Former Marine Makes Puppy Pins To Support Disabled Veterans

by Lori Ennis

February 2nd, 2017 12:00 AM

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former marine makes puppy pins to support disabled veterans

A former marine who started a patriotic pin making business after the terrorists attacks on America in 2001 has joined forces with a veterans organization to create dog pins that benefit a worthwhile charity.

Former Marine Andrew Dale began making patriotic pins as a hobby in 1999. When terrorists attacked America on September 11, 2001, he continued making the pins, but demand was so great, it turned from a hobby into a business.

Dale says that after the attacks, the world was different in many ways–his life was changed forever and the patriotism people wanted to express changed his business forever as well. Though he didn’t plan to have a business as a pin maker, he did, and he named his company The Pin People.

Dale was medically discharged from the Marine Corps in 2004, and he and a portion of his unit who served on 9/11 were declared disabled veterans. As a vet, Dale feels that sometimes veterans are forgotten; after deployment and homecomings, their services are not always remembered.

Which is why Dale was excited to be contacted by America’s Vet Dogs, an organization that pairs veterans and first responders with physical and emotional support dogs. America’s Vet Dogs asked him to develop special pins that resemble “The Today Show’s” special pup Charlie. All profits of the pins ($10) go toward the training of emotional support dog. The pairing is a win-win for Dale, as he can show his pride for his country and support his fellow veteran service members.

Related: Plato Pet Treats’ “Plato Wags Back” Program Supports Veterans And Homeless Dogs

While Dale says his part of supporting veterans is just a little, if we all do a little, it turns into a whole lot. If you’d like purchase one of the pins you can do so here at America’s Vet Dogs–and remember that every purchase goes directly to training more service and therapy dogs for deserving vets!

Lori Ennis

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How annoying is it when you can’t find your slipper because the dog has taken it? What if that slipper looked just like him? Cuddle Clones Slippers gives you the chance to find out! Here at the Global Pet Expo 2017, there are some pretty fascinating things to see. I think one of my new favorites (and obvious Christmas gifts for every pet lover I know!) are the Cuddle Clones slippers–made to look just like your pet!

Blind Dog Doesn’t Let Disability Stop Her From Being a Service Dog

A little blind pup out of Wisconsin is proving that there’s much she can do with some puppy power and perseverance – by becoming a service dog! Judy Essman breeds beautiful English Cream Golden Retrievers through her business Golden Choice in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Recently, Essman realized one of her latest litter pups was a special dog with a unique set of eyes. Essman realized that the puppy, Rosie, was blind after her local veterinarian broke a membrane over Rosie’s eyes and that cutting made no difference in Rosie’s sight. Related: Study: Family Dogs Benefit Children With Disabilities Essman said that while she’s been breeding dogs for nearly 13 years, many of whom go on to be service or therapy dogs, she never has had a puppy be born blind. It’s not a breed-specific defect in dogs, and the veterinarian believed it was due to an infection that Rosie had that she lost her sight. According to Essman, Rosie stumbled around after she was born, while the other puppies learned much more quickly about their surroundings, but she wants Rosie to be able to be as dependent as she can for a dog with no eyes, so she doesn’t help her much. Puppy Power has come to the surface, though, as Rosie has truly risen to the occasion. Rosie uses her other senses extremely well, and now almost always turns to the direction she hears something, using her hearing to guide her for training and commands. Essman believes that Rosie’s disability is something that she can use to help bring awareness to others when it comes to showing the ability of the disabled, and plans to continue to use Rosie as a service dog of a different sort. Rosie is super outgoing and loves people, as evidenced by her adorable little tail wagging furiously upon meeting anyone, and Essman says that she will bring a lot of joy to children, especially ones with disabilities, as she shows how capable she is. Related: Former Marine Makes Puppy Pins To Support Disabled Veterans Essman also thinks that Rosie will show children who are hard on themselves because of a physical or mental challenge they have no control over that they are more capable than they may believe. She hopes that children will be able to relate to Rosie and know that if she can overcome, they can too. Rosie’s therapy training may take a bit longer because of her disability, but once she’s finished, she’ll also be visiting nursing homes and assisted living situations where she can bring her fluffy love and goodwill too. [Source: USA Today]

Marines Use Robotic Dog To Help Treat K-9 Service Dogs’ Wounds

Marine special operators are helping design a new robot dog that will help them take care of military service dogs wounded in combat. Just going to put it out there–I’ve been the proud wife of a Marine for 21 years. They take their duties seriously, and take care of their own like nobody’s business. Related: Former Marine Makes Puppy Pins To Support Disabled Veterans Including their dogs. Marines from Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command (MARSOC), are helping take care of their K-9 members on the field by designing a robotic dog for training purposes. In December, the robotic dog went through the gates of Camp Lejeune, NC, and allowed Marines to practice treating dog injuries like broken bones, bleeding, and burns, as those situations come up in real life for their service dogs in the field. The robot dog is named Diesel, and it gives the Marines training that they’ve never had before, said a MARSOC veterinarian working with the program. Diesel’s issues are so real that they illicit visceral and emotional responses in the Marines, which will then give them that experience should the real deal happen in combat. With Diesel, Marines can practice several medical procedures that include gunshot wounds and tracheotomies. Diesel acts as a wounded dog on the field would, including barking and whimpering. Earlier in the training program, Marines used what was basically a stuffed dog (called Jerry, FYI). It had little real-life similarity, and didn’t offer the interchangeable parts that Diesel does, giving Marines near limitless training scenarios. Marine veterinarians say that treating an injured combat can often be hard, as it’s like treating a family member, but of an entirely different species. As marines are riflemen first, veterinary training skills tend to be secondary, but Diesel now allows them the experience they may not have ever had before–experience that could keep their K-9 members alive. Related: Iraq War Biopic Recounts Marine’s Battle For Her Loyal Service Dog MARSOC uses multi-purpose K-9s for various and dangerous missions, and the dogs undergo a 16-week training program with MARSOC. As data comes back from Diesel’s training sessions, project directors are refining changes to him, with the hope of the production of more to start in March. If all goes well, Diesel could be available to the K-9 Marines as early as April. Oorah, Diesel! Thank you for your service to all our K-9 heroes everywhere!

Bipartisan PAWS Act To Help Veterans With PTSD

Two U.S. Senators reintroduced the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act. The bipartisan bill is aimed at providing service dogs to U.S. military vets who are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act was introduced last year by Senators Cory Booker (D) from New Jersey and Deb Fischer (R) from Nebraska, but the bill was put on hold and not enacted. The Senators have not given up the fight for the ACT, however, and reintroduced the bill to congress The bill gives guidelines for how to implement providing service dogs to the United States Military servicemembers who are diagnosed with PTSD as a result of their service. Currently, the Veterans department does not offer service members assistance dogs, citing lack of evidence that they make a difference as a reason not to fund. Service members are forced to resort to the generosity of groups like K9 For Warriors, Vets Adopt Pets and Paws For Veterans to assist them as they reintegrate back into society. Related: Former Marine Makes Puppy Pins To Support Disabled Veterans Senator Fischer said of the bill that the service dogs can provide invaluable support, joy and peace to Americans who suffer the invisible scars of war. She said that for those veterans who have visible physical disabilities, a service dog program already exists and they don’t typically have difficulty getting one. But for those who suffer from mental health disorders as a result of war and service to one’s country, there is nothing in place. The PAWS Act would give $10-million dollars to fund a pilot program that will train and distribute dogs to veterans with PTSD for five years. Representative Ron. DeSantis (R) of Florida supports the bill with his fellow colleagues. He said that the Department of Veterans Affairs now also supports the program, even though there is no conclusive evidence regarding PTSD and the benefit of service dogs to service members. Rep. DeSantis introduced the House version of the PAWS Act last year and says that the bill is a no-brainer with no downside. Related: WWII Veteran Fights for Patriot PAWS with GoFundMe Campaign on 100th Birthday According to DeSantis, even if the benefits of the dogs are not as great to the service member as they believe they will be, the service members get the love and friendship and companionship of a dog, and that can make a big difference in their lives. And that difference doesn’t depend on party lines. [Source: WTOP]

President George H.W. Bush’s Service Dog Sully Completes His Mission

A service dog’s mission is to enrich the life of his human and aid in living a fulfilled life. A poignant picture of former President Bush’s loyal service dog Sully standing watch at the President’s casket shows how important they consider their jobs. ‘Sully’ became President George H.W. Bush’s service dog in June of this year. He was trained by America’s VetDogs, which is a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs. Also a war hero, President Bush’s freedom, mobility and independence were enhanced with the addition of Sully in his last few months, particularly since the loss of his beloved wife Barbara. Related: President Bush’s New Family Member Is Service Dog Named Sully The Bush family welcomed Sully, and the yellow-lab became a cherished family member. Jim McGrath is a Bush family spokesperson and said that the service dog completed his mission, however, as President Bush has passed, and with Sully by his side to the end. View this post on Instagram As much as our family is going to miss this dog, we’re comforted to know he’ll bring the same joy to his new home, Walter Reed, that he brought to 41. A post shared by George W. Bush (@georgewbush) on Dec 2, 2018 at 6:55pm PST President Bush’s son, also former President George W. Bush ‘regrammed’ the picture, telling the world that though his family will miss Sully, they know the right place for the young service dog is at his new home where he’ll bring more wounded warriors continued joy. Related: Former Marine Makes Puppy Pins To Support Disabled Veterans Sully had his own Instagram page and often shared about his adventures as the special companion of the former president. It is not known whether he’ll continue that page. View this post on Instagram Nothing like being curled up on a comfy couch reading a good book. Happy . . . . . . . s A post shared by Sully H.W. Bush (@sullyhwbush) on Sep 6, 2018 at 1:00pm PDT Sully will be taking a ‘vacation’ back in New York at America’s VetDogs headquarters before he goes to Walter Reed Military Hospital to be part of the cadre of people and animals who tend to America’s most honored service men and women. Those who know the benefit of Sully to the former President in his latter days know that he is able to do amazing things to help his human, but mostly, he’s an amazing companion and will continue to carry on the legacy he began with the President. Some worry that Sully will be sad without his human, and while that may be a possibility, the Bush family has always been known to their service and sacrfice to their country–and they want to let Sully continue to do that for which he was trained as well. Job well done, Sully. You’ve been a very, very good boy.

Is It Okay to Have Sex in Front of Your Dog?

Birds do it, bees do it – hey, it’s natural! But it can be hard to do when someone is watching you. That’s why you may ask if it’s okay to have sex in front of your dog. Your dog is your best friend and you are his. He loves you more than he loves anything in the world, so you shouldn’t be surprised if he acts a little possessive from time to time. But some dogs take it too far. For some dogs, even the simple act of someone hugging their owner can seem like a threat. Dogs don’t always understand human body language or our actions, so they can easily be confused. But how does your dog feel when you’re having sex? What does he make of it all? Keep reading to find out. Related: Planned Parenthood Uses Pussycats For New Sex Education Videos What is Your Dog Thinking? If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably had experiences where your dog showed up in the middle of a situation at an inconvenient time. Perhaps it’s when you’ve just cleaned the floor and he chooses that moment to run across it with muddy paws. Things like this happen but you probably aren’t concerned about it, much less bothered by it. But when you find your dog staring at you having sex, it can be a little unsettling. Related: Having the Awkward Talk About Cats Humping Though your dog may not understand exactly what you’re doing, he has some sense of what’s happening and could react in one of several ways. Animal communication experts suggest that dogs see sex as an exchange of energy and, perhaps more importantly, as a redirection of your attention away from the dog and onto someone else. For some dogs, this can trigger jealousy or incite some kind of territorial reaction. That’s when your dog starts to act a little creepy. For some dogs, they just see sex as a form of activity or play that they want to be part of. So, they jump on the bed or whine at you until you give in and give them the attention they’re craving. What Should You Do? If you don’t like having your dog around while you have sex, simply close the bedroom door or put him in another room. This is a simple enough solution that works well in most cases. In other cases, however, the dog can become very territorial and protective of his owner, sometimes going so far as to step into the moment and try to break things up. If this happens on a regular basis, you may need to consult an animal behavior expert to work with your dog. Generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with having sex in front of your dog. What really matters is now you feel about it. If it doesn’t bother you and if it doesn’t seem to bother your dog, there’s no reason to make a change. If your dog starts becoming dominant or territorial, however, that is another matter and an issue you may need to address. Sometimes it’s difficult for dog owners to understand their dog’s behavior. Put yourself in your dog’s shoes for a moment and consider what he might be thinking when he sees you having sex. Perhaps you’d rather not think about it at all, but you should still know that your dog isn’t getting any kind of strange enjoyment out of it – he’s simply curious or concerned.

Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherd BasicsThere are so many Shepherds out there to choose from: Dutch, German, Belgian, Dax, and more. All of them have special qualities. While you may be better acquainted with its cousins, the German Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd, the Dutch Shepherd is an all-around amazing dog that is a great fit for any active family (this pup will tucker you all out!). With three types to choose from (longhair, shorthair and wirehair), the Dutch Shepherd is a rare sight at the dog park. Thankfully, fanciers are working hard to increase its numbers. And it’s a good thing they are: this is a super intelligent dog that owns the ring when it comes to obedience competitions, guard duty, and field/agility trailing. While the Dutch might not be the most popular Shepherd yet, that will change. People are only just starting to realize what a special pooch this guy truly is!Even though the Dutch Shepherd made its debut on the farm, this breed now makes a wonderful companion for your family. Obedient and smart, this dog is a pleasure to train and will watch over your family. And because he’s loving and playful, kids will always have a pal to play with. He will fit in well to just about every home, provided that you have the space and energy necessary to keep him happy! If you have been considering bringing a Dutch Shepherd into your home, you’ve come to the right place! Keep your eyes on this page. We’re about to break down everything that you need to now about this special doggo.Even though the Dutch Shepherd made its debut on the farm, this breed now makes a wonderful companion for your family.Origin Hailing from The Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherd was traditionally used as a shepherd’s dog in the countryside. They would watch over flocks of sheep, keeping them in line and warding off any potential threats.. Not only did they have to guard them, these dogs also had to keep the sheep away from crops by patrolling the borders of the road and the fields. On top of all of that, Dutch Shepherds accompanied sheep as they made their way to common meadows, markets, and ports. These were highly trained (and highly useful) working dogs that proved to be quite popular for obvious reasons.The Dutch Shepherd was a jack-of-all-trades on the farm, which made him indispensable to farmers. They would keep the hens away from the kitchen garden, herd cows for milking, and pull the milk carts. This breed remains an excellent watch and guard dog to this day, as they alerted farmers to strangers for generations. By the 1900s, sheep flocks had all but disappeared in The Netherlands, so the Dutch Shepherd was no longer needed on the farm. However, this breed is now being used as a police dog, as a search and tracking dog, and as a guide dog for the blind. This is a highly trainable pooch who loves to serve.Sadly, the breed’s numbers have dwindled and it is not as popular as the Belgian Shepherd or German Shepherd in North America. Even in The Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherds are rare and the wire-haired variety is few and far between. Hopefully this will change because these are remarkable animals who deserve more happy homes.Pedigree

Bichpoo

Bichpoo BasicsSure, the name might be a bit questionable if you say it too quickly, but there’s no denying that the Bichpoo is one of the most delightful pups that you’ll ever meet. Fluffy, smart, and friendly, this lovely designer dog makes for a perfect family pet. Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) Poodle. He has a small but sturdy stature. He’s also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes him easy to train (a highly underrated quality in any dog breed). Newbie dog owners should definitely consider this designer dog, as they’re very beginner-friendly breed. This is an ideal first dog to bring into any home and one guaranteed to make you a dog lover for life.The Bichpoo is also quite adaptable when it comes to sharing his home with other animals, making it a perfect fit for families who already have pets. This pup will happily make friends with any furry member of your family. While the Bichpoo makes a great little watchdog, he can be prone to excessive barking so needs to be taught to downplay this trait when he is young and learning his socialization skills. Proper training will curb his yappy tendencies and ensure that this breed is suitable for apartment living. It’s important to train and socialize early to avoid your Bichpoo developing the dreaded “little dog syndrome.”Designer dogs are still a mystery to many pet owners. They generally aren’t recognized by the AKC and it’s hard to get much of a sense of the history of most hybrid breeds. Purebred dogs remain more popular than designer dogs, but slowly that’s changing. Many new breeds offer a lot of impressive qualities in one adorable package. The Bichpoo is one of those breeds who stand out with their great personality and absolutely adorable appearance. So is the Bichpoo the dog that you’ve been hunting and needs to become part of your family? Read on to learn more about what makes these hybrids special and find out if you’ll be bringing one home soon.Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) poodle.OriginMany designer dogs have something of a mysterious past – you can’t exactly pinpoint when and where the overwhelming majority of these hybrid breeds came to be. One of the reasons for this is that it’s difficult to discern when a certain crossbreed became a product of intentional breeding between two purebred dogs, and when, well, it was just a happy little “accident”. The Bichpoo might not have a more detailed past such as the Labradoodle or similar more popular designer dog breeds, but we can definitely say approximately what time and place this breed was originally developed.The Bichpoo originated in Australia in the late 1990s and was bred specifically for families wanting a robust and active little dog with a non-shedding coat and a temperament that worked well with children. While this hybrid might not have a long history in comparison to his prestigious parents, he’s already proven to be a lovely dog with plenty of desirable traits. It didn’t take long before breeders in the United States and the United Kingdom started developing this hybrid. The popularity of the Bichpoo spread quickly and it soon became a mainstay of the designer dog world. Now there are many happy families that have a Bichon Frise and Poodle mix as their furbaby.Pedigree

Goldador

Goldador Basics It’s always difficult to decide which breed of dog to bring home. There are too many amazing pooches out there to choose from and every single one of them has amazing qualities. In particular, many people find themselves torn between the equally beloved Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. If you find yourself facing this impossible choice, you should know that there is another option. Why not have the best of both worlds and get yourself a Goldador?! Also known as Golden Labradors, the Goldador is a hybrid of two of the most popular dogs in North America. A wonderful family pet, an amazing service dog (they’re even used as bomb sniffing dogs) and a superb hunting companion, sometimes we wonder if there’s anything the Goldador can’t do well. Known for its trainability and willingness to please, this designer breed is a breeze to train, as he just wants to make you happy. Having a Goldador in your home guarantees constant smiles. The Golden Retriever and Lab mix is a large, athletic dog that will do best living in a house with a big backyard. However, with enough exercise, they can adapt to apartments as well. These dogs can be happy just about anywhere. Their versatility and easy-going attitude are just some of the many things people love them for! Ideal for a wide range of families and lifestyles, this hard-working dog would be a joy to any household. Whether they are playing, working, or relaxing, your Goldador’s favorite place will be by your side. Their affectionate behaviour and loyalty to owners is truly something special: the Goldador is the living embodiment of the phrase ‘man’s best friend’. While their many impressive qualities make these mixed breed dogs a popular choice for pet owners, they might not be the best match for everyone. There’s only one way to be certain that this is right dog for you. Keep your eyes glued to this page and read on to learn everything that there is to know about the Goldador and find out if you’ll be bringing this adorable doggo home anytime soon. Also known as Golden Labradors, the Goldador is a hybrid of two of the most popular dogs in North America. Origin

White Vienna Rabbit

White Vienna Rabbit Breed History/Origin The White Vienna Rabbit was first presented in 1907. Wilhelm Mucke, an Austrian railway official, wanted to create a white, medium-sized rabbit that didn’t have ruby red eyes. After 15 years of breeding, Mucke finally succeeded and created one of the most popular rabbit breeds in Europe. He started with breeding Dutch rabbits, but only once he crossed them with the white varieties of Flemish Giant and Holland Lop he managed to get a pure white rabbit with beautiful blue eyes and soft fur. Although the White Vienna Rabbit is recognized by the British Rabbit Council, it’s yet to be accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. White Vienna Rabbit is best known for its beautiful blue eyes, white fur, and docile, easy-going temperament. Overall Description

Minuet Cat

Minuet Cat Breed History The Minuet cat breed, which is also known as the Napoleon, was created in the 1990s by breeder Joe Smith. This new breed is simply a cross between a Persian and a Munchkin cat, so it has the short legs of a Munchkin and the beauty of a Persian. Joe Smith was a Basset Hound breeder, and he began trying to figure out how to breed a short-legged cat after he learned about the Munchkin in 1995. He worked hard to figure out how he could create a breed that would have short legs and a distinct look. Eventually, he was able to determine that he could get those results by crossing a Munchkin with any breed of the Persian group, whether it was the Persian, Exotic, or Himalayan. In 1996, Joe was able to get a Munchkin cat, and it turned out that this kitten had Persian in her ancestry. Then, he was able to get an Exotic cat. When the Exotic and Munchkin had a litter of kittens in 1997, they had the characteristics that Joe was hoping for. Originally, this breed was called the Napoleon, but The International Cat Association (TICA) changed it to Minuet in 2015. The Minuet Cat is a cross between a Persian and a Munchkin cat. Breed Traits

English Angora Rabbit

English Angora Rabbit Breed History/Origin The Angora rabbit is one of the oldest domestic breed of rabbits, originating from Ankara, Turkey (historically known as Angora). They eventually made their way to America where, prior to 1939, there was merely one type of woolly rabbits, which was called the “Angora Wooler.” In 1939, the Angora Wooler was re-classified into two type of rabbits – the French and English type. In 1944, the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) officially separated these into two breeds, which are now known as the French Angora and English Angora Rabbit. The English Angora Rabbit is docile and sociable. Overall Description These small, compact rabbits have a broad, flat head and short ears with plenty of woolly fur on them. They also have fur on their faces (unlike any other Angora), as well as woolly feet. Coat

Cavachon

Cavachon Basics Choosing a dog can be incredibly difficult. There are so many incredible breed options out there. There are so many adorable doggos just begging to be loved. How could anyone possibly choose?! Fortunately, designer dogs help, combining the trains of multiple puppers in one perfect package. If you can’t make up your mind between the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the playful Bichon Frise, the Cavachon may be just the dog you are looking for. It combines the best of both worlds! As the offspring of two very popular small breed dogs, this hybrid promises to be a wonderful companion and a family pet. Plus you get all of that in an unbelievably adorable package! How could anyone possibly resist? This designer dog is not accepted by the AKC because it is technically a hybrid or crossbreed rather than a purebred dog. If you aren’t concerned with showing your dog, however, this may not be a problem at all. Despite the lack of official recognition, these lovely mixes offer a lot to their owners. In general, they are cute, smart, friendly, and have a sweet nature. What more could anybody want? However, you should keep in mind that the appearance and temperament of designer dogs like the Cavachon varies greatly from one litter to another. But, for the most part, you can expect a combination of Cavalier- and Bichon Frise-like characteristics. The only question is which parent’s genes will prevail! It’s a surprise every time. No two Cavachons are alike, even within the same litter. Still, given how wonderful his parents are, Cavachons tend to make for incredible companions regardless of how the gene pool shakes out. These dogs are bred to be loved and you will be powerless to resist their charms if you bring one into your home. If you can’t make up your mind between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, the Cavachon may be just the dog you are looking for. Origin Up until the Labradoodle became a worldwide phenomenon, designer dogs weren’t even a term, let alone a trend. Generally, all mixed breed dogs were considered to be mutts, no matter what their lineage was. That was snobbish judgment and thankfully those days are over. Everything changed when breeders realized that by intentionally crossing purebreds, they could eliminate some of the hereditary health issues and create improved new breeds in the process. Of course, it’s silly to think that there haven’t been any crosses between purebreds until designer dog breeds came to be. It’s just when their mixing became intentional that the dogs were selected for certain qualities rather than just being a product of an “accident”. Gleneden Kennels of Virginia claims to be the first to cross a Cavalier King Charles and a Bichon Frise in an effort to produce a new breed. According to them, the first litter of Cavachon was born in 1996, in the United States. Over 20 years later, the Cavachon continues to be a popular and beloved hybrid responsible for bringing furry joy to a vast number of happy homes. Pedigree

Springerdoodle

Springerdoodle BasicsWhen it comes to Poodle-mix designer breeds, there are a lot of options to choose from. There are many such hybrids, and they all vary in their characteristics. They can be cuddly and cute, or energetic and mischievous. It is often hard to find a designer breed that has a truly balanced set of character traits. But, if you’re specifically seeking a dog that will quickly become a member of your family, you may have just found it. The Springerdoodle is one of the most popular designer dog breeds (it is a a cross between a purebred English Springer Spaniel and Poodle) because it makes a fantastic family pet. They have a variety of lovely traits, and at their core they are just big friendly goofs. These enthusiastic and active dogs really love being around people, and they also enjoy being around other pets. The dogs thrive off of company and make an effort to plaster smiles on the faces of everyone around them. They are loyal, smart, easy to train, and eager to please. In other words, Springerdoodles are absolutely ideal family pets.This dog breed could be perfect for your family if you want a dog who will lift your spirits and entertain you both in the great outdoors and inside your home. They can even show a bit of a protective character, guarding their family with utmost loyalty. And while it’s hard to imagine a home that wouldn’t benefit from the presence of a Springerdoodle, every dog owner has their own needs and interests. Most people would adore having one of these pups around, while others might have different qualities that they seek out in a canine companion. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to learn some important facts about these great dogs and find out if this could be the ideal pup for you! There could very well be a Springerdoodle in your future. The only way to know for sure is to read on!The Springerdoodle is a cross between a purebred English Springer Spaniel and Poodle.Origin When it comes to relatively new and unique crossbreeds, it is always challenging to find their exact origins documented. In the past, many designer breeds came about by chance or accident – with two purebreds mating with one another without any design behind it. With that, it could be entirely possible that a Springerdoodle was made decades ago – there’s no way of knowing for certain. Still, even though we don’t know these particulars, there are things we can say with relative certainty. The Springerdoodle is a designer crossbreed from the United States, but unfortunately, there hasn’t been much official documentation kept about the history of designer dogs so we don’t know much beyond that. No breeder has claimed credit for creating or even naming these remarkable pups. All we know is that they entered the dog market at some point in the late 20th century. Our best bet is that the breed was specifically created during the 90’s, when there was a real craze for unique designer dogs, and many crossbreeds appeared for the first time then. Either way, the lack of a definite origin does not prevent us from adoring every little bit out of a Springerdoodle – they’re here now and here to stay, and that is all that matters in the end. Pedigree

How To Clean A Stinky Dog Collar in 8 Simple Steps

What’s that smell? It’s not dog breath – it’s coming from his collar! We often forget that collars need to be washed to help keep our pooches smelling fresh. Wow! That stinks! How many times has this been your reaction when you smell a strong odor coming from your dog’s collar? This is a common situation that many dog owners often solve by purchasing a new collar. Save your money! The good news is you can easily clean his collar and have it smelling fresh quickly. Whether it’s an already made product or a homemade recipe, you can have that collar going from staaaannnky to stupendous in no time. Why Does My Dog’s Collar Stink? Let’s just face it. Our dogs like being dirty. And that means their collars get dirty too. Obviously–if you know your dog’s been sprayed by a skunk or been rolling around in the local deer poo–you have a pretty good idea of why his neck makes you want to gag. But the reality is that collars are often the least-considered aspect of keeping our dogs groomed and we forget that dirt, mold, bacteria, parasites and a whole host of other ickies like to hang out in our dogs’ collars. Many collars have fibers that hold on to those germies, and then when you mixe that with your dog’s body oils, dirt on fir and even sweat and skin smell? A collar can reek. And it really makes no difference what the collar material is, honestly. Leather, polyester, nylon…they all get dirty and they all need to be cleaned properly (and regularly) to help ward off infection as well as stinky dog smell. How To Clean Synthetic Dog Collars Doing this is probably easier than you may have thought. Every time you clean or bathe your dog, do so for his collar. If you bathe or groom at home, you can use that same dog shampoo you’re using on Fido on most synthetic collars. If there are some stains, you can use an old tooth-brush or soft-bristled brush to get into the nooks and crannies of the collar. Be sure to use hot water for best bacterial cleaning and then hang by the buckle until it’s totally dry. You don’t necessarily want to put it back on your dog until it is (prevents yeast issues), so be sure you have a backup collar for your dog while you’re cleaning it. You don’t want him to run off with no ID! Related: 4 DIY Homemade Cleaners That Are Safe For Dogs What To Do If Your Dog’s Collar Is Badly Stained? Some pet parents like to use vinegar and baking soda on really stained collars. It’s a safe, non-toxic way to get stains (and smells) out, and you can make a solution of this and let a synthetic collar soak (or be brushed) to get the collar clean. You’ll want to rinse with hot water again, and let it fully dry by hanging. This is only for synthetic or cloth collars; leather collars need different care. How To Clean A Leather Dog Collar If your dog’s leather collar just needs some spot cleaning, you can still use a vinegar/baking soda mix and a toothbrush to gently spot clean where it’s needed. You’ll want to rinse gently (but not submerge for extended time) and you’ll want to completely dry it out when you’re done. Leather conditioner after is always a wise move and way to preserve the collar. If your dog’s leather collar needs more cleaning than just spot cleaning, you can buy a leather cleaner to do the job. If in a pinche because poochy got into something raunchy and rolled everywhere, you can use a gentle dog soap or mild cleaner and warm water, but you’ll want to be sure to let it dry fully and condition after if you can so you preserve the integrity of the leather. Easy DIY Recipe For Cleaning Dog Collars If you’re looking for an all-purpose solution for regular collar cleaning, this little diddy takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish and keeps your dog’s collar clean and stink-free! Items Needed Bowl or bucketRubber glovesBaking sodaToothbrush or similar brushLavender oilTowel Step 1: Fill the bowl or bucket with warm water and add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Stir until the baking soda has been melted by the water. Step 2: Place the dog collar in the water and let it soak for 10 minutes. Related: DIY Cleaning Solutions For Stinky Pet Stains Step 3: Scrub the collar with a toothbrush or similar type of brush until clean. Make sure you get in all of the crevices of the collar. Repeat step 1, 2 and 3 until the collar is clean and odor has lessened considerably. Step 4: Clean and rinse the bowl or bucket thoroughly and refill the bucket with fresh water, adding 2 drops of lavender oil. You can also use peppermint oil or any other essential oil that you may prefer. Step 5: Soak the collar in the aromatic mixture until the bad odor has disappeared. Step 6: Rinse the collar off by running it under the faucet. Step 7: Pat the collar dry and place it on a flat surface to dry. Step 8: Place the fresh-smelling collar on your dog. Dog collars absorb oils from the skin as well as attracts dirt and grime. Depending on your dog’s activity level outdoors, you may need to clean his collar on a regular basis to keep it clean. Dog’s that enjoy the outdoors, go swimming, roll around in the mud and participate in high-level activities will require frequent cleaning. Keep in mind indoor dogs will also need a good cleaning once you detect the first scent of odor. The above cleaning method is suitable for fabric, nylon and leather collars. You can also add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the baking soda and water mixture if you find that the collar has deep stains. At times, a leather collar may require additional cleaning. If you observe staining or discoloration in a leather collar you will want to use saddle soap to remove deep, set-in stains. Notes For Before You Get Started Always use rubber gloves to protect your hands and arms while cleaning the collar. Avoid submerging your hands in the baking soda and water mixture. It can cause dryness and irritation to those who are sensitive to baking soda. As an alternative you can replace the baking soda with apple cider vinegar. Keeping your dog’s collar clean on a regular basis will prevent odor and keep the collar in good condition, which keeps your dog smelling sweet and saves you money. It will also keep the skin that is nearest to the collar healthy, since dirt buildup can develop into bacteria have a negative impact on the skin. Repeat the steps as much as needed during each cleaning session to reveal a clean, fresh scented dog collar.

Jack Tzu

Jack Tzu Basics A small, spunky pooch with a heart of gold- that’s the Jack Tzu for you. These utterly adorable designer dogs have a happy-go-lucky attitude, they’re friendly and always up for playing or snuggling. No wonder that everyone who meets them instantly falls in love! The Jack Tzu, or Russeltzu, as it is also known, is a popular hybrid breed, developed by crossing two purebred dogs. The mix of Shih Tzu and Jack Russell Terrier results in a compact dog with a cute shaggy coat, often in two colors, that can have an adorable underbite and short nose, or simply looks like a long-haired Jack Russell. The appearance of Jack Tzu, like all other crossbreed dogs, is quite unpredictable- apart from the guaranteed cuteness, that is. Owing to his unique parentage, the Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu mix will be an energetic, intelligent dog that needs a fairly active owner. These dogs are a good choice for apartment dwellers, though, as they are still a small breed and can meet their daily need for exercise even without a backyard. With proper socialization and training, Jack Tzu is an adaptable dog that will get along with anybody, and thrive in almost any living situation. If you’re thinking about getting a Jack Tzu, read on- and find out everything about this lovely mixed breed dog. The Jack Russell Terrier and Shih Tzu mix will be an energetic, intelligent dog that needs a fairly active owner. Origin

Puggle

Puggle Basics If you are in the market for a doggo so adorable that it will keep a smile plastered on your face for every second that you spend together, then it’s about time that you met the Puggle. Lively and full of the spunk, the Puggle is a fun-loving little clown. He’ll run around and play like he was a puppy, even long after he is all grownup! His perky attitude and spark of enthusiasm will keep the family laughing day after day. It’s like keeping a furry reservoir of joy in your home. The smiles will never stop with a Puggle in your life. This popular designer dog was developed by crossing the flat-face Pug with the floppy-eared beagle. The combination of these two very popular dogs results in a hybrid that boasts the best that his parents have to offer, all bundled up in one adorable package. A perfect combination of popular doggos that some owners think is even better than the Puggle’s beloved parents. The Puggle’s low maintenance coat and his ability to get much of his exercise indoors make him the perfect pet for those living in the city or an apartment building. Your Puggle will have no problem fitting into a city or couch potato lifestyle. However, he still enjoys running around outside, so the occasional trip to a dog park is an excellent idea as well. Owing to his hound genes, this cute designer dog can have a penchant for sniffing his way straight to trouble. So make sure to always keep your Puggle on a leash in unsecured areas. A loving and social dog, the Puggle makes new friends wherever he goes. People gravitate to this little fellow and love his good-natured attitude and handsome looks. These dogs are irresistible no one can resist their charms. Probably not even you. Want to know why? Then keep your eyes glued to this page to learn more about the Puggle. Lively and full of the spunk, the Puggle is a fun-loving little clown. Origin Not all designer dogs have a well-documented history or any recorded history at all for that matter. However, this popular hybrid is one of the few designer dogs with well known roots. The Puggle originated in the United States in the 1980s. Many believe that the first Puggles were the result of an accidental breeding. However, enthusiasts of this hybrid breed claim that they actually originated from a planned breeding don in the hopes of creating a new dog breed. The first person to have intentionally produced a litter of Pug-Beagle mix puppies was Wisconsin breeder Wallace Havens. He will forever be known as the proud poppa of the Puggle. As a result of multigenerational breeding, Puggles have gained incredible popularity in the U.S. Seemingly everyone wants one of these pups. In fact in 2005, the Puggle became the most widely owned crossbreed dog in history! Keeping in mind the popularity of designer dogs and hybrids in general, this says a lot about the Puggle. These dogs didn’t get so popular by accident. They deserve and earn their love. Puggle breeders have been working diligently to create a more standard look and temperament for the hybrid. This crossbreed is accepted by several registries. Breeders even have high hopes that the Puggle will eventually be recognized by the American Kennel Club, an organization that holds an infamous bias against designer dogs.. For now, this Pug/Beagle mix shares the fate of his other crossbreed fellows and gets no recognition from this prestigious organization. One day the AKC will finally learn to love designer pups along with everyone else, but it is not this day. Pedigree

Top 10 Best Military Dog Breeds

Think you know your enlisted K-9s? Well, think again. You’ll be surprised with some of the picks on our military dog breeds list. Especially number 10!.If you’re anything like me, the moment you think “military dog” you envision a German Shepherd Dog or Doberman patrolling a barbed wire fence and barking fiercely when confronted by the enemy. It’s an image that we've seen so many times in movies and television shows. But as always, you can’t trust Hollywood for accuracy. Those are far from the only breeds of pup who have used in military service and just one of the many roles assigned to the enlisted K-9s and military dog breeds. When you dig into the history, it’s amazing what a wide range of pups have performed a wide range of tasks in military service. From large to small, muscular and burly, doggos went above and beyond the call of duty to fulfill the missions they were tasked with. There is no surprise here – dogs are known as loyal and brave companions, even in war. So what are the jobs typically assigned to our favourite furry friends by the military? Well, there are many and often those jobs require completely opposite tasks and behaviours. While Sentry dogs are taught to walk alongside their guard or handler and warn by growling or barking at approaching strangers, a Scout dog is trained to work silently so that they can detect and alert their handler to snipers, enemy presence, and ambushes. A Messenger dog carries information between handlers, while Mine Dogs are trained to detect both metallic and non-metallic land-mines as well as booby traps and trip wires. Casualty dogs are your war-time version of a search and rescue pooch who can quickly locate injured soldiers. While Tunnel dogs have been used to explore the confines of underground spaces to seek out enemy forces and alert handlers. Finally, Explosives Detection dogs have been specifically trained to pick up on the scent of the chemicals used in bombs and alert their handler when those odours hit their little pup noses.As you can see, there are quite a wide range of tasks for military service dogs these days. That requires a wide variety of breeds who can deliver on those tasks. Since the military has been training dogs for decades, they have experimented with a wide variety of breeds and come up with quite a list of powerful pups who are up to the tasks. So, who are the top dogs when it comes to military duty past and present? Keep your eyeballs glued to this page to find out. (Photo credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock) German Shepherd Dog

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