tidy cats coupon: November 2013

Thanksgiving Foods - What's safe for pets?

Thanksgiving is upon us, and that means tons of turkey, stuffing, veggies and desserts. For your pet, it means a house filled with delicious smells that may have them mooching for a taste. There is no harm in sharing parts of your holiday meal with your pet, but you need to choose which parts wisely. Certain foods on your Thanksgiving table could be extremely harmful to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the foods that your pet can and can’t eat this holiday:

Turkey– A nibble of the classic Thanksgiving bird is fine for pets, but make sure it is completely boneless and well cooked. Cooked bones have potential to splinter if ingested, and raw or undercooked turkey could contain salmonella bacteria. Also, to be extra safe, remove the skin. A well-seasoned turkey could contain essential oils from certain herbs and spices that could give your pet an upset stomach.

No raw dough or alcohol – A lick of the cookie dough bowl or a sip of wine may be sweet indulgences for humans, but both can be dangerous for dogs and cats. Batter that contains raw eggs poses the same threat as undercooked turkey: salmonella. Raw dough also has the potential to rise in your pet’s stomach, leading to vomiting or other internal problems. Alcohol has a much stronger effect on our pets than it does on humans, so even a small amount can lead to serious symptoms.

Less is more – Foods with minimal seasoning tend to be safer for pets to eat, so stick with potatoes and string beans over other rich, mixed options that may contain unsafe foods or seasonings. For example, some stuffings or cranberry sauces can contain raisins, mushrooms, onions or sage, which are dangerous for pets’ digestive systems.

Everything in moderation – It’s easy to overeat on Thanksgiving, but no one likes to feel like a stuffed turkey at the end of the night. The same goes for your pet. Don’t allow them to overindulge in these rich holiday foods, they could wind up with an upset stomach, gastrointestinal problems, or worse. Stick with small portions, and continue to feed them their regular diet.

Pet treats are still treats – Just because there are festive foods available, doesn’t mean your pet won’t appreciate their everyday treats! Offer your pet a dog bone or a stuffed Kong (with maybe just a few steamed vegetables or spoons of mashed potatoes inside) to chew on during your meal. This will also help keep your pet calm and preoccupied during an otherwise busy evening.

We all want to include our pets during the holiday, which is why dogs lodging at Morris Animal Inn over Thanksgiving won’t miss out on the tasty fun! Pets will receive their own Thanksgiving dinner of freshly cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, string beans and regular stuffing.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Morris Animal Inn!

FitDog Friday- Dismembered Toys

Play is an important part of keeping fit. Kelly and Ike like their toys as much as any dog. But Kelly, especially has a serious problem--she dismembers her toys. Just look at this collection of hands, ears and tails.

A stuffie doesn't last 2 minutes in the house before it's de-squeaked, unstuffed and on it's way to being decapitated.

Ike, on the other hand, isn't terribly interested in stuffies. He loves tennis balls, and recently he's discovered a new toy that he's chewed on for weeks without any damage. I'm super impressed with Planet Dog's Snowball. It holds up to chewing, and it must retain it's yummy taste because Ike still licks it and mouths it. He even throws it in the air and catches it himself.

What is your dog's toy-playing style? Do they rip them apart like Kelly, or savor them like Ike?

Join our blog hop, co-hosted by Peggy's Pet Place, Slimdoggy, and To Dog with Love!

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

Cold Weather Dog Myths Debunked

The cold months of fall are upon us, a time of year when we start to think about hunkering down for the winter. You want to prepare your pet just as much as you want to stock up on hot chocolate and logs for the fire, but there are a lot of myths out there about what you can and can’t do for your dog during the colder months. Fidose of Reality, an online canine-centered magazine, dives into and debunks these untruths. Here are some of the most common myths:

Myth: My dog is safe in the car during cooler months.

Fact: It is never safe to leave your dog alone in a car, period. Just as a car can magnify heat in the summer sun, it can function as a refrigerator on cool days. Leaving your dog alone also subjects them to other dangers like kidnapping. Even the five-minute store run can put your pet at risk.

Myth: Fleas and ticks go away in the fall and winter.

Fact: Although fleas and ticks may not be able to survive extreme winter temperatures, the cold may drive them towards the warmth of your home. Surviving bugs may latch on to your pet for warmth and survival, making them just as much of a threat as they are during warmer parts of the year. Continue to protect your pet as you do in the spring and summer months by using preventatives or other non-chemical protection.

Myth: My dog’s pads protect them from all elements of weather.

Fact: The fatty tissues in the pads of your dog’s feet do not freeze as quickly as other tissues, protecting them against many cuts, scrapes and scuffs that often come along with the outdoors. However, these tissues do not mean your pet is always protected. Ice, snow and other debris can accumulate or get stuck between your dog’s toes and pads, causing irritation. Be sure to clean your dog’s feet when they come inside, and for extreme conditions, consider protective booties.

Myth: I can feed my dog pumpkin pie filling for an upset stomach.

Fact: While a small amount of canned pumpkin is a good source of fiber and can ease a dog’s upset tummy, the sugary canned pumpkin pie filling is NOT good for dogs. If you want to feed your dog pumpkin, make sure it is not the pie filling kind and feed between a teaspoon and tablespoon, depending on your dog’s weight.

Myth: My dog should gain some extra pounds in the cooler months to help keep warm.

Fact: You should never intentionally try to help your dog gain weight just because of the cooler months. Keep their diet the same during fall and winter months, and make sure they get regular exercise with indoor games and brisk walks. Although some dog’s weight may fluctuate throughout the year, you want to stimulate your pet’s mind and body all year round.

Ever wonder what your dogs do while you're away?

I've always wondered...what do Kelly and Ike do when I leave the house? Do they hang out together and play? Do they run upstairs and sleep on the bed? Does Kelly boss Ike around? Or do they just lie down there by the door without budging until I return?

Fortunately, I recently received the chance to find out! Samsung sent me their Samsung WiFi IP Pet Cam to review. Now I get to spy on my dogs! We set it up and got right to work.

PROS:
The picture is very clear.
The camera gives you the ability to view your dogs from your smartphone, or through a website.
The night vision capability works great in low lighting.

There is a microphone so you can hear your dogs, and speak to them as well. (This only works when you're on wifi).
The camera is small and handy to set on a table or mount wherever you want.
Viewing is super easy from a computer or your smartphone while you're away!
A reasonable priced pet cam (retail: $149)

During the day, the view is in color. Here is an image of the night vision. Ike is comfy in the hall. I think Kelly was in her usual spot, by the foot of the stairs, but it's just out of view.

CONS:
The set up and installation was a bit complicated (but once we got it figured out it required no extra work.)
The camera can't be moved remotely, so that you can only see the one area where it is directed. If your dogs aren't there, you're out of luck. This could be solved by purchasing more cameras and putting them in different locations, however the cost of such would add up.

One note: When on not wifi, you are in Relay Mode, which doesn't give you the capability to hear or to use the microphone to talk to your dogs. You also may incur charges on your cell phone when in Relay Mode. I didn't check on how many charges I have incurred, but I have used the PetCam in relay mode quite often.

If you wanted, you could add up to 10 cameras in different locations throughout your house, and switch from one to another easily for monitoring.

The microphone is a cool feature. You can praise your dog, or correct him for jumping on the couch! When I used this feature, the dogs didn't react to my voice. It must have been a strange thing for them to hear this disembodied voice coming from the wall. Ike did turn and look toward the camera a few times when I talked, but Kelly ignored the whole thing! Still it is kind of fun to talk to them when I'm away.

I've had a wonderful time spying on Kelly and Ike, and it also gave me great peace of mind to see they were doing okay. What I've discovered, is most of the time they do just what I thought--sleep in front of the door. I did learn something new- sometimes when we leave, Ike runs upstairs. I'm going to guess that he probably sleeps on the bed. But unless I buy another camera, I may never know!

It's also fun to see at what point during our drive home the dogs hear the car. It's usually just before we get to the driveway. Then they both run to the door. Here's a short clip from the actual Pet Cam of the dogs as my husband leaves the house:

We are very impressed with the Samsung Pet Cam and happily recommend it for peace of mind when you are away from home.

Full Disclosure: I was provided with one Samsung Pet Cam for my honest review. This in no way affected my review. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

Zippy Zany Zuke's & Biggggg Giveaway

I love giving Kelly and Ike treats, but I don't want to give out too many that may be fattening or unhealthy. So I choose treats carefully. That's why I'm especially excited to be participating in Zuke's Fuel the Love campaign! First, they sent us a huge variety of wonderful treats to review. And second, we can share the love, because they're providing a huge variety of treats to give away in the contest below!

So first of all, I did my research, and Zuke's is a company I can get behind.
*The food was created to fill a need for natural, healthy pet food and inspired by the founder's dog Zuke!
*The company's values are staying healthy and being active, and showing devotion to dogs for all the devotion they show us! Perfect for K9Kamp, FitDog Friday and just the way I feel about dogs too.

Zuke's treats are:

*Healthy enough to dish out on a daily basis
*Made in the USA
*Made from carefully sourced ingredients and high-‐quality, USDA-‐approved proteins.
* contain antioxidants
*and Zuke’s has never been involved with a recall!

I've got LOTS of great Zukes to give away.
Here are the reviews:

1. Zuke's Mini Naturals
I use these a LOT because they are just the right size, so I don't feel too bad about giving them out as rewards and training treats. (only 3 1/2 calories per treat!) Ingredients inclued cherries, rosemary, and turmeric--powerful, wholefood sources of antioxidants. They come in great flavors too-Roasted Chicken, Savory Salmon, Fresh Peanut Butter and Wild Rabbit!

2. Zuke's Z-filets
Dogs love jerky treats- but after recent health incidents, we have to be extremely careful about feeding these to our dogs. Fortunately, Zukes healthy grain -free filets are made in the USA, and all the meat comes from safe, trustworthy sources in the U.S. or New Zealand, so I feel confident

3. Zuke's Skinny Bakes
These are Kelly and Ike's favorites! They're crunchy baked treats. Each one contains only 10 calories, so we don't have to worry about putting on a little extra weight just because they indulge in a few extra yummy treats. They're also vegan, made with clean ingredients such as berries, pumpkin and peanut butter. They're also wheat, corn and soy free- ingredients which are the cause of many allergies.

4. Zuke's Hip Action
These are good for both dogs, as Kelly is a senior and Ike is an active, larger breed, and they both could use the healthiest bones and joints possible. The treats are made with 300mg of Glucosamine, 50mg of Chondroitin, and natural eggshell membrane. This way I can give Kelly and Ike these benefits without having to give them pills. And Zukes Hip Action treats are safe, even if Kelly and Ike somehow ate the entire bag. Which is possible, since they come in chicken, beef and peanut butter flavors!

Okay, so now for the giveaway! I've got 5 great prizes you can win!

1st place-

A fantastic gift pack consisting 8 bags of Zuke wholesome, delicious treats! Includes 2 bags Skinny Bakes, 2 bags mini naturals, 2 bags hip action and 2 bags Z-filets!

2nd place-
Great selection of 4 bags of Zukes treats:1 bag each of Skinny Bakes, mini naturals, hip action and Z-filets

3rd, 4th and 5th places-
1 bag Zuke's mini naturals

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out the Fuel the Love Blog Hop Nov. 15 - Dec. 1st
and Fuel the Love Twitter Party on November 29th for more great prizes!

Full Disclosure: I was provided with 15 bags of Zukes products for my fair review, and an equal number to give away. This in no way influenced my review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

FitDog Friday- Three Fit Dogs

Kelly and Ike may be working hard at diet and exercise, but they're not the only fit dogs in blogville. At K9Kamp, we had lots of dogs link up and share what they're doing to get in a few extra minutes of fitness with fun and games. I wish I could tell you all about everyone who participated, and I'll try over the next few months.

In our wrap up I told you a bit about Slimdoggy, My GBGV Life, Pooch Smooches, Something Wagging This Way Comes and You Did What with Your Wiener. And Tuesday I told you about Gizmo from Terrier Torrent. Here are three more of our Kampers!

Heart Like a Dog
Sampson and Delilah got active with a frisbee in the park, but I think the most fun they had was dragging the Mama through the woods, chasing a squirrel. Now, wasn't the theme for this month "fun and games"? Sounds like fun to Kelly and Ike! No matter what, it's clear that these two dogs make sure their mom is keeping up and keeping fit!

I Just Want More Puppies
Since "fun and games" was the theme for Kamp, Tavish and Bella found just the right combination, playing together! There's even a movie to document the activities!

To Dog with Love
Rocco promoted play as fitness too, with his own backyard bootcamp!And games of fetch in the hall. They know how to make fitness fun.

K9Kamp is co-hosted by Peggy's Pet Place, Kol's Notes, and You Did What with Your Wiener
(also hosting the monthly Keeping up with K9 Kamp challenge!)

Let's get moving, Mom!

FitDog Friday is co-hosted by Peggy's Pet Place, Slimdoggy, and To Dog with Love. Join the hop!

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

Pet Photos with Santa – Our Annual Holiday Photo Shoot!

The holidays are creeping closer and closer, and Morris Animal Inn is getting ready to celebrate! We’re kicking off the season with our annual holiday photo shoot on Saturday, November 16.

You can get your holiday cards ready early this year with a festive professional photograph of your pet. We offer a choice between two different settings, a winter scene and a classic photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Choose from a variety of costumes for your pet if you wish, or jump in the photo yourself with your family.

We love to make a day of this event by inviting our clients to join us for hot cider and snacks in the lobby and receive a tour of our facility as you wait for your photos. A portion of proceeds will go towards the Make-A-Wish foundation New Jersey Chapter.

The festivities begin at 10 am on Saturday, November 16. Call 973-539-0377 to sign up today for one of two time slots, 10am – 12pm or 12pm – 2pm. Cost is $15 per sitting and includes a free 5x7 print of one of your photos. Professional photographer Hugo Juarez will be offering participants a link for downloading and purchasing additional prints and products, like holiday cards, mousepads, key chains, calendars and more.

We will also be collecting men’s, women’s and children’s coats in our lobby for the annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive. Bring your gently used jackets with you to the photo shoot to help keep New Jersey warm this holiday season!

Don’t miss out on making your pet the star of a holiday portrait your friends and family will love! Call 973-539-0377 today!

Meow meow meow (translation: feed me this!)

I don't post about cats often enough, so in all fairness, today I'd like to tell you something about cats.
*There are 84.4 million cats in the U.S. and only 74.4 million dogs.
So I guess I've been neglecting a lot of critters!

When it comes to cat food, I know grain free is popular in dog food but I had no idea it was being offered for cats. In addition to being grain-free, Hill's Science Diet Grain Free cat food includes:
*prebiotics for digestive health
*no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Since I don't have any cats, I sent samples to my two taste-tester families, Mary Beth and Kate.

REVIEWS
Mary Beth says:

I don’t give my cats too many treats. Catnip sometimes. Treats are something I hold in reserve for when I’m counting noses and I’m short a nose or two. A crinkly package to shake is often all I need to get their attention. But the treats have to matter to get them to come back next time.

The Crunchy Creations Grain Free with Chicken Treats brought them running to wherever I was and they crunched them right up. The size was good, about 3/8” and not too thick. The heart shape is cute but probably more for me. For cats it’s all about the flavor and a good smell. I thought the aroma was pleasant (some treats really over-do that).

Bottom line, my cats thought it was really good stuff and were glad when I gave them more a few days later. I’m glad to get a treat from a company I trust, Hills Science Diet and the cats were more than happy to give them a thumbs up.

Kate says:

Cinnamon is a finicky cat, she doesn't go for just any food that I give her. So I was happy to see how much she liked Hill's Science Diet Grain Free cat food. First she had to check out the bag, smelling it all over, before she'd touch the food.

Once she was satisfied that the food was okay, she enjoyed every bite and gave it her seal of approval!

Full Disclosure: I was given a free sample of Hill's Science Diet cat food and 2 bags of cat treats because I'm a Klout influencer. I am under no obligation to recieve the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company. The opinions expressed here are my own, and my two cat food reviewers.

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

Elevated Feeders-good or bad?

My dogs always ate from bowls on the ground. I never gave a second thought to elevated feeders. Then we got Brooks and then Ike, golden retrievers. It seemed like such a long way down. Would they feel more comfortable with their bowls raised? Would it be better for their necks and spines? Would it help prevent bloat?

Ike checks out his elevated feeding station.

So Ike used an elevated feeder.

Then I read several sources that claimed elevated feeders could actually cause bloat. The very issue I was trying to avoid.

So now I got rid of the feeder, and he's back to eating from bowls on the floor. I don't know for sure if the theory is proven, but I'd rather be safe. I guess dogs were designed to eat on the ground, so I'm going with that.

What do you think--are elevated feeders good or bad?

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

Bowls to go Bow Wow For!

What is the best material for your dog's dinner bowl? Plastic? Ceramic? Stainless Steel?

Plastic:
Advantage: Inexpensive, many designs and colors
Disadvantage: Material may become scratched and harbor bacteria, some dogs are allergic to plastic, may leach chemicals into your dog's food and water

Ceramic:
Advantage: heavy weight so they aren't easily pushed or tipped, available in many designs
Disadvantage: May break and chip, also may breed bacteria, some ceramic glazes, or stoneware bowls, may contain amounts of lead

Stainless Steel:
Advantage: Unbreakable, sturdy, rust-free, non-leaching
Disadvantage: If used outside, they become hot to the touch

Here's an even better option---bamboo!

Bamboo is natural, 100% recyclable, and biodegradable.
We were sent two sets of these awesome BambuBowls (TM) by Loving Pets to review-- large for Ike and medium for Kelly.
The bowls are durable and dishwasher safe, too!

One of the most interesting things I learned about bamboo bowls is that they have natural antibacterial properties.

Review: The bowls are attractive and strong. The cut outs in the sides make them easy to pick up. And they are easy to clean. We are delighted to trade in Kelly and Ike's old bowls for these great, new, earth friendly bamboo bowls. That's 8 paws up!

Kelly's new Bambu bowls.

We also received a Gobble Stopper by Loving Pets to review. Ike is a gobbler. He had a metal bowl with a hump in the middle to prevent him from gulping down his food. It did slow him by a few seconds. The Gulp Stopper is a slow feeder device that can be placed inside any bowl. Lucky for us we have new BambuBowls to try it out!

Review:
Pros: The Gobble Stopper design was definitely effective. Ike had to work harder to get the food than he does with his hump-style slow feeder bowl, so it definitely slowed him down even more. I liked that he had to work harder to get at the food. The suction cup stuck well, especially in metal bowls.

Ike's Bambu bowls with Gobble Stopper.

Cons: Depending on the size of the bowl and the size of your dog's muzzle, it may be difficult for your dog to get all the kibble out from under the bone shaped canopy. Some dogs may become frustrated--Ike wasn't deterred since he's highly food motivated, but he did leave one or two bits of kibble he couldn't find. Also, the Gobble Stopper is made of plastic, which is a negative if you are trying to avoid exposing your dog to plastics.

Overall we are in favor of the Gobble Stopper, as it effectively slows a dog's eating and can help prevent indigestion and bloat.

Full Disclosure: We were provided with two sets of BambuBowls and one Gobble Stopper for our honest review, but this in no way affected our review. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

As we celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we want to recognize the many ways you can give back to shelters in your area. These amazing organizations make a difference in the lives of countless animals every day. Even if you don’t have the resources to rescue a pet of your own, you can still make a contribution to these worthy causes. The Humane Society offers a list of ways for you to give back this week, or any time you’re looking to make a difference in an animal’s life.

The Humane Society suggests making "Adopt Me" vests.

Get to know your local shelters and rescue groups. Get started by learning what groups are in your area. You may be surprised at just how many shelters and rescues are nearby. Websites like The Shelter Pet Project can help you locate and learn about rescues in your neighborhood.

Volunteer or get crafty.Shelters are often operating on limited funds or resources, so anything you can contribute will be welcome. Whether you donate your time at the facility or make donations of food or other supplies, you really can make a difference! Check out your local shelter’s website or call to see if they have a wish list of things they need. You can also create your own donations by making toys out of household materials or even decorating your own “Adopt me” vests. Get creative!

Help out at home.You can help ensure that one more pet doesn’t join the shelter ranks by making sure your own pets are microchipped and have ID tags. Have all your pets spayed or neutered, and always keep your dog on leash when off your own property.

Say “thanks.”Taking a moment to express your thanks to the volunteers and staff at your local shelter can make all the difference. They work tirelessly to improve the lives of pets, and have earned our appreciation.

Rescue a pet! If you’ve done your research and think you might be ready to add a pet to your family, visit your local shelter to start the adoption process! There are always pets waiting to find their forever homes, and yours could be life changing for one of them.

Thinking of adopting? We are currently helping one-year-old Lucky look for a home! This adorable hound mix is great with kids and dogs and LOVES to play. He is available for adoption through Eleventh Hour Rescue. For more information on Lucky, visit his “Adopt Me” page, here!

TV Show Casting Call for Obese Pets

We try to feed our pets healthy food, and the proper amount.
We walk our dogs, and provide our pets play time and exercise.
We participate in FitDog Friday, K9Kamp, and even use cool apps like Slimdoggy!
And some people hike, swim, surf, run, and do sporting activities with their pets.

But what if you had a pet who was seriously overweight, despite your best efforts? Or if you adopted a pet with obesity who didn't respond to your efforts? What if you needed extra help for your pet?

Would you consider participating in a TV show?

Punched in the Head Productions, which produces TV series for MTV, Bravo, Sundance, and the Cooking Channel, is holding an open casting call for owners of obese pets to be considered for a new national cable series. In the show, animal fitness and nutrition experts will help the pets get down to a healthy size. Cats, dogs, bunnies, pigs, and other pets are included.

I wasn't able to preview an episode of the show, so I'm not sure what the tone is like, but if you would enjoy the opportunity to be involved in a national television program, this may be for you. On the other hand, you may have to open your life up to scrutiny and transparency. But if you want to help an extremely obese animal get in shape, the new television program could help.

To audition, submit your name, age, phone number and two photos of yourself and your pet, and a short description of your current situation to castingfatpets@gmail.com. But hurry! They are looking for the right pets to help right away.

FitDog Friday is co-hosted by Peggy's Pet Place, Slimdoggy, and To Dog with Love. Join our blog hop!

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

Give Cancer The Paw Blog Hop

Today is our very first Give Cancer the Paw Blog Hop, co-hosted by Peggy's Pet Place and Pooch Smooches. Unfortunately, cancer has affected too many family members and loved ones, including canine and feline friends. According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, cancer affects one in three dogs, and Pet MD says that cancer is the #1 disease killer of pets. But this post is not to depress you, because there's hope. Many pets live full lives after diagnosis. And, many good people are working on new ways to diagnose and find cures. This hop is to tell our stories, offer help and support for one another, share tips and encouragement and good news too. You don't have to have a pet affected by cancer to participate. By joining together we can help educate and support....and Give Cancer the Paw!

First, I want to start with my story.
Two of my dogs probably had cancer, but we don't know for sure. My family beagle-lab mix Happy, and then our Airdale-Gordon Setter mix Corky both had tumors that were never diagnosed but were likely cancerous. Then there was Brooks.

We adopted Brooks last year, when he was 11 years old. He was the most loving Golden Retriever. The thing I remember about him best is that he would just melt when you touched him--he loved to be patted so much that every muscle relaxed until he was a puddle at your feet. Brooks seemed healthy until one day he wouldn't sit or lie down. He just stood, zoning out. I realize now that he must have been in intense pain. I still remember the vet when she came into the examining room with the results of the xray, tears in her eyes. She told us that his lungs were full of cancer. Brooks died the next day.

But as many of you know, we had the most wonderful year with Brooks. I feel that he adopted us in order to live out the last year of his life in total love and comfort. Difficult as it was, I would adopt a senior dog again. It was that good while we had him!

Although Brooks displayed no symptoms until a few days before, here are some signs of cancer to watch out for:

1. Lumps (may be benign, but always good to have them checked)
2.Coughing
3. Lethargy
4. Sudden lameness
5. Sores that don't heal
6. Abnormal odors and discharges
7. Loss of appetite and weight loss
8. Pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your veterinarian. Chances are they will be due to something much less serious, but it's always best to check.

I'm also teaming up with Dogtipper, All Things Dog Blog, and Zukes this month to share about Zuke's great products and to bring you some exciting dog treat giveaways with 6 great prizes, (be sure to check back here on Monday 11/18 for the Rafflecopter!) AND Zukes wants to Give Cancer the Paw too...with their Fuel the Cure promotion, they're donating $5 per entry to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund. Thank you Zukes.

Please join our blog hop!

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

Gizmo does Great Kamping!

We couldn't do K9Kamp without the support of our awesome featured bloggers.
Today please meet Gizmo from Terrier Torrent. Gizmo is a faithful Kamper...can't you tell?!

Gizmo is already an active pooch--he participates in many great activities and has a mom who keeps him fit and healthy. He even got the canine athlete seal of approval from Slimdoggy during a recent visit to BarkWorld! So adding more activities onto his day was a challenge...but he did great! One of the specialties over at Terrier Torrent is geocaching. What is Geocaching? I admit, I had to look it up to get a better understanding, but I discovered:
*It's like a treasure hunt using GPS
*A chache is a small, hidden containter
*It's a great activity to do with your dog!

Gizmo gets to run through trails, and sometimes without trails, helping his mom search for the hidden cache. What could be more fun?

Gizmo even went kayaking as a K9Kamp activity. Balancing on the kayak as it glides and rocks through the water is wonderful for your dog's core. If you want to see what it might be like for you and your dog, don't miss the great video of Gizmo kayaking! I only wonder, there in Florida, did you see any alligators, Gizmo?

Thank you to Beth and Gizmo for participating in K9Kamp and being such great Kampers. I'll continue to feature more K9Kampers in future posts here, and also on Kol's Notes.
Keep fit with your pup--it's good for both of you! See ya next K9Kamp!

Want more positive pet tips, good news, and special offers? Fetch my free newsletter, Pawsitively Pets. Kelly and Ike hope to see you there!

A Look At Cat Breeds

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Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves. In the beginning, they were used for one purpose – hunting and killing rodents. As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking. Now days, there are several different breeds of cats – which you can tell if you look closely.

These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries. There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers. There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history. Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history. These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan. Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat. Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper. Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions. Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley cats are the most common in North America. There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats. They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence. Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped. Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless – and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be. Some people choose to go by color, although color isn’t as easy to identify. Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats. Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes. Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along. Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular. Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet – including dogs. No matter breed of cat you get – you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

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