The new website WhereMyDogsAt.com has premiered – and it’s chockfull o’ fun for dog-lovers. The location-based social application is a website that offers tons for us fur-fanatics.

Jon Kolker, Kabir Shukla and Gareth Wilson founded the site…

“As dog lovers, we wanted to create a community for dog owners to connect with each other in a new way and discover fun places and activities,” Kolker said.

The end result is a mobile web app that lets users find, check-in, rate and just have fun with their dogs basically.

Essentially, these guys want dog-owners to be able to find the best local places to hang out with man’s (and woman’s – ahem) best friend, no matter where they happen to be or where they’re going.

WhereMyDogsAt.com works on iPhone and Droid devices currently; the founders are also working on new features that allow our users to find rescues and shelters, which is awesome. Also, in the near future, users will be able to donate to dog charities and service dog organizations. How cool is THAT?

On their website, which is still being completed, it says:

“Mark your territory™ without the mess. Use your mobile phone to find, rate and check-in with your dog to great locations in your area. As you explore, you’ll make plenty of connections, human and canine alike. Add friends, send messages and sniff around.

Remember – it’s a dog meet dog world. So log onto www.wheremydogsat.com from your mobile phone today and see what everyone’s barking about!”

ThoughtsFurPaws has thoroughly checked out Where My Dogs At and we give it Four Paws Up (well, about 16 paws up all-inclusive….)

Be sure you check these guys out on:

Facebook: where my dogs at®

Twitter: wheremydogs

Mark your territory™

Superior Health Options for Your Senior Dog; PSCPets.com Helps Dogs Get the Most Out of Senior Years

Pets deserve the best, but even more so as they approach their golden years. At PSCPets.com, pet parents will find many innovative pet products designed to promote the optimal health of furry senior companions…

Choice PSCPets senior products that ThoughtsFurPaws really likes include:

-  PSCPets Aging Support

PSCPets.com Healthy Dogs!

- PSCPets Daily Maintenance Soft Chews

- PSCPets Joint Assist Treats with Probiotics

What is the difference between a dog treat and a dog chew you ask?

So did we!

Like a treat, a chew is highly palatable and can be used as a reward, but it also is designed to help with a specific health/physical element. That being said, according to a PR rep for the brand who sent us a sample, a chew may have specific feeding directions (for example,”Feed 2 chews daily” or “1/2 chew at morning and 1/2 a chew at night”). A treat may have added vitamins and minerals but won’t offer the supplemental/health benefits or results of a chew.

That is the official difference.

“If I had to make a human comparison, a chew is like a gummy vitamin. It’s yummy and sweet but has the added nutritional benefits of a daily vitamin. However, (like a chew) gummy vitamins are not recommended to be eaten by the handful,” she added. Smart girl, eh?

Anyhow, like all PSCPets brand products, the high-quality, premium supplements are vet-formulated/developed & are produced in a state-of-the-art facility in Wisconsin. They’re also affordable – which is important to consumers during these times.

PSCPets.com Soft Chews for Dogs

Pet parents who have a senior dog or a pet that’s approaching the good ol’ golden years are embracing the new site; it offers everything a pet parent needs to help enhance Fido or Fluffy’s quality of life. At PSCPets.com, they’ll discover a number of innovative products designed to promote the optimal health of their senior companion.

Here are, again, a few healthy options for your furry friend.

-          PSCPets Aging Support is specially formulated to help support healthy joints and overall vitality in senior dogs. Available in both a cold-formed soft chew and chewable tablet form, this highly palatable formula includes important ingredients such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Perna Mussel and MSM to ensure aging canines have all the support they need to transition into their golden years with ease.

-          PSCPets Daily Maintenance Soft Chews are designed to supplement the nutritional needs of working, active and adult dogs, as well as senior dogs of all sizes and breeds. This scientifically balanced formula contains a powerful combination of essential vitamins and chelated minerals (organic forms of minerals in animals’ food, i.e., forms of essential trace minerals such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc, according to Wikipedia) to help support the health of all adult dogs. These are available in Small and Medium/Large Dog soft chew-size.

-          PSCPets Joint Assist Treats with Probiotics are distinctively crunchy treats with a peanut butter flavor dogs simply love. These lactose-free treats contain Glucosamine to help maintain joint and tissue function as well as strong bones, plus Chondroitin which has been shown to help increase the efficiency of Glucosamine. They also contain beneficial bacteria that help support and maintain dogs’ gastrointestinal health.

Like all PSCPets brand products, these quality supplements are veterinarian formulated/developed, and are produced in a state-of-the-art facility in Wisconsin. Thanks to the website’s Live Chat feature and receptive customer support dept., visitors can get helpful advice from an expert service rep.

To learn more about other senior dog’s options, visit the PSCPets brand senior pet product page here.

According to my pal at the pet PR company, the American Pet Products Association says that 62 percent of US families own a pet… that means up to 72.9 million homes have an animal! The APPA also says that U.S. shoppers spent around $51 billion on their pets in 2011.

So meshing PSCPets pet supplies, supplements, chews and dog treats is a not only smart, it’s commonplace nowadays! PSCPets will make an appearance at the upcoming Global Pet Expo – in Orlando — Feb. 29 through March 2. Check ‘em out!

“The innovative products you’ll… meet [there] will soon be worn, licked or consumed by some of the luckiest pets in the nation,” she said!

Funny PSCPets.com Basset Hound Picture!

Look for PSCPets.com on Facebook; “Like” their new page @ www.Facebook.com/PSCPets.

About PSCPets.com

The PSCPets brand was created to provide customers with a brand they know they can trust. Their premium quality supplements are veterinarian formulated and developed, and produced in a state-of-the-art facility in America’s heartland, Wisconsin. Besides providing PSCPets branded healthcare solutions for your companion animal, pet parents can find a wide selection of health and wellness products from other top pet product manufacturers for sale on the PSCPets.com website. The e-commerce pet store supplies a convenient and economical way for pet parents to find trusted health and wellness solutions from the comfort of their home. For the full story, visit the PSCPets.com website or find them on Facebook at Facebook.com/PSCPets. Additional inquiries are invited to email CustomerCare@PSCPets.com.

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 said “Eukanuba” and 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….!”

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!

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!

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! ***

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! ♥

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!

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

 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.

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 awesome — and 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!