Happy Easter!
Love, Kelly Bunny and Brooks Bunny
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Fat Dogs, Fit Dogs and Our New Blog Hop
We care about pet obesity and dog fitness, and keeping our furry friends slim and healthy. Everyone wants to help their pets lead long, happy, healthy lives. So that's why we're excited to share news about all the great ways people are getting fit and active with their dogs! And you can help.
We're teaming up with Slimdoggy.com to introduce a new blog hop for everyone--we're calling it FitDog Friday!
We'd love it if you'd join in. Just write about anything related to pet obesity, or healthy activities for pets, or tell us about an activity you do with your dog such as hiking or agility, or write about your successes or challenges. There's no right or wrong--just write about the subject in any sense you want.
Our first FitDog Friday is April 5. We hope to see you there! Just grab the badge, link up (after 12:01am PT Fridays). Even if you don't post a blog, we hope you'll check out some of the great blogs posting about getting fit with their dogs!
And here are two great ideas to get you blogging about FitDog Friday-
*Slimdoggy will be giving away a limited number of free Slimdoggy apps. You can use the app and blog about your results! Just contact Steve at slimdoggy.com.
*And I'm offering a great discount on signed copies of Dieting with my Dog. You can blog about the book, or something you learned from the book. Email me or leave a message here if you're interested.
GRAB OUR BADGE!
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| Weighing your dog is one way to help make sure he's keeping fit! |
We're teaming up with Slimdoggy.com to introduce a new blog hop for everyone--we're calling it FitDog Friday!
We'd love it if you'd join in. Just write about anything related to pet obesity, or healthy activities for pets, or tell us about an activity you do with your dog such as hiking or agility, or write about your successes or challenges. There's no right or wrong--just write about the subject in any sense you want.
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| FitDog Friday |
Our first FitDog Friday is April 5. We hope to see you there! Just grab the badge, link up (after 12:01am PT Fridays). Even if you don't post a blog, we hope you'll check out some of the great blogs posting about getting fit with their dogs!
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| Am I overweight? |
And here are two great ideas to get you blogging about FitDog Friday-
*Slimdoggy will be giving away a limited number of free Slimdoggy apps. You can use the app and blog about your results! Just contact Steve at slimdoggy.com.
*And I'm offering a great discount on signed copies of Dieting with my Dog. You can blog about the book, or something you learned from the book. Email me or leave a message here if you're interested.
GRAB OUR BADGE!
Want more, pawsitive pet tips, good news, and special bonuses? Content not already on the blog? Subscribe to my free newsletter. Brooks and Kelly will meet you there!
Itch They Can't Scratch? Itchy Pets May Have Seasonal Allergies
Spring is finally in the air, which means flowers, green trees, and… allergies. Many humans suffer from itchy noses and watery eyes this time of year, but did you know your pet can experience seasonal allergies, too? As much as they love getting to play outside, your dog or cat could be reacting to all this pollen just as badly as you are.
The trick is, you won’t know if your furry friend is suffering this time of year just from a typical cough or sneeze. As Dr. Karen Becker, Blogger at Healthy Pets, explains, pet allergy symptoms can be observed through skin irritation, unlike the human respiratory response. This condition, called allergic dermatitis, causes dogs and cats to have itchy skin that they literally cannot scratch enough. Their ears may bother them more than usual, due to inflammation in the ear canals. You may notice your pet not only scratching, but biting at their skin and feet or rubbing up against walls, furniture, the carpet or something else. There are also few human-like symptoms to watch for, such as puffiness around the eyes or redness of the eyes, mouth, or paws.
If you notice these symptoms, which could be followed by tender inflamed skin and even hair loss or scabbing, there are numerous steps you can take towards giving your pet relief. A veterinarian can test for specific allergies, but you can provide immediate relief through regular foot soaks and baths.
Think about it; your doctor tells you to shower morning and night to help remove the allergens, right? The same goes for your pet. Soaking their feet can help reduce the amount of allergens that your pet tracks around the house, and baths with a grain free shampoo will wash away the pollen that is stuck to your pet’s skin.
At Morris Animal Inn’s Grooming Salon and Spa, we offer Berry Clean Tropiclean shampoo baths which can help relieve pets of their seasonal symptoms. This soothing, all-natural dog and cat shampoo helps to replenish skin’s moisture and will leave your pet squeaky clean and itch-free. We also offer paw soaks which helps to moisturize their paws as well. Call to book your pet’s refreshing bath today: 973-539-0377!
Wednesday Pet Roundup- March 27, 2013
* Why do cats love sitting on keyboards? And how can you get your cat to stop? From Kotaku. And, as if to prove the point, Buzzfeed has these images of 40 cats in, on and around computers!
* Check out this USA Today report of a mysterious case of 40 dogs missing around Magic Valley, Idaho. Police believe someone is stealing the dogs out of people's back yards, but none of the dogs, missing since November, have turned up.
* From the Detroit Free Press, help for people who want to keep their pets kosher for Passover.
* Are your pet related expenses allowed on tax returns?
* From Huff Post, do tiny apartment piggies make good pets?
* A quick favor: if you like this blog, would you please help me and cast your vote for my blog in the SkinnyScoop Top 25 Pet Blogs listing? Just click here and scroll down until you see Peggy's Pet Place. It would be such an honor to receive your vote, thank you very much!
Want more, pawsitive pet tips, good news, and special bonuses? Content not already on the blog? Subscribe to my free newsletter. Brooks and Kelly will meet you there!
How to Travel with Your Pet and Be Invited Back
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| Brooks and Kelly don't want to be left behind! |
How to Travel with Your Pet and Be Invited Back
Guest post by Deborah J. Thompson
For many, it’s not a vacation without our family pets. More property owners and hotels are realizing that pet-travelers are an untapped market.
“People who travel with their pets are compassionate—they care, not only about their animals, but about others and their property as well. They are some of my best customers.” Renata-Circeo Loudon, Owner Shore Dreams Vacation Rentals
So how do we become one of those “best customers”?
Whether renting or staying with family, these tips ensure a warm welcome and a return invitation.
1. Schedule potty breaks in-route. Why start your vacation with a potty on the driveway? And upon arrival, expend pent-up energy with a walk so your pet can be excited to be on vacation instead of just excited to get out of the car.
2. Bring their bedding and crate into the house first. Show your pet their acceptable “place,” minimizing anxiety and giving them a sense of the familiar.
3. Don’t drop them off and leave them alone. Prove you are “staying” here too. You may need to go to the store, or out to dinner. But take time to decompress with your pet so they are more at ease when you do need to leave them alone.
4. Maintain crating routine. If your dog is used to being crated, then continue. However, if you don’t crate your dog at home, don’t start while in a new environment. It will confuse your pet and make him or her more anxious.
5. Don’t neglect exercise and attention. This is their vacation too, so help them enjoy it. Don’t leave them in a strange place every day while you’re out having fun. Spend time with them–you brought them so they would be with you–right? And check on them often. If they understand that you will be back, they will be less likely to “entertain” themselves.
6. It should go without saying, but make sure that you pick up after your pet. Attach pick-up bags to their lead so they are always handy.
7. Respect the property. Even if the owner does allow pets on the furniture, bring your own blankets. Cover the sofa, chair, bed or anywhere else your pet may be.
8. Avoid fleas. A natural treatment is geranium oil. Put a few drops on their collar and lead as a repellent or supplement to regular treatment.
9. Remember–not everyone loves your pets as much as you do. Don’t let your pet approach others without an invitation. You may be in close quarters on the elevator, the hallways or even on a walk. Respect the personal space of those you encounter and make sure that your pet does too.
The more responsible we are as pet-owners, the more likely that others will respect our desire to take our pets along when we travel. We are good-will ambassador for pet-travelers and our behavior can pave the way for more acceptance in the future.
Deborah J. Thompson is a writer, speaker, artist, marketing consultant, Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader. She got a dog for her first birthday and hasn’t been without a pet (or pets) since. She and her husband are avid animal rescuers and travel regularly with their “angel dog” Jazz and spunky rescue Sophie. “Bark” with Jazz and Sophie on Facebook at: Shore Dreams Pet Adventures. Join Deborah on Twitter/InspireReflect and Facebook/DailyInspiredReflections for daily devotions. She is also available for speaking engagements--call or email for details and visit her Speaker's Page for references and bio.
Renata Circeo-Loudon is the owner of Shore Dreams Vacation Rentals with pet-WELCOMING properties along the gulf coast and lakeside in north Georgia. She has rescued animals for years and understands the special bond that we share with our pets. She is committed to offering pet-friendly accommodations whenever possible. Book your next vacation at www.shoredreams.net or by emailing petadventures@shoredreams.net.
Want more, pawsitive pet tips, good news, and special bonuses? Content not already on the blog? Subscribe to my free newsletter. We look forward to connecting there!
Want more, pawsitive pet tips, good news, and special bonuses? Content not already on the blog? Subscribe to my free newsletter. We look forward to connecting there!
Brooks Books- The Secret of Happy Ever After
The Secret of Happy Ever After
by Lucy Dillon
Penguin (2013)
Me: What more could I ask for-- a book combining dogs and a bookshop--two of my favorite things--and promising a happy ending? Well, this book didn't disappoint. It's absolutely captivating, and I think you're going to love it too. Keep reading for a chance to win a copy of your own!
The Secret of Happy Ever After is a heartwarming tale of love and friendship, set in England. Michelle is the business woman, with a devastating past. Anna is the ex-librarian with three stepchildren and an adorable but hyperactive Dalmatian. The two friends work and learn and grow together.
While Michelle isn't thrilled about owning a bookshop, Anna’s love of childhood favorites soon revitalizes the shop, and everyone around her. Even Michelle softs up, aided by her new friend Tavish, a Scottish terrier. But everything isn't always rosie. These friends need all the wisdom and courage the stories in the bookshop can give them in order to find their own happy ever afters.
First- the bookshop. If you enjoy the lessons and inspiration you can gain from reading a book, how about an inspiring book which incorporates characters learning lessons from other inspiring books? Brilliant! Especially because many of these books in this story were my childhood favorites as well-- Charlotte's Web, Anne of Green Gables, Winnie the Pooh, The Secret Garden, Madeline.
Second-- the dogs. There's Flash, the Springer Spaniel left behind. Then Pongo, the boisterous Dalmatian. And Tavish, the Scottish terrier who helps heal. The dogs are full of energy, personality and even quirks--from Pongo's enthusiastic shop visit to poor Tavish recovering after having some teeth pulled.
And then--the characters. Some of the past Michelle deals with is quite gritty and difficult, and makes her character a bit more aloof. As her past is revealed, we're able to understand her better and the author handles it well. Anna's family isn't always kind to her. Husbands aren't always nice. Children aren't always well-behaved. Michelle and Anna have problems and dreams. I cared about every character in this book, and rooted for them all throughout.
I highly recommend The Secret of Happy Ever After.
You can win a copy for yourself (sorry, U.S. only).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I was given a copy of this book to review, and one to give away. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. Full Disclosure.
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Morris Animal Inn voted one of New Jersey's Best Places to Work
At Morris Animal Inn, we have always focused on treating our canine and feline guests with the best possible service. Now, our facility has been recognized for treating its people well, too! Morris Animal Inn has been named one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey
One of 62 small or medium-sized companies to make the top 100 list, Morris Animal Inn and our lodging, grooming and daycare services have been highlighted by NJBIZ Magazine. Check out an article about it from The Daily Record here.
It is such an honor to be recognized by NJBIZ, a distinction we owe to our enthusiastic staff and guests. Our employees are devoted to providing top quality pet care and love working with animals, a passion that really shows in their daily work. We all know how important our guests are to their families, and believe that our jobs include more than just keeping visiting cats and dogs healthy. When our suites are filled with happy pets, it makes us happy, too.
To our clients, thank you! Your support allows us to work in this fun and innovative environment, where your pets’ bright eyes and perky ears help make our days a little brighter.
A better mousetrap...er, poo bag dispenser
I never really thought too much about which poo bags we use or how those bags are dispensed, until I was asked to try out a clever and colorful little flexible hollow ball called Doggee.
The Doggee was created by Jaq Croft, an actress in the UK's popular Hollyoaks soap opera. It's very simple, really. And what I like best about it is that it comes in 6 bright, attractive colors. Keep reading to win one of your own!
Doggee actually solved a problem of mine. With the dispenser I formerly used, I had to thread the roll of bags onto a spool, screw on the cover, and then feed the first bag through a hole. Then, when I was ready to use a bag, I had to try to rip one bag from the roll. This was always a rather time-consuming production because the bags I used never wanted to rip easily, and in the winter I had to remove my gloves to get the job done, thus making a long and awkward time standing on the street corner while passersby gawked at my predicament. With Doggee, I ripped apart the bags and stuffed the holder in advance, thus allowing one bag to be quickly and easily dispensed at a time.
I was able to fit one roll of bags into the Doggee.
The clip can be attached onto your belt loop, leash, pocketbook or keyring. My one quibble is that I found the clip too small to attach to our wide hemp leash handle, but a simple carabiner did the trick.
Check out this funny video, then enter my Rafflecopter to win a Doggee of your own!
Doggee provided me with 2 Doggees to try out, and two to give away! We have one gray Doggee for a lucky winner, and one purple Doggee for a lucky winner.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I was given these Doggees to testdrive and review, but the opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
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Wednesday Pet Roundup- March 20, 2013
* Did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? I hope you had as much fun as these 50 pets celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
* Steve Dale says, "The magic solution for good health has four legs and a tail." Agreed!
* From KTRK- TV in Houston, a bittersweet story on a rescue group that cares for terminally ill pets. "They'll be in a home," says April Plemons, vice president of Long Way Home Animal Sanctuary and Pit Bull Rescue. "Not a shelter, not a kennel, not a crate. In a home."
* A circus in Japan is working to change the country's mind about where they get their pets. Find out what Wow Wow Dog Circus is doing to help promote pet adoption.
* I usually stay away from contests where you have to ask people to vote for your entry, but when Tess from SkinnyScoop nominated Peggy's Pet Place for one of their Top 25 Pet Blogs I was so flattered and excited, I wanted to share the news. Could you please take a moment to jump over and vote for me? To vote, just scroll down through the entries until you find Peggy's Pet Place. Then just click on "like" and leave a comment if you desire. Thank you so much!
* I'm giving away 2 free books-- Once Upon a Flock by Lauren Scheuer. Hurry, contest ends today!
* Congratulations to winner of Woof Pack goodies Tamra H. and Kumfy Koatz harness Shelley P.
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Pet Health Products Donated to Shelters
Some of the products will be used in the shelters, and others will go home with parents who adopt pets at the shelters. Here's what's in the kit shelters will receive for each pledge:
1. Sergeants Fur-So-Fresh Whiff Dog Shampoo to help keep them clean and comfortable.
2. Sereant's Vetscription Joint-Eze Plus to help ease joint aches and pains.
3. Sentry Calming Collar with pheromones to help keep dogs calm.
4. Sentry Petrodex Dental Kit to help keep teeth clean.
5. Pur Luv Sizzlin Strips low fat chicken and sweet potato flavor to help maintain a healthy weight.
Won't you take the pledge now so that more lucky shelters will receive this kit? It's just an easy click!
Disclosure: I was compensated by Sergeant's to participate in the emBARK on pet health campaign. All opinions in this post are 100% my own. See my full disclosure statement.
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4 Fun and Easy Crafts for Pets
GUEST POST by Paisley Hansen
Crafting things that pets or animals can enjoy is one of the simple pleasures in life. Here is a list of four craft ideas that almost anyone can do easily on a budget. Most of them require simply recycling the old materials laying around and turning them into fun and creative crafts. On a slightly cautionary note, if you craft things that your pet chews, especially dogs, make sure your scent is not on them. If your dog gets used to chewing things that smell like his/her master, then you'll be sorry.
1) Milk Jug and Pine Needle Birdhouse
Time: 30 Minutes Ages: 6+ Supplies: Milk jug, Pine needles, Paint, ScissorsAn old milk jug is a perfect home for a bird and a great way to recycle. Cut a hole in the side of the milk jug so that a bird can fit through. Then get creative and paint the milk jug to match the surroundings. Remember this is a pine needle bird feeder, so next you will want to gather lots of pine needles that you can use to cover the bird house with. The next step is to simply decorate the birdhouse with the pine needle you've collected to make it nice and home-y for a bird. Placed the bird feeder outside and add some food.
http://0.tqn.com/d/familycrafts/1/0/v/i/1/milkbirdhs.jpg
2) Personalized Pet Collar
Time: 30 Minutes Age: 5+ Supplies: Simple pet nylon collar, Dimensional paint, Embellishing bling, Craft glue, Scissors
Dimensional paint a.k.a. puff paint/puffy paint expands as it dries creating a pattern that is raised. It last for a very long time so it makes for a durable pet worthy paint. Take your dimensional paint and personalize it with your pets name. Once the paint dries embellish it with your stuff, like charms, beads, buttons, rhinestones, anything that bedazzles your pet collar. It is a simple and fun craft that the kids can enjoy.http://familycrafts.about.com/od/petrelatedcrafts/a/PersonalizedPetCollar.htm
3) Small Dog Sweater
Time: 30 minutes Age: 6+ Supplies: Old baby/toddler/adult sweater, Yarn, Embellishments, ScissorsThe price for a dog sweater can be outrageous. Purchasing one outright might end up costing between $30 and $100 for a really cute sweater. Save yourself some money and make one from an old sweater you can get your hands on or have laying around. Cut the sweater at least 1 inch from the paws. Next sew the cut pieces on the arms up so they don't unravel. Finally take some yarn and make a drawstring for the sweater so it doesn't drag all over the ground.
http://www.blogher.com/instant-dog-sweater
4) Dish Towel Dog Toy
Time: 15 minutes Age: 4+ Supplies: Old dish towels, scissorsEver wonder what to do with your old dishtowels? Why not make them into a really easy and durable dog toy. Cut three strips down the length of the towel and stop about an inch from the end. Braid the strips extremely tightly. Take the loose ends and tie them into knots. This method is great for a small dog, but for a bigger dog just repeat the same process with three larger towels, jeans or other durable material.
About the Author: Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert health, arts and crafts — especially fleece fabric. When she isn't writing she can usually be found reading a good book.
Thank you Paisley for joining us today and for these great tips. We're looking forward to trying out some of these projects.
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Shamrock Day
Kelly and Brooks are taking good care of me today and helping me celebrate my birthday!
And Happy St. Patty's Day to all!
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Baxter Barker delivers the goodies
I just wanted to show you this pawsome gift basket we won from Baxter Barker of Paw Street Bakery. We were the lucky 400th "like" on their Facebook page!
Look at the great variety of goodies we got, including honey, carrot, peanut butter, carob, biscotti, and blueberry!
Want more great pet news, fun content, and special bonuses? Subscribe to my free newsletter. Brooks and Kelly say thank you!
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| Brooks and Kelly enjoy their gift basket |
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| These even fooled my husband! |
Look at the great variety of goodies we got, including honey, carrot, peanut butter, carob, biscotti, and blueberry!
Want more great pet news, fun content, and special bonuses? Subscribe to my free newsletter. Brooks and Kelly say thank you!
Pip and Puddles Appreciation Day
Happy Pip and Puddles Appreciation Day!
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If you haven't yet met Pip and Puddles, let me tell you a little bit about them.
Pip is an adorable yorkshire terrier who blogs at Pip Gets Back in the Game.
Pip is always one to help others, join in on a party, and looks great in a sweater. And he never stops making me smile.
Late last year Pip announced that he wasn't feeling well and didn't know if he had a lot of time left. This resulted in an impressive, and touching, blog tour as Pip realized his personal bucket list and traveled around the world visiting blogville pals and getting into all kinds of mischief.
Puddles is a dashing dachshund who blogs at We Three Doxies, where she explains "It's really All About Me!" If you need a laugh, visit Puddles. Her keen sense of humor is always spot on.
Devoted friend, she joined Pip on his world tour and frequently led the mischief.
Pip and Puddles' blog friends have declared March 15th Pip and Puddles Appreciation Day, and has awarded Pip the title of "Blogville King of Cheeseburgers" and Puddles the title of "Blogville Queen of Merriment and Mayhem."
Please visit Pip and Puddles today and congratulate them. You'll be glad to know them!
Want more great pet news, fun content, and special bonuses? Subscribe to my free newsletter. Brooks and Kelly say thank you!
reade more...
.JPG)
If you haven't yet met Pip and Puddles, let me tell you a little bit about them.
Pip is an adorable yorkshire terrier who blogs at Pip Gets Back in the Game.
Pip is always one to help others, join in on a party, and looks great in a sweater. And he never stops making me smile.
Late last year Pip announced that he wasn't feeling well and didn't know if he had a lot of time left. This resulted in an impressive, and touching, blog tour as Pip realized his personal bucket list and traveled around the world visiting blogville pals and getting into all kinds of mischief.
Puddles is a dashing dachshund who blogs at We Three Doxies, where she explains "It's really All About Me!" If you need a laugh, visit Puddles. Her keen sense of humor is always spot on.
Devoted friend, she joined Pip on his world tour and frequently led the mischief.
Pip and Puddles' blog friends have declared March 15th Pip and Puddles Appreciation Day, and has awarded Pip the title of "Blogville King of Cheeseburgers" and Puddles the title of "Blogville Queen of Merriment and Mayhem."
Please visit Pip and Puddles today and congratulate them. You'll be glad to know them!
Want more great pet news, fun content, and special bonuses? Subscribe to my free newsletter. Brooks and Kelly say thank you!