Vaccinate your animals, a decision you won't regret

In Pontiac, Michigan breaking news today was regarding the outbreak of Parvo (parvovirus) in dogs and about how Parvo has taken the lives of hundreds of dogs this summer.

The Detroit Free Press reports that shelter workers in Detroit and Flint have also had outbreaks and it is the worst she has seen in years and even Houston, Texas is showing signs of the outbreak.

Parvo affects dogs by contact with feces (pet waste) from other contaminated dogs and most of the time die after several days after symptoms appear. Parvo is a viral disease and can be highly contagious and should be prevented by a regular vaccination by your vet. Puppies get Parvo more often than adult dogs and is carried by one dog to another. The vomit and feces of an infected animal can live outside the dog’s body for as long as 10 months. Some adult dogs can have this horrible disease and show no symptoms but be a carrier transmitting to other dogs and animals.

Families that are lower income are more susceptible to their pets having diseases because they tend to skip vaccinations and regular dog upkeep and care. There are many vaccination clinics and many of the pet stores in your area that run “specials” on vaccinations, so if you cannot afford your dog to have their shots, please visit one of these portable pet care events. Call your area’s animal shelter and find out what event's are going on in your area. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona offers vaccinations twice a week for $10.00.

Without treatment 80% of infected animals will die.

Some symptoms of Parvo are below but if you want more information regarding Parvo please visit: http://dogparvosymptoms.net/

• Depression
• lethargy
• No eating
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Bottom line is ~ no one (even animals) should suffer especially if you can keep it from happening ~ Have your dog vaccinated, do the right thing :)

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Posh Puppy Boutique comes to the Westfield Mall at the Roseville Galleria!

In 2008 Westfield Mall made some HUGE upscale renovations costing over 200 million dollars. Many new stores have entered this remarkable shopping mall to be included in the 400,000 sq ft growth!

Some of the new luxurious stores include: Louis Vuitton, Crate & Barrel, Tiffany’s and Restoration Hardware. Stores such as Macy’s and JCPenney have upsized their stores and there are many new additions to restaurants and eateries. 2009 will be a very exciting year for this wonderful shopping mall with the 2nd phase approaching, new retailers will be Lacoste, Juicy Couture, True Religion and Tommy Bahama.

Posh Puppy will also have a store located near JCrew in center court on Level 1 where there will be a selection of upscale doggy wear. A great little pet boutique dedicated to family, pets and gives to many charities along the way. This wonderful family owned pet boutique is a great place to find items that cater to your doggie and have great gift items! Go on by and say hello!

So, if you are in the Sacramento or Roseville area be sure to check out all the new additions and renovations to the Westfield Mall, located on 1151 Galleria Blvd. in Roseville, California. Westfield Mall is located 20 miles northeast of Sacramento . For a map to visit the Westfield Mall at Roseville Galleria, you can visit: http://westfield.com/galleriaatroseville/gettinghere/TravelingbyCar.html

Happy Shopping!

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Dogs can mourn for MJ too

I must say… although I thought he might have been strange, I loved Michael Jackson’s music. I can remember my high school friend (Val) and I skating to “Keep on with the force; don’t stop till you get enough” ! What great times.. No worries, just a bunch of friends have a great time to great music. Who would have known all the drama that would surround this music man later in life.

As I watched the very moving public service for Michael Jackson, I was deeply moved by the words that were spoken about him and know that there were still people in the world that loved him and were saddened and shocked by his death. I even learned that Michael Jackson and the Jackson family once owned a German Shepard, Louie, I really thought that is choice of pets, were the exotic animals.

What better way to show your mourning for Michael Jackson than to put your best buddy in this “Goodbye Michael” Rhinestone Doggie T-shirt. It will fit any doggie from a Yorkie or small to a German Shepard! It comes in sizes X-Small to a whopping big doggie size 6X! It is affordable and the rhinestone paw is just lovely for the honoring of Michael Jackson.

If you are one of the many people on this earth that adored and liked Michael Jackson and his music, be the first to put your doggie in this great “Goodbye Michael” T-shirt.

Thank you Posh Puppy for carrying this doggie shirt honoring Michael Jackson.

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Here comes the Bride.... and the dog!

Many pet owners and celebrities these days are choosing to include their pet(s) in their wedding. In many cases, the pet attending or in the wedding happens to be a dog, since dogs are most easily trained and social but I understand that cats, parakeets and other little ones have been a part of those special days too. I remember my sweet beloved Taylor (my first Weiner-dog) and how precious he was to me but I cannot say how he would do in a wedding and I am not sure if I would have wanted to find out.

I understand that it is all in the wedding planning. If you do not know how your pet will react around a group of people, I am not sure I would take the chance. Pets can be very unpredictable at times and over excited. BUT… if you are sure Fido will be an added blessing for your wedding day, I say GO FOR IT!

Why not I guess, there is even an online game where you can dress your pet for the big day. Freeplaynow.com offers a free online game where you change out outfits on your pet to participate in the blessed event. If you want a dog tiara, just add it on, if you want her with a doggie wedding veil change it up and you are ready to roll.

There are steps to take before planning your big day if you are going to include your best buddy in the festivities:

• Find out if the establishment allows pets whether it be in a church or reception hall.


• Make sure you tell your Wedding Planner about the plans to include Buster. She should know exactly what to do.


• Appoint a “temporary guardian” to be with your dog during the entire event making sure he is not overwhelmed, or needs water or simply to “relieve himself”.


• Always have a “Plan B”, just in case things don’t go as planned.


• Again.....unpredictable pets can cause an unpredictable outcome, so rehearse, rehearse and rehearse again.
  
  Most importantly in my book is for your pet to look good at the wedding!! Bridal fashion for dogs, whether they are tying the knot or involved in their owners wedding is so crucial. There are precious dog wedding outfits out there. You can spend as low as $25.00 all the way up to a $215.00 for this great Diamond Jim Leather and Swarovski Crystal Dog Vest. Don’t forget the wedding dog accessories either… the veil, the dress, the tux, the jewelry, hat and the bachelor party wear!
  
  Make sure your photographer includes your party go-er as well and have a wonderful wedding!

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Have a "Howling" Good Time!

Expect an invitation and wear your best duds to the new growing trends of Doggie Birthday Parties! I thought we were in a recession, but have a birthday party for your doggie, why not?

Some pet parents throw extremely elaborate doogie birthday parties for their canines, other times, a dog birthday party is a low-key affair or simply an excuse to get together with friends. Planning can be extensive or relatively minor depending on what you have in mind.

Such dog birthday parties are part of a growing trend, according to the American Pet Products Association. The group's 2009-10 National Pet Owners Survey says that about 7 percent of dog owners hold holiday or birthday dog parties for their friends. That's up from 6 percent before 2008. And the APPA projects that those numbers will keep growing even through the recession, as overall pet spending hits $45.4 billion this year. That is a lot of partying!

There are many pup party preparations to take before throwing your pooch a birthday party, you must plan like you would any birthday party.

• Doggie cakes or doggie treats (there are so many choices, you can get flavours including banana nut, apple cinnamon and honey almond make it easy to customize for your pampered pooch and his friends.

• Doggie birthday hats or doggie bandanas
  


• Don't forget to decorate with balloons and Doggie birthday party theme plates, cups, streamers etc.

• Goodie bags

• Don't forget the best thing! Every birthday girl or boy should have a brand new pooch birthday outfit to sport at the special event!
  

• Don’t forget to give your “human party go-ers” refreshments! Try"K9 Candy", which is the cutest bone-shaped people candy around or "Kooky Chew" party food snacks, that looks like kibbles. Service snacks in dog bowls, it will be a HUGE hit! You can make sandwiches and then cut with a dog bone shaped cookie cutter.

Doggie Birthday Activities and Birthday party games are fun too! Have each doggie guest come in doggie costume and have a mini-fashion show! You might want to pick up some pet friendly small organic dog toys to use as prizes for best costume, most original, funniest, etc. There are great doggie costumes to buy out there!

Instead of receiving gifts for your Pooch, why not ask for donations to favorite charities, especially those benefiting animals. Have party go-ers bring a bag of dog food, or a pet bed, or something that you can take to a local shelter.

Whatever you do and how big you make your Doggie Birthday Party, remember to just enjoy your time, stay safe and make new friends!

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These are not just lap dogs!

SO COOL! Saw the 4th Annual Loews Coronado Bay Surf Competition held on June 20th at the Imperial Beach and noticed something shocking, the surfers are DOGS. This amazing dog event was sponsored by Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s Good Neighbor Council and was honored to organize and host this fun-filled dog surfing event as part of its Loews Loves Pets program.

Now, I thought that fetching a stick was difficult for my canine to complete, but this is great! The dogs surf and ride those waves and certainly do it in doggie style! I am not sure I could ride a wave like the winner of the small dog category, Buddy ~ a Jack Russell Terrier. There were many different levels, small dogs, and larger dogs, and up. They even had the pet owner and his/her pet category which Zoey, a Jack Russell Terrier, and his owners Scott and Tyler Chandler won!

These pet owners have brought their surfing, wave loving doggies from all over and competition is tough, not just to surf and win, but to look good while doing it, it's call great doggie fashion. I saw great dog bathing suits, canine sunglasses (called "doggles", not goggles) and bandanas!

I noticed the doggie life vests, the doggie bikini's, and of course, the doggie board shorts, which I like, because my Copper has this pair in blue! Of course, pooch bathing suits are a must when you are going to be in the water, and life jackets too, however if you are going to compete with other dogs, make ‘em look good for heaven’s sake!

What a great event, and all proceeds from the 4th Annual Loews Coronado Bay Surf Competition go to organizations that help prevent poverty before it happens. If you are feeling generous today, visit Modest Needs Foundation. This wonderful water activity dog event not only brought in 45,000 but also brought pet owners and communities together for a fun day with your pet!

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Eco Friendly Canine Couture

Heard of the neatest thing the other day, a great new eco-friendly apparel company designed and donated a t-shirt for the Four Legged Fashion show. I checked it out online and had no idea that such fashion show even took place. I wish I could have attended, what a great event! Debbie of Seedsucker contributed the human and doggie shirt (shown), how cute! Seedsucker also operaties a really neat environmental fundraiser for schools and organizations. I am sick of selling candles and junk wrapping paper so I am all for this!

Four Legged Fashion Show “Where Canine meets Couture” was a fashion show presented by the Fashion Group Interenational Dallas. There were auctions and a new one of a kind revelaing of new fashion designers, all of this to help small animal rescue organizations. Will keep up with this event and attend next year for sure!

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Life Vest for Dogs, so many uses

Doing my normal internet surfing for dog clothing and accessorories, I stumbled across a pretty cool idea to keep your doggies safe while they are frolicking in the water, LIFE JACKETS FOR DOGS!

I am amazed, I had no idea that not all dogs can swim, so having a floation device on your dog would ease your mind. The life jacket also provides an effective way to rehabilitate dogs with leg injuries. Sometimes after surgeries, dogs are immobilized and this makes many of our furry friends unhappy. But with one of these lifejackets our dogs can take of excess strain and rehabilitate effectively by swimming rather than going for a run. Not all dogs take to them right off, I understand that in time, they adjust just fine. Not sure if your dog is anything like mine, but my playful doggy loves to jump in the pool and swim with our family during the summer. We love having him in, but have always worried about how long he can swim safely. You know, they swim out and then they look a little tired so you try and lead them back to the edge or step of the pool.

These canine life vests come in many different sizes, different prices, different colors and by different brands. I found great ones which I am excited to share with you today. Some of these are large size dog life vests others smaller sized floation support for your petite pooch. . Now your pup can play with the family and be just as safe as your toddler who should be wearing water wings ;).There is more than just safety when swimming with family. We go out on our boat pretty frequently and in case our pup slips off the edge or decides to take a dive, we know that he will be taken care of with one of these safe yet fashionable life saving dog vests.

What a great idea to take care of our dogs during these summer months. What pup wants to stay at home while the family is outside enjoying their summer? I can’t wait to see these on the lake this summer!

Here are a few dog water safety tips for your little one: You can get additonal tips at: http://www.akc.org/public_education/summer_safety.cfm

~Test your dog, see if he can swim. If not, don’t force him in the water, especially puppies.

~Do not let your dog drink pool, lake or saltwater. It can make him sick.

~Watch for algae scum in any body of water as it can be toxic for dogs.

~Know Dog CPR

~Be careful of unfamiliar lakes or parts of the beach. Strong currents can pull the dog right under.

~Limit your dog’s time in the water. They get very tired too and older dogs will poop out much faster.

~Dogs can get sunburned too, apply dog sunscreen to their ears and their noses.

~Keep your dog hydrated

~Hot sand or a hot boat dock or deck can burn your dog’s paws. Try putting your pooch in these great dog sandals to protect them!

Keep your family safe this summer and ENJOY!

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Working Hollywood Dogs - Where Are They Now? (And What Are They Wearing?)

We all know People Magazine has great celebrity style know-how. In it's most recent issue - they offered a pet-enthusiast style feature - and just had to share and comment. This article and photo feature showcases some celebrity pups (and more!) in their drop-dead gorgeous accessories and apparel - trust us, this is top of the line stuff here.

In the latest issue of People, they featured a “Where are they now?” article on popular animal actors throughout the years. What a great idea! Inquiring minds DID want to know. You can even see them in 3-D!

Of the doggie celebs - of course, Bruiser is my FAVORITE! I know that we all have our favorite animals in movies, (men won't admint it, but they do too because I know that my husband still mourns Butkus from Rocky) and we wonder where they are now?

Among the famous actors was the Taco Bell Chihuahua (Gidget), who can be found lounging in the California sun. She pretty much sleeps all day now. Wouldn't you? Acting is no easy job - even for the two-leggers! Leading the pack in a group of 22 was Clyde (his real name) from Marley and Me. (No offense, Clyde - your performance was tremendous, but I still have a tough tear-ridden time with that movie)

On a full page spread is Eddie, the Jack Russell terrier from the popular sitcom Frasier, sporting an outfit by Hip Doggie!

Hip Doggie is a dog outfitter company that creates clothes for dogs so that they can model after their stylish owners! I have heard of dressing like your children, but going out of your way to be twinkies with your dog, too - it doesn't get better than that!

You can check out these designs for your twinkie-to-be by visiting another fabulous online pet boutique - Posh Puppy Boutique to get some duds for your doggie.

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Molly and June

Certainly, buying a nice scarf or high-end apparel for your best friend or loved one isn’t out of the question ! I could NOT believe my eyes when I saw the precious reversible scarves for the furry-canine-types from Molly and June.

I mean, who would hesitate to put their TRUE best friend in this precious and colorful little accessory ? Or maybe you live in a rainy part of our beautiful planet - try one of their super-waterproof raincoats !

Back to the reversible scarves. These are designed to lay perfectly on the back of your pal’s neck , and are made of 100% cotton . Fully reversible in two colors, and you can choose from two different styles.

Isn't it truly amazing when your doggie can look as good as you ?

Molly and June provides a unique and affordable fashion statement especially if your fur-bound baby is a only child. Be it cashmere, faux fur, wool ... it's only the best for our little ones .... .

Molly and June was created by designer Simard and named after her two best friends, Molly and June. This doggie clothing line is top of the line , well made, functional and while fashionable too. They even have specialty clothing for the bigger doggies, so even my sweet Copper (A Pit Bull Mix ) isn't left out.

This high-end canine clothing line is available at more than one dog apparel boutique, or or you can see the latest news and offerings from the designer directly a Molly & June online. These are handmade in Canada , so you know it's something to bark about!

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