Bloggy Doggie needs Guest Posts!

I  don't know how many of you know that I have several businesses but I do. I am an Niche Marketer and have multiple sites for that. But I also have a long running craft business specializing in personalized Christmas ornaments. You can check them out here: Personalized Ornaments

Anyway, the reason why I mention this is that every year starting in late August and ending in early January, I get swamped! I sell online and do multiple craft shows and some days, I'm working 20 hour days.

Which means for the past several years that I have owned Bloggy Doggies, I have let it go dormant during those months. This blog has been a labor of love. I don't make any money off of it . So I tend to put it at the bottom of my list when I have so much going on.

This year, I don't want to let it go dormant. Soooo, if anyone would like to submit guest posts for next 4 months, I would be very grateful and glad to run your article. All I ask is please no spam or the same article you have used elsewhere.

Send your submissions to me at doggymom@bloggydoggies.com

The End of Summer

Summer is ending and that means one thing: Back to School. For most people right now, images of school supplies, homework and a new fall wardrobe are dancing in parent’s heads. But there’s one thing people often forget about: the family pet.

It’s not abnormal for dogs and cats to get depressed when kids leave the house to head back to school – or go off to college.

Paul Mann, the Founder of Fetch! Pet Care gives the following tips to take right now to help avoid the Back-to-School funk for pets.

• Lots of exercise is a key. If you can exercise pets in the morning before you head to work, they’ll be so tired that there will be less time to think about the empty house they’re sitting in.

• Don't make a big deal about your leaving. If you smother the dog or cat in kisses, they’ll be able to tell that something’s up and will get anxious while you’re away.

• Consider hiring a professional pet sitter for a mid-day dog walk or cat visit to break up the day. Even a half-hour walk or visit will give your pet the one-on-one personal attention they deserve, not to mention tire them out.

• Give your pet an old T-Shirt while you’re gone so that he can cuddle up with it and have a familiar smell.

• Get into a routine where you let the kids walk the dog after they get home from school – and before they start on homework. That way, the dog will look forward to the kids getting home from school.

• If one of the kids usually feeds and plays with the cats, try switching up the routine so that the cat gets used to other people in the house. Also consider having the cat sleep with a different family member so they’re less attached to the kids.

Paul has graciously offered my readers a discount on pet sitting services through Fetch! Pet Care, the nation’s leader in pet sitting and dog walking – a wise alternative to asking the neighbors to watch your pet while you’re on vacation.

Just click on this link:  http://tinyurl.com/2575ocj

When you click on it, you’ll see the photo on the right and you can click to get your 10 percent off coupon for Fetch! Pet Care’s services. In the meantime, pet lovers can also check out the Fetch! Pet Care Fan Page on Facebook where for the next several months, there will be some great contests going on where fans can win prizes by uploading photos.

Angels Sometimes Have 4 Legs

CHEYENNE

By Catherine Moore

'Watch out! You nearly broadsided that car!' My father yelled at me. 'Can't you do anything right?' Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle.

'I saw the car, Dad.. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving.' My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt.

Dad glared at me, then, turned away and settled back. At home, I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil.

What could I do about him?

Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon . He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day, I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived..

But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned and then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon, I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session, he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it.

The next day, I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, 'I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article.' I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one, but rejected one after the other for various reasons, too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen, a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. 'Can you tell me about him?' The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement..

'He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him; that was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow.' He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in, I turned to the man in horror. 'You mean you're going to kill him?'

'Ma'am,' he said gently, 'that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog..'

I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. 'I'll take him,' I said..

I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house, I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.

'Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!' I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. 'If I had wanted a dog, I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it' Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples..

'You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!' Dad ignored me… 'Did you hear me, Dad?' I screamed. At those words, Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate.

We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when, suddenly, the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him.. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.

Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently.. Then, Dad was on his knees, hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together, he and Cheyenneexplored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew andCheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded and he and Cheyennemade many friends. Then, late one night, I was startled to feel Cheyenne 's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe, and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later, my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad's funeral dawned, overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And, then, the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.'

'I've often thanked God for sending that angel,' he said.

For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article.

Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter, his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father, and the proximity of their deaths. And, suddenly, I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all. Life is too short for drama & petty things, so laugh hard, love truly, and forgive quickly. Live While You Are Alive. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

Product Review-Skinneez Dog Toy

Recently we were asked to try out a new Spots'Skinneez dog toy. Being that Buddy loooves dog toys, I thought he would be the perfect pup to try it out. As usual, I need to add the disclaimer that I did not get compensated for this review although I did get the dog toy for free.

First let me tell you what is different about this toy. The body doesn't have any stuffing. There is some stuffing in the head, and that's where the squeakers are. Because these toys don't have stuffing, they last longer and if your dog does eventually rip it apart, you don't have to worry about stuffing all over the place.  Also due to the lack of stuffing, they flop over like real prey would. Another advantage is they can be washed. And they have securely sewn-on eyes, ears and tails for added safety.

So now you may be wondering how Buddy liked it.  Although he has a boat load of toys, Buddy has 2 favorite toys. A bumpy pink ball and a rope toy. This skinneez duck is his 3rd favorite. He carries it around wherever he goes. He's only had it for about a week so I can't be a witness as to how well they actually do hold up. But as much as he has played with it, it still looks practically new.

You can get the Spot's Skinneez dog toy at most pet retailers or online at Ethical Pet. Here's the link to the mallard toy that Buddy got: PLUSH SKINNEEZ MALARD DUCK.

Rescue a Doggy- Meet Miranda

This poor little puppy!

Why do my legs look funny? Well, it's quite the sad story. An 8 year old child threw me across the room and both of my legs are fractured. When the family couldn't afford to fix them, they took me to the shelter. Yes, they will make sure someone gets in trouble for that but now, it's time to look forward to a day when I can run again like the puppy that I am. My surgery will cost almost $4000! and is scheduled for Monday, June 21st. Please say a little prayer for me and if you are able to help, make a donation to help with the expense of fixing my legs. I will need a minimum of 8 weeks crate rest afterwards so foster mom says we aren't even thinking about adoption yet – just getting better! If you are approved contact Kathy: 717-491-1942 or yorkierescueme@gmail.com.

Go here for info on getting approved:

http://yorkierescueme.com/adoptionprocess.asp

And if you can't adopt, please help with Miranda's surgery costs by donating whatever you can. Go to http://yorkierescueme.com/ and look for the link on at the top left hand side to donate. You can donate by paypal, by mail or phone or even donate your old cell phone.

A New Contest- get Free Dog Food

I don't know about you but with 4 dogs, I am always worried about running out of dog food. And I dread dragging those big bags home from the store. So when I recently heard from a company called Petflow.com about their delivery system, I was definitely interested.

Petflow offers most of the brands out there for dog and cat food (and for you Taste of the Wild fans,  they do offer that too!) and at fairly good prices too. They offer free shipping on orders over $65 (sign up here http://www.petflow.com/start ).

The email I received states "PetFlow boasts more than 50 brands for dogs and cats, including dry and wet food, pet treats, litter materials and Wee Wee pads.  You can filter your search based on special dietary needs or lifestyle conditions – such as weight management, dental health, organic ingredients and skin needs."

What I really like is you can set up a shipping schedule if you wish and have them ship every week, every couple of weeks, once a month, or whatever.  I am going to use this service for my own dogs, buy 3 large bags of food at once to make the $65 for the free shipping and then set it up to deliver every 5 weeks.

Oh, I also wanted to mention that a portion of their profits go to a no-kill animal shelter.

Ok, I guess you are ready to hear about the prize right? I really really wish I was eligible for this one! One reader will get a month's worth of free pet food ($65 value) from Petflow!  Just leave a comment to enter.

What size dog should you choose

What kind of dog should you choose for your lifestyle and family? Different kinds of dogs are suitable for different kinds of people. If you live on a farm, a toy poodle might not be suitable for you. A border collie or lab might be a better choice.

Small Puppies

Who should get a small breed of dog? These little guys are great for apartment dwellers, single people with out young children, and older people. Tiny puppies do have some challenges as they are more fragile than their larger counterparts. You need to be aware of where they are at all times as not to step on them. These puppies also tend to crave human companionship and want to be with their human "parents" as much as possible. They can become despondent, destructive and neurotic if left alone too much. There also may be house training issues.

The upside is that your dog food bill will be on the low side. Small dogs make wonderful companions and will provide endless fun and enjoyment.. Small puppies are very portable and are often accepted in places where larger dogs are not.

Some great small breed puppies to consider are Yorkshire Terriers, Silky Terriers, Malteses, Mi-Kis, Toy Poodles, Coton de Tulear, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, Chihuahuas, Mini-Dachshunds  and Haveneses.

Medium Sized Puppies

Medium sized puppies grow up to between 20 and 40 pounds. These sturdy  little pups are usually great for kids and do well in most environments. They are great for small houses and small yards. They tend to be easier to housetrain than smaller pups. They do require more exercise than the small guys and often have more energy. They make great family pets. They do better if they have a job to do or they can become destructive.

Some good medium sized breeds are the Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, Chinese Shar-Pei, Border Collie, American Eskimo Dog and the French Bulldog.

Large Puppies

Large breed dogs are great for families with lots of space and lots of energy. These guys are between 40 to 75 pounds when full grown. Large breed puppies are great with children but they may accidentally hurt young children in their rambunctiousness.

These big lugs like to work and need a job to do. They need to be socialized at an early age as to not be a danger to people or animals. They also need to be trained at an early age.

Large breed puppies will grow up to make great watch dogs and protectors of your family. They do need a lot of space and lots of exercise. And they do eat alot too.

Some great large breed puppies to consider are the Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Collie, and the Boxer.

Giant Breed Puppies

Sometimes large just isn't large enough. Giant breed puppies may be just right for you. They warrant  a lot of attention just by their huge size. They can get up to 200 pounds!

They too need a lot of space, early socialization and early training to make a great, safe pet.

Although they eat a lot too, some breeds don't eat as much as you would think due to their slower metabolisms. A big downside to these giants is they often have short life spans compared to their smaller counterparts.

Some great Giant breeds are the Mastiff, the Irish Wolfhound, the Great Dane, the Black Russian Terrier, and the Leonberger.

Hopefully this article will give you some insight to which breed is right for you. Please leave a comment if you have any questions or comments.

Product Review The Wobbler from Kong

Remember that old toy slogan 'Weebles wobble but they don't fall down'?  That can be applied to the new toy from Kong. It's called the Wobbler and it's made for the big dogs.

We got one sent to us a long with a bag of treats to put in them. As usual I need to put in the disclaimer that I was not compensated for this post but I was given the free toy.

In case you are not familiar with Kongs, they are odd shaped toys with a hole in them. You put treats in the hole and then your dog tries to get them out. My dogs like to chew on them too. At least they try to chew on them. Their roundish shape makes it hard. These toys are pretty tough too. They last longer than most dog toys.

Anyway, the Wobbler states it's for dogs over 25 pounds. I think I'd go higher than that on the weight thing. Roxy, who weighs 40 pounds had trouble playing with it. But it was perfect for Buddy who weighs about 80 pounds.

Buddy seemed to enjoy this toy the most. It is kind of cool how the toy will wobble but it doesn't tip over.  The toy is pretty heavy and the directions say your dog should be supervised while playing with it. Not sure why unless it's because of the heaviness.

This Kong is kind of on the pricey side at around $20 but if you have a big dog at home, it's a good investment. You can find it in most major pet stores and online.

How to choose your breeder and puppy

Personally, I think a mixed breed puppy is the best option. They have less health problems, are usually smarter and much cheaper. But I know many prefer a pure bred puppy.

The second option is to look to rescue groups for your desired breed. You can do an online search for your breed + rescue group and see what's available. Or go to petfinder.com. Unfortunately they often have many more adult dogs than they do puppies.

The third choice is to find a reputable breeder. You can check to see if your local area (again do an online search) has a club in your desired breed. Call or email them and ask for recommendations.

I don't recommend ever getting a puppy from a pet store. Not only are they over priced but they usually come from puppy mills.

Once you have found a breeder, make an appointment to see the puppies. Be wary of a breeder who will not let you see the puppy's parents or the puppy's living conditions.

Another thing to consider is whether the puppies and parent dogs seem to like the breeder. Do they show them affection or cower in fear?

Ask the breeder to see the puppy's paperwork. You want to see the AKC registration, the puppy's pedigree and all the medical records regarding the puppy. The puppy should have been checked out by a vet, wormed, and depending on it's age, it should  have started it series of vaccinations. Also ask if the breeder offers a written health guarantee and what the time limitations are on it.

When picking out a puppy, ask to see the whole litter and check out how they interact with each other. You want a playful puppy but not one that is overly aggressive towards his siblings.  Do not pick the shyest or most timid puppy either.

Check the puppy over. It should have bright eyes without discharge. It should look lke it's well fed. Lightly pull a little bit of it's skin away from it's body and see if it bounces back or just hangs.

Once you find a puppy you are interested in, ask if the other puppies can be put away. You want to see how the puppy reacts towards you without the distractions. Will it play with you? Is it curious about you or does is shy away?

If you decide you want to buy a puppy from this breeder, make sure you get a copy of all the records you looked at earlier at the time of purchase.  As soon as possible, get your own vet to check out the pup. You want to do this quickly as to not get too attached if there are serious health problems and you need to return the puppy to the breeder. Hopefully all we be fine and you and your new furry friend will have a long, happy life together.

Rescue a Doggy-Meet Hudson

Isn't this Yorkie a cutie? Rescue Me has this to say about this little dog up for adoption:

Hudson is a sweet little man who is very loyal to his person. He was found as a stray in rough condition but has been feeling much better as time goes by. Hudson has some elevated kidney values but is doing great on his kidney food and daily kidney supplement. He also takes a thyroid medication twice daily but as long as it's in a piece of cheese, he's happy to get it! This is a wonderful little guy who is looking for a home for the remainder of his life, if that's you – apply today! Hudson is fostered in Whiting, NJ. If you are approved contact Jen: 717-491-1942 or yorkierescueme@gmail.com.

Go here for info on getting approved:

http://yorkierescueme.com/adoptionprocess.asp

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