2011 Petties Awards | Vote for your favorite pet blogs thru July 29th

 
And the winners are...shoot, even with all my highfalutin connections I haven't a clue as to who will walk away with the coveted Petties statuettes tucked in their treat totes at this years Petties Awards ceremony.

However, my men in black have informed me that DogTime's Petties Awards are the only awards nominated by, voted for, and presented to individuals in the pet blogging community. Gotta love that! Who could better appreciate the blood, drool and whiskers it takes to put together a first class post than those who actually "get" what you do and the reason that you do it?

Now's your chance to spread a little critter luvin' to those hard working pet bloggers who share your passion for pets. You have until July 29th to submit your vote for your favorite blogs in 8 categories:

• Best Dog Blog
• Best Cat Blog
• Best Cause-Related Blog
• Best Overall Pet Blog
• Best Designed Blog
• Best Individual Blog Post
• Best Social Integration Blog
• Funniest Blog or Blogger

And the gravy on this kibble-kool contest? The winners are honored with a $1000 donation to the shelter of their choice! 8 winners = $8,000 to dogs in need. Hot dog!

The Petties ceremony  will be broadcast via YouTube on August 26th.

Earn some kritter karma points by giving a shout-out to your favorite pet bloggers and vote! Be sure to pass the link along to your crew, they'll appreciate the good vibes they'll get from participating in a worthy cause.

 

It's Take Your Dog to Work Day! Does your boss know the benefits?

 
Yay! It's Take Your Dog to Work Day! I'm lucky, like many presidential pooches I get to go to work with my dad all the time. How does your boss feel about dogs in the office?  

If you don't currently work in a dog-friendly office, make sure your boss knows the facts:

• By including that you are a "dog-friendly" workplace in your help wanted ads, you can increase both the number and quality of applicants who apply
• Employees who bring their dogs to work are less likely to leave
• Employees are more likely to work late to finish projects if they don't have to run home to feed and walk Fido
• Even non-dog owning employees enjoy the relaxed atmosphere created by having dogs in the office

Do you take your dog to work?

Always

Once in a while

No, it would be too distracting

No, it's not allowed

or View Results

Send your boss a link to this post along with a photo of your adorable pup giving his or her best sad-eyed puppy look. You never know, today might be the day the boss finally caves in and makes your workplace a dog-friendly one!

^{Bo Obama's Dog Blog sources: USA Today}

Dogs dig summer! Top 5 list of warm weather endeavors for you and your pup

 

Surf and turf 

It may not be every dog's cup of gravy but some of us just can't get enough time in the water. Whether it be a pool, the ocean, or a lake, just throw out a floating chew toy and I'm there buddy. For my land-loving cousins, just running up and down the beach or shoreline can be a gas! And, while I prefer to frolic for fun, watching a dock diving competition sure makes for some great entertainment. Those dogs rock!

Salt water can make us pups sick and if consumed in large quantities, it can even be fatal. When preparing for a trip to the beach, be sure to pack plenty of fresh water for the dogs and yourself.

Pitch-a-pup-tent

Bugs, varmints, roasted wienies coated with a sumptuous layer of dirt mixed with ash and howling to Kumbaya while sitting with my peeps around a campfire, what's not to love about camping? Including us on their camping ventures is crucial to our human's safety since we can protect them...okay...at least warn them of impending danger.

Keep the chocolate bars you packed for s'mores out of our reach. And don't forget to pack the doggy first aid kit and some extra blankets. We get cold too!

Get your tail on the trail

I love to be outside with my family and can't wait 'til we're able to travel and explore some dog-friendly hiking trails. Having an endless supply of trees to smell and mark would be a dream come true!

Treat us for fleas, ticks and heart-worms before we go. If your pup isn't used to long hikes, start out with some short practice hikes building up to longer hikes gradually.

Jump through hoops

You don't have to be a professional to show off your best agility moves. Any dog can do it! Have your family set-up some obstacles for you to maneuver in your backyard. No need for fancy equipment, they can use what they have around the house (a broom between two chairs makes a great hurdle). 

Do agility on a grassy or padded surface only since blacktop or concrete can hurt us. And by all means keep things fun and use lots of positive reinforcement (treats are good!)

Bow-Wow BBQ and Puppy Pool Party

Have all of your doggy dawgs and their humans over for a summer soiree. The peeps can grill and chill while you and your crew raise the woof! Have the parental units put out some chew toys, tug toys, fetch toys, balls and a kiddie pool where you can cool off after an intense tug-of-war session.

The kiddie pool will provide plenty of fresh water for your party animals and having an abundance of treats and toys available will go a long way in avoiding territorial squabbles.

Resources

• BBQ Doggie Delight recipe
• CPR for dogs
• Do-it-yourself dog agility course
• Dock diving schedule of events
• Dog travel and camping gear product reviews
• Fighting and preventing flea, tick and heartworm
• How to throw a dog party
• Kumbaya lyrics
• Parasite prevention
• Pet-friendly campgrounds in the USA
• Seven dog symptoms you should not ignore
• Top 10 dog friendly beaches 
• Top 10 dog friendly hiking trails in the USA
• US Dog Agility Association (USDAA)
• "Who Let the Dogs Out" MP3 download (for Bow-Wow BBQ)
• YouTube video: How to teach your dog to jump

The ABC's of Cat Adoption for National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

 

In honor of National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, I'm shining the spotlight on our fur-less caretaker's other favorite companion, cats. I think the little guys are cute and am considering adopting one myself (hopefully neither of the girls are allergic to cat dander).

With approximately 6 to 8 million dogs and cats entering shelters ever year, I think it's important to go over the ABC's of cat adoption before adding a feline to your family unit. 

 
What better way to do your part in making the world a better place then by saving a life? Adopting a pet from a shelter does just that. Cats thrive in loving homes and will fascinate and amuse with their antics and superior intelligence (say what?!).

I've heard many a human declare that their cat understands them on a deeper plane than any human they know. I've also heard them repeat the phrase, "Dogs have owners while cats have staff."

 
Are you really prepared to be a responsible cat parent? Caring for your new cat involves more than love and attention (though both are essential). You also have a financial responsibility to provide your fur-child with healthy food, medical care, toys, kitty litter and other supplies.

And, while cats are less demanding then dogs when it comes to exercise and grooming, their care will take time. Make sure there's room in your schedule and your budget for kitty's care before adopting.

 
When you adopt, you are making a commitment to that cat or kitten to do everything within your power to make things work. There's no giving up if the reality of cat ownership is a little different then you had imagined.

With a lot of love and patience, your new pet can be trained to mind the house-rules. Keep in mind that kitty wants this to work just as much as you do...probably more! Your mindset should be that adoption is for life.

Research everything involved in cat care and consider how your cat will fit in to any future lifestyle changes (like having a baby), before adopting. Cats can bring a fun new dimension to a formerly cat-less household.

Sharing your life with a cat will bring joy to your heart, love to your life and a smile to your face!



Top 10 reasons why cats end up in shelters

1. Too many in house
2. Allergies
3. Moving
4. Cost of pet maintenance
5. Landlord issues
6. No homes for litter-mates
7. House soiling
8. Personal problems
9. Inadequate facilities
10. Doesn’t get along with other pets

Resources

• Save a Cat - Pictures and profiles of homeless cats by zip code
• Cost of caring for a cat
• Cat supplies you'll need
• iPhone apps for pet owners
• Pet Insurance Center
• Cat supply product reviews

^{Bo Obama Dog Blog sources: About.com, National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy}

Bo gets acquainted with California's First Dog, Sutter Brown

California's First Dog, Sutter Brown, seems to be a bit of alright. I've been getting to know the little Corgi through various puppy press articles as well as his Twitter and Facebook pages, and I must say, I like S-Dawg's style.

Here's what I've learned about Sutter:

Sutter is so doggone smart that his pop, the Guv, offered to send him in his stead for a debate with Republican, Grover Norquist in March. I'd sure like to debate for my dad! Know any good translators, Sutter? 

He's motivated by food, the smell of food, the possibility of food, and reporters (who are a food group all their own - right bud?)

He already has admirers trained to carry liver treats with them in the event there is a Sutter siting. Very nicely done, dawg!

He's using his cuteness and herding instinct to bring Republicans and Democrats together. Forget tea with the Queen dude, let's you and I do lunch and chat. Between the two of us, we may be able to achieve world peace.

And Sutter's no slacker, on the contrary, he's using his celebrity status to help make the world a better place by donating sales from his "I am @SutterBrown" merchandise on CafePress.com to California's general fund. You truly rock cuz!

I officially award Governor Brown and the First Lady 200 Karma Kibbles for setting a good example by adopting a pup with no home to call his own. Sutter also earns 200 Karma Kibbles for sending out a Tweet on behalf of a fellow homeless Corgi.

And Sutter, you can spread some of that Corgi lovin' to more of our cousins by hooking-up with me over on the Save a Dog and Save a Cat Facebook applications. I'll show you how to help raise money for homeless pets while having fun! No joke! 

Here's the lowdown - you earn points by virtualing fostering a dog or cat, walking them, petting them, scheduling playdates with friends, etc. And for every 2,500 points you earn, money is donated to RescueGroups.org. How cool is that?!

Sutter's Rap 

My buddy Sutter is smoother than butter

He's cute and petite, with tiny little feet

He knows pet adoption is the only option

For peeps who need a pet to feed!

 Take care and stay in touch S-dawg!

 ^{Bo Obama's Dog Blog sources: Duck Soup, Café Press, L.A. Unleashed, Los Angeles Times, Sutter Brown on Facebook, @SutterBrown on Twitter}

Bo celebrates National Kite & Poetry Month with his "Ode to Kites"

 

Found my smile, thought I’d lost it

Been a tough week

Too much to process

 

Better times, brighter days

One glimpse of you

My troubles fade

 

To leap, to jump, to run amuck

With you in tow

Just don’t get stuck

 

My soul takes wing, my spirit flight

Quite a feat

For a little kite!

 

The further you sail away from me

My smile grows

My worries flee

 

Quiet collector, hoarder of string

A glutton for twine

You’re a marvelous thing!

 

I’ll gladly pay you in cotton or nylon

All you can swallow

Your fee is a bargain

 

But don't forget, as I reel you in

To grab a puff

Of optimism

 

Pluck it from the happiest cloud

The one whose laugh

Is jolly and loud

 

Your gift will keep my burdens light

As home we pedal

Me and my kite

 

^{Bo Obama's Dog Blog: Poets.org, National Kite Month}

Betty White will match donations to GDB | Watch Betty's GDB video

 
What a gal! I love watching reruns of Golden Girls, Mary Tyler Moore and even Password where Betty played brilliantly under the supervision of game show host and husband, Allen Ludden. And did you see her host SNL? What a hoot!

But my favorite Betty White role is the part she plays as an advocate for animals all over the world. Her heart knows no boundaries when it comes to the welfare of animals and, if you donate to Guide Dogs for the Blind through May 2nd, Betty will match your donation (up to $60,000)! 

Guide Dogs for the Blind trains dogs and matches them with people who are blind or visually impaired, free of charge. So give what you can, you're contribution will go a long way in helping to change lives.

 

This month Betty White will be honored by Actors and Others for Animals who will present her with the first "Betty White Inspirational Award," which honors "individuals who have inspired public awareness and appreciation of animals and their need for protection and care." Hurray for Betty!

Bo exposes Zuckerberg hoax | Reveals true wizard behind Facebook curtain

Beast Zuckerberg launched his Facebook page this month confirming what I already suspected - the real face behind the Facebook empire is furry (and I don't mean the 5 o'clock shadow kind of furry). No offense folks, but Facebook is way too great an idea not to have sprung from the mind of a dog. 

Now, Beast looks like he has plenty of cool-dog potential, but I thought it wise to enlist the services of the Men in Black to see if there were any skeletons in his closet. 

Here's what they found:

Beast loves his parents, Mark and Priscilla, and they love him back (they prove it by giving him plenty of treats and lots of cuddling)

Beast likes messing with his humans by pooing on their nice, white carpet (manipulation of one's parental units is a clear sign of superior intelligence)

Beast is NOT a member of the life saving Facebook applications Save a Dog or Save a Cat

What up dawg? Save a Dog and Save a Cat are part of your virtual Facebook kingdom! The homeless pups, kitties and their furless supporters would really like to feel some love from the Wizard.

Don't be a Puli-punk, Beast! Hop on your Mellow Lick Toad and pay them a visit. If the Toad is in the shop, try clicking your ruby doggy dishes together three times while chanting, "All pets need a home, all pets need a home, all pets need a home."

If you agree that Beast Zuckerberg would make a first-rate mentor to the adoptable pets on Save a Dog and Save a Cat, show your support by visiting Bo Obama's Dog Facebook page and "liking" my link to this post. 

And Beast, if you're tuned in, give me a shout-out by leaving me a comment. I'd be happy to take you under my PWD wing and give you a few pointers on how to awaken the cool-dog in you!

  

Bo lists 5 ways to help Japan's animals & shares "Help" video

 

 
The power of our planet leaves me both awestruck and bewildered. My once pleasant dreams of treats raining from the sky and fire hydrants bigger than the Empire State Building are now haunted by images of destruction and despair. 

Occasionally, the heaviness is lifted from my slumbering heart as I catch glimpses of humans who, though stripped of all worldly possessions, don huge, infectious smiles as they are reunited with beloved pets they thought certain had perished. 

For those of you who like me have been profoundly touched by the tragedy in Japan and would like to help, I offer you 5 donation opportunities:  

Animal Refuge Konsai (ARK)

ARK will accept as many animals as possible, those made homeless from the TOHOKU-PACIFIC earthquake and tsunami which occurred on 11th March. Any donations will be used for the animals made homeless in this terrible disaster.

Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue Support Group

Like our individual groups, our collaboration will be staunchly no-kill. Any funds donated will be strictly and explicitly reported as well as expenses. Money and resources will be used strictly for rescue, care and support of animals in crisis due to the earthquake and tsunami. And while I first imagined cats and dogs, we can not yet know what animals beyond that we will be in a position to help.

WorldVets

In response to the recent earthquake and tsunami, WorldVets has reached out to the veterinary community in Japan, specifically in Sendai – an area affected by the tsunami where animals are reported to be isolated and injured. Working with a large coalition of Japanese animal welfare groups and international aid organizations, World Vets has already deployed a first responder assessment team and is currently mobilizing their resources to setup ongoing support activities.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)

Working with the Animal Disaster Response Team (a coalition of animal organizations, including our partner the Japanese Animal Welfare Society), the government and local experts on the ground we've developed a detailed disaster plan that will support animals in the disaster zone for the next three months but we need to raise $150,000 (USD) to make sure that every animal gets the care they need. 

 

Japan Cat Network

We are currently working with two other no-kill organizations on plans to get animals to safety, and have begun to help people with pets in crisis. We need volunteers willing to provide foster care, animal transport, expanded shelter capacity, and funds or materials for rescue/rehabilitation.

Bo befriends Secret Shopper | shares list of favorite pet product reviews

 

I received a surprising call from DogTime.com's Secret Shopper last week, asking for the name of my favorite dog shampoo. She told me I was one of her favorite celebrities and that she wanted to review the shampoo for her pet product review blog. Her attempts to woo me with compliments did not fall on deaf doggy ears.

However, that information is classified so I had the men in black start a trace on the call and do a little background checking before I divulged information that could potentially jeopardize our national security. Once the Secret Shopper had cleared her security check, I revealed to her that the shampoo I favor is one "my people" purchased for me the last time I was in Hawaii, Lanikai Poi Dog Island Mango.  

I found the Secret Shopper to be quite affable and wicked-funny. She directed me to her blog where I perused her reviews and made note of the products I would like to try myself. I've shared my list, along with a link to her Poi Dog review, below:

Lanikai Poi Dog Island Mango Dog Shampoo

Last time I was in Hawaii it rained for a week. Not being able to run on the beach was such a doggy downer and to make matters worse, I aquired that wet-dog smell that seriously undermined my cuddly puppy appeal. I sent my handlers out in search of a spa-quality shampoo and they returned with a bottle of Poi Dog from Lanikai Bath and Body. Man-oh-man, my cuddle quotient soared off the chart post Poi-Dog-bath!

 
Castor & Pollux Good Buddy Dog Cookies

I heard it through the grapevine that the Castor & Pollux Good Buddy treats are to die for. I've actually nibbled kibble with Kaya, the very hot Samoyed featured in this Secret Shopper review, and she tells me that the peanut butter flavor cookies are the dog's pajamas!

  
Real Dogs & Real Cats Personalized Wines

Occassionaly Mom and Dad need their "alone" time and I've caught them flirting with each other over a bottle of vino more than once. According the Secret Shopper's review, this wine not only tastes good, I can also have my own photo put on the label with a catchy caption. April Fool's Day is just around the corner, maybe I'll get a bottle of Real Dog wine with my photo on the label and tell Dad I got hold of his credit card and bought a vineyard! LOL!

 

Dr. Harvey's Sweet Potate'r Chews

I really want to try these babies. The Secret Shopper says they're "packed with fiber and nutrients." And my Bulldog buddy Buzz says the flavor is like a dog party in your mouth. I love parties! 

 

iStyle Doggiewear | T-shirts with attitude

I have so much to bark about but ya'll seem to have cotton in your ears cuz you just don't seem to get it. Finally, iStyle has come up with an elocution solution! I'll be catching the next train out of Frustration Station just as soon as I receive my "iRock" t-shirt. Dig it baby?

You can check-out more reviews on the Secret Shopper's blog; follow the Secret Shopper on Twitter; and browse through past reviews on the Secret Shopper's Facebook page. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.