Doggie Bok! Bok!: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

All Things Dog Blog

Dog-Safe Travel, Around Town and on the Highway--Part I of III

Posted: 27 Feb 2011 09:01 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Years ago when Xena was just a pup, I dutifully got her a doggie seatbelt. Xena wore her seatbelt in the back seat* for quite sometime until one day--one scary day--I had to slam on my brakes.

After that day, she rode with me less frequently on highway expeditions, and more often on my errands to the bank and other drive-through pickups nearby. Slower speeds around town became the mainstay of her car rides. When I did take her to Grandma's or otherwise out of town, she would travel in her crate, tucked snugly in the back of my SUV--a necessity with 3 kids to run carpools for. It wasn't her favorite place to ride, but she soon became accustomed to it, especially when I added a soft bed to the crate bottom.

I have to give her credit; she always worked with me during periods of change. When Tanner joined the family, Xena decided that the crate was pretty nice digs, now that she had a companion--albeit a whipper-snapper--to keep her company. By the time he rivaled her size, we had taken on an out of town project to manage. The dogs and I did a good bit of traveling for nearly a whole year. We logged a bunch of highway miles and also learned that two dogs in one crate could mean knocked heads.

My solution to this dilemma was a second crate. My SUV became a Retriever-mobile, with the back seats folded down eternally, and two crates taking up much of the rear cargo area. (Didn't Pounce's mom get creative with her space in the picture above?) Thankfully I was down to one kid at home by that year, so we were able to make this work as family transportation, as well. After a tough year I hadn't bargained for, everything bundled into a bunch of stress that needed to be unleashed--pun intended!

Soon I discovered a nearby doggie daycare through a friend and began leaving the dogs at Bow Wow Resort on my traveling days. I found that this was a safer and more productive way to manage my days out of town. The downside was that I missed my travel buddies, even though they traveled in a crate in the back. They had provided nice companionship that I missed; it was time for another change.

After the beginning of All Things Dog Blog, I met a new friend through the blog. The owner of Pet Auto Safety, has introduced me to safer options that I never knew existed. Join me for Part II of Dog-Safe Travel, as our journey to safer traveling continues. I'll share our newest travel choices for Oliver and Tanner--more secure and flexible, yet more convenient than ever. Even Tanner has some positive commentary over at 5 Minutes for Fido. See you soon.

*Just as with young children, the front seat is not your best choice for Fido's transportation. Even if Fido is seat belted with a crash-tested safety belt, he is still susceptible to life-threatening injury by an airbag deployment. With most automobiles equipped with front seat airbags, this seat is only safe for pets whose weight does not engage the airbag. Elevated car seats relieve the seat-bottom of the pet's weight, disengaging many newer car's airbag systems for front passenger seats. Check your auto manual for information on your own vehicle's airbag operation before making any decisions.

Visit Be Smart. Ride Safe.
Need a travel crate? Amazon has over a 1000 different sizes, types and colors. Click here to shop:

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

petmyforum.com

Dash Berlin – Never Cry Again (Jorn van Deynhoven Radio Mix)

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 08:54 AM PST

I saw you
Again I knew
Just where you'd be?
I'll stop this real soon
When you're back safe with me

When you come home, I'll stop this
When you come home, I'll hide it good
I'll never cry again, when you come home, to me

In picture
I'd see it, you weren't really there
In truth
I still feel it hanging in the air

When you come home, I'll stop this
When you come home, I'll hide it good
I'll never cry again, when you come home, to me

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Bond – Explosive

Posted: 26 Feb 2011 08:28 AM PST

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Friday, February 25, 2011

All Things Dog Blog

Assistance Dog Storiesto Tug Your Heart Strings

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 05:00 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

A couple of months ago, out of the blue, I received an email from a writer/editor of a new collection of stories about assistance dogs. I had absolutely no idea what to expect when my free copy arrived, but I already had two reasons that I knew would weigh in on my decision to review the book. I had not shared these with Kathy Nimmer, the writer/editor, for fear she would know what a shoe-in her book was, in a pitch to me.

As a freelance writer, I once collected, edited and published the written works of others. My book was not one of dog stories, but I clearly had a soft place in my gut for this lady's task. I knew how difficult her job had been in preparing her book--the locating of writers, selection of the best stories, collecting of photos, obtaining permissions, and such. There's another piece of irony to toss into this surprising turn of events. I am not unlike the people in this book; I live with Multiple Sclerosis. Knowing that I might encounter stories of my own future, I opened the cover and began reading.

Two Plus Four Equals One is a celebration of the partnership of people with disabilities and their assistance dogs. For me that celebration began with the connection I experienced with Shannan Dumke in her story, The Gift of Zen. The ending caught me so off guard I found tears running down my cheeks as I absorbed the exciting climax.

A shiver ran down my spine when I read Canine Relief, a story that describes the experience of a paranoid schizophrenic who chose to train her own dog to help her gain confidence and independence. And another when I realized that the service dog for a seizure patient was none other than a Bichon Frise that has saved her owner's life.

By this point, I needed a good laugh. I got it with How Does a Service Dog Spell Relief? I could truly relate to Chauncey's predicament; so will most of you!

Now I found myself in Chapter 7, The Agony of Retirement and Loss. Having only recently lost my Retriever mix, Xena, who spent two years of her life nurturing me through frequent migraine headaches, I put the brakes on and lay the book down. I wasn't sure I was ready to read this chapter.

A few days later, while straightening up, I noticed a photo on the back of the book, which was lying upside down on the desk. I immediately realized this must be the author--my contact person. Her dog drew me in and I read the bio. Kathy Nimmer, the book's writer/editor is blind, and yet lives a full life with her third guide dog, Elias. What's more, she's a speaker, author and award-winning teacher. Suddenly I had the strength to pick up the book and continue.

When reading about another seizure patient with a dog that had an innate ability to signal its owner of impending trouble, I remembered the Bichon and grinned. This story featured a Pekingese/Pomeranian mix. Who knew toy-sized dogs could be service dogs?, I asked myself outloud. Oliver's ear twitched as if to signal his understanding.

Going Home, Mom is one of many poems in the book written by Kathy Nimmer. Each offers another peek into her unique experiences, and this one hit home with me--a gentle goodbye from a dog that has accepted her fate naturally, as dogs generally do.

Rounding the last bend I found pay dirt in The Best is Yet to Come. This story of a young boy with cerebral palsy took my breath away, both with its writer's skill and the amazing bond between Cole and his dog, Ilia. You'll never be the same after you read this story. I've added a sticky note to that page....and a mental note to re-read it every month or so. It's nourishment for the spirit.

Want to read this book? I'll be giving away 3 copies in a drawing. Enter by leaving a comment here or on my Facebook page by 4:00 PM, Friday March 4. The drawing winners will be announced on Saturday, March 5. If you simply don't want to wait on the contest, you can order from this link, or from Amazon, right here: Just click the ad and you'll be on your way.

Other great book reviews on All Things Dog Blog:
The Darkest Evening of the Year, by Dean Koontz
Oogy--A Dog Only a Family Could Love, by Larry Levin
Barkonomics, by Paris Permenter and John Bigley
A Small Furry Prayer, by Steven Kotler (reviewed by Kristine Tonks)

Thanks to the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop hosts, Two Little Cavaliers, Life with Dogs, and Confessions of the Plume, for handling the plumbing to collect us all into every participating blog. Feel free to hop from blog to blog, give thanks and leave a few comments. It's a great way to spend a lazy Saturday. Happy tails!

Dog Lover Prize Pages: Helping You Keep up With Our Giveaways

Posted: 24 Feb 2011 09:43 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Finally I can say this journey is embarked upon. It's been on the To Do List for far too long. I have created a Current Giveaways Page as well as a Winners' Listing Page, so now you can easily check to see who won what and, more importantly, whether you won something you were hoping to.

I'll still post about my drawings; no changes there. I just want to make sure there is static page to provide the same info, and now there is. Just look for the cute dog you see at the top of this post to find the links you need. Below it you will find a list of current giveaways or contests. These will be linked to their introductory post, so you can be sure to read up on entry requirements, as I occasionally change things up a bit. In the same sidebar location, you'll also find a link to the page that reports the winners. Easy, right?!

Now, let's report this weeks' recipients of the All Things Dog Blog Bumper Stickers:

Gail Jackson

Lizzi Glavin

Patti Smith

If you need ideas on where to place your stickers, you can return here for the brain storming thoughts my hubby and I came up with. Good luck!

To receive your bumper sticker, you'll need to send your address to me via email or private message through Twitter or Facebook. Oh, and there's one more surprise. Since I have some additional bumper stickers, I'll be happy to take requests for free ones until the supply runs low. Just get in touch with your address. No worries about spam; I won't use your address for anything other than your prize shipment.

Thanks again to the folks at Build-a-Sign for their help in creating these wonderful stickers. Have you visited their site to create your own signs? If I can create adorable bumper stickers like these below, you can too. What are ya waiting for? Click and go buy one for yourself. They're just $2.99 and they ship free. Buy more and get discounted prices. Design your own ideas....have fun!

Now, I'll give you another glimpse of the All Things Dog Blog bumper sticker, with a super big hint as to what's coming soon to the blog. What do you think? The comments button is open for business.

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Thursday, February 24, 2011

All Things Dog Blog

Virginia is for Dog Lovers

Posted: 23 Feb 2011 09:01 PM PST

By Carol Bryant,

Social Media and PR Director, Writer/Blogger
FIDO Friendly magazine

courtesy C. Bryant
Dexter Pays Homage to
Those Lain to Rest at Arlington

Sightsee. Shop. Salute. Sniff. Stay. Something for the two-legged and four-legged variety all rolled up into one heart-shaped slogan. You already know this state loves you, but did you know Virginia is for dog lovers, too? Prestigious enough to earn itself a recent spot on Madison Avenue's Walk of Fame in Manhattan, the slogan "Virginia is for Lovers" pertains to Fido and his guardians. Pack up the leashes, water bowls and lip balm and pucker up for a love affair with a state so Fido friendly , you'll be barking to return time and again.

Amidst glorious mountains and sandy beaches, Virginia offers a historic vista to our country's origin, as many of our national conflicts found resolution here. Arlington National Cemetery, located in the northern part of the state, is the final resting place of more than 300,000 people. Beginning with the American Revolution, veterans from each of our nation's wars along with astronauts, sports figures and dignitaries are buried in Arlington. The tree-lined walkways and pristine grounds reflect a silent dignity while exploring, paying homage and saluting this sentimental landscape. Of special interest, the Tomb of the Unknowns is guarded 24 hours a day, year-round, by the elite 3^rdUS Infantry. Plan a tour and locate must-see gravesites by visiting the official website at www.arlingtoncemetery.org.

Take the road less traveled and rest weary paws on a real working farm. Coupled with the modern conveniences one anticipates on vacation, Elmo's Rest is a nineteenth century farmhouse located on 250 acres of land at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Private simplicity is housed within this 1900s-style structure boasting its own apple orchard, winery, farm animals (cattle, horses, pigs, goats) and access to breathtaking walking and hiking trails. During the month of July, check out their Horse & Hound Wine Festival. For both the young and young at heart (of the human and Fido variety), agility dogs, muskrat racing, a horse parade and wine tasting are offered against the backdrop of the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains. Shop and sniff amongst the many food, art and crafts vendors while listening to live entertainment. (Is this a love affair in the making?)

In Fairfield—nestled on 38 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—is the Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast. Enjoying the many walking trails and playing Frisbee with Fido in one of the meadows is made extra easy by the B&B's three outdoor washing stations, complete with doggie shampoo and towels. In the vicinity, leashed dogs are welcome at Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden featuring 7,000 trees and shrubs on 15 acres. Remember the days gone by of outdoor movie theaters? In the spring and summer, take in a double feature at nearby Hull's Drive- In, where the entire pack can watch the stars both on the screen and in the sky.

courtesy C. Bryant
Carol Bryant and Dexter
at Arlington National Cemetery
Overlooking Washing D.C.

Sniff out a bargain with your two best friends, Fido and a charge card, about two hours from Fairfield at Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond. Described as a "dog-friendly center," many of the more than 90 stores at this unique open-air mall welcome your four-legged bargain hunter (designated with a "welcome dog" sticker in their front windows). An eclectic blend of stores in an intimate, park-like setting offers Fido-friendly pit stop areas and clean-up supplies to enhance any shopping excursion.

But don't drop after shopping; have a bark in the park and let Fido channel his inner vacation puppy. Virginia is home to several dog parks, one boasting the distinction of "Best New Facility in Virginia" award. Located in the heart of the Hampton Roads region and conveniently located within driving distance of Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake City Park welcomes larger and smaller dogs in two separate play areas.

It is written that falling in love is the easy part, but staying in love is the challenge. Whether you choose to explore Virginia's mountains and beaches, historical sites and exhibits and take lodging amidst the country air or city lights, this is one canine love affair you'll long remember.

Read more FIDO Friendly destination and health/wellness articles and get the latest and greatest in where to go with your pooch at: FIDO Friendly magazine.

Want more FIDO Friendly content? Check out our website at http://www.fidofriendly.com and our blog at http://blog.fidofriendly.com.

Related Reading:
Guidelines for First Time Dog Park Visitors
Travel Troubles with Fido?

Visit Adopt a Dog Park

Help protect our precious dog parks

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Monday, February 28, 2011

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Friday, February 25, 2011

Thursday, February 24, 2011

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