***Re-posting this email info (with a tidbit from me) from Ann at Zoolatry…for your info ***

Romeo and his family & some friends have begun a new blog — called BlogPaws!
 
Here’s what he told us… “the pet community is a special one – supportive, friendly and bound together by a passion for the furry members of our families.”
 
And he also told us about the first-ever conference just for the online pet community: BlogPaws 2010.
 
This conference is for us – all of us – a weekend for pet bloggers who are passionate about their pets, who spend an [inordinate] *** amount of time with online blogging, Tweeting and networking with their pet loving friends.
 
*** we pets do not think it is an inordinate amount of time at all
 
Sorry, we did not mean to digress here…
 
The conference will be held April 9 and 10, in Columbus, Ohio (please take note all our O-HI-O friends, it may be right down the road from you and you could just paw over there). It’s a get together for fun, networking and education.  You’ll learn how to monetize your blog, increase traffic, understand SEO, do product reviews or publish a book — and much, much more.
 
Romeo knows the e-con-o-mee is kind of ruff ‘n tuff right now, so he offered a special discount of 20% off the registration fee of $129.00 if you’re a Zoolatry friend.  That’s a real deal we think.

If you want to know more about the conference, you can visit the BlogPaws site… or you can email Romeo’s Mom, Caroline… her email is below.

If you would be kind enough to support this site and this great event, grab the logo or 20% off (coupon graphics in this post) and put it in your post or on the sidebar of your blog, and include the site link. 
 
So… from Romeo, and Maggy & Zoey (at Zoolatry)… go, take part in BlogPaws2010… have a great time, and share lots of meows, bow wows and paws-up with all your friends.

** And now from ME, Jaime, and ThoughtsFurPaws.com, we have already signed up and received a special room rate at the Westin where the conference is being held of $99 per night! (GREAT deal for downtown Columbus, trust us, we’re Ohioans who frequent the area). We sincerely hope as many of our readers, fans and friends can make it to the conference so we can meet face to face. Imagine how much fun it will be!
 
Link for BlogPaws           http://www.blogpaws.com
To email Romeo             caroline@romeothecat.com

The new and improved FURminator is the coolest and most easy to use pet brush EVER. I was sent a sample for review and the updates the company made to the original make the product even better than it already was!

The FURminator deLuxe Collection features the same premium quality, stainless steel edge and adds a sleek, enhanced design, which make grooming sessions at home faster and easier.

The new model has an ergonomic handle, making it easier to grip, the fine-toothed deshedding edge, which is the biggest feature if you ask me because it reaches beneath the top coat and grabs loose undercoat hair, and finally, it also has a really neat “FURejector:” a button you push that releases the hair you’ve trapped in the brush (so you can avoid pulling all the hair out of the comb with your hands and getting it all over the place!!)

FURminator deLuxe Edition

I have always been a FURminator fan, and never use any other pet brush. But actually, even my vet told me just this week (since I’ve spent so much time there this week…) that his lucrative grooming business uses only the FURminator line of products on all dogs and cats.

The deLuxe model includes tools designed for small, medium and large long- and short-haired dogs AND cats, so you can pick which model works best depending on the size of your animals.

I think the best part about FURminator products is that my cats and dogs actually LOVE the way they feel on their skin. They will sit in front of me for hours being brushed – which is unusual considering how hyperactive our animals are. And it’s also funny because they have learned to recognize the FURminator — when I go into the laundry room and pull it out of the cabinet it’s like they line up in a row, waiting to be brushed:)

I would highly recommend this product to any pet owner – it REALLY IS THE BEST PET BRUSH EVER CREATED.

You can find the magical new FURminator at pet specialty retailers and vet clinics, as well as online at www.furminator.com.

These are pictures of Fenris, one of the December dog photo contest winners. He has the blog Alasandra, the cats and a dog.

Here he is enjoying his new toys and treats from the prize package we at ThoughtsFurPaws sent to him for winning one of three places in the photo contest.

Enjoy all the pictures at the link below (this post only has a select few): http://www.flickr.com/photos/alasandra/sets/72157623298394290/

Fenris and Stuffies

Fenris and Prize Package

Fenris and New Toys

Fenris Roaching With Toys

Okay, now for the continuation of the funny pet and animal pictures post from earlier this week, here we go! Enjoy:)

Hi everyone,

Well after battling pneomonia, mono, sinus infection and bronchitis, Mom is finally on the road to recovery and we are so excited to be posting again! We have missed all of you SO SO much!

Even though it’s not Fun Friday, Mom wanted to post these funny pet pictures to let you know how happy she is to be back (the rest we’ll post on Fun Friday!)

We can’t wait to visit everyone this week, and hope to hear from you soon:)

Thanks to dedicated reader Hayley Tarling for this email of cute pet pictures…

I found this on a blog called Everyone Deserves a Special Friend and had to share it with you all. This should be posted in every shelter, pound, city council building, police station, dog park, pet store, pet rescue, library, and utility pole across the country. Sure puts BSL in its place…

 A Pit Bull’s Prayer

Spirit in the sky, who watches over all animals: it is my prayer and my request that you grant greater understanding, and acceptance to humans; those who love us, and those who hate us.

That they will know how loyal we are, how brave we are, and how loving we are.  Help them to accept us as a breed in whole and not let the few tragedies shine brighter then the many great traits that we have.

And those who would kill me, let them know, I forgive them even though I don’t understand their hatred.  And those who would beat me, let them know I still love them, even though it is not the honorable way (to treat me).

Thank you for all the strong traits that you have given to me and my breed.  Help those to know that I stand for courage, strength, loyalty, and bravery, and as my master already knows, let those who would come against my family know that I would surely die defending them.

And just one thing that I would ask: let my master know, that if you should call me away, that I will wait patiently at those pearly gates until the one who chose me comes home.

Amen.

Author Unknown

PERCEPTION

By Jim Hughes
Kennel Spotlight Magazine, December 2009

* Thanks to Mary O’Conner Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs, a well-known and respected animal advocacy group, for sharing this article with us on Facebook. I recommend to everyone you join her Facebook Group, “Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions,” by clicking here or on the previous Facebook link. You can also Google both Mary and Jim’s names and find a wealth of articles, information, and education materials about everything from puppy mills to dog auctions and animal welfare legislation.*

*Please note that this is an article promoting responsible breeders. I know you readers are used to hearing me talk about rescue, but, bottom line, there ARE in fact good breeders out there…*

So here’s Jim’s article:

In the human physic, there are two realms, actual facts and perceived facts. The perceived facts can get so imbedded into the mind that all of the actual facts to the contrary will not change that perception, even when seen with one’s own eyes. Our dogs do not care if we paint the kennel or not. It makes no difference to them, either way. But, it certainly makes a huge difference to John Q. Public. And TV news commentators are a part of John Q. This magazine (Kennel Spotlight) has preached to the choir for five years now. I have preached to the choir for 50 years; dang it! if it don’t beat all, but the choir ain’t listening.

We have lost the war. This war we have been raging against the Humaniacs of the world has been lost. We know that the message being delivered to the newspaper and television media personnel are, in the most part, outright, vicious lies. But John Q. has heard it so often, and with no rebuttal from our side, that he now believes that all puppy breeders are bad, somewhat lower than a child molester. We must take our message to the public at school fairs, county fairs, church functions, political rallies, PTA meetings, etc. Anywhere that sells booth space. Business Expos are an excellent place to display your kennel. But people, we must have something to talk about. We must put our best foot
forward and that is not the old status quo.

If you plan to save this dog breeding business, you must:

1. Get legal. Get a license, ALL licenses, USDA, State, County business, tax number etc.

2. Paint your buildings, fix your pens, wash your windows, repair your equipment, fix your hair, paint your face, take a bath. Look the part of the professional image you must present to old John Q. Public.

3. You must groom your dogs. They must look professional also. And socialize them. Give them some attention. It will be hard for the H.S. to convince a judge that you are abusing a well groomed, well fed, healthy, friendly little ball of energy.

4. Invite your public officials to inspect your facilities. Get your Veterinarian to write you a clean bill of health. Publically display any clean inspection reports. Have your Sheriff stop in and make him aware of the harassment the H.S. is sending out to all breeders.

5. Post NO TRESPASSING signs at every entrance to your property.

6. Allow no strangers onto your property until you have identified them, but then make them feel welcome and that you have nothing to hide.

7. Make sure that you have a lawyer already aware that when you need him, it will be on a minutes notice. Pay him a retainer if he needs one.

8. Volunteer to help at your local humane shelter. Get to know those people and become friends with them. “Know thy enemy”. Many of these people don’t even know you are the enemy.

9. Join your local breeder club. If you do not have one, form one. We, here in the Midwest, have many, too many, but the east coast has almost none. Most of the kennel raids take place on unlicensed, unorganized, east coast breeders.

10. Re-educate yourself. Change your thinking. Imagine yourself as John Q. Public. You know nothing except what the Humane Society tells you. Accept the fact that the public now expects you to raise your dogs in scrumptiously clean, well lighted, good smelling conditions. Somewhat like a retail Pet Shop.

11. Post a bulletin board with pictures and letters from satisfied customers. Resolve, within reason, any customer complaints before they hit the courts or the media.

If you refuse to adjust to the new way of thinking that H$U$ has forced upon you, you either need to get out of the business or you will be forced out, either by raid and confiscation or by legislation. Senator Durbin is too busy right now selling Obama ideas to the public, but he has a new Pups Bill ready to spring on Congress. As soon as he gets the time, he will introduce it and fight for its passage. Just look what Ed Rendell has done to Pennsylvania. People in power can and will make your life miserable. Those of you who think you are immune to USDA inspections because you only sell through the internet will find that the new bill was written with YOU in mind.

My crystal ball tells me that this bill will pass, even though we will fight against it. It will then become the duty of USDA to inspect these new licensees, but because of lack of manpower, they will be unable to do the job. Because of our current economic distress, they will not be allowed to hire more inspectors SO, guess what, the H$U$ WILL VOLUNTEER TO DO IT FOR THEM.

Am I being overly pessimistic? Possibly! But I find that the concerns I am voicing today are the same ones that I was voicing 20 years ago. The difference is that the enemy has gotten stronger, more determined, and better financed over the years. Sure, we win a battle, but the threat of next year is always hanging over us. We wear out, and we are just trying to make a living but they have a CAUSE and the zeal to pursue it to completion.

Shape up breeders, big brother is watching you!!!

It seems more holiday pet tips are coming my way from all differnt directions, so I thought I’d post this one too. This one is about some great holiday pet gift ideas that are nice and easy. It’s from my good friend John at Guideposts.com.

Here are 5 purr-fect budget friendly gift ideas for your pets:
http://www.guideposts.com/story/presents-pets-christmas
1. Buy a great toy: Check out the environmentally-friendly toys at your local pet store, or online. Or go even more simple. A bucket of old tennis balls makes Kelly happy. Try making a toy yourself. If you can sew, create a simple stuffed teddy bear for your pup. Tie a feather or pompon to the end of a string for your kitty. Get creative!
2. Cook  Something Yummy: Find a recipe for healthy dog treats. Try this dog carsomething yummy:rot cake recipe from Sharon Azar’s WOOF! blog or Editor-in-chief Edward Grinnan’s dog food recipe.
3. Frame a picture: For your animal-loving friends and family, frame a special picture of their pet, or create a small scrapbook or brag book. If you’re handy with the computer, print up stationary or note cards, with the pet’s picture in the corner.
4. Make pet books and calendars: Pet lovers will never grow tired of reading about their best friends, and there are so many great options: fiction, memoirs, how-to, and great true animal stories. (Check out Guideposts’ own Their Mysterious Ways) Page-a-day or monthly pet calendars make great gifts, too.

5. Give your time: What’s the best gift to give a pet? Your time! Get down on the floor and play, maybe even invent a new game with your dog or cat. Relish time to just cuddle. Kelly and I like to get wrapped up in a blanket. For your pet-owning friends, offer dog walking or pet-sitting. Or help more pets by donating time or money to a local animal shelter.

(Next one added by me, yours truly….I couldn’t help it)

6. Volunteer. I think that we should all get out and volunteer for an animal charity this holiday season, whether by being at adoption events, writing letters, or answering phones, go into your local pet charity and see how you can help this season!

 
Happy holidays!

This is a guest post written by my friend Rod Burkett from GoPetFriendly.com. If you are traveling with pets this holiday season, then it’s a must-read.

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Millions of people will hit the road this holiday season to spend time with friends and family, and for many of us, spending the holidays away from our pets is inconceivable. Planning ahead and taking some precautions can help ensure that everyone – including the furry members of the family – has a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to make sure your trip is a merry one!

• Health and safety first. Before departing, have your pet checked by the vet to ensure he/she is fit to travel.  Consider scanning your pet’s medical records to a CD or thumb drive so you have a portable history.  Also, your pet should wear a suitable collar with identification attached.  A microchip is a good idea if your pet is prone to running away.

• Strongly consider traveling by car. The airlines are plagued with huge crowds and massive amounts of baggage during this time of the year. Delays and cancellations are the norm and could cause increased stress for your pet. While driving in the car, keep your pet crated or buckled up and no heads poking out the windows!

• Make certain your pet is welcome at your destination. Friends and relatives may not be comfortable with having your pet as a guest. Confirm in advance that your host will welcome your pets and discuss any restricted areas or rules that will need to be followed during your stay.

• Brush up on obedience. Our pets are introduced to new places, scents and people when we travel. Understanding what’s allowed in a new environment can be confusing for them, but a little training before you leave will allow them to showcase their manners. Simple commands like “Stay,” “Down,” and “Drop It” can keep a dog from bolting out an open door, greeting guests inappropriately, or ingesting something harmful.

• Give them a comfortable retreat. Many pets can become overwhelmed with holiday gatherings and would prefer a quiet spot away from the activity. Having their bed or crate and their favorite toy creates a welcome refuge where they can relax.

• Keep your pet’s normal schedule. As simple as it may seem, feeding and exercising your pet on their normal schedule can reduce their anxiety. Set an alarm to remind you of your pet’s feeding time and don’t skip their daily walks to drain excess energy!

• Avoid digestive disaster. It’s very tempting to spoil your pet during the holidays with foods and treats however it’s very important to stick to your pet’s normal diet while you’re traveling. Many foods like onions, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate and alcohol served at the holidays are toxic to your pet. Poultry bones splinter and can cause serious health issues. Just eating foods your pet is not used to can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Let other guests know that your pet is well-fed and anyone offering treats may be cleaning up after him later!

• The tree is off limits. Pets can be injured if they take tinsel or ornaments off the tree, and the water in the tree stand can have preservatives or bacteria that could harm your pet. Pets should not be allowed around the tree, and gates should be used if the tree is just too tempting.

• Monitor your emotions. Over-excitement, anxiety and stress are common emotions around the holidays. Remember that your pet will pick up on your feelings, so relax, stay calm and have fun!

Since I have been so ill lately, my friends have kindly volunteered to write some posts for me. This is the first in a series, and its written by Denton Fowler from PetWellBeing.com.

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Losing your pet is never easy, whether you’ve had them for a couple of months or a couple of years.  The impact can easily be compared to the loss of a child, even if people without pets probably can’t relate.  The grief can hit us in many different ways.

 I share with you the story of Fish, a puppy mill rescue who changed the lives of my family.  And although he blessed us with just 11 short months of joy, he will be forever remembered by everyone he came in contact with.   

 We lost Fish in early November, but we are reminded daily of the impact he had on our daily life.  His hair is STILL everywhere, no matter how often we vacuum.  His cage sits empty in the garage because selling it would be like saying aloud that he is really gone.  His favorite chew toys lie scattered about the cage, covering the polished water bowl I know is there somewhere.

 Fish was a German Shepherd mutt, mixed with a bit of this and a bit of that.  He was rescued from a puppy-mill by the SPCA and then adopted by my kids and I when he was just 3 months old.  Fish was the bundle of energy that caught our eye.  His body had scars from his ordeal, but we saw past them.  It was love at first sight. 

 He wasn’t the best trained dog but he knew his basic commands.  Unless, of course,  there was another dog around.  We were still working on that part.  Fish was a favorite at the dog park because he would play with any dog there.  He could rough house with the best and give as good as he got.  Or he would crawl on his stomach to let the smaller dogs climb all over him.  He just wanted to play.  With dogs or with people, he just wanted someone to play with him.

 Guilt was the biggest emotion I felt when he died.  And it’s not because of the way Fish died, because he died doing what he loved best.  We were down at the river down a gravel road just where the huge power lines cross over.  No one ever came there and he would chase after the ducks and squirrels to his heart’s content.  But he saw a dog in the distance and took off.  Anyway, when a running dog, a blind corner and a utility truck meet, the dog doesn’t win out…

 By the time the kids came home from school, I had already done the whole woulda-shoulda-coulda thing in my mind.  If I had left 2 minutes sooner.  Or got just one more red light.  Or thrown a stick for him to chase.  Or worked harder on his commands around other dogs.  Maybe, just maybe this wouldn’t have happened.

 It took my daughter to drag me out of that mood that night when she started doing it herself.  She lamented that if she hadn’t missed her bus, I wouldn’t have gone down to the river after driving her to school, and Fish would still be alive.  It was all her fault.

 To make her feel better, I gave her the list of all my could-haves to show her that it wasn’t the cause of one particular person or event.  I mean, what if had been raining?  I certainly wouldn’t have been there.  You just can’t blame the weather for your pet dying.

 I think that clarified things in her mind and my own.  It wasn’t her fault any more than is was mine.  It doesn’t make Fish’s absence any easier, it just reduces a certain amount of self-guilt that makes you point the finger at yourself.

 Now, when we find more of his hair on our blankets or clothes, there’s just this longing for something that was.  And memories of what we had.

 Denton Fowler wrote this article for PetWellbeing.com which offers prevention and treatment products for cancer in cats and Cushings Disease in dogs.