Thanksgiving Wishes - A Dog's Purpose

Another amazing reason to be Thankful during the Holidays -

A Dog's Purpose

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long." Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting20when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
• Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
• Be always grateful for each new day.
  

Happy Thanksgiving from the Polka Dot Pup crew!

Dogs Rule Day - An International Holiday for Dogs October 10, 2009

On this fur filled day, pet owners across the world are celebrating Dogs Rule Day, An International Holiday for Dogs brought to you by Pedigree. Created to celebrate your favorite four legged friends and everything special that they bring to your life.

You may ask, how does one celebrate this canine holiday? Check out Pedigrees top 10 ways to spend the day with your doggies -

• Adopt a dog! What better way to celebrate than with a new best friend. Find more information on Pet Adoption.
• Give an extra minute of bellyrubs.
• Play fetch 'til your arm falls off.
• Make a donation to The PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive, your local shelter, or the dog-loving charity of your choice. You can donate here.
• Get your dog a gift basket full of snacks and treats.
• Volunteer at a shelter.
• Donate a bag of PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs to your local shelter.
• Hold a dog walk/parade to benefit dogs in your town.
• Give him/her the other half of your sandwich. Just this once.
• No baths. None.

For more great ways to make your pet feel special on Dog Rules Day (or any day!), visit http://www.pedigree.com/dogsruleday/.

Submit your favorite Dog Rules Day moments to polkadotpupblog@aol.com.

Pet Travel - Heading to the Snow

Though the holiday's may be over, we still have winter! The Polka Dot Pup crew recently put on our long johns and headed for the hills for a little snow dog mischief. Check out some of our favorite moments from the trip.

For more snow dog pics and tips to help keep your pet safe in the cold climate, click here.

Happy Hour Gone to the Dogs

Alright all you party animals, how about an event that blends cocktails with Cocker Spaniels? Instead of leaving your pup at home, have them tag along for a new trend in pet/owner socializing called Doggie Happy Hour.

Hotel Monaco Alexandria in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA offers pet lovers the oppurtunity to enjoy a drink and chat with other dog owners in the area. While owners get a chance to enjoy delicous drinks, the pets are welcome to complimentary gourmet doggie snacks and plenty of fresh water bowls.

To learn more about Hotel Monaco Alexandria's World Famous Doggie Happy Hour, visit www.doggiehappyhour.com. If you are heading to the DC area, check out Hotel Monaco Alexandria for dog friendly room rates.

Not in the Washington DC area? Create your own Doggie Happy Hour at home with these great products.

See more of my Dog's Guide to Wine and Dine list at ThisNext.

The Doggie Name Game

Ever wonder what's in a name? Well, Veterinary Pet Insurance has released it's findings for the top male and female dog names. Calculated from the names of insured dogs in their database, the top names have determined one major thing. Gone are the days of "Fluffy" and "Beauford", 2008 is all about dogs of the human kind (or at least their names).

In today's world, pets are becoming more and more a part of the family. And why not, pets offer companionship and comfort that most of us look for in this crazy world. The big question is, does this new role effect how you name your new furry friend? Check out the top doggie names to see if your pet name made the list.

For a fun quiz, make a list of the number of dogs you know that have these names and send your stats to Polkadotpupblog@aol.com. We will blog the results to see what names stand supreme with the Polka Dot Pup viewers.

Top Female Dog Names
1. Bella
2. Molly
3. Lucy
4. Maggie
5. Daisy
6. Sophie
7. Sadie
8. Chloe
9. Bailey
10. Lola

Top Male Dog Names
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Rocky
4. Bailey
5. Jake
6. Charlie
7. Jack
8. Toby
9. Cody
10. Buster


Want to learn more about the new evolution in dog names? Check out the USA Today article Names for dogs miss the Spot

Milk-Bone is Turning 100!

Is your pup a Milk-boneaholic? Well it's time to celebrate 100 years (that would be 700 in doggie years, bow-wow!) of these pupalicious treats.

To bring in the big 1-0-0, Del Monte Pet Products is giving dogs across the country the chance to win a $100,000 contract to serve as the first-ever Milk-Bone 100th Anniversary SpokesDog, plus a digital camera. I don't know about you but I know a certain dog who could buy a lot of bones with that prize money.

All you have to do is visit the brands website, www.Milk-Bone.com, and submit an image or video of your favorite moment with your pet. You have until September 18, 2008 to submit your entries so go out there and create great pup and parent moments you will treasure forever!

If you think the celebration stops there, check out some of the other amazing activities Milk-Bone will be a part of this year -

· Milk-Bone^® Gives Back to its Canine Heroes: Milk-Bone^® is celebrating its 100^th anniversary with a special donation through the Milk-Bone^® Canine Heroes^™ program, a longstanding, national outreach program that provides canine assistance service dogs to individuals with physical disabilities, as well as police dogs for law enforcement organizations. This year Milk-Bone^® will make a donation of $1 million to provide more than 100 dogs to the Milk-Bone^® Canine Heroes^™ program, as well as a significant donation of Milk-Bone^® product to canine assistance programs across the country.

· Milk-Bone^® Hosts a 100^th Anniversary Celebration in the Big Apple: The Milk-Bone^® brand is conducting a paw-ful of activities including a star-studded anniversary celebration event to be held in New York City, the birthplace of Milk-Bone^®, later this year.

· Milk-Bone^® Hits the Road to Celebrate with its Four-Legged Friends: Kicking-off this spring, the Make A Milk-Bone Moment™ contest mobile tour will be stopping in 14 cities, nationwide, to bring the 100^th Anniversary celebration to the brand’s four-legged fans. In addition to giving four-legged friends and pet parents an unforgettable opportunity to interact, play and create new Milk-Bone Moments™, as well as enjoy free product samples, the tour will give pet parents and their dogs an opportunity to enter the Make A Milk-Bone Moment™ Contest.

To enter the Make a Milk-Bone Moment contest or to get more info on Milk-Bones (their history and how they can keep the veterinarian away), go to www.Milk-Bone.com.

Snow Dogs - Polka Dot Pup Heads to the Snow

With all of the SoCal rainy weather we have been getting in the last few weeks, our Polka Dot Pup crew was inspired to hit the road and head to the snow.

For our main mascot Vixen, this was her first ever trip. Although she has an obsession with water (being a Lab and all), we weren't exactly sure how she would react to this white fluffy stuff. We should have known! As soon as that pup step outside, she was in snow dog heaven. She couldn't get enough of that white powder and spent hours romping around and hunting for animals in the brush.









The snow is definitely a great place to spend some owner-pup bonding time this winter but remember to stay safe, the cold weather can take a toll on your furry friends. Check out some great Cold Weather Tips from Kennel and Dog Magazine -

Heating Up Chilly Dogs
Cold Weather Tips to Keep Pets Warm
By Bernadine Cruz, DVM
Provided by Pfizer

Do provide proper shelter:

Do provide indoor dogs with a warm sleeping area away from drafts.

Do use caution around bodies of water. Keep pets away from rivers, ponds and lakes as they begin to freeze. Continue to use caution even when the water appears completely frozen.

Do keep hair around paw pads trimmed. Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow, which can quickly ball up between footpads and create uncomfortable walking conditions for pets.

Do check paw pads for small cuts and cracks. Consider dog boots for dogs that react negatively to walking on ice and snow - especially dogs that react to snow removal products.

Do clean your dog's paws after walks to remove salt and snow removal chemicals, which can be toxic to pets.

Do check your dog's ears, tail and feet for frostbite. Just as dogs are sensitive to hot summer sidewalks, cold winter walkways may cause pain or contribute to frostbite. A dog that continually lifts individual legs off the ground during a winter walk may feel the effects of frostbite. Frostbitten skin may appear red or gray. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's feet in a blanket or towels to gradually warm them and contact your veterinarian.

Do provide the proper type and amount of food for the season. Dogs housed outdoors and dogs that participate in strenuous outdoor activities may require additional food during colder weather. On the other hand, indoor dogs that exercise less frequently in colder months may need less food.

Do provide adequate fresh, unfrozen water. If your dog lives outside, consider investing in a heated water bowl. Indoor dogs also may require more water to combat dry winter air.

Do invest in a pet sweater for shorthaired breeds. Watch for telltale signs that your pet is cold. Like us, pets will shiver in response to being chilled.

Do keep puppies and older dogs indoors except for short periods of time. As with humans, young and old dogs are more susceptible to the effects of the cold.

Do keep dogs on a leash - especially during bad weather or snowstorms when they can lose their ability to find their way by smell.

Do pay attention to snow removal. Avoid piling snow near fences and creating an escape route for curious pets.

Do keep identification tags updated in the event your dog runs away.

Do clean up antifreeze spills immediately. Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste and, unfortunately, even very small amounts can be lethal to them. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to your veterinarian immediately. There may be time for Antizol-Vet, an anti-freeze antidote, to help your dog. Also consider using an animal-friendly anti-freeze.

Do maintain your pet's grooming schedule. Regular brushing keeps your dog's coat supple and prepared for the cold. However, when you bathe your pet, be sure to dry his coat thoroughly before allowing him outside.

Do visit your veterinarian for a checkup before the cold weather strikes. Cold weather may exacerbate certain conditions, such as arthritis. Sudden changes in the weather or drops in temperature may affect pets suffering from osteoarthritis.

Don't suddenly house an indoor dog outdoors. Dogs require a month or more (as seasons change) to become accustomed to lower winter temperatures.

Don't keep your dog outside in all conditions. Pay attention to the thermometer. If it dips too far below freezing, it's too cold for any dog - even those accustomed to being outside.

Don't treat all dogs alike. While some breeds such as Alaskan malamutes or huskies may be able to spend long periods out of doors in cold weather, other breeds such as greyhounds or Dobermans to not have the same protective fur.

Don't leave pets alone in cars during cold weather months. When the engine is off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.

For more pets tips, check out DogandKennel.com

Do you have a pup that loves the snow? We want to hear about it! Send your snow dog story along with an attached image to www.polkadotpupblog@aol.com and it may be featured in our "Snow Dogs" series.

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!