Devoted To Willow ~ Featured Blogger

Today we are happy to introduce you to Willow from Devoted To Willow.

I first got into blogging when Mom took computer classes as part of her Graduate School and learned about different blogging groups. Though the class did not delve into the types of blogs Mom dove into the internet and realized that there were cat bloggers and thought this would be fun to join and blog so that is basic premise for the start of the blog Devoted to Willow.

I met many different furiends a bit after I started my blog it was great to meet cats from all over the world who were like me with loving families to just talk to. When Mom finally found out the truth about her skin problem and that it was Mycosis Fungoids she was floored by how much the community helped and how our furiends led support to us in the difficult time.

I am very happy that I am able to be a part of the cat blogging community even now that I do not have the frequency of posts when I first started just over a year ago. And I am so happy to be celebrating my 9th birthday with my blogging buddies on October 31st, purrs.

My three favorite posts of all time are:
I've Got Royal Mail
MEOW-Gency Test
Magic Tricks

Stop by Devoted To Willow & take a look around.  Tell her Pam & Oskar sent ya!
 

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Catching Up On Correspondence

Hello friends,

I let you know a while ago that my e-mail account was compromised.  I couldn't access any of my e-mails for quite awhile.

I'm glad to say that my e-mails have been restored, but I have over 700 e-mails to sort through & respond to, so if you've contacted me and haven't heard back please be patient.

I'll respond to your e-mails as quickly as I can.

Thanks for your understanding.

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Pet Portrait Review & Giveaway From Lamanda Designs

I'm so happy to be able to offer you this pet portrait giveaway from Lamanda Designs.

Before there was Oskar, there was Buddy.  Buddy was my husband's black Lab and the two of them traveled the country together.  He passed several years ago & I've always wanted a way to memorialize him for my husband.

I was thrilled when Lisa from Lamanda Designs contacted me about doing a review and giveaway of one of her pet portraits.  I have to be honest and say that I'm always a little nervous when it comes to pet portraits.  They can come out really funky.

Well after looking over Lisa's work on her site and her Etsy store, I was thrilled with the offer.

Example from her Etsy store

She does people incredibly well too.

So obviously I was excited to have her do Buddy & my husband & I are thrilled with the results.

Buddy

This doesn't look like any black Lab, it really is Buddy.  It's amazing!

Here's some information about Lisa:

"After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting, I began selling my work locally and online. I enjoy painting photorealistic high quality portraits of both human and pets, and all of my works are original paintings, no prints or copies. I love painting in different medias; watercolor, acrylic, and oil, and in different styles as well. Send me any photo and idea and I will turn it into a painting that you will be sure to enjoy!"

Lisa has just moved to Australia and she is willing to send the winning prize worldwide.

Just click on the Rafflecopter below to start your entry.  This contest ends Wednesday, 3/27 at midnight EST.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Memphis Anchor Spreads Pit Bull Hate #PitBull

Picture from My Fox Memphis web page.

Ernie Freeman, Anchor on Fox13's My Fox Memphis had this to say yesterday on his Twitter account @ErnieFreeman:

"Let me be clear...Pit-Bulls are savage beasts. #KillerPitBulls"

Then once he started getting a negative response sent up this sad message asking for supporters.

"‏Click this picture and like the page.  Help me out. The Pit Bull owners are taking over my page."

He touts himself as being a 4 time Emmy Award winner and alumni of Michigan State.  Being from Michigan I'm embarrassed about the latter.

I left this comment on his FB page.

It links to Corbins Guest Post on Blogville's Pitty Post Day.

Today he says he is done discussing the topic.  In a another FB post I told him, "When you make a sweeping statement that "Pit Bulls are savage beasts" along with using #KillerPitBulls, you are using your platform to promote ignorance. You don't get to decide to be done after such an attack on an innocent and loving breed of animal."

I think My Fox Memphis has a right to know what people feel about their anchor's views on Pit Bulls.  Here is their contact information.

To write us, send your correspondence to:
WHBQ FOX 13 485 S. Highland Memphis, TN 38111 
Main number: (901) 320-1340
News tips: (901) 320-1340
News Tip E-mail: news@myfoxmephis.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fox13news.myfoxmemphis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/myfoxmemphis
Share your pictures: http://pix.myfoxmemphis.com/

Or you can contact Ernie directly:

ernie.freeman@myfoxmemphis.com
Ernie Freeman Facebook
Ernie on Twitter: @ErnieFreeman

We all know that Pit Bulls have a hard enough time without influential people in the media using their platforms for hate.  Let's stand up to this bully.

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City Dog, Country Dog

The Dog Daily: Travel

By Elizabeth Wasserman for The Dog Daily

Andrea Linne's 18-month-old miniature French poodle, Charlie, is accustomed to taking walks on a leash through the New York City streets and to life in an apartment building. During a recent trip to the country, however, this city dog enjoyed running free in a fenced-in yard and walking along the beach. "You can't do that in Central Park," Linne says.

But she made sure to protect Charlie against some of the hazards of country life for dogs. She sprayed him with tick repellant. She also frequently checked his coat for fleas and burrs.

Linne knows that the environment in which Charlie and all other dogs are raised can have a profound sense on the pet's temperament, preferences, and tolerance of such things as loud noises and other animals. A city dog may be used to meeting other canines at a public dog park or run. A country dog may know to avoid eating dangerous plants, like mushrooms, or downing too much grass. But dog owners should be aware that there are factors to consider if you plan to move a dog out of one environment and into another environment, even for a visit.

A country dog in the city
Families that live in rural areas -- or even suburbia -- may be surprised by their pet's reactions on a trip to the big city. Lisa Peterson, director of club communications for the American Kennel Club, lives in rural Connecticut and has three Norwegian Elkhounds, which she sometimes takes into the city. "My dogs will absolutely not go to the bathroom on concrete," Peterson says. "The surface on which you train your dog to be housebroken really has a profound effect on the animal." City dogs are sometimes housebroken in a litter box or are used to being walked along the street five times per day. That is a very different ritual than a dog that simply goes out the back door to relieve itself.

Country dogs may not be accustomed to trucks, car horns or other loud noises. Dogs raised alone in the country may be in for a rude awakening if they are taken to a dog park or run with lots of other animals. They may also not know what to make of pigeons and elevators.

A city dog in the country
While city dogs may delight in being able to run around in a fenced-in country yard, they may not take kindly to being left outside for long stretches of time away from their human companions. City dogs probably spend more time with their owners than country dogs, as they are often walked or exercised several times per day, Peterson says. Country dogs need exercise, too, but they are also more used to spending time outside by themselves.

There are also country hazards for city canines. They may need to be monitored out in the yard to make sure they don't eat dirt, too much grass or any harmful plants and fungi. Fleas and especially ticks are often more numerous in the country than in the city. Before taking your pet to the country to live -- or even for a visit -- make sure you have the proper preventative medicines. Tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, can be prevalent in the country. As for Linne, pet owners need to check their dog's coats daily for ticks, since health dangers are less likely if the tick is removed within the first 24 hours, Peterson says.

Raising a dog that can go anywhere
If you want to be able to take your dog with you nearly wherever you go, you may want to sensitize your pet to both city and country lifestyles. For a city dog that may travel to the country, take steps to housebreak it on grass in addition to street surfaces. For a country dog used to having the run of a yard, socialize it with other dogs and people. For example, bring it to the post office, the shopping mall, and parks. Even if you have an invisible fence or acres of land, leash training is also a must for country dogs that might one day visit the city.

In the end, city dogs may have a leg up on transitioning to the country over country dogs that go to the city. "City dogs are raised with a lot more distractions and noise. It makes them overall more used to new situations," Peterson says. "Dogs raised in the country may be used to quiet. They may not have a lot of visitors. If you put them in a noisier place, they may not handle it very well."

Elizabeth Wasserman a Washington, D.C., area-based freelancer, has been writing about pets, among other topics, for more than 15 years. Her love of dogs, in particular, was handed down through the generations from her great-grandfather, Eric Knight, who wrote the book Lassie Come Home in the 1930s.

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Email Trouble

Hey friends, we've got a major issue with our Comcast email account where all of the Pet Blogs United business is.  Reviews, requests to be added to the blogroll, or be featured, anything that has been emailed to me has disappeared.

Comcast assures me that it can get them back, but until they do please don't think that I'm ignoring you.  I just can't access the information.

Thanks for understanding :)

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Come Wag Along ~ Featured Blogger

Today is near & dear to my heart cause we kinda have a thing for miniature schnauzers around here ;) Meet Simba from Come Wag Along.

The Blog:
This is a lifestyle/dog blog about life with a miniature schnauzer. Simba is the inFURmant because through my love for him, we are providing you with information about him as well as dog information such as dog fashion, dog tips, dog fun, giveaways, reviews, and more! I do not claim to be an expert about dogs. I am simply a dog lover and this is simply a blog about my life and my life with my dog.

Me:
My name is Kia and I’m a UNCG (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro) Alumni. I graduated in 2010 with a B.S. in Information Systems and Operations Management. I’m 24. I’m currently a Software Consultant. I test software for different clients and have been doing so for almost two years now. I heart technology & social media! I’m trying to figure out where I fit in this forever changing tech world.

I created this WordPress blog about my wonderful dog Simba because I am a dog lover and he is awesome! I felt that people would enjoy seeing pictures of Simba and reading about him as well as any other dog information that I thought was interesting. I also created it because I have never had a self-hosted WordPress blog and I wanted some experience with it. I noticed that WordPress is used a lot especially by business professionals so I decided to become familiar with it. I am sharpening my WordPress skills as well as my social media skills with this blog.

Simba:
Simba is a white mini schnauzer and he is the prince of our family. RAWR! :) His birthday is March 21, 2012. He moved in with our family in May 2012 and everyone is madly in love with him. I mean look at him…how could you not fall in love with that face? I named him Simba because I always wanted to name a pet this when I found the perfect one…and here he is. The Lion King is one of my favorite child-hood movies and that is where the name comes from. Simba is a very loving and energetic dog. He loves to run around and play, curl up in my lap and snooze, and he is such the puppy model! I wouldn't trade him for any other dog.

3 Favorite blog posts:
Love At First Sight - This post talks about when I met Simba for the first time and had to take him home with me!
Fashion Friday - This post introduces "Fashion Friday". It's something I came up with to showcase dog websites or stores that I have come across that have clothes that I like. I also may post a picture of Simba wearing something I recently bought him and share with my readers where they can get the clothes or accessories from.
The Way Simba Catches His zZzZs & Counts His Sheep - This post talks about the different ways that Simba sleeps. He sleeps in so many different ways! Too cute and pretty funny.

Simba has sent you into cute overload, yes?  Stop by Come Wag Along and see for yourself!

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Help Fido Get Into Skype

i

Source: Skype blog via Stacey on Pinterest

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Peanut Butter & Cheese ~ New Blogger Alert

This week we've got some great new friends from Peanut Butter & Cheese.

I was a cat person who fell in love with a dog person. Kari (that's me) and Athena (the cat) moved in with James (the husband).

Athena

In 2008, We reluctantly rescued a border-collie mix (Zozo) and 3 years later we added to our litter with a pit bull-Catahoula leopard hound mix (MJ). Our dogs are wonderful, smart, silly and incredibly mischievous. They keep us on our toes and have forced us out into the world on adventures we'd otherwise bookworm away from. They're our furkids. Occasionally they're out of control.

Zozo

When we brought Zozo home, we knew he came with baggage. We also knew that having a young dog who hadn't spent much time with humans in a city would be hard work. We didn't realize just how tough it could be living and loving a pup with anxiety. Zozo has always excelled when he could take cues from another dog, so we searched for a bold fur-panion for him. MJ arrived to us as a 8 week old cannonball in 2011, with all of the stigma a pit bull can bring. It was then that we discovered the community that comes not only with adopting a rescue, but having one of those dogs considered to be a mean and vicious breed. Once Zozo's out of his shell, he's a goofball with party tricks. MJ wiggles and kisses and smiles at everyone. Neither fits a stereotype.

MJ

It was those dual, very different pupsonalities that inspired me to write "Peanut Butter & Cheese."* It covers our experiences dating back to 2008, when we first brought Zozo home, to today (although I haven't quite gotten there yet in my writing). Every Thursday is a new installment. Our big milestones, frustrations and day-to-day are pieced back together from diary entries, emails and text messages I kept since bringing the pups home. Sometimes it's happy, sometimes it's ugly. But it's all very real.

"Peanut Butter & Cheese" is named after the two go-to treats our furbabies are gaga for: Jiff Peanut Butter and Kraft American Cheese slices (the orange ones, not the white. Somehow, MJ can tell the difference).

Stop by Peanut Butter & Cheese today & tell them Oskar sent ya!

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

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Puppy Parenting Guest Post By Haopee of My Dogs Love Me

Who doesn't love puppies? They're cute, adorable and funny. Who doesn't love puppy parenting? Well, I'm pretty sure not all of us does. 

The Perks of Puppy Parenting

A true puppy parent will experience getting tested in areas such as patience, alertness and discipline before rearing one's fur baby is done. Crate training and potty training can be a hassle to the uninformed so brace yourselves for painful cuteness and sleepless nights.

A Puppy's Growth

The life of a puppy has certain stages. Here's a summary to give one a brief idea of it.

Puppy's First Two Weeks: Puppies can't see or hear yet. They will rely on their mom and littermates' presence. Often times, they'll be huddled up together for warmth.

Puppies Huddling for Warmth

Puppy's Next Two Weeks (3rd-4th Week): They'll begin exploring their environment. Now, their eyes and ears start to open.

5th to 7th Week:  They begin to act more like dogs- smaller, cuter and clumsier versions of what they will become. They start interacting with their littermates and the mom teaches them the basic ways of the dog. Bite inhibition is also learned during this stage.

Puppy's 2nd to 4th Month: This is the time reputable breeder send their charges to their new homes. Owners should cherish this stage because curiosity will be at its peak within the next four to six months.

Within the 8th to 11th week, some puppies experience a "fear period". They can end up getting frightened by things they weren't scared of before. Be aware that this fear can impact their lives forever.

Puppy's 4th to 6th Month: Teething and challenging you will happen during this stage. A supply of chew toys will help deterring him from going straight for your furniture... I hope.

Reference: Your Outta Control Puppy by Teoti Anderson

Choosing a Puppy

Although adoption from your local shelter is the best way to get a new addition to the family, I understand that others would rather have a pup whose breeding history they are sure of. Checking out  a reputable breeder in your area is a great way to find one.

Before picking your puppy, here are several things you should remember. I acronymed it the "EEEMPC" Test.

Eyes: should be clean, clear and bright.

Ears: should be clean and parasite -free, without foul smelling odor.

Energy: should not be lethargic.  A puppy's energy can indicate his health. A weak puppy in stress can have all sorts of issues once introduced into a new environment.

Mouth: should be free of sores and gums (and all mouth areas) should be pinkish in color. Teeth should be free of plaque.

Paws: should be free from injury and intact. The puppy shouldn't be limping either.

Coat: should be fluffy and soft. Oh wait, I was just kidding. It should be clean and not dull-looking.

Reference: Puppy Parenting by Dr. Scott Miller

Vaccinations

This is an interesting topic since some of us have already followed the recently approved 3-year gap in dog vaccination. Either way, always remember that vaccinations are important because it's our dog's primary protection when they are introduced to the world.

Wrong thought bubble... Bath be gone... bath be gone... sounds more appropriate.

Assuming we, as disciplined owners, stuck to the original vaccination schedule, our pups should be done with his within the 16th week. This is the time that taking him with us to public places is advisable.

This is just the tip of the iceberg in puppy parenting. Information (and a whole lot of it) is the key to make puppy parenting a more enjoyable and less stressful task to tackle with our furry friend. I hope this helps.

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee
My Dogs Love Me

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Troublin' Times ~ Featured Blogger

Happy Saturday!  Meet the gang from Troublin' Times: Hello, kitties and woofies! This was Callie and Sassy, but as soon as I said “woofies”, Sassy went and hid under the bed! I will tell you about me first and maybe she will be out soon.

 I am Callie, a fabulous two year old calico girl kitty. I am lucky enough to be the girlcat friend of the brave and handsome Kozmo of the Cat From Hell blog. Isn’t my Sweet Ba-Boo just the most wonderful? I lead a very busy life – I am a singer, high fashion model, presidential advisor, and anything else my imagination can come up with! As you can tell, I also love using the exclamation point! I love, love any kind of bling-bling. Tiffany’s is my ideal of heaven! Every Friday, I sing one of my special songs, remade over to fit kitties everywhere.

 One of my most popular was a remake of the hip-hop song “U Can’t Touch This“ by MC Hammer. You can find it here: Friday Songs By Callie.   I also have many wild adventures. Mommie accuses me of exaggerating for some reason, but whatever! One of my adventures was the terrifying trip to the vet Sassy and I had to take last year. You can find it here: My Visit To The Vet.  Okay, it looks like Sassy has crawled out from under the bed now, so I will turn this over to her.

  Hello everyone, I am Sassy, the tortured sisfur of the Spotted Airhead, Callie. Here is my sad story. Mommie adopted me seven and a half years ago. I had five wonderful years of just me and her. Then, one tragic day, my Mommie lost her mind and decided I was lonely and needed a “sisfur”. Enter the Spotted Airhead.

 I am the sane cat around here. I do not wail and screech every Friday or talk endlessly about bling-bling and “sweet ba-boo” (gag!). I think deep thoughts most Mondays, called my Monday Musings. You can read one here: Monday Mornings With Sassy: Stupid Human Sports. Although I have had some flirtations, I do not have a steady mancat. And I can promise that if I ever do, I will never call him “Sweet Ba-Boo!”  The picture below is one of the few pictures Mommie has of Callie and I together. Normally I do allow her stinky furs to touch mine. 

 Our blog is Troublin' Times. We would love a visit from you!  (Sorry that the spacing on this is all wonky, Blogger is not being friendly right now!)

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