Iams Launches New Tartar Treats
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Iams introduced their new
Tartar Treats yesterday claiming to reduce tartar from your dog's teeth and improve its dental health.
Each treat contains 38 tartar scrubbers on a patent-pending double-sided design that looks like a scrub brush for the teeth.
Iams says that it used a unique blend of ingredients to make the chew hard enough that it won't crumble into pieces big enough to expand and block movement inside your dog's belly.
In fact,
they went on to say that they had tests conducted at the University of Illinois using a "scientifically validated" artificial canine stomach and intestine model to simulate the digestive process. The Tartar Treats were found to be up to three times more digestible than the hard chew category leader.
You can't doubt artificial innards can you?
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Dog Farts
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
I'm not sure what to make of
PetsFart. It contains comics of dogs and cats farting. It even has comics of birds, fish, and frogs farting.
The comics are the work of Christine Legault, who says she grew up very shy and quiet, and lived out many fantasies through her drawings.
I'll just leave it at that.
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PupHut Doggie Canopy for Pickup Trucks
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
A company called M4 Products, LLC is marketing a product called
Puphut, a canopy that fits onto the bed of pickup trucks.
It's meant to provide shelter for dogs that ride in the back of a pickup truck, providing them with shade in triple digit temperatures, or even from the elements like rain and hail.
When used with the safety restraint system, it also acts like a barrier to prevent dogs from getting bounced out of the pickup truck when going off-roading or crashing into obstacles.
The Puphut comes in two colors, black and camouflage, and sells for $259.95 and $279.95 respectively.
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Whippet Art
Monday, February 27, 2006
If you like whippets, and happen to love original art work, check out
WhippetArt, an art gallery featuring whippet paintings.
The paintings are the work of Hilda Spain-Owen whose subjects are primarily whippets and other sighthounds. Her work has been shown in galleries in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Delaware, and New York and is in collections across the United States.
Spain-Owen works to support sighthound rescue groups by donating original works for auction. Through her donations, rescue groups in Florida and North Carolina have raised thousands of dollars to help with adoption and medical costs associated with sighthound rescue.
If you happen to be in the Wilmington, North Carolina area between March 10 and April 4, 2006, visit
The Artists Gallery at Lumina where her work will be on dislay.
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PetSquared Offers Free Pet Recovery ID Tags
Friday, February 24, 2006
PetSquared recently announced the launch of its
BackHome Lost Pet Recovery Program by offering free pet ID tags to the first 500 participants.
The BackHome program is uses an ID number on the tag, instead of the owner's personal contact. The ID number is referenced on PetSquared's website to find the owner. Members update their personal infomation online, and decide how to be contacts.
You can request up to three free BackHome pet ID tags.
PetSquared is an online retailer of pet supplies.
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Pets Best Launches New Vet Blog
Friday, February 24, 2006
Pets Best, the pet insurance division of General Fire & Casualty Company, recently launched a
new blog written by its founder, Dr. Jack Stephens.
Stephens, a former veterinarian who started Pet Insurance in 1980, and then left in 2004 to start Pets Best, shares his thoughts and observations on pets, pet insurance and the joys of owning pets.
"On a daily basis, in both my professional and personal lives, I see the positive impact of pets on people. And throughout my years of treating and having pet companions, I have accumulated stories and experiences about this wonderfully mutual beneficial relationship between humans and animals. The Community site will also share pet news and important pet information. And there will be a section for like-minded animal lovers to post pet photos and stories as a way to share and inform others on the wonderful value of pets to us as individuals and to society as a whole," said Dr. Stephens.
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Trusted Traveler Transports Pets with GPS Collars
Friday, February 24, 2006
The Trusted Traveler LLP, is offering first-class, customized pet transport services anywhere in the world, utilizing GPS collars as a safety backup measure.
The collar can pinpoint an animal's location to within 10 feet, assuring owners that their pets will never become lost.
In addition, Trusted Traveler provides your pet with a "trusted travel agent", who accompanies your pet from point to point, making sure Fifi gets to her destination safe and secure.
If your pet cannot travel via air for medical reasons, Trust Traveler will arrange for ground transportation.
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Greenies Strikes Back
Friday, February 24, 2006
Dr. Joe Roetheli, co-founder of the Greenies dental dog treat
asserted that the risk of a fatal incident using his product is less than one in eight million, while dogs
whose dental health is neglected have an 80 percent chance of developing periodontal disease that typically shortens their lives by 3-5 years.
Kinda like saying your dog is better off eating Greenies than it is if it does not.
Concerns over Greenies killing dogs have been raised all over the media, due to incidents where dogs swallowed large, unchewed, pieces that expand in their intestines and block it up.
Recently, the Roetheli
announced plans to put warning labels on the packaging.
Here's an interesting
paragraph I found published by the Michigan Humane Society:
Dogs do have a need to chew, and there are many safe toys available for this purpose. These toys include Nyla-bones®, Nyla-floss®, hard rubber chew toys and, on occasion, rawhide chews. (Proper supervision is necessary when giving rawhide to
ensure the dog does not swallow large pieces.) Any item you give your dog to chew on must be gauged according to the dog's size, jaw strength and chewing habits.
Let me ask you something, if it's the dog owner's fault for not supervising their dog when eating rawhide, why is it Greenies' fault when a dog swallows a large piece of their product?
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Blood Glucose Monitor For Dogs
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Dogs get diabetes too. That's why Abbott Laboratories
announced the launch of the AlphaTRAK, billing it as the first complete hand-held blood glucose monitoring system for dogs and cats.
AlphaTRAK can be used by pet owners to test their pets' blood sugar rapidly, and accurately with a very small blood sample, without relying on blood glucose meters designed for humans, which can produce widely variable and inaccurate results in pets.
According to Abbott, as many as one in every 200 dogs and one in every 400 cats suffer from diabetes mellitus. Like humans, these animals are susceptible to both Type I diabetes, or the inability to produce insulin, and Type II diabetes, an insensitivity to insulin. However, Type I is more prevalent among dogs and Type II is more common in cats.
The AlphaTRAK will be shipping out to veterinarians beginning in March. If you want one, you'll have to visit your vet, and request one.
CNET News Via
PetGadgets
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Cooking Your Food with Dog Poop
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Kim Curtis of the Associated Press
writes today that the City of San Francisco is launching a pilot project that could have residents powering their ranges with dog poop gas.
They're going to send a team of dog poop collectors into one of its popular dog parks and haul the pieces of canine caca to a special poo-poo fermentation facility. There the bacteria will fester and produce and methane gas.
The gas then gets piped into peoples' homes for domestic use.
However, Curtis went on to report that this solution is too expensive to be effective:
Some experts believe methane digestion must become more attractive economically before it gets popular. Landfill space is relatively cheap, and natural gas and electricity also remain fairly inexpensive.
Not to forget the costs of hiring dog poop collectors!
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Kozmo Interviews Pet Product Inventors
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Kozmo is the name of PetGadgets' dog-cat mascot, and he's got a new job.
PetGadgets, the website that focuses on all the state-of-the-arf technology, tapped its four-legged ambassador to head up a new feature called "
Kozmo's Corner", interviewing the inventors of today's new fangled pet contraptions.
Remember the
KongTime, that weird device that dispenses kongs every couple hours? Well, Kozmo
interviewed it's inventor, David Rucker, to explain exactly how he came up with that idea....
My business partner, Sandi Thompson, & I came up with the idea for KongTime a few years ago in, of all places, a pub. We were out for the evening and each of our dogs were home alone. We got to thinking after the first pint about how much time dogs must spend alone with nothing to do, especially during the week when owners are at work or school. By the third pint we had it solved.
You can also read interviews from the inventors of such products like
Pooch Potty,
BreezeGuard,
Paw Plunger, and more.
PetGadgets markets all the coolest new gear for your dog, cat, bird, or other cherished critter. It's operated by Geoff and
Maryann Mott, a husband and wife team with roots in the pet industry. You might be more familiar with Maryann as the Newshound writer for Dog Fancy magazine, author of three dog care books, and a list of other writing accomplishments.
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Sad Wiener Chewing Gum
Friday, February 17, 2006
I couldn't help admiring this little box of chewing gum called, "
Sad Wiener".
Mia has been known put on her sad eyes when she wants some of my french fries.
$0.99 from Perpetual Kid
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Animal Intuitive to Offer Workshops
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Lynn McKenzie, who describes herself as a natural born intuitive and empath will be in Scottsdale, AZ from March 9-13 to give a series of workshops on animal communication and energy healing.
On the 9th, she'll be at the Changing Hands bookstore in Tempe, AZ where you can chat with her for free. Then from the 10th through the 13th she'll be running her workshops at the New Vision Spiritual Growth Centre in Scottsdale.
Registration for all workshops between March 10-13 costs $389.00.
Lynn assists people and their pets by reinforcing the human-animal bond through communication and energy healing.
In fact, she even
claims to help people communicate with their deceased pets through the afterlife.
"Buddy, is that really you??"
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Mardi Gras Party for Dogs
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Those of you planning to attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans this weekend, but are wondering what to do with your dog, take him/her with you!
For the 14th year in a row, the Mystic Krewe of Barkus will be sniffing the streets of the French Quarter, in doggie style. Pooches are encouraged to flash!
The 2006 Parade starts at Armstrong Park and wind up back at the same place where the "pawty" begins. Attendance is free. If you want to march in the parade, it'll cost you.
Visit
Mystic Krewe for all the details.
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Dogup Seeks to Become Top Dog of Web Portals
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Dogup.com is a new website aimed at being a one-stop everything webportal of the doggie kind.
Still in beta form, the site includes a shopping directory, dating services for dogs and dog owners, photo sharing, media services, dog news, of course the ability to seek out the perfect puppy for your home, and a special listing of thousands of breeders as well.
If there's a dog in your present or future, Dogup wants to be the start page on your web browser.
Pet Shop Owners and Pet Product producers will be able to advertise their products and enterprises directly, not to mention that they will be able to monitor all of their client traffic with a personalized, sleek, up-to-the-minute and easy to read graphic presentation and report.
Prospective pet owners will be able seek out a new dog in their area, along with doing much of their research before buying a pet with the dogup.com news feature.
Current pet owners will be able to read about dog health for all of their pet worries, enjoy free photo sharing.
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Cunard Lines Enhances its Pets on Deck Service
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Cunard Line, which operates luxury cruise lines such as the Queen Mary 2,
announced today enhancements to its "Pets on Deck" service.
The enhancements, available only on the Queen Mary 2, includes adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logoed coat.
Queen Mary 2's kennel program is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of daily pet care responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship's 12 spacious kennels.
As part of the enhanced program, traveling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. Other pet perks include:
- extra comfortable pet beds in two sizes
- healthy gourmet cookies for dogs and cats baked fresh daily and offered at bedtime
- fleece blankets
- assortment of dog and cat toys
- cat posts and scratchers
- selection of premium pet foods from top brands
The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, enabling passengers to spend significant time with their pet. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability. The kennel fee ranges from $300 to $500.
Cunard's tradition of accomodating pets dates back to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840, when three cats were on board. Since then, circus elephants, canaries, a monkey and even a boa constrictor have traveled Cunard.
Mr. Ramshaw, the world's only trained golden eagle, made at least 21 transatlantic crossings on mid 20th-century liners; Rin-Tin-Tin, star of 36 silent films, traveled on the Berengaria; and Tom Mix and Tony, stars of the 1930's western series "Miracle Rider," regularly trotted up the gangway. (Tony's hooves were even fitted with special rubber shoes to prevent the horse from slipping.)
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor brought her pampered puppies on board the original Queen Mary and exercised them regularly on the ship's sports deck. She even ordered special meals for them from the fish chef. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also traveled with a beloved pup and, at the Duke's behest, Cunard installed a lamp post beside the kennels.
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New Video Game Turns Girls into Pet Spa Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
A new game from THQ Inc. called "
Paws & Claws Pet Resort" lets girls run their own their animal day care center, nuturing the entrepreneurial spirit.
The new game for the Game Boy Advance lets girls pamper their favorite animals, becoming their best friend. Players care for a menagerie of favorite creatures at their very own Paws & Claws Pet Resort. From grooming, feeding and exercising thoroughbred horses, to snuggling with kittens and training puppies, even hopping about with bunnies, players tend to every aspect of their animals' needs.
The fun continues as girls engage in important decision making for their spa such as how to reinvest profits to expand and grow their clientele.
BTW, there actually is a place called "
Paws & Claws Pet Resort".
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United States War Dog Memorial
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
On June 10, 2006, at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the new United States War Dog Memorial will be unveiled.
The memorial is reportedly the first war memorial sanctioned by the United States Government that honors the war dogs and their handlers. It's the idea of Ron Aiello and his non-profit group
U.S. War Dog Association.
The Association wrote to the Governnor of New Jersey to pitch the idea. A couple weeks later they got a reply from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Right now the Association is trying to raise $80,000.00 to cover the total expenses, and has about $15,000 left to go.
Anyone wanting to contribute to the memorial can do so by
clicking here.
Ron Aiello, a dog handler in the Vietnam War, started the U.S. War Dog Association to raise awareness of working military dogs that didn't get to come home with their handlers. It's estimated some 4,900 dogs served in the Vietnam War, and they saved the lives of 10,000 people, but the US government allowed ony 290 to come home, euthanizing the others, or turning them over to the South Vietnamese Army.
In November 2000, Congress passed a law creating a formal process whereby war dogs could be adopted by their handlers and brought back home.
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Valentine's Day Pet Safety Tips
Monday, February 13, 2006
It seems every holiday several pet businesses pump out press releases of pet safety tips, presumably tailored for each occasion.
So I guess it's with no surprise that PETCO released
their list of Valentine's Day pet safety tips. But it's nothing unusual, just the same old "watch out for chocolate, poisonous plants, baloons and ribbons" stuff, combined with quotes from a veterinarian.
President's Day is just a week away. Any business out there want to send me their list of President's Day Pet Safety Tips?
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Standard Insurance & Rachel Scdoris Launch Benefit for Blind Athletes
Monday, February 13, 2006
Fans of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race know
Rachael Scdoris as the legally blind sled dog racer.
Rachael's sponsor, Standard Insurance Company, started a benefit fund to raise money for other blind and visually impaired athletes through her participation in the 34th annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
People are encouraged to visit Scdoris' Web site,
GoRachaelGo.com, to pledge as little as $.01 for every mile of the race that Scdoris completes. All donations will
benefit the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), and The Standard will
match donations up to a total of $50,000.
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Pet Birthday Parties are Popular
Monday, February 13, 2006
According to a
recent survey of more than 260,000 policyholders with Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), almost 58 percent of those who responded said they have hosted a birthday party for their pet.
This backed up by a similar statistic from the Pet Products Manufacturer's Association saying that nearly six million (5.8 million) American dog and cat households host pet birthday parties.
VPI policyholders who throw their furry friends a birthday bash do so complete with cake, party hats and visits from their four-legged friends. The company goes on to say that one of their policy holders, Sandy Deem, who owns Three Dog Bakery in Newport Beach, CA, receives many requests for pet birthday cakes, sometimes as many as 20 a week.
As part of its committment to celebrating pet birthdays, VPI sends a birthday greeting card to each of its insured dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets, with an included pet treat for the doggies and kitties, and a coupon for free pet food.
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Camp Dogwood
Monday, February 13, 2006
Dog Fancy magazine and DogFriendly.com have both named Chicago has the "dog-friendliest city" in the USA, much to the disappointment of city officials in San Francisco.
And Chicago is home to a dog-based campground called
Camp Dogwood.
Camp Dogwood was created to provide an overnight dog camp experience for adults with dogs, reminiscent of summer sleep-away camp. The Dogwood motto describes the camp as a place "Where your dog can be a dog!"
The grounds are almost 200 acres of woods, open fields, and wetlands all situated on the private shores of Wooster Lake, in northern Illinois. Bunking together in lodges, cabins and tents, people and their pooches can spend the entire camp weekend bonding, playing and learning more about each other than they ever could at their local dog park.
The camp provides a wide range of activities for beginning, as well as experienced, dogs and handlers. Schedules include: agility, flyball, Frisbee, trick training,
behavior training, lure coursing, arts-n-crafts, photography, hiking, beach
games & parties, canine health & nutrition discussions, scrapbooking, dog and
human massage therapists, talent shows, a night time astronomy program, among others.
Camp Dogwood's 2006 schedule includes Spring Camp May 26-29, Fun Match Day on
September 9th, and Fall Camp October 6-9.
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Pet Fly's - Fallen Angels
Monday, February 13, 2006
Pet Fly's, the company that makes trendy doggie carriers, is now selling a line of angel wings called "
Fallen Angels".
They're feathery wings that attach to your dog's shoulders, so that he or she can be your little four-legged sinner.
You can choose from six different "soulful colors" like Pious Pink, Purgatory Purple, and Wistful White among others.
Prices range from $22.00 to $28.00, and come in three sizes.
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St. Amour Doggie Bis-Cuties
Monday, February 13, 2006
Orange County, CA-based St. Amour Inc. has a new line of dog treats called, "
Doggie Bis-Cuties".
They feature a group of 15 cartoon dogs known as the "Biscuit Bunch", characters drawn by well known Laguna Beach artist Debby Carman of Faux Paw Productions.
The biscuit line includes four varieties, "Lamb with Carrots", "Bacon and Eggs", "Beef with Veggies", and "Minty Cod Fish", made with all-natural, human-grade ingredients.
Each of the 15 pooch characters is accompanied with his or her own "story" identifying a specific personality. Collect each of the character dog treats, or buy one that seems to fit the personality of your canine pal.
As the Biscuit Bunch grows, look for new collectable characters to join the group while others go on vacation or retire. Plans for the bunch to be seen in books and the big screen are in the works.
The company is also running a "
submit your dog contest" to win a year's supply of Doggie Bis-Cuties.
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Pet Product Sales Booming in Non-Pet Outlets
Sunday, February 12, 2006
While sales of pet products is booming through pet stores like PetSmart, PETCO, Petland and others like them, they're also booming outside the pet industry.
A new report from Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, found that sales of pet products outside of pet retail outlets (Home Depot, Walgreens, Albertsons, etc.) is expected to reach $3 billion in 2005, an 8.1% increase over 2004, and represents 12.3% of the total pet products market.
The report goes on to say that sales of pet products outside of pet retail outlets is expected to hit $4.2 billion by 2010.
As pet owner tastes become increasingly upscale, they're more likely to look outside traditional pet retail stores to purchase high-ticket luxury, gift, and human-brand products.
Spearheading the pet product influx into non-traditional outlets are gift/luxury products, such as diamond-studded collars and faux mink coats, value-priced items, convenience-oriented products, private-label and licensed fare, and human-style goods from some of the world's top fashion monikers.
"We're seeing a phenomenal trend of "humanization" in the pet industry, both in how owners treat pets as members of the family and how pet products are mirroring human products," said Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts. "There's a 'what's good enough for me is good enough for my pet' attitude driving growth in this market, particularly among affluent consumers, including aging boomers, empty nesters, seniors, singles, and gay couples, who spare no expense when it comes to premium pet supplies."
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Waterbed for your Dog
Friday, February 10, 2006
The "
Cool Bed II" is a waterbed for dogs.
It's actually been around for awhile, but the manufacturer, K&H Manufacturing, claims to have made improvements to it, hence the "II" after the product name.
The improvement is that they added "channels" to the interior of the design, allowing the liquid to squirt around the inside, spreading the body-warmed water to cooler areas of the mattress.
If placed in the shade, it sounds like a great way for outdoor dogs to stay a little cooler during warm days.
If you live in the South-West, it's been pretty warm for February.
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IFEX California Rolls
Friday, February 10, 2006
It looks like dog owners in California (I guess that's me too) can share the bohemian life-style with their canine buddies, walking around in flip-flops and eating sushi.
These treats, made by
IFEX Snackfish, are actually chunks of cod dried and pressed into circles.
Ok, so they don't actually say "California Rolls" on the package, but I suppose they could be.
Being that my mother is of Japanese decent, I grew up eating lots of sashimi (strips of raw fish, forget the rice). I'd extend that to Max and Mia, but "Maguro" is so darn expensive, I guess its dried-cod circles for them.
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Dog Butt Towel Holder
Friday, February 10, 2006
The
Dog Butt Towel Holder is a great gift for vet techs who have to do anal glands all day long. You just push a towel into the butt hole and the "+" holds it in place.
I'm sure they can make these in a "hole" variety of forms (cats, horses, politicians).
£19.99 from DrinkStuff
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Pup-Head Portable Dog Potty
Thursday, February 09, 2006
PupGear Corporation LLC, which makes marine and travel related pet products, announced their newest addition to their line of products for dogs, the
Pup-Head Portable Dog Potty.
It was originally designed for boaters, allowing them to bring a poop-and-pee friendly evironment with them for their pooches. But they got a lot of orders from folks living in apartments and condos, that they took the product globally to dog owners of all walks of life.
It's a mat made of K-9 Grass, a product of Foreverlawn Inc. It's the only synthetic grass designed specifically for dogs, and it features instant drainage so that dogs are not stepping into urine and tracking it onto other surfaces. The K-9 Grass also has antimicrobial agents integrated into the grass fibers, so the grass itself inhibits bacterial growth and helps controls odors."
PupGear Corporation says that the Pup-Head is more natural for dogs to use because it rests at about ground level, and doesn't require them to step up onto a platform. The added bonus is that PupGear has developed an extremely effective, all natural, organic attractant that eliminates having to train a dog to use it. They just automatically know what to do!
The Pup-Head measures 20"x 30"x1", making it small enough to conceal on a balcony, patio, closet, or in small rooms, yet large enough for most size dogs. It weights about 5 lbs.
Pup-Head retails for $129.00.
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HSUS Files Suit Against Wizard of Claws
Thursday, February 09, 2006
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) filed suit today against a notorious south Florida puppy dealer known as "Wizard of Claws."
The suit alleges the Wizard defrauded its customers by misrepresenting the origin of the puppies sold, and by selling puppy mill dogs that suffer from a wide array of health problems, including contagious diseases and genetic disorders. The lawsuit, originally initiated by several individual consumers who have now been joined by The HSUS, seeks to stop Wizard of Claws from using misleading sales tactics.
The Wizard is often known as the "Pet Store to the Stars".
Read the
full press release.
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Dog Gone Smart Expo - Feb 13, 2006
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Dog lovers in the New York City area might want to take time out to visit the first ever "Dog Gone Smart Expo".
It takes place February 13-14, 2006, at the Penn Plaza Pavilion at the Hotel Pennsylvania (401 Seventh Ave).
The Expo is meant to showcase the working talents of dogs, what dogs were originally bred to do.
Scheduled for Feb 13, are such events as...
- Terrier-Go to-Ground, a competition that tests the ability of Dachshunds and Terriers to hunt and work underground
- Competitive Dog Agility, get a glimpse of the fun, competitive sport that tests for speed and accuracy of handler and dog
- Schutzhund Obedience and Protection, find out about a dog’s intelligence and utility
- Guide Dogs, learn about Guiding Eyes for the Blind a non-profit, charitable organization that provides trained guide dogs for the visually impaired throughout the world
- Freestyle—Dancing With Your Dog, find out how you can get jiggy with your furry friends in a demo by The World Canine Freestyle Organization
- New York City Police Department Bomb Sniffing Dogs, see these specially-trained canines work alongside New York City’s finest
- Disc Dog Demo, witness father and son duo "High Flyin" Houston and "Dare Devil" Dallas as they perform acrobatic and freestyle routines
Scheduled for Feb 14 are events for herding, hound, and sporting dogs..
- Service Assistance Dogs, East Coast Assistance Dog, Inc. will show how people with disabilities can gain greater independence and mobility through the use of specially trained dogs
- Hunting, see the speed, alertness and skill of Pointers
- Search & Rescue, find out about canine and non-canine search and rescue teams help in disaster recovery efforts with The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation
Throughout the day, there will be games, agility racing, Frisbee dogs, world record high jumping, dancing dogs, trick dogs, and more at the Classic K-9 Show. Top dogs and trainers from all over the U.S. and Canada will compete and entertain the crowds. The show is choreographed to music and mixed with comedy and special effects.
Last but not least, visitors can witness the determination and strength of the Bernese and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in a Cart Pulling Demonstration.
The EXPO will also feature more than 50 vendors. Attendees can also visit the Dog Gone Smart booth to learn more about its many canine services.
For more information, visit
Dog Gone Smart.
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Dogs Stay for Free at Pacific Mist Inn and Cabins
Thursday, February 09, 2006
If you're thinking about travelling to Northern California for a vacation during the winter season, Pacific Mist Inn and Cabins has a deal for you.
Throughout the months of February and March, they are offering a special for travelers with dogs. If a guest books any room or cabin for 3 nights or more, your dog can stay for free. Most places normally charge an extra $50 to $100 for the dog.
Pacific Mist offers a relaxing spa in the woods and also has acres of leash free playground for their pets. A large open meadow between the cabins as well a great walk up the adjoining tree lined meandering lane welcomes you and your dog for a cold morning walk.
Pacific Mist and Cabins is located only two miles from the beautiful Van Dame Beach and Park where you can hike among waterfalls, fern canyons, redwoods, conifers and the famous Pygmy Forest. Pacific Mist is also only 5 minutes from the Village of Mendocino and the protected Mendocino Headlands.
For reservations visit
their website or call 1-800-955-6478.
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Hells Angels Wins $990K for Dead Dogs
Thursday, February 09, 2006
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
won a lawsuit against the County of Santa Clara awarding them with a $990,000.00 settlement.
The dispute is over three guard dogs belonging to the club that were shot and killed by San Jose Police officers. The officers killed the dogs after invading the homes of club members in an attempt to find evidence against Steve Tausan, a fellow Hells Angel member, suspected of murder.
Tausan was actually acquitted on grounds that the shooting was in self-defense.
The case went before the U.S. Supreme Court, with the County arguing that its law enforcement officers are immune to accountability when gathering evidence. The court threw out that arugment, and the Hells Angels was able to force the County into a settlement.
My take: One might feel less than sympathetic when the Hells Angels are on the short end of the stick. However, the issue here are three dead dogs. The Supreme Court also found that the officers did nothing to avoid shooting the dogs, meaning they non-chalantly killed them without provocation. Since this was merely evidence gathering, and not a life-or-death situation, or foot-pursuit, the dogs should not have been killed.
It seems like the police assumed the dogs would be dangerous, and killed them out of convenience. Imagine, if you will, the police barged into your home with a warrant, and the first thing they did was shoot your dog, just to be on the safe side? Even if you were innocent, which was the case in the above situation, cops have no business killing your dogs out of mere convenience.
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DreamDogsArt
Friday, February 03, 2006
Artist and self-declared dog lover, Moira McLaughlin, announced today her new service called
DreamDogsArt offering custom photo-collage artwork created from photos of your pet.
By use of photos and stories of your dog, she creates vibrant photo collages that captures the individuality of your pet. Each collage is hand made using paper images and digital scans of fabric.
Small prints (5"x5" and 5"x7") cost $150.00. Large prints (8" x10") cost $200.00. Prints are signed and dated and presented in a gallery quality white mat.
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Doctors Foster & Smith Meaty Bakels
Thursday, February 02, 2006
They might look like scorched tires, but they're actually dog treats.
Among the newest additions to the line of Doctors Foster & Smith doggie goodies, "
Meaty Bakels" are touted as having been "baked in real roast beef flavor!"
They're said to contain beef and beef liver with beef juice added to enhance flavor. The company also says they're easy to digest. (Acutally if I ate one of these, it'd go straight out the other end).
I'm sure Mia would scarf these things down, though she might just as well be happy with a scorched tire too.
$5.99 per 12ct, at Doctors Foster & Smith
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