| Fido's Freebie Friday Herds Up Great Pet Giveaways Posted: 21 Jul 2011 01:00 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB  I just did the math. Sound strange? Well, I actually added up the prizes offered at last week's Fido's Freebie Friday. The grande total was well over $4,000. That's amazing considering it all came from 24 blogposts.
After an amazing week last week we're expecting a bunch of new visitors to show up this week. Wouldn't you pop in if you heard about 4 grande in prizes, all in one place? Me too!
Thanks to Lizzi at 20something Saver for noticing the change in our badge. And please welcome our co-host, Doggies and Stuff, with a visit and some comment luv. Welcome Doreen!
If you're a blogger thinking about linking up for the first time, check out our Help Page for all the info you need, including the Wordpress.com code for this week's posting. You'll also find a new addition there--Photography tips for your product reviews, as well as a few thoughts on legal stuff like the FTC guidelines and Facebook's new rules. Speaking of legal stuff, you may want to read my post from an hour ago that details some of the areas you may want to brush up on to be sure you're never caught with....well, just caught! All good stuff that we need to be aware of. Leave a comment at this post if you're just dying to say Thank You! There are just 2 rules for bloggers linking up to the blog hop, and then you can get on with the fun part--shopping for giveaways!
The Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop is open to posts about giveaways, drawings, prizes, and freebies for pet products or services only, including pet-related items for owners. Feel free to link up multiple items if you have more than one giveaway going on.
Please post the badge or a link to this post in your Fido's Freebie Friday blog post and invite your readers to visit their hosts, All Things Dog Blog and Doggies and Stuff.
The Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop will--
Open each Thursday afternoon by 4 PM
and Close at midnight on Fridays
During these hours bloggers may add pet related giveaways to the hop with a link directly to giveaway posts at their blog or other site. This blog hop is ONLY for free pet products or services. You may include any contests that involve a free, pet-related prize (photo contests, guessing games, etc) including pet-related items for pet owners, as long as the contests are family friendly.
And for our visitors and readers, please enjoy a look around at the possibilities, and feel free to leave a comment to let us know how you found us.
All Things Dog Blog's giveaways are offered to North American addresses only, for ages 18 and older, and are void where prohibited. Thanks and happy shopping! 
        You may also find our listings at the following events: 
Individual rules of entry and guidelines for winning may apply to each listing. All Things Dog Blog takes no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered.
   
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| Fido's Freebie Friday Will Open Shortly: Bloggers Please Read this First! Posted: 21 Jul 2011 12:00 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB  | | Who Owns Rights to This Photograph? | Our Help Page for Fido's Freebie Friday has been a big hit. Yet I've felt it was still missing some things, so we've done a bit more work on it. First of all, there's photo tips in the sidebar--easy stuff that you can use with any camera.
Now if you scroll to the very bottom, you'll find I've added some tips on other topics that are more important: legal stuff! We hope you'll take a minute to visit and check this out, for your own protection and that of your giveaway sponsors. Note: We're not offering any professional advice here, but rather some areas where you may want to get some. Here's a bit of what we've shared: - Be sure to check out the new FTC guidelines for bloggers, as well as brushing up on Facebook's new sweepstakes rules. These are both serious topics that can impact you greatly if you're not following them to the letter.
- The Pet Blogging Community is a really nice bunch of folks. Yet we're not all terribly business savvy. Just so you know the deal, there are laws governing plagiarism in published writing, even when published on the Internet. This includes not only manufacturers' and retailers' websites, but also other bloggers. It's important to be sure that when you read other bloggers' works, you don't copy or imitate their wording. Not only that, but we'd all enjoy hearing YOUR opinion rather than a repeat of someone else's. Be original!
- Photos also have laws protecting the owners. I'm sure you're aware of copyright laws, but be sure you completely understand the permissions you must have when publishing photos of individuals' faces and the use of images from other websites. Do your homework to learn the law and you'll likely enjoy a happier blogging life.
- When given permission to use another's written or photo work, be sure to acknowledge it properly, as you would want them to do if it were your own.
- Now we're going to give you the opportunity to put us to the legality test. You may Opt Out if you prefer not to receive any direct notification of changes or news about Fido's Freebie Friday by notifying Doreen and I at both of our emails: AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com and DoggiesandStuff@gmail.com. If you elect to Opt Out, we advise you to watch your Twitter stream closely for any news regarding the hashtag #FidosFreebieFriday--changes in times, dates, rules, etc. If you need to reach us, you can also use these methods: Doggies and Stuff on Facebook, All Things Dog Blog on Facebook, Doggies and Stuff on Twitter, and All Things Dog Blog on Twitter.
We hope you find this information useful and encourage you to comment if you have other tips you wish to share. There's always something new to learn. Thank you for participating in Fido's Freebie Friday; we hope to see you again soon. It will open in a few minutes.... 
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| Thunderstorm Season in Florida: Time for ThunderShirt Posted: 20 Jul 2011 09:01 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB  | © Carrie Boyko
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood | It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Florida's thunderstorms, however, are sneaky. They're scattered; they're spotty; they're not terribly predictable. And Florida's dogs, by and large, have a terrible fear of thunder, lightening and fireworks.
 | © Carrie Boyko
Oliver Models Classic Gray | Our little Oliver, a 10 lb. Papillon is fortunate to have only a mild version of this phobia. His dear departed Xena, a Retriever mix, would head for the highest table she could get onto whenever the noise started. We suspect she felt the vibrations in the ground. But no matter what your dog's particular reaction, we have found a healthy, non-toxic way to reduce the fearful reaction with Oliver. We'll share it here today.
The Thundershirt works much like swaddling a baby. For those of you not familiar with this term, it's similar to a snug wrap that, by nature of its tight fit, has a calming effect thereby allowing the dog to relax a bit.  | © Carrie Boyko
Darkness Descends | The day may start sunny and pleasant, but as mid-afternoon arrives, Oliver seems to know that the storms will also. He hangs closer to me, checks the windows often, and will begin to snuggle up just about the time the sun disappears or the wind kicks up. That's my signal to put on his shirt.
There's just one thing he always does first. He checks on Tanner. It's sort of cute, this brotherly love business. Oliver watches through the door as Tanner swims, even as I've already put his Thundershirt on in preparation for the coming storm.
 | © Carrie Boyko
Out of the Pool, You Nut! | As Tanner finishes his swim, Oliver heads outside to gather his brother into the house. He barks at Tanner in the pool as if to say "Get out you nut! It's going to storm."
Back in the house, Oliver finds solace in a bed near my desk, and as the thunder begins and rain pours down, I can't help but notice that there is a subtle shift in his behavior. When he used to hop onto my lap and shake, he now will lay up to 10 feet away from me, rarely raising his head to acknowledge more than the loudest of bolts.
 | © Carrie Boyko
Zzzzz....... | It has become clear that Thundershirt's effect is successfully helping Oliver to calm himself. He's more of a 'take charge' guy now, even while wearing the outfit that my family sometimes teases (lovingly, of course) about.
Oliver's Thundershirt is the classic, original heather gray model. Now the company has gathered their fashion sense and decided to begin offering the shirt in cute styles for the more fashion savvy.
Whatever your style or size, Thundershirt works. It's not a night and day difference, but it does have an affect on Oliver's behavior. No more lap snuggles during storms. Like right now; he's napping peacefully in his bed during a loud and long thunderstorm. Can you hear him snoring?
Okay, so let's see if there are some other pups out there who need a Thundershirt. I've got a mission to give away 3 of these soothing, classic gray Thundershirts to help your pooch wear a happier demeanor during rainy season.
PLEASE NOTE One Change: A quick note to those of you who enjoy entering photos. In the wake of higher volume pictures, I'm asking you to post your own photos to Thundershirt's Facebook page, thereby allowing them to leave YOU their comments. You can do the same at my page if you wish, so my comments to you will appear in your own FB stream. Email photos will continue to be accepted if you are not a Facebook user or if you'd like a chance at seeing your photo featured on the blog. Send them to AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Here's more on how to enter our giveaway: - Entries all come back to comments. No matter what the form of entry, you must still leave a comment here to register that entry for the drawing.
- Tell us about your dog's anxieties--storms? separation? travel? crating? barking? Thundershirt has been shown to help many types of anxious behavior.
- "Like" All Things Dog Blog and Thundershirt on Facebook. Be sure to leave a comment and tell them All Things Dog Blog sent you! Leave a comment telling me you've "Liked" us.
- For 4 entries to this drawing, print a photo of your dog, or a photo from this post. Add some words like "I Like Thundershirt and All Things Dog Blog" or "Thank You Thundershirt and All Things Dog Blog" to the sign and post it at both of our Facebook pages. Don't forget to tell us your dog's name, and follow up with a comment here to register your entry.
- Subscribing to All Things Dog Blog gets you another entry, whether by email or RSS. Leave a comment telling me you're a subscriber.
- Follow @AllThingsDog and @Thundershirt on Twitter. Be sure to comment about this!
- Tweet this great giveaway: "Thanks @AllThingsDog 4 hooking us up to your @Thundershirt Giveaway", and don't forget to comment that you've completed this entry.
- Hit the Tweet/Retweet button at the top of this post for another entry.
- Surprise: You can even watch a YouTube video about Thundershirt and comment there, as long as you let me know here.
- Want to know more? Visit the Training Center or the How it Works page.
 | © Carrie Boyko
Calm Again
Thanks Thundershirt! | Are you considering ordering your own Thundershirt? Keep in mind that they offer a 45 day money back guarantee if the product does not help your dog. What have you got to lose?
You can order through their website or many other online locations such as Amazon. You'll also find Thundershirt at many stores like Pet Supermarket; that's how popular this great product has become, with its veterinarian backing and tons of testimonials. Oliver adds himself to that list!
Entries may be made once daily for each method. Entries close at 5 PM, Thursday, July 28, 2011. Winners will be selected by Random.org. The winners will be announced on Friday afternoon, July 29th. A method of contact is required to win: Twitter handle, email, blog URL.
Good luck to everyone who enters. Be sure to check back on Friday afternoon, July 29th, to see who the winners are. Happy tails! Full disclaimer: Thundershirt provided their product for Oliver to try and us to review on All Things Dog Blog. We have not been paid to give our opinion and the experiences we shared are true and actual. 
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| Dog Lover Prizes Return Posted: 20 Jul 2011 09:01 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB  | (c) Carrie Boyko
A Great Gift
for Your Pet Loving Friends and Family | This week we're going to turn our sights back to the moms. This adorable gift book will add a good laugh to anyone's bad fur day. Each page shares a humorous animal photo with a completely silly caption that will have you laughing for hours.
Our lucky laugher winner will get this book and a super nice tote bag from one of our sponsors. You can use it for carrying your pint-sized Fido, the groceries, or your shopping haul from this weekend's Flea Market. Just be sure to leave the Fleas behind.
This book will make a great gift for mom, grandma, teachers, kids and especially hairdressers! So even if you're not the recipient, it will do its good work. Enter with a comment to this post, using all the usual methods: - Tweet "I Love All Things Dog Blog @AllThingsDog"
- Hit the Tweet/Retweet button at the top of the post.
- "Like" us on Facebook
- Subscribe
- Tell us who will get the book when you win!
- Don't forget all entries must include a method of contact, and you MUST followup each entry with a comment here, in order to assure it gets into the drawing. Enter once daily per method and good luck with your bad hair days!
- Entries close at 5 PM on Thursday, July 29th and the winner will be announced on Friday afternoon, July 30th. Have fun!
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| Petmate's Floatimals Make Water Play Fun Posted: 20 Jul 2011 09:01 PM PDT by Carrie Boyko, CEB  | © E. Glavin
I'm Sitting. Fetch Please?
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 | © E. Glavin
Good Manners. Ok, Let's Play | Now that Tanner knows the rules (No swimming without permission) he's much like any other kid around the pool, meaning that he enjoys his pool toys. We have experimented with all sorts of pool toys over his nearly 5 years, and I'm beginning to get a clear idea of his favorites. When I spotted the Floatimals in Petmate's display during Global Pet Expo, I knew I had found a winner.
Today Tanner got the Dragonfly for his first test run. Thanks to my friend Elizabeth for running the camera, as a fetch game is tough to participate in, while also photographing. Didn't she do a great job? Thanks Lizzi!
 | © E. Glavin
Look Mom. I Got a Dragonfly! |
Tanner's first plunge was met with great pleasure--a marshmallow-soft fetch toy was unexpected. What fun!
Now I'll make him work a little harder. He has to bring the toy to me for the next pitch, dropping it at my feet again, as a way of offering good sportsmanship--manners.
 | © E. Glavin
Good Boy Tanner |
As usual, Tanner brings the toy all the way to my knees, rubbing it against me as if to be sure I know it is there. My resulting wet clothes are nothing more than an endearing way that he assures me he has returned the toy. How can I complain about that?
Let's "Fetch" again. This time a little harder task. I'll ask him to "Leave it" after I toss it. Let's see what happens.
 | © E. Glavin
Not Yet, Mom. I'll Be Right Back! |
Tanner got a round of applause from me when he successfully waited till I gave permission to Fetch. That said, he also decided he wasn't ready to return it immediately. He's no dummy! After climbing out of the water he headed in the opposite direction of me and took another dip:  | | © E. Glavin | Tanner enjoyed a naughty round of the pool, knowing he was supposed to return the toy to me, but I tolerated his fun in favor of more photos. Normally that sort of misbehavior would result in the toy going back on the shelf and the end of a game. :(
 | © E. Glavin
Oliver Watches from the Window
As I Tease Tanner with the Floatimal | Now it's my turn to tease him. I flaunt the dragonfly in front of him, but he holds his Sit. Good Boy.
I thought Oliver's interested spectating might distract Tanner, but his eye was on the prize. I'm sure he was saying, "C'mon mom; please throw it again."
Okay, let's go again. This time you'll have to find me in a different spot to return Dragonfly. Go Fetch!
 | © E. Glavin
Go Tanner... | I think you probably get the idea by now, huh? This is a great pool toy that is enticing and different. It's not your typical, hard rubber tube-type toy. Tanner enjoyed the squishy, water fun and I appreciated the durable neoprene fabric that it's made of, despite the fact that I got doused. It's part of the fun, and besides, I got cooled off too.
 | | © courtesy Petmate.com | Petmate's Floatimals come in a variety of critters including ladybugs, monkeys, snakes, bees, and gators. Whatever your dog's favorite chase is, they're likely to have something to fill his fun-factor.
Speaking of fun factor, I think we should share the love. Petmate has shared 5 Floatimals for a giveaway, so start your engines. You can win a Floatimal with your comments here on the blog. Here's a bunch of ways to enter, so join in the fun. Go Fetch a Floatimal for your Fido! - You may enter the giveaway once daily per method, but you must use a different Tweet, comment, photo, etc. each time.
- COMMENTS are the primo form of entry--super simple since you're already here. Visit the bottom of the post to find the COMMENTS link and click.
- Winners will be selected from comments here on the blog that include a method of contact (URL, email, Twitter handle, etc). All Tweets and emails must be followed up with a comment here to be entered in the drawing. Random.org will be used to select the winners.
- For 3 entries, post a photo of your pup to my Facebook page with a sign that says "We Love Floatimals". You can print a picture from this post and write the note on the photo for an extra entry. That's 4 entries right there! You can also post your photo to Petmate's Facebook page and it may be featured on our blog if you email it to me at AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com.
- Leave a comment here saying "I Like All Things Dog Blog and Petmate on Facebook" for another entry.
- Likewise, follow @AllThingsDog and @PetmateProducts on Twitter and leave a comment here telling me you've done this.
- Subscribing to our blog by email using the dog house subscription box at left is a great way to keep up with our posts, giveaways, Ask the Vet and Trainer columns and more. Leave me a comment for one entry, saying "I subscribe to All Things Dog Blog." RSS subscribers may use this method also. Click this link for more info on RSS.
- And of course, hit that Tweet/Retweet button at the top of the post, and then leave me a comment telling me you Tweeted/Retweeted this post. Leave your Twitter handle for verification and we'll be thrilled to give you another entry.
- Entries will close at 5 PM sharp on Thursday, July 28th. I'll report the winners on Friday, July 29nd.
If you're not the patient sort, preferring to just go ahead and buy your own Floatimals, you can find them online at this page on Valley Vet. At least that's a sure thing, but it's not near as much fun as entering our giveaways! Hope to see you all in the comments list. Happy Fetching!
Related Posts:Teaching Your Dog to FetchTeaching "Go Get the Newspaper"
Full disclosure: The Floatimal seen in these photos was provided to me for a product review by Petmate. I was not paid to provide my opinion. The thoughts shared in this article are my own. 
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| Doggie Grab Bag Surprise: No Entry Required Posted: 20 Jul 2011 09:01 PM PDT |
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