Saturday, October 30, 2010

All Things Dog Blog

All Things Dog Blog


Woof and Meow, Part V: Exploring New Options with The Litter-Robot and World's Best Cat Litter

Posted: 30 Oct 2010 09:00 AM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB


We're just about ready to rename this great new litter box, although I don't think the folks at Litter-Robot would be too happy with us for that. At our home, it seems to have become the 'litter-valet'. No matter what you call it, it still does all of this:
  1. It serves up the litter in a nice, level format after running its automatic cleaning cycle.
  2. It automatically cleans the box 7 minutes after Meow has left it. It senses her weight is no longer there, and then waits 7 minutes before cycling, to give her time to leave the area.
  3. It stores the scooped clumps and 'treasures' in a scent-proof hold deep inside.
  4. And it's small entrance has helped keep Woof's interest at bay. That's great because the contents are not quite as accessible to Woof as they are with an old-fashioned litter box.
But the best part is that this cool gadget doesn't jam like those other self-cleaning litter boxes that raked out the 'treasures.' The globe spins around and the goodies drop through large, jam-proof openings, leaving you with no sticky messes to clean up. Awesome! Have I got you drooling for a Litter-Robot yet?

Here's a few more things you may want to know. While the new units may seem a bit pricey at first look, it'll save you loads of time and mess. Litter-Robot also sells reconditioned ones for a considerable discount. Check this out on their website for more information. While you're there, sign up for a $10 discount coupon, and be sure to read up on the 3-payment-plan. Isn't it nice to know you have options?


And there's more. The latest version has a cool 'bubble window', so Meow won't get claustrophobic. Is that cool or what?!!! Here's a picture of the window version so you and Meow can check it out.

Speaking of options, I almost forgot to mention colors. Even Meow is all about aesthetics. You can choose from Eco gray (made of recycled plastics), black or beige, whatever best suits your decor, or perhaps looks best with Meow's fur or eyes.


Some of you may have pondered a concern about whether your Meow will take to this new, different-looking potty. No worries on that end. Litter-Robot gives a generous 90-day return policy, in case your Meow simply cannot bring herself to change venues. On top of that, they offer loads of help. There's a page on their website with tips for the transition, another with answers to all your questions (FAQs), and a booklet that explains everything in detail.


Another worry you may have had is the shipping cost....am I right?  Again, no worries. Litter-Robot pays for the freight to you; it's all included in the price.

You may be wondering if you need special collection bags or litter for the Litter-Robot, and the answer is a resounding NO to both. The Litter-Robot works with any household plastic garbage bags (kitchen sized bags are the best size) and you can use any 'clumping' type of litter in it. We're using the sustainable, corn-based World's Best Cat Litter for our review and are quite pleased with the performance. I also like the lack of dust that used to be a mess with the clay stuff. Since we are working on reducing our carbon footprint, this new cat litter is a big boost to our numbers. Patches may not know it, but she just made our family a little bit more green


And did I mention that the World's Best corn-based litter has a sweet, appealing smell when you open the bag? That was most unexpected and extremely pleasant. The added advantage is that corn litter is compostable, unlike it's main competition, the old-fashioned clay stuff. Just make sure you run it through the clean cycle before adding it to your compost pile.

Now that we've mastered the Litter-Robot transition, let's move on to some additional, helpful Woof and Meow topics. Join me next Saturday for a few things to think about before you adopt another pet. It's always good to be prepared, and that's what this post will be about--those topics you may not have considered. After that I'll be moving on to helping Woof and Meow adapt to one another when one of them is a new member to your household. Hope to see you here.



Have you missed any of the earlier posts in this series? Here are the links:


Have you entered the drawing for our prizes?  What prizes? I'll be giving away bags of Worlds' Best Cat Litter, tote bags, and miscellaneous other kitty goodies, as well as a grand prize of a Litter-Robot to one very lucky Meow. You can enter at any or all of these sites, as often as you like:




Full disclosure: The Litter-Robot and World's Best Cat Litter described in this series have been donated to All Things Dog Blog for an independent review. I have not been paid to provide my opinion of these products, and the opinion provided is my own.
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Friday, October 29, 2010

All Things Dog Blog

All Things Dog Blog


Which Fido Wins the Treat Bag Prize for the Halloween Photo Contest?

Posted: 29 Oct 2010 09:00 AM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
(c) Carrie Boyko
Angels, If Only for a Moment!

Tanner and Oliver are taking Halloween a bit solemnly this year. In honor of their girl, Xena, they're dressed as angels. We opted to skip the halos, since these boys have a ways to go to earn them, just like mosts young, spirited dog. Maybe another time.


It seems that our sad event may have dampened the spirits of my readers as fewer entries have come in for the photo contest than last year. Nevertheless, the show must go on, and the judge has submitted a winner.


Before I award the winner, I just want to remind you that the Woof and Meow series is still in full swing. Tomorrow's post will give you all the scoop on World's Best Cat Litter and the Litter-Robot


Is this what you've been waiting on? The drawing for the World's Best Cat Litter, tote bags and the grand prize of a Litter-Robot, self-cleaning litter box will be the Saturday following Thanksgiving, after the last post of the series. There is still much to come: tips for making a decision, steps for acclimating a new pet and much more.
© courtesy of Litter-Robot
 Boo! 
From the Folks at Litter-Robot
Can you believe that scary monster up there is a cat litter box? No kidding! My Patches has one and she's enjoying the extra privacy from her canine housemates. Fortunately, she isn't scared off by it. Ours doesn't look quite like this one in  its scary costume!


Speaking of costumes, the winner of the Halloween Costume Contest for 2010 is Vic, the Pumpkin:
(c) reader copyright on file
Vic is a Good Sport
in this Tough-to-Wear Costume
Vic's prize package includes all that you see here. I'll look forward to getting his address so I can rush his goodies to him ASAP.
(c) Carrie Boyko
Halloween Treat Bag Contents
will Keep Vic in Snacks for a While

Until I get Vic's address, Tanner will guard the goods. Do you think he needs a uniform or a weapon or anything? Maybe a Sheriff's badge would make him look official.....next time. We'll have to figure out how to pin it on without an "ouch".
(c) Carrie Boyko
Doesn't Tanner Look Serious?
No Sneaking, Tanner!

P.S. With the holidays now approaching, are you planning a visit to family or friends with your Rover?  Check out my guest post at GoPetFriendly, where I address tips for Preparing Your Rover to be a Well-Behaved Holiday Guest.


You might also enjoy seeing the dog's commentary on this whole Halloween business over at 5 Minutes for Fido.
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RESCUING ROVER: Duke Returns his Owner's Favor

Posted: 29 Oct 2010 04:00 AM PDT

by Anita-Niki M.





© A.N.M., reader copyright
Duke was brought into the no kill rescue skin and bones, scared of men, and shy. After fixing him and feeding him he gained some weight. He went from a skinny Rat Terrier to a pitbull wannabe. 





Duke was adopted out a few times but was soon brought back. He either he growled at men or bit them. He was also fiercely protective of babies; he wouldn't let people near them. 


My youngest child met him and fell in love; they became best buds. Duke was a role model for rescues always being a shoulder to lean on, especially for the smaller dogs. 


Duke is a big baby, loves to jump up in your lap, or push you out of bed. He loves to rough-house, and growl but never bite. 



He doesn't like my dad; I think it's the hat. He didn't like my brother-in-law at first, but now is his buddy because Lee took him 'Muddin'. Duke loves to ride; all you have to do is ask him to get the keys and he will and meet you at the door. He would live in the car if you let him. He's in the states (U.S.) with my oldest son, but when I visit he's my bed buddy.
© A.N.M. reader copyright
Duke, My Bed Buddy
*****************
Do you have a rescued dog whose story you would like to share? Rescuing Rover is a monthly readers' column. Your story and your pup's photo could be here. Submit yours to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.

On another note, if you're planning a holiday trip with your furry friends, perhaps a few tips would be helpful in getting him (and you) ready. Stop by my friends at GoPetFriendly to see my latest guest post, Preparing Rover to be a Well-Behaved Holiday Visitor. Happy travels!

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