Let the Poop Melt begin! (what you should know)

Did you really clean up all the poop your dog generated this winter? I didn't.  Nobody wants to admit this truth, especially my mother, but I bet many of you didn't hike through 3 feet of snow after each turd.

At first I tried...there were a few days where I trudged through 3 feet of snow to pick up the steamers before they froze.  But, eventually, I got lazy and decided to wait until the snow melt.  Gross, I know.  Today, with only 6 inches of snow left...I got out my rubber gloves and my shovel.

While kind of funny, if you like bathroom humor, and nasty all at the same time, pet waste is actually a serious issue.  Many people don't realize that pet waste is actually as hazardous as human waste.  It needs to be cleaned up and disposed of properly.  Many diseases can be spread through your dogs poop including:
1) Campylobacteriosis
2) Salmonellosis
3) Toxocarisis

I'll spare you the details, but just click on the links above if you'd like to learn more. 

If you wouldn't throw your poop over your neighbor's fence, toss it in the woods, leave it on the street or stick it down the drain - don't do it with your dogs poop either.  Here's what you should do:

1) Flush it
2) Bury it
3) Trash it

In case your pet isn't like Mr. Jinx from Meet the Parents, I'd suggest options two or three.  The Lowe's Paint buckets with a trash bag as a liner work really well - especially if you clean up and out with the weekly trash pick up.  If that's not for you, consider an in-ground septic system.

Or, if you are really lazy - hit up yellowpages.com and hire a pooper-scooper.

Should I vote for Vick for MVP?

Okay, well the short answer to that question is NO.  As a football fan, I only have eyes for Tom Brady.  Long hair and all.  C'mon people. That man is just stunning on and off the field...and you know it.

With all the recent chatter about the MVP award down to Michael Vick or Tom Brady.  Vick's past has resurfaced on again on Facebook, FOXNews, and our dearest Mr. President has even had a thing or two to say.  When hearing all the recent chatter...it reminded me how quickly us Americans forgive and forget.  But, to some what Michael Vick did is unforgivable and still very raw.  How do you feel?

Tucker Carlson said he thinks Michael Vick should be "executed" for what he's done (source: FOXNews - google it people).  Personally, that seems a bit extreme.  Do you think Vick did his time?  The man did spend a long, lonely 21-months in the slammer.  Besides, Mr. President thinks it is just wonderful that the Eagles were willing to give him a second chance.  Does he even deserve a second chance?

As a friend recently proclaimed on her facebook page...what about all the people that rescued the abused dogs and gave them a second chance.  Mr. President, is that worthy of a phone call?

Michael Vick now volunteers with the Human Society and works with children educating them on the ills of dogfighting.  Before you say, "yeah right" - read this article.

I write this today because, as this issue has resurfaced, I have more questions than I do answers.  What do you think?

There are three things I know for certain:

• The President of the United States should start worrying about the United States and not Michael Vick's second chance
• Someday, Michael Vick will go in front of the highest court in the land and, for his sake, I hope he is truly sorry for his sins
• And, Tom Brady will be MVP

Is Road Salt Naughty or Nice?

In many places around the country the snow has started to fall, unless you are lucky enough to live in one of those 70 degrees and sunny cities. And, this time of year, it’s easy to stay inside and not take your dog for the ever-so-needed daily walk (or two).   Dogs get stir crazy like we do!

With the snowfall and road salt, your daily walks could now be a hazard to your pets health. Two words: Road Salt. While the salt helps melt the ice and prevent walkers or drivers from accidents, it isn’t nice to your pet’s paws.

In fact, the salt can be very painful. I did some research on some preventative measures:

Take your dog for walks…off the beaten path:
• Find nearby parks, fields, or even wooded walking paths to walk your dogs

• Look for other un-salted terrain

If you have to walk in salted areas, try these tips:
• Rinse and Repeat. After every walk, be sure to wipe your pet’s feet with warm water. This will help wash off any of the salt. Honestly, this is a good practice anyway as pets can bring in all sorts of goodies, pollen, and allergens on their feet.

• Frequent Pedicures. Keep your dogs feet clean. Regularly trim their nails and groom the stray hairs. It’ll help prevent icy, salty crumbs from getting caught. PetSmart and other local groomers offer a nail trim service. It’s a good habit to get into.

• MONEY SAVING TIP: trim your dogs nails and paw fur

• Paw Wax.  Try Paw Wax, it’s what the Mushers use! It helps dogs grip slippery surfaces and prevents cuts from sharp ice and salt.

• WARNING! Be sure to really clean their paws afterwards. Little pieces of wax can get stuck in carpeting and even stain.

• Surrender to booties like Paw Tectors, only if you have to.  Personally, I’m not a fan of the bootie. And, Copley refuses to wear them. Last time I attempted to get her to lace up, she marched around like a little soldier – kick, kick, kick. It was an adorable sight!

How to treat cuts:
• Rinse with warm water and put a little Bacitracin on the cuts.

• WARNING! Watch out for lickers. If your pet does have cut feet and is licking them. You can wrap with a piece of gauze and a little medical wrap. We use a stylin’ pink color wrap.
• Of course, always consult a vet if your dog has cut, swollen, or torn pads.

Share Here.  What are you favorite off-the-beaten path places to walk your dog?

Who has seperation anxiety? You or her?

Earlier today, Copley's Auntie Andrea texted me asking if she could take Copley overnight and then to play at my mom's tomorrow.  As crazy as it sounds, I actually had to think about it because I knew that I'd miss her tonight.  I just love cuddling with my bug after a long day at work. 

Andrea and Travis came over for dinner and Copley was thrilled to see them.  And, she very willingly jumped in the car.  Off they went.   

So, I started thinking.  Who has a harder time with separation anxiety....me or Copley?

Honestly, Copley doesn't have separation anxiety at all.  I made sure she was used to new situations, people, and being away from me at a very young age.  It doesn't matter if you have a puppy or an adult, it is important to make sure they have confidence (with out you).  Here are some things to try:

Pass the Pooch:
Have you ever asked someone to hold your dog's leash while you (fill in the blank) tied your shoe, got something out of the car, ran into a store, and so on?  Does your dog pull away from them and towards you?  If so, that's not good.

Start playing pass the pooch.  Every time you are out with your dog ask a friend to hold their leash.  Make sure your friend has treats.  Ideally, your friend could put them in a sit stay.  But at a minimum, have them give them treats and make it fun and special.  Getting your dog comfortable won't happen overnight.  Keeping working at it.

If you have a new puppy: get as many people as possible to hold him/her.  Literally, pass the puppy.  This will get your pup used to being handled by and with other people.

Walk Out Of Sight:
This skill is one of the elements of passing your CGC (Canine Good Citizen Test).  Your dog needs to stay with a total stranger for 3-minutes while you are out of sight.  They can't jump, whine, or pull. 

This game is really just taking Pass the Pooch to a new level - you leave.  Start with hiding behind a tree or shed for 30 seconds and work your way up.  When you return to your pet, treat them.  Reinforce that you're coming back.  It'll help them relax.

Send them on an Overnight Stay:
At some point, you are going to take a vacation.  The sooner you get your dog familiar with their overnight care - the better.  Most kennels don't take dogs until they are 6 months old.  But, if you can stand it...I recommend you send your pup away overnight so both of you get used to being away from each other.

If you are lucky like me and have friends or family members who will take care of your pet, send your dog on an overnight stay to get them used to the environment and people.  Also, this is a good test to see if that friend/family member is up to the task of taking care of your pet for a whole week.

Also, be sure to pack their favorites.  Reference my guide to an overnight stay.

Other things you can try:

• Let a friend or neighbor take your dog for a walk
• Drop your dog off at a friends house for a few hours - best if they have a playmate
• Try doggie daycare for a day or two
• Take a training class and ask another student if you can switch dogs for the class
• If you do agility, trying handling a different dog.  Let your dog try a new handler

Beginning with a strong foundation and getting your pet comfortable with new environments will give them confidence with or without you.  Pets that can accomplish the tricks above are less likely to have during-the-day separation anxiety.  But, that's a different topic for another day.

What tips/trick have you tried to make your dog confident?

Pet Photos with Santa? Upcoming Photo Shoots in Boston



Copley, Christmas 2009



Three years ago, if you told me that I'd be booking a photo shoot with Santa for my dog, I would have told you that you were out of your freakin' mind.  Well, here I am... very concerned about who is going to take the Copley's holiday photo.  Thought I'd share some of the best places to get your pet's photo taken this holiday season.

December 5th - Pet Photos with Santa

Location: The Switch, 21 Fairmount Avenue, Hyde Park

Time: 12p
Cost: $10 per photo

Notes: Proceeds to go the Poodle Rescue of New England

December 5th - Professional Pet Photos with Santa
Location: The Pet Cabaret, 4404 Washington St, Roslindale
Time: 11a - 4p
Cost: $20 Sitting Fee (includes JPG) / $10 additional for 5x7
Schedule in advance: Call Tammy @ 617-773-6635 OR email tammy@rubicat.com
Notes: Tammy is a professional photographer.  Check our her website.  All proceeds go to UnderDog ResQ

December 11th and 12th - Homeless for the Holidays Gift/Bake Sale AND Photos with Santa

Location: MSPCA Animal Care Center, 350 S. Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain

Time: 10a - 6p
Cost: $20 per framed photo
Schedule in advance: 617-524-5690

Notes: Proceeds go to the MSPCA-Boston.  And, you could give another pup a home this holiday season!

FREE!!! December 11th and 12th - Santa Paws at Hotel Marlow
Location: Hotel Marlowe , 25 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge
Time: 2-4p
Cost: FREE
Notes: Polka Dog Bakery treats will be served.  Pet Parents can enter a drawing to win an overnight stay at one of the Kimpton Boston properties.  Looks like there will be a dedicated in-door doggie play area too!

Holiday Deals for Pets

Who doesn't love a great deal? 

BEDS:
PetSmart has already released their Black Friday Flyer.  One of the best deals is the Great Choice MicroSuede bed at 50% off (Reg $39.99)

BassPro Shops has a smokin' deal on dog beds at $9.94.  They also have released their Black Friday Deals.

ONLINE COUPON CODES:
Fetchdog.com is offering 20% off PLUS Free Shipping.  They've got a lot of great product to choose from and dont run promotions very often.  Their coupon ends 11/28.  Use Code: EFD2626.

LOCAL BUSINESS SATURDAY:
Don't forget to get out on Saturday and support your local pet businesses.  Some of my Favorites:

Pet Cabaret
4404 Washington Street
MA 02131-3422
(617) 323-7387

Chatham Dog

416 Main ST
Chatham MA 02633
508-945-3395

Especially For Pets

444 Great Road
Acton MA 01720
978-264-4444

CYBER MONDAY
Most of my favorite pet websites have not released their CyberMonday deals yet.  But I'll post when they do!

Hiking at Wilson Mountain

It's a beautiful fall day in New England.  

Back in the day, Nick & I used to walk around Wilson Mountain Reservation in Dedham.  It's short loop around a hill (which I'm not sure why it is a mountain!).  Since we moved back, we haven't had a chance to take our fur-kid to one of our favorite spots.

But, today we had all the time in the world.  Copley trotted through the crunchy leaves with her nose to the ground taking in all the smells. 

The trail is nice and flat with a few small inclines.  It's a great spot for dogs of all ages including puppies and seniors.  They do ask that your dog be kept on a leash but noticed many well trained ones who weren't.    If you do go off-leash, make sure your dog has a good recall.  We did run in to several other dogs including a guy with three jet-black pugs that he shouted to "com'on laides."  (adorable!!)

What are your favorite pet friendly nature trails?

Directions:
Off rte 128/95.  Exit 17. Rte 135.  Head towards Dedham.  Parking lot 1/2 mile on right.

Rte 109 heading towards Dedham.  Make left onto Rte 135.  Parking lot about 1.5 miles on left.

Ever run into a Coyote or other wild animal?

After doing a little research, we learned that Coyotes are afraid of people.  Generally speaking, they'll stay away.  But, if they don't here are some tips to protect you and your dog:

Around the House:

• A fenced in yard is a great defense against unwanted friends like Coyotes, Fischer Cats, and Bobcats.  Check for breaks in the fence line where they could sneak through. 
• Keep all trash in secured containers away from where your pet goes potty or plays.  This will help deter Skunks, Raccoons, and other mean critters that feed on our trash cans from stopping by.
• Add in lights.  We added in two motion detector lights outside so we can see the whole yard at night.  Lowe's has a really great Solar Light.  It's easy to install and doesn't need any electricity. 

Good Safety Tips:

• Using a leash for potty trips at dawn and dusk will help keep your pet close by. The close your pet is to you, the greater your chances are of keeping them safe.  With Copley, I can scoop her up into my arms if needed.  Having her on a leash would make that happen quickly!
• Walk in well lit, well trafficked areas at day break or sunset.  The more active life, the less likely a Coyote is to be hanging around. 
• Visit dog parks or other community places in months when it gets dark early.  This will help your dog get the exercise they need with no stress for you!
• Don't feed the animals - Coyotes and other animals become more comfortable with humans if we become a food source.  Never, never feed the wildlife.

What to do if you run into a Coyote:
If they don't notice you.  Move away as quickly and quietly as possible.

• Make yourself look as big as possible.  Stand tall and confident.
• Make lots of loud noise - bang things together and shout.
• Back away while maintaining an eye on the Coyote - never turn your back, run, or make sudden movements.
• And, if the Coyote does decide to attack - fight back.

The Coyotes are Back

It's official.  The Coyotes are back. 

Back in May, when we moved to Dedham, all of our friends said..."you live down the Manor? Watch out for the Coyotes - they are known to attack dogs."  Excellent.  For the past few months, I dismissed people's comments about both living in the Manor and the Coyotes.  We hadn't heard from them or seen evidence of them...until last week. 

Around midnight, I heard that distinct Coyote howl-at-the moon sound.  He was so close that I actually heard him walk down the dirt road next to my house/bedroom.   Two nights ago, just after bringing Copley in from our last potty of the night, a pack of Coyotes took something out.  Their screams followed by the evilest cackle seemed to suspend time.  And, Copley wasn't so quiet this time.  She barked and growled with all her might - the hair on the back of her spine stood straight up. 

When living in Arizona, we occasionally ran into some "friends": Coyote and a Bobcat.  But, around here there are many more trees, shrubs, and piles of leaves to hide behind!  I've become afraid of the dark.

Have you ever been near any wild animals with your dog?  Share here.

Reunited...and it feels so good (guide to packing for your dog's trip)

Nick and I are just getting back from a week-long vacation.  While we had an amazing time with some old friends, I couldn't help but miss my Copley Bug.  She had the pleasure of spending a whole week with her grandma and grandpa.  And, of course, her bestie Grady.  Everything went well and I can tell she had a great time.

Leaving your little one behind can be tough, but with the proper packing preparation - they'll have a great time away and so will you!  Guide to packing for your dog's trip:

1)  Have an overnight bag packed and handy at all times.  You never know when you'll decide to make a quick trip with our with out your pup.  Having an overnight bag packed (minus food) and ready to go will make these overnight trips an easy decision for you.

2) Provide written instructions with the following details:

• Feeding - how much, when, what, and any allergies
• Vet contact - phone, address, email, website
• Your contact information - cell phone, where you are staying
• Special commands/rules - if you have trained your dog, review your "rules" with who ever will be watching your dog.  Help your pet and the person watching them by providing commands and preferred behavior rules.  Besides, you don't want all that hard work to go to waste
• Exercise guidelines - your dogs favorite activities and how much play-time they'll need

3) Their "stuff".  Pack your dog's bed, crate, mat, blanket and even water/food bowls to make them feel as at home as possible.  Copley has a really handy pop-up travel crate.  We don't have this out in the house everyday, but I do use it for training and in-car transportation.  When Copley stays with my mom's and needs some space, she finds her crate and snuggles in.  It gives her a chance to get away and feel safe.

4) Food & Treats - duh!  Pack enough food for a few extra days.  Once, during a business trip, I missed my flight and was delayed 2-days.  Copley was staying with a family friend who didn't have enough food.  They were kind enough to buy some more but just in case - more is better.   Only pack items they've eaten or played with before to ensure your pet doesn't get sick!

5) Pack special chew toys & bones.  Believe it or not, whoever is baby sitting your dog will eventually need a break.  If you don't do it every day, taking care of dog is a lot of work.  And, if you aren't used to it...sometimes you just need a break.  Packing favorite chewy toys will help keep your dog occupied while the sitter gets a few minutes to themselves.  Be a good friend, don't pack things that squeek.  Copley's favorite is Kong (R) Goodie Bone.

6) You collar and leash should have a name tag attached.  While it's important to pack a collar & leash, make sure that your dog's name and an emergency phone # are attached (just in case).  Also, I pack Copley's harness so her sitter feels comfortable taking her for walks.

Do you pack any special items for your dog?  Share here.

Does your dog smell like a dog?

Has your dog ever smelled like, well, a dog? 

The smell of dirty, wet dog is one of the worst and most distinct smells.  It's up there with the smell of body odor and feet!  If you think about it, a stinky puppy is just that - doggie BO.

How often do you give your dogs a bath/groom and do they like it?
Most dog grooming articles suggest you bathe your dog every 6-weeks.  Well, I tried that.  It simply does not work.  6 weeks of no bath leaves Copley with an aroma that doesn't leave much to the imagination.  So, we're bathing more frequently, every two to three weeks.  But, protecting her skin and coat is really important to me so I'm very careful about her baths:
1) I rotate her shampoos: 

• Our everyday shampoo is ESPREE Oatmeal and Baking Soda Shampoo.  I find that oatmeal and baking soda shampoos really cut the odor.  The oatmeal works as a soother and the baking soda gets to work!
• When we spend the day at the beach, she gets a flea & tick shampoo bath.  Since she sleeps in my bed, i want to make sure we've killed all the little critters and cut the odor of any dead fish she may have rolled in.

2) We ZoomGroom!  The Kong(r) ZoomGroom is by far the best grooming tool out there.  It is a rubber-nubbed brush that helps remove loose hairs while giving Copley a very relaxing massage.  I notice her closing her eyes while getting a bath - it's kind of like the amazing head massages you get at the salon during shampoo and conditioning.  Very relaxing.

3) Luke warm water.  I find that hot water hurts her feet and she jumps around.  Both cold and hot water seem to dry out her skin.  You've got to get it "just right". 

4) Rinse, rinse, rinse.  I couldn't figure out why Copley was getting doggie dandruff and it was because I wasn't rinsing her very well.  Keep a cup handy to help with rinsing. 

How do you manage the stink and shine between baths?
Okay, we bought the whole Pet Head thing.  But, it is true.  Dogs do need a between baths, bath.  We have a few different tools we use to keep her looking good and smelling fresh:

1) To keep her shinny, Copley gets a daily treat with Salmon.  Our favorite is Lamb & Salmon by WellBites

2) For those in a pinch moments where she needs to be cleaned but we don't have time for a bath, Earthbath Grooming Wipes are really handy.  They help while off the dirt and eliminate the odor 

3) For a fun fresh scent (before company comes over), a bottle of Pet Head Dry Clean helps mask any odor and always leads to great conversation about why the little dog smells like a blueberry

Can bath time be fun?
Yes! It can be. When I say "bath time", Copley runs to the tub and jumps in. She gets a special, secret treat in the tub. I smear a little peanut butter on the side of the tub. It keeps her distracted while I get to work.

What are you tips and tricks to make bath time fun?

Dog, do you disc?

Copley's favorite toy is the frisbee.  And, we're looking for some disc dog friends.  Know anyone?

I buy the hyperflite competition standard (pup size) .  Totally crazy, but they truely are the best discs out there (i've tried a few).  They are the perfect size for a Boston Terrier.  Second, they float really well - giving Copley a chance to snag them right out of the air.  How many little dogs have you seen do that?

Our frisbee addiction rules our life.  We play frisbee every night - never miss one. I can't even mention the word "frisbee" in Copley's presence or she'll start crying for it.  Nick and I have a code word or we spell it out!  It's like hiding ice cream or candy from a kid.  

We've got a few tricks including catching the frisbee out of the air, going through my legs to catch the frisbee out of the air, and so on.  But, I want to take this to the next level and have her jump up on to my back and over - catching the frisbee out of the air!  Anyone know how to train her to do that?

Dog Walker Jealousy?!

I'm not certain that I'm a fan of my new dog walker (a family friend who is out of work).  I might be jealous.

Don't get me wrong, I love my dog walker as a human and a friend.  I'm not sure that I'm a fan of him stealing all my Copley lovin'. 

My most favorite time of days is the 30 seconds between my getting out of my car and walking to the front door.  Every afternoon, when I pull up outside of my house and step out of my car - silence.  Then, wait for it...1, 2, 3 seconds and "WOOF".  The little "woofs" and pitter patter on the hardwood floor moves from my bedroom to the front door where I'm always met with so much enthusiasm.  Copley wiggles and is so excited for my attention. 

But, today, after the first day with our new dog walker...I got a "hey ma, nice to see ya.  going to take a nap."  Then, the familiar sound of a snoring puppy passed out on the kitchen floor!  As the evening has gone on, she's migrated to her crate where is snuggled up and snoozing. 

I know a dog walker is best for both of us as I experienced quite a bit of anxiety leaving her home all day by herself.  But, I'm missing getting chased around with a Frisbee.  It's only day one...I guess we'll see how it goes.

I know this sounds totally silly but do you get jealous of your dog walker and feel like your puppy lovin' got all used up?

Do you give your dog "human food"?

I'll admit it, I do.  

As I talk to more puppy mamas one of the reoccurring themes is "begging".  It is a real issue and can make dinner time or when you have guests over extremely unpleasant.  And, often, the more treats you sneak under-the-table, the worse that whiny, "but mom...I'd like some too" puppy face gets. 

While some people are violently against table scraps, I believe that everything in moderation is OK.  And, dogs like rules so if you give them "human food" on your terms it can be a very powerful tool.  Here are a few guidelines...

Use it as a treat substitute
I don't advocate dumping a pile of left over mac & cheese with broccoli into your dog's bowl after dinner.  But, I do believe that fresh, human food does have value.  For dogs that are over weight, baby carrots make a great low-calorie treat.  Copley absolutely loves snow peas, blueberries, and carrots.  I substitute these all-natural, organic treats for biscuits you can get in the store.  Cost effective and all-natural.

I like my food too much to share it
In my opinion, dinner time is one of the most important hours in a day for the family or with a significant other.  It is one of the only times you get to stop, relax, and converse about something other than if the email blast went out on time.  You can avoid begging by training your dog to "go to your place".  Copley knows that when I sit down to eat - she needs to go somewhere else and lay down.  I'll either ask her to do a down stay (nice way to practice long down stays), give her a bed, or sometimes she'll get her own special bone to chew on.  Either way, she has her own personal time and I have mine: eating in silence with out a whiny puppy under my feet.

Make it a special command
Every time I give Copley a small piece of rotisserie chicken or cheese, I give it to her in the same bowl that she eats her dinner out of.  This helped her learn that human food is only given in a controlled environment.  A.K.A, don't come looking for it under the table.  I paired the word "madame" with this very special reward.  Over time, she learned to come running when she hears the word "madame".  Honestly, this has helped me in emergency situations.  I can yell "madame" and she'll stop whatever she's doing and come back to me looking for a special treat.

Copley's Recommendations:
Hot dogs
Popcorn
String Cheese
Blueberries
Peas
Chicken
Sweet Potato
Carrots

What are your pups favorite foods? 

P.S. not all human foods are safe for dogs.  Chocolate, Onions, and Grapes are a few of them.  If you aren't sure if an item is dog friendly, consult your vet or trainer.

Do you take your pup to the beach?

What's your favorite pet-friendly beach?

We found a super-secret, magic island off the coast of Chatham, MA.  You have to take a boat to get there.  Here are a few photos of Copley's adventure.

Do you have any favorite beach activities?  We like playing soccer and catching the waves!

Shoo! Fleas & Ticks, don't bother me

While preventitive care for flea & tick is critical, chemical solutions have always made me a bit nervous as I've heard a few horror stories.

My parent's dog, Grady, has had several bad reactions to both prescription and over the counter flea & tick solutions.  She'll break out into a sweat, foam at the mouth, run around shaking and crying.  Apparently, this is more common than what I thought.  I recently heard of a dog loosing its fur along the flea & tick chemical solution line.  Thankfully, Copley and I have never had a problem and have used both BioSpot (sold at http://www.petsmart.com/) and Nature's Guardian with out a problem. 

When I was first introduced to Shoo! Tag, a chemical-free flea & tick solution, I was a bit skeptical.  It is a small plastic tag with a magnetic strip.  It doesn't look capable of repelling fleas & ticks.  But, it works very well.  Copley spent the weekend playing on Cape Cod, rolling in the sand and playing in the tall, marshy grass.  Not one tick!  Amazing.

Shoo! also makes human versions of the tags which allegedly keep away the mosquitos.  I'm thinking of giving it a try.

How does your dog react to flea & tick solution?  Have you ever tried a chemical-free or all natural alternative?  How did it work?

Who you gunna call? GooseBusters!

This story is far too fantastic not to talk about.

A big topic of conversation on local talk radio this week is "the Geese".  At first, I was horrified that with everything going on in the world people were in a tizzy about Geese.  But, the Canadian Geese have been and are a becoming a bigger problem to the local community.  The bottom line, they poop everywhere!  And nobody gives them an Oops Station.

A local family decided to put their team of Border Collies to good use as a team of GooseBusters.  They travel around the local communities chasing the Geese out of school athletic fields, golf courses, parks, etc.  I heard on WTKK that a team of GooseBusters on the south shore can reduce the number of Geese on a golf course by 75%, by ruffling their feathers.

Check out the local GooseBusters on YouTube or read more at the Dedham Transcript

Also, please check with your town, my understanding is that in some cities/towns they grant you a special off-leash dog license just in case you want to go Goose-Bustin'. 

We're determined to make Copley the first Boston Terrier GooseBuster in the area.

The Pet Cabaret in Roslindale, MA gets my vote

Only three quick days after my quest to seek out and enjoy all the pet-friendly places and shops in Boston, I stumbled across The Pet Cabaret , a local pet supply store in Roslindale, MA. 

Now, I've been in many, many pet stores.  In fact, I stop at almost every pet store that I drive by.  The Pet Cabaret, hands down, is the most amazing pet store that I've ever been in.

One of the owners, whose name I didn't catch, was absolutely delightful.  She took me for a tour around the store, educating me on all the wonderful natural/organic and most importantly grain-free product selection.  Due to Copley's grain allergies, I'm a huge advocate for all natural/grain-free dog food and treats.  Usually, I have to purchase a little here and a little there online.  The Pet Cabaret brings together all my favorites in a wonderful community store experience.

As an added bonus, many of the customers were greeted by their first name.  In fact, she even answered the phone with a warm hello to Mrs. (so and so).  My goal is to have Copley and I on a first name basis with the Pet Cabaret.

The store is very clean, well maintained and organized.  She clearly takes a lot of pride in her store as well as and her responsibility of providing the absolute best pet products and solutions to the local community.

I'm overwhelmed by the wide selection super premium pet foods, treats, chews, flea & tick, and so on. It was very tempting to try everything in the store - I can't wait to go back and broaden my selection.  For tonight we're going to try (over the next few weeks, look out for product reviews):

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  BRAVO Trail Mix training treats - the trail mix includes hot dogs, buffalo meat, turkey meat, and Vermont cheddar cheese.  Yum!
• Himalayan Dog Chew - Yak and Cow Milk with lime juice
• Shoo! Tag - a chemical-free way to prevent flea & ticks

I give them a 5 out of 5 rating.  We'll be visiting our new friends at the Pet Cabaret for all of Copley's food and treat needs.  I can't wait to get back there and try some more of their great product selection.



Pet Cabaret Contact Info:
http://www.petcabaret.com/
4404 Washington Street
Roslindale, MA
617.323.PETS
Pet Cabaret Blog

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P-town is dog-town

In my quest to find dog friendliness in the greater Boston area - I'm quite pleasantly surprised to see this newly published article from Dog Fancy Magazine, ranking Provincetown the most dog friendly town in the USA.

Provincetown is known as a community that opens virtually almost all its doors - stores, restaurants, and even the bank - to pooches! Here are some of Ptown's pet friendly activities.

Next time we're at the cape, we'll be hitting up Provincetown. Supporting local and pet friendly businesses is a must-do.

Copley's Chicken-in-a-Cube

One of Copley's favorite summer time treats is an ice cube or a little taste of vanilla ice cream.

Unfortunately, the ice cream gives her gas. The kind of gas that you are shocked could come of out such a tiny, 18.5lb body...but it does. It is so awful, I've had to cut her out of our occassional after dinner treat. I feel terribly guilty that Copley couldn't join in dessert.

So, I've made a special treat for her: Chicken Broth ice cubes.

All you have to to is fill an ice tray with chicken broth and freeze. Now, when I sit down for my ice cream, Copley gets her special Chicken-in-a-Cube treat.

Everyone is happy!