New iPad & iPhone game app | The Crate Escape: Seamus Unleashed

You've probably heard the sad tale of Mitt Romney's dog, Seamus, who had to endure a 12 hour car ride strapped to the roof of the family station wagon. The poor guy vomited, was hosed off, and put back on his perilous perch for the remainder of the trip. Ay yi yi, amigos!

Now, Seamus is the hero of his own (free) iPhone/iPad game app, The Crate Escape: Seamus Unleashed. In Crate Escape, Seamus breaks out of his crate, avoids obstacles, grabs power-ups, energy boosters, and other rewards while chasing down rascally Romney. As you proceed through the game other political pet celebs (i.e. moi) can be unlocked to assist Seamus in his quest for vengeance.

Preview the new game app The Crate Escape: Seamus Unleashed

Hey, every dog has his day and Seamus more than earned his. Now let's start thinking about the next blockbuster mobile game app starring the sweetheart of the nation, that playful PWD, the Bo-ster with the mo-ster, ME!

In my app (which I hope is developed soon), I would like to be the President of Dog USA where I would look out for the 99%, re-establish the canine middle-class, redistribute the kibble wealth, and erect a temperature controlled doghouse on every lawn!

^{Bo Obama's Dog Blog source: PRNewswire}

New study reveals: Want healthier kids? Get a dog!

Finally, the weight kids need to tip the "Please can we get a pet?" scales in their favor!

A study published by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics followed 397 kids up to the age of one and found that those who lived in households with dogs suffered from 44% fewer ear infections, 31% fewer respiratory tract infections, and needed antibiotics less often than kids who were "dogless."

And what about those fuzzy furballs of the feline persuation? Cats also help strengthen kids' immune systems while providing hours of entertainment and purr-ific snuggle-fests. Cat owners are also 40% less likely to die from heart attacks.

Here's another bit of kibble to help flavor your winning "get a dog" argument - Research out of the University of California, San Francisco found that children in homes that have both dust and dogs are less likely to develop "respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of potentially severe cold-like illnesses." So, Mom...adopt a shelter puppy, dust less, and have healthier kids! It's a win-win-win proposition!

Now's the time, kids! Lure mom and pop over to the PC by telling them that you've just solved a math problem that has stumped mathematicians for years, then pull-up the Adoptable Animal Finder, and present them with the photo of the local shelter dog or cat that is sure to make your happy house a very happy home, and start your pitch!

Best of luck mi sin piel amigos!

^{Bo Obama's Dog Blog sources: ABC News, Huffington Post}

Slideshow | Pets in the Path of Hurricane Isaac

As Hurricane Isaac winds down and moves inland it leaves behind a path of flooded terrain and a million homes in Louisiana and Mississippi without power. My heart goes out to the residents of the Gulf Coast who had to endure yet another pummeling by Mother Nature exactly 7 years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Pets in the Path of Isaac from nancy-dogtime

 

As a result of Hurricane Katrina, the SPCA of Texas has a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the Lousiana SPCA and the Humane Society in Gulfport, Mississippi that provides for mutual assistance in the case of disasters such as Isaac. The two groups transferred a combined 181 pets (60 dogs + 121 cats) to the Texas shelter while the ASPCA delivered 27 dogs to the Humane Society of Broward County in Florida prior to Hurricane Isaac making landfall.

I send a big "Woof!" of thanks to our southern shelters and rescuers for taking care of all our furry (and not so furry) friends!

^{Bo Obama Dog Blog sources: My SanAntonio.com}

The Petties | Vote for 2012's Best Pet Blogs & Shelter Volunteer of the Year!

The Petties Awards Ceremony | September 7th @ 3 pm PST

Any tom, duck, or herring can jump on the Net and start a pet blog, but it takes an exceptional type of mortal to accurately and entertainingly scribe the scoop on me and my pals.

Thank heavens DogTime recognizes the level of talent and devotion required for this worthy endeavor and gives us all an opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of our preeminent critter columnists by way of their Petties Pet Blog Awards.

And the nominees for the 2012 Petties are...

 

Also known as the "Oscars of the pet blog community," this year's Petties' winners will receive a "Petties" statuette along with a $1,000 donation to the non-profit animal shelter or rescue of their choice! Voting closes Tuesday, July 31, 2012.

And dig this! DogTime Media has added a Shelter/Rescue Volunteer of the Year Award this year! Finally, a chance to spread a whole lot of love to one of many mortals who work tirelessly on behalf of homeless and abused pets  The winner will receive a "Petties" statuette and a $10,000 donation to the shelter or rescue of their choice. Nominations are now open!

Take a minute and scurry up to the Petties' page to vote for your favorite blogger and to nominate an unsung hero. Then, on Friday, September 7th, at 3 p.m. PST, grab your favorite (pet-safe) cinematic snacks, gather your wanna-be-wildebeests together, and tune in to the 2012 Petties broadcast online at http://petties.dogtime.com!

President Obama Hosts 4th Annual "Salute to the Military" on White House Lawn

This 4th of July, President Obama and the First Lady will celebrate by hosting their fourth annual "Salute to the Military" USO concert on the White House lawn.

Festivities include a barbecue, family games, "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band, a performance by Grammy award-winning country music artist Brad Paisley, and a stellar view of the fireworks on the National Mall.

A three-time Grammy Award - winner, Brad Paisley has had more than 20 singles at the top of the charts and been awarded 14 Country Music Association Awards including the 2010 “Entertainer of the Year.”

This year's jubilee is expected to draw 1,200 troops and families, and will be streamed live at: http://www.whitehouse.gov.

Salute to the Military | July 4th, 2011

 

I plan on sticking close to anyone under four feet tall in hopes that some delicious morsels slip off of their plates! How are you celebrating the anniversary of our Nation's independence this year?

Please, don't forget to keep your pets safe this July 4th: Pet Safety Tips for the 4th of July.

White House Celebrates Supreme Court's ObamaCare Decision!

There's a lot of hootin', hollerin', and fist bumpin' going on here at the big, white, house thanks to the Supreme Court's ruling to uphold Dad's Affordable Care Act.

I sure am proud of big BO today. I always knew Dad was on the right track but having the highest court in the land put their stamp of approval on Obamacare sure is nice.

I'd like to give a big bark out to Chief Justice Roberts for his bipartisan vote. You rock, sir!

I'm sending a special message skyward to my godfather, Senator Ted Kennedy - Congratulations Pops! We finally did it!! P.S. How's the sailing up there? I bet it's awesome!

Thanks Dad for your wisdom, perserverance, and for keeping our country's best interests your top priority. Next step, vet care for all pets! Now wouldn't that be something?

 

Nobody does a victory dance quite like you Big Dawg!

Bo Obama's letter to Betty White

This week I had the unexpected honor of meeting someone I've admired since pup-hood, the incomparable Betty White.

My heart went all-a-flutter as she gently touched my head. I was so overcome with emotion that all I could do was pant! Doggone it! There's so much I wanted to say...

My Dear Betty,

On behalf of all animals, furry and non-furry, I want to thank you for your steadfast devotion to helping us, defending us, and caring for those of us who have no home to call our own.

 

Your love and compassion for those who cannot speak for themselves has touched so many lives, including the humans who have become aware of our plight through watching and listening to you. 

Oh sweet Betty, if the eyes are the windows to our souls then your soul glows as bright as the sun, for the sparkle in your eyes reflects a bright and beaming spirit that brings joy to all who are lucky enough to bask in its glow, if only for a moment.

Your Faithful Furry Friend,

 

 

 

First Dog of the United States of America

My exclusive interview with President Abraham Lincoln

Bo: Mr. President, it's an honor and a privilege to be in your presence today.

Abe: I'm very pleased to be here, Bo. And please, call me Abe.

Bo: Abe, you are ranked as one of the top people (living or dead) whom folks would most like to meet. How do you feel about that?

Abe:  Why anyone would choose to while away their time with me rather than a fascinating fellow like Tommy Jefferson has me stumped. He's a lot smarter and a good deal prettier.

Bo: I think you sell yourself short, sir.

Abe: I'm a simple man who had no ambition so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem.

Bo: What role did animals play in your life?

Abe: I've felt a tenderness toward animals since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. As I matured, my appreciation of them, and my compassion for them, deepened. Though I must admit, upon my arrival to my heavenly home I was met by my old dog, Joe, who most generously forgave me for causing him pain during a foolhardy, youthful escapade with my step-brother. That experience caused me a great deal of guilt and I spent the rest of my earthly days an ardent advocate against the abuse of animals, not a popular sentiment in my time.

Bo: Did you have a preference for dogs or cats?

Abe: I was blessed to have the opportunity to care for an abundance of both during my life and found it impossible to turn my back on any animal in need. I returned baby birds to their nest, rescued a stranded pup from a frozen stream, sacrificed my one good suit to free a pig from a mud-hole and brought home countless dogs and cats who had no home of their own. But my wife, Mary, always said that cats and kittens were my "hobby."

Bo: Did you have a favorite pet?

Abe: I was always partial to our dog Fido. That dog followed me all over Springfield as I tended to business. He often carried papers for me and would even wait quietly outside the barber's shop while I got my weekly trim.

Bo: Did Fido accompany you to the White House?

Abe: Sadly, no. As the town folk celebrated my electoral victory it became apparent that Fido was terrified of loud sounds. That aversion coupled with his fear of trains had me worried that he would not survive the trip to our new home in Washington.

We found a family who promised to love and care for Fido and were agreeable to our stipulations that he be an indoor dog, allowed the run of the house and given special treats. We even gave them Fido's favorite horsehair sofa.

Bo: Mr. President, the time I've spent with you today has truly been a dream come true. Would you like to end the interview with a message to the American people?

Abe: I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.

^{Bo Obama's Dog Blog sources: Abraham Lincoln's Classroom, AnimalRescueOnline, BrainyQuote, Everything LIncoln, IllinoisTimes, The Abraham Lincoln Blog}

Valentine's Day Sweepstakes | Your pup + a shelter = Winners!

Want to spoil your pup with some some serious love this Valentine's Day and make a difference for dogs in need? Enter DogTime’s Valentine’s Day Sweepstakes to win a $500 gift card and a basket of Valentine’s Day goodies from Muttropolis! Plus, DogTime will make a donation of $500 to the shelter of the winner’s choice.

It's so easy — submit your entry starting today, Monday, January 23, 2012 at 12:01AM PST. Sweepstakes will close on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 12:01 PM PST.

Let all your friends know how they can show their love for pups by entering DogTime’s Valentine’s Day Sweepstakes!

Green goods for a smaller eco-pawprint

Well color me green and call me Leif! I've learned some disturbing facts about Mother Earth and the dire state of her health. Did you know that if the entire world lived like the average American, we’d need 5 planets to provide enough resources? And that recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees, 2 barrels of oil, 4,100 kilowatts of energy, 3.2 cubic  yards of landfill space and 60 pounds of air pollution? Mind-boggling, isn't it?

Buying pet supplies that are eco-friendly is one way to shrink your pet's ecological pawprint. To help you get started, I've listed some of my favorite eco-friendly products.

Aroma Paws Chemical Free Grooming & Lifestyle Pet Products
Aroma Paws offers all-natural luxury shampoos, vegan conditioners, organic washes, odor neutralizing solutions and soy candles All chemical free, eco-friendly, bio-degradable and safe on lawns. Shampoos available in 9 fragrances. Pet Secret Shopper Review

FUR+BODY Organic Petcare
Essential oils developed from a vegan, botanical platform; free from chemicals or harsh preservatives; packaged in fully recyclable bottles of 25% post-consumer resin and boxes produced from 65-85% post-consumer recycled materials. Made in the USA. Pet Secret Shopper Review

 

M&J Essentials Holistic Grooming Products
Grooming products free of sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, DEA and TEA. Packaged in reusable or recycled materials and bottles made with PCR (Post Consumer Regrind) plastic. M&J is family owned and made in the USA. Pet Secret Shopper Review

 

West Paw Design's Eco-Friendly Dog Toys
Made and manufactured locally, all products are created with minimal environmental impact. West Paw Design uses non-toxic, organic or recyclable materials and reduces waste by using as much raw product as possible. Pet Secret Shopper Review

Imperial Cat Scratch 'n Shapes
Corrugated cardboard scratcher/lounger combos comprised of 100% recycled materials & 100% recyclable. Comes with organic catnip. Available in more than 80 shapes. Made in the USA. Pet Secret Shopper Review

 

Modern Cat Studio's Bamboleos
Bamboleos (Spanish for rock, roll, and wobble) turn recycled wine corks into stylish cat toys. Handmade using natural cork, sturdy cotton twine, and felt endcaps stuffed with fine-grind organic catnip. The perfect size for chasing and carrying, plus the corks give them a little bounce. Pet Secret Shopper Review

Planet Dog Wood Chuck Orbee-Tuff RecycleBALL
The Wood Chuck" is made from recycled cork scraps and the RecycleBALL is made from "regrind" - 100% 1st quality Orbee-Tuff® material that would otherwise be discarded. Pet Secret Shopper Review

 

 

Canine Caviar Venison Antlers
Eco friendly and long lasting dental chews. Canine Caviar Venison Antlers are cut from seasonally shed racks that are naturally dropped in Oregon’s forest. Long lasting chews that help maintain dental health and are a great source of chondroiton sulfate which aids in maintaining hip and joint health. Pet Secret Shopper Review

Onesta Organics
Onesta Organics’ pet treats are whole-food based, handmade, raw dehydrated meat, all-natural and certified organic. Family owned and operated, Onesta Organics is the first both certified organic and Green America-approved pet food manufacturer in the USA. Pet Secret Shopper Review

Shake A Paw Greetings
The Shake a Paw Greeting's team are expanding their relationships with local farmers, using more organic ingredients and sourcing supplies as close to home as possible. The product packaging is entirely recyclable. They compost, recycle and strive to be more water and energy efficient. Pet Secret Shopper Review

Arm & Hammer Essentials Clumping Cat Litter
Formulated with a blend of 100% natural corn fibers that combine with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda for instant, natural, odor elimination. Same number of uses as clumping clay litter but half the weight. Pet Secret Shopper Review

Farm Dog Natural Wellness Products
98% of all Farm Dog product ingredients and packaging are sourced within the USA (mainly Elmwood, TN). They support small farms and sustainable sources first and Farm Dog's Full Circle Program encourages consumers to return used Farm Dog product packaging so that it can be used again. Pet Secret Shopper Review

Fur-Zoff Pet Hair Remover
Removes pet hair from carpet and fabrics with a light, sweeping motion. Fur-Zoff is made from 90% post-consumer recycled materials (the stuff you put into your curbside recycling box). It’s also hypoallergenic and odor free. Pet Secret Shopper Review

Olive Green Goods
Olive Green Goods offers environmentally-friendly products that are toxin and carcinogen free and as safe for the humans in your home as they are for your canine companions. All orders ship in low-impact packaging, from recycled boxes to biodegradable packing peanuts. Pet Secret Shopper Review

 

The learn more about your pet's eco-pawprint and what you can do to reduce it, check-out my Ecological Pawprint Chart.

^{Bo Obama Dog Blog sources - PetSecretShopper.com,  WebEcoist}