Pawesome Valentine’s Day Dog Gifts That Let You Share The Love!

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel Basics When you think about the Spaniel breeds, perhaps no better breed comes to mind than that of the English Springer Spaniel. This is a classic hunting dog that is related closely to the English Cocker Spaniel and is not only a favorite at dog shows but around homes across the world. As a friendly, loyal breed that is known for obedience and a general friendliness toward strangers, the English Springer Spaniel can make an ideal pet for both you and your family. But it takes much more than that to make a great companion: does the English Springer Spaniel really have those intangible qualities? We think you’ll find that they do. As a classic hunting and retrieval dog in the “gun dog” group, the English Springer Spaniel is versatile enough to be friendly around the home and obedient enough to make a great outdoor dog. Whether the English Springer Spaniel is the right breed for you and your family remains to be seen, but you’ll find that in terms of temperament and loyalty, the English Springer can be difficult to beat. A friendly, loyal breed that is known for obedience and a general friendliness toward strangers. Origin You don’t earn a name like the English Springer Spaniel unless you’ve got some good roots in jolly old England, and you’ll find that the history of the English Springer is closely intertwined with other similar English dog breeds. While the Spaniel itself has been around for several hundred years, the diversification and classification of the different Spaniel breeds has taken a bit longer. During the 1800s, when many dog breeds were both being developed and classified, the Spaniel breeds began splitting up as well. It wasn’t unusual for these Spaniels to take on the name of the place they were developed. By around 1910, the English Springer had finally reached a level meriting a classification of its own in the United States and the breed was soon born. But in England, this breed was already well-known, as the classification had endured since 1902. Today, we associate this excited breed as a classic of the Spaniel class, but in truth the English Springer Spaniel is a refreshing update of a classic breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Basics A somewhat recognizable breed that is growing more popular in the United States, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a unique breed of toy dog that has already been popular in such dog-loving countries as the United Kingdom. But what’s in a name, really? After all, a breed that goes by the term Cavalier King Charles Spaniel really has to deliver on a lot of promises that its name makes: is this breed really such a noble animal that it should be named after a king? Well, that’s always up for each individual dog owner to decide, but if you’re like us, you think the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most ideal pet breeds available today. Although their popularity still has room for improvement here in North America, there are plenty of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners overseas who are perfectly content with the type of dog and household friend they’ve found in this breed. Often white and brown with a smaller frame but a friendly disposition, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is really one of the ideal pets for domestic life. But you’re about to learn a lot more of this breed, including the answer to one crucial question: might this be the dog breed for you and your family? The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most ideal pet breeds available today. Origin As you might imagine from the name, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traces its roots back to royalty. In England, King Charles II was known for his “little dogs” and clearly had a preference for toy group-type breeds. There is even a legend that the King issued an edict that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-type dog could not be denied entrance to any public place – a high honor indeed, if it is true. From that information alone, you can guess that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been around in Europe for several hundred years, although it has not always been the most popular of toy breeds. Believe it or not, the pug was popular in Northern Europe at around the time of the 17th century. Ultimately, it’s been up to the 19th and 20th centuries to rebuild the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, using old paints as a template, as some of their heritage had been lost during the breeding of the past few hundred years. These days, you can find a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel frequently in England and the United Kingdom in general, and an ever-increasing amount in the United States. Pedigree

Dalmatian

Dalmatian Basics Thanks to a large size, a bright white coat, black spots and a Disney movie or two, there are few breeds of dog more infamous in the world than a Dalmatian. Often associated as the kind of dogs who help firemen and police, Dalmatians are notoriously good workers and comprise an assertive, friendly breed. And as the only spotted breed of dog, they’re not exactly hard to spot. But what is it about Dalmatians that seems to capture our imaginations? Was it the movie? Or is it simply the spirit of the breed? After all, if you’re considering buying a dog for you family, you may find that nothing can light up your children’s eyes quite like mentioning a Dalmatian. What are the right circumstances for a Dalmatian? As you’re about to find out, Dalmatians are an active breed that enjoy attention and love to get in a good workout – especially if there’s company involved. If you’re considering getting a Dalmatian yourself, here are some facts that can help you better understand this unique breed of dog. As the only spotted breed of dog, they’re not exactly hard to spot. Origin Considering they’re called Dalmatians, one might think they’re from a made-up, far-away place like Dalmatia. Silly, right? Well, that’s the case – except Dalmatia is not made-up. It’s a region in the country of Croatia, and historians pinpoint the Dalmatians there back to the late 1700s. Although that is the official country of origin, the Dalmatian is actually quite an English dog, having been developed and bred primarily in England. The truth is that there’s not a lot know about the Dalmatian breed. Dalmatians were said to be from Croatia in the mid-1800s, as is officially known now, and were said to be used as guard dogs. Thanks to a sporty, active English breeding, Dalmatians are now known as dogs that get along with a variety of animals – especially the horse – and display strong hunting and sporting instincts. Pedigree

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Basics For many people, understanding dogs is simple. They find a friendly, loyal, easy-to-get-along with breed like the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever and they’ll never want for a good friend again. But for the dog lover who appreciates all sorts of breeds, the Retriever doesn’t only sporty, friendly dog most of us grew up learning about. There’s more to the retriever story, and one only has to travel to the United States – and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, specifically – to find it. Of course, by now you know we’re referring to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, perhaps one of the great under-appreciated dog breeds out there. You won’t have to look far to find a quality dog after you’ve encounter a Chesapeake Bay Retriever or two; many times, whether you live on your own or with a family, a great Chesapeake Bay Retriever will be exactly what you’ve been looking for in a dog. The uniquely American heritage and breeding is a benefit to those of us who keep our dog breeds simply and domestic. Here’s a little bit more about this great breed of dog that more people should be talking about. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a classic retriever when it comes to behavior and training. Origin You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or, more fittingly, a dog historian to figure out where the Chesapeake Bay Retriever hails from. It’s not a trick question: the Chesapeake Bay Retriever does indeed trace the origins of its unique breed to the Chesapeake bay on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. What’s unique about the origins of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, however, is that you can trace their lineage to two very specific dogs. These dogs, named Sailor and Canton, were brought to Maryland at the dawn of the 19th century and bred with other dogs in order to create a breed unique in and of itself. These two dogs weren’t Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, but they were known as Newfoundland dogs, which suggest that you can indeed trace the history of the Chesapeake Bay Retrieve further back if you want. The retriever has become a favorite in the Maryland and Chesapeake Bay area, even becoming Maryland’s state dog in 1964. If the history of Sailor and Canton is ever challenged, we at least know that the breed was recognized as its own in the late 19th century, not unlike many breeds we would consider “older” than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Dachshund

Dachshund Basics You may know it as the “Weiner Dog,” but its actual breed name is Dachshund. Known for its long, stretched-out appearance and short legs, there are three types of Dachshunds: long-haired, wired-haired and short-haired. The only difference between the three is size and coat description; the distinct build is the same in any of the types. Boasting a regal and intelligent expression on its face, the Dachshund has a long head with protruding and arched eyebrows, a long muzzle with a scissor bite and very strong teeth. Its eyes are either brownish black or deep red. Another distinguishing characteristic is its long ears that are soft to the touch. If you’re looking for a happy addition to your family, you can’t go wrong with a Dachshund – it always has a friendly look on its face. Read on to learn more about the breed. You may know it as the “Weiner Dog,” but its actual breed name is Dachshund. Origin The Dachshund can trace its origins hundreds of years ago to Germany. Some sources place the origin of the breed as far as the 15th century, but a more likelier number is late 17th to early 18th century, when first concrete mentions of a dachshund-like breed can be found. Books from that era describe certain dogs named “Dachs Kriecher” (meaning “badger crawler”) or “Dachs Krieger” (“badger warrior”), and it is largely believed that this is when the Dachshund breed was actually developed as such- the previous mentions were more general and referred to all types of dogs fulfilling the role of badger hunting rather than a specific breed. Bred to track and hunt badgers, this breed was developed with the specific sport in mind. The Dachshund was engineered for this hunting activity and it is directly reflected through its unique body shape. Its short legs let it burrow deep into the badgers’ dens and its long, sturdy tail gave the hunters a “handle” they could pull to retrieve the burrowing dog out from the den. As well, its large and paddle-shaped paws made digging efficient and its loose skin ensured it wouldn’t tear as the dog tunneled into tight burrows. The smaller Dachshunds were used to hunt hare and rabbits, while the larger ones caught smaller animals like otters and foxes. Interestingly, the smooth-haired type of Dachshund is believed to be the oldest of the tree, with the wiry and long-haired variants being developed later in the breed’s history. While originally developed to be used for hunting, in the 1800s, Dachshunds moved from hunters to cherished and pampered pets. It is then when the dogs were bred to be smaller in size- the Dachshunds became about 10 pounds lighter in this transition. Not unlike most small dogs in that period, Dachshunds were beloved lap dogs of ladies and nobles, and started enjoying all of the perks that came with their new status. Similarly, the breed was then bred and selected for other traits that would make it more appealing in its new role, such as playfulness, affection, and friendliness rather than a prey drive- which, truthfully, did survive in the breed to this day in some form (it’s mostly the garden beds that bear the brunt of it). Pedigree

Shelter Dogs Strike a Vogue Pose For Their Adoption Profiles

From the pound to the photography studio – you’ve come a long way, doggy. Photographer Tammy Swarek’s amazing work is helping shelter pets get noticed and adopted. It’s common knowledge that every dog is a piece of art. Each one is unique and beautiful in their own way, there’s nothing not to love about these loving, kind, and gentle creatures. Too often, shelter animals are overlooked due to the way they look or their “rescued” title. One artist and photographer, Tammy Swarek, aims to get these stars into the limelight by creating beautiful unique portraits of them and sharing their stories. Her models were discovered at Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS). Her work has been featured in Vogue Italia and has gotten many animals their forever homes. Here’s a sampling of her work and the creative bios that go along with them: Ms Wesson Ms Wesson is a beautiful 6-month-old puppy who was dumped on Wesson Road with her sister. In her unique portrait, she represented as the true princess she really is. She is playful, loving, and needs a home. She ca be found at UCAPS in El Dorado.

Marmaduke-Sized Great Dane Could Be the World’s Tallest Dog

The bigger the dog, the bigger the heart? Meet Major, a friendly Great Dane who’s out to set a World Record. Major is a Great Dane whose impressive stature towers over the other dogs at the dog park, quite possibly at any dog park. Toes to nose when standing, Major measures a whopping 7ft and 1 inch! That’s as tall as NBA legends Joel Przybilla, Meyers Leonard, and Tyson Chandler. Though the dog does not compete in basketball, he does compete for world records! Major will be up against 3 other dogs this year to be crowned the world’s official tallest dog after the passing of the previous title’s owner, George. With his speckled grey coat and soulful eyes, this friendly giant is quite the sight to behold. Major lives with his parents who love him dearly and praise his lovely demeanor. “He is the biggest-hearted dog in the world. He is such a fantastic animal. People love seeing him. They play with him all day,” his owner Brian Williams told media outlets. Related: Great Dane Fulfills Squirrel Fantasy, Gets Stuck in Tree What’s a day in the life like for a dog of this size? He lives in South Wales where “he has got free reign of the place if he wants to go out, he isn’t locked indoors,” Williams assured interviewers. Major doesn’t seem to let his size go to his head, he sleeps for up to 22 hours a day and doesn’t knock too much over. As many of you may be wondering what exactly Major is being fed to grow so tall, his diet consists of mostly chicken and rice. In his case, it’s probably genetics over food that determined his height, but his meals do keep him fit and healthy. Major’s trim physique weighs in at around 168 pounds. Major wasn’t always this big, but his parents knew what they were getting into when they brought home a Great Dane, a breed which is known for its tall stature. “We bought him as a pup and he has been with us ever since,” they stated. Though Major may look intimidating, he is actually quite a friendly guy. Much like Clifford the big red dog, this huge hound wouldn’t hurt a fly. According to his family, he’s “afraid of his own shadow, he’s absolutely great with kids and an absolute star.” There’s quite a bit of work to look after such a gigantic creature, and possibly some of the biggest dog poops to scoop on the planet. However, Major’s pet parents know he’s worth everything. “He brings us a lot of happiness and is so easy to look after. He’s just got a terrific temperament and never gives us a minute’s problems.” We wish Major all the best luck as he awaits his measurement to be crowned tallest dog in the world! [Source: Telegraph]

Quiz: Can You Guess the Doodle?

Super Sniffer Police Dog Finds Kidnapped Girl

What a nose! Thanks to her super sniffer, heroic search dog, Deja, saves a kidnapped girl’s life. Deja is a police dog who puts her canine super smell to good use. She works for the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department in California where she routinely sniffs out culprits and cracks cases. For this puppy Sherlock Holmes, this time was no different. When detectives had nowhere else to turn to, Deja used her keen senses to save a kidnapped young girl. Related: Dog Fetches Rescue Crew to Help Senior Stranded in the Woods At 3 a.m. a young girl was reported missing from her home, and as the police required some extra assistance, Deja was brought in to nose out the clues. The girl was last seen leaving with a suspicious man who was up to no good. This was not an ok sign, and the dog began to work her magic. Soon, Deja and her handler Deputy Stone were lead to a wooded area where the girl was suspected to have been taken. In these densely forested mountains, it was tricky to find the girl’s tracks. After a heavy search, drag marks were painstakingly discovered along with some of the girl’s items. It was a hard sight to see, but the trained officers didn’t lose their cool. It became a race against time to sniff out the girl’s location before serious harm came to her. The pup put her snout to work, guiding officers through the dark trees to try and locate the young lady. Related: Fallen Officer Puppy Program a Tribute to Fallen Officers Soon, Deja brought officers to the doorstep of a eerily solitary house. The dog dragged her handler up the steps and refused to get down, signaling that something nefarious was occurring behind closed doors. Everyone took Deja’s reaction very seriously, knowing her impressive track record of finding people. That’s when the police stepped in to try and rescue the kidnapping victim. Deja was right- both captor and the girl were found inside the home, thankfully the juvenile was not seriously harmed. The man was arrested immediately on kidnapping charges and the girl was taken safely back home all thanks to the police department and the puppy nose power provided by Deja. It was Deja vu as this case is one of many the great dog detective has solved. One woman on Facebook wrote, “A year ago Deja was called to help find my teenage daughter who had gone missing after school and after 2 hours we still couldn’t find her and Deja tracked her and found her in about 20 min. I will never forget this dog and will always be thankful for her and her handler and the rest of the police officers out there.” Another case cracked, great job, Deja! [Source: Barkpost]

What You Need to Know About Proper Canine Nutrition

In order to live a happy, healthy life, dogs need a balanced diet. Learn what key nutrients need to go into your dog’s daily meals. You probably already know that dogs are carnivores, but what exactly does that mean? Being a carnivore means that the majority of your dog’s nutrition should come from animal products, not plant products. But you can’t just feed your dog a bowl of chopped meat and expect him to be healthy. Like people, they need a balanced diet. Here are the basics about canine nutrition. The Top Nutrients Dogs Need All living things require a balance of nutrients and, for dogs, there are main nutrients you need to think about. The most important nutrients are protein, fat, and carbohydrates – these are called macronutrients because they are the nutrients that give your dog energy. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to balance out his nutrition. Proteins are made up of amino acids and they help your dog build strong bones and muscles. There are twenty different amino acids and your dog’s body is capable of synthesizing (producing) ten of them –the remaining ten are called essential amino acids because they must come from your dog’s diet. The best sources of essential amino acids are meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. Related: Supplements and Diet For Senior Dogs After protein, the next most important nutrient for dogs is fat. This may not sound appetizing, but fat is actually the most highly concentrated form of energy for dogs and it also supports the health of his skin, coat, and immune system. Like proteins, fats should come from animal-based sources like chicken fat or salmon oil. Even though dogs are carnivores, they still need some dietary fiber in their diets to facilitate healthy digestion – this comes from digestible carbohydrates like whole grains and fresh fruits and veggies. Water is also a key nutrient that your dog needs on a daily basis – not only does it hydrate him, but it also helps to facilitate healthy and regular digestion. After the key macronutrients come the micronutrients – vitamins and minerals your dog needs for complete and balanced nutrition. Vitamins are organic substances that help your dog’s body convert food into energy. Vitamins are only needed in small quantities but the most important vitamins for dogs include vitamins A, D, E, K, C and B vitamins. Minerals are inorganic compounds that help your dog grow and maintain healthy bones and teeth. The most important minerals your dog needs are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride – these are referred to as macrominerals. Other minerals your dog needs in smaller quantities include zinc, sulfur, iodine, iron, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, cobalt, and silicon; these are referred to as microminerals. Tips for Meeting Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs The basic nutritional needs for all dogs are the same. Your dog’s diet should be primarily comprised of animal-based proteins and fats, supplemented with small amounts of digestible carbohydrates to provide dietary fiber as well as essential vitamins and minerals. When it comes to calorie needs, however, it can be very different from one dog to another. You may be surprised to learn that small-breed dogs actually have higher calorie needs than large-breed dogs – at least in terms of calories per pound of bodyweight. For example, a 110-pound Mastiff might need a total of 2,500 calories per day while an 11-pound Bichon Frise only needs about 450 calories. If you divide it out, however, you will find that the Mastiff needs about 23 calories per pound of bodyweight while the Bichon Frise needs closer to 41 calories per pound. This is because small-breed dogs have very fast metabolisms so they need a high-calorie diet to support their energy needs. Related: Meal Feeding vs Free Feeding Dogs The best way to ensure that your dog gets both the nutrients and the calories he needs is to provide him with a high-quality commercial diet that is formulated for dogs of his size and activity level. When you bring home your puppy you should be feeding him a small-breed or large-breed puppy formula to make sure he gets the protein he needs to develop strong bones and muscles as well as the fat he needs for energy. Once your puppy grows up, feed him a large-breed adult or small-breed adult formula. If your dog is very active or if you are training him for hunting or dog sports, consider a working breed or active breed formula because these are higher in fats which boosts the calorie content of the food. Making sure that your dog’s nutritional needs are being met is not as complicated as you might imagine. As long as you understand the top nutrients dog needs and you know how to differentiate between a high-quality and low-quality dog food, your dog will get all the nutrients he needs.

What Your Dog Insurance Plan Covers… And What’s Left Out

Just a few things you can expect your dog insurance plan to cover In today’s homes, dogs are more than just pets – they are part of the family. And with the rising costs of veterinary bills, dog insurance isn’t just an option anymore. Routine check-ups, common injuries and illnesses can make a huge dent in your bank account. When you have dog insurance coverage, a burden is lifted off your shoulders. While you’re shopping around for a dog insurance plan, you need to know what any particular package actually covers. Plans vary from company to company, so you can’t be guaranteed that a lower priced package will cover your dog’s needs. Let’s go into the nitty gritty of what you should insist is part of your dog’s insurance coverage and what not to expect (unless you want to pay more). What Does Dog Insurance Cover? You can expect that your dog insurance will cover the veterinary costs involved when your dog is diagnosed with an illness or is injured. In these cases, when you bring your dog to the vet, you’ll pay the bill out of pocket up front. When you submit the claim to the insurance company, you’ll be reimbursed. The costs that are covered in these instances include diagnostic testing, surgeries, medications, supplements, hospitalization, therapeutic pet foods, orthotic and prosthetic devices, carts, and other treatments. What’s Not Covered Under Dog Insurance Plans? Unless you pay a premium charge, you’ll have to pay for expected routine costs. What does that include? These items include exam fees, preventive care, parasite control, spaying/neutering, and dental scaling and polishing. As well, dogs that have pre-existing conditions (accidents or illnesses that have shown symptoms prior to the start of coverage) will not be covered under a dog insurance plan. You may be asking yourself, “Why aren’t routine examinations covered in my dog insurance policy.” There’s a reason – it’s because these exams are routine, so it would raise your policy’s premium without providing additional benefits. However, it this is an important point for you, ask your dog insurance provider if it can be added to your current plan with an increase in price. No two plans from dog insurance companies are the same, so don’t assume that they will all cover the same things and for the same prices. Some offer a little more, some offer a little less. Carefully go over what the policy does and doesn’t cover, and find out how much of a deductible you’ll have to pay. Doing your homework and research now could save you thousands of dollars down the road.

Shelter Spotlight: Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue

You can say that this shelter has balls! We love the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue motto: “Saving badass dogs from idiot humans.” Animal shelters exist in cities and towns all over the world, each with their own unique mission. The Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue is a little bit different because they rescue dogs from the worst situations and they follow the motto, “Saving badass dogs from idiot humans”. About the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue The Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue is a non-profit network made up of fosters, rescuers, and volunteers who all work together to rescue, rehabilitate and place adoptable dogs in the rural southern United States. This organization rescues dogs from high-kill, rural animal shelters in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia, saving them from imminent death. It is unfortunate but true that many pounds and animal control facilities in the south use inhumane practices to euthanize unwanted animals and many of them have kill rates over 90 percent. That is what the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue seeks to remedy. Related: Mission K9 Rescue This organization is committed not only to rescuing dogs from inhumane situations and high-kill shelters, but they are dedicated to rehabilitating those dogs and to finding them a loving forever home. All dogs that come to the shelter are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, tested for heartworm, treated for fleas and ticks, and dewormed by private local veterinarians. In addition to vaccinating their dogs, the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue also treats the dogs for a variety of illnesses and makes sure that they get surgical treatment in cases where it is necessary. After treatment, the dogs stay with local fosters for at least two weeks to ensure that they are healthy enough for travel. When they are ready for adoption, the shelter is diligent about finding the right match – they require adopters to provide three personal references and a vet reference – they must also complete a home visit. Related: Florida Little Dog Rescue How Can You Help to Support This Shelter? Because the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, they are always in need of monetary donations. All funds go directly toward the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of badass dogs. Donations of money are always appreciated, but you can also give the gift of your time by volunteering at the shelter or by fostering a dog. You can use the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue website to give a one-time monetary gift or to give on a monthly basis. The website also provides information about volunteering in a number of ways including helping out around the shelter, transporting dogs to and from vet visits, walking or training dogs, and participating in community outreach events. You can, of course, even adopt a dog from the shelter yourself or, if you cannot care for a dog yourself you can sponsor a dog, paying the adoption fee to encourage someone else to adopt the dog instead. There are countless animal shelters around the country but the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue sets itself apart from the rest by taking in animals from the worst possible situations. If you have a heart for animals and are looking for a way to give back, consider donating to the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue.

Karelian Bear Dog

Karelian Bear Dog The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish dog breed that has many Spitz-like characteristics including a fluffy double coat and a plumed tail carried over the back. These dogs may look cute and cuddly but they were bred to hunt dangerous game including moose, wild boar, and bear so they do have an aggressive side. If you are willing to take the time to extensively train and socialize this breed and you do not have any other dogs in your household, the Karelian Bear Dog could be the right breed for you. The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish dog breed that has many Spitz-like characteristics. Origin The Karelian Bear Dog is a similar breed to the Russo-European Laika and archaeological records suggest that dogs of this type have existed in Scandinavia and other parts of northeastern Europe since Neolithic times. This breed was developed to hunt dangerous game like moose, bear and wild boar so it has quick reflexes and a dominant, fearless nature. The Karelian Bear Dog is considered a national treasure in its native land but it is still quite rare in the Western world. Pedigree

How to Create a Successful Pet-Friendly Office

Everyday can be “Bring your Dog to Work Day.” Send this infographic to your boss and set your workplace up for success with tips on how to create a pet-friendly office. We’ve all seen those stories about people who bring their animals to work. It’s a great idea that can actually work, in real life, with a touch of planning and foresight. Before you get set up a cubicle for your dog or cat, no pet should set paw in the door until your workplace has a written policy. It needs to outline what’s allowable and what’s not, what rules must be followed, and what consequences will happen if things don’t work out. Those discussions should include what to do in the case of people who may have allergies, as well as where and when pets are allowed, and where they can’t go. You’ll also have to do some research as local or state ordinances or laws may already have limitations in place regarding pets in the office. Along with workplace rules, it’s imperative that you take a hard look at your pet, too, to make sure they are a good fit for a social situation that may not always be predictable from one moment to the next. If your animal is likely to be disruptive, they’re probably not a good office fit, no matter your workplace policy. We find that pictures can sometimes tell a better story than we can – so take a gander at this infographic from Petco that’ll help get your office pet friendly.

Celebrate DOGust Universal Birthday All Month Long!

Dogs who are adopted from a shelter don’t always know their birthday. That’s why August is DOGust Universal B-Day month for shelter dogs! If you got your dog as a puppy from the breeder, you probably know exactly when his birthday is. Many dogs that are abandoned to shelters, however, come with limited information from their owners and, most frequently, an estimate of their age rather than an exact birthdate. To ensure that shelter dogs still get to celebrate their birthdays, the North Shore Animal League of America created DOGust, a universal birthday for shelter dogs. Related: Dog Birthday Blues What is the History of DOGust? The North Shore Animal League America is the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Since its founding in 1944, Animal League America has been leading the way in animal activism, finding homes for millions of abandoned pets each and every year. One of the organization’s most successful events is the annual Pet Adoptathon – an event where shelters keep their doors open for 36 straight hours. Today, more than 2,000 shelters across the US participate in this event and an average of 20,000 animals find their new forever homes over the course of the weekend. In addition to finding homes for countless adoptable pets each year, North Shore Animal League America also celebrates the lives of shelter pets through the annual DOGust the 1st celebration. This event takes place on August 1 each year and it starts with a birthday party held at the shelter where dog lovers and their rescue dogs are welcomed in droves. In celebration of DOGust the 1st, shelters across the country offer free adoptions and goodie bags for adopters and their pets. Donations are accepted throughout the course of the weekend and all proceeds benefit North Shore Animal League America and its adoption efforts. Related: Party-Down Dog Birthday Cake Recipe Why Should You Celebrate DOGust This Year? If you already know your dog’s birthday you can celebrate it on the exact day. Many people who adopt shelter dogs, however, do not know exactly when their dog’s birthday is so they choose the date of adoption or pick another random day to celebrate. If you have a shelter dog of your own, consider celebrating his birthday on DOGust the 1, or any date in August. Even if you don’t have a shelter dog of your own, you can still donate to the cause or volunteer at your local North Shore Animal League America shelter. All donations help to support animal rescue efforts, food and shelter for pets in need, veterinary services for shelter pets, and other related costs. Whether you choose to celebrate your own dog’s birthday on DOGust the 1st or not, you should seriously consider taking part in the festivities. The North Shore Animal League America is a wonderful organization that has saved the lives of countless animals and by taking part in the DOGust the 1st festivities you can do your part in supporting this noble cause. Whether you choose to donate financially or you elect to give the gift of your time as a volunteer, your efforts will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. So mark your calendar for DOGust – it’s a whole month of celebrating shelter dogs!

How to Protect Your Dog From Fleas and Ticks

Flea and tick season is here - so how do your protect your dog from these nasty pests?

Great Danoodle

Great Danoodle Basics The Great Danoodle is also referred to as the Great Danedoodle, Danedoodle, Great Danepoo, and Danepoo. This is the perfect dog for families that are seeking a larger canine to walk beside them, protect them, and love them forever. To learn more about this devoted and loving breed, and to find out if this dog would be the perfect addition to your family, keep reading to learn all about it. The Great Danoodle is a cross between a purebred Great Dane and Poodle. Origin

Koolie

Koolie BasicsWhen you see the Koolie for the first time, you may think that you are looking at an Australian Cattle Dog. The breed is, in fact, an Australian breed but it is actually the other way around – the breed played a role in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler. Interestingly, however, the breed is sometimes misrepresented as a German breed because it is also known as the German Koolie.Koolies played a role in the development of the Australian Cattle Dog.OriginThe Koolie is also known as the German Koolie because the predecessors of the breed were brought to Australia by early German settlers. The German Koolie was used as an all-purpose working breed until the 1800s when one of them accidentally mated with a Dingo, the wild dog of Australia. The result of this mating was a short-coated working breed ideally suited to the hot climate in the Australian outback. The breed rapidly gained popularity after that point and was used to develop other Australian working breeds like the Australian Kelpie and the Australian Cattle Dog.Pedigree