Give a gift that changes a life… inspires hope and change… and is eco friendly
Gifts from Heifer International are the prefect way to show your mom, grandmother, aunt, or mother figure in your life that you care… fund a project in the USA, to give families in Arkansas and Appalachia in poverty, a leg up… or give a goat, chickens, geese, ducks, sheep, rabbits to help end World Hunger.
Something as simple as a goat ($50) can be just what a family needs to fight hunger and poverty – in Sri Lanka, India and Kenya.
Give your mom a gift that keeps on giving… Kiva… loan money (loans as small as $25) to people around the world… you choose… and they pay the money back… helps people get a hand up out of poverty…
Give a bow wow of a paw print lavendar scarf… for the dog mama … Think Green
this scarf is made in the USA, made of eco friendly fabric and printed with water-based ink… it is soft, shiny, and this company also makes tee-shirts for a cause (endangered species, eat your veggies and other great topics)… tees are made either 100% from organic cotton, a blend of recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and organic cotton, or other eco-friendly materials. To make the RPET, recycled plastic bottles are melted down and then processed into a fine yarn which, in turn, becomes a soft and silky t-shirt. They are made with No pesticides, less plastic in landfills. It takes between 3 to 5 plastic bottles to make each RPET/organic cotton blend tee. After the bottles are melted, the plastic fiber is blended with organic cotton to give these tees their soft, silky feel. These tees can be washed and dried over and over and they won’t shrink, fade or lose their shape.
Our favorite food, Dr Harvey’s has a new dog food (and cat food) called Oracle… which includes meat… we have not tried it yet but am sure that Cici will LOVE it…
2. Consider using natural therapies for your pets… acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, hydrotherapy, homeopathic remedies, music and supplements are easier on the body and planet. Even can be easier on the wallet if you consider the high cost of vet care and drugs.
3. Teach your kitty how to use the toilet and/or use corn, wheat or newspaper pellets instead of clay and clumping clay litter. Clay and clumping clay litter can have health hazards for kittens and cats and the mining of the clay is detrimental for the earth.
4. Become informed and educated about New Energy, Free Energy and
energy propulsion that can bring us to a new era of universal peace, eradicate poverty, and more.
It is time for the truth to be known: we are not alone in the Cosmos…and
WE ARE NOT ALONE — HERE ON EARTH.
Dr. Steven Greer, founder of the worldwide Disclosure Movement and the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence is working with Emmy award winning filmmaker Amardeep Kaleka and his team at Neverending Light Productions to produce one of the most significant films of our time.
This film exposes the greatest story never told:
“Once people understand that classified projects have figured out how UFO’s operate, they will realize we no longer need oil, coal and nuclear power. This is the truth that has driven the secrecy.”
On April 22, today, the film Sirius, will premiere in Los Angeles. You can download it to watch it at home.
We are a large family of two adults, two children, two dogs and two cats and if we can do things as a family then we will usually do so. One thing we have yet to achieve is to holiday as a family. The cats have never really seemed that bothered about being left behind in a luxury cattery but the dogs have never enjoyed the kennels and we have had many a sulking dog post holiday. We decided last year to attempt a proper family holiday (minus the cats who just didn’t care).
Our first decision was should we go abroad or stay more local in the UK. While obtaining a pet passport seemed relatively simple, we decided to try and keep costs down and stay in the UK. We thought we would look at going down towards Cornwall way having never been there before but knowing it was beautiful. Our friends had told us that it was an ideal place to go with children and dogs, plenty of long walks and lots of fresh air to wear the lot of them out.
We looked at staying in a suitable pet hotel and did find a few chains online as well as small private hotels that welcomed dogs for a small refundable deposit and a small daily/weekly charge. Whilst the hotels all looked lovely we decided to stay in a dog friendly cottage which meant that we could come and go as we pleased and not worry about disturbing other guests with our loud family.
When packing for the holiday I hadn’t anticipated how many extra things I would need when including dogs on the holiday. I had to pack a week’s supply of dog food, suitable dog bedding and covers for their furniture in case my dogs got a bit over comfy on it, their favourite toys and even their water and food bowls in case the cottage did not have any to lend us. I also had to source a suitable dog bed to go in the boot of the car and a dog gate in the car to ensure they did not leap over the back seats on the journey down.
Despite the added stress and baggage I can safely say it was a great holiday, one which was enjoyed by everyone and one we would take again. Children and dogs were completely exhausted by the end of every day and the journey home was the quietest and sleepiest one I have ever known.
If this doesn’t make you cry with joy, I don’t know what will… bring tissues with you…
Six of the 22 dogs taken in by Best Friends Animal Society … Mel, Cherry Garcia, Little Red, Handsome Dan, Oscar, and Halle had a ball at their 2013 five year reunion. About 150 to 200 people came to the event’s meet and greet to celebrate with the families and dogs. All the dogs were very well behaved and enjoyed being with one another.
Years ago at Bad Newz Kennels, Michael Vick and his cohorts terrorized, traumatized and abused these dogs, made them fight or used them as bait and left them unsocialized and afraid on chains. Their loving caretakers at Best Friends and adopted families have helped them recover and heal with lots of TLC and the difference between how the criminals and humans treated them shows and speaks volumes. The dogs were NEVER the problem. The dogs were NEVER mean nor vicious nor aggressive. The dogs were NEVER violent.
Group shot from left to right: : Mel, Halle, Cherry, Handsome Dan and Little
Red (Oscar is in the back!). Photo by Molly Wald
“47 dogs, according to the federal grand master’s count, were taken in the 2007 raid, from which the 22 toughest cases were brought to the Best Friends sanctuary. Best Friends proposed that the dogs could be rehabilitated or, at the least, deserved care and feeding for life… this was the first time the courts ever allowed dogs confiscated from a fight ring to not only be individually evaluated and rehabilitated, but also to be eligible for adoption. Until then, the protocol for fighting dogs seized was destruction, it was considered that you couldn’t take the fight out of the dog once it was bred or instilled.”
“Five years ago … these same six dogs were brought together in a very different circumstance,” Hunter said, “they were brought together by criminals who had very bad intentions for them – the same dogs, but a different set of people. Today … these same exact six dogs are brought here together by six loving families who want the best for them, and the circumstances are very very different. The dogs are exactly the same and as you look around you can see the results.”
Little gets held like a baby by McKenzie Garcia who helped to rescue her and bring her to safety at Best Friends.
It was also announced that Little’s mom Susan is adopting one of the Handsome Dan foster dogs Jewels, who got along famously with Little at the reunion. Jewels and Little are now sisters!
During the presentation at the meet and greet, the adopters shared about how magical their experiences with the dogs has been helping the dogs heal on a day to day basis… how the dogs have learned how to live life as part of a loving family.
At the same time, their former owner was going to do book signings at Barnes and Noble but they were canceled due to protests by animal lovers.
Love, light and hope prevail.
“Their photos could be from any pet-loving family’s album. They show dogs doing what dogs do: helping toddlers learn to stand, flopping out on the couch next to the cat, enjoying time with the family in front of a Christmas tree, running on the beach, stretching out in the grass on a sunny day, and sleeping in their person’s bed under the covers. To look at their lives now, it’s unimaginable that five years ago these dogs were the topic of national news and debate. Many thought they were dangerous fighting pit bulls that should be put to death for everyone’s safety. Others looked at them and saw hope. Luckily for the dogs and the many lives they have touched, hope won.”
The average person will spend over $130 on Valentine’s Day this year, according to a report from the National Retail Federation. This amounts to a pretty pricey mid-February evening for those of short on cash.
Happily, there are lots of free things to do this Valentine’s Day that will leave you wondering why you ever paid a premium for fun. Check out the following ideas and be sure to hit up MrFreeStuff.com for a complete list of 60 dates that don’t cost a thing.
Note: And most of these can include your pets, if you choose to bring them along and have them join in on the fun. Or if you are alone with them and want to invite single friends over. All sorts of possibilities. You can make it a Galentine’s Day or Palentine’s Day or whatever you want ! You could even fundraise with your dog’s kisses for your favorite animal rescue. Smooches from Pooches.
1. Create a Game Night
Host a game night this Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a mellow game of Scrabble or a high-intensity round of Texas Hold ‘Em, you’ll enjoy a little friendly competition with your date. Tug of war, throw the frisbee, ball or chew the stuffed animal works for Fido.
2. Head to the Playground
Skip the pricey restaurant. Have a picnic at home or at the park with lunch meats, cheese, potato salad, French bread and wine. At the playground enjoy some kid-like fun. Compete on the swingset or see who can hold out the longest on the merry-go-round. Chase the dog or have the dog chase you. Climb the monkey bars.
3. Volunteer Together
Valentine’s Day seems to be all about what you’re doing for your special someone. Why not collaborate and do something for others instead? Soup kitchens, animal shelters and nursery homes could use a few good volunteers, so spend your Feb. 14 brightening someone else’s day.
4. Make S’Mores
Forget chocolate-covered strawberries; s’mores are where it’s at this Valentine’s Day! Roast marshmallows over your kitchen stove, expertly melt chocolate and create a multi-layered, gooey treat. Camp out at home, back yard and toast the marshmallows and chocolate over the fire.
5. Bring the Spa Home
Spas and salons will be brimming with lovey-dovey couples this Valentine’s Day, but you can skip the crowds and create a better experience at home. Gather your candles, towels and favorite CDs and prepare a steamy bath. Complete the experience with a couples massage.
6. Get Touristy
Despite how long you’ve lived in your current city, there are likely several hidden gems you haven’t yet experienced. Stop by the local visitor’s center with your date and inquire about free things to do in your community, then hit the road toward discovery.
7. Host a Movie Night
Host a movie night and ask friends to bring their favorite snack to share. Peruse your DVD collection for a funny or thought-provoking flick and leave the tear-jerkers for just the two of you.
8. Relive Storytime
Open a bottle of wine or pop the top on your favorite brew and settle in for an evening of storytelling. Share passages from your favorite books or pick up your favorite childhood classics from the local library. Once upon a time…
9. Cook Dinner Together
Cooking a meal for your loved one has long been a Valentine’s Day tradition, but why not prepare something together? Challenge each other to create a tasty meal out of items you already have in your pantry and toast to your resourcefulness.
10. Host a Wine Tasting
Tasting flights will cost you a pretty penny at fancy restaurants, but you can bring the experience home for less. Ask friends to bring a bottle of wine and their favorite snack pairing and enjoy an intellectual discussion about tannins and undercurrents.
The funny thing is that I was just talking on Facebook to a friend I have never met about cats and dogs and the different energies, benefits of both types of animals as pets. We love them all and she has a few cats and a dog and is going to be getting another dog, who is being trained to help her daughter with her peanut allergy. Cats are wonderful beings and can be trained, despite conventional thinking. If Cici did not have cat issues, I would have brought a cat into our home for us. On Must Love Cats on Animal Planet last week I saw a show where people were teaching cats to do agility and cats were competing at shows. Cats are much smarter than people give them credit for. And you can walk them on a leash, too.
Here are a few of Nikhi’s fur babies, are these the cutest fur babies ever???
Alfie and Oliver, the cat…
Well, after my Facebook chat, I received this gift guest blog post and decided to post it here. Enjoy !
If you’re considering adding a pet to the family, cats can seem like the ideal choice. They don’t have to be taken for walks, housebreaking is a breeze and their largely independent attitude means that they don’t need the same level of attention and companionship as a puppy or even a full-grown dog. Households that count small children among their number, however, should take a few things under consideration before adding a feline friend to the family.
Growing Up Together isn’t Always the Best Route – Common advice for parents considering a new pet dictates the addition of a kitten when children are still young. This recommendation is given with the assumption that the two of them will “grow up together.” In fact, adult cats are usually much better choices for young children than kittens. The fragility and delicate nature of a kitten’s physiology does little to protect them from accidental rough treatment, which may be difficult for very young children to understand.
Proper Handling is Imperative – Before you adopt a cat, you should make sure that your child is well informed about safe and proper handling. In addition to running the risk of hurting the cat or causing it to become withdrawn, wary and antisocial in reaction to being handled roughly too often, you’re also increasing the chances of a hiss, swat or bite that turns your child off from cats altogether.
Supervision is Required – Because cats are typically very independent, it can be easy to forget that they still need to be supervised all the time when they’re in the same room as a young child. If you’re present when a child pets too roughly or picks Fifi up by her neck, you can put a stop to the behavior before someone is injured or gets upset.
Declawing isn’t the Kindest Answer – In preparation for bringing a cat into the house, some new owners opt to have their feline friends declawed. What most of them don’t realize, however, is just how cruel and painful the process is for cats. Rather than having a part of the cat’s body removed because you’re nervous about scratched furniture or children, you may just want to reconsider the idea of adding a cat to the family in the first place. The human equivalent of declawing would be the removal of each of your fingers at the last knuckle.
Cats Can Help Kids Learn Responsibility – When your child helps to feed and water his new cat, clean the litter box and look after her, he’s learning very valuable lessons in responsibility and compassion. There are plenty of reasons why adding a cat to the family may be the perfect choice for your family, but this is potentially the best.
Sharing is Caring, But Not When it Comes to Chocolate – You may be aware of the fact that chocolate is toxic for dogs, but it’s just as dangerous for cats to ingest. Make sure that your child knows that even though she wants to share her chocolate candy, doing so can make her new cat very, very sick.
Cat Scratch Fever isn’t Just a Classic Rock Song – If the only thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “cat scratch fever” is an old Ted Nugent record, you’ll probably want to brush up on the subject before you bring a cat into a house with children. Cat scratch disease is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, and is spread through bites and scratches from an infected cat. While it’s generally not serious, cat scratch disease can cause fatigue, fever, headache, swelling of the lymph nodes and overall discomfort. If your child is showing any of these symptoms, it’s best to inform his doctor that you do have a cat in the family.
The Great Outdoors isn’t All That Great – Your child needs to spend plenty of time outdoors engaged in physically active play. Your cat, however, has a statistically higher chance of living a long life and dying of natural causes if it spends its life indoors. Outdoor cats are much more likely to be injured or even killed by other animals and moving vehicles than their indoor brethren.
Patience is a Virtue – When you first bring your new cat home, it’s normal for your child to be so excited that she wants to spend every moment with her new friend. As a parent, it’s important for you to understand that your cat will need time to adjust to new surroundings, and may be a bit standoffish until he’s more comfortable in your home.
Cats are beautiful and gracious creatures with their own individual personalities and quirks. For some families, they’re irreplaceable members of the household that are dearly treasured. Others may find them too aloof and disinterested, depending upon the temperaments involved. Before making the decision to bring a cat home, you should make sure that the lifestyle of your household is conducive to caring for a cat. (Editors note: Please adopt a cat or dog or pet from your local animal rescue or shelter, ie, save a life and spay and neuter your pets, thank you).
The world is your oyster… Oyster.com claims that they know the best hotels and the difference between what the hotel websites say and look like and what the real deal is when you get there in person. This is important because when you register for a venue sight unseen you want to know that you are going to get to the location destination and not get a crappy hotel for a big price. And hotel websites often feature their amenities in the best light, even photoshopping photos and making their hotel look better than they do in person, up close and personal. Oyster has other categories besides best pet friendly hotels… luxury, romantic, kid friendly, best value and best period. They show photos and prices and provide info about policies and amenities.
Unlike here at our blog, they only seem to have covered BIG CITIES… there are no listings for Mendocino, Carmel, Monterey nor Palm Springs, for example. GIven that Mendocino and Carmel are both known as THE PET FRIENDLIEST cities in the USA, besides a few other cities, Portland and Seattle, come to mind, this seems strange. But also they do NOT list Best Pet friendly hotels for San Diego, nor Silicon Valley (San Jose area) either. And they also do not list best pet friendly hotels for Chicago, and big cities in Florida (Orlando, Fort Lauderdale), not to mention other states like Texas, Georgia, and the rest of the USA. And they do NOT list B&B’s. And they also do not list pet friendly dining, dog parks and other dog friendly activities in the area like we do here.
oh by the way, just created a new Facebook page for Polka Dot Princess travels, please like and share far and wide, thanks…
Well, apparently, on their blog, they have more info on pet friendly hotels and places…such as this photo and info about one hotel in Carmel….
It’s just not a “home away from home” unless we have our four-legged friends by our side. But luckily for us, the staff at the Tradewinds Carmel in Monterey County is about as pet-friendly as they come. In fact, Furball and Foofers consider the boutique more of a human-friendly spot where they can bring their owners along if they so choose. At check-in, you’ll have to make sure the front-desk puts room keys into the right paws!
Below are links to the pet friendly destinations that they do list:
This holiday season, nearly 63 percent of dog owners and 58 percent of cat owners will be buying Christmas gifts for their furry friends, according to the American Humane Association.
Aromatherapy dog gift set
Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Treatment Experience For Pets is a natural, therapeutic and effective pet care regimen and makes a wonderful gift set. The Rose Essential Oil hand poured soy candle smells yummy while balancing the body/mind. also comes in Jasmine and Wildwood scents. The gift set also includes Rose Aromatherapy Shampoo & Conditioner For Pets, Rose Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray For Pets and a lovely Logo Tote Bag.
Adalyn’s Clare is a heartwarming, adventure-filled story that draws attention to the realities of social anxiety and the need to help create meaningful relationships for children who have difficulty making friends in grade school – just like Adalyn.
Author Kari Dunn Buron developed an Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate program for educators at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, and has done volunteer work specific to autism around the world.
Adalyn, a smart but lonely fourth grader, is not very good at finding human friends but loves animals and is a whiz at science. Her favorite place in the whole world is the science room where her “animal best friends” live. In fact, Adalyn knows details about animals and the places they inhabit that most of us would never know or remember.
Adalyn often finds people confusing and frustrating, which in turn causes her a great deal of worry and often gets her into trouble. Clare is a therapy puppy. When Clare gets assigned to help Adalyn calm her anxieties and help her find (human) friends, it seems like a tall order for a 3-month-old puppy. But Clare takes it in her stride. It’s during these times when Adalyn worries that Clare creeps up close and gently puts her chin on Adalyn’s foot to reassure her. Together they wait, silently and relaxed, until Adalyn’s nerves start to get smaller. Recommended for young readers in grades 3-6.
Dogs teach unconditional love. The purr of a kitten can bring peace. Horses show us how to harness our strength with grace.
Paws to Reflect offers gentle daily reflections for those who seek to grow spiritually by observing the animal kingdom and all the lessons it teaches. This is a Christian book.
Cici LOVES these delicious treats. She sits there and DROOLS until I give her one.
Add sizzle to your pet treat assortment with Loving Pets’ new Grill-icious, 100% all-natural Beef, Chicken and Turkey treats. available in both Regular and “Bite Size” treats. Made in the USA from USA-grown ingredients, these lean and tasty meat treats mixed with a touch of antioxidant-rich sweet potato will light a fire in dog’s taste buds. Each treat is naturally seared over a hot grill to seal in a juicy flavor dogs love. Continuing its commitment to pure, unprocessed ingredients, Loving Pets’ GRILL-ICIOUS™ recipe contains no gluten, byproducts, or preservatives. These all-natural treats are made in the USA, and contain only 100% USA farm-grown ingredients.
Designer and Expressions Bella Bowls™ (Loving Pets)
Loving Pets’ #1 selling, dishwasher safe BELLA BOWLS™ are now available in eight new designer prints. Designer and Expressions Bella Bowls™ bring a new level of style to Veterinarian-recommended stainless steel. Cici and I love her new bowl…
For Dog Lovers:
• Classic Pink Argyle
• Playful Turquoise Dragonflies
• Antique Gold Fleur-de-Lis
• Compassionate Valentine Red Hearts
• Contemporary Silver “Bow-Wow”
• Whimsical Steel Blue “I Love My Dog”
Slow down, Fido… Cici scarfs up her food, she eats sooos fast, you’d think it was her last meal. Food gulping isn’t only a messy habit that’s difficult to break, but a behavior that can lead to vomiting, choking, bloat and digestive issues. Plus, eager eaters don’t realize how much they just ate, so they keep begging for between-meal treats that can quickly turn into extra pounds. Fortunately, now there’s an innovative way for pet parents to end this “feeding frenzy” by turning mealtime into a challenging, entertaining game.
The Company of Animals presents GREEN by NORTHMATE – an innovative “turf placemat” for pets that turns mealtime into a fun , stimulating game. Just scatter a handful of kibble or two across the deeply sculpted surface. Then it’s up to the dog or cat to seek out the food in the valleys between the simulated grass blades. Especially recommended for aggressive gulpers and pets on a restricted calorie diet , GREEN prolongs eating time, making meals healthier and more fun . And since this product is made of durable plastic that’s phthalate-free, it’s 100% pet and dishwasher safe.
Brewer’s yeast and garlic helps to repel fleas. You can give your doggie treats and bye bye bugs. This daily nutritional supplement helps support healthy blood sugar levels and can also be especially helpful during flea and tick season and during times of stress. Available in chewable tablets or tasty soft chews! Cici LOVES them.
Does your doggie have bad breath? PlaqClnz may be the answer. For fresh breath and good oral care, go to www.plaqclnz.com for more details.
Its zinc-based formula works to stop bad breath (a warning sign of deteriorating gum and teeth conditions) while it guards against the build-up of plaque and tarter. Most dogs 3+ years already have the signs.
Are your pets scratching up the house? Then SoftClaws nail caps for dogs and indoor cats could help. The caps mute scratching damage and avoids cat declawing…a big issue for cat parents.
See www.softclaws.net for details, size and color selections. These were invented by a vet.
When you travel with your dog/cat, putting these on helps to avoid tearing up car upholstery, hotel furnishings, strangers’ clothing and more.
To apply, fill each vinyl nail cap with the adhesive that’s provided, then slide it on over your dog’s toenail. It stays on for 4-6 weeks.
Each low-cost nail kit comes with 40 nail caps, the adhesive that secures them onto your dog’s toenails, and simple instructions.
You can place them only on the front paws or on your dog’s front and back paws.
for the humans
Mighty Mug is great for pet parents and parents, people like me who are clumsy and spill everything. I LOVE IT. (only wish it came in PURPLE). This mug is amazing. powered by patented Smartgrip Technology which allows Mighty to resist tipping over and spilling that cup of tea, hot chocolate or coffee all over your pants (or even worse your computer). The best part about the Mighty Mug is that it knows the difference between an accidental knock and going in for a sip. If you can imagine a mug that won’t fall over even when punched but lifts naturally then you gotta try one for yourself, your favorite pet parent or computer geek coffee drinker.
Chia seeds bars
I LOVE LOVE LOVE these bars. Give the gift of CHIA this holiday season! these yummy bars are healthy, easy to bring with you to the dog park, traveling and/or to carry in your purse. Filled with Omega 3 and tasty… I love the ACAI BERRY and also the COCONUT bars. They also come in PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOCOLATE flavor… great replacement to the high-sugar, empty-calorie-filled, non-nutrient providing candy all too often around the house during the holidays. They have only 100 calories and 5g of sugar per serving. And best of all, there are actual health BENEFITS to eating them: Chia provides six times more calcium than whole milk, six times more protein than soy, 15 times more magnesium than broccoli does, twice the fiber then bran flakes, and nearly nine times the amount of omega-3s found in salmon.
CreationScapes offers a gift of tranquility; a way to reduce stress that rejuvenates mind, body and spirit. breathtaking beauty and sounds of nature, set to soothing music that calms, refreshes and inspires – all without leaving home! Ahhhhhhhh…
Tis the season to be a dog… well, that is year round… but this holiday season, below are some fun activities and dog friendly places to enjoy with your number one best friend.
Have a dog Christmas Eve or Chanukah party! Invite all your friends and their dogs over. While you and your friends enjoy fresh-baked holiday treats and cookies, egg nog and/or hot chocolate, your dog and her furry friends can munch on peanut butter dog biscuits. Do a Secret Santa Paw Pal type gift exchange… ask friends to bring a dog toy for their favorite paw pal.
Take your dog to visit Santa! S/he may have been naughty or nice and have her own wish list. Plus, she’ll enjoy the fun of meeting Santa and you’ll get a photo of your pooch on Santa’s lap to cherish and send to loved ones!
Listen to holiday music, sing songs, go Christmas carolling with your dog and give out dog treats and cookies to your neighbors.
From large Huskies to tiny Chihuahuas, every dog imaginable is welcomed in what many describe as the “Canine Coast.” With pet-friendly accommodations, stores, beaches and parks, Newport Beach is the ideal destination for a holiday getaway with your pet Fido, Fifi, Bolt or Lassie.
pet friendly poconos mountains with lots of fun activities for you and your pooch from canoeing, wineries, a blueberry farm, horse farm, state parks, trails, arctic paws dog sled tours, mansions, museums and more…
Nothing’s more iconic than spending Christmas in New York. The Affinia Manhattan and Skyline Hotel New York are both dog-friendly and a short walk away from New York’s most pawpular attractions. To take in the holiday cheer, walk your dog to Rockefeller Center and view the enormous Christmas tree that’s on display each December.
Transportation for you and your pooch is easy in the Big Apple. Just hail one of the city’s k-9 cabs.
Those visiting the Big Apple can also take their dogs for a winter stroll in Central Park, grab a bite to eat at these dog-friendly restaurants or quench your thirst at one of these bars or coffee shops where wet noses are welcome.
It’s been 11 years since actor John O’Hurley began an unlikely new Thanksgiving tradition: Co-hosting a dog show on national television in front of tens of millions of viewers. And, the 58-year-old admits, he has the now-famous mockumentary “Best In Show” to thank for the gig…
Every year a whopping 2,000 show dogs representing more than 150 breeds descend on the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, and while canine expert David Frei provides commentary and sportscaster Mary Carillio does the sideline interviews (with the handlers, not the actual canines), O’Hurley brings plenty of humor to the show and admits he’s more of a dog lover than an expert … though he’s learned plenty over the last decade.
“I’m amazed at how well behaved the dogs are with each other. You take a dog to go to a dog park and you get a dog fight in the middle of it. That doesn’t happen at the dog show,” O’Hurley explains. “You have 2,000 well-behaved dogs who are just happy as heck to be there. It’s a very exciting arena with all these great smells and all these people around who want to pet them. There really is an aesthetic sense to it. You’re seeing the best of the breeds and they are just beautiful to see.”
O’Hurley and some furry friends. (NBC)
As for why he thinks the show pulls in more than 20 million viewers every year, O’Hurley says it’s simply too difficult for viewers to pass the pups by.
“I think it’s a perfect piece of television. It falls on a huge family day and there’s something for everybody, whether you’re 5 or 95, everybody loves the world of dogs,” he shares. “If you’re twiddling through the remote and you come upon the dog show you just have to pause and watch it for a little while.”
The “Dancing With the Stars” contestant has had dogs in his life since he was just 4 years old and his family brought home a Dachshund named Taffy. Today, he and wife Lisa are raising a King Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sadie and a Havanese named Lucy (along with their son, William, who turns 6 in December), but O’Hurley is adamant about the fact that dog ownership and those considering it should think long and hard.
“Having a dog really is a lifelong responsibility. You’re responsible for that little life in the same way that you would be for a child. And, unfortunately, our rescue shelters are filled with people who didn’t take the responsibility seriously. It’s not a trial thing,” notes O’Hurley, who works with others involved with the dog show to promote responsible pet ownership. “It’s not, ‘Oh it’s a cute puppy, but unfortunately as it grew up it doesn’t fit our lifestyle.’ Get to know the idiosyncrasies of each breed and make sure they fit your lifestyle,” he implores.
But whether or not a dog fits your lifestyle, dogs will be dogs, as O’Hurley occasionally gets to see firsthand. “In show number three, a Great Dane was walking around the ring, walked in front of David and me at the NBC booth, took one look at us, and then squatted down and gave a little review of our performance,” he recalls with a laugh. “And it took someone with Olympic elephant equipment to get it out of there.”
“The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” airs Thanksgiving Day at 12 p.m.ET/PT.
Monterey Bay area dog travel blogger and newshound writes the naked truth about dog travel with the help of her polka dot princess Cici AboutCeliaSueHecht
have dog blog will travel is a mostly California travel blog for pet owners who travel with their dogs.
Some truly amazing miracle stories have been told with pet guardians and their dogs after the tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas… here are a few: Barbara Garcia, a resident of Moore, Oklahoma, who survived yesterday’s potentially historic tornado, was being … Continue reading →
We all have our favorite places to visit (perhaps a bucket list for you and the dog?) … if we were traveling this Memorial Day weekend, there are a few favorite places to visit easily from Monterey County… Half Moon … Continue reading →
Damn, the police sent me a notice that cici’s dog license had expired and needed to be renewed. Along with that, she needed another rabies shot. I did NOT want to get her vaccinated again but did not know what … Continue reading →
saw these places on Animal Rescue TV on Saturday morning… the first is a beautiful sanctuary for horses near Los Angeles in Acton, CA… the horses are given lots of room/acreage to roam… and they also participate in the Horses … Continue reading →
Harley to the Rescue – Two Puppy Mill Survivors Hit the Road to Rescue Dogs In a unique twist to the very serious issue of puppy mills in the United States, two puppy mill survivors, Harley and Teddy, will hit … Continue reading →
Puppy Love
Donations to the pet food bank is much appreciated. Email, call or just hit paypal. Thank you.
O’Hurley and some furry friends. (NBC)
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