Heroes!

I have always been intrigued with guide dogs and service animals.  I am so impressed with the people that take the time to love and train them and then the people who bring them home, in some cases to put their lives in their hands.  I am awed by the devotion of the animals to the people they serve.  The story below shows how sometimes the guide dog is the one who needs help.

Guide dog helps guide dog

Introducing Mia

I've been falling down on the blogging job lately.  Picked up a couple of new customers including the beautiful Mia!  She is a very energetic Shiba Inu mix and she packs a lot of power into that little body!

Just for fun!

Thanks to Indefatigable, Will My Dog Hate Me? and Doggie Stylish for these videos.  We think the men might not be too crazy about the first one.
 

Cats Rule Too!

Not ready to adopt a dog?  Maybe you can find a place in your home and heart for a cat or two. 

Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society in Menands has a large number of cats available at their shelter and Petsmart locations.  Right now cats 3 years and older are free!  Please click on the picture to see all of the beautiful cats that ready for a new home.  One warning though, I already brought the best cat home from Mohawk 14 years ago!  That would be Tigger who is the star of this post! 

You can find your own Tigger at:

Mohawk & Hudson Humane Society  3 Oakland Ave Menands, NY

Petsmart Glenmont

Petsmart Latham

My Mystery Tour Pup

Update: Yes, Cheyenne is a Rhodesian Ridgeback and she is mixed with pitbull.  She is one tough dog but one of the sweetest ever!

Can you guess what breed my customer Cheyenne is?
Some stats on Chey:
She is about 2 1/2 feet tall.
She is around 90-100 pounds. 
She is very friendly and loves people.
She is loyal.
She is beautiful!
She also hates thunderstorms, loves to watch TV and really loves her ball but I'm not sure that helps to figure out her breed.  Just love bragging about her.

Thanks to Peggy Frezon, Will My Dog Hate Me and Pup Fan for coming up with the blog hop!

Does Your Dog Want A Friend?

Maybe. 
Maybe not. 
Feeling bad your dog never had a playmate in the house?  A number of my customers have asked if I thought they should add another dog.  My answer is always maybe.
You may have a dog that loves the dog park and everyone there.  Does that mean you should get another dog? 
Maybe.
Your dog may love the park and she may even love dogs coming to the house to play.  This doesn't always mean moving one in is a great idea.  Some of the little things to think about before bringing a new dog home.

• Does your dog sleep with you?  Will the new dog as well? 
• How is your dog with toys?  They may share at the park but be possesive at home.
• What is the energy level of your dog?  How about the new dog?
• How long has your dog been an only dog?
• How old is your dog?  Older dogs can get stressed by a new sibling.

The best advice I can give is to have a plan.  Does your dog have a friend that loves to come visit?  See if you can borrow him for a few days.  Test out the waters a little.  If it doesn't work out your dog can still enjoy playdates and the park.  If it does you and your dog can start looking for a new friend.  Again, please have a plan.  If you do bring a new dog home make sure you know what you will do if it goes poorly.  Your best bet may be a rescue or shelter that promises to take the dog back if there are problems.  Getting a second dog can be a great experience.  You want it to be one for your current dog too!

Snow Dog!

I don't enjoy the snow as much as this guy but he is fun to watch.  I laugh the entire time I'm with him.

Shop For A Cause

Buying jewelry and helping pets?  What's not to love.

Tails of Treasure  February 4th   3pm-7pm
The Waters Edge Lighthouse  Freemans Bridge Rd.  Glenville, NY
Admission $3
Click here for more..

Corbin is trying to win money for his favorite charity Homeward Bound.  Homeward Bound is a not for profit all volunteer rescue in Albany, NY.  Click on the picture to vote for Corbin.  More information on Homeward Bound is available here.

Have You Kissed A Dog?

If you haven't kissed a dog you can on Sunday, February 13th.  Kiss for a Cause is a fundraiser for Out of the Pits and Rottie Empire Rescue.   It will be held at Benson's Pet Center in Clifton Park.  More info here.  Get out and kiss a dog!

Lexi

Update!Lexi has found her home!
Lexi would really like a new home.  She's been at Animal Protective in Scotia since October.  Her friend Sequoia found a home and Lexi is hoping to be next.

She has two youtube vidoes you can see here

Happy Dog!

A trip to the golf course in Albany always makes for a happy dog.  Hills to run on, snow to roll in and usually lots of other dogs to play with.  Today was a quiet day which means more room to roll in the snow and no time to stop for a closeup!

Want To Go On A Trip?

Would you like to go to the Pocono Mountains?  The Inn at Pocono Manor has become pet friendly and you can win a trip with your pet.

The prize is a two night stay for two adults, two kids and two pets.  Click on the picture to enter!

Board?

As in board games for your pets.  Darf Inc. makes games for you and your family to play with your pets.  Definitely an interesting idea for dogs.  I'm pretty sure how my cats would feel about this!

Friends

It doesn't get much cuter than this.

Regis

Regis is finally retiring.  Above is his namesake.  Caused some confusion at the vet when they realized Regis was a she.  She didn't seem to care as long as the treats kept coming.

Stop!!

Do you find you are constantly saying this to your dog?  Stop pulling!  Exercise can help stop this behavior.  After a trip to the dog park a tired dog is less likely to yank you down the street.  Of course the next morning your well rested dog may be back to pulling again.  If you just can't get your dog to stop try the Easy Harness.   This harness is different from the ones you normally see.  The more traditional ones attach the leash near the dogs back.  Many times this just encourages the same pulling although it may give you more control.  Usually, just like the collar, the dog pulls, you pull back and the game begins.  The Easy Walk hooks the leash to the front near the dogs chest and doesn't produce the urge to pull.  A shorter leash is recommended so your dog isn't too far out from you.  The Easy Walk is available at most pet stores and you can get more info here.

Easy Walk

Help The Pits!

Know any hardcore metal fans?  Out of the Pits is holding a fundraiser at Bogie's on February 5th.  More info on the Out of the Pits Facebook Page

Sequoia

UPDATE:  Sequoia has found her new home!!

Can't some help Sequoia?  She's been at the shelter since August.  Too long!  Click on her picture to read her diary.  She's at APF in Scotia.  More info..



Have you seen Simon's Cat?

Please!!!

Peak is hoping more snow is coming.  His dog walker is not as enthusiastic this time around!