I hope that these movies put you and your fur babies into the spirit of the season! Don't forget the pupcorn!
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
Friday, December 18, 2015
Happy Howlidays!
The howlidays are officially upon us! What better way to celebrate than by snuggling up to watch a family friendly movie starring our favorite furry friends? Below is a list of my personal favorites.
Grumpy Cat stars in her very first movie! In Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever, Grumpy Cat lives in a mall pet shop where she is continually passed over by would-be adopters. That is until she meets a special 12 year old girl named Chrystal. After falling head over paws for Grumpy, Chrystal discovers that she can hear Grumpy talk! Has Grumpy Cat finally found the human that can make her see the true meaning of Christmas?
Zach, a handsome firefighter, saves a stray cat when returning from a call out. He has no idea how to care for the cute kitty and decides to take her to the vet. While there, he meets Marilee, a veterinary student. Both feel an instant connection between them, but sadly, Zach already has a girlfriend. Will the fur begin to fly or can the rescued cat save the day in time for Christmas?
Glenn Barrows (played by the super handsome Dean Cain) is a widower who is trying his best to raise his children, Elliot and Phoebe, solo. With Christmas coming, Glenn is hoping to recapture the magic that the family once shared during this time of the year. Enter Belle, an adorably gorgeous puppy that instantly bonds with Elliot and Phoebe. Will Glenn's dog-hating, gold-digging girlfriend ruin this beautiful relationship for good?
Elisa Donovan stars as Laura, a self-absorbed workaholic who has recently lost her dog. Feeling stuck in her life, she visits a Life Coach who is really one of Santa's elves! The elf tells Laura to make 12 wishes for a positive change in her life. But will Laura's wishes have irreversible consequences? Will she be able to get her normal life and dog back before Christmas? You'll have to watch to find out!
Jennie Garth stars a Susan, a widowed unemployed LA museum curator who is trying to care for her three sons. Her dog, Rusty, ends up falling in love with Cheri, a pampered poodle that belongs to Jake, the owner of a local winery. These fur-crossed lovers soon help their humans to fall in love too. With a Christmas Day wedding planned, will these two families be able to put their differences aside in time to walk down the aisle?
Zeus, a former K-9 police dog, has recently been adopted by the Bannister family. They are hoping that Zeus will be the guard dog that they have been looking for. But Zeus continues to make mistakes. When two burglars threaten to break into the Bannister's home on Christmas Eve, will Zeus be able to prove himself once and for all? Starring the voice of Mario Lopez as Zeus and Dean Cain as one of the burglars, this movie is a must see!
I hope that these movies put you and your fur babies into the spirit of the season! Don't forget the pupcorn!
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
I hope that these movies put you and your fur babies into the spirit of the season! Don't forget the pupcorn!
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
Friday, December 4, 2015
Pet Expo 2015
Dogs were lined up as far as the eye could see. Kittens snuggled in their crates waiting to be adopted. The smell of freshly baked pizza wafted through the air. Welcome to the St. Louis Pet Expo!
This free event is held annually at the St. Charles, MO convention center. My husband and I look forward to going every year. We view it as Christmas for pet parents.
As soon as you walk through the doors, you are given a goodie bag containing coupons and pet themed magazines. We also use this bag to haul our stash of newly acquired business cards and brochures. I made a beeline to one of my favorite tables: Preston Speaks! This adorable dog with a blog is as sweet as he can be. I first met him at the 2014 expo and love reconnecting with him (and his humans).
Amid the rescue organizations, I was excited to see St. Louis Aviary Rescue. I think this is the first time that we have seen a bird rescue group. They had so many beautiful birds! My favorite was a pair of cockatiels. They reminded me of an old married couple. The grey cockatiel would snuggle up to the yellow one. Then the yellow one would promptly bite the grey one's feathers!
An animal conservation group was also on hand. They were showcasing a baby beaver. He was so small but his feet were HUGE! We learned that baby beavers need to be touched and groomed by their mothers until they are two weeks old. If they do not receive this physical contact, they will become depressed, stop eating and eventually die.
I hope that you enjoy the following photos from the expo!
This free event is held annually at the St. Charles, MO convention center. My husband and I look forward to going every year. We view it as Christmas for pet parents.
As soon as you walk through the doors, you are given a goodie bag containing coupons and pet themed magazines. We also use this bag to haul our stash of newly acquired business cards and brochures. I made a beeline to one of my favorite tables: Preston Speaks! This adorable dog with a blog is as sweet as he can be. I first met him at the 2014 expo and love reconnecting with him (and his humans).
Amid the rescue organizations, I was excited to see St. Louis Aviary Rescue. I think this is the first time that we have seen a bird rescue group. They had so many beautiful birds! My favorite was a pair of cockatiels. They reminded me of an old married couple. The grey cockatiel would snuggle up to the yellow one. Then the yellow one would promptly bite the grey one's feathers!
An animal conservation group was also on hand. They were showcasing a baby beaver. He was so small but his feet were HUGE! We learned that baby beavers need to be touched and groomed by their mothers until they are two weeks old. If they do not receive this physical contact, they will become depressed, stop eating and eventually die.
I hope that you enjoy the following photos from the expo!
These adorable kitties were enjoying some quality snuggle time.
Hanging out with my favorite Westie, Preston and his sister, Daisy!
This is a baby beaver. Check out his back feet!
This is a real, live puppy! She was completely zonked out. We thought she was a stuffed toy!
I love my new Preston Speaks t-shirt!
This is my husband's favorite shirt. Fur babies rock!
Our Dachshund is perfectly described by this t-shirt.
We cannot wait to see what the 2016 Expo will bring!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Pet Lovers Rejoice!
What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss is a delightful story that depicts two children faced with a very difficult decision: choosing a family pet. Just as each child believes he/she has found the perfect pet, a different breed of animal emerges, tempting them to change their minds.
The children then begin to think about what type of pet their parents would like. While this appears to help with the elimination process, the siblings still cannot agree on which pet to pick. Time is running out! Will they ever find their perfect pet?
Dr. Seuss has once again masterfully written a story with an adult concept in mind: making decisions. I believe that all readers will easily relate to this story. The reader is introduced to a cast of unusual and colorful characters that are sure to enchant and delight.
I especially loved the ending of this book. No spoilers here! I also thoroughly enjoyed reading the special section at the end of the book that discusses Dr. Seuss' longtime love of animals. The vintage pictures of Seuss with his various dogs is truly a treasure to behold.
The children then begin to think about what type of pet their parents would like. While this appears to help with the elimination process, the siblings still cannot agree on which pet to pick. Time is running out! Will they ever find their perfect pet?
Dr. Seuss has once again masterfully written a story with an adult concept in mind: making decisions. I believe that all readers will easily relate to this story. The reader is introduced to a cast of unusual and colorful characters that are sure to enchant and delight.
I especially loved the ending of this book. No spoilers here! I also thoroughly enjoyed reading the special section at the end of the book that discusses Dr. Seuss' longtime love of animals. The vintage pictures of Seuss with his various dogs is truly a treasure to behold.
Mabel is Marvelous!
Meet Mabel. This Frenchie's antics rival that of Paris Hilton. Well...almost.
Being the pampered pooch that she is, Mabel tends to break many of the rules that her humans make. She is constantly immersing herself in the fun-filled world that clearly revolves around her. Mistakes can easily be fixed, right?
One day, Mabel discovers the true meaning of the word "naughty." Could her greatest act of rebellion cost her the love of her family? You will have to read Naughty Mabel by Nathan Lane and Devlin Elliott to find out, darlings!
I absolutely love everything about this book! I find it refreshing that the story is told from Mabel's point of view. Lane and Elliott did an amazing job of giving Mabel a very distinctive voice and personality. As I read the book aloud to my own furry pack, I could hear Mabel's spoiled, upper-crust accent emerge.
I also found the style of writing to be very humorous and entertaining. This is definitely not your typically children's picture book. There are parts of the story that will certainly make older children and adults chuckle.
Many of Mabel's antics are totally relatable to pet and human parents alike. I think this makes the story even more enjoyable to read. Dan Krall's illustrations are wonderfully whimsical. I fell in love with Mabel by page one. Her numerous facial expressions are simply adorable. I also noticed similarities between some of the human characters and celebrities (such as a Martha Stuart look-alike). Genius!
Naughty Mabel is sure to become the next children's classic. This book will enchant and delight dog lovers of all ages. I cannot wait to read it again!
Being the pampered pooch that she is, Mabel tends to break many of the rules that her humans make. She is constantly immersing herself in the fun-filled world that clearly revolves around her. Mistakes can easily be fixed, right?
One day, Mabel discovers the true meaning of the word "naughty." Could her greatest act of rebellion cost her the love of her family? You will have to read Naughty Mabel by Nathan Lane and Devlin Elliott to find out, darlings!
I absolutely love everything about this book! I find it refreshing that the story is told from Mabel's point of view. Lane and Elliott did an amazing job of giving Mabel a very distinctive voice and personality. As I read the book aloud to my own furry pack, I could hear Mabel's spoiled, upper-crust accent emerge.
I also found the style of writing to be very humorous and entertaining. This is definitely not your typically children's picture book. There are parts of the story that will certainly make older children and adults chuckle.
Many of Mabel's antics are totally relatable to pet and human parents alike. I think this makes the story even more enjoyable to read. Dan Krall's illustrations are wonderfully whimsical. I fell in love with Mabel by page one. Her numerous facial expressions are simply adorable. I also noticed similarities between some of the human characters and celebrities (such as a Martha Stuart look-alike). Genius!
Naughty Mabel is sure to become the next children's classic. This book will enchant and delight dog lovers of all ages. I cannot wait to read it again!
Monday, November 2, 2015
Priceless Penny Featured on Dogster.com
I am so thrilled that my tripod dog, Penny, is featured on Dogster.com as part of the Monday Miracle Series! Check out the article here: http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/priceless-penny-proves-tripod-dogs-can-triumph
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Friday, October 9, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Friday, September 4, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Brave Brownie
He flew through the backyard like a rocket. His tail was a blur in the wind. Brownie was full of life.
The day began just like any other. Brownie had his sites on a squirrel that was digging in a nearby flowerbed. When the door opened, Brownie bolted.
A shriek pierced the air. Brownie's owners raced outside to discover Brownie dragging his back legs. Frustrated, scared and confused, Brownie whimpered as he tried to move.
A trip to the vet's revealed that Brownie was suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This disease is very common among the Dachshund breed. The typical course of action is surgery.
Rescue Ink, a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation group in New York, heard of Brownie's plight and rushed in to help. One of the members began giving Brownie massage therapy to "align his chakras." Still another member began creating a custom wheelchair for Brownie to cruise the streets in.
While I was touched by the actions of Rescue Ink, I was completely applaud by Brownie's so-called "family." The father openly admitted that if the Rescue Ink team could not get Brownie walking again, they would have to "get rid of him." He went on to say that he could not handle Brownie having accidents in the house (Brownie also lost control of his bladder when the disc slipped.).
Is this how a family member should be treated? If a human's legs stop working, do we dump them at the pound? If they cannot control their bladder, do we euthanize them? Absolutely not! We purchase a wheelchair, a package of Depends and keep on loving them unconditionally.
Brownie's family had completely given up on him, yet there were numerous options at their disposal. First, they could have contacted the Frankie Wheelchair Fund (nationalwalknrolldogday.com). This fund was created by author Barbra Techel who lost her own doxie to IVDD. The fund provides wheelchairs for dogs of all breeds who are suffering from this terrible disease.
Being the proud fur mom of five dogs and two cats, I completely understand how expensive surgeries can be. A very popular option among rescue groups that are trying to pay for medical bills for their rescues is to create a Go Fund Me page on www.gofundme.com. Campaigns are free to create and all of the proceeds collected go directly to the creator.
In regards to Brownie's bladder issues, all major pet stores carry disposable doggie diapers. I have personally tried the cloth belly band on one of my pooches and it worked wonderfully. A third option would be to use the ever popular puppy pads.
Thankfully, Brownie thrived under the care of Rescue Ink and remained with his family. Yet, my greatest fear is that Brownie will have done all of this work for nothing. What happens if he occasionally has an accident or breaks something on his cart? Maybe he will develop cataracts or hearing problems as he ages. Will his "family" stay by his side or dump him at a local shelter to be needlessly killed?
Pets are not garbage to be thrown away. They are loyal, loving family members that deserve respect. Do not adopt a pet if you are not prepared to make a lifetime commitment both emotionally and financially.
Be sure to check out Rescue Ink's official website at: www.rescueink.org
The day began just like any other. Brownie had his sites on a squirrel that was digging in a nearby flowerbed. When the door opened, Brownie bolted.
A shriek pierced the air. Brownie's owners raced outside to discover Brownie dragging his back legs. Frustrated, scared and confused, Brownie whimpered as he tried to move.
A trip to the vet's revealed that Brownie was suffering from Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This disease is very common among the Dachshund breed. The typical course of action is surgery.
Rescue Ink, a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation group in New York, heard of Brownie's plight and rushed in to help. One of the members began giving Brownie massage therapy to "align his chakras." Still another member began creating a custom wheelchair for Brownie to cruise the streets in.
While I was touched by the actions of Rescue Ink, I was completely applaud by Brownie's so-called "family." The father openly admitted that if the Rescue Ink team could not get Brownie walking again, they would have to "get rid of him." He went on to say that he could not handle Brownie having accidents in the house (Brownie also lost control of his bladder when the disc slipped.).
Is this how a family member should be treated? If a human's legs stop working, do we dump them at the pound? If they cannot control their bladder, do we euthanize them? Absolutely not! We purchase a wheelchair, a package of Depends and keep on loving them unconditionally.
Brownie's family had completely given up on him, yet there were numerous options at their disposal. First, they could have contacted the Frankie Wheelchair Fund (nationalwalknrolldogday.com). This fund was created by author Barbra Techel who lost her own doxie to IVDD. The fund provides wheelchairs for dogs of all breeds who are suffering from this terrible disease.
Being the proud fur mom of five dogs and two cats, I completely understand how expensive surgeries can be. A very popular option among rescue groups that are trying to pay for medical bills for their rescues is to create a Go Fund Me page on www.gofundme.com. Campaigns are free to create and all of the proceeds collected go directly to the creator.
In regards to Brownie's bladder issues, all major pet stores carry disposable doggie diapers. I have personally tried the cloth belly band on one of my pooches and it worked wonderfully. A third option would be to use the ever popular puppy pads.
Thankfully, Brownie thrived under the care of Rescue Ink and remained with his family. Yet, my greatest fear is that Brownie will have done all of this work for nothing. What happens if he occasionally has an accident or breaks something on his cart? Maybe he will develop cataracts or hearing problems as he ages. Will his "family" stay by his side or dump him at a local shelter to be needlessly killed?
Pets are not garbage to be thrown away. They are loyal, loving family members that deserve respect. Do not adopt a pet if you are not prepared to make a lifetime commitment both emotionally and financially.
Be sure to check out Rescue Ink's official website at: www.rescueink.org
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Woofstock 2015
Matt and I took our tripod dog, Penny, to Animal Planet's Woofstock on Saturday, June 27th. The event was held in Chicago and we had a blast! Penny loved getting to stay in a super swanky hotel. As usual, Penny was the belle of the ball and we were thrilled to get to meet so many fellow rescue dog owners.
Check out photos from the event below!
Check out photos from the event below!
The cast of Pit Bulls and Parolees takes the stage.
The Cat Daddy himself, Jackson Galaxy!
Taking in the sights of Chicago with Penny.
Lake Michigan was beautiful.
We met this adorably fuzzy pooch. What a cutie!
This gentle giant was all smiles.
Petting my favorite feline friend, Lil' Bub!
I was so excited to meet Manny the Frenchie!
Posing with Penny on the Puppy Bowl stage.
Talking with Jackson Galaxy about Penny and her children's book!
Mariah from Pit Bulls and Parolees checks out Penny's overbite.
Penny does her famous Baby Pose with Matt on the Puppy Bowl stage.
Hamming it up with Mike and Lil' Bub!
Penny strikes a pose next to a giant cut out of Lil' Bub!
Here is Penny's official Woofstock photo!
Penny was honored with the Class Clown Award for her overbite!
Penny takes a time out for belly rubs on the Puppy Bowl stage.
We met this darling little diva. Can you say future dog model?
Twin #1 gives Penny some love!
We fell in love with this underbite cutie!
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Monday, May 18, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
Friday, May 8, 2015
Public Penny
I am so excited to announce that Penny is one of the featured Chiweenies in this month's Chiweenie Pack newsletter! Check out her photo and Pack page by clicking on this link:
http://bark.packdog.com/w/kMt1SPE2smO76eZKSxgYJQ
The Pack website (http://www.packdog.com) is a wonderful community of dog lovers from all around the world. Creating an account is free and fun! Once you have an account, you can post photos and videos of your own precious pooches as well as sign up for monthly newsletters that are breed specific.
Penny and I love the track (a.k.a. follow) feature that keeps us up to date on our favorite dogs. Pack is always evolving. Their newest feature allows you to follow groups that include veterinarians and rescue organizations.
Be sure to check out Pack today! Don't forget to follow Penny's Pack page at:
http://packdog.com/penny-147
Tripawds rock!
http://bark.packdog.com/w/kMt1SPE2smO76eZKSxgYJQ
The Pack website (http://www.packdog.com) is a wonderful community of dog lovers from all around the world. Creating an account is free and fun! Once you have an account, you can post photos and videos of your own precious pooches as well as sign up for monthly newsletters that are breed specific.
Penny and I love the track (a.k.a. follow) feature that keeps us up to date on our favorite dogs. Pack is always evolving. Their newest feature allows you to follow groups that include veterinarians and rescue organizations.
Be sure to check out Pack today! Don't forget to follow Penny's Pack page at:
http://packdog.com/penny-147
Tripawds rock!
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Vote for Penny!
Please help Penny show the world that different is beautiful by clicking on the link below and voting for her photo! Thank you!
https://tv.1800petmeds.com/viewentry.cfm?id=04a55bfc-9491-43fe-ae1b-392d7e87211a&ref=HEZIXAvO54
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Horrible Hunting
Spring is finally here! My pack could not be happier to see that the snow has melted away and the sunshine has returned. Our tripod, Penny, participated in her second dog Easter egg hunt last Saturday sponsored by Treats Unleashed.
With Easter just four days away, I wanted to share some tried and true tips to make your next dog Easter egg hunt a success.
1. Do not bring retractable leashes! There is a reason why this is specified on the Easter egg hunt advertisement. If you do not leave the leash locked, you could end up tripping someone, even another dog. They also have a tendency to get tangled very quickly and can cut off the circulation to your extremities. My mom has even suffered cuts on her hand from the rope sliding quickly over her skin as her dog took off running.
2. Be mindful of your dog (s) at all times! I cannot tell you how many dogs were allowed to rush at other dogs by their owners. We had decided to bring Domino (our Blue Merle Chihuahua). He was incredibly nervous of dogs rushing towards him and nipped at those who did. You need to be a responsible pet parent and make sure that your dog (s) are respectful of those around them. If your dog has aggressive tendencies, do not tempt fate by bringing him/her to such a public event where other dogs could get hurt. Instead, try hosting your own egg hunt in your backyard.
3. Do not be a pageant pet parent! This was our second Treats Unleashed Easter egg hunt event. We could not believe how rude many of the other pet parents were! Some were totally obsessed with getting as many eggs as they possibly could and were even talking about having a "game plan." Seriously? The whole point of the egg hunt is to have fun with your dog (s). I love seeing Penny hop around and actually find the eggs on her own and then enjoy the treats hidden inside.
4. Not all dogs like the Easter Bunny. Treats Unleashed graciously offers free photos with the Easter Bunny. I cannot tell you how many dogs looked utterly terrified to be sitting on (or next to) said bunny. The woman in front of us kept tugging on her dogs' leashes, forcing them to be in a situation that they did not want to be in. I felt so bad for those pooches. While I understand that this is a great photo opportunity, know your dog's limits. If he/she seems uncomfortable or exhibits any signs of stress, such as shaking or panting, it may be time to hop off the bunny trail.
5. Do arrive early to the event. There is nothing worse than rolling up late to a timed event. Rushing almost always leads to some sort of injury or accident. Instead, try arriving about 30 minutes before the event is scheduled to begin. Not only will you get a better parking spot, but you will be able to register and see the sights before the other pooches arrive. And you should be able to pick out your hunting spot unencumbered instead of having to squeeze in next to someone at the last moment.
With these tips, you are sure to have an egg-cellent time! Happy hunting, everyone!
With Easter just four days away, I wanted to share some tried and true tips to make your next dog Easter egg hunt a success.
1. Do not bring retractable leashes! There is a reason why this is specified on the Easter egg hunt advertisement. If you do not leave the leash locked, you could end up tripping someone, even another dog. They also have a tendency to get tangled very quickly and can cut off the circulation to your extremities. My mom has even suffered cuts on her hand from the rope sliding quickly over her skin as her dog took off running.
2. Be mindful of your dog (s) at all times! I cannot tell you how many dogs were allowed to rush at other dogs by their owners. We had decided to bring Domino (our Blue Merle Chihuahua). He was incredibly nervous of dogs rushing towards him and nipped at those who did. You need to be a responsible pet parent and make sure that your dog (s) are respectful of those around them. If your dog has aggressive tendencies, do not tempt fate by bringing him/her to such a public event where other dogs could get hurt. Instead, try hosting your own egg hunt in your backyard.
3. Do not be a pageant pet parent! This was our second Treats Unleashed Easter egg hunt event. We could not believe how rude many of the other pet parents were! Some were totally obsessed with getting as many eggs as they possibly could and were even talking about having a "game plan." Seriously? The whole point of the egg hunt is to have fun with your dog (s). I love seeing Penny hop around and actually find the eggs on her own and then enjoy the treats hidden inside.
4. Not all dogs like the Easter Bunny. Treats Unleashed graciously offers free photos with the Easter Bunny. I cannot tell you how many dogs looked utterly terrified to be sitting on (or next to) said bunny. The woman in front of us kept tugging on her dogs' leashes, forcing them to be in a situation that they did not want to be in. I felt so bad for those pooches. While I understand that this is a great photo opportunity, know your dog's limits. If he/she seems uncomfortable or exhibits any signs of stress, such as shaking or panting, it may be time to hop off the bunny trail.
5. Do arrive early to the event. There is nothing worse than rolling up late to a timed event. Rushing almost always leads to some sort of injury or accident. Instead, try arriving about 30 minutes before the event is scheduled to begin. Not only will you get a better parking spot, but you will be able to register and see the sights before the other pooches arrive. And you should be able to pick out your hunting spot unencumbered instead of having to squeeze in next to someone at the last moment.
With these tips, you are sure to have an egg-cellent time! Happy hunting, everyone!
Penny and Domino check out their eggs.
Posing by the even sign.
Hanging out with the Easter Bunny (they were VERY distracted by the other dogs).
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