Personalized Pooch

Valentine’s Day is THE day to tell your loved ones how special they are

to you. I can’t think of a more perfect way to show how much you really care than to give a gift featuring a beloved pet. How much fun it is to carry with you a heart-shaped compact with the picture of your cat or dog! Everyone wants to see it and tell you how beautiful your four legged companion is. For the guys we have traveling coffee mugs and creative ceramic mugs with photos and sayings about their pet. We haven’t forgotten about the children and have colorful, durable, plastic coated heart-shaped puzzles featuring their best friend and darling heart shaped charms on a necklace with their puppy or kitty face.

Please take a couple of minutes to look through our array of Valentine’s Gifts.

I’m so excited about Personalized Pooch’s new selection of gifts for Valentine’s Day! A brand new item is our wonderful crystal heart. We take a photo of your pet and through the magic of computers it appears on the heart. Of course our talented graphic artist has something to do with the magic! What a perfect gift for that special person.

I love our new necklace with a photo of a favorite puppy or kitten. She’ll be so excited to show it to all her friends.

What could be a more useful gift with a photo of his “best friend” than a travel mug. This mug is a perfect size for the car and made of durable insulated plastic. We will add a message from you to make this gift really special.

Speaking of mugs I personally love this one. Well they are my dogs, fit for an art show wouldn’t you say! Just send us the photos and we’ll turn them into art.  And even better yet the production time is fast and the price is right.

Another brand new item is our crystal key chain. A perfect Valentine’s gift.

Our heart shaped compact is another new gift featuring that special pet. A very special way to say, “Happy Valentine’s Day”!

Please visit us at personalizedpooch.com and see these and many more very exciting new items great for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to make someone very happy!

According to professional dog trainer Paul Owens, “Dogs live in the moment; but if they could make New Year’s resolutions, they would find ways to get three things-more play, more exercise, and more affection.

Young and old dogs can learn new tricks. Why not take your dog to a training class to learn some new tricks?

Train your dog for competitive events. Every weekend all over the country there are dog events where you can earn ribbons, titles and trophies. Plus there’s the reward of meeting new people with a similar love for dogs and ensuring that your dog is well-behaved, even tempered, physically fit and a joy to live with. Try your hand at agility or flyball. Get Fit with Fido. The National Academy of Sciences reports that one out of every four dogs and cats in the western world is now overweight. Daily walks are a great way for both dogs and owners to avoid gaining extra pounds. According to a recent study, dog owners get more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym membership.

Christmas time comes once a year, and now it’s here! When Christmas time comes with all its hustle and bustle you may find yourself so overwhelmed that you forget to pay attention to your pet. This is a bad idea as Christmas seems to have an increased incidence of pet disasters that may be prevented by keeping a more watchful eye on your pet during the holiday season. Let’s talk about a couple of things you should be particularly keen about during Christmas.

Chocolate, cookies, candy, pies, candy canes, turkey; need we say more? If so, then both cats and dogs should absolutely avoid foods on that list. Christmas for us is a time of overindulgence and unfortunately, it is often the same for our pets. This often comes about through visitors who do not know the rules of the house. They many feed your pet food that it should not be eating, or they may leave food out that your pets can easily get to and feast on. To lessen the chances of this happening, as you welcome them to your home, explain the rules regarding feeding your pets and then repeat this to them as often as necessary.

Would it be fair to say that one of the most devastating things that could happen to you/your family during Christmas is for your pet to go missing? Many would agree, and this happens all too often. One thing that is a major cause of missing pets is the lack of attention of your Christmas guests.

Holiday Safety Tips
Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

O Christmas Tree
Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.

That Holiday Glow
Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.

House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

New Year’s Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

With the holidays coming, we are all so busy that sometimes, we forget that our “best friends” need our attention too!  A great way to show our pets we care is to take time out and bake some healthy doggie treats.  This is also a fantastic family activity, as children love to help their moms and grandmothers with these fun projects.

This is also a nice opportunity to make wonderful holiday gifts for your dog’s friends.  Put the treats in a darling tin in the shape of a bone, or decorate a plain red tin with dog stickers - make sure to find the ribbon with the little dog feet (little cat feet available too)!  Tie a bow and you’re all set for Santa’s special gift for the dog in the family.  For that extra, adorable touch, be creative and find dog related cookie cutters.

Here are some of my favorite recipes:

Chicken Dog Biscuits

3 1/2  cups flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup rye flour
2 cups cornmeal
2 cups cracked wheat
1/2  cup non-fat dry milk
4 teaspoons salt
1 package  dry yeast,
1 pint warmed chicken stock
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

1. Dissolve yeast into warm chicken stock
2. Mix flours, cornmeal, wheat, milk, salt, and yeast together.
3. Knead about 3 minutes, working it into a stiff dough.
4. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into shapes, place on cookie sheet
6. Mix egg and milk together
7. Brush egg mixture on to biscuits
8. Bake at 300 F for 45 minutes
9. Turn the heat off and leave the biscuits in the oven overnight.
10. They should be hard and dry.

Meaty Biscuits

2 1/2  cups whole wheat flour
1/2  cups  dry milk
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 egg, beaten
flavoring - meat drippings, or broth (enough to make a stiff dough).

1. Combine flour, dry milk and garlic powder in a medium sized bowl
2. Add egg
3. Mix well, adding enough flavoring to make dough stiff
4. Roll to 1/4 inch thickness on floured surface.
5. Cut into shapes and bake at 350 F for 30 minutes

Meaty Twists

3 1/2  cups flour
1 cup corn meal
1 package  unflavored gelatin
1/4  cup milk
1 egg
1/4  cup corn oil
1 jar  strained beef baby food
1 beef bouillon cube*
3/4  cup  boiling water
*for a chicken flavor substitute - chicken baby food and chicken bouillon cube

1. Dissolve bouillon cube in water.
2. Sift dry ingredients in large bowl.
3. Add milk, egg, oil, beef and beef bouillon.
4. Stir until well mixed.
5. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut in 1/4 inch by 3 inch strips, twisting each stick before placing on cookie sheet.
7. Bake 35 - 40 minutes at 400 F.
8. Store in refrigerator.

Happy Holidays !

HELP!

I have shared a home with dogs for over sixty years.  It has been my pleasure to be in the company of many different breeds.  I have loved many breeds from the regal Afghan Hound, the slightly skittish Irish Setter, the ever loving Golden Retriever, many “you make me smile every day” dachshunds and now the scene and heart stealing Goldendoodle.  My question to anyone who might care to answer is quite simple.  Has anyone found a toy or a bone that can’t be destroyed by the loveable Goldendoodle?  I have tried everything from the indestructible vinyl to rubber.  Phoebe can dismantle most any toy eight minutes after it comes out of the bag.  Large thick bones are gnawed  through in no time (and we all know how unsafe and dangerous that can be).

Please, if anyone has had a similar experience and solved the problem I would love to know how!  If you have come across any indestructible toys or bones please share your experiences.  Phoebe needs a toy!

In some cities, outdoor restaurants have begun to allow dogs to dine with their owners. Other cities adhere to strict policies of “no dogs allowed” and would never hear of such a thing. Have you ever brought your pet to dinner, or even thought about it? Would you be against others doing so? Your opinions are important to us and we want to hear what you have to say.

Many of our owner are having to make tough choices about our  health care in this challenging economy. What have been your experiences? What choices have you had to make regarding your pet’s health? What about pet health insurance? Do you think that would help?

As a Golden Doodle and having come from a rather poor environment, in people speak, a puppy mill, I have hip dysplasia. Before the market crash, my “Mother” took me to a fine University Veterinary Clinic and had a orthopedic surgeon do a workup on me. For $6000 per hip, I can almost be as good as new.   That’s a lot of money today! What’s a “Mom” to do?

Phoebe and LuLu know how they feel about this subject, but their owner would like to hear your thoughts about it. There are many things to consider when leaving your pet in the care of someone else. And to complicate things, there are many options to choose from. Please share your experiences both good and bad. We would like to hear them.

How long is it safe to leave us outside in extremely cold weather, such as the 21 degrees below zero temperatures we just experienced where we live. It really got me wondering.

Okay, I am a big 67 pound Golden Doodle.  I was outside today trying to take care of my bodily functions and geesh, I couldn’t even put my rear leg down!  Try to balance and pee at the same time in this weather!  You shoud see my “roommate” Lulu. She’s a 8 pound mini-dachshund. LuLu was so cold after two minutes that she couldn’t move.  Our owner had to come running outside and scoop her up. What really makes us mad is the dog next-door was outside and barking all morning. We really did feel bad. Do you think this is fair?  Please share your thoughts and experiences with us. We care.

Phoebe and Lulu are concerned about treats and toys made in China. What are your thoughts about this?  Do you think that they are safe?  Our owner is getting fed up trying to read labels with tiny print that most of the time don’t really tell you where our pet treats and toys are made.  They will say “distributed by” and list a company that is based in the United States but that doesn’t mean that the product is made in the United States.   We feel it should be a regulation that the country the product comes from is placed prominently on the packaging.  It should be in a type size that is easy to read.

Please write to us and let us know your thoughts and the experiences you have had with this issue.  If our owners feel strongly enough about this maybe they can make a difference in Washington and we can live longer healthy lives.