Dogster’s Picks of the Week: Back to the ’70s!

Recently, I’ve been excited to see some of the coolest elements of the ’70s making their way back into fashion and design. From flared jeans to silk blouses and all of the chic accessories in between, when done right, this is the hottest laid-back look you’ll ever pull off. The items above are a great start in incorporating some on-trend ’70s chic pieces into yours and your diva dog’s wardrobe. This week, it’s all about getting that ’70s look! I sincerely hope this new trend means the awful ’80s revival is finally over.

1. Winter Chic Denim Jacker by Dogo — Reminiscent of the denim jacket your tall, bell-bottom-wearing ’70s crush wore, this fleece-lined demin jacket by Dogo will make your dog want to flip up his collar and strut all over the neighborhood.

2. Vintage Leather Dog Collar — This vintage leather collar featuring rusted brass oval hardware is just the coolest collar I’ve seen in a long time. It’s so cool, I think I’d be tempted to steal it from my dog and wear it as a wrap-around bracelet.

3. Preppy Tote Dog Carrier — I love this dog tote because it reminds me so much of my dad’s ’70s gym bag. If your dog is larger than tote-size, I recommend using this bag to carry all of his toys and supplies when traveling. Made from waxed canvas, this bag will last straight into the next decade.

4. Bloom Dog Bed — The shape says flower power, the print screams Three’s Company curtains. It might not be your thing, but I adore this unique little dog bed.

5. Silk Bookmark Blouse — Silk blouses are the epitome of ’70s chic and must-have staples in every woman’s wardrobe right now. Dressed up or down, they’ll be among the most versatile pieces you own. Printed silk blouses are very popular at the moment, but I like to stick to beautiful jewel-toned solids.

6. Fulton Felt Hat — One of my favorite ’70s throwback accessories that is now a modern-day style statement.

7. Buffalo Jeans Faux-Shearling Hooded Vest — Speaking of versatile pieces, nothing is more stylish right now than a great leather and faux-fur vest. Wear it over your silk blouses or zipped up over a fitted black turtleneck. Either way, you’ll look like a million bucks.

8. Hi-Rise Retro Flare Jean — I can just hear the sighs of relief from women everywhere who are so happy they no longer have to squeeze into skinny jeans. Flared jeans are back! And worn with a pair of tall wedges, they’re incredibly slimming.

9. Miss Goose Vintage Dog Toy — This cute vintage-inspired dog toy is so beautiful and unique, it makes me wonder why there aren’t more of them around. If anyone knows of any, please share!

10. California Fleece Dog Vest — Your dog will love the attention he gets in his ’70s-styled vest. It’s lightweight and sleeveless for maximum mobility, which I think igives it that extra cool factor. A steal from American Apparel at $8, you’ll want to pick these up in all of the 26 color combinations available!

View the original article here

A whole new “Dog Bliss”

Posted on 26. Sep, 2009 by Keri in Dog Bliss News

Whew…

After a few weeks of work, Bliss and I are proud to present a whole new design for “Dog Bliss”! We’re hoping this new layout will give us the flexibility to show off more doggie products and have room left over for events, public service announcements, and other dog-related stuff. And JELL-O. There’s always room for JELL-O.

Today is the perfect day to officially launch, as it’s Bliss’ ninth birthday. Happy birthday my little furball factory! She’s very excited about her ninth birthday, as you can tell from this photo.

We’re still working on adding features and ferreting out the last few bugs, so please bear with us during this transition. If you see anything wonky, please drop us an email at keri (at) mydogbliss (dot) com.

We have a lot of dog products waiting in the wings, and we’re ready to get back to the business of showing them off. Oh! And don’t forget we’re on Twitter, so please follow us!

Thanks for reading, and we’ll be barking at you soon. Or whining. Depends on our mood.

Keri & Bliss

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: Featured

View the original article here

Less Ticks = Happy Dogs: Review and Giveaway Earth Heart's Buzz Guard!

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Bliss update

Posted on 28. Dec, 2009 by Keri in Dog Bliss News

Bliss helps with the laundry

Thank you all so much for your kind words. It really means a lot to us.

I thought I could continue this blog while Bliss was ailing. I couldn’t. Every time I looked at a new dog product, it would upset me. “How long,” I would wonder, “will she be able to enjoy this?” (And then there was the unfortunate meltdown in the dog section of Old Navy, but we won’t go into that right now.)

I do plan on continuing this blog at some point. I don’t know what it will become, but I have a few ideas I’m working on. For right now, though, I need to concentrate on keeping Bliss as comfortable and happy as possible.

She’s not doing very well right now. We started to see a pretty definite decline a couple of weeks ago, and we don’t think she has much time left. Although her spirits are mostly good and she has a healthy appetite (she still hasn’t met a cookie she didn’t like), walking upstairs is proving painful and she seems to be in a fair amount of discomfort a lot of the time. The good news is we were hoping she would make it through Christmas, and she did. Any time we have left with her we’re considering to be an extra bonus round, and we’re thankful for it.

We’re exploring our options right now, but we know we’re going to make some hard decisions soon.

Thanks again for your prayers and good thoughts. As always, hugs to your pups.

Keri & Bliss

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: Featured

View the original article here

Winners of Book by Bella the Boxer

Our competition last week to win a copy of Bella the Boxer‘s new book, Secrets of a Working Dog: Unleash Your Potential and Create Success, attracted many entrants.

Three lucky readers won free copies of the book, which teaches you how to live successful and well-balanced lives by adopting the techniques that come naturally to dogs of all shapes, sizes, and pedigrees.

And here are the winners, drawn at random via Random.org:

Bianca Prange
For Pets Sake
Teresa

You will soon be hearing from us via e-mail to find out where we should send your books. Enjoy!

Thanks to Bella’s person and co-writer, Ellen Galvin, for providing the books! If you didn’t win, you can go to Bella’s website to find out how to order a copy.

View the original article here

Paw-Inspiring Pads: Inside Berkeley’s Dachshund House

Berkeley resident Eni Green is a lover of all things kitsch and a self-proclaimed “Doxieholic.” As an avid collector and an art aficionado, her focus is primarily on Dachshund-related sculptures, figurines, paintings, signs, and knickknacks. She believes that when it comes to Dachshunds, you can never have just one, because there is something highly addictive about them. Through her public tributes to her favorite breed, Eni is proud to show the world just what a Dachshund fiend she is.

I discovered Eni’s home a few years back when my dog Miles and I decided to take a new and extended route on our daily walk. I clearly remember the day I first saw what I named the Dachshund House, and I’ve been completely enchanted by it ever since. For me, it’s a symbol of what I have come to not only love, but truly value and appreciate about the city of Berkeley. Here, freedom of expression knows no bounds.

Eni has clearly embraced the ethos of this quirky and creative city. According to her, “If it makes you happy, it really can’t be that bad.” In other words, if you’re obsessed with Dachshunds, why not surround yourself with, well, thousands of them?

Recently, I had the privilege of spending a wonderful afternoon chatting with Eni about her passion for Dachshunds, the art she commissions and collects, and the story behind the urban renewal art sculptures that adorn the front of her home.

Walking through the Dachshund archway leading to the front door, I couldn’t wait to finally see the interior of the home I’ve admired for years. I had a strong feeling it would be something special. I was not disappointed. And I realized immediately that we had so much more to talk about than the extraordinary art in her front yard.

Dogster: Clearly you have a passion for Dachshunds. When did your love affair with this breed begin?

Eni: I’ve had Dachshunds most of my life. That was the first dog I was allowed to have that supposedly wasn’t allergenic. I used to let the water run when I would sneeze so my mother wouldn’t know I was sick. By the time she realized it, it was too late to return the dog. I’ve had Dachshunds ever since. It’s like an addiction: Doxieholics can never just have one! I know every breed has people who love them. I just love Dachshunds.

Dogster: I’ve been dying to know for years: How did the sculptures in the front of your house come about? Who built these and what was the inspiration?

Eni: One of the Dachshunds that I really loved passed away. He and I just had a really wonderful connection. After he died, someone sent me a picture of some of the work of the artist that did the sculptures in front of my house. I wrote to him online and asked him if he would make a tribute to my dog. I went up to Sebastopol where he lives. His name is Patrick Amiot.

I gave him a picture of Maximillian (my dog), and a few months later, he came down with this dog. The collection just kept growing after that.

Dogster: I’ve noticed that you have a large Dachshund head peering up from behind your fence. What is that and where did it come from?

Eni: That’s from the Doggie Diner. There were 32 diners in the Bay Area called the Doggie Diner that used to have these on top of them. Years ago, I went to the Museum of Modern Mythology and they had one there on display. I thought, “My god, it’s everything I love!” It’s a Dachshund, and it’s kitsch, and it’s an advertisement. And I’m enchanted by all of them.

I never thought I’d have one but one day, many years later, I was looking in the paper under garage sales and it said, “Doggie Diner head for sale.” So I bought it. I didn’t even have a place I was living, so I stored it at my friend’s house until I got a place I could bring it. I really love him. Some people think he’s a little bit scary-looking but to me, I think he’s darling.

Dogster: Your home is covered in incredible dog-related art, not to mention the Dachshund that’s painted on your staircase! You are quite the art collector. Where do you find all of these great pieces, and how did the staircase come about?

Eni: I guess I would consider myself an art collector, but certainly not in the same way that other people would consider themselves art collectors. I majored in Spanish in college and my Spanish professor was an artist. I bought one of his paintings and it’s been downhill ever since.

I like to purchase art at garage sales and small shops in Berkeley. I’ve also commissioned some portraits of my dogs over the years from dog portrait artists Jane Oriel and Fran Frank.

On one occasion while I was working in the hospital, I saw a wonderful artist sketching in his notebook. I asked him if he would paint a portrait of my dogs and he did a beautiful painting of my dachshunds based on a photo my roommate took. It turns out he was actually a well-known painter named Paul Ferney.

As for the Dachshund on the staircase, it was something I always envisioned on that staircase and I felt it had to be there, so I commissioned an artist to come in and paint it. I love it.

Dogster: What has been the community response to your displayed Dachshund art? Have you found that it’s something your neighbors have embraced?

Eni: In the beginning, I was really afraid that someone was going to vandalize these sculptures. They were a tribute I had done for my wonderful dog who died, and I didn’t want anything to happen to them. But a lot of people really love them and it makes the children very happy. They think it’s so clever, because they look at the parts and they see that the tail is a windshield wiper and there are different parts from automobiles and the head is a mailbox. I think it’s good that it shows people you can make things from garbage.

Found art is possible. You don’t have to have a million dollars, and you can use your imagination. I think the neighborhood has embraced it. My friends always tell me that people stop and they come to take pictures.

I know that when I didn’t have a house and I used to walk around, I always gravitated toward the houses that had something special and something that wasn’t the norm. I think it has added charm to the neighborhood. I hope it has inspired the young people to do art. I hope that everyone enjoys it and that it makes them smile.

About the Author: Christine Martinez is the design-savvy writer behind the popular pet style site Miles to Style. She also pens Dogster’s Picks of the Week every Thursday right here on the For the Love of Dog Blog.

View the original article here

Six months without Bliss

Posted on 24. Jul, 2010 by Keri in Dog Bliss News, Uncategorized

It’s been a little over six months since we lost Bliss.

Some of her toys are still here (I’m looking at them now), there’s a big box of unused food and product samples in the garage (they’re headed to a charity, I promise), and I’m still sweeping errant tufts of cottony fluff from corners and under furniture.

I made egg salad today and expected her to come running in when I tapped the eggs on the counter (eggs were her favorite). If I drop a bit of food on the floor, my first thought is still, “Bliss will get that.” I still find myself lunging to close the door when my horrible cooking sets off the smoke detector because she’d tremble for an hour whenever it went off.

I miss her. I go for morning walks, but it seems so stupid. What’s the point of going for a walk without a dog? I’m working from home a lot these days, and there’s no one to talk to, and no fluffball sighing at my feet. And coming in the front door without her telling the whole neighborhood about it just seems… anticlimactic.

Friends and relatives ask me if we’re going to get another dog. I had a dream about a week ago in which my husband asked me to bring the dog in. I started calling for Bliss. He said, “Oh, no, honey. We don’t have her anymore. She died.” He gave me the name of our new dog. I sobbed, “But I don’t know how to call for another dog!” Clearly, I haven’t finished grieving for her and I’m apparently not ready for another dog.

I’ve received some very nice emails advising me to consider starting this blog again. You all are very kind. But the thing is, I don’t have a dog. I’m not a pet owner any longer. I don’t buy dog products, I don’t look at pet blogs, I don’t walk down the pet supply aisles in grocery stores. So really, how qualified am I to continue this blog? How compelling is it for you to read a site called “My Dog Bliss” if there is no Bliss?

But when the site came up for renewal a couple of weeks ago, I renewed it. And I’m here throwing words on a page for whomever might see it. And I know, someday, I’ll get another dog. I can’t imagine life without one.

But for now, I don’t know how to call for another dog.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: Featured

View the original article here

Fluoride Awareness Week, a great time to bring awareness to the dangers of fluoride in our water supply.

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

Dogster’s Picks of the Week: Sophisticated Snake Edition

From python prints to snake motifs, this surprisingly easy-to-wear print is everywhere! What I love most about a great snake print is its sophisticated edge and its easy-to-wear, neutral nature. Whether you choose to take the head-to-toe approach or let your accessories do the snake charming for you, you and your pup are guaranteed to look positively polished! Check out a few of our favorite items that will keep you on trend and have you and your dog stepping out this fall looking sssstylish in ssssnake.

1. Python Print Long-Sleeve Dress — This dress is professional enough for work and perfect for dinner afterwards.

2. Plush Snake Dog Toy — This plush serpent has a squeaker inside. Your dog is going to have a blast thrashing this about, and you won’t mind having this chic toy lying around the house.

3. Chrome Bones Dog Bed — Pricey but worth it, this dog bed will look stunning in your elegant home.

4. Miami Dogs Snakeskin Leather Dog Collar — Handmade from genuine leather, this gorgeous collar is something you’ll want to keep forever. Good thing snake print is so timeless.

5. Backbone Faux Snake Leather Pet Carrier — Most people won’t believe you when you tell them that your hot new python purse is actually a pet carrier. That is, until your pooch pops his head out.

6. Coiled Snake Earrings — Think of them as your favorite go-to gold hoops with a twist.

7. Flexi Fashion Retractable Belt Leash in Snake — Normally I steer clear of retractable leashes, but the sleek snake print on this one proves that plastic retractable leashes don’t have to be ugly.

8. Snakeskin iPhone 4 Case — If you’re the type who likes to change your smartphone case seasonally, this snakeskin case is so right now.

9. Fu Fu Fashion’s Snake Print Cotton Jersey Dog Shirt — Looking to put your pup in head-to-tail python? This shirt will have your dog covered, and the touches of pink will keep her looking playful.

10. Michael by Michael Kors Tracey Pump — You probably won’t be walking your dog in these heels, but you’ll find that these snakeskin peep-toe pumps work for just about everything else.

Follow Dogster’s Picks of the Week on Pinterest!

View the original article here

Bliss is Dogster’s “Dog of the Day”

Posted on 31. Dec, 2009 by Keri in Dog Bliss News, Uncategorized

Oh hey! Bliss is “Dog of the Day” on Dogster! Bliss would like to thank all of her fans who helped make this happen (though she doesn’t really know how it happened).

Check her totally out on Dogster!

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

View the original article here

The Drewbinator: ‘Quality of life’ is everything

September 17, 2011

IV fluids are amazing. Just a few days after I started giving Drew fluids at home he started feeling much better, and his lab values improved dramatically. Eating is still a problem, and I suspect it will become THE problem as time goes on. So far, all he’ll eat is cheese, yoghurt, slices of peaches or apples, bread with butter and, occasionally, a little chicken and pasta. He’s going to the alternative med veterinarian next week to see if she can help him as well.

In the meantime, he’s truly enjoying his life. Yesterday my friend Ann and I went to the barn to give my two horses a spa treatment. Drew got to hang out, and loved it.

Image: Ann and Bentley, with Drew.

View the original article here

Our plan to build a homemade dog waste composter!

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

“Pet ID for Me” State Driver License Pet Tag

Posted on 30. Sep, 2009 by Keri in Bliss Approved, Dog Accessories, Dog Tags & Jewelry

Bliss and her Pet ID for Me magnet

So, Bliss was driving around the city the other night (as she does), checking out the studs at Dolores Park, blaring Snoop Dogg, and was pulled over by SFPD for rolling through a stop sign (or as we like to call it, a “California stop”).

This might have been a problem for any other dog, but Bliss whipped out her Pet ID for Me, a pet ID made to look like your home state’s driver license. The creators, Jason Harnum and Andrew Gallagher, have crafted these pet tags out of durable waterproof laminate, and all states are available. The ID includes your little rebel’s name, address, phone number (I’ve blurred those bits out), date of birth, and other identifying information. A 2 x 3 magnet with the same design is included free with your pet tag order, so you can post your pet’s outstanding traffic tickets on the refrigerator.

The cops let Bliss off with a warning, but I think I’ll take her keys away just to teach her a lesson. You have to draw the line somewhere.

Pet ID for Me
$20
P.S. Keep refreshing their home page until you see someone familiar.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: Featured

View the original article here

It's National Holistic Pets Day: A great day to help celebrate healthy dogs!

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

VCA Animal Hospitals offer free boarding – Texas Wildfires

Wildfires continue to ravage drought stricken Texas in one of the most devastating outbreaks in Texas history. Over 1000 homes have been burned to the ground leaving families and their animals homeless. VCA Animal Hospitals have graciously offered to help by boarding pets effected by the wildfire’s destruction. Below is a listing of participating vet hospitals for those of you who reside or have family members living in Texas who affected by the raging wildfires. Thank you VCA!!!!! You are Texas sized angels!

If you are advised to evacuate please do so. Don’t leave your animals behind if you can at all help it, they most likely can not survive on their own. For the rest of us, this is a good reminder to have a disaster readiness plan for our families and pets in the event of an emergency. Do you know what you would do?

VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS OFFER FREE BOARDING FOR PETS
AFFECTED BY TEXAS WILDFIRES

To help those affected by the fires in Texas, VCA Animal Hospitals today announced that VCA facilities located in the areas surrounding both Austin and Houston are offering free boarding assistance for companion animals whose families have lost homes or have been evacuated. “For residents affected by these devastating wildfires, VCA is continuing to assist them by providing free pet boarding so they focus on the safety and welfare of their families and homes,” said Art Antin, Chief Operating Officer of VCA Animal Hospitals. “During this difficult time, families can keep their pets safe and comfortable with VCA’s free boarding offer.”

VCA Animal Hospitals located in and around Austin and Houston can provide safety and security for affected family pets on a space available basis as long as firestorms persist. The following VCA hospitals are participating in the free boarding program:

VCA Ben White Animal HospitalVCA Northwest Hills Animal HospitalVCA Tanglewood Animal Hospital2110 Slaughter Lane, Suite 120VCA Tomball Veterinary HospitalVCA Woodlands Animal HospitalVCA Spring Animal HospitalVCA Ashford Animal Hospital

Boarding assistance for pets is based on space availability at participating hospitals and owners can call their local VCA in advance to ensure that the facility has space available to accept additional pets. Contact information for the participating VCA Animal Hospitals near the wildfires can be obtained at www.vcahospitals.com.

About VCA Animal Hospitals

VCA Animal Hospitals operates more than 530 animal hospitals in 41 states across the nation in the VCA network. The hospitals are staffed by more than 2,000 fully qualified, dedicated and compassionate veterinarians and more than 200 board-certified specialists. VCA Animal Hospitals provide a full range of general medical and surgical services as well as specialized treatments. For more information on VCA Animal Hospitals, visit www.VCAHospitals.com, or find VCA on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VCAAnimalHospitals or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/VCAPetHealth.

Here is the link to the the Texas Forest Service for more information on fires in your area. There are a few names and numbers of ranches that have available boarding for horses floating around on facebook as well. If you know of anyone that can help, please feel free to post the information in the comments section.

Photograph by L.M. Otero, AP

View the original article here

A Great Idea: Airport Therapy from a Lovable Dog

Henry James is there for anyone who needs a furry shoulder to cry on.

Airports aren’t filled solely with travelers who are harried or excited or just doing business as usual. Look a little under the layers of an airport scene, and you’ll find a woman going to the funeral of her beloved mother. Or a man moving away after a painful divorce. Or — for the sake of this blog — someone whose dog just died.

It’s all there if you just look around. That’s exactly what Kyra Hubis, a volunteer chaplain at San Jose International Airport in California, would do at the airport during her rounds. And sometimes she found people to help.

But it wasn’t until she started bringing in Henry James, her golden retriever therapy dog, that she became a magnet to those in need.

“I’ve walked the terminal without him and people don’t come up to me, but if I walk the terminal with him he’s an ice breaker,” Hubis said in a KSBY News story.

Henry James offers a soft and furry shoulder to cry on, and nonjudgmental ears to hear troubles of others. He’s there for everyone, from the grieving to the simply nervous.

Hubis said a couple recently approached Henry James, and the wife, “knelt down on the floor, buried her head in his fur, and for a good two or three minutes was sobbing and telling him her father was dying in town here and that she and her husband were having to leave and she didn’t know if she was ever going to see him again.”

I think airports should trade in all their TSA scanners for therapy dogs, don’t you? The terminals would be more relaxed and happy places to be.

Thank you, Kyra and Henry, for being such devoted practitioners of your highly caring craft.

View the original article here

Take Home Some of Our BlogPaws Swag

Dogster Community Manager Lori Malm and I got to go to BlogPaws in Vienna, Virginia (just outside D.C.) a few weeks back. For those unfamiliar, it’s a social -erm- “petworking” conference where bloggers, publishers and other pet-related industry folks converge for a few days of seminars and fun.

We were able to match faces to names we’d only seen in our email inboxes, hang out with bloggers we already know and love, and see a little bit of Virginia and D.C. in between. Below are a few photos from our little adventure. The last photo shows us dressed for Hurricane Irene, which came down hard just as we were visiting the Smithsonian:

The folks from Petco had invited us to a private Blogpaws “pawty” at a hotel suite on the second day of the conference, but had to cancel last-minute when it became evident that the hurricane wasn’t going to deviate from its path. But they were cool enough to mail us a box full of swag featuring their upcoming holiday toys and outfits for pets. There was SO much of it that we want to give some of you guys a chance to take home some of the holiday outfits:

Tell us in the comments which outfit your pup would like – the first two can fit small to medium dogs while the third item is for a larger pup. We’ll pick the answers we like best on Monday, Sept. 26, and ship them out pronto. Yay, freebies!

View the original article here

Contest: Start 2012 Off on the Right Paw with a Pittie Calendar

Okay, we know that next year is far off (thank goodness, there’s still too much to do before this one ends!), but we got these adorable Pit Bull-themed 2012 calendars in the mail from our friends at Dog Park Publishing and want to give you a chance to win one!

Up for grabs are:

This Itty Pitties calendar, featuring adorable, aww-inspiring itty-bitty Pit Bull pupsters:

And a For the Love of Pit Bulls 2012 Calendar:

To enter, leave a comment telling us which calendar you’d like to own and why you love Pit Bulls! We’ll pick a winner using random.org on Friday, Sept. 30. Don’t forget to include a proper e-mail addy when you fill out our comment form — if we can’t contact you, we can’t send you a calendar.

P.S. If you want to pick up an extra calendar for the Pittie lover in your life (see links to the calendars above), know that Dog Park is donating a portion of its revenue to the shelters and rescue groups that provided the beautiful models featured in the calendars. We think that’s really neat.

View the original article here

Win a Book on Creating Success the Canine Way

Do you want a book by this dog author? Read on!

Dogsters, today we bring you something special: A guest post from a boxer. Bella the Boxer is author of Secrets of a Working Dog: Unleash Your Potential and Create Success. The book teaches people how to live successful and well-balanced lives by adopting the techniques that come naturally to dogs of all shapes, sizes, and pedigrees.

This book is for anyone who seeks straightforward and simple advice on how to balance the responsibilities and challenges of modern life and still have fun. Publishers Weekly says: “Delightful and insightful, Bella’s pearls of wisdom will entertain while imparting more than a few valuable lessons.”

Her human, Ellen Galvin, has kindly consented to give away three books to Dogsters. How do you win? Leave a comment about something you read in Bella’s article below. Agree, disagree, question, sit, stay, roll over — do whatever you like, just leave it in comment form below. Only one entry per household, please. We’ll do a random drawing from the qualified contestants (via Random.org). This will be a quick contest, though! You need to submit your entry by 5 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, September 17. We’ll announce the winner on Monday. So start reading and commenting!

— Maria Goodavage, Dogster dog blog editor

Creating Success, the Canine Way
By Bella the Boxer (with help from Ellen Galvin)

“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.” — Edward Hoagland

I like to think that I have an instinctive and evolutionary advantage when it comes to living a well-balanced life. I build relationships by wagging my tail more than my tongue. I’m excited to give new things a try, and resilient enough to bounce back if they don’t work out. I blend work with fun and have a zest for living that doesn’t revolve around shiny gadgets and beeping gizmos.

Keep in mind that I’m not a know-it-all. I’m anything but the perfect “Zen dog” I’d like to be. Plenty of things throw me off-kilter and make me feel less than a success. Things like the sudden arrival of a new two-legged little sister. I admit that I was a handful when I was a puppy, but I had no idea that such a little human could be the source of so much chaos and confusion. Whether it’s sharing the previously undivided attention of my humans or being herded around the house by a tyrannical toddler, there are days when I feel anything but well adjusted.

And yet, every night I curl up on my dog bed and drift off to sleep knowing that my day was a success and that I was a success. Humans like to say that “every dog has her day,” hinting that everyone has a chance at success at some point in their lives. But once again, humans have their dog idioms all mixed up. Success isn’t a one-shot deal. Success is something that every dog makes happen every day.

You see, chasing success for its own sake is a lot like chasing your own tail — even if you manage to catch it (not an easy feat for a stub-tailed dog like me), you can’t hold on to it for very long. Worse, if your eyes are always fixated on something else, you’ll miss the small victories of life that are right under your nose. The only true path to success is living an honest, authentic life, where the things you do and the decisions you make are in sync with who you are and what you value. I like to think of success as a good game of tug-of-war: Sometimes you pull the rope toy closer toward you and sometimes you watch it slip away. The rope toy never stays balanced for very long, and that’s okay — as long as you play the game with focus, determination, strength, balance, teamwork, and a sense of fun.

My hope is that humans slow down and tune in to the four-legged teachers (dogs!) who have so much to share about living successful, well-balanced lives. Dachshunds, beagles, and greyhounds do things differently, but they do it the way it works best for them. All you can do is be the best dog (or human) that you can be. Start by asking the questions that a smart dog would ask herself:

• Do I know what makes my life “zoom”?

• Do I do what’s best for my body and mind?

• Do I search for the positive side of things?

• Do I focus my attention on what matters?

• Do I listen carefully and communicate clearly?

• Do I follow my instincts and go after my goals?

• Do I build relationships with the people around me?

• Do I show appreciation for what I have?

• Do I make time to laugh and to play?

• Do I try to be present in my own life and in the lives of others?

Sure, these are deep questions. Do they all have to be answered “yes” to have a successful life? Of course not. My answers change every day, because life is messy and unpredictable. It’s also spontaneous, joyful, and exciting. Asking the questions puts me back on track so that every night I curl up on my pillow and sleep soundly, knowing I did the best I could do and was the best boxer I could be.

Here’s to you wonderful humans being the best people you can be. My parting advice? Be real. Be authentic. If you can’t be a dog, be human.

Visit Bella’s website, where you can order her book, connect with her on Facebook and Twitter, and watch the video trailer.

View the original article here

Video We Love: Jedi Dogs

Howdy, Dogsters! Today, our fearless blogger, Maria Goodavage, begins her month-long hiatus as she works her tail off to turn scores of notes from countless interviews into what is destined to be a fabulous book. (Ahem, I want a signed copy, Maria!)

We’re a supportive bunch here at Dogster HQ, and myself and a few other guest writers will be filling in for her through October’s end. But here’s the funny part: It’s Maria’s first day of freedom from her bloggy duties but she can’t quite stay away — the video above is one she sent me to share with you guys. She hearts you so!

If you love dogs and Star Wars, you’ll get a kick out of this epic Jedi battle for a bone.

Enjoy! — Janine Kahn, Managing Editor/Dogster

View the original article here

Leather Collar with Brass Nameplate

Posted on 02. Sep, 2009 by Keri in Dog Accessories, Dog Collars & Leads

These handmade collars are constructed with oiled, single-ply leather and fitted with a heavy brass nameplate. The nameplate can accommodate up to four lines of text (of course, the text gets smaller as you add more. Laws of physics and all that), and is hand-riveted onto the collar.

This adjustable collar will fit most medium-sized dogs with a neck size of 10.5? to 14.5?.

I love these collars. So simple and elegant. And with the brass nameplate, it’s almost like your dog is a work of art. You know what I mean, right? Like those paintings? In museums? With brass nameplates? It’s like that. Just agree with me your dog will look like a work of art, okay?

Etsy: DogGoneGood
$25

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: Featured

View the original article here

Vintage Photos

I’m often asked why I love Saint Bernards so much.  I really seem to struggle with a good, concise answer.  To be honest, I have always been drawn to them, their size and fluffy fur despite being from the generation that refers to Saint Bernards as “Cujo” (yes I know that dates me).  These days kids/people see them and shreek out “BEETHOVEN” – yes, just like Beethoven.  This of course is immediately followed up with “does he slobber as much as Beethoven?”  They do drool, but not like that!

One day I was going through a box of old photos and I came across this old 8×10 black and white photo from my first Christmas.  My dad is holding me next to my first present, Bernie the GIANT stuffed Saint Bernard.

Even though I didnt have my first “real” saint until I was in my 30's, I think I’d have to say my love of saints was definitely imprinted on me from birth.  Thanks Daddy!

The second photo is of me when I was about 18 months old with the same Bernie.  I had that stuffed animal for several years.  I dont know what ever happened to it though.

View the original article here

Zen Water and Food Dog Dish

Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Keri in Dog Bowls & Feeding, Uncategorized

The main feature of this dog dish, besides the awesome interior colors, is its ergonomically correct shape. If you place it in line with your dog’s body, it conforms to the shape of your dog’s mouth. And that makes for a more comfortable eating experience, if your dog is into comfortable eating.

But what I like most about his dish is the little side receptacle for dessert, you know, like those TV dinners where they give you a miniscule rubber brownie or that apple cake with the molten cranberry topping that burns the crap out of the roof of your mouth. Like that, only different.

The Ritzy Rover
$26 – $32

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Tags: Featured

View the original article here