Design A Collar Giveaway ~ Holiday Happenings

Guess who's got another cool giveaway?

This afternoon we have a giveaway from Design A Collar.  Here's the scoop:

"All collars are made when ordered.

Each collar is started from scratch so if you include your pets neck size they are custom made to fit. I use the neck size as the center hole so you have room for adjusting larger and smaller. If you have a puppy I can use the neck size as the smallest hole to give room for growth. The larger collars are made of 9-10 oz leather, smaller collars are made of 4-5 oz leather.


You have many choices to get the exact collar you are looking for. We offer many colors, and can embellish them with rhinestones as seen in the picture. All collars turn out slightly different because of the nature of leather and dyes. So no two are exactly alike.

Having a hard time choosing a collar? Tell me a few things you like, maybe a picture or description of your dog. I will surprise you with a collar. Lot's of fun!"

One lucky winner will win a custom collar of their own.

To enter visit Design A Collar and take a look at their work.  Then come back to this post & leave a comment telling me what kind of design you think is cool.  The collars don't have individual names since each of them can be different, so just tell me what you saw that you really liked.

If you have the Holiday Happenings button on your sidebar, leave a second comment letting me know.

Please leave your e-mail address in your comment so I can contact you if you win.  To help avoid spammers you can leave it in this format: PBU at comcast dot net.

I'm happy to say that this contest is open internationally so everyone can enter!

Contest ends on 12/5 at midnight EST.

Have fun looking at all of the cool collars!

PS ~ I don't know why the spacing is so wonky on these posts lately, but Blogger doesn't seem to want to let me fix it.

Purrs of Wisdom Book Giveaway ~ Holiday Happenings

Todays first giveaway is a great new book Purrs of Wisdom; Conscious Living Feline Style.

We we lucky enough to get author Ingrid King to tell us a little about the book:


"This collection of essays features lessons in conscious living, inspired by the cats who have shared my life.

From help with every day challenges to inspiration on living a joyful life, this compilation provides encouragement, guidance, and enlightenment, feline style. 

Whether it’s creating balance, navigating turbulent times, or finding the magic in life’s ordinary moments, there’s something for everyone in this book.

Chapters include:

• The Healing Power of the Purr 
• Making Time for Contemplation 
• Routine as the Key to Happiness 
• Purging Can Make You Purr 
• Healthy Cats, Healthy Human 

The stories may remind you of lessons your own cats have taught you, provide “aha” moments, or simply make you smile. These essays are best enjoyed with a cat curled up on your lap."

If you'd like to buy this book, you can visit Ingrid's site or find it on Amazon.

To enter to win, simply leave a comment telling me which chapter of the book (listed above) appeals to you most.

Please leave your e-mail address in your comment so I can contact you if you win.  To avoid spammers leave your address in this format: PBU at comcast dot net.

If you have the Holiday Happenings button in your sidebar, leave a second comment letting me know.

This contest is open internationally.  Contest ends at midnight EST on 12/5.

Good luck!

CatCam Collar Camera Giveaway ~ Holiday Happenings

Tonight we're excited to have a bonus giveaway from CatCam.

We are giving two CatCams away and this giveaway is open internationally!

Here is what the inventor of the CatCam has to say:


"Would you like to know what your cat does at home or as it roams the neighborhood? Now you can peek into the "other" life of your pet!  Don't be surprised to learn some secrets you never thought you'd see when you watch the recordings that the CatCam makes.

The CatCam is a small digital camera that is worn on the collar of an animal to get deep insights into his life. It automatically takes pictures or video clips in an adjustable time sequence/interval.

This version has a 3 Megapixel image sensor and a numeric display for easier configuration. Image resolution is 2048 x 1536 pixels. It contains a rechargeable battery that will take up to 2000 images.

The appealing design and small size of 54x42x27mm (2.1 x 1.6 x 1 inch) does not only feel good in your palm it fits also nicely on your cat (or dog) which will not get out of balance with the low weight of approx. 30 grams (1 oz).

The camera can also work like a regular digital camera that fits in your pocket, purse or keychain.

The CatCam has a quite long history and started as a fun project with tomcat Mr. Lee in 2007.

Mr. Lee is happy to welcome you at his website where you also can see some pictures him and other cat have taken."

CatCam is offering an 8% discount for PBU readers.  Just add "petblogsunited" in the comment field during ordering. The discount will get refunded after the payment is processed

This is a really fun prize that we're glad to be able to give to two of our great readers.

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Petmate Deluxe Pet Fountain Giveaway ~ Holiday Happenings

Today we have an awesome Petmate Deluxe Fresh Flow Purifying Pet Fountain in Black to give away courtesy of Petco.

We have learned that running water can increase the amount of water your pets drink, and we have found this to be true, especially for our cats Chloe & Moe.


We thought we'd make this entry easy, just us about your favorite holiday memory with your pet.

If you have the Holiday Happenings button in your sidebar please leave a second comment telling us.

This contest is open to US residents only.  Please leave your e-mail address in your comment so we can reach you if you win.  To avoid spammers, it's best to leave it in this format: PBU at comcast dot net.

Contest ends 12/4 at midnight EST.

Good luck!

Bonus! Quick Iams Giveaway On The Daily Oskar!

Over at The Daily Oskar, we're having quick Iams giveaway.  You have an opportunity to help pick the next Iams TV ads and to win a pawsome Iams gift basket.

This one ends tomorrow night, so click over to check it out!

Sleeping With The Beast Book Giveaway ~ Holiday Happenings

Today our Holiday Happenings giveaway is a wonderful book called Sleeping With The Beast.

We read it & just loved it and we were lucky enough to get the author Dale Ryan to write a post about the book.

I decided to write “Sleeping With The Beast” when I walked into my bedroom and saw three dogs asleep with my husband, cuddled up with our eldest dog Buddha gently snoring on a cold wintry afternoon. The sight, peaceful beasts in slumber land, was so heartwarming, and the angle so dramatic that I went looking for a small utility ladder and my camera. Best bit, I only disrupted Rupert, who was put out with my presence.


“Sleeping With The Beast” was actually conceived in the Cotswolds of England. Quentin and I were on holiday looking for odds and ends for our farm “do over”. After rummaging through shops, we decided to catch a bite to eat and came upon a very boisterous tavern. As we walked in, an enormous Great Dane was sprawled out in front of an immense 16th century hearth. Within minutes, dogs on leads came in with their two- legged companions and went to the water bowls and patiently waited for remnants of sandwiches. As we watched, the sad reality hit me that dogs in the United States did not have the luxury of dining in restaurants, unlike our European friends. At that single moment, I decided our home, gardens, barns, and greenhouse would take care of all our needs. Therefore, I had to consider everything from furniture, paint, fences, to thinking on a sustainable level, in terms of the food we grew and ate. Mind you, I had 5 dogs to take into account, as well as two young sons. The dogs ranged from seven years of age to puppies and they were 3 different breeds. And our sons, like all curious creatures, had a lot in common with the dogs. They like to roam, eat lots of food and a never-ending need to test the boundaries that surrounded them. Like children, dogs have medical issues. We found ourselves having to make a rough decision with regards to our terrier aka the terrorist. Sam liked to bully the other dogs and we had to put her on medication for behavioral problems. Whether in the park or the boardroom, someone always wants to be the alpha.

Animals and humans are so much alike. It is unfortunate dogs cannot verbally express their discontent; though like people, they have a way of letting you know what their needs are. As I researched, I had to make decisions about everything from leather vs. taffeta, to carpet in bedrooms to hardwood floors in public spaces. The list was growing by leaps and bounds with an equal tempo with our dogs and kids. Once again, I turned to my European friends, and for centuries they had limited trouble when mixing antiques and fabric with their best friend. As the years went by, with the house intact, some of my dogs were now facing health issues. We could no longer take for granted that our dogs’ everyday behavior would remain the same. We now had to be far more vigilant with their healthcare. We all have been taught that dogs are man’s best friends but my love for them grew stronger with each day. They are our friend, defender, companion, and as they age, they begin to take on parental attributes. Dogs have a way of laying out the design of both animal and human realities without having to say a word. We as humans are constantly bombarded with the changes we are to endure and yet by watching a dog, one can figure so much out without the glossy magazines, the tough nose bankers, to those who preach the consequences of our age and behavior.

Whether you live in an urban apartment or a country home, “Sleeping With The Beast” helps to enlighten the reader through photos, stories, and creative ideas, to take the frustration out of living with animals and people. From my perspective, a “pack” is a family of lovely beasts, who guide me every day.

We want to say a special thanks to Dale for her great post.

Winning this one is easy, just leave a comment telling me why you would like this book.

This contest is open internationally & ends on 12/3 at midnight EST.

Five PetHub Tags w/ Service Giveaway ~ Holiday Happenings Day 2

Today's giveaway is for Five, count 'em Five PetHub security tags with Silver Service, a $55 dollar value.

What’s on your pet’s wish list this holiday? Treats? A new ball? How about a spiffy new sweater? Those things might be fun to have, but we all know that at the end of the day, what all pets want more than anything is to feel safe and loved. What better way to give your furry family members that security than by giving them the gift of PetHub powered protection? Each PetHub QR tag links to a comprehensive pet profile that includes multiple contacts, critical medical information and more. Every tag includes our 24/7 Found Pet Hotline number, where operators are available around the clock to help lost pets get home fast. In addition to the most powerful identification tag available, PetHub’s Premium Services include Instant Email Notifications w/GPS Mapping, a nation-wide Shelter Alert System & $3,000 of Emergency Medical Insurance. This holiday season, PetHub is offering a FREE Limited Edition Holiday QR tag with every new or renewed Premium Subscription (you also have the option of a FREE basic tag instead).


We also have a discount code worth 10% off anything in the shop (except gift cards).  Just enter the code OSKARTEN.  Correction, the coupon is actually OSKARSTEN.  I left an 's' out when I initially wrote the post.  I'm sorry for any troubles this may have caused.  The code expires 12/31/12.

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My Memories Software Giveaway ~ Holiday Happenings Day One

Well we're kicking off our Holiday Happenings this year with a My Memories suite for one lucky winner.

My Memories is a great software to make photo books, custom gifts and printables.  I made the picture above with no experience at all in about 5 minutes.  This is a really nice way to make memories that you can save.

All you have to do is visit the site www.MyMemories.com and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout, then leave me a comment here on this post telling me which one is your favorite.

If you have the Holiday Happenings button on your blog leave a second comment with the link to your blog.  If you don't leave 2 separate comments, you will not be entered twice.

Also please leave your e-mail address in your comments, so I can contact you easily if you win!

Contest ends Friday, November 30th at midnight EST.

Pet 'Net 2012 Corbin's Post ~ Pitbull Awareness

Hi.  My name is Corbin and I'm a dog.

Correction. Handsome dog.

I'm just a dog. Not "just" a dog like some people say when they toss their dog away, because in that sense, there's no such thing as "just a dog." But I'm JUST a dog. Just like any other dog. I have four legs, a wet snout, a generous tongue... However, I also have a big blocky head, a wide chest, a deep bark and a tail that could split your winter wood stack.

Why does that make me different?

I beg for treats, I can do tricks, I walk well on a leash, I snuggle on the couch, I kiss my little cousin Christopher's tiny baby feet, I can make you smile on your worst of days.... I'm goofy, I'm fun... I'm a dog.

RASPBERRIES!!!

Now don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be called a Pit Bull. If that means I can't go to PetSmart's doggie daycare, then so be it. If that means mom and dad can never move to Denver, Colorado with me, that's fine... they don't want to live there anyway. I know being called a Pit Bull means I'm a loving, loyal, funny, spunky, loving dog. Because, I AM a dog, and that's what dogs are.

Me, Corbin, the handsome dog.

But you.... you uneducated people. You call me a Pit Bull like it's a bad thing. You cross the street when you see me walking. You make comments to my mom about the vicious animal she has, while I sit nicely by her side. You refuse to meet me and change your mind. You move to the other side of the waiting room at the V-E-T-S office. You tell my mom you need to muzzle me to cut my nails because of my breed. You fear me with no reason.

Do I look scary?

I am Corbin. I am a Canine Good Citizen. I am a foster brother. I am a mind changer for those who are open enough to allow me to change their minds. I am a friend. I am a pet. I am a lover. I am a fighter for my breed. I am a Pit Bull type dog.

Foster Brother Extraodinaire

Mom and I were visiting Bethany and Avery a few months ago, there are usually a bunch of people there watching football. I was upstairs playing with my girls and getting lots of love by my furiend Molly's mom, Joann. She looked at my mom and said "Ya know... he is just the best dog. I was so afraid of pit bulls, then I met Corbin. Who could be afraid of him?"

Me & Molly. Like the heart with the rope? Yeaaaa, I'm that smooth.

Now, don't get me wrong... I'm not perfect, I'm a dog. I have flaws and my parents work with me so I'm as well behaved as possible, sometimes I forget to listen. But this statement made mom's heart melt and it's something she thinks about often. She knows Joann loves me, and I love her right back with lots of wet kisses. But she never knew Joann's view of Pit Bull type dogs before me. Joann isn't the first person to say this about me, and hopefully not the last.

Pretty close to perfect, though.

Mom often receives similar comments about our foster dogs. Remember Hannah (brindle brat baby)? Her owners fell in love with her, not because of her breed or her looks, but because she had the sweetest soul and the most loving personality. It was clear, Hannah hadn't had the best of pasts, but she was so brave and so forgiving. In a follow up email after Hannah's adoption, her new parents explained how they were a little hesitant about adopting a pit bull but they just fell in love with Hannah and knew she was their dog. Their family was a little skeptical on their choice of dogs, but it didn't take long for Hannah to change their minds.

Who couldn't love these faces?

Although we have fostered many breeds, the momma takes every opportunity she can to take in a pitty girl. Not only can we show people how wonderful the breed is while we have two in the house, but just like Hannah, we can adopt wonderful dogs into homes that will continue passing along the good word of our breed.

I've taught you all I know... now go on and charm people!

Last year I did a blog about why I blog... the importance of my blog being rescue, fostering and pit bull awareness. At that point I had 80 followers and I said if I could change 1 mind about pit bulls, 1 mind about adoption or fostering... my job would be done.

I take that back. I will not stop at 1 person. I know I can't change the world, but I'm sure as heck going to give it my best shot.

Visit the Pet 'Net hub page to enter for your chance to win a $5,000 donation for your local shelter.

Holiday Happenings 2012 Preview

<a href="http://petblogsunited.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Pet Blogs United" src="http://i50.tinypic.com/309qzx2.png" /></a><br/><br/>
We're gearing up for Holiday Happenings 2012 & wanted to give you a sneak peek of what to expect.

Soggy Doggy
Pet Mate
Iams
Design A Collar
Ingrid King
My Memories
Triple T Studios
Friends With Pets
PetHub

Make sure to get the new Holiday Happenings button in your sidebar for additional entries!

McLean Puppy Chronicles ~ Featured Blogger

This week we're happy to feature the McLean Puppy Chronicles, a great blog about being puppy raisers for

My husband and I started raising guide dog puppies when we discovered that we couldn't have any children and decided that adoption wasn't for us. We wanted to do something more with our lives and to give back. What we discovered was that raising a guide dog puppy involves you in a community and connects you with the world and the people in it in a unique way.

Our blog describes our journey raising guide dog puppies. We get them as young as 9 weeks old (our first three were 9 weeks old when we got them), although our current puppy, Coach (our fourth guide dog puppy) we got at 17 weeks. As puppy raisers we need to teach them basic obedience, some directional commands, but the majority of what we do is socialization: taking them out in public and getting them used to public events so that the first time they go to the movies with a blind person isn't the first time they have EVER been to the movies. This usually means that all the crazy, funny, bizarre and silly stuff happens to the puppy raisers.

It also usually involves a lot of poo. In public places. Much to my dismay and horror. 8-)

But you deal with it and you go on and you always keep your eye on the prize of grooming your puppy to be a guide dog. Because that is what it is all about: making a difference in someone’s life. Join us on the journey. It’s funny, it can be sad, but mostly, it’s about a wonderful puppy who has a great life in store for him. Follow Coach as he learns how to be a guide dog!

Here are three of their favorite posts:

Oops, did we just poop on your floor?

Naughty Children Turn Deck Into Vermin Picnic

I Never Dreamed I Would Do It Too

Stop by this week to meet this great family of bloggers!