Time Out

Hi guys, Pam here.  I hope your all taking advantage of the MrChewy.com giveaway!

You may know that I was a VIP Blogger for Eukanuba at the AKC Eukanuba National Championship a couple of weeks ago.  I had a marvelous, amazing time & I have some great stories to share with you, but I need to take a little break.

When I got home from Florida, I got slammed with a sinus infection and with all of the running around that Christmas brings to our house it has now moved into my chest.

I need to take a complete break & just rest for a few days, but I promise I'll be back soon, Oskar too, with some great stuff to share with you.

Thanks for your understanding.

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$50.00 Gift Code To MrChewy.com

We hope you had a wonderful holiday with more fun planned.  We thought we'd use this week to do another giveaway!

MrChewy.com is an online pet retailers selling foods, treats, potty pads, litter and more for cats & dogs.

Order online, have it shipped directly to you house & you don't have to lug all of those heavy bags around anymore.

MrChewy.com is offering one lucky Pet Blogs United reader a $50.00 gift code to try their site.  This contest is open to US only, since MrChewy.com doesn't ship internationally at this point.

Want your chance to win?  Visit MrChewy.com and tell me in a comment one thing that you would order if you are the winner.

Click the link to get to the entry form


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Season for Giving, and Receiving, Guest Post by Kevin Hattori

Moosey

“It’s better to give than to receive.”  Wise words indeed, especially during the holiday season. But the everyday example set by the volunteers at PAWS has me convinced that the phrase could be improved by changing it to read, “It’s better to give, because what you’ll receive is even better.”

I’m talking specifically about the amazing rewards that come from volunteering with homeless pet animals.  And believe me, the rewards – for the animals AND the volunteers – ARE amazing.

When Tracey and I asked some of our volunteer friends (and ourselves) some questions about working with shelter animals, the responses painted a wonderful picture of why this small band of animal lovers is part of a group that continues to spend time with the PAWS cats week after week, month after month, and year after year.  We hope this sampling of answers gives everyone a little holiday cheer, and inspires folks to know that even the smallest kindness does make a difference.

Q: Why do you volunteer with animals?  What do you get out of it?

Karyn:  I was raised to have great love and respect for animals of all kinds. I would rescue every abandoned pet if I could, but since I am already at full capacity … this is the way I help bring some comfort and happiness to those without homes.

Maggie: I get an immediate good feeling when I touch a cat and he or she purrs or rubs on my hand. I know I've made that cat's day a little better. And the love that I get from them – even cats I've never met before – is so sweet.  Many of the cats are such good role models, too. They've been abandoned, kicked out of their homes, left at the shelter (and those are the lucky ones) … and yet so many of them still look to us for love.  How can we turn away?  (NOTE: Maggie also blogs about the PAWS cats at the always wonderful “Sundays at the Shelter.”

Susan: I love animals.  They never cease to amaze me and I marvel at their beauty, personality, and behavior.  Working with them takes me out of myself and I forget about my small world and problems.

Tracey and Kevin: The time we spend caring for the PAWS provides us with an outward focus, and with lessons about the power of love. When life gets tough, caring for shelter animals brings a welcome respite from troubles.  And when life is good, it has a way of keeping us grounded in reality.  It’s become an inextricable part of our lives, and we feel “out of sync” if we miss even one of our regular days.  We’ve also found kindred spirits: many of our closest friends are our fellow volunteers.  And it was at the shelter that we re-connected after so many years, fell in love, and eventually married. J  

Ginny: I started volunteering because of my love for animals, and an awareness that there was a great need for help with homeless, lost, and abandoned animals that end up in shelters.  I thought I would be doing something good for the animals, but never did I realize how much they would do for me.  Since I started volunteering, there is no doubt that working with the wonderful cats at PAWS helped me through the most difficult and stressful times.

Diamond

Q. What keeps you coming back to the shelter?

Maggie: Knowing I can bring comfort to a frightened or sad cat keeps me coming back.

Karyn: Every animal pulls at your heart, and some more than others, but you simply accept that you are doing the best you can for them until they do find a home.

Ginny: I keep coming back because I know I am truly making a difference in the lives of these cats by being there. Providing a lap, a good brushing, some time out of their cage, an interesting toy, or just some much-appreciated attention … the cats let us know they are happy we are there.

Kevin and Tracey: We love these cats, and want them to find forever homes.  But until they do, PAWS volunteers and staff are caretakers, nurturers and most importantly, friends, to them. And who doesn’t want the very best for their friends?  In order to help socialize these kitties (so that they have the best chances of being adopted), we really have to know them. And since each has its own personality, likes and dislikes, the process requires time, consistency and patience.  So we keep coming back, as good friends do.

Ian

Q: What are some of the high points of volunteering?

Maggie: There are so many from which to choose … Getting Milo to purr … Nemo getting a forever home … so many adoptions (though still not nearly enough).

Karyn: The animals give so much love in response to the attention and care you give them, and there is nothing quite as wonderful as hearing the follow-up stories on the cats and dogs lucky enough to be adopted into great homes.

Susan: I love when a cat that was afraid, unfriendly, or even hostile becomes more comfortable with people.  It’s often a slow process, but there are always little victories along the way.

Ginny: One of the high points for me is seeing cats who enter the shelter shy, afraid and timid or angry and aggressive slowly but surely come out of their shell or calm down as they realize they are in a place where they are loved and safe. Any adoptions and all of the successful follow up tales are definitely also high points.  And I love that PAWS never gives up on a cat, and that euthanasia is not an option unless a cat is terminally ill and in pain that cannot be helped.

Kevin and Tracey: To see a cat that cowered in fear when it first arrived transformed by patience and love into a lap cat is amazing.  To see cats who wait for YEARS finally get forever homes is the best ever.  We love those happy follow up stories, too.  And to know that every adoption means that TWO animals’ lives (the one being adopted, and the one taking its place at PAWS) are being saved is a great feeling.

Meeting Room

Q. What can other people do to help out at a small, local animal shelter?

Susan: Besides actually working with the animals, people can donate needed items or money, transport animals to and from the vet, and help clean.  They can raise money, think of ways to raise money, pass along a good word about the shelter and animals that need adopting, and write summaries about the animals to be posted on line.

Karyn: Every little bit makes a difference. On weeks when I cannot get to the shelter, I am out collecting newspapers or picking up needed items when I see them on sale. There is much that people can do … giving just a couple of hours a week, or dropping off paper towels, cleaning supplies, towels, or blankets.  (Ed. note: Many shelters have lists of ways people can help, like  this one from PAWS.)  On a more general level, I talk with others about the importance of spaying and neutering; and when I hear of a friend looking for a pet, I strongly encourage adopting from a shelter.

Ginny: The best thing anybody can do is just show up and give the animals some love and personal attention. 

Thank you to all who work or volunteer with shelter animals, or otherwise work in animal rescue.  You are true heroes.  As for us, we’re on our way to do a little Christmas Day giving and receiving with the PAWS cats.  Happy holidays, everyone!

Kevin (aka "meowmeowmans") and Tracey's blog, "Animal Shelter Volunteer Life," is about cats who pass through the doors of PAWS, a privately funded non-profit, no-kill shelter located in Norwalk, CT.  Since 1962, PAWS has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed thousands of stray, neglected and abused animals.

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I'd Like You To Meet The Cesky Terrier

We happen to have a soft spot for terriers around here and when I found out that the Cesky terrier would be at the AKC Eukanuba National Championships for the first time I wanted to learn more.

I contacted Charlene Ewen of the American Cesky Terrier Fanciers and she sent this background about one of the new breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club.

I got to spend some time with Charlene and her boy Leo, and I even got to take Leo for a turn around the main show ring, but that's a whole other post.  Here's the background that Charlene sent me to let you all get to know these guys.

The Cesky Terrier (Chess-key)

This breed is very unique in that we can follow our pedigrees right to the first two dogs used for its creation. Frantisek Horak lived outside Prague with his family and was involved in pure bred dogs since his childhood learning from his father who was a game keeper and kennel master for a wealthy family in Bohemia.

Mr. Horak was a great hunter and used this as his "kennel name" lovu zdar for registering the Scottish Terriers he owned/bred/showed and hunted with. Back in the 1940's the Terrier in the Czech Terrier Club was considered above all a "hunting" dog, hunting rabbit, fox, small to larger game such as the Wild Boar in the Bohemian Forest. Mr. Horak had a dream to create a breed of dog by using the Scottish Terrier and the Sealyham Terrier. He wanted a hunting dog that would hunt in packs more easily without the more hyper attitude of the Scottish Terrier and a more slim dog who could go into the burrow after game. He also wanted a dog that is all natural with no ear trimming or tail docking and a dog who has color unlike the Sealyham Terrier who is white and a very hard dog to hunt with on a Friday and get ready to show in Conformation on Sat. and Sun.

He went to school and worked as an accountant until WWII when he lost his job and was assigned a position with the Czechoslovak Academy of Science where he worked until he retired at the age of 76. During this time he was very active in the Czech Kennel Club and reported he was going to try breeding a new type of Terrier and if successful would be called the Cesky Terrier (or early on the Bohemian Terrier).

His plans for breeding had to be put aside until 1948 when he did his first cross breeding of the Sealyham and Scottish Terriers. Thru Mr. Horak's immaculate keeping of records, pedigrees and his dedication to his dream of creating a new Terrier was a success. In 1959 Mr. Horak first exhibited the first Cesky Terriers and the registration with the FCI and Czech Terrier Kennel Club began. Thru his breedings Mr. Horak created a unique soft coated terrier. The Cesky is a great hunter and tracking come natural for the breed. They have "great noses". It is also a breed who is more a silent hunter and more cat like in the hunt for game. They are a great dog that love to retrieve and owners feel that the Cesky is born with the need to play ball. Most will play toss the tennis ball until the owner wears out and the Cesky even though exhausted will want more! "For A TERRIER" they are a little more laid back and love and need their exercise but are comfortable laying on a couch as long as they are close to their owners. 

Source

They are "reserved" towards strangers so they are usually not a jump up on you type dog but of course if they know you have food treats are involved with a "hello" they are right there wanting to say hi. The Cesky is a total Food Lover so feeding a free feeding style is out of the question since they would eat everything and look for more!

The Cesky has a long soft coat that needs clipping every 3 to 4 weeks and the pattern for the grooming is in the AKC Breed Standard and like the Poodle or Bedlington Terrier a very specific haircut.

The are an Oblong dog with short legs, but don't let the short legs fool you, they can really move. When moving they should have a very elegant movement. The Top Line is not a straight top line like most Terrirers but have a slight rise over the loin and an elegant neck. They have almond shaped brown eyes and a button type ear in the shape of a triangle. The hair is soft and wavy and if left uncut would grow long all over. They have a very deep bark for a small dog and are not usually big barkers. They also have very large teeth for a smaller dog and a very loose skin.

They excel in Agility and are extremely smart and use this to their advantage. Like most terriers they will try to rule the house and they need a more alpha type owner who is gentle but firm in their training.

They also "talk" and make some very strange noises, I think the boys talk more then the girls and even after 19 years of owning Cesky Terriers I am amaized what funny noises can come out of them when they are in a talking session. Most are also big TV watchers. My Leo can spot a dog on tv and heads to the tv set to try to watch.

They are a fun, unique breed and I hope you will get to know us more thru Pet Blogs United.

You can find more information about the breed thru the club web site: http://www.cesky.com/

You can find out more about my dogs at http://www.dogartdiva.com/ on my Cesky Page.

Charlene Ewen - American Cesky Terrier Fanciers Assoc. - President - Event Chair - Education Chair

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The 12 Dogs Of Christmas

Target has a growing pet department, enough to cover 12 dogs of Christmas! Find possible savings here.

This 12 dogs of Christmas graphic was produced by Pet365 - a UK stockist of dog jumpers and brands like Hamish McBeth.

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Some Thoughts About Dogs - Featured Blogger

I have to make apologies to Tegan & Some Thoughts About Dogs for not getting her featured blogger post up on Saturday.  Spend some time getting to know:

Chip

Some Thoughts About Dogs have rather self-centred routes. Basically, I live dogs. There is not much I don't do with dogs - I have enjoyed their companionship throughout life, I have worked in a shelter, I foster rescue dogs, I've had dogs with behavioural problems, I love dog training and behaviour, I've been involved with almost all dog sports possible. There is not much 'doggy' that I haven't done.


Clover

Considering this, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about dogs and my brain had just about reached capacity. I really feel that, because I am so involved in the dog world, I actually have a rather 'well rounded' idea of dogs. And I hold some dissatisfaction with how dogs are treated, on many levels, today.

Winona

My blog is quite political at times, as I really feel like much legislation surrounding dogs is either useless, or counter productive to welfare aims. I am also very interested in dog science, as I feel that the dog world really needs to embrace what science has shown about our pooches, and then ask for more research. Dogs are under researched, so any research is precious.


Clover feeding Myrtle and foster babies

I have four permanent doggy residents here, all border terriers, but then numerous puppies and foster dogs make their appearances, too. Though occasionally there are posts about the pets themselves, most of the time they are only mentioned in terms of a 'bigger picture'.

My four favourite posts:

Belyaev Fox Experiment -
http://leemakennels.com/blog/the-origin-of-dogs/belyaevs-fox-experiment-index/
This is a link to the index of four posts outlining the Belyaev fox experiment. This was such a long winded assignment I set myself, researching all facets of the experiment, but I have received a number of comments thanking me. So it's all worthwhile! Plus, it was heaps of fun to research.

Paucity in Dog Science -
http://leemakennels.com/blog/dogs-and-politics/paucity-in-dog-science/
This blog posts looks at why dog science almost doesn't exist. I was particularly happy when I attended a seminar recently, with Paul McGreevy, and he agreed with me!

What is the Answer to Puppy Farms? -
http://leemakennels.com/blog/dogs-and-politics/62/
My proposals for reducing puppy farms that does not specifically legislate against breeder practices. A much more sensible way of ensuring puppies aren't produced in substandard conditions, and at the same time not impacting on responsible breeders.

"Don't Breed or Buy While Shelter Dogs Die" -
http://leemakennels.com/blog/rescue/dont-breed-or-buy-while-shelter-dogs-die/
A critique to the suggestion that the death of shelter animals is as a result of responsible dog breeding.


Check out some of Tegan's favorite post some time this week on Some Thoughts About Dogs. 

If you're interested in being featured on Pet Blogs United, send an e-mail to PBU at Comcast dot net

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The AKC Eukanuba Dog Show Live

If any of you are following, I'm at the AKC Eukanuba Dogshow ringside.  I'll be tweeting at @petblogsunited.  This is so exciting!

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Custom Pet Portrait by LesElegantes Enter To Win

I am so sorry that our Holiday Happenings Posts have not come as they should. My cable company is having trouble & my inernet has been intermittent.

Today the Amazing Etsy vendor LesElegantes is our giveaway sponsor.  These amazing works of animal art are just super-cool!

Well one lucky winner, will win a gift certificate allowing you to get a custom portrait of your pet!

And I'm happy to tell you that this contest is open worldwide!

The idea of Holiday Happenings on Pet Blogs United is as a way for Oskar & I to give back to all of our readers who welcome us into your homes and leave us great comments & feedback.

I'm preparing to leave for the ACK Eukanuba National Championship so stay tuned for live blogging ringside and tons of great behind the scenes fun!

Now click over to try & win this great gift.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Stuffed Plush Cat From CatCalls Enter To Win

CatCalls is a fun Etsy vendor who would like to offer an adorable stuffed cat to one of our readers.

This would make an adorable gift!  This giveaway is open to USA & Canada only.

DogBarks, CatCalls sister shop is also having a giveaway here.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A Stuffed Dog Toy From Dogbarks Enter To Win!

Esty vendor, Dogbarks has a fun stocking stuffer for the dog lover in your household!

These guys are fun and fabulous!

One lucky winner will recieve a plush dog of your own!  This contest is open to USA & Canada only.

CatCalls, DogBarks sister shop is also giving away a stuffed cat here!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Alfies Blog Featured Blogger

Our featured blogger this week is Alfie!

Hi My name is Alfie, and I'm a 13 month old Entlebucher Mountain Dog. I live in London with my two humans, and as a very clever and inquisitive youngster, I see it as my duty to educate them in all things dog.

What My Blog is all about: I like to blog about anything that I’ve seen or sniffed that could help other dogs and puppies out there. For example, when I was a little puppy I invented the Sock Game and set the rules for how to play it, showing other puppies how to steal socks at any time and in any location (it is not as easy at it might seem!). I also give other dogs out there advice on how to get their humans involved in more games and play, and one day I woke up and invented an instant sliming method for dogs. Sometimes I like to bark about Entlebucher Mountain Dog Stuff too. Every Friday I set a photo challenge in my blog hop 'Alfie's Friday Foto Fun' and lots of doggies join in and share their own photos. It is so good to hear from my friends from all over the world. As if all of this isn’t enough to keep any blogging dog busy, I’ve also decided I want to be a shop keeper and I’ve opened my very own dog shop online, where I sell some of my favourite toys and goodies.

About Me There are not that many Entlebucher Mountain Dogs in England, so my humans always tell me I'm pretty unique. When I was younger, a lot of people mistook me for a Beagle, but now they always ask why type of cross breed I am. My humans love to talk about my breed, and they get lots of opportunities on every walk as there is always someone curious about my smiley 'Entle' face!

My parents Queenie and Leon met and fell in love on a beautiful summer’s day in Switzerland. After a short holiday romance, my mum travelled back home to Norwich and I was born in September 2010. I have four siblings, and we're all still in touch on Facebook. When I was eight weeks old I was ready to leave home and my new humans came to collect me and drove me all the way to London. Now I’m an adolescent, adventurous puppy in a grown dog’s body, and I spend most of my time looking for trouble so I can blog about it!

I wish someone could invent a paw sized keyboard, but until that happens, my human Linda and I work as a pretty good canine-human editorial team. I'm the creative brain behind all my adventures we write about on the blog, there is always something going on in the park or at home worth blogging about. Then, Linda helps me type it all up and she takes the photos too. In the beginning, I tried doing all the technical computer stuff involved in running my blog myself, but I kept chewing all the cables so now I've delegated all of that to my other human Jelte (his teeth are less sharp than mine).

I love hearing from other dogs and anipals from all over the world, so please sniff out my blog Alfies Blog and say hello! *waggy tail*

My favourite Blog Posts:

The Sock Game and How to Play it

Five ways to get your humans off the sofa - guaranteed results

My First Year

Thanks, Linda & Alfie

Everyone take a little time out of your week and go say Hi to Alfie & friends.  If you're interested in being featured on Pet Blogs United, drop us a line at PBU at comcast dot net.

We will be featuring a couple more Holiday Happenings giveaways today & tomorrow, so stay tuned!
 

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Fido's Closet Dog Collar Giveaway

Today we are giving away a custom dog collar from the Etsy Shop Fido's Closet.  We've worked with Fido's Closet in the past and have heard nothing but raves from everyone who has dealt with them.  Look how cute!

With lots of adorable styles to choose from, Fido's Closet offers something for every pup.

Would you like to win one of these adorable collars for your dog?  Just fill out the form & you will be entered in the drawing!  This contest is open to USA only.

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Hartz Angry Birds Cat Toy Review & Giveaway

How would you like to win all of these for your kitty?

Here's Moe giving the Hartz Angry Bird Wand a try.  It's cool because it come with a bird head & pig head so you can change it up.

She liked the pig head best!

Find more Hartz pet products at a possible discount at Petco.


The contest open to entrants worldwide, so click on over & fill out the fun form!

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Hartz Angry Birds Dog Toy Review & Giveaway

So I told you that some pawsome Hartz Angry Bird toys had arrived here for me & the kittys to review and giveaway.  I'm sure you know Angry Birds is the biggest hit this season, so jump in on the fun with me

Today we will be reviewing & starting the giveaway drawing for starting with me & the dog toys.


I absolutely adore my Hartz Angry Birds Plush Ball.  He's yellow & has a fun soundchip!

I haven't de-stuffed him or chewed off his nose or anything!  I just love carrying him around and I dare my mom person to try to get him from me!  I would have tried to ruin it or just gotten bored with most stuffed toys by now, but that hasn't happened yet.

Now just look at this fantastic prize pack I have for one of you!

I have really wanted to play with these toys, but they're all for you.  My mom person says she will ship them anywhere in the world so click to jump & fill out the giveaway form!

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Quilted Placemat Based On Your Pet's Picture - Giveaway

As a second giveaway today we wanted to show the the incredible quilting skills of another Etsy vendor named Agnes from the blog Daschsies With Moxie and the Etsy shop of the same name.

I sent her a picture of Oksar & she sent me this incredible placemat.

It will not be used as a placemat, but as a table cover, cause it's too pawsome for Oskar to get messy!  Look at this one!

Would you like to win one of these fashioned after your own pet?  Click over & fill out the Rafflecopter entry form!
This contest is open Worldwide, so all of our friends can participate!

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Hand Knit Pet Sweater from WagWonderWear Giveaway

Today we are featuring a wonderful Etsy shop called Wag Wonderwear, Emma, the woman behind the knitting needles says, "These items are hand knitted especially for you in the heart of stunning Cornwall UK. Blended with a love and passion for pets and knitting I put all my years of creative experience in them for you so that you receive the special item you and your pet desires and deserves."

We are happy to be giving away one of these custom made pet jumpers, or sweaters, as we Yanks call them.

One of a kind and made to the exact specifications of your pet these are beautifully made.  Since this prize is hand made to your pets specifications, this prize may not arrive in time for Christmas.

This contest in open worldwide, so click to enter the drawing!

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