My Fetching Fido

My good friend just got a new convertible and is enjoying these summer days driving around town with the top down. Of course, her wind-loving Golden Retriever, Goldie, loves riding along in the back seat. The only problem is that the sun and dust particles are harmful to her eyes. My friend found the perfect solution – dog glasses, called Doggles. Not only do they protect Goldie’s beautiful eyes, but they make a darling fashion statement. Goldie can’t believe all the attention she gets with her shades on, all the while protecting her eyes.

Here are just a few tips on how to help your pup make it through the summer months as a happy, healthy critter. What would apply to humans applies to our pets, tool

• Do NOT ever leave your dogs outdoors all day when it is sweltering out. If they do have to be outdoors for a short period amount of time, make sure they are always supplied with fresh, cold water.

• Do not under any circumstances take your dog in the vehicle with you even if you are going to make only one stop! Your pooch will get heat stroke. Even with the windows cracked there just isn’t enough air coming through for them.

• Dogs just love ice cubes. On hot days, I keep my dog’s water bowl full of ice cubes. She loves it! Or your pup can chew on the cubes as a treat during hot days. Who doesn’t like an ice-cold glass of H2O on a warm summer day? Be sure to check on that water bowl throughout the day. They will be drinking more frequently on hot days.
  

• If your pet likes being in the water, you can give them a special present during this season. Buy a cheap plastic pool at the store or a yard sale and fill it up with water from your hose outside. It gives them an easy way to cool off while they are playing outside.

• Another neat idea is to put a cool bandanna around your pet’s neck. We know of one that stays cool for hours, and your dog will appreciate the comfort of it.

• Just like people, dogs also enjoy the air from fans and air conditioners.

So, we hope these tips lead to a happy and cool summer dog.

There are new innovative programs across Sonoma County in northern California that use therapy dogs to help kids learn to read. Animal trainers and educators are increasingly enlisting canines for the unlikely challenge of helping children read. This month, the central library in the city of Santa Rosa started teaming up with the Sonoma County Humane Society to entice kids to come by on select afternoons and sign up to “Read to a Dog” from 3 PM to 4 PM. Trained therapy dogs serve as patient ears for young readers who otherwise would be too shy or self–conscious to read out loud to an adult, parent, or peers in school. An important point is that dogs don’t criticize.

Kids who have experienced the feeling of failure around reading now can be “the tutor” when reading to a dog, said Kathy Klotz, executive director of Intermountain Animals. Dogs also are comforting and put children in a relaxed state, making reading more pleasurable, said Martin Smith of the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Extension. Finding reading pleasurable is an important part of becoming a good reader.

Hooch, the therapy dog shown above, would look great in a safari dog collar, when he makes his rounds helping kids.

We all love taking our pets on long walks, hikes, or on camping trips with us. Here’s a great idea. With a dog backpack, they can carry their own supplies such as snacks, water, and toys leaving you with less to carry and worry about. This great looking, affordable backpack is comfortable for your dog and easy to attach and remove. It has large storage pockets and is very durable. There are 4 great colors in 4 sizes to fit all pets. Your dog will be happy to help with needed supplies, so you both enjoy your adventure together.

What: Dog Show and Sweepstakes: Tri–Angle Boston Terrier Terrier Breeders Club, Inc.
When: Saturday August 1, 2009
Where: Dog Training Club of Chester County, Exton Pennsylvania

Information about this breed:
The Boston Terrier has become a very popular dog breed over recent years, well known for its intelligence, gentle nature, and sweet attitude. These dogs have become known as the American Gentlemen of dogs, and have managed to secure a place high up on AKC league tables.

If you are considering this breed for your puppy, it is important that you first consider whether you are the right type of person or household to give these charming dogs the family life that they crave.
Bostons are dogs that love people and love to be part of the family, and this is why anyone that is considering one of these dogs should make sure that they have the time, dedication, and love to commit to their pet. If you can provide the right environment for these sweet natured dogs, they can make superb pets and fabulous companions that will be devoted, loving, and loyal to the end. If you like dressing your dogs and showing them off, these terriers look adorable in dog vests.

Contact a reputable breeder, and make sure that you familiarize yourself with Boston Terrier dog breed information and information on Boston Terrier dog rescue centers before you make your decision.

We have selected a lesser known breed called the Schipperke (which is Flemish for little boatman, or shepherd) as our current dog of the week. It can be traced back to Belgium, and reaches between 12 and 18 pounds.

Nicknamed the little boatman,  this breed is bright, active, and curious, all qualities that made it an ideal barge dog, ratter and carriage dog. Known for centuries in Flanders, the Schipperke’s origin is uncertain, but royal patronage brought attention to the breed in Belgium in the late 1880s when Queen Marie Henrietta acquired one.

Three years later, a specialty club was formed to promote the little dog’s interests, and it was officially christened the Schipperke. Except for its absence of a tail, it resembles the Belgian Sheepdog, but in miniature. The double coat is shiny and slightly harsh with a dense undercoat, and on the North American continent, the only acceptable color is black. It needs weekly brushing but no special grooming.

This long–lived dog is an excellent choice of pet for children, with its high activity level and playful, loyal, devoted temperament. Well suited to any accommodations, the Schip makes a good watchdog and enjoys moderate outdoor exercise.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

Petfinder:com reports that, across the country, there is a huge number (84%) of pets being surrendered to the 700 shelters and rescue groups due to job losses, home foreclosures, and other financial distress. People are struggling not only to take care of themselves, but their pets as well.

If you don’t want to give up your pet, there are ways to cut costs:
• Instead of paying to have your dog groomed several times a year, you can buy pet clippers and get tips online for cutting dog hair.
• Plenty of online shops offer discounts on pet fashion items; check out thrift stores, too.
• Use coupons for premium food or slowly transition your pet to a less costly, but high–quality brand. Buy food in bulk to save.
• Look for low–cost medical services. Many clinics offer low-cost vaccinations, spay and neutering services. It’s a good idea if a friend makes a recommendation to you.

Try as many ways as you can to cut pet expenses before giving up your beloved pet.

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com

We all know our dogs need to wear collars with tags for identification purposes and inoculation information. So, why not also make sure they can be seen clearly in the early evening and beyond to keep them safe? Reflective safety collars provide a great solution to everything. They have full–length reflective taping down the entire collar and they even come in great color choices and different sizes to suit every dog’s personality and coloring. Your dog will thank you.

Summer is a great season for spending time outdoors with our dogs, but it’s also important to be aware that dogs aren’t as resilient to the sun as we often think. Just like a person, a dog’s skin and eyes can be damaged with too much exposure to the sun’s rays. While long–haired dogs will have protection to the sun from their fur, short haired dogs can becomes sunburned. However, the real danger of the sun is if the dog becomes too hot. Long–haired dogs are much more vulnerable than short–haired dogs when it comes to heat, and owners should ensure that their dog is provided shade if spending an extended period of time outdoors. Water is also important, as it’s much easier for dogs to become dehydrated because they don’t sweat through their skin, as people do.

To address a dog’s eyes, a dog hat is a good idea. Dogs are smart, and won’t look up at the sun, but their eyes can still become damaged due to the sun reflecting off pavement or another surface. A dog hat is a great idea as it will protect the dog’s eyes, and also serve as a bold fashion statement.

World’ s Ugliest Dog Contest
Sonoma–Marin Fair, Northern California
June 26, 2009

This contest has become a world famous showcase for the ugliest of dogs. Miss Ellie, a 15–year old Chinese crested from Tennessee, was expected to win yet again. But the surprise victory went to an unknown: Pabst, a Boxer mix from Citrus Heights, California. Pabst has an amazing underbite and wowed the crowd with his sly grin.

He not only came away with a 4–foot tall champion’s trophy, but a cool $2,000 and a modeling contract with House of Dog in Los Angeles. He even has a chance to gain fame on the Animal Planet cable show along with appearances on national TV. We’re proud of you, Pabst. Keep on grinning!

This information is provided by www.barkingmart.com