday-gift-guide-2012/chanukah-gift-guide-2012-gallery-1.1212617?pmSlide=7

http://www.squidoo.com/dogchristmas

Dog friendly places to take your dog for the holidays

Carmel

http://www.sfgate.com/travel/undercovers/article/Hofsas-House-Carmel-Clean-comfort-at-great-value-2339756.php

Idyllwild

http://idyllwildtowncrier.com/2012/11/27/opinion-a-4-legged-christmas-wish-list/

Mendocino

MacCallum House, Little River Inn, Stanford Inn, all great places to stay

http://dogtime.com/ten-signs-a-bed-breakfast-has-tlc-true-love-for-canines.html

Newport Beach

From large Huskies to tiny Chihuahuas, every dog imaginable is welcomed in what many describe as the “Canine Coast.” With pet-friendly accommodations, stores, beaches and parks, Newport Beach is the ideal destination for a holiday getaway with your pet Fido, Fifi, Bolt or Lassie.

http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/things-to-do/holidaylights/

located in dog friendly Vermont…the perfect dog friendly winter wonderland vacation

http://www.pawhouseinn.com/

pet friendly mountain getaway in the countryside 30 minutes from Asheville, NC. no size restrictions.

http://www.pondercove.com/

pet friendly farm stay in Va

http://www.cornerstonefarm.net/animals.html

pet friendly poconos mountains with lots of fun activities for you and your pooch from canoeing, wineries, a blueberry farm, horse farm, state parks, trails, arctic paws dog sled tours, mansions, museums and more…

http://www.800poconos.com/vacation-packages/pet-friendly-vacations/hotels/

new england, new hampshire, vermont, connecticut, maine and massachusetts offer many pet friendly places to stay and activities

http://www.nhliving.com/lodging/petfriendly/index.shtml

• Nothing’s more iconic than spending Christmas in New York. The Affinia Manhattan and Skyline Hotel New York are both dog-friendly and a short walk away from New York’s most pawpular attractions. To take in the holiday cheer, walk your dog to Rockefeller Center and view the enormous Christmas tree that’s on display each December.
• Transportation for you and your pooch is easy in the Big Apple. Just hail one of the city’s k-9 cabs.
• Those visiting the Big Apple can also take their dogs for a winter stroll in Central Park, grab a bite to eat at these dog-friendly restaurants or quench your thirst at one of these bars or coffee shops where wet noses are welcome.

http://www.ilovedogfriendly.com/2012/11/dogfriendly-christmas-destinations/

Holiday spirit

well, it is almost Christmas…before you know it…

time to check the balls… I mean, deck the halls… with Bo Obama at the White House  approving the Holiday decorations….he will soon welcome 90,000 visitors to the tune of the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy?”

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57556389-10391739/obamas-dog-bo-gets-into-holiday-mischief/

does your dog/pets like Christmas?

is your tree and decor up yet? have your pooches inspected the premises? will the furry ones meet Santa this year? are you in the holiday spirit yet, holiday partying and what gifts are in store if they are good (and even if they are naughty)?

This holiday season, nearly 63 percent of dog owners and 58 percent of cat owners will be buying Christmas gifts for their furry friends, according to the American Humane Association.  Soon, we will share a holiday gift guide or two and holiday pet travel. are you going anywhere FUN for the holidays?

what are you looking forward to this year???  I want to see The Hobbit movie and Les Miserables, coming out soon… (Dec. 14 and Xmas day)…

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop code