Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts

Here's a great visual that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it interesting! –Kim

38 Benefits of Owning a Dog

Click Center of Graphic to Enlarge (PDF)

Click to Enlarge (PDF)

• Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Rescue Dog
• The Best Decision You'll Ever Make
• Who Rescued Who?
• Shelter Dogs are Best
• If I Didn't Have a Dog...
• Lucky Dogs, Cool Cats, Happy Owners Can Come of Shelters
• 10 Compelling Reasons to Add a Shelter Dog to Your Life
• Canines Contribute to Long-term Care of Wounded War Veterans
• Companions to Wounded Veterans
• Seniors Benefit from Shelter Dogs
• A Pointer Named Cheyenne
• I Rescued a Human Today
• Adopt from a Local Rescue or Shelter

Here's a great money-saver I thought I would pass on...hope you find it helpful! –Kim

Easy-to-Make Dog Toys

Want to create easy to make dog toys that your pooch will love? It's simple! With some materials that you can find around your house or buy in the craft store, you can make dog toys that will provide your furry friend with hours of entertainment – and you don't have to be Martha Stewart to do it.

We all want our dogs to have the best dog toys, but have you ever felt that those expensive pet store toys just don't hold up to your little Buddy's gnawing, tugging, biting and chewing?

What fun is it to buy your dog a toy, only to find scraps of fuzz and bits of plastic scattered around the house a couple of days later?

Fortunately, dogs don't care about the cost of a gift or whether it was bought at a chic doggy boutique. All they care about is whether they can have fun with it! With the easy-to-make dog toys below, you will definitely be a hero in your pooch's eyes!

Safety First

When making your own dog toys, be sure to follow these safety tips:

• Be sure the toy is durable enough to stand up to your dog's chewing strength and level of play.
• Be sure that any squeakers are safely concealed within the toy.
• Avoid squeakers and stuffing altogether if your dog likes to rip apart his toys.
• Steer clear of using any choking hazards in your toys, such as string, ribbons or buttons.
• Always supervise your dog to make sure he will not destroy the toy
• Be watchful for any torn, shredded or broken parts and remove the toy immediately if there are any.

"Recipes" for Easy-to-Make Dog Toys

"Sock Full 'o Balls"

1. Stuff 2 tennis balls into a large, clean gym sock.
2. Tie a knot in the sock just above the balls, so they are tightly secured in the foot of the sock.
3. For added amusement, use tennis balls with squeakers or bells inside.
4. Watch your dog have fun grabbing the sock and shaking the balls!

Simple Rope Toy

1. Begin with a sturdy piece of rope about 12" long.
2. Tie a knot at each end of the rope.
3. If you want to be eco-friendly, use hemp for the rope!

Simple and fun!

"Rope-a-Dope"

1. Choose a sturdy rope made of tightly braided material.
2. Wrap the rope around a tennis ball until the ball is fully encased in the rope, leaving a "tail" of about 16" of rope.
3. Loop the end of the rope and tie a sturdy not, creating a "handle" about 4" in diameter and leaving about 12" of rope between the tennis ball and the knot of the handle.

This makes a great tug toy!

Mama's Little Helper

1. Start with a nice, soft fabric, such as fleece, velour, crushed velvet or faux fur.
2. Choose the desired size of the toy, depending upon the size of your dog.
3. Cut the fabric into a two equal shapes (simple shapes such as a bone, heart or gingerbread man work well).
4. Sew the two shapes together, leaving an opening for stuffing.
5. Stuff with soft material and, if your dog will not rip the toy apart, include a squeaker.
6. Sew the remainder of the toy together.
7. If you know how, you can even embroider a message onto the toy, such as "love" or "fetch".

Voila! Your dog will have a soft, comforting toy to cuddle with when he's not cuddling with you!

You could also substitute a stronger fabric such as denim or canvas.

NOTE: This toy is not for strong chewers or dogs that like to rip their toys apart!

Tennis Ball Tug Toy

1. Drill a hole through a tennis ball.
2. Thread a rope about 12" long through the ball.
3. Tie the ends of the rope into a sturdy knot.

Great for "tug 'o war"!

If you want a great selection of fun fabrics for your easy to make dog toys, visit Fabric.com
 .
And if your dog loves more complex, "brain teaser" toys, be sure to check out our page on dog puzzle toys. We also have a list of special suggestions for site-impaired dogs on our toys for blind dogs page.

Source: The Happy Dog Spot

• The Best Dog Toys: Tips for Fun, Safe Entertainment for Your Pooch
• BPA & BPS Chemicals Leak from Plastic Training Toys
• Toys for Your Dog that are Safe and Fun
• Toys for Blind Dogs
  

Here's a really cute video that I thought I would pass on... –Kim

Can't move! We're stuck!

Here's a really cute video that I thought I would pass on. –Kim

Bathtime Fun! Super Cute

Here's another cute video that I thought I would pass on for Christmas. –Kim

Puppy Christmas

Here's a cute video that I thought I would pass on. Share this with the kids! –Kim

VeggieTales:
The Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps

Here are a couple really funny cartoons that I thought I would pass on! –Kim

Very Funny!

Can you relate to this?...

Here's a fun article that I thought I would pass on... –Kim

How to Win a Dog Costume Contest

"Hero"

Goblins and ghoulies, candy corn and cornstalks, doggie costume contests and parades: It's time for dogs to get a scary groove on and don the Halloween garb.

Did you ever dream of having your dog win a prize in the local parade, online photo contest, or pet event? I've judged and entered dozens of dog Halloween costume contests, so I know there are throngs of dog lovers, myself included, who love dressing their canines in spooky, fun, and festive attire each Halloween season.

This cute dog "milks" the competition

If Fido is wearing a costume, make sure he likes it, that it's comfortable, and that he is familiar with walking in it. Never make a dog dress up if the dog is not happy about it. One sure way to lose is a contest is to put a dog in a costume where he is unhappy, uncomfortable and just generally not pleased with the situation. My dog wears clothes and is used to it, so this was an easy transition for me. My previous Cocker Spaniel was a year-round clothes wearer for the nearly 15 years she shared this life with me.

Here are the top 10 things I've learned (as judge and contest winner) to help your canine win.

1. Try a concept costume

Modify a human concept costume so that Fido gets in on the festive conversation-starting fun. A concept costume is the type that makes people think and perhaps even speak it aloud, to "get it." Take a pun and maximize it.

For example, I won first place at two events to benefit rescue last year with my dog Dexter's costume. Check out the photo below and try to figure out what he is before scrolling down. Note the elements of the costume to guide you in figuring it out.

Can you guess what Dexter is?

It's no secret I named my little guy after the series and books of the same name (Dexter), so how apropos to make him a "cereal killer."

See the bloodied plastic spoons and knives? How about the small boxes of cereal? He was, of course, "a serial killer." The cost for this costume, by the way, was $14.99. Plus, Dexter now lives on in Facebook/Internet infamy, so how fun is that!? (Stay tuned for his costume this year – spoiler alert.)

Ideas: Candy wrapper: Dress Fido in a dog-friendly t-shirt, glue a variety of candy bar wrappers on the outside and bling a dog out with gold-tone beads. There you have a "candy (w)rapper." Got the idea? One caveat: Don't make it too difficult to figure out.

2. Go opposite; go in a group

Ever see a dog dressed as a squirrel? A dog dressed as a cat? People love opposites, and by "people" I also mean judges.

So this might be nutty, but it's darned cute, too.

Team up with fur-ends and pull your dogs together in pursuit of the prize. For me, it's usually not about the loot but having fun with everyone and celebrating smiles doggie style. Some ideas include Wizard of Oz, pack of football players and cheerleader, and again, take the pun concept to a group level. Dress all the dogs in a shade of green and show up as (drumroll), "Gang Green!" Dress a group of dogs up with a number appearing on the backs of each of their costumes. One dog gets dressed as a sheep. As a result, you've got (ready for it?): "counting sheep!"

Go, Team Canine, Go!

3. Ripped From the Headlines

Take a news story and turn it into a costume. Remember the swine flu scare from a few years back? Dog Mom Judy Fridono came up with "Swine Floozie!!!" How hysterical is this:

Swine Fluzie, anyone?

It's an election year, so you can always enter a contest as President Obama and first dog, Bo. Be certain the contest criteria has a dog-owner costume category.

4. Mimic pop culture

Who is hip and in and would make a clever costume? I met this gang at a Halloween costume contest in 2010 and they dressed their Chihuahuas as members of the Jersey Shore television show (with the owner resembling Mike "The Situation"). They won first place. Or check out Michael "Cocker" Jackson from Patty Troup. Love the glove!

We got a "Situation" with the Jersey Shore cast here.

No need to "beat it," this Cocker gives us a "Thriller"

5. Modify a kids' costume

When my dog was a pirate for Halloween, I cut and modified a child's size pirate costume and added a parrot purchased at Party City for $5.99. I super-glued that on and she was the most unique pirate in the parade. This is my late dog, Brandy, eternally missed.

The one who got away...

6. Go as a dynamic duo

Dressing with your dog theme-wise – this can go either way; if your dog has a caveman costume and you are the cave woman, that is way cute. Stage moms and dads beware, these contests are for the dogs. Complement the dog's costume, don't overshadow it.

7. Comfort and enjoyment

Your dog needs to enjoy it and not look uncomfortable – the people constantly adjusting something Fido clearly isn't happy in won't (and shouldn't) catch the judges eyes or votes.

8. Add music

When my Brandy was a clown, I added balloons and played "It's a Small World" on a tape recorder I held in my pocket (yes, the tape recorder days). She won first place, and there were several clowns there.

9. Modify dog clothing

I used a dog's polo shirt I found at a pet supply store for $6.99 and used it as a base for Dexter's "cereal killer" costume.

Ch-ch-ch-Chia (pet, that is)

10. Improve a Current Costume

Take a familiar costume and improve it: Clown costume with a makeshift boa; witch costume and when you walk by the judges, spooky cackling sounds emit from a tape recorder in your pocket.

Bonus tip:

Let the costume speak for itself: If I can't tell what it is when I look at your dog (or with a little thought), it isn't good costume fodder. Don't tell me "Now this glitter represents the galaxy and my dog is a star in it."

As promised, here's Dexter in his costume this year. I never enter for the prizes and always donate them to someone else in the parade. I just love being creative. Any guesses?

What is Dexter this year?

Source: https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-halloween-costume-contest

How cute! –Kim

Puppy Easter

A couple of fun videos... –Kim

Here are some sweet pictures that I thought I would pass on... –Kim

Best Friends Forever

Here's a really humorous letter that I think you'll enjoy... –Kim

Harboring an Unlicensed Dog

In 1951, E.B. White — the novelist responsible for, most notably, Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little — was accused by the ASPCA of not paying his dog tax and, as a result, "harboring" an unlicensed dog. He responded by way of the following delightful letter.

Source: Letters of a Nation; Image: E.B. White with his dachshund, Minnie, via Mister Crew.

12 April 1951

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
York Avenue and East 92nd Street
New York, 28, NY

Dear Sirs:

I have your letter, undated, saying that I am harboring an unlicensed dog in violation of the law. If by "harboring" you mean getting up two or three times every night to pull Minnie's blanket up over her, I am harboring a dog all right. The blanket keeps slipping off. I suppose you are wondering by now why I don't get her a sweater instead. That's a joke on you. She has a knitted sweater, but she doesn't like to wear it for sleeping; her legs are so short they work out of a sweater and her toenails get caught in the mesh, and this disturbs her rest. If Minnie doesn't get her rest, she feels it right away. I do myself, and of course with this night duty of mine, the way the blanket slips and all, I haven't had any real rest in years. Minnie is twelve.

In spite of what your inspector reported, she has a license. She is licensed in the State of Maine as an unspayed bitch, or what is more commonly called an "unspaded" bitch. She wears her metal license tag but I must say I don't particularly care for it, as it is in the shape of a hydrant, which seems to me a feeble gag, besides being pointless in the case of a female. It is hard to believe that any state in the Union would circulate a gag like that and make people pay money for it, but Maine is always thinking of something. Maine puts up roadside crosses along the highways to mark the spots where people have lost their lives in motor accidents, so the highways are beginning to take on the appearance of a cemetery, and motoring in Maine has become a solemn experience, when one thinks mostly about death. I was driving along a road near Kittery the other day thinking about death and all of a sudden I heard the spring peepers. That changed me right away and I suddenly thought about life. It was the nicest feeling.

You asked about Minnie's name, sex, breed, and phone number. She doesn't answer the phone. She is a dachshund and can't reach it, but she wouldn't answer it even if she could, as she has no interest in outside calls. I did have a dachshund once, a male, who was interested in the telephone, and who got a great many calls, but Fred was an exceptional dog (his name was Fred) and I can't think of anything offhand that he wasn't interested in. The telephone was only one of a thousand things. He loved life — that is, he loved life if by "life" you mean "trouble," and of course the phone is almost synonymous with trouble. Minnie loves life, too, but her idea of life is a warm bed, preferably with an electric pad, and a friend in bed with her, and plenty of shut-eye, night and days. She's almost twelve. I guess I've already mentioned that. I got her from Dr. Clarence Little in 1939. He was using dachshunds in his cancer-research experiments (that was before Winchell was running the thing) and he had a couple of extra puppies, so I wheedled Minnie out of him. She later had puppies by her own father, at Dr. Little's request. What do you think about that for a scandal? I know what Fred thought about it. He was some put out.

Sincerely yours,
E.B. White

Source: http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/02/she-doesnt-answer-phone.html

Here's a great recipe that I thought I would pass on...hope your family pal enjoys this! –Kim

Peanut Butter Valentine Doggie Biscuits
Ingredients:
3 tbsp. peanut butter
1/2 cup flax oil
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup cornmeal
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Beat together peanut butter and eggs, then beat in oil and water.
Thoroughly mix flour, oats and cornmeal separately. Add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and blend well to form a dough.
Roll out the dough to approx. 1/4 inch thickness and cut into heart shapes, or just slice them into heart shapes for your doggie valentine.
Place on lightly greased cookie sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch between biscuits. Bake for 20 minutes until browned.
P.S. If you'd rather not bake, you can always buy something. My supplements are seen by many pets as a treat, and are helping in many common diseases.
Best Wishes and Happy Baking!
Dr. Andrew Jones

Source: http://www.theonlinevet.com/
Copyright 2012 Four Paws Online Ltd.

Here's a really cute video that I thought I would pass on... –Kim

Static Dog

Here's a great resource that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it lots of fun! –Kim

Free Pumpkin-Carving Stencils of Favorite Dog Breeds

• A Dog and His Pumpkin
• It's That Time of the Year Again...
• Cool Pumpkins! (video)

Here's a cute post I'm sure you'll find entertaining! –Kim

Bizarre New Dog Breeds (Humor)
By: Maria Goodavage

• They crossed a Collie and a Lhasa Apso. The new breed is a Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport.
• They crossed a Spitz and a Chow-Chow. The new breed is a Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot.
• They crossed a Pekingese and a Lhasa Apso. The new breed is Peekasso, an abstract dog.
• They crossed a Labrador Retriever and a Curly Coated Retriever. The new breed is a Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of laboratory researchers.
• They crossed a Pointer and a Setter. The new breed is a Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet.
• They crossed a Irish Water Spaniel and a English Springer Spaniel. The new breed is a Irish Springer, a dog that's fresh and clean.
• They crossed a Newfoundland and a Basset Hound. The new breed is a Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors.
• They crossed a Bloodhound and a Labrador. The new breed is a Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly.
• They crossed a Malamute and a Pointer. The new breed is a Moot Point, owned by...oh, well, it doesn't really matter.
• They crossed a Collie and a Malamute. The new breed is a Commute, a dog that travels to work.
• They crossed a Deerhound and a Terrier. The new breed is a Derriere, a dog that's true to the end.
• They crossed a Bull Terrier and a ShihTzu. The new breed is a...uhh, I'll get back to you on that....

Source: http://dogblog.dogster.com/2011/07/22/bizarre-new-dog-breeds/

Here are a couple of really cute videos that I thought I would pass on... –Kim

Puppy Fakes Her Own Death while Playing
Wow, what an actress!

Which is the Guilty Dog?
This is just too cute!

Here are some more great videos by trainer Heather & the amazing Jesse! –Kim

How to Teach your Dog to Catch a Frisbee^®

• Just Jesse Blog
• Amazing Dog Tricks

Here are some great pix! –Kim

Pet BabySitter Photos... PRICELESS!!!

Source: http://go.funpic.hu