Henry - A Dog's Life Featured Blogger

Today we get to introduce you to Henry.  He's a birthday boy today!

Henry is a funny and energetic rescue pup. I am his human and am enjoying the process of bringing up the furry bundle.

Henry’s blog takes you on my journey, records progress and, far too often, non-progress. From our first day, it has been apparent Henry's human needs reinforcement!

Henry lives in the Los Angeles sprawl at home with two cats and his adoptive parents. The cats, Otto and Vivika tolerate Henry, but often with justifiable irritation.

By far, Henry’s favorite activity is romping in the mud created when we flood our avocado and orange trees. Coming in second on his favorites list is rolling in the tiny nettles from our bald cypress. Bliss is doing them both on the same day. Henry and I spend quality time regaining puppy fur respectability.

On March 31st we celebrate our boy’s first birthday and the beginning of Henry’s second year of antics.

Here are three of Henry's favorite posts:

Crime & Punishment

Then & Now

Earthquake Preparations

You know he couldn't be any cuter & since it's his birthday & all, please stop by Henry - A Dog's Life and give him some PBU love!

If you are interested in having your pet blog featured on Pet Blogs United, drop us a line at PBU at comcast dot net.

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Let's Help Nip & Bones!

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InDoxiNated - New Blogger Alert

Today we are proud to introduce you to InDoxiNated, a new blogger on the block:

Well, my fiance and I fell in love with Doppelbock on a doxie website, and we committed to buy him. Every time I would check his picture online, I would have to scroll past the picture of Mackenzie. She looked so sad, so after a couple of weeks and as a surprise for my fiance, I purchased her as well! We brought them home when they were 12 weeks old and we had no idea what to do!

We have been learning as we have gone along, and it has been a trip. We are both used to cats so dogs are completely a mystery to us! We have to take them outside when it is super cold out, and they constantly need to be attended to. If we are holding one, we have to hold the other or we get yelled at! I decided to start blogging because not only do I want a record of our dog's lives, I want to share our journey with other pet lovers!

Stop by InDoxiNated today & welcome them to the Blogosphere!  Tell 'em Oskar sent ya.

If you're interested in having your pet blog featured on Pet Blogs United, drop us a line at PBU at comcast dot net.

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My Cat From Hell Now Casting

ANIMAL PLANET’S

MY CAT FROM HELL!

Now Casting

IS YOUR CAT’S BEHAVIOR DRIVING YOU OR OTHERS CRAZY?

ARE YOU AT YOUR WIT’S END?

DO YOU NEED HELP GETTING YOUR CAT TO BEHAVE?

JACKSON GALAXY, our expert cat behaviorist hasn't met a cat he couldn't help!  If your cat has behavioral problems that are driving you crazy, then send us an email today!  From excessive growling, meowing, nipping, scratching, biting, ruining furniture, tearing the house upside down, escaping, etc., Jackson will try to transform your cat back to the feline you love!

EMAIL: HELLCATSCASTING@GMAIL.COM

Please include your name, age, city, contact phone number and who you live with.  Tell us about your cat and how it's affecting your life/relationship: Include your cat's name, age, breed, where you got the cat and tell us, in detail about your cat's behavioral problems and why you (or your family) are at your wits end.  Include pictures of yourself, your family members and of your cat!

Must live in/around the Los Angeles area.

EMAIL: HELLCATSCASTING@GMAIL.COM

http://www.3ballproductions.com/My_Cat_From_Hell.html

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Darling Companion Film by Sony Classics

A representative from Sony Classics contacted me and told me about a movie that I had to share with all of you.

Here's a short summary of the film, "On the side of a busy freeway, a woman finds the love, devotion, commitment, and courage she needs – all wrapped up in a bloodied stray dog who becomes her “darling companion.” When the beloved canine goes missing, a shaggy-dog search adventure plays out, drawing together friends and family and rekindling a life long love."

Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline & Kasey

You can click here to view the trailer since Blogger won't let me us the one they sent me.

I think this is one we're all going to want to see.  Check out their Facebook page for more details.

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Bunk Blog Featured Blogger

Today we are pleased to introduce you to Bunk, from Bunk Blog. A dog after my own heart.

HI, my name is Bunk and I'm a black pug. It's not easy being pug, so I decided to start a blog about the pains and struggles of my life and the humans whom prevents me from doing all of the great things in life, like eating poop, destroying clothing, tearing up carpet, and causing general mayhem. In my blog, you will find many great stories about the trials and tribulations I have experienced over the first 10 months of my life as well as my insight into such important global matters like farting, pooping, and eating peanut butter (which I absolutely love with carrots).

The humans whom I let live with me somehow have been able to infiltrate my blog and put up articles about how to take care of a dog, which I find offensive since everyone know that they best way to take of a dog is by feeding them spoonfuls of peanut butter and giving endless belly rubs; however, the humans believe that things like hygiene, health, and safety are important, and have managed to include in my beloved blog.

Here are three of Bunk's favorite blog posts:

Giving: No Thanks

New Species Discovered

The Science of Dog Farts

Pop on over to Bunk Blog today to add a little Bunk to your day!

If you're interested in having your pet blog featured on Pet Blogs United, drop us a line at PBU at comcast dot net.

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Identifying Vet-worthy Dog Health Problems, Guest Post

 The Dog Daily: Illness and Disease

By Brad Kloza for The Dog Daily

Visit the “dog question” section of pet websites, and you’ll likely find a long, sad litany of problems that dogs have suffered over the previous several hours: “My 4-year-old Labrador is urinating on everything.” “My dog is acting strange. Could she be depressed?” “My 14-year-old toy poodle is suddenly lethargic. Help!”
Some websites offer expert veterinary advice for a small fee, but even those come with a disclaimer that there’s no substitute for hands-on veterinary care. “For most questions, I advise that the client see their vet because we can only give insight on what they have told me, but I can always miss something without a proper veterinary exam,” says Dr. Loretta Potts, veterinarian and a verified expert at JustAnswer.com. “Many times, I have to tell the client to go straight to the vet or they could lose their animal.”
Vet vs. iVet
What used to be a simple choice -- go to the vet or wait it out -- is now complicated by the scores of websites that offer to help you and your dog.
But when is it appropriate to play doctor at home? Or more importantly, when isn’t it?
Dr. Patricia Joyce, an emergency clinician at NYC Veterinary Specialists, breaks down the typical problems pet owners confront:

• Swallowing things
  First call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435. (A $65 fee may be applied.) “A lot of stuff isn’t poisonous, and they [ASPCA representatives] can give you advice for what to do at home or how to treat it so that a plan’s in place when you get to the [veterinary hospital] ER,” says Joyce.

• Blood
  “At the first sight of blood, people freak,” says Joyce. But applying direct pressure can often stop bleeding at home. Common injuries, like torn nails or cut ears, can generate a lot of blood that goes everywhere -- but they’re minor wounds you can handle. However, any bite wound should be inspected by a doctor, since infection could set in. Any bleeding that won’t stop requires veterinary attention too.

• Diarrhea or vomiting
  “In most cases, even with blood, this is not an emergency,” says Joyce. In fact, Joyce usually sends these cases home for a “nothing by mouth” trial. “It’s instinctive for dogs to drink, and instinctive for people to give the dog water,” she says. But you should cease all food and water to see if the vomiting resolves. If it doesn’t, have your dog checked out.

• Injuries and limping
  Joyce recommends giving leg injuries some time to heal. “A dog’s instinct is to cease weight-bearing immediately after an injury, which scares owners,” she says. “But by the time they get to the ER, the animal is putting pressure on its leg and wagging its tail.” See a doctor the following day, however, especially if the limping persists.

• Respiratory issues
  Any obvious and unusual increase in effort or breathing rate should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Other issues requiring prompt attention include pale or abnormal gum color, urination issues, change in skin color, yellow in the white of the eyes, strange bruising and seizures.

In the end, Joyce says visiting a veterinarian is always a wise course of action. She often finds what’s available online to be more trouble than it’s worth.
It’s easy for owners to misinterpret pain from a dog that can’t speak, says Joyce, who often sees clients diagnosing their own dogs. She recounts how owners may come in and say, “My dog has a stomach problem, because when I pick him up, he yelps.” But instead of the stomach causing the issue, “it could be his back,” explains Joyce. “When I have someone who’s already decided what’s wrong, it makes my job harder.”
If you go online for clues, Joyce also recommends calling your local veterinary hospital’s emergency room, which will often listen to symptoms over the phone and offer advice for free. “It’s a great service for the public.”

Brad Kloza is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to The Dog Daily. His work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine and Discover.

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A Pugs Tale by Lola Featured Blogger

This week we get to know Lola. Lola is Tucker from last weeks featured blogger's brother.

Hi, I'm Lola Grace aka Gracie, LoLo, Sister Girl, RiRi and Sissy. I answer to them all. I live in Alabama with my Mom, My Boy and Tucker. I don't like Tucker very much right now but Mom keeps saying I will outgrow it. We will see, he is going to have to do something pretty spectacular to get me to like him.

I spend a lot of time with MY Boy, I love that kid! He had wanted a Pug for a long time so he treats me like a princess, he even enjoys all the mischief I get myself into. I do have a problem with causing mischief. The world just has so many interesting things I can't ignore. I make it my mission to learn about them all.

Mom was worried because I am such a skinny Pug but the vet keeps telling her I am healthy and to enjoy it because sooner or later I will slow down some and then put on the weight.

I have a few seperation anxieties. I don't like closed doors with my family on the other side and I get very upset if they leave me alone. I also don't like my crate. Let me rephrase that, I hate my crate. Mom tried baby gates, several different kinds, but hasn't found one yet that I can't go over, under or head butt my way through.

Unlike my brother Tucker, I love strangers, actually I love everyone. Mom says I have no concept that not everyone wants me in their lap.

I think everyone needs a Pug in their lap! My Mom says that Pug's must surely be the clowns of the dog world. I make funny faces and do such funny things that I keep my family amused for hours on end.

Three of my favorite posts:

Initiating A New Groomer Graduate

Pet Smart Ladies and Things Revisited

Watching Mom

Stop by A Pug's Tale by Lola for more greatness.

If you're interested in having your pet blog featured on Pet Blogs United, contact us at PBU at comcast dot net.

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Calling All Dog Rescuers

Announcing: A Story Contest for Just for You

Contest Information and Rules

If you have rescued a dog, you definitely have the heart for this, and you’re just the kind of person we want to hear from. Can you write a compelling story of your dog rescue experience and send it to us before September 1, 2012.

Stories should be 500-1000 words and include details of the rescue experience and present life with your pet. Though a digital photo of your pet is requested (.jpg format) to be submitted with your story, it is not a requirement to enter. A 25-word author bio may be included with the story.

From the stories entered, Servant Heart Project Publishing will select many to be included in an anthology of compelling dog rescue stories entitled Mighty Tails of Rescue. Only one story will be declared as the winner, and there is only one prize.

The prize is a donation of $50 toward his/her choice of animal shelter, a free digital copy of the dog rescue anthology, and a free digital copy of BeatingCancer, an anthology of cancer survivor stories. The winner will be announced on this blog.

Include your name, address, email address, phone number and word count of in the header of your story. Only digital submissions in a .doc or .rtf format will be read. Attachments will be accepted if in .doc, .jpg, or .rtf format. Only those 18 or older may enter.

While there will be no remuneration for entries, those whose stories are selected will receive a complimentary digital copy of the anthology. The anthology is expected to be completed by November, 2012.

Participants who submit stories to Servant Heart Project Publishing agree that their stories and accompanying photos may receive minor editing and be published with first digital and print rights. All other rights remain the property of the author. Authors also agree that Servant Heart Project Publishing may advertise or promote this anthology and that a portion of any profit will be donated to animal shelters.

Authors will receive notification via email if their stories are selected(not that their stories have been received). One story per family. Entry period officially closes at 5PM E.T. August 31, 2012.

Submit all entries and photos to: contact@beckyjacoby.comYou can also visit http://beckyjacoby.com/blog/2012/03/05/announcing-a-writing-contest-for-dog-lovers/

Feel free to share this contest news with everyone and anyone, but please, no phone calls.

Note: Becky Jacoby and her family have rescued many animals. Currently, she and her husband Bob live with a rescued Labrador Retriever/Border Collie mix named Lehigh and a Boxer mix named Abigail. Both dogs healed from vehicle accidents and though they have physical scars, they eagerly share their affection.

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A Feline Veterinarian's Day

By Susan McCullough for The Daily Cat

Weak from days without food or water, the emaciated, dehydrated cat could barely lift her head. The Good Samaritan who had found the little feline brought her to The Cat Care Clinic in Orange, Calif., hoping that veterinarian Elaine Wexler-Mitchell and her staff could ease the cat away from death’s door. The odds of such a miracle occurring were iffy at best, since the cat was not only starving, but also was besieged with internal and external parasites. Handling such challenges, however, is all in a day’s work for Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, DMV, who owns and directs the clinic.
Dr. Wexler-Mitchell, author of Ask the Vet for Cats (Bowtie 2004) and Guide to a Healthy Cat (Wiley 2003), downplays any talk of performing miracles in feline veterinary medicine. “After twenty-two years of being a veterinarian,” she says, “almost everything is typical.”
Here’s what a “typical” day for Dr. Wexler-Mitchell might entail:
7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.: She arrives at the clinic, reviews the results of laboratory tests on patients and checks to see how hospitalized patients fared overnight. This is her favorite part of the day. “I like trying to figure out how I am going to stay organized and on top of everything I have to do,” she says.
8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: During this multi-hour bloc, Dr. Wexler-Mitchell sees patients and their people. Generally, each appointment runs 30 minutes. She deals with a wide range of feline ills. “Everyday I see vomiting, diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, itchy skin and urinary tract problems,” she says.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Midday is for routine dental cleanings and surgical procedures. “Typical surgeries are sterilizations, dental extractions, growth removals and bladder stone removals,” Dr. Wexler-Mitchell says. “Less typical is removing foreign objects that cats have ingested, such as lips from a rubber duck, jean buttons and foam ear plugs. I perform many abdominal surgical exploratory procedures and usually, since we have ultrasound, I know what I’m going to find. But sometimes it’s not exactly what I expect with regard to the severity of a disease or the spread of a cancer.”
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Early afternoon is when Dr. Wexler-Mitchell grabs some lunch, meets with her office manager, writes reports on what happened with earlier appointments for inclusion in her patients’ records, and telephones clients to discuss their cats’ medical conditions while outlining courses of treatment. All too often, though, such calls require reassuring anxious clients who know little about feline physiology. “Often, a client will call on the phone frantic because her cat is crying out and writhing on the floor,” says Dr. Wexler-Mitchell. “But, in fact, the cat might just be in heat.”
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Dr. Wexler-Mitchell uses another big bloc of time for more appointments with feline patients and their owners.
6 p.m. and later: After 6 p.m., Dr. Wexler-Mitchell attempts to close out her day. “I finish records and try to leave,” she says. During this time, she also checks once more on how the clinic’s hospitalized patients are doing.

One such patient was the nameless cat who’d been brought in earlier. “We placed her on a heating pad, injected her with intravenous fluids and antibiotics, treated for parasites, and gave her anti-diarrhea medications,” Dr. Wexler-Mitchell recalls. “The IV treatment was for four days, but she was hospitalized and received oral medications for two weeks.”
At the end of those two weeks, the Good Samaritan, who’d agreed to pay for reasonable efforts to save the patient, brought the recovered cat to live with her and her two older male cats. There, the once-helpless feline proceeded to show her true colors. “After one day of adjustment, the cat promptly took over the house and then dominated the other two cats,” says Dr. Wexler-Mitchell. “She was a bit of a devil in disguise!”
While veterinarian work often provides intangible rewards associated with helping, and even saving, the lives of pets, it can, as evidenced here, lead to long, grueling hours. You can help your own veterinarian’s day to run smoothly by keeping the following points in mind:

• Be on time If you have an appointment with your veterinarian, he or she is setting aside time to help your cat stay healthy. Acknowledge that effort by being on time for your appointment.

• Be respectful Your cat is your number one priority when you visit your veterinarian, but remember that your veterinarian has other clients to see and a schedule to keep. If you need additional time beyond your appointment to discuss a matter, ask for a follow-up meeting or a phone consultation.

• Use common sense If your cat’s behavior or health changes suddenly, don’t wait to see what happens. Call your veterinarian right away, and also make sure your cat has regularly scheduled checkups.

• Expect to spend money The high-tech, cutting-edge advances in veterinary medicine that keep your cat healthy cost your veterinarian money. Expect to spend some of your money to receive such quality care for your cat. If you’re worried about paying for expensive treatment, consider purchasing pet health insurance for your feline friend.

is an award-winning pet writer and the author of Housetraining for Dummies, Senior Dogs for Dummies and Beagles for Dummies. She was honored by The Cat Writers Association as a finalist for the Muse Medallion, which recognizes excellence in writing about cats.

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Tucker The Wee-Chu ~ Featured Blogger

First I want to thank Pam and Oskar for asking me to be a feature blogger on Pet Blogs United. I love a chance to share my babies with everyone and I have found blogging to be the perfect way to do that. I have met so many wonderful friends by blogging about these two babies and their daily life.

Tucker and Lola's Mom-Shea (Lola is next week's Featured Blogger)

Hi, I'm Tucker and I live in Alabama. The day I came to live with my family was totally not planned. My Mom was on her way back from a doctors appointment and my human brother wanted to stop in and look at the pet supply store. While we were in there they ask Mom if she knew anyone that could help a breeder for a few weeks. The breeder had just been hospitalized and had a litter of 6 week old Chi puppies at home. Mom said she would help. I was one of those puppies.  Mom found homes for all my brothers and sisters but then she realized that when anyone came to look at the puppies she was not showing me. She had already made up her mind she was keeping me she just didn't know it yet. I was the only naked Chi in the litter and the only blonde one too. I was also the smallest at only 4 oz. Did I mention I was adorable?

I soon was ruling the house and everything was scheduled around me. I was very friendly and loved people until I was about a year old and a visitor to our house accidently scared me. I never got over it and now I don't like strangers at all. I have never met a cat or another dog that I don't like.

I had a very bad reaction to the rabie vaccine when I was a year old and it left me with permanent seizures. I take Phenobarbitol and my seizures are well controlled so they don't bother me all that much, but I can't ever have the rabie vaccine again.

I am a Mommy's boy and have to be with her 24/7. I like the other members of my family but if Mom is out of sight for very long I go looking for her.

I get cold very easy so my favorite place in the world is under the covers, I call this my "man cave", every man needs one. Being a naked Chi I also sunburn easy and have to wear sunblock if they take me outside. Did I mention how much I hate going outside? Well I do. I hate concrete, grass, rain and wind. The only way I want to go outside is in my Mom's arms. This is why my Mom trained me to use potty pads.

In many ways I am the typical Chihuahua and think I am as big as any other dog but in some ways I am not your typical Chihuahua. Did you know that a Chihuahua is the only breed that has no concept of it's size? I don't bark very much and I never shake, unless I am cold. I am also food crazy, that is the one bad habit(Mom says I have more but we aren't paying any attention to her)that I have. I will beg for or steal any food I can get my paws on. I don't care what it is I will eat it.

I have a sister, Lola, she is a Pug. That girl is a handful!

Three of my favorite posts:

Understanding the Pug

Lola Is Going To Be So Mad

Yep, She Is Going To Lose It!

Well you can see for yourself that Tucker is a cool little dude, so please swing by Tucker The Wee-Chu and give them some comment support from all of the Pet Blogs United members!

If you're interested in having your pet blog featured on Pet Blogs United, drop us a line at PBU at comcast dot net.

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Apple Cinnamon Pupcakes Guest Post

Hi, my name is Sandy from Cherished Handmade Treasures.  I have three small dogs that I love to bake for.  Two of them are Shih Tzu's and the third is a Cock-a-Tzu (Shih Tzu/Cocker Spaniel mix). 

They are all males.  Things can get pretty wild at my house at times when the boys begin one of their sumo wrestling sessions, especially if one breaks free and the other two have to chase him down.  If you own dogs, especially males dogs, I'm sure you get the picture.  To quiet them down, sometimes we have to give them something to chew on besides each other!  These little Pupcupcakes are just the thing, it keeps them busy for a few minutes.

Ingredients

· 3 cups rolled oats (don’t use quick cooking oatmeal)

· 1¼ cups flour

· 2 eggs

· ¼ cup oil

· ½ cup milk

· 1½ cup prepared applesauce (sugar-free)

· 1 apple (chopped)

· ½ tsp. to 1 tsp. cinnamon (your discretion)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease mini-muffin pan or line with paper liners.

2. Combine oil, milk, eggs and applesauce in large bowl and mix well.  

3. Add dry ingredients in 3 intervals mixing lightly each time to incorporate.

4. Spoon into mini-muffin pan and press the back of a spoon in the top to make a small well.

5. Add chopped apples mixed with cinnamon on the top of each dough well and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow to cool.  Keep refrigerated in an air-tight container; store unused in freezer for a longer shelf-life.

My boys give these two paws up!!!

For more Gourmet Dog Treat recipes, visit: Cherished Handmade Treasures

Cherished Handmade Treasures is a treasure trove of great information, including a whole section on gourmet dog treats!  We want to thank Sandy for sharing this great recipe with our readers.  Oskar is already demanding some.

Perhaps this Amazon Promotional Code can save money on cookbooks for doggy treats.

Have a great pet recipe that you'd like to share?  Drop us a line at PBU at comcast dot net.

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Charlie A Love Story - Book Review

Let me start by saying that this was one of the most moving books I've ever read.

The love & devotion between author Barbara Lampert & her golden retriever Charlie is just amazing. 

As Charlie struggles through numerous health problems, he constantly strives to live life to the fullest, never wavering from his love for Barbara.

Gardening is Barbara's solace and a place where Charlie finds peace while being by his best friend.

The book is made up of diary entries that end up chronicling Barbara & Charlie's never-ending love for each other through all of his troubles.

Yes, this book will make you cry, it will make you hug your pet & remember not to take them for granted, and I promise you that you will be glad you read it.

You can read more about Barbara & Charlie at her website, Charlie A Love Story.

This is a slim book with a big impact.  If you're a pet lover, this love story is for you.

Use promo codes for books and possibly save money on Charlie.

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Raszobai - New Blogger Alert

Today we're introducing you to Rascal, Zoe & Bailey, collectively known as Raszobai.

I was inspired by my friend Ali to begin blogging. We actually adopted our dog Bailey after we saw how much fun Ali and her partner were having with their dog Barley. Since August, my fiance, myself and our two cats have been having adventure after adventure with our newest addition to the family Bailey, who is a black lab/mini beagle mix. We hope to share our many stories with other pet owners out there, and hopefully hear some stories from other dog owners.

Pictures are courtesy of elizabeth&jane photography.

How can you resist those cute faces?  Stop by Raszobai today to welcome them to Blogville!


If you're interested in having your pet blog featured on Pet Blogs United, drop us a line at PBU at comcast dot net.

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