No Fluff Zone

Dogs love to play with their toys, not the stuffing inside, so SPOT Pet Products showed their stuff by getting rid of the stuff(ing) to create unique and easily identifiable pet toys called Skinneeez. Reflecting the recent trend toward more floppy pet toys, Skinneeez have a more realistic appearance that is more attractive to dogs, and brings out the hunter in domesticated companions.

Skinneeez toys are easy to distinguish from other pet toys on the market because of the way they look – they appear to be soft-sculpture toys that have not yet been filled with polyester fiberfill. But that is by design – Skinneeez toys are flat, easy to grab, hold and carry for any dog or cat, and despite their super-soft fur-like fabric exterior, Skinneeez are amazingly durable and last longer than regular plush dog toys, because of the lack of stuffing. Realistically made to look like favorite backyard critters and have the mouthfeel of real prey, Skinneeez allow dogs to indulge their inner hunters, an instinct that never goes away, regardless of how domesticated they are, reminding them of a day in the field and why fetch games are so much fun.

Skinneeez reflect on the recent trend in pet toys towards floppy toys, but Skinneeez takes this trend a step further and leaves out all the stuffing, creating a toy that flops even more than some toys designed to be floppy with more room inside for squeakers in the head and tail. The lack of stuffing also means that there won’t be any bits of fluff for the owner to pick up. Also, unlike most fiberfill stuffed toys, Skinneeez are washable, and have securely sewn-on eyes, ears and tails for added safety.

Skinneeez for dogs come in two sizes – regular and mini – and several different varieties, including Mallard Duck, Chicken, Jungle Cat, Pink Flamingo, Ostrich, Beaver and Flying Squirrel.

The SPOT brand of pet products is a division of Ethical Pet Products, a Bloomfield, New Jersey company dedicated to serving pets and pet lovers since 1952. SPOT’s product line includes innovative dog and cat products, such as toys, dishes, waste management products, apparel and other dog and cat accessories. SPOT is committed to providing its customers with the best value and service in the pet industry, while keeping quality, safety, honesty and humanity in mind. SPOT pet products are available at retailers nationwide.

50 Terrific Tips (& Tricks) for DIY Pet Grooming

With the economy the way it is, people have to try to save where they can, and one such way is to groom your pets yourself. Here is an article on pet grooming courtesy of vettech.org

Pet Shot While Owners At Work

There has to be more to this story, but another weird act of animal cruelty...

Pet Shot

How Far Would You Go For Your Pet?

How far would you go for your pets? Your story could land you a prize.

Did you recently spend your daughter’s college fund on a five-star celebration for Fido’s birthday? Do you have more photos of Fluffy in your home than of everyone you know combined? If so, Fetch! Pet Care wants to hear from you as part of their new online contest, “How Far Would You Go for Your Pet?”

Fetch! Pet Care, the nation’s largest provider of professional pet sitting and dog walking services, will reward one lucky winner who goes the absolute farthest for their pet with a well-deserved grand prize: One week’s worth of Fetch! Pet Care services valued up to $500. The contest concept mirrors the company’s culture of truly understanding the pet parent relationship, always going above and beyond for the pets they care for, and believing that no pet’s need is considered too frivolous.

To enter the online contest, go to Contest Starting September 13, 2010, pet owners are encouraged to get creative and post videos, photos or short descriptions that illustrate how far they have – and will – go for their beloved pets. Posts must include pets and their owners. Did you recently give that fire hydrant a second glance? Have you found yourself catching Frisbees out of mid-air with your teeth? If so, Fetch! Pet Care wants to see it. One winner will be selected based on online votes and will be announced October 22, 2010.

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10 On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.


~Take a moment today to thank GOD for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

Fun Dog Quotes

“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am.” Unknown

“The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.” – Anonymous

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” – Robert A. Heinlein

“Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job” - unknown

Storm Emergency Prep for Pets

This year's hurricane season is expected to be more active then in recent years. Here is an article on how to better prepare your pet in case of an emergency.


Emergency Prep for pets

Dog Costs vs. Cat Costs

According to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 2009 - 2010, dog veterinary expenditures nearly doubled those of cat for last year.

Dogs are bigger - their food costs more, they generally require more grooming, owners give them more vitamins, they are boarded more often and therefore require more vaccines (e.g. kennel cough vaccine) and surgery costs more.

Here is the APPA table comparing cost of care:


Service
Dogs top line
Cats 2nd line

Surgical Veterinary Visits
$532
$278

Food
$229
$203

Kennel/Boarding
$273
$255

Routine Vet Visit
$225
$203

Groomer/Groomer Aids
$66
$22

Vitamins
$61
$28

Food Treats
$64
$37

Toys
$4
$19

Where to Put The Fish Tank

When considering buying a new fish tank, consider the space you have available and where the aqauriam will be located. Remember, a tank gets heavy. Water itself is a lot of weight. Add in rocks, decorations, filters, and the fish, and you're talking about something you're not going to move very easily.

Be sure when positioning the tank that it is a place where it is visible. Why spend money on an aquarium if you are barely ever going to see the thing? It is also good to consider your tank maintanence when choosing a tank and location. Will it be easy to access the filter when you want to clean it and change the filter cartridge? Is it in a location where you can do water changes with ease? The harder it is to do regular cleaning, the less motivated you'll be to maintain the aquarium.

Also keep in mind that you're dealing with water...and spills, splashes, and accidents will happen. Don't keep the tank near any expensive furniture or electronics.

Just some tips to help if you're acquiring a new tank.