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Jon Stewart Gets Out and About with His Tripod Dog

Filed under: Celebrity Dogs,Dog Life — mtest on May 23rd, 2013

Recently, photos showing Comedy Central and The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart walking his three-legged dog appeared on the Huffington Post. Champ, Stewart’s canine companion, appears to be a young American Pit Bull Terrier or a mixed breed missing the right thoracic (front) limb.

Although some may consider this pooch to be unlucky, as only three legs carry around the body weight instead of four, I feel that Champ has struck proverbial gold. I’d let Stewart adopt me if he was interested in taking on a late-30’s holistic veterinarian with no known health problems and overall good house-training habits!

It’s no surprise to see Stewart palling around with this kind of pooch, as he’s well known for being an advocate of animal welfare causes and has two other rescued Pit Bulls. Dogs are reportedly incorporated into the fabric of Stewart’s work life, as Bark magazine’s Claudia Kawczynska notes that upon entering The Daily Show’s set “the first thing new employees, show guests and visitors notice are the dogs. Free-ranging and ubiquitous, they have become an integral part of the office landscape: roaming, playing or lying about, with toys scattered everywhere”.

So, how did Champ end up with three legs? There are a variety of reasons that a dog (or cat) may be missing one (or multiple) limbs, including:

Trauma

Hit by car, dog fights, gunshots, knife wounds, and other severe traumas can lead to the decision that a pet’s best interest is served by having the affected limb amputated. Although bone, soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves can heal, significant compromise to their function can motivate the decision to pursue surgery so the dog can function better on the remaining (and hopefully more normal) limbs.

Cancer

Osteosarcoma (malignant bone cancer) is one of the most common cancerous cause of limb amputation. This typically occurs in adult and senior large-breed dogs. Cancers of bone, cartilage, nerves, and other bodily structures are often quite painful and can severely compromise a dog’s quality of life when permitted to remain attached to the body. Amputation of a cancer-afflicted limb improves a pet’s comfort and quality of life.

Congenital malformation or developmental disorder

Some dogs are born with an abnormal limb or the development process does not occur as ideally as it should. In these cases, the leg is otherwise normal but for the fact that it does not function properly to support the body’s weight. Over time, the limb can become traumatized or inhibit a pet’s more normal movement and necessitate amputation.

According to University of Pennsylvania veterinarians David M. Nunamaker and Peter D. Blauner’s Textbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics, “in a normal stance, 60% of the dog’s weight rests over the front legs: extension of the head and neck or lowering of the head can increase this forward weight bias by 10% to 15%”.

Therefore, Champ and other dogs having one of their front limbs removed are required to support 60% of their body weight on their remaining thoracic limb. As a result, there is much more literally riding on one front leg. This is why it is important to make lifestyle changes to ensure that the single thoracic limb is not unnecessarily impacted from day to day activity. My suggestions are to:

Maintain lean body condition

Currently, Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimates that 54% of pets in the United States are overweight or obese (approximately 89 million cats and dogs). Excess weight increases the body’s overall level of inflammation, which can even promote cancer cell growth.

Seek guidance from your veterinarian about the Body Condition Score (BCS) currently held by your pet to establish if your cat or dog is too thick, too thin, or in near perfect body condition. If your pet is too thick, then create a weight loss plan involving calorie restriction and safely increasing activity.

Reduce household trauma

Although a dog with three limbs can certainly walk and run, doing so in a “crazy dog” or overly athletic way is not the healthiest choice. Going down stairs or off of elevated surfaces (couch, bed, car, etc.) can be traumatizing to the toes, wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints along with the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other structures that keep the single, supporting limb in place.

It’s best to prioritize safety when creating your home aesthetic by lowering the heights of beds and couches. Additionally, place traction enhancing carpeting slippery surfaces, especially on stairs. Place obstructive gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent access unless a responsible adult is around to ensure the pet goes up and down a safe and reasonable pace.

I hope that Stewart, Champ, and the other family pooches have many happy, healthy, and upwardly mobile years ahead of them.

This article was originally published on Pet360.com.

Blue Collar Projects Pride in Rescue

Filed under: Dog Breeds,Dog Life,Dog News,Products & Reviews — mtest on May 6th, 2013

As pet parents of two mixed breed rescue dogs, we sometimes lament the lack of cute pet products that tout our favorite breed: rescue.

Last year, two Cincinnati dog lovers and entrepreneurs got together and launched Project Blue Collar, an initiative that focuses on the positive side of adoption. Carole Feeny and Kristin Waters met in 2010 at the gym and quickly learned of each other’s interest in animal welfare. “Although we worked with different rescues (Carole with a foster-based rescue and I at a no-kill shelter), we started networking dogs together and helped each other out at different times when our respective groups were full,” recalls Kristin.

From her experience at the rescue, Carole knew that rescue dogs undergo a wonderful transformation on the road to adoption, a change that the general public often misses due to massive advertising campaigns Blue Collar Projects that “engender our pity with tragic images of animals in need and leave us thinking of them as damaged goods. While these marketing campaigns are successful at raising funds they are not helping rescuers show the positive qualities of adoptable animals. This realization prompted me to think of a way to promote the value of the rescue dog and get them to be the marketers of their own movement. Thus, Project Blue Collar was born.”

Carole and Kristin quickly came together on this project they named Project Blue Collar – Support the Underdog™. The blue collar, modeled on popular silicone cause bracelets that signify a wearer’s affinity for a movement, identifies the dog’s background and its transformation from a homeless animal to a cherished family member.

As with a cause bracelet, the blue collar serves as a conversation starter. “We hear story after story about people asking about the Blue Collar on their dogs,” explains Kristin. “That’s the whole purpose: To create conversations and inspire others to learn about the joy of adopting a rescue dog. When 10,000 dogs are needlessly killed each day in our nation’s shelters, we need to educate people about the value of rescue dogs, and then change will begin to happen – one dog at a time.”

Support Carole, the company’s president, says when the conversation begins, it gives the pet parent a chance to share their pet’s story. “The story of rooting for the underdog to transform into a superhero is a compelling theme in our culture. Our movement translates the power of that possibility to orphaned animals. We believe that by growing this movement one grassroot at a time, we will create a groundswell of change and impact the course of animal welfare in the future.”

And Project Blue Collar isn’t only for mixed breeds like our Irie and Tiki but for all rescues. Explains Carole, “Whether a purebred or a mixed breed, rescues are rescues and people who have adopted them are proud. Our Blue Collar gives people a way to display their pride and tell their story. Their enthusiasm inspires and educates others to follow their example.”

Photo courtesy Project Blue Collar

This article originally appeared on Pet360.com.

Pet Parents Who Splurge on Their Dogs

Filed under: Dog Life,Products & Reviews — mtest on May 6th, 2013

by Carol Bryant

From rich and luxurious dog homes to hosting extravagant parties, these are dog parents who stop at no expense to go above and beyond for their dogs. Some might say this is going a bit overboard and some might say these pet parents are lavishing their dogs too much. Many of us, on the contrary, will react with a smile and a “way to go.” Money means nothing to dogs, as they just want to be by our side and walking through life with us. However, there are folks who indulge for their dogs and we celebrate with them.

Meet people who take their passion for dogs to a whole other level when splurging on their doggie darlings.

Ahoy, Matey

“We bought a lake house because of our children. We then bought a new 20′ pontoon boat and named it It’s a Dog’s Life,”Jerry Grodesky says.

Jerry’s children are his dogs, and he considers these girls his family. “Every cruise is like the first,” he says. “When we grab the orange boat bag to head to the pontoon, they are unstoppable from there.” Samantha, a Brittany Spaniel, and Lilly, a Min Pin mix, are always ready to set sail.

Dog in a Land of Enchantment

Jill Lane of Albuquerque, New Mexico, knows a thing or two about going above and beyond for her dog. Her sidekick, Travelin’ Jack (yep, that makes them Jack and Jill), is New Mexico’s esteemed pet travel reporter. This Olde English Bulldog shares his tales of travel on his very own dog blog.

Travelin’ Jack is New Mexico’s only dog to ever win an award for his work in pet travel as well as New Mexico’s ONLY award winning dog-author. He also proudly carries the title as New Mexico’s first ever Dog-Governor, so Jill Lane knows a thing or two about rolling out the red carpet for her pooch.

Home Away From Home

June and Mike Myers decided to do some traveling when they retired and take their dogs along for the ride. Many of us dream of the day when we can take to the open road with a canine pal by our side. The Myers family went one step further.

They did not want to leave their two Cocker Spaniels, Ziggy and Buster, in hotel rooms when they traveled, so in 2009 they bought a 38-foot class A diesel motorhome for the dogs as their second home. “Mike (my husband) even built a set of stairs for the bed and a removable footboard for it so we didn’t have to worry about them rolling off the bed at night,” June shares.

Hop on the Bus, Gus

“Our world revolves around Gus,” Angela Williams of Ringgold, Georgia beams. “Most every decision we make, we have him in mind.” Doggie devotion seems to be a common thread these days.

The Williamses purchased a truck so their pooch could ride in comfort with them. He has a birthday party every year, with a recent addition being a chicken-flavored bubble machine at his party.

Williams admits, “I tell people all the time, if I knew that Gus had one day to live, and someone offered me a million dollars for him, I would turn down the money and take my one last day with him.”

Wardrobe Malfunction

Coco Chanel Bella need not worry about a wardrobe malfunction; her mom, Christine Aiello of Massapequa, New York, has a backup plan.

“When I first got my dog I said I would never dress her up. That didn’t last,” Aiello admits.

She became a clothes fanatic after purchasing a winter sweater for her little darling. “Most people spend time on Facebook to socialize with other people. I spend most of my time on Facebook looking for outfits to buy her from the designers on there or entering her into contests.”

Coco has her own closet full of dresses, sweaters, raincoats, boots, bows, sweatshirts, t-shirts, snoods, collars, leashes, necklaces and more.

Barktender, I’ll Have a Cold One

Amy Lee knows a thing or two about breweries. Scratch that—it’s her dog, Sumo, who knows about sudsy drinks on tap.

“As a beer loving family, Sumo has been to over 8 breweries throughout California from Mammoth Mountain to Russian River to Santa Cruz,” Lee reports. “In order to capture all of these memories, I have created a photo blog devoted to his adventures.”

A typical day in the life of Suma, a San Francisco Shiba, goes something like this: Morning walk in Alamo Square, stop by a local café to chat with baristas, attend cage-free doggie daycare while his mom goes to work or perhaps go into the offices of TravelNerd.com with Amy Lee. Dinner consists of boiled shim Mary’s Organic Air Chilled Chicken from Whole Foods in addition to freeze dried Stella and Chewy’s Surf ‘N Turf dinner.

Some of us think they want to tag along with Sumo for the day!

Muttville Sholom

When Patty Stanton adopted 9-year-old Frankie from a shelter, she knew that four years later there was only one thing to do: Give the 13-year-old pooch a traditional Bar(k) Mitzvah celebration.

“After a traditional Jewish brunch of lox, bagels, cream cheese, and plenty of dog treats, the ceremony began,” Stanton recalls. “Attended by dog-loving friends and family, we made it a heart-warming benefit for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.”

The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow

Morgan Avila of Lynbrook, New York, knows that tomorrow is only a day away, since her dog, Mr. America, has graced the stage for the part of Sandy in two seasons of Annie the musical.

Since Avila travels up and down the east coast for shows and appearances with her big pooch, she bought him his very own truck. Mr. America will need those wheels to take him to practice for a part in the forthcoming adaptation of Oliver Twist.

High Kicks for a Small Pooch

When your dog mom is a former Rockette, life will be anything but ordinary for a New York doggie socialite. Puccini is the pint-sized performer of Leslie Riddle. The duo call home the 37th floor of a high rise in the middle of Hell’s Kitchen district in New York City.

“He has three little beds around his apartment that he loves to lounge on when not attending parties, fundraisers, taking walks around the city or playing with his friends,” Riddle muses.

Chico and the Mom

Last but not least is Stella Panzarino of Brooklyn, New York. She and her 11-year-old Papillon, Chico, are quite the celebrities of the New York doggie set.

“There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my dog. Clothes, birthday parties, red carpet events, fundraisers, best man at doggies weddings—these are all the norm,” she says. “I talk to him all the time and by the look in his eyes, the tilt of his head and the actions he takes or doesn’t take, I know that we are communicating and that we understand each other. “

We speak the language of dog, too, Stella!

What is the most extravagant thing you have done for your dog? Bark in the comments below!

This article originally appeared on Pet360.com.

The Truth About Dogs and PTSD

Filed under: Dog Life,Dog News — mtest on April 18th, 2013

by Carol Bryant

In light of the recent Boston sadness and tragic events, the topic of my blog post this week deals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As people, we have witnessed many emotionally devastating events in the past 15 years. Just as the visual nightmares have a tendency to stick with us, the use of social media has become both a blessing and a reminder: Of a society that has dealt with many national tragedies.

What about our canine family members? Do dogs react to stressful situations and have the propensity to suffer from PTSD? According to many experts, yes. Military dogs returning from war zones are often diagnosed with PTSD. Sometimes they exhibit signs that they are affected with nervous exhaustion; others appear distressed or confused and forget routine commands. These dogs require post deployment immersion into society where folks train them, provide a loving environment, and work on basic skills before they can be adopted out to a new home. Sadly though, the health and deployment histories of dogs are not tracked like their human counterparts.

Household dogs who have experienced trauma can also suffer from emotional issues and/or PTSD.

What The Experts Say

“Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is not a fully recognized veterinary behavioral phenomenon but some believe it exists and is probably more common than we think,” according to Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, Dipl. ACVB. Dodman is one of the world’s most noted and celebrated veterinary behaviorists.

Consider dogs then who are dumped at shelters or are fostered from one family to another, perhaps being exposed to abusive or neglectful situations. Dogs might exhibit behavioral changes, snap or snarl at strangers, or engage in excessive barking if stressed. Some pets pant, pace, yawn, or have changes in eating patterns. Like people, the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma vary from dog to dog. This is not to say it cannot be treated.

Just Ask Freddy

I received an email about Freddy in early March. It read, “Urgent Foster needed in Connecticut. Freddy is tied to a dog house 24/7 the owner no longer wants him. He cries for attention. A concerned neighbor has got the owner to agree to give him up. He is 8 years old. Please help us find a foster so he doesn’t spend another cold and lonely night tied to a dog house.”

Fortunately, a good Samaritan stepped in, connected with the Life’s Little Paws Rescue Group, and Freddy was taken from the situation. It was not clear whether Freddy was a male or a female dog because he was so badly matted and skunked. Imagine living your life on a chain, tied to a doghouse, no human contact, and left to the emotional isolation of your own thoughts. That was Freddy’s life.

I am happy to report that thanks to Life’s Little Paws Cocker Spaniel Rescue Group, Freddy is now safe and sound in foster care. He has been checked by a vet, has been groomed, and is awaiting his forever home.

To help acclimate him to the good people of the world, Freddy is currently in foster care and was recently transported to a second family for a week’s stay. Nancy Height is showering Freddy with love, companionship, exposure to her three other Cocker Spaniels, and teaching him manners. He is already thriving in this environment and despite some territorial marking, he is adjusting just fine.

If you can help Freddy and want a forever Wigglebutt friend, visit my buddies at Life’s Little Paws.

Trust Issues

Dogs, like children, are watching our mannerisms. The way we treat a dog will also determine how he or she behaves in general. Putting your hand(s) on a dog as a form of punishment is not only wrong but as harmful to the relationship you want with your dog; counterproductive in fact.

In her book, It’s Me or the Dog famed positive reinforcement trainer and star of her own dog behavior show on Animal Planet, Victoria Stilwell, writes, “When you hit a dog, you teach him to fear you, break his trust, and you weaken his confidence. Insecure dogs are the one who are more likely to lash out in an aggressive display.”

Seek the help of an animal behaviorist who believes in positive reinforcement. Be sure the dog’s veterinarian gives you the green light and a clean bill of health to rule out any underlying medical issues that can cause behavioral changes. Do yourself a favor and check out the Canine Thyroid Epidemic book by famed vet, Dr. Jean Dodds.

Dogs are bigger spirits than we as humans. Watch an abused dog as he or she is rescued from a kennel; I’ve lost count to the number of dogs I’ve seen wag. They trust us, believe in us, and give us second chances. Give dogs a break and a second chance. Teach, strengthen the bond, and simply love them and the rewards they give back will be immeasurable.

This article was originally published on Pet360.com

Introducing DogShelters.com

Filed under: Dog Life,Dog News — mtest on April 18th, 2013

Dogs rescue us as much as we rescue them. Save a dog from a dog shelter today!

DogShelters.com is a relatively new site dedicated completely to content about dog shelters and dog rescues. From learning what makes a sustainable dog shelter to learning what types of behaviors and issues to expect with a possibly traumatized pup, DogShelters.com offers resources for the new pet parent.

There are articles on celebrities who’ve taken on the cause of dog rescue, and a dog-only “Find a Dog” search.

DogShelters has spent a lot of time posting high-quality images to the DogShelters Pinterest page, realizing that images speak loudly and often directly to the heart. There are high-quality photographs of rescue dogs, taken by professional photographers, showing how much an image can change the trajectory of an adoptable dog’s future. There are also Pin boards for gorgeous dog photography, photos of rescued and adopted dogs, and photos of amazingly beautiful dog shelters designed by animal shelter architects across the country.

The feature that DogShelters would most like to grow is the “Submit Your Story” feature, because success stories are the most engaging and encouraging in an age where so much disaster and criticism exist. If you have rescued a dog or know someone who has, please consider submitting your story to DogShelters.com and allow them to feature your first-person account of how you and your dog have found a mutual connection.

A Wag-Worthy Weekend in NYC

Filed under: Dog Life,Travel & Leisure — mtest on April 15th, 2013

‘I Love New York’, the slogan and ad campaign almost as iconic as the city herself, rings a bell with almost everyone, who hasn’t seen one of those t-shirts, and absolutely rings true for Beau and I. It was my intention to write one piece about New York for this entry, but each area of Manhattan has so many wonderful pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops and activities that I decided to provide you with a series of NY locations over the coming month. All perfect for your next pet-friendly jaunt into MetroPAWlolis.

Finding a pet-friendly restaurant in the winter months can be a bit difficult, so your hotel might be the best place to grab a bite. Once the weather warms up finding a great restaurant is like a day at the beach, or at the boat basin as this case. The Boat Basin Café at West 79^th Street on the Hudson River is opened beginning in the spring and stays open through the end of October, weather permitting. Your best bet is to go for dinner and take in the sunset over the Hudson, it is stunning. Your well-behaved, leashed pet is welcome to accompany you while you dine outside. On the menu is a nice selection of grilled specialties and your pup is sure to enjoy a cool bowl of water and lots of attention from the adoring staff and patrons alike.

Time to PLAY!

Before your visit to the Boat Basin Café you may want to stop in to Furry Paws located at 141 Amsterdam Ave, NY, NY 10023 212-724-9321 to pick up a little outfit for your luncheon date. You know that it’s all about the fashion in New York and you wouldn’t want him to look like a tourist.

One Pooped Pup?

There is no lack of fantastic West Side pet-friendly hotels. Two in which we’ve stayed and that we adored are The Westin Times Squareand the Algonquin Hotel. These two are very different from one another, but each is superlative in its own way. However, I couldn’t resist telling you about my two favorite pet-friendly hotels in the city; one in Soho and one in Tribecca, so I’ve made one puppy-paw-print sized exception to my West side focus in this ‘One Pooped Pup’.

Often referred to as ‘The City That Never Sleeps’, I’m here to tell you the truth (sometimes it naps a little). If you can bare to rest your eyes while in Manhattan, be content in knowing that whatever you’ve missed while you were asleep, something else just as incredible will present itself when you awake, then we have two equally amazing choices for you!

Owned by the same company, Grand Hotels, the first is in Soho. Step through the doors and up the sensational metal staircase and you discover the Soho Grand located at 310 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013, (212) 965-3000 where you are met with such a combination of interior design eye candy, tasty biscuits, and hip New York vibe that really, just hanging out in the lobby is almost enough, but not quite (you have to check-in). Their pet policy welcomes pet-guests of all stripes and sizes without imposing any additional fee. Upon arrival (or at the time of booking) you can request food and water bowls and a bed for your travelin’ companion (a loaner Kennel is also available if the pup prefers or you’ll need to be leaving that non-barking, good boy alone in the room for a little bit). Toys, treats, and cookies are available for the pup upon request at no additional cost. As if that weren’t enough, when you arrive in your room you will find it’s already occupied; by a goldfish. This is meant to be an amenity for you, the human guest to enjoy looking at but I can tell you, as evidenced by the photo above, the second Beau saw this magnificent creature he was stricken with the most acute case of puppy-love I’d ever seen. His interest wasn’t the least bit hostile in an, “I want to eat you’ kind of way but in a ‘That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen and I’m I L-O-V-E’ kind of way.

A Beau Knows Travel Tip: The most important item to pack in the pups travel bag is his shaded doggles because pretty soon your dog will be as much of a rock-star guest at the Soho Grand as the real rock-star guest who’s fallen in love with him in that stunning lobby. I experienced that the blinding glare from the cameras of the PUParazzi and it can be a little overwhelming if you dog’s not used to that kind of thing.

The sister-property to the SoHo Grand, and in no way ‘the little sister’ is the Tribecca Grand.

As the name implies it is located in Tribeca at 2 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013. The TriBeCa Grand is a classic New York boutique hotel located in the heart of Downtown Manhattan. Opened in 2000, the family owned property was the first boutique hotel to open in New York’s affluent TriBeCa district and is every bit as wonderful as the Soho Grand, although with a slightly different personality than her sister. Tribecca Grand offers the same pet-amenity package including your roommate, Mr. Gol D. Fish.

As you plan your trip to New York remember to visit the LuxuryPAW Canine Concierge page. Select New York from the drop down box and you will find all of the pet-friendly things we discovered on our last visit to the city.

Beau and I hope you enjoy your tasty bite of the Big Apple and that you will share your review with us by sending an email and some photos. We’d love to start a collection of your PetSetters inspired travels to share with our readers here at Pet360com.

Happy Tails,

Janine and Beau from LuxuryPaw

This article was originally published on Pet360.com

Interview: Canine Fashion Designer

Filed under: Celebrity Dogs,Dog Life — mtest on April 8th, 2013

Bark is the new black and dogs have officially hit the catwalk. Dog fashion is all the rage and this is no passing fad. Canines are copying their human counterparts, and what was once considered a fad has emerged as a trend and has now entered mainstream.

Did you know that New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology, heralded as one of the world’s leading higher educational facilities for fashion design, has been offering a certificate program in Pet Product Design and Marketing? One of the stars of dog fashion’s spotlight is Anthony Rubio. The award-winning pet couturier Anthony Rubio, who is the official designer of the gown and tuxedo for my dog’s Wigglebutt Wedding, recently granted Pet360 an exclusive interview.

Rubio is a man on a mission, all inspired by his love of fashion, art, and of course, a dog. His dog, Bandit, served as muse for many of the canine fashions that received major attention, awards, and a new found passion for this dynamic visionary. Rubio’s unique creations have been featured on TMZ, Perez Hilton, The Today Show, and more.

Rubio also was commissioned by Pepsi Co. in honor of the 2012 National Hispanic Heritage Month. He traveled to Pepsi Co’s headquarters where he spoke on his life, his culture, and of course, his art. He culminated the visit with a special canine couture fashion show featuring designs influenced by his Hispanic heritage culminating in a couture creation he has designed in honor of this company and this occasion.

On June 28, 2013, Rubio’s custom tuxedo and bridal gown will don the “Wigglebutt Wedding” couple, Dexter and Zoe, the former who happens to be my pooch. To raise money and awareness of Cocker Spaniels in need of their forever homes, my dog, formally paw-proposed to his girlfriend, Zoe, a Cocker Spaniel who was rescued by Life’s Little Paws the day she was scheduled to be euthanized. What started as a labor of love has blossomed into a truly viral outpouring of support.

The Wigglebutt Wedding is formal and we are planning a wonderful time, complete with media coverage, dinner, drinks, dancing, DJ, silent auction, sponsor tent, raffles, surprises, and more.

In this exclusive interview, which took place March 31, 2013, in Stratford, Connecticut, Anthony Rubio reveals the man behind the magic, what he says to people who just do not understand canine fashion, and where he gets his inspiration. So kick back, rest your paws, and enjoy this interview.

To watch the video, visit the original article on Pet360.com.

Goodness Gracious Treats Help Communities!

Filed under: Dog Life,Food & Nutrition — mtest on April 4th, 2013

Cause: Local charities benefit from your purchases!

We Walk Heart First means we approach each moment asking what can we give to help another.

One community, one neighborhood, one home at a time…

With each of your purchases, 51% of our profits for that sale are earmarked for the community in which that sale is made. If you purchase our products from a retailer then the donation goes to the community in which that retailer is located. If you purchase on-line then the donation goes to the community in which the product is shipped.

We also donate to animal shelters, rescues and spay/neuter programs for each new retailer in their community who carries our products (10% of the net sale amount). After the initial sale, it’s 51% of our profits. This way we care for our animal friends exactly as you wish – one community, one neighborhood, one home at a time. Learn More about the Brand!

And check our their Facebook page…

This article was originally published on Pet360.com

Seven Dog Trends You Might Be Missing

Filed under: Dog Life — mtest on April 2nd, 2013

by Carol Bryant

Trends come and go, and some of them apply to our canine friends and family members, too. I look back and shudder at my leg warmers and too-high 1980’s hairstyles. Trends do come into fashion and then go out the back door, so there might be a few canine-inspired trends you haven’t heard of—but chances are, you will soon.

Here’s a top seven list of some doggone interesting trends. Are you and your dog(s) a part of any of these?

Dogshaming: If your dog has a naughty secret, this is relatively new trend that many canine parents in which canine moms and dads are taking part. A pet parent takes a picture of their pooch, posts it online, but also includes a hand-written sign that confesses (or “shames”) a dog’s deep dark secret. Some examples include: “I pee inside the house,” “I like to lick shoes,” and “I sleep next to the cat.” The person responsible for the movement has a Tumber blog, DogShaming, dedicated to the shortcomings of our pooches.
Dog Weddings: Raising a paw, since yours truly is involved in this one. Years ago, I would have rolled my eyes at the thought of a dog wedding. That is, until I realized the fun fundraising possibilities that come with it. In June of 2013, my dog will wed “saved on the day she was scheduled to be euthanized” Cocker Spaniel, Zoe, in a real wedding with real friends at a real hall and eating real food afterwards. All of this is in the name of fundraising for Life’s Little Paws, the rescue group that saved Zoe.
Dogs Wearing Clothes: Though not new to the mix, the level to which dogs are wearing clothes and the fashion runways allowing pooches to strut their stuff have escalated. Sites like Pawvogue.com invite members to show off their dog’s inner fashionista in all their pride and glory. In fact, dogs on the catwalk are become very popular, as the pet fashion industry is soaring.
Dog Music and Television: Did Fido have a “ruff” day? Is your Rover having separation anxiety issues? Crank up the volume or turn on the television: both have their sights set on dogs. Through a Dog’s Ear, for examples, uses music and sound to help calm and soothe dogs. Then there isDogTV, the first television channel dedicated to dogs as viewers.
Designer Dogs: Remember mutts? Now they are called designer dogs, and I have family and friends who own them. Take one part poodle and one part Golden Retriever and ta-da, a GoldenDoodle results.
Going Green: Eco-friendly has made its mark on the canine world, as the carbon pawprints our pooches leave behind are as important as those we, as human counterparts, make. Everything from organic shampoo to enviro-friendly flea and tick preventatives: Green is the new norm.
Dog Spas and Workouts: “Would you like a massage during your visit, Ms. Bryant?” These are the words echoed to me at a recent pet-friendly hotel visit. When I politely declined, the concierge then asked if my dog would be interested. Inn by the Sea has a canine masseur/masseuse on staff for to work out those stressed muscles Rover might be carrying. If so inclined, check out the array of canine workouts and exercise equipment to hit the market place, including doggie treadmills.

Are you involved in any of these dog trends?

Photo courtesy dogshaming.com

This article was originally published on Pet360.com

Photobombing Dog Helps Rent Apartment

Filed under: Dog Life,Travel & Leisure — mtest on March 27th, 2013

by Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

He’s here, he’s there, he’s everywhere, it’s Otis, the photobombing dog who is trying to help his pet parents rent their Chicago apartment on Craig’s List.

The “sunny open 2 BR” as it is described in the ad in Chicago’s Lakeview East, is advertised for $1,900 a month, but the amenities, location and price may not be what ultimately seals the deal.

Otis appears in every photo, just lying on the living room floor, peeking out from behind the bed, or looking from around the kitchen bar.

Otis doesn’t come with the apartment, but his parents, John and Sara Kanive, thought the photobombing in the first picture was funny, according to ABCNews.com. “The first picture I took, of the living room, he was just laying on the floor,” John Kanive told ABCNews.com. ”So when I saw that picture, that’s when I got the idea to place him in all the pictures.”

But the move may have helped the couple and their dog rent the apartment, which was snatched up within 24 hours of the ad posting.

Kanive says that many people responded and many of them thought the photobomb was the bomb. They included “P.S., I love your dog,” he said.

When the apartment comes up for rent again, will the next inhabitants photobomb a cat into their ad?

The ad ends, “Dogs are OK: woof” and “Cats are OK: purrr.”

What do you think of this unique idea to sell or rent a home?

Photo of Otis via Craigslist

This article was originally published on Pet360.com

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