tidy cats coupon: February 2012

Wednesday Pet Roundup

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Pet Roundup! Here's Kelly looking in the front door. She wants me to let her in so that she can come and join us for the pet roundup today!

* A commercial for an new movie shows a brief scene of a dog jumping on a trampoline. I always make my husband pause the TV so I can look at this dog's adorable face, full of glee as he jumps. Little did I know, this is not a unique phenomenon. The Huffington Post has videos of lots of dogs jumping on trampolines!

* Also from the Huffington Post, Pudding, an orange and white cat, came to the aid of the woman who adopted him, just hours after she brought him home. Read how this cat saved woman in diabetic shock.

* File this under weird unsolved mysteries. The Roanoke Times reports that Virginia Tech security is searching for someone who left an assortment of exotic animals in the university's underground steam tunnel network. The animals included 2 constrictor snakes, a black widow spider, a tarantula and several lizards.

So today I've just got to know...has your dog ever jumped on a trampoline? Or anything else bouncy?!

MEADOW LAND WEEK 2: THE RETURN OF "CRAZY DOG"

WEEK 2

Another week has passed and not much seems to have changed for the people in my world; they keep getting up, feeding me, going out the door and then coming back home again. But this new breakfast they’re serving me is quite delectable. Each morning as they scoop the tasty morsels into my bowl, the intoxicating aroma wafts past my nose and I’m overcome with the urge to speak. I must tell them to hurry, so I bark. I bark incessantly, knowing that it will make them move faster. They oblige me because, of course, I rule the household and they must obey my every command. I dive into my bowl with the speed of a race horse, tempted to swallow it all in an instant, but wanting to savor every bite. Mmmmmmmmm! A yummy way to start my day.

I don’t know what my people do with their days, but mine are very productive. After my morning meal, I usually saunter over to the deck door where I can sit and watch the birds and squirrels go merrily about their day. Sometimes I can find just the right spot on the floor where the sun is shining and that’s where I’ll settle in. After an exhilarating morning watching the wonders of nature, it’s time for a nap. After all, a girl needs her beauty rest! Usually I sneak into the girl’s room and get myself up into her bed where I bury myself deep into her downy covers and stay there until the family comes back home.

And then all of a sudden last night I felt the urge to do “Crazy Dog.” Are you familiar with the game of Crazy Dog? It’s the one where you gather up all the energy you can, take a deep breath and run in circles throughout the house. I was impressive this time; reminiscent of Secretariat leading the pack in the Kentucky Derby! I made about five circles on my chosen path…and then reversed it, all the while making a low growly sound that I think my people really like because they laugh at me when I do it. Hey, it’s been a long time since I’ve done Crazy Dog. I really feel good; could it be that the new food in my bowl has given me this renewed sense of vim and vigor?

Games to play with your dog

Sometimes Kelly lies on the back of the couch, staring out the window, and looks so bored. We go out and take a walk, which she loves, but there must be something more. I've often thought, wouldn't it be nice to have some other pastime to share with my dog?

That's what I've discovered by reading Dog Games, by Christiane Blenski. published by Veloce Publishing Ltd. Blenski's own dog is an Australian Shepherd named Jaden.

Subtitled "Stimulating play to entertain your dog and you," Dog Games is the perfect solution for the boring routine of plopping down the dog food, sweeping up dog hair, and taking your furry friend on a daily walk. "Goodbye boring routine, Hello playtime!" the book states!

Discover a whole new world of fresh ideas for entertaining games for you and your dog, Using simple equipment that you can often find around the house, you can re-awaken your dog’s enthusiasm for playing games.From ball fun to hula hooping, which games will be your favorites?

Dog Games details 50 different games including:
Hide a Treat
Obstacle Course
Weaving between Poles
Climbing
Jump roping

The games in the book will help develop teamwork, occupy your dog's mind, improve your dog's health, and strengthen your bond. If you're looking for some great games to play with your dog, check out this book. After all, you and your dog make a great team.

You're even invited to share photos of yourself and your dog enjoying the games in the book. Send to the author at christiane@blenski_dogs.com.

Paperback • 25x25cm • 128 pages • 245 color pictures
HH4332 • ISBN: 978-1-845843-32-8 • UPC: 6-36847-04332-2
$32.95

Got a cat? Check back Friday for my review of the book Fun and Games for Cats!

*Hubble and Hattie provided me with a copy of the book to review. All opinions expressed are my honest opinions, and 100% my own.

And your State Dog is...

My friend's Cairn terrier, Bailey

Kansas just announced their state dog--the Cairn terrier. Why? Because it is the breed of Toto, from the Wizard of Oz! When I mentioned this recently, an astute friend asked if other states had state dogs. I promised to look it up.
So, here is the answer!

Alaska-- Alaskan Malamute
Louisiana--Catahoula Leopard Dog
Pennsylvania--Great Dane
South Carolina--Boykin Spaniel
North Carolina-- Plott hound
Texas-- Blue Lacy
Massachussets-- Boston Terrier
Virginia--American Foxhound
New Hampshire--Chinook
Wisconsin-- American Water Spaniel

If your state doesn't have a state dog, what do you think it should be?

Buffalo, Wild Boar, and Blueberries

When I take a look at the list of ingredients on Kelly's dog food, usually I find chicken at the top of the list, maybe some chicken meal, then rice and some veggies. But when I read the ingredients of a new bag of dog food recently, I was really blown away!

Mr. Chewy, online distributor of pet foods and treats extraordinaire, asked me if Kelly would like to sample some awesome dog food, Orijen. This food is protein-rich, carbohydrate-limited and grain-free, "formulated to nourish dogs and cats in keeping with their evolutionary and anatomical adaptation to protein-rich diets that include a broad variety of fresh meats." I selected Orijen Regional Red All Stages Dry Dog Food, and here are some of the ingredients:
wild boar
lamb
beef liver
pork
peas
salmon meal
bison
pumpkin
spinach
turnip greens
cranberries
blueberries
marigold flowers
dandelion

The food arrived super fast--2 days after my order was placed! Can't beat this service! Now for the taste test. Did Kelly like the food?
You bet!
I don't know if it was the wild boar or the marigolds she liked best, but whatever it was, Orijen dog food was a big hit. Thank you Mr. Chewy for the opportunity to let Kelly sample this food, and we give this experience 4 paws way up, and a tail wag too!
* Tell Mr. Chewy I sent you, and get 10% off your first order! Plus they'll donate $10 to a partner charity with your order!

Wednesday Pet Roundup

Hi and Welcome to Wednesday Pet Roundup. Here's Kelly trying to help me write my blog. She's pointed me in the right direction to our links this week:

*USA Today reports that United Airlines now requires pets to fly as cargo instead of luggage. I just cringe at classifying pets as either luggage or cargo. How about a "live animal" classification and more safety precautions for flying pets?

*Interesting article in the New York Times noting a food revolution for pets, indicating that while American mealtimes reflect the financial hard times, a rising trend in pets foods favors spending lavishly on super-premium pet foods. Do you think this reflects indulgence, or an awareness in pet nutrition and health? And, when on a limited budget, where do you draw the line?

* Have you heard of DogTV? A new cable channel with shows for dogs, including scenes of car rides and romps in the park. The channel is only available in limited areas right now, and costs $5/month.

* From Life with Dogs, this video of a dalmatian and a kitten will make you smile.

A cool collar and some awards

Time to say Thank You!

1. Thank you to Linda and Reba Messina from MUTTerings and Things for this Pawsome collar for Kelly! (this was the best I could do for a picture, lol). This collar is by Up Country Inc and you should check out their selection! We got to choose from so many beautiful designs, but this one stood out for its message and bright cheerful colors. I absolutely love the collar, and MUTTerings and Things!
THANK YOU!!

2. Thank you to Basset Momma for the Pawsome Blogger Award! It is received for "bringing love, laughs and FURiendship." I appreciate this! And Basset Momma is certainly a blog that brings all of the above to me, too. I love it when Fred and Gloria chase each other in the yard!

3. AND Thank you to Bicontinental Dachshund for the Pawsome Blogger Award, too! I've just discovered this blog and it's wonderful! I love the photographs and learning a bit about different places, and of course Kelly and I love doxies! I'm honored that Tootsie chose me for this award too!

3. We also received the Liebster Award. Liebster means dearest in German and the award is intended "to help up and coming blogs get the attention they deserve." The award goes to blogs with less than 200 followers. That is so cool! And, I'm at 196 followers now, so maybe through this award I can find those extra-special 4 followers to put me over the top and get to 200! If you like this blog and haven't followed me yet, could you help me out? Thanks! :) Now Kelly and I have to hide our faces in shame. With all that has been going on around here lately, we lost track of our note where we recorded who presented us with this award. (Note how I included Kelly in this transgression?!) If you passed it along to us, I'm so sorry and could you please let me know so we can thank you? Thank you!!

Now, I'm probably supposed to do stuff like tell you 5 things about me you didn't know or pass this award on to 8 other bloggers, but the way I'd like to do this is to continue visiting your blogs and leaving comments to let you know how much I appreciate you. I always feel uncomfortable in singling out 5 or 8 or a dozen blogs, because so many of you make me laugh, or teach me something, or share a feeling that makes me say "yes me too!" I truly appreciate you all.

Water Spaniels, Stockinged Cats, and Raccoons

Kelly rocking the power tie.

Who is your favorite presidential pet?

Today, on Presidents Day, this is what I'm thinking about. Not politics (too controversial). Not a day off of work (although that's good too!) Not The Father of Our Country and Honest Abe, but about their pets, and the pets of all our presidents. Of course it's important (and frustrating) to stay apprised of political shenanigans but I also enjoy that we can feel a common bond with some of the leaders of our country due to learning a little bit about their pets.

My article, Popular Presidential Pets, for Guideposts magazine shares a little bit about Bo the Portuguese Water Spaniel, Socks the cat, Millie the spaniel, Macaroni the Pony and Polly the Parrot.

Out of all the presidents, I think I find Calvin Coolidge the most interesting. His pets included:
Rob Roy the Collie
Beans the Bulldog
Tiny Tim the Chow Chow
King Cole the Belgian Groenendael
Climber the angora cat
Blacky the cat
Tiger the cat
Peter Piper the canary
Do-Funny the oriole
Rebecca the raccoon
Bruno the black bear
Wallaby the wallaby

*Most of Coolidge's exotic pets, including the bear, wallaby and two lion cubs, ended up at zoos.

Kelly's Ledge

Here is Kelly's window ledge. It's on the front porch. She loves to sit on this narrow ledge and look out the window. It doesn't look very comfy, but she must think it is. She sits out there (or lays down, or stands!) for hours just watching whatever comes down the street.

Does your pet have a special place?

MEADOW LAND

Meadow, pictured with her owner, the General Manager, Patti Kreitler, begins the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge. Meadow would like to see what all the hype is about!

It’s 6am and another day is dawning here in “Meadow Land.” As I gently lift my head from my snuggly slumber in my little dog bed, I hear the Dad going out the door, so it must be time for me to wake somebody. Who will it be today? The Dad is already on his way to work, the big tall boy could sleep through a nuclear attack, the Mom is a little bit on the slow side, so I think I’ll wake the girl since she usually gets up quickly without too much grumbling. Up I spring (well, my springing up days may be over, but I’ve still got some gusto!) and dash into her room. “Arf,” I deliver right in her face. “Arf!” again. “Arf!” again. I NEED FOOD, PEOPLE! Is there a stir? Is one eye starting to open? Yes…here comes one eye, then another. She gazes at the clock and then back again at me. And then the pause…will she get up, or will she drift back to sleep? I stare harder, knowing it just has to help. I see her take a deep breath, and then no movement. I must intervene. Now with all my might, I lift my body up to her bed and give one more “Arf!” so close to her face that she could never resist my request. AND SHE’S UP! The day has begun! Life is good!

Before going any further, let me tell you a little bit about Meadow Kreitler, Princess of Morristown, New Jersey. My earliest recollection is being in this thing called an animal shelter. I was confused about why I was there and when I’m concerned or nervous, I have a tendency to spin. Now this is not subtle spinning. When stressed, I turn into a virtual whirling dervish! The nice shelter people recognized this interesting trait of mine and secretly named me Dizzy, but openly referred to me as Daisy which they felt sounded nicer. They labeled me a Pomeranian, but anyone who looks at me can easily tell that I’m really a Volpino Italiano, a breed from the same family as the Pomeranian, but a much more prestigious pedigree! When my mom laid eyes on me, it was love at first sight…for me and for her. She took me home, renamed me Meadow after a character she watched on the Sopranos and I joined their family. I watched as the boy and the girl turned from children into grownups and joined them in all of life’s milestones.

Oh, and by the way, did I mention that I like to eat? No, actually, I love to eat! I live to eat! I think food time might just be my favorite part of the day. So after my quick trip to the backyard where I nicely take care of business, I slide across the kitchen floor to my usual spot. But what do I see? A bag I’ve never seen before, what can it be? I’m nervous. I feel a spin coming on…I’m not sure what’s happening …. spinning has begun! The girl scoops deep into the pretty bag with the long name on it and I hear the food drop into my dish. It sounds good, it smells good, I sure hope it tastes good, too! I’m not sure about this….change is not my favorite thing…oh well, here goes….

HOORAY! I like it! It’s good! No, not just good, it’s absolutely yummy-licious! A veritable party in my mouth! I know it’s going to be a GREAT day!

Pillars of Strength for K from me and Kelly

K is a very special dog belonging to KB, of Romping and Rolling in the Rockies. The photography on this site is so beautiful. KB posts videos and pictures of bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, elk, and some of the most amazing mountain views. I especially like this shot below.

Romping and Rolling in the Rockies

I know! It's like a painting.

KB's dog K is facing some very challenging health issues and has her next round of chemotherapy on Friday, February 17. I know this is a difficult time when a pet or loved one is ill. I understand the worry and stress and even the helplessness KB must feel. I am honored to be part of Pillars of Strength for K, and I hope this post will help them to feel surrounded by love and hope.

KB, during this time I am praying for you for strength as you have to watch your beloved pet be ill and undergo treatment. I pray for K's veterinarians to find the right treatments. And I pray for beautiful K, for a strong will and that K be restored to health.

Please know that during this time you are supported by so many who are sending you caring thoughts and prayers. Please get well soon, K.

Valentine x's and o's

Happy Valentine's Day from Kelly!

Z is for Zzzzzz

Pawing through the Alphabet

Z is for Zzzzzzzzz

After all this pawing through the alphabet, I think Kelly deserves a well-earned nap!

I'd also like to announce the winners of the Worst in Show DVDs.
Congratulations:
Penny H.
Kristine T.
Aimee
(Please contact me with your mailing information and I'll get them right out to you.)

Thank you for pawing through the alphabet with us. We had a great time! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Y is for You Tube pets

Pawing through the Alphabet

Y is for You Tube

Here are four adorable, cute and clever pets brought to you by You Tube!

1. One of my all-time favorite pets are guinea pigs. If this video doesn't convince you, nothing will!

2. This one combines a guinea pig with a pit bull. Seriously!

3. I love the way this cat catches food with its paws, not with its mouth!

4. Wisdom might suggest that it's not wise to let a baby and a dog crawl on the floor together, but I can't help thinking that this boxer and his baby are so sweet together.

X is for Xtra Special

Pawing through the Alphabet

X is for Xtra Special

I know you're up to this challenge! I wanted to list all of the things that are xtra special about pets and then I thought of this list that is going around on email, where you write a word that starts with the last letter of the word before and...well, wouldn't it be fun if that's what we did with this post? (What do you mean I must be writing this post at 1am and out of actual good ideas???) Seriously, I will start us off here, with a word, and the first one to comment should come up with a word that starts with the last letter of my word, and the next person comes up with one that starts with the last letter of the first comment and..... get it? If it gets all messed up, at least we'll still be thinking up things that make pets xtra special, right?

Here we go:

CUDDLES

your turn!

W is for Water Therapy

Pawing through the Alphabet

W is for Water Therapy

Here is Libby on the underwater treadmill. She almost looks like she's smiling! Must be good stuff.

When Libby, a miniature Australian Shepherd, began hopping around on 3 legs and avoiding putting weight on one of her hind legs, her mom Karla became concerned. Libby and her buddy Buster had been playing in the yard, (rutted with Buster's holes!) and she assumed that Libby had stumbled and maybe sprained her leg. It turned out that Libby tore a cranial cruciate ligament (similar to an ACL in people) around her knee.

Surgery was considered, but it was expensive and might not even take care of the problem. So, along with their veterinarian, Karla and her family decided that Libby might benefit from some water therapy. The low-resistance therapy would also help Libby, who was about 10 lbs overweight, safely burn calories.

Libby signed up for 12 weeks of AquaPaw underwater treadmill. The treadmill is contained in a large plexiglass box with a door on one end. The water, filled to about hip level, is a comfy 90 degrees.

So far Libby has made good progress. In the beginning of her therapy, she walked for 7 minutes at .2 mph. When she became tired, she slowed down and rode the treadmill backwards. Every session the time is increased. Now she is able to walk for 20 minutes at 1mph, and will go on a maintenance program.

Karla reports that the therapy was relaxing and enjoyable for Libby. She lost 1-2 lbs. And, now Libby is improving and walking much more comfortably! Way to go, Libby. Keep it up!

Check out this video of Cloie, an Australian shepherd, and her treatment!

V is for Vermont

Pawing through the Alphabet

V is for Vermont

You might be saying, now wait a minute! What does Vermont have to do with pets? This is supposed to be Peggy's PET Place! But I chose Vermont because I wanted to give you a sneak peak of my next book, coming soon, which is set in Vermont. AND...it involves lots of pets! The title of the book is

Dog in the Pond, Goose on the Roof

A true tale of finding faith and hope through the healing love of animals

This is a true story about one woman's struggle to build a log home and small farm in Vermont. Getting along when the house needs a roof, the well runs dry, the truck ends up in the pond, and her husband hides beer in the pig sty isn't easy. But it's the quirky yet irresistible animals she embraces on the farm--and the animals from her past, as she was shuffled between 4 different mothers, a grandmother, and an orphanage--who teach her valuable lessons that help her not only endure the challenges, but ultimately find her strength and value.

Some of the animals you'll meet are:
Corky the faithful dog
Gertie the lovesick goose
Herkimer the ornery bull
Dr. Seuss the sad donkey
Mittens the 6-toed cat
Happy the devoted dog
Toy the intelligent parrot
Fred the bossy rooster
and more!

I hope you'll check it out and enjoy this book. COMING SOON!

U is for Ugly

Pawing through the Alphabet

U is for Ugly

Ugly: Hairless, buggy eyes, blotchy skin, tufts of hair, pointy teeth, pimples, moles and warts. One red eye. Yup, I have to say that Sam was the ugliest dog in the world. And he had the credentials to prove it: he was undefeated in the World's Ugliest Dog competition. But never fear, there are plenty more contenders out there!

Every summer pet parents bring their dogs to Petaluma California to compete in the World's Ugliest Dog competition. The DVD, Worst in Show, documents some of the canine competitors and their quirky families. The film is not so much about what makes a dog beautiful or ugly, but about the desire to win, the love for pets, and the pros and cons of competition. And, speaking of competition, read on for your chance to win one of THREE Worst in Show DVDs!

Some of the dogs you'll meet are Winston, a shepherd with a scar on his head, who isn't really ugly or even homely. Rascal, an African sand dog (a hairless breed) with big ears and a blond topknot of hair. Icky, an adorably ugly Chinese crested with a Mohawk. And Pabst, a bulldog with an underbite.

While some of the pet parents are down to earth, others are fiercely competitive. Icky seems to be a crowd favorite, but you might cheer for your own favorite ugly dog as you watch. Worst In Show was directed by award winning filmmakers John T. Beck and Don R. Lewis and is distributed by Breaking Glass Pictures. Check it out on Facebook and YouTube.

And now for the Giveaway!
If you don't win, you can always get your own copy of Worst In Show at Breaking Glass Pictures. You can even get a great discount. Enter code "PEGGY" to get $5 off the already discounted price! So here you go, here's the contest and good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Super Dog Sunday

Go Team Go!

Join the fun as All Things Dog Blog and DogTipper celebrate Super Dog Sunday! There are prizes for bloggers, and proceeds of the event benefit Petfinder. I love Petfinder because we found Kelly on Petfinder!

T is for Toothbrush

Pawing through the Alphabet

T is for Toothbrush

My veterinarian informed me how important it is to brush Kelly's teeth, so we got her a new toothbrush set.

It contains a little finger brush to get her used to the idea, some yummy chicken toothpaste, and a toothbrush.

It's not easy to brush a dog's teeth. Here are the results.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

We are at the end of the 28-Day Eukanuba Challenge. It was a positive experience for both Tori and I. We are noticing a slimmer, more active version of Tori. My daughter’s friends were over the other day and hadn’t seen Tori in a while and they both asked, “Did she get her hair cut or lose weight?” We know she didn’t have a haircut, so to our delight others are noticing a difference as well!

Regardless of changing Eukanuba formulas, Tori’s enthusiasm for food has not altered or waned one iota as breakfast and dinner continues to be one of her favorite activities. The best thing about Eukanuba food is the quality and Tori’s willingness to eat it. It makes you feel good when you can provide the best for your pet.We will definitely continue to feed Tori Eukanuba and test the different formulas as she moves through life and her nutritional needs change.

The best part of this challenge was that it made me stop and think about my dog’s nutritional needs. I slowed down to notice some of her eating habits and it challenged me to think about her overall health and fitness moving forward so she that can the healthiest, happiest pet possible.

P.S. Tori finally got the hang of the treat toy. She is now running all over the house swinging it around to get her kibble as a reward for all her hard play. Mission accomplished!

S is for Squirrels

Doug: "SQUIRREL!!"

Pawing through the Alphabet

S is for Squirrels

I was going to write about Something Wagging Train Your Dog Month Challenge, and discuss my training results here. My challenge was to work on Kelly's mailman aversion. Due to unforeseen circumstances, however, I was unable to spend as much time working with her as desired, and have no results to share with you. Yea, great blog post, telling you what I WAS going to write about!

Instead, today I am going to talk about squirrels!

This is our squirrel, Fat Fat Fatty. Here is how he gets to the good stuff.

How does your dog or cat react to squirrels? What about you? Do you like squirrels, or consider them pests who eat all your birdseed? Has your pet ever had an up close and personal encounter with a squirrel?

R is for Ruff

R is also for this RED cardinal at our feeder!

Pawing through the Alphabet

R is for Ruff

Still having RUFF times here, so I thought I'd ask for your help again. You did such a great job telling me what P is for. So how about, can you help me out again? What are your thoughts on R??
Thank you for your help...and also your good wishes and prayers.

Q is for Quilts and Questions

Quilt square from Dachsies with Moxie

Pawing through the alphabet

Q is for Quilts and Questions

Two great things going on around the Internet that I want to tell you about!

QUILT:
My heart is warmed by the way bloggers are joining together to help others. Dachsies with Moxie is piecing together an amazing quilt to help comfort the family of The Fearless Five/Pittie Pack, who were tragically lost in a fire. Blog friends far and wide are donating fabric squares and Cindy of Bird Brains and Dog Tails is doing the quilting. Check out the progress of this quilt. A big hug goes out to everyone involved.

QUESTIONS:

BaDaBing Benny from Two French Bulldogs

One of my favorite days of the week has been Tuesday, because that is the day you can get your questions answered by BaDaBing Benny! I just read that this week was the final episode of BaDaBing Tuesday and I will miss his wisdom. No matter what, there is always something fun in store with Benny and his sister Lily, so stop by The Antics of Two French Bulldogs and tell them Kelly and I sent you!