Waggin' Tales

Happy Thanksgiving...What I'm Thankful For

2011-11-24T07:41:00.003-07:00

Today is Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful day with friends, family and all of your furry loved ones. Today, I'm thankful for my human family because they take good care of me. They feed me, play with me, love me, even when I'm crazy, give me treats and toys, take me to the vet when I'm sick (and sometimes when I'm not), snuggle with me and give me a great place to live. I'm even thankful for the cat!

But not all animals have something to be thankful today. Some are abused, abandoned or just not cared for. These are the animals that need the most. If you can, please spread a little of the coming weeks' holiday cheer to them, whether it's a donation of a bag of food or a visit to your local shelter to adopt a pet. (Remember, pets as holiday gifts can be very risky and should be well thought out. If you are going to give a pet, please consider a rescue.)

So have a wonderful day and don't forget to give your furry one a little extra love (but no turkey bones!)

Playing at Dawn

2011-01-21T09:08:00.003-07:00

Lately I've been waking up early and wanting to play. I may go outside for a quick potty break but I really want to be with the humans. They don't particularly care for it, as they often don't go back to sleep. I, on the other hand, just make up my sleep during the day. As a matter of fact, I do a lot of sleeping during the day. But then again, so do most dogs!

I've also been a bit more whiny lately. Maybe that's because last Saturday, while the humans were out skiing, I found a bag of dog treats and decided to eat the whole thing, plastic bag and all! Needless to say, my system was a bit off for a few days...Hopefully I'm over it, otherwise, there might be another trip to the vet soon. (Of course, I like my vet because she gives me lots of treats!) Of course, the humans are watching me closely, but I'm eating, drinking and doing all of things I'm supposed to (or not, as the case may be, like using the sofa pillows as playthings.)

I really do have a good life. I have a nice house to live in with humans that take good care of me. Not all dogs are as fortunate, though. So, my friends at a tail we could wag recently introduced a new design called Best Friend. 10% of the gross proceeds from the sale of collars and leads in this design will be donated to the ASPCA to help fight animal cruelty. So, if your dog needs a fresh look, please consider a Best Friend collar and lead. Dogs everywhere will thank you for it!

Is it Halloween Already?

2010-10-27T13:03:00.005-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted. The lull of getting back into our routing once summer's over. Get up early, go outside, eat, get the kids off to school, run around the yard when they leave, come inside, sleep, go outside, maybe a mid day walk, sleep some more, eat, run around, snuggle with the humans, go to bed. It's a dog's life, truly!

But now it's autumn, leaves are falling (so much fun to run around in), snow in the mountains (can't wait till there's snow here to run around in) and the days are getting shorter. Halloween is this weekend, with ghosts, goblins and lots of candy. Of course, I can't have any candy; especially not chocolate, which can be toxic for me. So, instead of candy I get special treats. Here's a great recipe if you want to make special treats for your four legged friend: peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats. Try using a ghost or pumpkin shaped cutter to make them more festive (not that I really care what shape they are in, but you humans like it so go for it!).

And as soon as Halloween is over I'll be thinking about the holidays. They'll be here before we know it. Why not start thinking about what to get for your favorite pet or people. The folks at a tail we could wag have some great new items. One of them is the Best Friend collection. Not only is this a great addition to its line of collars and leashes, but they are donating 10% of their gross sales of this line to the ASPCSA®. Other new products are the new WALK tee shirt, new black mountain rope leads and new Harborside Daybreak leather tip belt. Visit www.tailwags.com to see/shop all of its tail wagging products.

Time for another nap. Enjoy your Halloween and be safe.

Entering the Dog Days of Summer

2010-07-28T19:55:00.002-06:00

It's been some time since I posted. Last time we were just entering spring (which took a long time to come to Idaho.) Now we're entering the dog days of summer. Only 1 month til the human kids go back to school (they're at camp now so it's pretty quiet around here). I've been up to my old tricks but, knock on wood, haven't visited our friendly vet in several months. (Not that I mind...I always get lots of treats and there are always lots of people for me to share my love with!)

Today I did find a yummy treat in the back yard. Seems my human dad buried a dead bird in the yard a few months ago. It took some digging but I was able to exhume it and then promptly ate it. So, my human mom did a google search about dogs eating dead birds and well, no visit to the vet. Of course, she'll keep a close watch on me to make sure I don't get sick or something. But, I've eaten stranger things (remember the sock incident?). So, we'll keep our fingers crossed!

It's been hot too. I love to go for walk but since I have a short snout, have trouble cooling myself. Short walks are best and I love it when they bring water along. My other favorite summer time activity is chasing the water that comes out of the hose. It's especially fun when my human mom waters the plants. I just love to drink as much as I can.

Well, off to cool myself. Hope you're having fun this summer and staying out of trouble. I am.

Spring time and birthdays

2010-04-27T16:34:00.006-06:00

It's been a while since I posted. Blame it on the human! You know, lots of activities, no time. On Sunday, however, Joe took me to the dog park. It's been a while since we went and played. Partly because the weather has been so hit or miss here in Boise. One day it's in the 70's, the next it drops to 50, with wind and rain (kind of like today). Sunday was nice. I ran hard. So hard, in fact, that later that night I was totally pooped.Yep, that's me, under the covers. They don't let me do this very often but I was WAY tired. Of course, minutes after these pics were snapped I was moved to another position. Still on the bed but on top of the covers!

I hope to get out more.

And now the birthday part....I'm almost 2! Less than 1 month. I'm still a bit on the wild side but I'm learning to behave better. There are still things that get me in trouble...Just today I ate an entire roll of toilet paper. And last Friday night I stole a piece of roasted chicken from Max's plate. Swallowed it whole, bone and all. (Yes, the humans are still checking to see if I've passed it!) Maybe when I'm 3 I'll be better behaved....Or not! I'm glad the humans stuck with me, though. We make a great family. Puppies are a lot of work. Quite the commitment, not for everyone. Patience, patience, patience. But, we're worth it! Who else gives total love and devotion, no expectations (ok, so the occasional dog treat is nice)? Who else can you tell your innermost secrets to, without being judged? Who else dances in circles when you come home?

And remember if a dog were the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

On Boxers

2010-02-20T16:34:00.002-07:00

We were received the following today (cut out from The Chicago Tribune).
"An acquired taste
George Diaz, Orlando Sentinel
Much like cabbage and green beans, boxers are an acquired taste.
My two — Marvin and Mia — sometimes eat their poop. Sometimes they might eat the cat poop. Sometimes Marvin simply tries to eat the cat. Boxers belch. They discharge odorous gasses right about the time you're taking a bite out of a sandwich. Some people might find this disgusting. I say it's part of the charm.Boxers are a loyal and loving breed. I've got the drool stains on my face to prove it.If she could talk, Sadie the Scottish terrier would tell you something I already know:
She has boxer envy.
Burp. Fart. Belch. "

Yep, that's me!

On Food, Diet and Exercise

2010-02-02T16:56:00.007-07:00

Since we're in the pet industry we come across a lot of interesting (and not so interesting) stuff. Recently, we came across a story about variations in calorie labeling for 'low calorie' pet food. I don't have to worry about that, as I burn enough energy to keep me a healthy weight. (The easiest way to determine if your pet is over weight is the "rib test": Place you hands on your pet's rib cage with your thumbs on the back. If the ribs are easily felt, your pet is considered to be normal weight. Of course, if you have questions about your pet's weight, please consult your vet. ) Spacejam, our cat, may be a bit overweight so Laurie feeds her a reduced calorie food. (She may need to rethink this, based on the article we read.) Now, I'm not a food expert nor do I want to give pet nutritional information. I just want to share the story so you have better information!

Of course, diet alone doesn't contribute to your pet's weight. I've talked about easy ways to exercise your dog. Play, go for a long walk, etc. As they say, it your dog's fat you aren't getting enough exercise!

How Your Dog Can Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals

2009-12-31T07:39:00.003-07:00

As 2009 ends and 2010 begins, so many resolutions are made (and quickly broken). If your resolution is to get fit in 2010, here are a couple of ways that owning a dog can help you keep from breaking your resolution.

1. Exercise: both you and your dog need it. Your dog wants it! Why not help your friend out. Walking is great exercise and simple to do. You don't need any special equipment (except good shoes) and you don't need a club membership to do it. There are also other ways to exercise with your dog. Why not go outside and toss a frisbee or her favorite toy. Go to the dog park and run around (both of you!) Or, if you're ready and your dog is ready, go for a run or bike ride. Just make sure you know if your dog can handle it. For example, I'm a boxer and have a short snout. Short snouted dogs like me (pugs, boston terriers, etc.) have a harder time breathing and can overheat. So, please know your dogs limitations.

2. Happiness and less stress: Being happy and stress free will help you keep your resolution. And owning a pet has been shown to relieve stress. Why wouldn't it. We're there when you need a friend, always willing to give you a "kiss" or just a wag of the tail to let you know we love you. And we don't care if you have taken a shower or made your bed! It's no wonder they call us man's best friend!

So grab the leash and get going!

Saying Goodbye to 2009 and Hello to 2010

2009-12-29T08:55:00.003-07:00

Wow, another year has come and gone. I'm a year older and a year less puppylike (translate as I don't get in nearly as much trouble as I did a year ago!). It's been a fun year with many ups and downs but mostly ups. So, here are some of my favorite things:

For my collar and lead needs, nothing beats the stuff I wear from a tail we could wag and they have matching belts for you humans!

Some of my favorite toys are my katie's bumpers and my toys from canine genius. I also like to play with my chuck it!

I like the dog park a lot. I get to meet lots of other dogs and people! Maybe when it warms up a little more Joe and Laurie will take me again.

And, I'll eat just about anything they give me! Laurie's very careful to make sure I eat good stuff and not things that will hurt me. I don't get many people food scraps but that's ok. I know they're not real good for me.

We support our local pet stores. We try to buy local when we can.

And now onto 2010. Who knows what adventures (trouble) I'll have. But, I'm a dog and I'm ready for anything!

Happy New Year and wishing you all a prosperous 2010!

Love,

Stella

Why I Have Pet Insurance

2009-10-15T15:03:00.004-06:00

No, this isn't an advertisement for pet insurance....I'm just glad (or my humans are) that they have pet insurance for me. Just last week I was playing outside, which is what dogs do, and I tore my nail; right down to the quick. Laurie cleaned me up nicely and didn't think about it until late in the day. Realizing that it was Friday and the vet would be closed for the weekend, she called to see if there was anything she should do to keep an eye on my foot. You know, infection, whatever. Well, the vet said I should come in because, being a dog and all, I would probably continue to get it dirty, and get all sorts of bad stuff in it. Plus, since it had bled they needed to see how badly it tore. So, in I went and $200+ later I was home...E-collar and all. (I hate that thing!) I had torn the quick so they had to clip my nail WAY back and cauterize it. The e-collar was to prevent me from pulling the bandage off and licking my foot. It didn't stop me at all! Thank goodness Laurie took the bandage off after 1 day (it got wet). And I never licked my foot/toe so she took the collar off early as well.

We don't know how much the insurance company will pay but they do cover "torn nail" (yes, it's an actually code on the insurance sheet!). So, even if they pay half it's well worth it. Who knows what trouble I'll get into next!

For those interested, our policy is with VPI.

New Product News

2009-09-25T15:13:00.004-06:00

Hooray! martingale collars are here! These beautiful slip on collars are great for training. A quick tug reminds me when I'm doing something that I'm not supposed to be doing. I've been wearing one for several months and I can vouch that it's great. Plus, they're made with all the same good stuff that all a tail we could wag collars, leashes and belts are made with.

Here's the product lineup: sun valley holiday, starry day mango shine, harborside daybreak, at the beach catalina and foolish fish real red.

They are 1" wide and come in sizes s - xl. To order, please call us directly as they're not yet available through our web (or ask you local pet store to bring them in!) Our number is 866.726.wags (9247). Hope you like them!

On Being Considerate

2009-08-11T20:26:00.004-06:00

I just got back from a lovely walk through my neighborhood. I'm always on a leash because, well, if I weren't I'd probably find myself in all sorts of trouble. And because the neighborhood asks dog owners to walk their dogs on a leash or have one nearby. Most of the folks follow these rules. But tonight we encountered one of the truly inconsiderate ones...A dog without a leash. The owner just shrugged and announced she didn't have a leash. Thankfully the dog was relatively well behaved and decided not to come meet me. Now I know that some dogs do great off leash, but what if...What if he sees a squirrel across the street? What if she sees another dog down the block? What if there is a group of kids playing that sparks his attention. Chances are the dog will go running after one of these distractions, regardless of what you, the human says or does. What if running after one of these distractions puts her in the middle of a street, busy or not, only to get hit by a car? Or if he decides to "play" with the kids but his play ends up injury one of the children? Any of these things can happen. And the outcome may not be pleasant for anyone. So why not be responsible and keep your dog on its leash while talking a walk. There are lots of other opportunities for your pooch to be off leash, like your fenced backyard or the bark park. (and if you don't have a really cool leash yet, check out www.tailwags.com for a great selection of leashes!)

The other thing that really gets me (and my humans) is those people that don't pick up after their dogs. It's also a rule in our neighborhood (and most places). I guess some people think that common area means they don't have to be responsible or considerate. Not only do we see lots of stray poop on the common area but tonight we saw several piles right in the middle of the sidewalk. Yuck! So, in addition to being the right thing to do, here are some other reasons to pick up after your pooch:

1. Tapeworms

2. Roundworms

3. Cryptosporidium

4. Salmonellosis

5. Giardia

6. E. Coli

7. Parvovirus

8. The smell

9. Poo on shoes

10. The flies (which could bring with them: Shigellosis, Polio & Eye Diseases)

We all know that we dogs love to smell other dogs' stuff. Why risk getting another dog sick? And conversely, do you want your best friend encountering some other pup's poop? And if a human is unlucky enough to step in it watch out! I don't know of much else that makes humans as mad as stepping in dog poop. So, please be considerate AND responsibl. Remember your poop bag and pick up after your pooch!

Now I must rest because the day has ended and the walk did me in! Wags!

Dog Days

2009-08-04T15:13:00.004-06:00

It's been kind of quiet around here. The dog days of summer are setting in. Boise can get really hot! We don't go outside much when it's near or above 100. Without much activity I go a bit goofy, particularly when new people come around. Today, Andrea came by. She's a great dog trainer. I really like her and she's helping Laurie work with me. It's a good thing I get to try all of the cool new stuff from a tail we could wag. Like the new martingale, or training, collars they are about to launch. They're a great way to let me know when I've done something wrong. A quick pull and I'm reminded but they don't hurt like zappers or choke chains with spikes. YIKES! I'm glad I don't have to wear one of those. I get to wear a beautiful collar from a tail we could wag. Here's a picture of me in the prototype of the martingale. This is sun valley holiday. The only change is that the blue web will be black. I heard Joe and Laurie say they're going to be available in a few weeks, so if you're interested check out the website at www.tailwags.com or call them at 866.726.9247.

Well, I've got bones to chew and grass to dig up. Maybe I'll go for a walk soon, even though it's really HOT!

Wags!

Pets are Good for People

2009-07-14T13:23:00.003-06:00

As my human Laurie sometimes says, here's a blinding flash of the obvious...Pets are good for people! Of course, I've known it as does Spacejam and all the pets out there. But here's an article that gives some reason on why pets are so good! Now of course I still do things that I shouldn't like jumping over the gate that separates the upstairs from the main living area, stealing toys, shoes and other off-limits items and jumping all over every guest that comes over, but then I wag my tail and give them a couple of doggie kisses and all is forgiven. (And if that doesn't work I cock my head and look at them with my big brown eyes...!) As the article says, I really don't require a whole lot (food, food and more food. some water and an occasional bath). But what I provide in return is priceless.

And now for a completely unrelated topic but since I feel like musing (for a dog, that is or is it rambling?!), a new airline for pets only launched today. They don't offer flights to/from Boise yet but you never know. Maybe next time the humans take a trip somewhere they'll take me and Spacejam along!

Obie - The Outrageous Retriever

2009-06-29T15:15:00.004-06:00

Thanks to everyone that submitted stories for our outrageous pet story contest. We received some wonderful stories about things our four legged friends did (and sometimes continue to do). The good folks at a tail we could wag had a difficult time selecting the winning story but decided that Obie's story was the winner.

Obie, a yellow lab, loves water. But, he's also been extremely protective of his human children, especially around water. He loves to romp in the stream by his mountain cabin (ok, so the cabin belongs to the humans but us dogs need to stick together!) but does not like it when the kids wade in. Even though the adult humans have told him time and again that the kids are safe in the water he thinks otherwise...He actually goes in and drags them by their swim trunks back to shore!

Obie just turned 8 and has been doing this his entire life life. The "kids" that he protects are now 17 and 19 but to him they will always be his to love and protect!Congratulations Obie!

Take Your Dog to Work

2009-06-23T12:49:00.004-06:00

Did you know it's take your dog to work day on June 26? Now I'm lucky, because I go to work everyday with the folks at a tail we could wag (and so does Spacejam, she hangs out with Joe while I hang out with Laurie, and Cheech, who hangs out with Mary at the warehouse), but not all dogs are quite so lucky. So, check out the Take Your Dog to Work website. You can get all sorts of good info there, like how to ask your boss to participate, posters to put up in your office, tips on making the day successful and more. According to the site, here are the top 10 things to say to convince your boss to take part in Take Your Dog to Work Day:

10. The squirrels in the neighborhood deserve a break.
9. Wagging tails work great when the a/c is on the fritz.
8. With a dog as your passenger, you’ll be able to use the car pool lane.
7. It’s a great way to lick the work day blahs!
6. My dog thinks you’re grrrrrrreat!
5. Meetings end as soon as Rover starts staring at the conference room door.
4. You can blame those missing reports on one of your employees’ dogs.
3. It’s the leash you can do.
2. Finally, someone at your office will actually be working like a dog.
AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON TO TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK…
1. Friday, June 26, is Take Your Dog To Work Day®!

Please visit the site and check it out!

And now, since I'm a dog, it's mid-afternoon and the sun is shining, I'm going to find a nice warm spot to curl up in and nap the rest of the day away!

Outrageous Pet Stories Contest

2009-05-22T15:10:00.003-06:00

The good folks at a tail we could wag want to hear your outrageous pet stories. They thought of the idea because of my trip to the emergency vet. Details below:

Tell Us Your Outrageous Pet Tale for a Chance to Win a Collar!

Recently, Stella ate 2 of Max's socks. That earned her a trip to the emergency vet clinic and a shot of stuff (that's the technical term!) to compel her to give them back quickly. I was going to try a home remedy that the emergency clinic said was ok but to watch out for choking as they came back up. That's when we decided to let them have the pleasure of helping us get them back the way they went in! Quite an adventure for our not so little 1 year old Boxer!
Now we'd like to hear your outrageous (but true) pet stories. What kind of trouble has your pooch gotten into. Or did she/he do something amazing or heroic? Whatever it was, we'd love to hear about it. The winning story will win a new harborside collar!
So, here are the details:

Write about your pet's antics in 200 or fewer words. Save as a word document
Send your story (as an attachment) to info@tailwags.com with the subject "outrageous pet story contest" by 11:59 pm (MDT) 6/15/2009.
If you'd like, send along a photo as well!
Please be sure to include your dog's collar size in your email.
Stories will be judged by the good folks at a tail we could wag.
Winner will be announced on Stella's Blog and our Facebook page on June 30, 2009.*
GOOD LUCK!

Happy Birthday Stella!

2009-05-22T11:21:00.024-06:00

I turned 1 today! Laurie baked me a yummy cake (at least it's yummy for dogs...not sure the humans would like it!) What a fun year it's been! Here are some pictures so you can see how I've grown!

My trip to the emergency room

2009-05-07T12:12:00.005-06:00

Last Tuesday night I got to experience a trip to the emergency vet. I don't really mind going to the vet cause I get to ride in the car and the doctor always gives me lots of treats. But not the emergency vet. They gave me stuff to make me throw up. You see, I ate two, yes two, of Max's socks. Stinky little boy feet smell. YUM! But Laurie didn't think that was such a good idea. They do feed me pretty well here but I wanted a little something extra, so I saw an opportunity and grabbed it! The next thing I knew I was going for a ride! Yay, I thought until I got to the clinic. Then they gave me some stuff (apomorphine) to induce vomiting. Laurie was going to try the old hydrogen peroxide trick (only after talking to the vet, of course) but decided to take me in since I had eaten 2 socks. I probably won't learn anything from my experience since I'm a dog, but hopefully the humans will try harder to keep things out of my reach. Socks, towels, rags, underwear, etc. I like them all!
That's it, I just wanted to share my fun with you all! til my next adventure....

Summer Travel's Around the Corner

2009-04-23T11:11:00.010-06:00

I love spring! I just got a new fence so I get to spend lots of time playing outside. One of my favorite new sports is pulling the pine cones off the tree and then playing with them. It's becoming a bit of a challenge, however, since I've pulled all the ones of the lower branches. You should see me jump! Hopefully one of my humans will take a video of my and post it for all to see, since it's pretty amusing!

And of course, after spring comes summer. I hope we go on vacation somewhere. If we do, I'm sure we'll drive. I know my humans are going to make sure I'm safe when we travel. If you're going to travel with your pet, please make sure you're ready and safe. There are some great resources with tips on travelling with your pet. The ASPCA has some great tips for car travel. If you have to travel by air, check out the Humane Society of the US, which offers wonderful information on air travel. And, if you need some ideas on pet friendly places to stay, visit our friends at Fido Friendly magazine.

Lastly, since it's spring it's time to consider some new duds. I just got a new collar from a tail we could wag. There's an awesome new design that's not yet available through the web. It's called Harborside and it's bright, fun and made with the same high quality materials that they make all of their stuff out of.
Harborside Twilight

Harborside Daybreak

If you're interested in more information about Harborside, please call the humans at a tail we could wag. Their number is 866.726.wags

Happy Spring!

Happy St. Patty's Day

2009-03-17T08:56:00.005-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day. All of the humans in my house are wearing green today. I'm feeling a little green...Must have eaten something yucky yesterday. I was up sick in the middle of the night. But, I'm feeling a little better today.

Spring is definitely in the air. It's been raining a bit here in Boise (still snowing in the mountains, which the humans like so they can go skiing!). The crocuses are blooming and the grass is beginning to green up a bit. Spring is a really great time for humans and their pets. It's time to get out and enjoy the great weather. And pets like me really get to start enjoying some time outside. But, there are some dangers to be aware of. Here are the top 10 spring tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

*Fleas and ticks
They can be tiny, little more than a pinhead in some instances, but they grow and spread quickly once they find a host. The preventative treatments that you may have discontinued in the winter should start early in the spring to keep your pet's coat, and your home, free of pests.

*Lawn fertilizers
Lawn fertilizers are very toxic to pets. Store fertilizers in a place far from where your dog or cat -- and children-- can get at it. After applying it to your lawn, follow manufacturer instructions on how long you should wait before allowing your pet into the area. If you see a sign posted on a lawn that tells you to keep your pets off, abide by it.

*Pesticides and herbicides
It's probably not surprising that these chemicals can be toxic to your pets, but, even when they're not lethal, there are some long-term health concerns. Studies indicate the use of pesticides and herbicides may be tied to increased rates of specific forms of cancer in dogs. If your pet is exposed, wash them with soap and water immediately and call your veterinarian.

*Cocoa bean mulch
It's becoming common to mulch a garden with the fragrant spent shells of cocoa beans. But just like chocolate, dogs like to eat them and they are toxic.

*Lilies
Lilies are a flower common in the spring, and they are very, very toxic to cats. Cats will often chew them, and even small amounts can lead to kidney failure and death.

*Rhubarb leaves
Rhubarb makes a fine pie and it's a staple in many vegetable gardens, but the leaves are poisonous and can cause kidney failure. For a complete list of plants and plantings that can be dangerous to pets, visit www.avma.org.

*Rat and mouse poisons
Controlling vermin becomes an issue again in the spring. Be aware that the same properties of common rat and mouse poisons that make them irresistible to pests will also attract your pet. If consumed, these can be fatal to your animal.

*Cleaning products
Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many households, but make sure the cleaning products don't hurt your animals. If the label states "keep pets and children away from area until dry" follow those instructions carefully, and store all chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

*Paint and paint thinners
If you're putting a fresh coat of paint on the house, keep the pets away. Paint thinners, mineral spirits and other solvents can cause severe irritation or chemical burns if swallowed or even if they come in contact with your pet's skin. Latex house paints typically produce a minor stomach upset, but some specialty paints may contain heavy metals or volatile substances that could be harmful if ingested.

*Preventative medications
Consult with your veterinarian about seasonal medications to keep your pet healthy. For example, in many parts of the country, heartworm medications for dogs are often discontinued in the winter. Springtime is the season to restart this medication to keep your dog free of this parasite. But keep in mind that manufacturer's instructions warn that heartworm medications should not be given without first visiting your veterinarian to ensure that your pet has not developed the heartworm parasite. A simple blood test will give you that peace of mind.

So, as the weather warms up and the days become longer, I'm going to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. But, I know that my humans will make sure that I'm safe.

And, don't forget to check out the new tee shirts at a tail we could wag. While you're there, maybe you'll see something for your best friend too!

A Taste of Spring

2009-03-02T14:56:00.002-07:00

Today is a beautiful day here in Eagle, Idaho. The temperature was probably close to 70! We even opened the windows in the house. And I got to spend some wonderful time playing outside. And if that wasn't enough, Laurie took me on a long walk where I could sniff and eat everything I saw (until she told me to "leave it" or took it out of my mouth!)

Ok, so now that it's getting close to spring, time to get out some new duds...Maybe a new collar for the dog (with a matching lead), a new belt to match and a new tee shirt to bring it home! You can find all of this cool stuff at www.tailwags.com.

Hopefully this weather will last but I think not. It looks like its going to rain and I think it may snow again later this week. But, the weather changes pretty quickly here and soon it will be spring for good.

Congratulations "Stump"

2009-02-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

We watched the Westminster Kennel Club dog show last night with great interest, because dogs are cool! Congratulations to Stump on winning best in show. Can you believe he's 10 years old! Oldest dog in the history of WKC to win best in show! Way to go.

Now, while a boxer didn't win either group or show, the best in breed did come in second in group (working dog). Pretty cool. Of course, I was sleeping while the humans were cheering her on. Making comments all the while about how I was cuter than the boxer in the show but I would need to work on my other skills (like listening, not jumping, being a little calmer, etc.) Anyway, I'm not going to be a show dog, just a great family pet! Besides, I get to wear these really cool collars from a tail we could wag. If you haven't checked them out yet, you should! They've got all sorts of really cool stuff for both us dogs and our human companions. And, they're offering a Valentine's Day discount (15%) through February 17, 2009. Check it out!

So, again, congrats to all the winners at the show! And to all of the rest of us, we're pretty great too!

Winter Reading

2009-02-03T09:08:00.008-07:00

Well, by now you've figured out that my human owner is posting for me. After all, I'm a dog...a cute one, but still a dog! So, I get to lounge around while the humans do all sorts of fun stuff. One of their favorite lazy time activities is reading. All of them read, ALOT! Recently all but Zack read a cute book called "A Dogs Life". It's an "autobiography" written from a dog's point of view. The hero is a stray that goes through quite a bit in her lifetime before finding a permanent home. Now, I don't want to give anything away, but during her adventures she is sometimes mistreated by humans, even ones that think they are being nice to her. So, just a reminder (and I know that anyone reading my blog already knows this) that when pets are brought into homes every effort needs to be made to keep them for life. But, you may come across situations where you see animals not being treated quite right. If you do, you might want to visit your local shelter for tips and advice. The Humane Society of the United States also offers some tips on animal abuse and neglect. We're all in this together and anything you can do to stop or prevent animal abuse is greatly appreciated by animals and animal lovers.

And, if you know of any other good dog stories, please let us know! Happy reading!

January Blahs but Don't Forget to Exercise

2009-01-20T18:56:00.004-07:00

It's January. Here in Eagle (Boise) Idaho we have hardly seen the sun in nearly a week. It's hard to get my owners to take me out. But, they know that exercise is an important part of my daily routine. They take me out to run me around the yard with one of my favorite toys, a blue boomerang from Tuff Enuff. I love to fetch it and then play hard to get! Other days, they take me out on a long walk, which is great because I love seeing new things and they get some exercise too. I even love to play inside with the boys. We play "football" with my soft toys (so nothing gets broken!)

Not only is exercise great for me (and my humans), but it wears me out, so I sleep better and am a bit calmer! But remember, the type and amount of exercise dogs get depends on a lot of things like age, health and breed. Here are some tips about dog exercise. But whatever you do, don't let the winter blues keep you from getting out and having some fun. I can't wait till it snows again!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-25T11:14:00.005-07:00

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Season's Greetings for all! We've been busy this holiday season but want to take time to share our season's greetings. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. There's me and my new toy, me all tuckered out, my two human brothers (Zack & Max) and my bfff Spacejam!

Holiday Treats

2008-12-12T08:33:00.009-07:00

I'm a dog. I'll do anything for food! I love treats. Big ones, small ones, any kind. My human family loves giving me treats when I'm good (and sometimes when I'm not so good). Recently, my human mom made some homemade treats. Boy, were they yummy. What a great holiday gift idea! Instead of another toy that will be quickly destroyed or forgotten (just like human kids!), how about making your pet some holiday treats. If you're baking for human family and friends, why not bake for the rest of us! Here are a couple of my favorites:

Cheesy Dog Biscuits
Super Simple Chunky Peanut Dog Treats

Please make sure the recipe you are using is for dog (or cat) treats, not humans! I'll eat anything but not everything is good for me. Click here Toxins (Poisons) That Effect Dogs for a list of items that can really hurt us. For more information on pet poison control, visit the ASPCA - Animal Poison Control .

Please have a happy and safe holiday!

No Puppies for Christmas, Please!

2008-12-05T14:58:00.005-07:00

I know we're really cute, with our big eyes and floppy ears, but, as my human owners can tell you, puppies are TONS of work! When I came into the family, my humans had been considering a dog for many months, did plenty of research of what type of dog would be best for their family, looked at dogs at the local shelter and spoke to responsible breeders before selecting me. Once they made the decision they made sure they were ready to bring me home...they had food, grooming supplies, toys, treats, a crate, a collar and leash (of course!) and information on a puppy pre-school class. They already had the vet because of Spacejam. (As soon as I came home they made my first appointment to see the vet.) They were very prepared for me. However, since Christmas (or Hanukkah) puppies (and kittens) are often a surprise, people may not be ready for the responsibility of pet ownership.

Human experts (humane societies and shelters, AKC, PETA, etc.) agree that it's better to wait until after the holidays to bring home a new pet. Here's a great article from the Humane Society.

The Best Gift You Can Give

Instead of a new pet, give pet supplies and other items (e.g. gift certificates from your vet) to start preparing for your new family member. (Make sure you have a really cool collar and lead from a tail we could wag!) If you really want to give a pet for the holidays, please consider adopting from a local shelter. Visit Petfinder to help locate a shelter near you. If you can't find a shelter dog (or cat), please work with a responsible breeder. For more information on breeders, visit the AKC.

I hope you have a tail wagging holiday!

A Few Holiday Tips for Your 4 Legged Friends

2008-11-26T10:37:00.006-07:00

Today is my first posting, yeah! It's the day before Thanksgiving and here are some tips to help keep me and other furry friends safe during the holidays:

* Ask visitors to keep their medicine out of my reach. I'm a dog, I'll eat anything! and the smallest dose (even 1 pill) can be extremely dangerous to me and Spacejam, my fbff (feline best friend forever).
* Foods that are yummy and safe for you can be really bad for me. Grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, chocolate and anything that contains xylitol. So, tempting as it is, don't share your food with us. Giving us food we're not used to can cause lots of problems.
* And keep pretty plants away too. Mistletoe, holly, and plant bulbs like amaryllis and lilies should be kept out of our reach.
* Be careful when decorating and wrapping. We like shiny things! But they can be dangerous. So can electrical wires.

Since I'm just a puppy and not a licensed vet (but I like my vet because he gives me lots of treats when I go!), please check with your vet if you have any questions or concerns. And for more tips, please visit www.akc.org.