This week’s tip is the typical Thanksgiving food warning, but we’ve added a holiday shopping tidbit that can save you money while helping  Sunbear Squad.

Watch Tip Week of November 23:

Watch for pets sickened by eating rich holiday leftovers or cooked turkey bones.

If you Christmas-shop using “iGive”  a percentage will automatically be forwarded to Sunbear Squad to fund their programs. Go to the iGive.com site to find out how to get good deals for yourself and give back at the same time. A win-win for all.

THANK YOU!

]]> http://dogblog.dogster.com/2009/11/23/sunbear-squad-tip-of-the-week-65/feed/ 0 http://dogblog.dogster.com/2009/11/20/which-dog-books-rise-to-the-top/ http://dogblog.dogster.com/2009/11/20/which-dog-books-rise-to-the-top/#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:33:24 +0000 Horst Hoefinger http://dogblog.dogster.com/?p=25590 As I’m perusing the internet this morning I come across an article on dog books by Jill Rosen, she writes the Unleashed column for the Baltimore Sun. Today’s article, Drowning In Dog Books: Which Titles Rise To The Top?, mentions some dog books she has sitting on her desk and what’s there but Bo’s book BAD TO THE BONE : Memoir Of A Rebel Doggie Blogger.

She wants to know what dog books readers are putting on their holiday lists and recommending to friends.  Please help Bo get to the top, here are the details from the Baltimore Sun.

There are seriously, seriously, seriously sooooo many dog books out there, I’m starting to lose track. At least a couple times a week a new one or two arrives in the mail.

There are heartwarming memoirs of man and beast, manuals for keeping the hound healthy, those that explore ways to understand the canine.

It seems that ever since Marley & Me skyrocketed to the top of the bestseller list, leaving sequels, a movie and who-knows-how-much-money and wet tissues in its wake, dog lovers have gotten really busy typing.

So here’s the question. I’m sitting here surrounded by new (and new-ish) titles including Speaking for Spot, The Wolf in the Parlor, Inside of a Dog, Marley & Me, To the Rescue, Power of the Dog, Bad to the Bone, Dogtown, Good Dogs Doing Good, Happy Dog, Fetching Dylan, Paws & Effect…the list goes on.

Which of these books are tops on your holiday wish list? And, more importantly, which dog books are front and center on your shelf, the ones you recommend to folks, the ones you’d read again if you had the time, the ones you found most meaningful….

Please share. A lot of us would love to know how to separate the dog lit wheat from the chaff.

And….yes….there will be booty sent out to some of those that comment.

For those of you that read BAD TO THE BONE: Memoir Of A Rebel Doggie Blogger Bo would be eternally grateful if you would leave a comment in the comment section of the Baltimore Sun (click on the link, you’ll go directly to the article) recommending it,  sharing why you enjoyed it, or if you haven’t read it yet that it’s on your holiday wish list.

If you do, leave your name here and you’ll be entered to win a pawtograhped copy of Bo’s book.  Want to order the pawfect holiday gift for yourself or the dog lover in your life, click here!

Thanks Dogsters!

* Jill Rosen…if you read this Bo loves your column and would be thrilled if you interview him!

A Pet’s World has been online since 1998, they must be doing something right. They have a huge assortment of items to choose from, whether you’re looking for collars or toys, they’ve got you covered.

For the contest we’re offering their dangling dog bones stocking for the canine in the family at Christmas time. The quilted berry red velveteen dog stocking with a subtle pawprint on the heel will hold lots of treats and toys! The perfect gift for any breed! The stockings come in small (12″ Tall X 9″ Wide) and large (17″ Tall X 11″ Wide).

To enter the contest stop by A Pet’s World and pick out something you would love to put in your pet’s stocking, and then leave a comment in our comment section sharing why you chose that product.

On Wednesday, November 25th I’ll pick the two lucky winners.

They’ve just added I’m Tired of Puppy Mills with a new very cool charity partner, Last Chance for Animals, and they’ll be adding a lot more causes shortly. They also have new products, brand new I’m Tired of Animal Cruelty dog tags and key chains.

Are you, like me, tired of reading horrific animal abuse stories? Fed up with the lax laws and lack of legislation to punish offenders? Do you ever feel that as one person you can’t make a difference? Good news, you can, and it’s easier than you think. When you buy one of their products half of it goes to charity, you can’t beat that.

“Each of us has the power to make a positive change in the lives of animals in need. But, when we join together, our impact skyrockets.”

— Dan Hoffman, ITo Co-founder

Dan Hoffman and Carrie Pollare have created a wonderful company that has the opportunity to make a tremendous difference for so many causes. As an interesting aside, this brother and sister team didn’t start this company to make money, they already had a multi-million dollar computer related business. “I’m Tired Of… ” was started as a completely altruistic endeavor, they wanted to make a difference.

Since working on the blog I have personally dealt with Carrie on a number of occasions, she’s a wonderful person and the money donated from  her business is making a huge difference in the lives of so many animals.  Please support her by buying “I’m Tired Of..” products and letting other animal owners know about the company.

On a sadder note, Carrie just lost her beloved dog Noah to cancer.  He put up a brave fight but it was finally time to say goodbye, never an easy thing to do. On behalf of the entire Dogster community I want to let her know that her family is in our thoughts.

They also feature top stories, today’s is about the controversy over pet vaccines.

WebMD Pet Health Feature by Bill Hendrick

Reviewed by Katherine Snyder, DVM, Dip ACVIM

Many pet owners and some animal scientists believe that we are over vaccinating our pets. They also think that some shots may be doing more harm than good. One type of cancer in cats, for example, is known to be caused by injections. In addition, vaccines can cause allergic reactions.

Because reports and rumors of side effects have become so widespread, pet owners increasingly are asking their vets about shots. Andy Smith, DVM, a long-time Atlanta veterinarian, says he has “this conversation with a client twice a week. It’s clear there’s a lot of confusion and concern.” So WebMD went to some top veterinary experts to find answers you can use in sorting out your own concerns.

Go visit WebMD to read the full article and find out why dogs need vaccines, if you should vaccinate, and can they cause cancer.

*Thanks Bella for barking this to me.

The cold weather is approaching and Sunbear Squad offers up a great tip of the week to keep in mind.

Watch Tip Week of Oct. 18:

Watch for protruding backbones, ribs, and hips before winter coats hide these signs of neglect. Look at every pet you pass.

If you’re not sure what a starving dog looks like or what you need to look out for, read this story sent over from Anna Nirva, the founder of  Sunbear Squad.

What does a starving dog look like?

THIS DOG WAS SAVED; HE RECOVERED AND WAS ADOPTED.

This dog was considered to be “emaciated” dog, level 5, in life-threatening condition. He was immediately rescued by law enforcement and the county humane society. Notice the protruding backbone, and ribs, and the jutting hip as revealed by dark shadows. Note that the collar is hanging from the neck, where it formerly fitted. This photo also indicates signs of neglect: feces on the ground and the short chain wound around the post.

You can read the story of this dog’s rescue by clicking here, the picture is graphic. He was one of the “Lucky 13″ from Vernon County, WI, and 4 dogs were found dead.

The shelter is a lifeline for animals that need a home,  many dogs there have been abused or abandoned. Here are the details from KAKE 10.

“If we close down, absolutely it would be terrible because there would be nowhere for someone to take an unwanted animal,” said the Pratt Area Humane Society Board President Pam Howell.

“We’re pretty desperate. It’s a crisis situation,” said Howell.

Now they are pleading with the public for help. If they are forced to close, the animals already there would go to other shelters. But for those who still need help, it could be devastating.

“If animal control did pick up an animal, it would just be euthanized after the three day hold so there would be no adoptions. If you’re out of town for those three days, tough luck,” said Howell. “We’re working hard trying to do good things but we can’t do it without their support,” said Howell.

To help the shelter, you can send money to the Pratt Area Humane Society, 10233 Bluestem Blvd., Pratt, KS, 67124. Or go to their website and make a donation.

Pictured  is Angel,  she’s a Plott Hound/Catahoula Leopard Dog mix.  See more adorable Pratt Humane Society dogs by going to their website, adopt your new best friend.

1. October 10th & 11th SPCA Adoption Extravaganza of Westchester, NY:  Featuring over 200 Puppies & Family Dogs rescued from high-kill shelters. Many adorable Kittens & Cats are looking for new homes too! This special event will be held at the SPCA of Westchester, located at 590 North State Road in Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510.

2. October 11th Bark In The Park in NJ: The Liberty Humane Society will host its sixth annual Bark in the Park Dog Walk and Event Fair on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The event organizers anticipate more than 500 attendees this year and hope to raise $100,000 for Hudson County animals in need. The event will feature a two-mile dog walk with views of the Statue of Liberty, the New York skyline, and Ellis Island; the Pit Bull Parade for Pets and People Too; all-day entertainment; and many more canine contests and games. Cost for the walk is $15 per dog and $20 for two dogs. For more information, visit LibertyHumane.org.

3.  October 11th Surf City Surf Dog in Huntington Beach, CA: On Sunday, Oct. 11, the inaugural Surf City Surf Dog is bound to attract attention as “man’s best friend” takes on the challenge of surfing! So grab your surfboard and pup and join us! Or, if surfing isn’t your pup’s thing, enter one of our MANY contests! Benefiting various Southern California dog charities. Huntington Beach, CA 8 am – 2 pm www.SurfCitySurfDog.com

4. October 10th  S.T.A.R.S. 4th Annual Dog Walk & Festival in Stratford, CT: Stroll 1 mile to benefit homeless animals then join in on fun for the whole family where Stratford’s 4th celebration of the “Family Pet” will offer music, food, games, vendors, crafters, face painting, microchip clinic, pet psychic,Touch A Truck and much more. Visit WhoLetTheDogsOutFestival.com for more info.

5. October 10th Animal Rescue Fund Walk-A-Thon in Three Rivers, MI:  The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) of St. Joseph County, Michigan will hold its 12th annual Walk-A-Thon to raise funds to assist in animal welfare throughout the county. This year’s event will be held at Meyer-Broadway Park in Three Rivers on Sat., Oct. 10, 2009. Walkers may participate with or without a dog.

Check out more fun events at one of Bo’s favorite magazines, Modern Dog.

This is such a sad story because it was so unnecessary, those dogs should not have died.  Obviously this person was a hoarder so there were other issues going on, but it’s so important to know about fire safety.

A few days ago I  posted about the dogs that set fire to their mobile home, in the article I included a link to some fire safety tips. After reading this story I’ve decided to repost them for everyone to see.  Here are some great tips from VPI Insurance.

It’s a fact: a fire could destroy your home at any time, particularly by misuse of space heaters in the winter, or by a natural fire in the summer. Most families have evacuation plans that include their pets. If you haven’t created a plan, consider making one today.

To start, check the batteries in your smoke alarms to be sure they’re working. Then designate one human family member who would be responsible for each pet. Other steps to keep your pets safe in case of fire include:

Alert Firefighters To Indoor Pets:

Place a Pet Rescue Fire Safety Sticker in your window. These stickers, which are available free from most pet stores and non-profit humane organizations, stick to your front window and tell firefighters to “Please rescue my pets!” They let fire crews know that you have pets inside the house, how many, and what kind.

Since owners are often not home when fires occur, these stickers have saved many pet lives.  Go to the ASPCA site to request a free pet safety pack.

Keep Outdoor Pets Away From Danger:

Keep pet houses or pens away from brushy areas. Fire departments will warn you to clear dry brush away from your home, but that also applies to your pets.

If you have a doghouse or a pen for a rabbit, pot-bellied pig or other outdoor pet, make sure it’s at least 20 feet away from any brush that could possibly become fuel in a fire. That way, you’ll have time to go out and rescue your pet if such a fire does threaten your property.

Always evacuate your pets on a leash or in a pet carrier. Pets will panic at the smell of smoke, and may bolt when outside, making them impossible to find.

Locate Your Pet’s Hideaway:

Keep Your Pets Safe From FireKnow their hiding places. Remember, during a fire, your pets will be terrified, and they’ll most likely run to in the places they feel most safe. If you don’t know their common hiding places, you could run out of time to save your friend.

Find all the best cubbyholes and niches, map them out on a piece of paper, and include the map in your fire escape plan.

Have An Emergency Kit On Hand:

Prepare an emergency kit for each pet. The kit should contain some of your pet’s food, his veterinary paperwork, prescription medications, if any, and photo/description of your pet. You may have to board your pet at a kennel or other facility until you get settled after a fire, and they will require proof that your pet has current vaccinations.

Secure Your Pet During Danger:

Always evacuate your pets on a leash or in a pet carrier. Just as with fireworks, pets will panic at the smell of smoke, and they may bolt when outside, making them impossible to find. Put your dog on a leash; you can carry a cat in a carrier.

Create An Open Access:

Leave an outside door open. If you must evacuate and can’t find your pet in the house, leave a door open that leads to the outside, and then call the pet’s name once you get out. With luck, he’ll hear you and head for your voice, although this works better for dogs than cats. Be prepared; he’ll be panicked. Be sure to have a designated meeting place near your home for everyone to meet so everyone will be accounted for away from the fire.

With a little planning, you can ensure that everyone on two and four legs will be safe in case there is a fire in your home. For more information about pet fire safety, visit the Humane Society.

There are no pictures with this story so I’m featuring  Tater, he’s on Dogster’s Dog Adoption & Rescue Center.

One of our favorite artists, Kathryn Beals, is back and offering up another of her gorgeous portraits for a Dogster contest. We had a contest with Kathryn back in April and had over 126 entries!

Along with painting, Kathryn has been very busy working on her website and blog since the last contest. You can go to her How I Paint blog and watch her while she painted Dogster member Jolanda, a very talented service dog. She even has an entire section just of the Dogster dogs she painted, they’re great, go check them out.

The amazing thing about Kathryn is that she’s self taught. Her portraits are a great gift to give yourself or one of your dog loving friends. It’s also a wonderful way to memorialize your dog, something special you’ll have long after your best friend is gone.

One of the best things about Kathryn’s work is that she guarantees it. If for any reason you are not happy you can get your money back. How many artists offer that deal? I can tell you, not many.

We’re offering up a free 16″ x 20″ head-shot portrait. Plus, any Dogster members who place an order by October 31st get $50* off any size portrait. Since this is American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month I’ve used that to come up with a contest. To enter the contest leave a comment in the comment section sharing what you are going to do to celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month.  It can be something special for your own pup, or volunteering at a shelter, donating a few dollars, giving a shelter something on their wish list, or even walking the dogs like mentioned in the article yesterday.

The contest runs today through Friday, October 16th when Bo will choose a winner.

*To get the $50 discount please email Kathryn beforehand, or order and then get her to issue a partial credit.