Happy Holidays from Polka Dot Pup

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
from Vixen and the Polka Dot Pup Crew

We hope that Santa Paws brought you bowls full of doggie delights!

Iggy Takes Over Top 50

As 2007 comes to a close, it's always good to take a look back and think about the goods and the bads of the years past. It's also time for magazines and networks to put together their "Best of 2007" lists.

Polka Dot Pup happen to come across one list that was right up our alley. Details Magazine has released their December’s Power and Influence issue featuring a list of the year’s top 50 most influential men under 45. How is this pet related you may ask? Because one of the most publicized pooches of year made #29 that's why! Congratulations to Iggy, Ellen DeGeneres's one time adopted pup, for making a list that consists mostly of humans. That's one big feat for one pint sized pooch.


For those of you who don't recognize the name, Iggy brought a media frenzy when the pup was ripped from the hands of Ellen's hairdresser's family, whom Ellen had given the puppy to when she realized the pup and her cats just couldn't get along. Boy did this situation turn into a dog fight when the agency who Ellen had initially received the dog from, Mutts and Moms animal shelter, came a-knocking saying Ellen had breached her contract and than proceeded to remove the puppy from a home they claimed they did not know was suitable.To cut to the chase, Ellen broke down on her TV show pleading for the dog to be returned to the family and mass media coverage ensued.

Being a dog owner myself, I can only imagine how heart breaking it would be to have my dog taken away from me and I believe Ellen had good intentions at heart. At the same time the contract between Ellen and Mutts and Moms animal shelter supposedly did state that if Ms. DeGeneres could not keep the puppy than it would be returned to the shelter (though why couldn't they have just interviewed the family instead of taking the dog away??). Whichever side you were on for this doggie drama, I think the main issue that should have been highlighted was that Iggy find a family who loves him.

So two paws up to you Iggy, we hope that you are enjoying your lime light from the comfort of your new home!

To view the full list of Details Magazine's Top 50 most influential men under 45 including little Iggy, check out Men.Style.com.

Santa Paws is Coming to Town - Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

So there is 28 days, 3 hours and 56 minutes until Christmas but who's counting right??

Has your pup been naughty or nice? Check out some of Polka Dot Pups favorite holiday inspired gift ideas for pets.

See more of my Santa Paws - Holiday Gifts for Pets list at ThisNext.

DOGS IN THE NEWS: Man Marries Dog as Atonement

This maybe one of the strangest dog related stories I have come across in awhile. Each culture has their own traditions, but marrying your pet? What if your pet doesn't feel the same way??(Just a joke). Obviously this is a tradition in the Hindu culture to ward off curses.

Take a peak and let Polka Dot Pup know what you think.

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Man Marries Dog as Atonement
The Associated Press
November 14, 2007, 2:35 PM PST

A man in southern India married a female dog in a traditional Hindu ceremony as an attempt to atone for stoning two other dogs to death -- an act he believes cursed him -- a newspaper reported Tuesday.

P. Selvakumar married the sari-draped former stray named Selvi, chosen by family members and then bathed and clothed for the ceremony Sunday at a Hindu temple in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the Hindustan Times newspaper said.

Selvakumar, 33, told the paper he had been suffering since he stoned two dogs to death and hung their bodies from a tree 15 years ago.

"After that my legs and hands got paralyzed and I lost hearing in one ear," he said in the report.

The paper said an astrologer had told Selvakumar the wedding was the only way he could cure the maladies. It did not say whether his situation had improved.

Deeply superstitious people in rural India sometimes organize weddings to dogs and other animals, believing it can ward off certain curses.

The paper showed a picture of Selvakumar sitting next to the dog, which was wearing an orange sari and a flower garland.

The paper said the groom and his family then had a feast, while the dog got a bun.
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Do you have a wacky dog tale to share? Email us at polkadotpupblog@aol.com

Happy Halloween!

Keep your pup safe this Halloween with safety tips from the ASPCA:

1. Chocolate in all forms can be dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or nearest Animal Poison Control Center.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. If you dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

6. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

For other great Halloween pet safety tips, please visit The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.

Pet Fire Safety

In Southern California, the smoke is starting to clear but our recent outbreak of fires reminds me of how quickly fires can spring up in our communities and how devastating they can be.

Our main goal in these situations is to protect our family, but what about our pets? What if a fire breaks out and you are not home? How can we make sure they are safe too?

I realized I didn't have any answers to these important questions and went on a search for tips for protecting my pet in case of a fire.

Check out the following pet protection tips from Dog Day After News:

- Keep your pet's current license and vaccination tags on his or her collar to
help with identification in case you become separated. The best way to ensure
easy identification is to have your pet micro-chipped.

- Prepare an emergency kit with important financial and personal information.
Include your pet's medical records and food.

- Have a plan for a friend, family member, or boarding kennel to take care of
your pet on short notice in case of an emergency.

- Use a Pet Alert rescue sticker to help make firefighters aware of your pets.

For other tips for pet fire safety, visit the helpful sites below:

Wildland Fire Safety for Your Livestock and Pets - www.fire.ca.gov
Pet Safety - safety.com
Wilshire the Fire Dog - Fire Safety - wilshirethefiredog.org

Tennis Ball Diaries

Check out Vixen in her first performance ever on film!

Before becoming a blogger, I dabbled in a little bit of film making. Thus, Tennis Ball Diaries was born as a final project for college.

I will admit this film is silly and hopefully a little funny. So I thought I would share it with everyone. Hope you enjoy!

TENNIS BALL DIARIES

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Halloween Hounds

Just a few more weeks until the witches and ghosts emerge into the streets this Halloween.

For all the pups that love this time of year, Polka Dot Pup has spooked up some of the cutest costumes and Halloween toys and treats the web has to offer!

Happy Halloweenie!

See more of my Halloween Hounds list at ThisNext.

Splash Dogs - Hitting The Water Across The US

Does your dog love the water, I mean loves it so much they would rather be in the water than on land?? Well they just might have a future as a Splash Dog!

What is a Splash Dogs you ask? Well, I came across Splash Dogs when I happened to catch news coverage from the America's Family Pet Expo in Costa Mesa, CA. Immediately, I knew that my very own 2 year old Labrador Vixen had found her calling.

Below is a tid bit from the Splash Dogs website on what they are all about....

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Dock jumping for dogs is fast becoming one of America's most popular outdoor events! Pets compete for distance, diving from a dock into a 25 foot pool. No other outdoor event brings families together better or puts more smiles on faces than Splash Dog events. Proud pet owners travel to these events from all over the region to compete. It's an incredible new sport that everyone loves!

Splash Dogs was founded by Tony Reed after discovering that his beloved Black Labrador, Sierra, took to the water like a fishÉa flying fish! Sierra is not only Tony's best friend but also a big hit on the Splash Dog circuit, jumping distances up to 20 feet!

Now, Splash Dog events are delighting thousands throughout the Western United States with many events in California and Nevada.

Splash Dogs have been seen at many events in California & Nevada.

• International Sportsmen Expos
• America's Pet Expos
• Splash Dog Fundraisers

Splash Dogs has also been featured on ABC Television in San Francisco and other major media outlets.
__________________________________________________________________

The Splash Dogs site is worth checking out just for the pictures. Check out tons of adorable water dogs catching some big air!

I can't wait until the next competition in CA, Vixen and I are so there. Want to meet up and join in the fun? Contact us at polkadotpupblog@aol.com


To dig up more information on Splash Dogs, check out their website Splashdogs.com.

Art Bark Fest 2007

Do you love art? How about a glass of wine? Than I have found the perfect event for you!

Art Bark Fest 2007 - Animal Art & Wine Festival The Village at Squaw Valley USA (North Lake Tahoe)
When: Saturday, Sept 15th & Sunday Sept 16th
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Entry Fee: FREE ADMISSION
Wine Tasting - $25 (Includes Commemorative Glass)
Benefit for Humane Society Truckee-Tahoe & Squaw Rescue Dogs


Head up to Squaw Valley this weekend for an event like no other. The 4th annual Art Bark Fest hosted by Tails by the Lake. The Art Bark Fest was created to combine the love of art & wine with the love of animals and is one of the only animal themed fine arts and wine festival in the country.


Having recently returned from beautiful Tahoe CA, I have a feeling it will be an amazing setting for this event this weekend. Featured will be artwork from unique artists from all over along with over 17 wineries featuring animal themed fine wines and wine tasting.





Is your dog a splash dog at heart? You can sign up and join in on the Dog Lake Jump competition on Saturday and Sunday with a chance to win a ton of great prizes.


Art Bark Fest has so many events worth checking out, you will have to visit the Tails by the Lake website to get the whole story and schedule of events.


Art Bark Fest is brought to you by...Fido Friendly - The Travel Magazine for you & Your Dog




Do you have or know of a dog friendly event coming up in your area? Share your event details with Polka Dot Pup at polkadotpupblog@aol.com

Hot Dog!

Boy oh boy has it been hot out here in Southern California! It was a lovely 113 at my house over the weekend.

While my pup and I took turns enjoying the cool breeze filtering from our fan, it really got me thinking about how I can keep her cool and comfortable too! We thought we were hot, they have hair all over their bodies.

Check out this cool collection of chilly little treats for your hot dog!

See more of my Hot Dog! list at ThisNext.

The Doggie Brigade Returns!

Our doggie brigade(4 dogs, 6 people) has finally returned relaxed and refreshed from beautiful Tahoe California and with a ton of wonderful snapshots from our adventures!

Check out a paw full of our pup filled adventures below....


We camped at Tahoe Valley Campgrounds on the south side of Tahoe. Dogs are allowed there if they are on leashes (but if your pups are well behaved, you can let them off on your site)

Just a short walking distance away, there was a wonderful field that the dogs loved to run wild in.... (Vixen)






(Abbey, Nutmeg and Vixen)












....and just a few more steps away was a river full of endless amounts of fun for the doggies. (Vixen and Abbey using teamwork to bring a big log to shore)










Next we rented a boat and headed for Emerald Bay.... (Vixen enjoying the scenery)











Vixen and Abbey both wanted to be the skipper!












Once on shore the pups had a great time checking out the beach, greeting other campers and playing in the water. (Abbey, Vixen and Nutmeg)










Bailey discovered a nice stick floating around....












....and Abbey brought in a pine cone!












Everyone had so much fun....and this is only part of the adventure!
Stay tuned for pictures from our rafting trip on the Truckee River (4 dogs, 6 people, 1 raft = wet, wet, wet)


For more information on Tahoe, dog friendly campsites and activities, visit the links below:

Dog Friendly City Guide - Lake Tahoe, California

Fido Friendly, The Travel Magazine for Your & Your Pets

TahoesBest.com - Dog Friendly Lodging

Doggie Day Camp - Polka Dot Pup heads to the hills

In a week the Polka Dot Crew is heading up to the lovely mountains of Tahoe, California!

We are in store for some beautiful scenery, hot sun and lots of water. I was hunting the web for some great pup perfect camping gear and came across some great products created by Coleman (who knew they created doggie outdoor gear!)

Check out some of the goodies we will be tugging along with us!

Mountaineer Dog Tent


Bone Lounger


Hibernation Sleeping Bags for Dogs


Water Sport Duck Dog Toy


Motion Activated Pet Tag



To check out more of Coleman's great outdoor doggie gear, visit www.coleman.com

Polka Dot Pup Product Pick - Haute Diggity Dog Plush Toys

Every dog dreams of the good life....trips to Paris, designer duds, tasty treats and a little bubbly to wash it done.

Thanks to Haute Diggity Dog, creators of some amazing parody dog toys, this Hollywood lifestyle is possible for any pup. Lucky dog!

I could go on and on about all of the amazingly fun plush toys from Haute Diggity Dog (I'm in puppy love with these things!) but to check out all their great stuff, visit www.hautediggitydog.com.

Check out a few of Polka Dot Pups favorites....

Eiffel Tower - Plush Dog Toy

Chocolate Covered Strawberry - Plush Dog Toy



Chewnel #5 Perfume - Plush Dog Toy

Puggs Boots Plush Dog Toy

Dog Perignonn Champagne - Plush Dog Toy

2nd Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon

Trying to find some fun filled activities for you and your pet this summer? Why not hit the beach for the 2nd Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon?

The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is a great event for surfers and animal lovers alike. The event will be held at North Beach in Del Mar California on September 9, 2007 from 8:30am-1:00pm. Help sponsor a surfer and the funds raised will be used to support all the programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Event Details:

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is a non competitive event that raises funds for orphaned animals at the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Here is how it works, surfers pledge to catch a set number of waves (in a one hour time frame) then solicit friends and neighbors for financial support of their efforts.

In addition, they will also be hosting fun animal-friendly contests including a surf competition for our four-legged surfing buddies and a Beach bum bikini babe canine costume contest!

Swamis surf association will also hold a contest for longest ride and best trick. Vendors from the surf and pet industries will host booths sampling great products for attendees. Local radio and television stations will be involved in the promotion of this event, with expected attendance in the thousands.



And just in case your pup is in the mood to hit the waves, check out the Dog Surfing Clinics being held on Saturday August 4th & 11th from 11am to 1pm. For only $10 you and your pup can hang ten and enjoy the day.

For more information on the Dog Surfing Clinic, send an email to Juliew@animalcenter.org.

For more details on the Dog Surf-A-Thon, check out Surf Dog Surf A Thon

Ode To Our Dogs

They are always happy, bring a smile to our faces no matter what the situation and love us unconditionally. No wonder they are known as man's (and woman's) best friend!

Take a peak at some special words about our beloved furry friends in the new segment us here at Polka Dot Pup like to call "Ode To Our Dogs":


Dogs Live Here

If you don't want to be greeted with paws and wiggly rears,
Don't come inside, because DOGS LIVE HERE.

If you don't like the feel of a cold nose or wet tongue,
Don't come inside, because DOGS LIVE HERE.

If you don't want to step over scattered toys,
Don't come inside, because DOGS LIVE HERE.

If you think a home ought to smell like perfume,
Don't come inside, because DOGS LIVE HERE.

But if you don't mind all this,
you'll be instantly loved when you do come inside,
Because DOGS LIVE HERE!

- Author Unknown



My Dog's Tail

What put the wiggle in a little dog's tail
I'd like to know!
That gay little wiggle, that glad little waggle - How did it grow?

It starts in his mind and it runs out behind
To the tip of his tail, and then
That glad little waggle, that gay little wiggle
Begins all over again.

The day may be sunny or dark with rain,
The wiggle is there just the same;
It needs just a whistle to set it a-wiggle
Or the sound of his favorite name.

No doubt I shall never, in any way ever
Find out how that wiggle got there,
But I'm very sure, while tails shall endure,
That tail will wig-wag in the air!

- Arthur Wallace Peach / All the Best Dog Poems



The Bed Puppy

Now I lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed is soft and deep..
I sleep right in the center groove
My human cannot hardly move!

I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight
And here is where I pass the night
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and "I want food!"

I sneak up slowly to begin
my nibbles on my human's chin.
She wakes up quickly,
I have sharp teeth -

I'm a puppy, don't you see?
For the mornings here
and it's time to play
always seem to get my way.

So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs me and holds me tight
And sacrifices her bed at night!

-Author Unknown



Ode to a Dog

You are one in a million & special to me.
Affectionate, loyal, such good company.

You're there when I'm lonely & life seems a bore.
You cheer me & offer a comforting paw.

The look in your eyes says you quite understand
as you thrust a bewhiskered wet nose in my hand.

You never desert me wherever I go.
You're a far better friend than some people I know.

To thank you I give you this short monologue
My Faithful, Devoted Companion - My Dog!

- Unknown

Beach Book Guide - Pup Edition

The sun is shining overhead, there is slight breezy in the air, you lay on a cozy beach blanket toe digging in the sand and as you stare out into the blindingly blue ocean you think to yourself....Man, I could use a good book!

Well Polka Dot Pup has come to the rescue. What day at the beach is complete without a good read to keep you entertained? Whether you are relaxing at the beach or hanging pool side, Polka Dot has found the book for you!

Marley & Me, Life and Love with the Worlds Worst Dog by John Grogan - I know I have mentioned this book before but I cannot tell you enough how good of a read it is. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry but more importantly it shows you how important a dog can be in your life.

From Bagdad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava by Jay Kopelman - Jay Kopelman tells a story that is both tender and thought-provoking, candidly portraying the ugly conditions in wartime Iraq, while also describing his (and his fellow Marines') growing attachment to a scruffy stray puppy.

Mostly Bob by Tom Corwin - After his beloved golden retriever died, Tom Corwin was compelled to write a letter to his friends and family to celebrate his pets life.

Shelter Dogs by Traer Scott - Photographer Traer Scott’s endearing portraits of dogs living in American shelters are irresistible and heart-rending – and make a passionate appeal to dog lovers everywhere.

A few other great doggie reads:

A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas

Lost & Found by Jacqueline Sheehan

The New Yorkers: A Novel by Cathleen Schine


Do you have a favorite pup related book we left off the list? Have a review for one of the books we selected?? Let us know...Polkadotpupblog@aol.com

You Gotta Have Faith!

I ran across this news report about the remarkable Faith awhile back and we at Polka Dot Pup have thought fondly of it ever since. That's why when I ran across it again, I had to post it in the everything dog blog.

The story is inspriational, heart warming and a little bit silly (I mean who has ever seen a dog run around on two legs!)

I take pride in the family that adopted this pet and created a wonderful home for her. I wish we could do the same for all of the homeless pets in shelters or on the streets around the world.

Polka Dot Pup - Water Pups Photo Contest

Calling all Water Dogs!!!

We want to see your pups in action this summer. Send us your favorite water dog moments and we will feature them in our new Polka Dot Pup - Water Pups segment running through the end of August.

Check out Vixen, one of our favorite pups. She loves hitting the beach and playing in the water and sand!



And than there is Abby, our bathing beauty who loves to lay on the beach and soak up the sun.




Surfs Up!

Polka Dot Pup

Pet Net Invasion - Check out the new social website for your pets

Do you ever wish you could live vicariously through your pet? Well, this might just be the next best thing.

Check out Unitedogs.com and Unitedcats.com, the new "Myspace" specifically created to focus on your pets. That's right, you can create your pets own blog, upload up to 50 pictures and chat with other pet lovers around the world.

Check it out and let Polka Dot Pup know what you think. Is it Bow Wow or Growl?

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Hot-or-not for dogs launches

A bit more than a week ago, an Estonia-based United Dogs and Cats Ltd launched two social networking sites - one for dogs and other for cats. The sites are focused on pet websites with photos.

"We think there is just way too many social networking websites for humans out there. Think of MySpace, Facebook, orkut, hi5 and all the others — there's just so many of them!" the company says about their newborn sites Unitedogs.com and Unitedcats.com.

All dog and cat owners can upload up to 50 photos to their pet's profile and all pets can have their own blog set up, too. All for free, of course. And users can comment everything what they see.

"We offer the pet owners community what they fully deserve - a handy, easy-to-use site with a push-button publishing functionality and a beautiful design on top of it," their lead designer speaks. Their CEO, Mr Ragnar Sass, also adds that dogs and cats should have their websites set up as easily as setting up a blog at Blogger. I think we've done it, and we will be doing a lot more." That's right. They both confirm there are lot of new things to follow soon, which are currently being crafted by their busy paws in the company's labs.

Even if you don't have a dog or cat, it may just be fun to browse the cute photos of puppies and doggies one by one, or rate them in hot-or-not way.

To see all the features it's easiest to head down to http://www.uniteddogs.com and check them all out :) Woof-woof!

Related sites:
Uniteddogs - http://www.uniteddogs.com
Unitedcats - http://www.unitedcats.com
Company's blog - http://www.uniteddogsandcats.com
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Dog Days of Summer

One of my favorite things about summer is hitting the road with my pup in tow. Lots of camping at the beach and the lake can be lots of fun but it can also be hectic and stressful on you and your pet.



Check out our list of dog friendly items perfect for summer fun!

See more of my Dog Days of Summer list at ThisNext.

When Moms Away, the Dogs Will Play....

You may have noticed that Polka Dot Pup has been dragging it's paws lately with our updates, but work has been keeping our pound pups super busy!

So we realized, pet lovers all around us have busy lives too. How can we make sure our pups don't get too lonely when our lives get busy?

We all know there is no better solution then to spend quality time with our pets but when we are unable to give them all of our time due to unavoidable, everyday schedules there is a little thing called Doggie Daycare. Becoming increasingly popular in the animal world, daycare isn't just for kids anymore. In fact, a large number of pet owners are dropping their four legged friends off for a day full of play while they head off to work.

I ran across this article on MSN's Dog Central that gives you the low down on what Doggie Day Care is all about:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -

Doggy Daycare
By Sandy Robins

Is your dog a “latch key pup” – that is, a dog that sits home alone, waiting to hear the key turn in the door on your return from a long day at the office? If your pal has taken to chewing your favorite pair of shoes or gnawing at the furniture while you’re out, it could simply mean she’s lonely and is craving some mental and physical stimulation. Signing her up for doggy daycare could very well be the answer.

These days, most cities offer a choice of facilities where your pal can have fun exercising and socializing with other dogs while you slave away at your desk to pay for it! Finding the right care center for your dog is similar to researching a playschool for a child. If you are unable to get a personal recommendation, make a list of all the places in your area and visit each one to compare them.

What You Need to Know About Daycare
Ideally, the daycare center’s business hours should extend beyond the start and the end of your normal workday so you have time to drop her off and fetch her without rushing. It’s a good idea to inquire whether they charge a late fee when you arrive after the standard closing time. Some centers do run a canine taxi service which can be a great time-saver if you have a hectic schedule.

When you tour the facility, check to see how the staff reacts to all the dogs around them and whether all the dogs play together. Your pal may prefer a center where larger breeds are separated from the smaller ones. Make a note of how many water stations there are and ask how often they are refreshed. Most establishments require owners to pack their own doggy lunches to avoid any special dietary issues. Before she joins, your dog will have to pass a behavior assessment test to ensure that she’s well socialized and also provide proof that she’s had all her shots.

Most places don’t offer specialized walks because the dogs get enough exercise running around with one another. However, it’s important to ensure that there is both a spacious indoor and outdoor play area as well as a comfy, well ventilated nap corner.

Canine Enrichment
Many daycare facilities now call themselves “canine enrichment centers” and offer a variety of other services, such as obedience training, grooming, and massage therapy. Some even have a pond for supervised swimming, nature trails for the very energetic, and a recreation room with giant TV screens playing dog-orientated cartoons like “The Lady and the Tramp” where pups can retreat for some quiet time. Pet parents can also sign up for optional activities like doga (the doggy version of yoga) and paw painting classes.

What It Costs
Naturally, you get what you pay for and all this canine enrichment doesn’t come cheap! Be sure to ask about any discounts offered if you purchase for a fixed number of days a month or reductions if you have more than one dog.

If all this is beyond your financial reach, consider employing a dog walker for a daily outing. It should cost less. On this score, whether you rely on a professional walker or a neighbor, it has to be someone you not only trust with your dog but also feel secure giving access to your home.

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Below are a few resources on how to find a Doggie Daycare in your area:

Findpetcare.com - A great online guide to locating pet daycare or boarding across the US.
Petcarechannel.com - Pet Day Care Services Directory
Wherepetsstay.com

For other helpful tips on how to find a Doggy Day Care perfect for your pup, visit eHow.com - How to Find Doggy Day Care


If you know of a great Doggy Day Care that you would like to share with fellow Polka Dot Pup readers, let us know about them!

Date Me, Date My Dog

It's a ruff world out there for a single dog and their owner. Sure, there are a number of ways to find your potential soul mate....blind dates, hanging out at the bar and online dating sites but we all know how most of those can end up (Woof).

Pet lovers are really one of a kind, so what better way to meet great people than through other fellow pet owners?? With online dating sites becoming increasing popular, many pet friendly "niche" sites are popping up on the web making pet compatible members just a bark away.

So if your on the hunt of your future mate, take a look at some of the sites I dug up. Good luck getting your leashes tangled!


Date My Pet - Where dog lovers unite!

Love Me Love My Pets - A dating site that will help you meet other singles like you, whether you're interested in making friends, finding a new love, or just having fun with someone who shares your love of animals.

Dog Zone - A place to connect and share with others who like you do more for their dogs.

Animal People Personals - Pets bring people closer...

Pet Passions - Dating and Social Networking for Pet Lover...did I mention it's FREE?


Love a good read? Check out The Dog Lover's Guide to Dating: Using Cold Noses to Find Warm Hearts.

POLKA DOT PRODUCT PICK - AKC Plush Toys

Do you have a pup or adult dog that is just plain hard on their toys? If so, I have to recommend AKC's Plush Toys to all the Polka Dot Pup readers.


My two year old Labrador loves to tear things apart and her toys are no exception. When I discovered these AKC toys, I could not believe how durable they were. My pup just loves the different animal shapes (must be her inner hound!). The toys come in many different shapes and sizes. Vixen's favorite by far is the squeaky squirrel!

AKC recently came out with their AKC Puppy Series. These toys are so darn cute, with adorable shapes and colors they are perfect for any new addition to the family!


Check out AKCstore.org to learn more about these great toys. You can also find them at Petco and Target stores.