It's a good life.

Who loves coupons and deals?!

2011-06-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Nature's Variety - get a coupon just to try it for $3 off!

Iceland Pure - purchase $45 worth of Iceland Pure and get FREE eco friendly water bottle

Halo Purely for Pets - $1.00 off Spot's Stew, $2.00 off any Supplement, $3 off and 6lb bag and more!

Petco - $5 off any purchase of $25 or more!

Petco - $5 off full service bath OR groom!

Wellness - $3 off dry dog food

ZiwiPeak - best deal I could find online for the 11lb bags! Buy from petflow.com to get 11lb venison for $104.99 and use coupon code for free shipping: GP59BB1P
My dogs love this stuff so I am always looking how I can make it more cost effective since it's so pricey.

Canine Caviar - new customers get $2 off 14lb bag, $4 off 30b bag and BOGO 1.1lb bag!

I will update the list as I get more, TGIF :)

Where O' Where have I been....

2011-06-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Fallen off the dog planet I suppose! It's been a busy year for me and the dogs. Buddy is busy doing therapy work with The Brody Project and Bernie passed his Delta test about 7 months ago and has done some sessions as well. So proud of my little guy!

I also got a great group shot that I have yet to share:

Stay tuned lots more to share!

Mack Pack gets goodies.

2010-07-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

My good pal Ericka gave the dogs a job. They had to test a new bed, Molly Mutt's Dog Duvet. The great concept behind these stylish beds, is recycling. You stuff the netting bag that comes with duvet, with old clothes, blankets, towels, etc. So far, the dogs seem to really love the bed. I love the pattern on it. My only tiny nitpick, is that the bed does not have that 'fluffy, stuffed' look. Maybe I need to fill it with more blankets and less clothes. I think the clothes make it look bunchy.

We DID it !!! Pet Therapy Team!!!

2010-06-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

We have been so busy around here, sorry for the lack of posts! A few weekends ago, Buddy passed his Delta testing to be a certified animal therapy dog! We have been working very hard to get this completed so that Buddy can start his work. He will be doing Animal Assisted Therapy work at a very nice place in town. Buddy's calm, friendly and intuitive demeanor will make him a great asset to Delta. I couldn't be more proud! For more information on how to see if your dog has what it takes check out Delta's Website

Bernie's teeth.

2010-06-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

How to describe Bernie's breath? Tuna sandwich. Rotten bologna. My little dog has BIG mouth problems.
Even though I brush his teeth 4 times a week, it's still not enough to keep his teeth clean and breath fresh. I heard Yorkie's are notorious for small, crowded mouths that lead to bad teeth & breath, so can I blame it on genetics? I make sure he has bones to chew, and he does chew nightly. Whether it's on a raw marrow bone, bully stick, Merrick puffed snout, lamb ear, bison tendon, and the list goes on. Point is, what am I doing wrong? He chews, I brush, he got a professional cleaning not even a year ago! (July 17, 2009) and I give him Plaque Off (natural seaweed plaque fighter) on food in mornings. I recently started brushing his teeth every morning, and I will say I am noticing a very slight improvement in breath. I am going to schedule him another professional teeth cleaning and be adamant about brushing his teeth every morning and maybe every night. He is only 5 years old and I want him to have pearly whites for a long time.

Fun etsy dog finds of the day

2010-06-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

I love this shabby chic inspired Elevated Pet Feeder

And how sweet is this vintage looking Pug dog poster

I love the look of these custom bar ID tags and those are the ones my sister ordered! They are even better in person. So unique and well made.

And even though it's not winter, I love looking at these Blossom Dog Hats from BeanTown, also check out her dog collar flowers, they are stunning!

Dog days of Summer

2010-06-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Here in hot steamy Florida, the days just keep getting hotter, muggier & rainier. Temps reach in the upper 90's and feel like it's over 100 degrees out with the heat index. So what do we do to stay cool but still exercise? I still take the dogs out every evening around 7pm, it's cooler then and I just keep our ball playing sessions down to 15-20 minutes. Then it's back in the house to cool down on the tile floors. I also fill their water bowls with fresh water and drop a few ice cubes in there. On the weekends, we play in the pool for a few hours or go to dog beach or occasionally out on the boat. Walks are out unless we are up really early, and well getting up for work everyday at 7:30am is hard enough :)
What do you do in the hot summer with your dogs? Always be sure to provide cool water, shade and on light dogs, sunscreen! (yes they make it for dog!)

Thundershirt update!

2010-05-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Bernie spazzes over the vacuum. Barking, chasing it, to the extent where he shakes and I have to crate him. This is bad, because I love to vacuum! I put the thundershirt on him while vacuuming...hoping it would help. No such luck, he went on with his insane attack on the vacuum. Then, Sunday it rained, poured & thundered all day. I put the thundershirt on Bernie and he seemed much more relaxed. Finally, something that helps calm him during bad storms. He paced a little still and shook, but not near as bad as he used to.
And..he looks darn cute in it doesn't he?!

Run Run Rover!

2010-05-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Most dogs are not couch potatoes. They can become that way over time, with the help of their lazy or busy owner. Big or small, purebred or mutt they all need to run, fetch, exercise and play. So just how MUCH exercise does your pooch need? For starters, take a look at their breed. Let's look at Border Collies, they are working dogs that are bred to herd sheep and run the fields. A highly active dog like that should get at least 60 minutes of physical exercise a day. Also consider age & climate, I wouldn't take my 5 year old cocker out for a long run in the middle of the hot summer. Whether it's playing ball, going for a walk or jog, dog park, playing frisbee, agility class or swimming, dogs need to burn energy and exercise for their physical and mental well-being. My cocker spaniels will lay around and be very mellow all day if I wanted them to, but the minute I get out the ball or leashes, they get very excited to go out and walk or play. I typically give them at least 30-45 minutes a day of exercise.

So it's pouring rain all week, how can you tire your dog out now?

There are many indoor games that are mentally stimulating for your dog, such as Nina Ottosson's line of interactive toys that require your dogs to think and problem solve (yes, dogs DO problem solve). Or any of the toys from the Busy Buddy line. You can also make up your own games to play. Play hide and seek inside, play ball inside, hide dog treats and teach your dog 'Find it' cue. I play 'Sit & stay' games with my four dogs. Walking from one end of the house to the other, making them stay on the other end until I say 'Come!'.

Why exercise my dog?

Well besides the positive health benefits it will bring YOU to be active, it will keep your dog fit, toned, overall healthier, less hyper- which means less destructive, and happy.

Thunder Phobia

2010-04-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Have I ever talked about Bernie's thunder phobia before? It seems the older he gets, the worse he gets when it rains and storms. It breaks my heart to see my usually fearless tyrant; shaking, panting, and very fearful. It started when he was about 2 years old, which is interesting that he never had any issues before the age of two.

I have tried classical conditioning with treats, and replaying thunder CD's and offering high value treats, and Bernie is too worked up to even touch or sniff what I have to offer. I have also tried the DAP (dog appeasing pheromones) which is a plug-in that releases a pheromone scent of a lactating mother dog, this seems to help a little with him. Next, I tried Rescue Remedy for pets. Rescue Remedy is a mixture of flower essences, that in homeopathic studies, have shown to reduce stress and anxiety. This also helped a little with the anxiety. So as of right now when it storms, I put Bernie in his crate, with a blanket covering all but the front (so it's a safe little den) and wait out the storm. Some people say to pet your dog, some say not to coddle your dog, but neither petting Bernie or not petting Bernie has much of an effect on his behavior during a storm.

I am STILL searching for the right combination of methods to help Bernie during storms. I just ordered the 'ThunderShirt' that has been the new hot item that can help pets with anxiety and stress. The pressure from the wrap is supposed to help calm the dog during fearful situations. Dogs have an 85% improvement rate in anxiety, when wearing the ThunderShirt. I will be sure to give an update on how it works for Bernie.

For further great reading and a more profession opinion, check out what Patricia McConnell has to say about: Thunder Phobia

Update on chlorine & animal health

2010-04-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

After talking with my holistic vet about my dogs and using the pool, she suggested if I let them swim in the chlorine, that I be sure to supplement them with Iodine. She told me that chlorine pulls the iodine out of you & your dogs. So be sure to give them something rich in Iodine; such as Plaque Off (also works wonders with plaque and bad breath) Kelp & seaweed are also rich in natural Iodine. Definitely an interesting find in my chlorine safety research!

To swim or not to swim...Chlorine & our dogs

2010-04-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Any of you dogs out there water dogs? My chocolate & tan cocker spaniel, Reese is a water dog. She sees a pool, beach, or lake and cries and cries to go in. I take her to dog beach, and she swims her little heart out. And to my in-laws, who have a really nice salt water pool. Until now, I was never concerned with Chlorine.

We just bought & moved into a house that has a beautiful, chlorine treated pool. We know we want to switch to the salt water pump, which will cost roughly $1,500 for us to make the switch. And a new roof comes before that, pooey. (to read more on how saltwater pumps in pools work, go here)

So I began reading up on the Chlorine we are putting in the pool to currently keep it clean and maintained. Now let me just forewarn, am I over the top about my pets? Most will say yes. Will swimming in a chlorine pool kill your dog? No. But it can cause some serious health issues over time.

Let's start by looking at what Chlorine is exactly. Chlorine is a natural gas, that under certain pressure & temperatures is turned into a liquid. It's most commonly used as a disinfectant in pools and water. (yes, the amounts are regulated by the government of chlorine in your drinking water, and it's vital to ensure clean drinking water)....as a gas it can be very dangerous though.

You can tell children not to drink the pool water and to keep their eyes closed while swimming, or wear goggles to protect them. But what about our pets? Dogs tend to want to drink pool water and ingest much of it when swimming, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs ears, eyes, and nose are far more sensitive than ours. Not to forget their skin, and chlorine dries out their skin and coat

So is it bad for them? Yes, it can be. And in undiluted or large amounts, it can be toxic. But for those of you with chlorinated pools, who are not interested in changing to saltwater, you can lessen the amount of chemicals you put in your pool and make it a little safer for your pooch to swim. Always give a bath after they get out of the pool, be sure to rinse eyes with clean water, and if they swim often, use a moisturizing conditioner on them after you shampoo.

Our great Etsy finds of the day.....

2010-04-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

Love ALL her stuff! Dawn is actually making me some custom cocker appliques! She is so sweet & easy to deal with!
Lydiaandpugs

I also stumbled upon this super cute shop, with custom items...wouldn't you guess I am having a set of pot holders made with a cocker on them? ((shock)) persnickety <3 pelican
persnicketypelican

Love etsy!!!!!

Busy Buddy = good doggie

2010-04-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

When I need a break from the pups, to read, or get some cooking done...I give them something to occupy themselves, so they don't feel so neglected :) Our newest toy, is the Busy Buddy Twist n' Treat.

I buy the little Zukes training treats, or use some kibble, stuff it in there and whaaa-la! The dogs are happy, and occupied for a good 15-20 minutes. I was surprise how fast they got the concept too. Even my little yorkie-mix, Bernie was batting it all over the floor dashing when a treat fell out. After all the treats were out, he walked back into the kitchen & let out a little 'Rufff'. I think he was telling me to add more treats :) Watch my dogs playing with theirs here: MackPack loves Twist n Treat

Dogs helping soldiers

2010-04-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

We all know the great benefits of owning a pet. Now the government is starting to realize it.
Great write up on trained therapy dogs helping wounded soldiers.
nytimes

Happy Yappy Easter!!!!

2010-04-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Easter means spring, jelly beans, eggs, candy, and great weather!
Happy Easter from my pack to yours!

Pet industry BOOM

2010-03-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Pets are becoming more and more integrated parts of the family. They are no longer outside dogs that are secondary family members. They sleep inside (often in the same bed as us!) go on vacations with us, we dress them up, cook for them and more.
So it isn't shocking that Americans last year (2009) spent a whopping $45.5 BILLION on our pets. And that number is only growing. According to the 2009/2010 National Pet Owners Survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 71.4 millions homes.
Pet ownership in the United States is broken down like this: (according to 2009-10 Nation pet Owners Survey americanpetproducts.org)

Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (millions)

Bird 6.0
Cat 38.2
Dog 45.6
Equine 3.9
Freshwater Fish 13.3
Saltwater Fish 0.7
Reptile 4.7
Small Animal 5.3

Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions)

Bird 15.0
Cat 93.6
Dog 77.5
Equine 13.3
Freshwater Fish 171.7
Saltwater Fish 11.2
Reptile 13.6
Small Animal 15.9

Spending in 2010 is estimated to be $47.7 billion. The spending breakdown in 2009:

Food $17.56 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine $10.41 billion
Vet Care $12.04 billion
Live animal purchases $2.16 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding $3.36 billion

What a great industry to have your hand in right now! Now if we could just shut down all those puppy mills :o)

Warning! FDA investigating "Real Ham Bone" by Dynamic Pet Products

2010-03-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Several reports of this bone making dogs very sick, and crumbling easily.
One report, (RIP Dewey) did not make it :(
I rushed him to the vet where they found his core body temperature was 97 and his eyes were fixed and dialated. We elected to euthanize rather than allow his continued suffering. Dewey's body was sent to the state Lab for necropsy. Necropsy did not find any evidence of bone fragments (no kidding, he threw it all up). He had a diaphramic hernia which most likely was caused by the excessive vomiting caused by this product. No words can express the deep loss for my baby boy. He was the sidekick superhero of a little boy. He was a Field Champion and finished the 2008 coursing competition as #6 in the USA. He was a great ambassador for his breed and my best friend.

Read more at: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/dynamic_pet.html

Heartworm preventatives. Pros, cons & thoughts...

2010-03-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

I hate bugs, worm, any type of parasite. But I hate chemicals and pumping my dogs full of toxins also. Is there a happy medium?
Someone recently asked me, 'Why do I feed my dogs home cooked, and grain free premium kibble, provide supplements, use natural products on them only, but still continue to give them a toxic heartgaurd plus chewable every month? I really cannot answer that question. I have so many thoughts running through my head about it. Is it worth the risk? To use more natural ways, but risk getting your dog infested with heartworms and going through that painful & expensive treatment? Or is it worse to administer an insecticide to your pet monthly? And WHY do I give my 5lb yorkie the same dosage I give my 23lb cocker spaniel? The 1lb-25lb range is HUGE and scary! So I have begun research, digging for info, and asking people in the dog community that I know, to share their opinions with me. More people than I ever imagined, just simply do NOT give their dog heartworm preventative in any form. Either they don't know about the dangers of the disease, or they are forgetful. They lady I buy my dog food from, swears she has not used it in years, and her dogs are fine. If you have a healthy dog, healthy immune system, it's less likely to get worms anyways.
So what is SO bad about the heartworm preventatives, here is what I dug up:

Most preventatives contain Ivermectin. It is a parasite drug that causes neurologic damage to the parasite, resulting in paralysis and death. Some breeds are MORE prone to Ivermectin Toxicity, such as: Collies, Australian shepherd Shetland sheepdogs, Old English sheepdogs and English sheepdogs. Some other side effects of the drug are: vomiting, diarrhea, possible allergic reaction, behavior changes, weakness, depression, Neurological Side Effects, respiratory changes, loss of balance and blindness.

Dr. Jeffrey Levy. DVM - Heartworm parasite is a source of great anxiety among dog caretakers. Thanks in large part to the scare tactics of many veterinarians in promoting preventive drugs, many people believe that contracting heartworms is the equivalent of a death sentence for their dogs. This is not true.

Stressing importance of a healthy immune system. Mosquitos are less likely to bite a healthy dog, and a healthy animals own strong defense system will fight off any worms that enter bloodstream. So what will WEAKEN your pets immune system? Low quality commercial dog food, stress, over vaccination, usage of chemicals and toxins on your pet, are just a few.

My holistic vet prescribed me: Heartworm Nosode, to use as an alternative. And stressed importance of exams every 6 months, fecal and blood to check for any parasites. Nosodes are defined as: Homeopathic remedies prepared from the infected tissue, disease discharge or casual organisms. This is as opposed to the use of a similimum.(A substance that created the same symptoms)

Check your area for Heartworm occurrences. I definitely wouldn't recommend stopping the usage of Heartworm preventatives to just anyone. You need to be diligent about your pets health, and it takes a lot of work. But if you love your pet, it's worth it.
Read more in depth about it here:
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/KnowledgeBase/knowledgebasedetail.aspx?articleid=154

Calling all chubby dogs!! by: the Mom lady

2010-03-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

Eek! I admit it, I have a chubby dog. I never thought he was chubby, until my sister came over and said what a fattie he has turned into. Nice right? Now, chubby, is different than obese. Bernie, the should be 5lb yorkie mix, is chubby. For a while now, I was not sure what I was doing wrong. He is on Wellness Core (grain free, the reduced fat formula) plus home-cooked and loads of veggies, we walk a lot, and he gets healthy snacks in moderation! My sister, also happens to be a heath nut, very conscious of what she eats....and she asked my why I had so much fruit & bananas, 'they have too much sugar'. Ding ding ding! How could I forget? My dogs love fruit! And while I am sure some is ok, they probably get too much. Especially Bernie, at his size, eating about 1/4 of a banana every morning is not doing him any favors! Another culprit...my fiance gives him cheese! Yes, cheese is his absolute favorite. If you say 'Cheese" he gets all crazy excited and runs to the kitchen. But a one ounce piece of cheese for a dog, is equal to a cheeseburger to us! Yikes. no more cheese please. So I will keep you all updated on his progress. We are sticking to his diet this time, more exercise, less treats, and no more bananas or fruit for a while.

Snugglers

2010-03-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

How many of you doggies out there are snugglers? How many of you are allowed to sleep on the bed? Some people think that allowing a dog to sleep in bed with their owners, creates a more dominant dog. I would have to disagree, but it really depends on the dog. The WDJ had an awesome article about bedroom behaviors and how to assess each situation. Basically, if your dog growls at you when it's sleeping, you decide to no longer let your dog sleep with you, you are not correcting the issue, rather you are just avoiding it. Which for some owners, is ok. But for those of you who like your furry companions to keep you warm, there are ways to work out the issues. Make sure your dog has a 'spot', a blanket at end of bed, or special pillow on bed. Make sure your dog knows "off" command, so when you want him/her off the bed, they respect & listen to you. And praise praise praise. I cannot say enough about using praise and positive reinforcement when with your dog on a daily basis. So many people only correct the bad behavior of their dogs, but you also have to acknowledge the GOOD behavior :) wags for now!

Chewers. Written by the lady I let live with me, aka 'Mom'

2010-03-02T08:06:00.001-08:00

We all know one, whether it's our dog, or a friends dog....the dog that chews up anything and/or everything. We hear the horror stories, and usually we hear what a bad dog it is. Sometimes, we can even laugh about it later. Much later in some cases. I am here to tell you it's NOT the dogs fault, point that finger away from the dog, and right back into YOUR face. Yes, your face.
I was dog sitting for a friends lab mix, Edger. Cute, young, energetic dog, who was very much into toys and bones.
My dogs could care less to play much with him, so as I dozed off on couch for a good 30 minutes, I awoke to a stuffed animal massacre, stuffing, and animal limbs scattered throughout. But wait, one of my heels was chewed! Along with the inside soles of other shoes chewed to bits, some pieces on floor, others in Edgers belly I presume. All I could do was laugh, it was not his fault after all, he is just a pup, I was the one who fell asleep and left him to play alone. Imagine if you left a toddler to their own, while you napped? I wonder what walls would be colored on and what items broken in your home.
Dogs will be dogs, and a dog like Edger, needs attention and mental stimulation along with a lot of exercise. Or he gets bored, and finds his own things to play with. For the remainder of Edgers stay, I was sure to walk and job with him more, a tired dog is a good dog!

Somedays, I get it...we don't have time to walk our dog 30 minutes. Luckily, there are TONS of toys you can use to help on those days. Some of my favorite are the 'Busy Buddy' treat dispensing toys. The dogs have to work to get the toys out!

Meeting Dr. Patricia McConnell

2010-02-23T06:44:00.000-08:00

My Mom and I were at the pet store one day, when she saw the flyer "Calling All Pets", promoting an event for a new organization in Naples, 'The Brody Project" an animal assisted therapy program, who was having a fundraiser and featuring the world renown animal behaviorist, Dr. Patricia McConnell. ( check out her blog too: theotherendoftheleash.com )...I know my Mom had read several of her books, and really looked up to her, so I agreed to accompany her to the event.
It was a spectacular time, lots of tails wagging and butts to sniff and I even was allowed IN the restaurant for the special party!
Here is my Mom and I with Patricia, she is even more gracious, and kind than I would have imagined:

Then I heard a lot of talk about Delta Training and therapy work. It was decided, my Mom would take the Delta training class and I would work on becoming a certified therapy dog! Everything happens for a reason.

**Update, my Mom completed her class and I will take my test in a few weeks, paws crossed I pass!

A post from my Mom...

2010-01-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

I will never forget the day Stu & I decided "Bernie needs a friend". It was not that we necessarily wanted another dog at the
time, but we knew we didn't want to feel guilty going out to dinner, or out with friends and leaving our adorable 6 month old furball, Bernie alone. I know, I know...not exactly the best reason to get a dog. But that just so happens to be how Buddy came into our lives. I scanned the rescue sections, a lot of rescues wouldn't consider Stu & I, since I was still in college and we didn't own our own home.
So since Stu grew up with Cocker Spaniels, he brought home the paper one Saturday and we started calling ads for puppies.
One breeder was about 35 minutes away, puppies were priced low at $350, AKC registered and parents on site.
((**note, at this time, I had no clue about OFA/CERF/proper testing that breeders should be doing!**))
We pulled up to a smaller house, there was a kennel area outside in the back, with 6 or so Cocker Spaniels. One little buff runt rant around our feet barking, as the breeder led us into his house, explaining that that his wife would not let him sell the runt, she was over a year old, and was bottle fed when she was a pup because her mom rejected her for some reason.
Inside the house, there were 3 puppies left running around playing. A gorgeous deep red puppy, and two twin chocolate and tan pups. All from same litter. We played with them for a good 30 minutes and Stu peeled the red pup our of my hands and told me "we cannot jump into this decision, we need to take a day to think about it"
Well I was sold, my heart was sold. All I wanted was that adorable red puppy, and the next 24 hours, me nagging and pleading...Stu finally said "Ok, let's go get the puppy"
When we got there, my red puppy was no where in sight. "Where is the one I wanted" I asked the breeder? Sold. Gone. Bye-Bye.
"But wait he said, some folks had put this buff one on hold, when they got here they fell in love with the red girl, so the buff one is back for sale" as he took us upstairs to see the buff puppy. The little buff cocker pup barked softly at us and licked my face over and over as I lay on the floor with him. It was all fate. We were meant to have this boy, we decided to call 'Buddy'.
His name seemed to suit him perfectly as he truly is everyone 'Buddy'.
Buddy and Bernie were instant friends....and the rest is history. We now have a total of 4 dogs. Although I love them each, Buddy & I have a special, different connection :)

Digestive Health

2009-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Digestive Health is SO important for us dogs. And with commercial food cooked at high temps, a lot of good enzymes
and nutrients are lost.
In your dogs digestive track, (as they age) are probiotics (healthy bacteria) Also knows as: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifido-Bacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. This healthy bacteria is VITAL for your dogs good health. They aid in the digestive process and provide enzymes and support an overall healthy immune system = healthy, longer-living dog!
But there are also not-so-good bacteria that live in your dogs digestive track, this causes weak stomachs, digestive upsets, and can ultimately lead to compromising the immune system, and disease.
In healthy pets, the preferred balance is 85% good bacteria to 15% bad bacteria.
So what makes your pet have an unhealthy digestive track? The most controllable is diet: IMPROPER DIET- Feeding a cheap, low quality dog food, is the fastest way to degrade your pets health. Look for a food that has no corn, wheat, soy or by-products in it. Human grade meat, and a company that stands by their product. Some premium brands I love are: Wellness, Merrick, Innova, Orijen, Solid Gold, and Timberwolf Organics.
Note- if your pet has been prescribed antibiotics, that can also change up their digestive track. Antibiotics are helpful when needed to get rid of infection, but they also do no know good bacteria from bad, therefor killing both the GOOD and bad bacteria. (other influences are: stress, too much exercise, and illness)

Your dog should have firm stools, and a healthy gut.
To strengthen your pets digestive health, consider putting him/her on a good probiotic supplement, giving fresh foods, feeding a high quality dog food, exercise & love :) I also like a tablespoon or two of Stoneyfield Farms plain organic yogurt with my breakfast!

This post is dedicated to my pal Jaspee, who gets an upset tummy very easily. Take it easy pal, and start on those probiotics!

My Family

2009-07-21T11:59:00.001-07:00

Snack on this

2009-05-14T11:37:00.001-07:00

Feeding high quality treats is just as important as feeding a high quality dog food!
Wellness WellBites are the #1 choice around my house. Made of healthy ingredients such as: lamb, salmon, sweet potatoes, apples, blueberries and flaxseed...these soft treats are perfect for training or snacking!

Also made by Wellness are the oven-baked crunchy WellBars, made with real ingredients like Whitefish, Oatmeal and Sweet Potatoes. And packed with vitamins E, C and Beta-Carotene. Join the WellPet club for coupons & special offers!
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/talktous_join_our_wellpet_club.php

Some Great finds

2009-05-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like to shop? I am always on the hunt for new toys, tags, bedding, treats, you name it.

A few items I really dig are:

These Honey Bee ID tags from wagginggreen.com (they also have TONS of other cool Green products!)

I also love these beautiful hand stamped ID tags from etsy seller: PoochyCouture www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7190224

Lastly, Hide-A-Toys are a MUST have for all dogs. These interactive toys will have your pups entertained and happy.

Show off your BLING

2009-03-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

We pups need a little bling too don't we? We got a very special package from our Friend Amy in Norway. It was full of the most beautiful, hand-beaded collars! They are durable, stunning and addicting! Check out her site at: pawfectlypawsh.com

Bring back the FRESH foods

2009-02-19T10:50:00.000-08:00

While there are some great kibble diets on the market, we should still get some fresh food in our diet. Kibble is cooked at very high temps and a lot of the nutritional value that raw veggies and fresh meat contain, is cooked out.
So what can you add? Cooked chicken breast, lean turkey, whitefish, salmon, lean beef, or lamb. As for fruits & veggies, green or red peppers, unsalted green beans or sweet peas, carrots, broccoli, baby spinach, cauliflower, bananas, apples, blueberries, etc. Just be careful not to feed onions, macadamia nuts, raisins, or grapes = toxic.
I also add all natural garlic granuals to meals. Garlic is a controversial herb that many people think is toxic to pets. BUT many holistic vets say it is not. It supports a healthy immune system and is a natural flea deterrent. Add some fresh to your pet's food, they will thanks you :)

Holidays are exhausting

2009-02-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

Well the Holidays are finally over....long over, I have just been too lazy to up-date. Just a quick note to say 'Woof' and show you all my Holiday Card photo.
lubs,
Mr. Buddy

Yappy Howlidays!!!!

2008-12-12T11:15:00.001-08:00

Holidays are here

2008-12-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

I am counting down the days until Santa Paws visits me! I have been pretty good this year, so I should get almost everything on my list. Besides presents and delicious food, holidays can also be stressful for some dogs. Shopping, baking, wrapping gifts, rushing, parties, etc. Lots of different people in and out of house, mysterious shiny boxes, crazy lights all over, some pets just don't get excited about this time of year.
What can you do to make sure we are as comfortable as possible? Stick to our routine, it's what we know! Keep all sweets and chocolates OUT of our reach. Make sure there are no ornaments in grabbing range. If there are a lot of people over and we feel crowded, put us safely in another room, and in our crate.
AND if you insist on putting the dreadful Elf, Santa or Reindeer costumes on us, be sure to take them off after pictures. They can be uncomfortable and if too tight, cause circulation problems.

So back to the fun stuff, here is my list: I would love to know what's on yours!
I LOVE these smart toys...interactive, fun and if you buy from this site: www.ihelppets.com it helps shelter pets!!

and this SNUGGLY soft dog bed, I can just see myself curled up all nice & cozy in it! 'Ring O' Rosies Dog Bed'

and of course BULLY STICKS!!!!! bestbullysticks.com

what I choose to CHEW

2008-10-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

My gums and teeth need exercise too. A good way to keep yo grills clean is chewing! But are you chewing on the right stuff? There are a few chews I just cannot live without.
1. Kong - I love my kong! Fill it with peanut butter, then freeze for longer lasting treat! Or yogurt, pears, apples, the possibilities are endless.
2. Bully Sticks - made up of dried bull tendon and penis, this long lasting tough chew is 100% digestible! Now I know many people just love rawhide, but it does not digest. Especially if you have a heavy chewer, watch very carefully. And if you DO buy rawhide bones, please only made in USA.
3. Marrow Bones- right from the butcher at local meat shop. Cut off all excess meat (if there is anything left) and freeze for at least 48 hours to kill off any bacteria (just in case!) I can spend hours trying to get all the mineral rich marrow out.
4. Himalayan Chew- Made by boiling yak and cow milk and then dried for several weeks to create a hard chew. DELISH! and long lasting.
Check out bestbullysticks.com for great prices and chew selection!

Fleas, Ticks, Bugs, OH NO!!!

2008-10-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

Nothing I hate more than creep crawly bugs on me. But I also hate putting those burning chemicals onto my skin every month too! However, living in SW Florida, and being as hot, tropical and humid it is down here, it is bug season 365 days of the year!
So I try to use as little of the frontline plus as I can, but what I really love is GARLIC! **now, don't panic....A lot of people think that garlic is toxic to dogs, ANYTHING in extreme is toxic. And do NOT give garlic to cats. But it is actually very safe for dogs. I get garlic every morning in my breakfast. World renown holistic vet, Dr. Marty Goldstein (drmarty.com) also is an advocate for garlic as a natural bug deterrent. I order the air dried garlic granules from SpringtimeInc.com. Quoted from their site:

-Garlic Provides a 24-hour shield against flies, ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, etc.
-Safe, effective alternative to chemical products,
-One of the world’s most powerful antioxidant foods,
-Promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract,
-Provides four times more organic sulfur than any other food,
-Contains natural MSM,
-Stimulates immunity – antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, & anti-parasitic.

http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/148/2

What do you wash with?

2008-09-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

We went to dog beach this past weekend, what that means is we always have to get a bath right after.
What you bathe your pets with is more important than you might think. Like many corporate pet companies, cheap ingredients fill the labels and little or no concern to pet's health is considered. One common harmful ingredient in pet shampoos (and in human shampoos too!) is Laurel Sulfates. Sodium laurel sulfate is a surficant, or an agent that loosens the bond of things like oil to other objects such as skin or hair. It is used as an industrial degreaser and to clean factory floors of grease and grime. Studies have linked it with causing cancer, and eye problems, and the severest claim is leading to blindness. Laurel Sulfates are found in 99% of dog shampoos. They dehydrate skin cells, causing dryness, itching, redness, inflammation, irritation and they are proven carcinogens. They build up in vital internal organs to cause complications in later life. Most skin conditions in dogs come about from Sulphates in shampoos. And yes, all they do is make the shampoo bubbly.

Find a shampoo that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and safe. Some of our favorites are: Earth-Bath http://www.earthbath.com/shampoo_pints.html and also PetPromise

What do you eat from?

2008-08-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Obviously a bowl, but what kind? It matters more than you humans think. There are numerous choices. Plastic, ceramic, stainless, etc. Here is the breakdown, Plastic bowls- scratch and harbor bacteria. The bacteria lives in the scratches in the plastic and can cause infections, chin acne and stomach issues. To stay on the safe, hygienic side, choose stainless steel, ceramic, porcelain, or stoneware, but make sure the glaze is for human consumption and lead free.
Also, don't buy an over sized huge bowl, this temps you to fill it with more food, and results in us dogs getting fatter.
I ordered personalized ones for my pack from Cindy, at http://spanielbowls.com she is a great lady, and she uses a non-toxic, lead free, tested for human consumption glaze on all her creations.

Happy 3rd Birthday TO ME :)

2008-08-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

August 16th was my third Birthday. The world has been lucky enough to have me for 3 whole years. I had some friends over, drank a few brewskie's, Mom made some great treats, and I got some spectacular gifts..... Many more good years to come :)

Abuse of Authority!!

2008-08-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

This story outrages me! These police officers had NO reason to shoot these innocent labs.
"Cops raid Mayor's home, shoot his dogs, on a misguided drug raid'

read full story:

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/WireStory?id=5536184&page=1

Vacation - travel safety

2008-07-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

My family & I went on vacation to MI for the 4th of July, met up with lots of old friends. Then we headed to Indiana to see some friends and go to the ASC Nationals in Indianapolis. What a great time we had! We had to ride in PetMate carriers for the long drive, to keep us safe & secure. All pet owners should take precautions when traveling. Bring bottled water, pack a first aid kit, bring vaccination records, make sure pets have all ID tag on, & bring photos of pets in case we ever get lost. Most importantly,
have a crate, car-seat, or seatbelt to contain and secure pets while on the road. (and don't forget to clean up your poop at the rest stops!)

visit for tips, articles & products:
www.petautosafety.com

WARNING!!! ProHeart6 back on the market!

2008-06-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

ProHeart 6 — a controversial heartworm drug for dogs — came back on the market last week, almost four years after it was pulled when hundreds of dogs died and thousands more suffered adverse reactions. Ordinarily, this might be of interest mainly to pet owners and veterinarians. But this is much more than a dog story. Tale of ProHeart 6 raises questions about who calls the shots at agency. Read whole story: http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/06/our-view-on-dru.html#more

Healthy Immune System

2008-06-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Another good read is the online housepetmagazine.com It is packed with good information. This was my favorite read by: Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM "Maintaining a Healthy Immune System"

While supplements can be used in times of illness, maintaining a healthy immune system is important in decreasing the incidence and severity of disease. Follow the following tips to keep your pet as healthy as possible:

1. Feed the most natural diet possible. Learn to read a pet food label and avoid foods with chemical preservatives (BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin) and animal and plant by-products that can damage a pet's immune system and do not help maintain health as much as foods with natural preservatives and no by-products. When possible, prepare and feed a homemade diet (using on of the recipes in The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats) to ensure that your pet is eating the healthiest food possible.

2. Minimize vaccines. Most pets do not need annual "shots." A simple blood test called a titer test can determine which vaccines you pet needs.

3. Minimize chemicals. I prefer not to use chemical flea prevention products unless absolutely needed. Monthly heartworm medication is preferred over the 6 month injectable heartworm preventive.

4. Administer whole food vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy body.

5. Administer choline supplementation to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease (cognitive disorder) in dogs and cats 10 years of age and older."

Pets for the Environment

2008-06-13T13:08:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite readings is 'Eddie's Blog"....Eddie is another dog on a mission for a healthier, cleaner, better world for humans and pets to live in. Take a look and pass it along. Great work Eddie!!!! http://www.petsfortheenvironment.org/about/pets

TO chip or NOT to chip?

2008-06-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ahh Microchipping....just as controversial as dog food and politics. There are two good sides to every argument, and I wanted to discuss them.

PRO: As small as a grain of rice and claims to be safe, reliable and can re-unite you and your lost pet. And the only positive way (besides tattooing your pet to have it identified). http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=78

CON: claims related to causing cancer and tumors at microchip site, as well as being an unnatural. Read about Argo: http://www.petsfortheenvironment.org/blog/2008/06/11/allies_dog_argo_and_the_microchip_dilemma#comment-431
more info against chipping: http://www.antichips.com/cancer/

Let's be a little greener!

2008-06-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, I poop 3 times a day. That's 21 poops a week, 84 poops a month & 1,008 poops a year. Just from one 24lb American Cocker Spaniel. That's a LOT of turds.
• 4 million tons – It is estimated that dog owners do not collect over 4 million tons of dog waste annually.

• 20-30% of all pollutants in waterways attributed to dog waste – Pollutants originating from rainwater run-off via sewer systems, and dogs pooping near watersheds or beaches. Overall, it is believed dog waste is third or fourth on the list of contributors to bacteria in contaminated
waters.

• 4th highest generated waste – Plastics are the fourth highest generated waste in the U.S., originate from petroleum which is non-
renewable, do not biodegrade, and take thousands of years to break down. Paper, yard trimmings, and food scraps are the top three generated. However, all of them come from renewable resources.

• Bottom – Plastics are the least recycled with a 6.9% recovery rate. In 2006, the U.S. produced 29.5 million tons of plastic and only recycled 2.04 tons.
-info. from poopbags.com

So use biodegradable poop bags! Poop Bags meet the ASTM D6400 specification for biodegradability, and comply with biodegradable product claims in all 50 states. http://poopbags.com/Facts.html

Clean up your POOP

2008-06-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

I love dog beach, but what I can't stand is irresponsible owners who don't clean up after their dog. I went this weekend and I was very disgusted by all the poop everywhere. WARNING: If I see you at dog beach NOT cleaning up your mess, I will pee all over your stuff.

Agility

2008-06-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

I decided to conquer my fear of heights. I started agility and I am enjoying myself & meeting lots of new dogs. It had really been a confidence builder and great muscle toning. Getting my body ready for dog beach!

Over vaccination

2008-06-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Why is it that every vet thinks I need to be pumped full of shots every year? Do you get vaccinated every year? How do they know what I am immune to? After my one year shots, I am done. I will get a titer test to determine what I need. Check it out and decide for yourself: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/titer_test.htm

Happy Valentines Day

2008-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

What is Valentines Day all about anyway? Hallmark holiday I think. I had too many requests for dinner, so I chose to spend the night drinking box wine and watching Family Guy re-runs. Sorry ladies.

Here is what I think about snow!

2008-06-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

the scoop on DOG FOOD...you are what you eat!

2008-06-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

I am kinda a dog food snob. I just cannot fathom why some companies think us 'dogs' want to eat human left-over garbage, ie. 'by-products'.....it's all about $$$. Purina, Pedigree, IAMS, Science Diet = CRAP.....If you care about pets, then develop a food without all the cheap fillers that won't kill us! Check the back of your bag, and make sure your not eating any corn, wheat, by-products or soy. My favorite food is Timberwolf Organics. http://timberwolforganics.com/
But I also approve of: Eagle Pack, Fromm, Merrick, Canidae, Solid Gold, Innova, Wellness, Nature’s Variety, and Evanger’s.
Please check out the dog food analysis: http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/

It's the most wonderful time, of the year!!!

2008-06-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Christmas that is. Presents, cookies, ham, family, what could be better? We are traveling back to Michigan for the holiday. Stay tuned for snow adventures!

Sea Dog

2008-06-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

I went out on my boat. I cruised the gulf. I love the warm salty air and feeling the sand between my toes.

Topknot or not???

2008-06-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Since my mom grooms me....she decided to take Aunt Sarah's advice, and work on my topknot. It's the poof at the top of my head. I like it and think it only makes me more handsome. For all you other novice cocker groomers out there, this site can really help: http://www.groomingsmarter.com/Basic%20cocker%20grooming.html
what do you think about it??

Happy Halloween

2008-06-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

I really did not enjoy dressing up this year. I was T-Rex. Nobody in Florida seems to get the Halloween spirit. I did have some pumpkin though. I peed on the one that sat on our porch too, it was laughing at me and I didn't appreciate it.

say goodbye winter, hello FL

2008-06-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Bad news northern ladies, I'll be moving to Florida. I'l be sure to e-mail you my new address. Don't worry though, I'll fly back for holidays and special occasions. HELLLOOOOO dog beach!!!

My 2nd Birfday

2008-06-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

I had a great Birthday. All my friends and cousins came over, I got to go for a car ride, and got chicken for dinner. My friends were pretty cheap with the gifts though. Guess I need to be more specific next year. I said I want an 'I-PHONE' not a rawhide bone!!

The kiss

2008-06-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

It was magical.

more additions

2008-06-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am starting to think my owner is a little dog nuts! I have 2 new sisters. Maddie & Reese. They really bug me, but I know I am still mom's favorite.

New Home

2008-06-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

I was taken home by a nice couple. I was ooo-ed and ahhhhh-ed, kissed and squeezed often. I had a brother at home too, his name is Bernie. He is a little scrappy, bossy guy. But he made sure I knew he was in charge. He toldme on my first day home "I'm the cute one, I'm always right and I'll beat your a** if you mess with me." We were BF's soon after.

August 16th 2005

2008-06-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hello world, my name is Buddy. I was brought into this world in the outskirts of Michigan. I had one red brother and 2 chocolate & tan sisters. I had big dreams of being a cowboy, moving out west, and working at rodeo's...but even bigger dreams of being loved.