The Pet Product of the Week reviews awesome pet products for cats and dogs. It should be featured about once or twice a month; and every now and then it’s part of a bigger story, too. Pet Product of the Week is a category aboutt pet lover gifts, pet health care, pet foods, pet grooming tools, pet toys & other random pet product reviews!

Archive for the ‘Pet Product of the Week’ Category

Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge Wrap-Up: We ARE BELIEVERS and BUYERS Forever!

Posted on February 3rd, 2012

Thank you so so much to all the kind folks at Eukanuba and Dogtime Media who were able to get Franklin and Henry into the 28-Day Challenge, first of all…

Second, we knew going in that Proctor and Gamble Pet Care Division has an awesome reputation – our kittehs eat only IAMS wet and dry food and eat health treats too.

However… we are eternally grateful because we have seen such an amazing change in the exterior and the temperament of both our precious pooches, Franklin and Henry, with the Eukanuba formulas they are on. Eukanuba asked me to, in 100 words or less, to sum up the best part. Here’s my word-for-word answer:

100 words or less is tough for me, but here goes… Franklin and Henry were never just “good” dogs; they have always been extraordinary. Their health, on the other hand, WAS NOT.

However, as of now:

-          Franklin and Henry are going “number two” three times a day — regularly

-          Their coats are super-shiny

-          Their breath is fresher

-          Their teeth are cleaner

-          They have adapted so well to the food that they eat slower and enjoy it!

Considering they are seriously picky eaters and that Bassets are inherent with problems when not bred right (and that Frank is a former puppy mill stud), this is all fantastic news.

Are you planning to feed your dog Eukanuba moving forward?

Franklin the Former Puppy Mill Stud Dog

Yes, they absolutely love it!!! We can’t imagine going back at this point…

What was the best part of the Challenge?

The best part of the Challenge has been over the last two weeks… oh yeah – also the change in their breath and their coats! These two things are just so obvious that even neighbors (when on walks) and people/friends at dog parks have asked us what’s changed!

We saidEukanubaand have been answered in shock with SO MANY “NO WAYS!!” that it’s remarkable!! People just can’t believe a food (what I now call a SUPER FOOD for dogs) like Eukanuba’s Custom Care Joint Formula or Eukanuba Senior Maintenance Formula, which Franklin and Henry are getting respectively, can have so much of an effect! It’s like humans eating kale and almonds and avocado and mangoes or something!!! A little of this helps that part and a bit of that helps this part!! LOL! Do you know what I mean? They are getting EVERYTHING they need in one food – vitamins, minerals, supplements, and special ingredients that help their little bodies prepare for life better.

We also really love the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge Facebook page the organization put up to document everyone else’s experiences! It’s fun to see pictures and read stories like ours!

 What did you learn about your dog from the Challenge?

We learned that they can actually eat slowly and enjoy their good; that they are smarter than they know; that they are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed no matter what time of day it is, and that they are the most extraordinary dogs and most well-loved animals in the ‘hood :) ♥ ♥

Would you recommend feeding Eukanuba to others?

♥ ♥ ABSO-FRIGGIN-LUTELY!!!!!!!!!!Any day of any week, any breed of any age. It’s our super power poodle food. (We call all dogs poodles in this family…)

And as the Hounds would say, “Baarrrrugala….!”

Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge Has Totally Helped Our Bassets! Thank You Eukanuba!

Posted on January 30th, 2012

This is your weekly PUPDATE on the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge for Henry and Franklin, the famous Lakewood Basset Hounds!

Sorry the pupdate is late but Mom was out of town!

Peanu "Undercover Brother" after a LONG dog park night!

See our previous Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge posts here!

We cannot believe the FOURTH WEEK changes we are seeing on our Basset Hounds, which are known for being inherently ornery, bossy, lazy and driven by their noses…

They have lost or gained weight where necessary; they actually enjoy their mealtimes now, and they have benefited in other ways individually in totally unexplainable ways.

So due to serious time restraints, here is the Q/A we were sent:

What physical changes are you noticing the most?

Activity level for sure – they are up and ready in the morning and evening after dinner to go to Lakewood Dog Park (which is having a Super Bowl Fundraiser Dog Pawty) and cause a ruckus! Franklin just will not be quiet or calm down until we go to the park or for a long walk; it’s so obvious that he feels younger. It’s difficult to explain when you aren’t seeing it first-hand, which is why I am going to tell anyone reading this to try the Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge next time it’s offered!

We’re also noticing that they aren’t shedding as much, but when they do, we notice it’s silky fur and easy to brush right off… Their coats are so shiny now that our friend at Lakewood Dog Park asked what kind of shampoo we use! We I shocked him when we said it’s not the shampoo, it’s the food!

Is your dog still enthusiastic about the food?

Oh yeah: they enjoy every bit of kibble.

Henry has actually slowed down so he tastes and enjoys the kibble – he doesn’t just inhale it! This is what we WANTED!

Have you seen any changes in your dog’s weight (maintained weight, shed a few pounds)?

:) Henry has lost three pounds total — perfect! Franklin has gained four – PERFECT :)

What has surprised you the most about your dog on Eukanuba?

We had never expected THAT ONE FOOD CAN DO SO SO MUCH for our dogs. What really has surprised us the most is their personalities — they are seriously – HAPPIER DOGS overall — due to this food.

And we think it’s because Henry and Franklin’s senior and joint issues, respectively, have changed.

So thank you Eukanuba and we will be back in a few days with the wrap-up!

 

Stella is Growing, Made a Boston Terrier Friend, & Pet Product of the Week is Spring Naturals-Her New Fave!

Posted on January 16th, 2012

So here is the latest “Stella-Bella” update for all you Boston Terrier and puppy fans out there… :)

 

First of all, let me tell you how SPOILED ROTTEN THIS GIRL IS: her Daddy, my manager, just bought her a Louis Vuitton dog collar and she looks ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE in it. ♥ ♥ I never thought I would be one to condone spending THAT kind of money on a pet, but I guess I surprised myself…!

Stella and Daddy Sleeping...

You recently read about Stella’s first Christmas - well the collar was a POST-Xmas present — that’s how much Daddy loves this little pistol of a dog… and trust me, she is a pistol. She runs so fast outside the office in the woods and her little fun areas, it looks like she’s a miniature black hovercraft (I know I said that about Henry once, but he’s too old now to move that fast…!) (You FIRST read about Stella HERE.)

Stella's New Amigo!

BTW, Stella recently met a new friend on a walk – we can’t remember his name, but he is pictured to the right there!

Stella is so energetic; her fave toy is a Frisbee. In our business, we do a lot of shipping and Stella has a knack for sneaking into the warehouse and stealing the lids off the shipping tubes, which are perfect frisbees for her little Boston Terrier body.

And by the way – my Manager brought up a point the other day that I argued him on a d I wanted to know what you all think. He said that Boston Terriers are actually NOT Terriers, which I don’t understand at all. I can’t remember who told him that – but they said that Boston Terriers do NOT have typical Terrier traits, i.e. they have flat heads and ears! HA!

Which other traits he was speaking of I do not know, because the ones I’m familiar with are the obvious traits of:

  • “tinyness”
  • being a bit wiry
  • very active
  • fearless
  • three types are working, toy and bull
  • females bark at EVERYTHING unless you train it out of them

Anyhow, I think Stella shows these in full force… what do you think?

Sooo, on to the Pet Product of the Week!

We and Stella LOVE LOVE LOVED the Spring Naturals Beef Treats — they have a nice, refreshing, smelly “medley” of fruits & berries and are not shaped or formed like any other treat I have ever seen. They are baked, natural treats that are made from real beef with plentiful rations of veggies, fruits and whole grains. They’re a great way to reward your dog…

The best parts about Spring Naturals: first of all, Stella LOVES them because they smell and taste different from anything else she’s EVER had; secondly, because real beef is the first ingredient; and finally, because there is no wheat, gluten, corn, soy, by-products, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors!

So Spring Naturals totally makes “Pet Product of the Week” for ThoughtsFurPaws, with Stella’s four paws of approval!

Also, just to let you know they’re reputable and I’m not just saying this because they sent me a bag for review — Spring Naturals, in early January, won the Pet Business, a prestigious trade magazine, Industry Recognition Award in the dog food category!

** For a newcomer, that’s pretty darn impressive if you ask us! **

Stay tuned for more Stella stories and antics; you;ll soon see how smart Stella is:

she learned sit, high-five and more in just days at the hands of a very patient and smart co-worker of mine!

The Basset’s Finish Second Week of Eukanuba’s Challenge

Posted on January 12th, 2012

So on we march toward the end of the 28-day Eukanuba Challenge... and Franklin the Puppy Mill Rescue and Henry the Horrible (aka “The Rebellious Basset“) are JUST LOVING it… (check out the first week’s post here please!)

Between:

- the delicious taste of this new-found food

- the delights of how it’s making them feel on the inside, and

- the wonderful effects it’s showing on their outsides

we can’t be happier with Eukanuba’s Senior Formula and Joint Formula, which Henry and Franklin are getting respectively!

We have noticed that both dogs’ appearance seems to be slightly changing in that their coats are definitely shinier. Another plus (although not appearance-related)? Their breath seems to be less stinky!!

Seriously—already!

WE ♥ EUKANUBA!

We noticed an increase in play drive and energy already as well. I mean, we’ve DEFINITELY seen a change in both of these guys, who generally reserved much of the day for napping (Hounds are lazy by nature).  They are usually very excited to go for walks but slow down towards the end.

** This week they have both stayed three steps ahead the whole time, and for Basset Hounds, that’s saying a lot!!  :)

We’re also encouraged that both boys have been reacting in a positive way towards the food; they’re excited to eat it and are finishing every single little lick, bite, piece and crumb.

Horrible Henry Sniffing Around, Trying to Bust Into the Food Bags!

I think the biggest thing, however, that we’ve noticed is the same as last week… Frank has INHERENTLY been sketchy about eating in the past, we believe and have been told that’s due to his up-bringing in a puppy mill.  Most of the time you have to sit with him while he eats or coax him with little treats in the food and a few pats while he’s chewing – you definitely can’t leave the floor – you have to sit next to him ’til he’s finished.

*** ♥♥ Since the switch to Eukanuba Franklin has started and finished every meal on his own. ♥♥ ***

THIS IS HUGE!!!

Stay tuned for Week Three of the Eukanuba Challenge next Wednesday!

And thanks, Eukanuba! Henry and Frank already feel better!

 

Book Review for Golden Retriever and Rescue-Lovers: “Pure Gold” by Holli Pfau

Posted on January 8th, 2012

The most-interesting and very inspiring book, Pure Gold, about Holli Pfau, a Golden lover and all-around friend to animals, rescuer, and how she came about having SIX rescues and was able to train them, is enlightening, inspiring, and full of love, hope, and stirring stories that make you laugh, cry and talk/laugh out loud all at the same time. (“Hey – Benson did that SAME thing when we first trained him!!”)

Pfau’s dogs “guided” her to a career in animal-assisted therapy, sending her into wilderness adventures in one of my favorite places on the entire Earth — the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Her dogs: Nikki, Bodie, Tucker, Sophie, Daisy and Chatter each have their own little personality quarks that will warm your soul as you leaf through the pages – turning each one with more fury than the previous so you can find out what happens next…

Along the way or rescuing and training and bringing up these guys, she decided to add “rally obedience” and agility to the assortment of activities for the dogs. In each and every case, the golden-colored, sweet-hearted and level-headed dogs led her along the way…

Thus, Pure Gold is a tale of the unexpected escapades that come up when you have one (or SIX!) wonderful Retrievers – and it also, in great detail, tells the reader in narrative form and with humor and wit, of the fruitfulness of one’s life who owns rescued dogs…

Holli Pfau and two of her Golden rescues

Pfau totally nails the kinship that is formed between rescuer and “rescuee” if you ask me… although my family and I have rescued mostly cats, and only one Golden (Gibson – the white one), I personally also helped to rescue and recover a puppy mill Basset Hound and have been part of the rescue of many other animals through my volunteer work.

*** Pfau has a blog on the website you should check out: one of my favorite blog posts – “The dogs made me do it.” ***

This detail was taken from the Pure Gold website:

“Inspired by the lives, antics and talents of her six rescued or second-hand golden retrievers, Holli Pfau wrote Pure Gold to support the efforts of Golden Retriever Rescue and other dog rescue and adoption programs.”

Chatter the Rescue...

Pfau says on the website that she wrote Pure Gold to assist in efforts to rescue and place Golden Retrievers and other dogs in their forever homes. Fundraising for rescue is a special program available to 501(c)(3) non-profit dog rescue organizations, humane societies and shelters across the country. These groups can purchase autographed copies of Pure Gold at the wholesale price, sell the book at list price, and retain all profits for their programs.

BRAVO Pfau… BRAVO.

Some organizations that are supported by Holli and the profits of this book include:

Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) and Land of Pure Gold Foundation

*** On my account, (coming from a total bookworm here as well as a rescue advocate and Golden-obsessed dog-lover), this book gets a full FIVE STARS!! You guys must got and read it! Check out puregoldbook.com for more information, fun pictures, blog posts, author information and cool stuff about each pooch! ***

 

Henry and Franklin Finish 1st Week of Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge!

Posted on January 6th, 2012

Last week, Henry and Franklin started the renowned Eukanuba 28-Day Challenge; Henry is on Senior Formula and Franklin on Joint Formula.

Here is their initial post.

Here are some basic Q and A I wanted to show my readers that the generous folks at Eukanuba asked…

What was your first impression of the new packaging of the Eukanuba food?

The packaging was nothing that was out of the ordinary. I was pleased that it explained in bold big letters what type of food it was and had pointed out the positives of that specific formula. I like the bright colors of the bags, too – makes it stand out among others I think, as does the large dog picture! As a marketing professional (though not familiar with “shelf marketing”), the colors, fonts, and pictures combine to make an intriguing yet not confusing or overwhelming package.

What do you think of the ingredients of the Eukanuba formula that you received?

Henry with his new Eukanuba

 

Franklin is a former puppy mill stud and spent the first 5 years of his life in a cage in Holmes County, Ohio. This did untold damage to his joints, bones, muscle tissue, etc., particularly in his legs since the Basset by nature has such teeny legs, but Frank has especially taut joints. The Custom Care Healthy Joints Formula was what I chose for Franklin. The ingredients were the reason I chose it… The vet said we could supplement him with Glucosamine and Chondroitin, but also recommended finding a food with L-Carnitine, which helps to burn fat properly and will help Frank achieve the ideal weight, in turn, helping him maintain joint health. He is getting better and better with more exercise, but even the vet recommended a special Joint food/formula before the Challenge started to help his little legs support his behemoth Basset body!

Was there something specific that appealed to you about the Eukanuba formula that you selected for your dog?

Well, I wanted to get a senior formula for Henry because he is over 10 and is very quickly showing signs of aging. He has significantly slowed down, become even more ornery, and whinier, more needy, and definitely takes his dear old time doing absolutely anything! He has bad breath, is slow moving, has lots of tummy trouble, and bad skin problems.

I’m hoping the protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in the senior formula will enhance his appearance (skin and coat) with the private OmegaCoat® formula, which has premium levels of Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health. We also want the food to help him have less upset tummy issues; I was turned on by the other Eukanuba “secret ingredient,” (that’s what I told Henry it was), the “FOS.” According to the site, almost 70% of your dog’s immune system is found in the digestive tract. Also, since it has “an exclusive formulation of fiber with beet pulp…” and this FOS, we hope he has less diarrhea – let’s just say it. We want solid poops, more often and more consistently. Eukanuba Senior foods also contain antioxidants so Henry will get sick less often, we hope… Antioxidants help maintain their immune system.

Also, the senior formula is what I’m hoping will help Henry the Horrible’s HORRIBLY bad breath. The smart folks at Eukanuba put “DentaDefense” in the food – which is clinically proven to reduce tartar in 28 days!!

What did you think of the food (texture, appearance, smell) when you first poured it into your dog’s bowl?

Intriguing, enticing, flavorful (for them): they literally DOVE into the bowl and have so looked forward to every meal this week!! I know it felt different than other foods we’ve used – it was more moist, almost like it was dipped in liquid flavoring or something…

How did your dog react the first time you fed him the Eukanuba food?

They were so happy, they wanted to eat more.  Franklin is usually quite reserved while eating – he started to wag his tail and eat at the same time, which is a first for him…

They both proceeded to totally wolf it down, which is weird for Franklin, who is an historically slow and picky eater. Henry guarded his food and licked it multiple times before gulping it down. Franklin took his time, cherishing each little bite, grabbing no more than 6 or 7 pieces of kibble at once so he could enjoy it as much as possible.  They totally savored the flavors…

They were instantly turned on.

♥ In the Smith house, we are looking forward to Week Two… thank you, Eukanuba! ♥

Pet Product of the Week: Mr.CHEWY.com

Posted on January 5th, 2012

The new and fun pet food, pet supply and many-things-pet-related website, MrChewy.com is a FAN-FUR-TASTIC site chock-full of pet goodies!

We were invited to try it out by spending a generous $50 gift card using a Promo Code, so of course we got some essentials: cat litter (for a steal – we use Ever Clean and that stuff is SERIOUSLY expensive), Greenies tuna-flavor kitty crunchies, some Nutro Large Breed Dog Biscuits for big’ ol’ Benson’s super-sensitive belly (they are the only kind he can have besides what the vet prescribes), and a case of Eukanuba wet dog food (Chicken/Beef) for the Bassets!

All in all, the ease of ordering was totally smooth. I was not overwhelmed by a million different choices, and the left navigation makes it simple to find the product you are looking for by brand name or type. Mr. Chewy has a great selection of all the essentials and isn’t one of those sites that is constantly sending you pop-ups or asking to send you to different pages… maybe some people like that based on preferences but I don’t.

You can find every brand of food from super premium like Halo and IAMS/Eukanuba to Pro Plan, Wellness, Pedigree and Friskies here…

Anyhow, I highly recommend Mr.Chewy.com if you need to order:

-dog food or dog treats

- cat food or cat treats

- potty pads

- cat litter

- flea and tick meds

- other random pet supplies

Mr.Chewy never charges shipping on orders over $49 and anything under $49 ships for a flat rate of $4.95! How cool is that? You can like Mr.Chewy on Facebook here

AND — the best part? They partner with and send $$$ and supplies to North Shore Animal League and Best Friends Animal Society! :) ♥ ♥ ♥

Plus they have these really funny headers at the top of all the pages, ie, the cat litter one says “Princess Stinky needs some cat litter… everybody’s favorite subject…” (I laughed anyhow.)

To order, visit MrChewy.com or call (800) 672-4399, which is (800) Mr –Chewy!

Dietary Management for Dogs With Long-Term Illnesses

Posted on December 27th, 2011

How to Manage Doggie Diets — Long-Term Illnesses

Most dogs go through life with few health problems. But for some owners, looking after a dog that is suffering from a long-term illness can be extremely stressful. Your vet will be able to help with advice and guidance on ensuring that your dog has a good quality of life and is receiving the right treatment for their condition. But you may also have to consider a program of dietary management to give your dog that ‘fighting chance’ of beating the illness.

As with humans, long-term illness can have a domino effect on the wellbeing of any animal.

A sick animal rarely has much of an appetite, and if the animal stops eating it can compound the illness and weaken the animal further. It is essential to make sure that your dog maintains a healthy appetite to help it to recover or, at the very least, stabilize his condition and prolong his life..

For dogs and cats in particular who suffer from renal failure or kidney problems, an easily digestible diet is essential to prevent putting undue strain on damaged organs.

Happy, Healthy Royal Canin Pets!

Royal Canin, for example, is renowned for developing dietary foods that deliver the right combination of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that sick animals need, but in a form that is both appetising and easily processed by the animal’s compromised digestive system.

 Arthritis and joint problems

Just as arthritis can restrict the mobility of a human, it can also do the same with older animals. Less mobility means a greater risk of developing obesity and the accompanying problems such as diabetes and heart disease that can develop.

While supplements can help, it is also important to ensure that the animal’s diet contains plenty of Omega-3 oils, essential fatty acids and minerals to help combat the condition.

James Wellbeloved and Pro Plan veterinary diets can help to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and by feeding your pet the right diet, you can help to improve their quality of life and even prolong their lifespan.

 

FouFou Dog Giveaway! Enter Now! Pet Product of the Week!

Posted on December 5th, 2011

So there’s this AWESOME new site out there for all you dog owners, FouFouDog.com — and they have so generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for ThoughtsFurPaws.com!

Here’s the deal:

Send me your entries by Friday, December 16th. Winner will be announced the next day…

What/how do you enter?

I want you to email me a story and/or short description on why you love your specific breed of dog so much and why he/she deserves to win the FouFouDog AWESOME prize package I’m putting together! Why are you so dedicated to the breed? How long have you owned this type of pet? What are your fave breed characteristics? So email me at thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com and please put “Fou Fou Contest” in the Subject Line.

*** FouFouDog on Facebook: “Like” this page — it’s awesomeand let them know on their wall that ThoughtsFurPaws sent you — it is crucial that you tell them I sent you; if you don’t – you will not be entered to win.

*** After posting on their wall and “liking” them, you’ll immediately be entered to win a $50 gift certificate accompanied by some toys and/or a small package of breed-specific products if you’d like… this promo runs from NOW until Friday, Dec. 16th at 5pm EST.***

Rhinestone Sticker

Don’t forget: Like FouFouDog on Facebooknow!

- We at ThoughtsFurPaws tried out things like the Woodland Critter toy, Multi-Color Royal Crown Slider charm, floppy toys, PLUS, we got an AWESOME rhinestone sticker when FouFouDog sent us a pack for review. This is definitely higher end stuff but it’s well-worth the affordable price…

So who/what is Fou Fou Dog?

Well unlike some other online “boutiques for dogs” that consider themselves “doggie stylish,” this one has nice stuff that you would actually want to buy collars, fun accessories, plush toys, breed-specific items and lots more!

They are a premier doggie clothing/accessory/toy/pet lover gift website created by a woman who decided there was “a void in the doggie wear marketplace.”

It’s affordable, trendy, unique and fashionable. From the website, “all FouFou Dog designs are ‘doggy-centric’ in that primacy is given to the pet’s comfort and protection. In other words, special care is also given to ensure that all designs are easy to put on and remove and that quality materials are used in order to stand up to the rigors of ‘doggyhood’ and regular washing.”

So enter to win now: get your stories to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com today! And check out the Fou Fou Catalog too so you can see your favorite breed’s cool stuff, or shop for other pet lovers this holiday season!

AWESOME Pet Product of the Week: Spencer Quinn’s, “The Dog Who Knew Too Much”

Posted on November 11th, 2011

So I’m a sucker for a good mystery, whether it’s on 48 Hours, in a Dean Koontz novel, or elsewhere (even in my own life).

I’m also a sucker for a good book; at least 2 hours out of the day I have my nose in some type of book or newspaper or magazine.

And, as you all know, I’m a HUGE sucker for animals, and have the utmost respect for service dogs (of any type).

So reading Spencer Quinn’s 4th novel in the NYTimes Best-Selling mystery, Chet and Bernie series, “The Dog Who Knew Too Much” (Simon and Schuster) was like hitting the tri-fecta!!

I read it in like 5 days!

This book was written with panache, fun, intrigue, descriptive scenario, and with a sense of dedication to dogs (and children), mystery, and, what we all love — bringing down the bad guy. Quinn has an enormous gift of creating a situation and zeroing in on how and why his characters think, act, and react the way they do in life’s darkest times.

** And, let it be known, that Quinn’s novels featuring Bernie, a down-on-his-luck Private Investigator, and Chet, the super-intelligent search dog who calls him a partner, have garnered fans all over including the all-mighty Stephen King and the renowned Joyce Carol Oates.**

As “The Dog Who Knew Too Much” opens, the crime-solving team are attending a PI convention where Bernie hopes to make some much-needed cash by speaking, not his strong suit. The shifty PI who offered Bernie the gig offers him a lucrative job afterwards (working for his firm) and pressures him into selling “Chet the Jet” for a cool $10k… Bernie, horrified, turns him down flat.

Another job immediately pops up, as we soon learn to be a possible kidnapping (the team’s top skill). But what starts as a routine bodyguard stint quickly rolls into a desperate search for a young boy who’s gone missing on a wilderness camp’s journey into California’s Big Bear Mountains.

Has the boy wandered away? Did his estranged but dangerous father snatch him up? Is the mother who hired Bernie in on it?

All is answered in due time, but this book is written so that you are not so worried about it due to Chet’s ever-present outlook on the situation. Chet is the voice in this novel and Quinn’s idea of how a dog thinks and reacts is spot-on and absolutely charming, sometimes belly-laugh humorous because it’s so true but you could just never put it into words before! He perfectly describes the ADD in every dog, how quickly they change focus, how funny their little minds are, and how loving their big hearts are…

I think my favorite part of this book is how it so clearly illustrates for us how dedicated a dog is to his master… How the unconditional love, the partnership, the trust, the “just knowing each other so well,” etc. is so powerful that it’s heartening. Chet goes to great lengths for Bernie, and Bernie, who has been with Chet forever (I haven’t yet read the previous novels) just knows how to keep him calm, get him going, let him lead the way, let him make decisions, and trust his always-working, ever-powerful PI-search-dog-nose!

Some of my favorite “Chet-isms:”

- “Bernie has several throat-clearings; this one was about making a fresh start. I can clear my throat, too, but it doesn’t mean anything.”

- “… once on a case, details of which are all gone from my mind now–except for this–we found ourselves alone on a golf course and Bernie hit one a country mile, the longest kind of mile, I’m pretty sure. That was Bernie: just when you think he’s done amazing you, he amazes you again. Hard to believe I haven’t gotten that in already, but maybe I slipped up.”

- “Bernie opened the door, fast but quiet, yanked the xxx out of the car, and dragged him behind the bushes. Did I get in a nip or two along the way..? Possibly.”

- “…I got started on the rawhide slipper lace. It just so happened that I’d ended up with one of the xxx’s slippers, exactly how being a bit of a mystery.”

- “They were all looking at me for some reason. I wagged my tail, my go-to move, really, suitable for just about every occasion.”

Bernie and Chet’s Little Detective Agency is one I would hire any day.

I loved this book so much that I went Barnes and Noble last night after finishing it to buy another one. The Customer Service guy told me, “you are the third person tonight coming in looking for Spencer Quinn mysteries!” LOL!

Obviously, I’m, giving this a 10 out of 10, A+, etc.

So I hope you all go out and get “The Dog Who Knew Too Much.”

And don’t forget about the other books in the series: “To Fetch a Thief,” “Dog On It,” and “Thereby Hangs a Tail.”