Celebrating National Dog Day

Did you know that Wednesday, August 26 is National Dog Day?

So, what exactly is this annual event? Well it was founded in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige and was created to honor our four legged friends for all that they do. This special day also serves to help the public recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year.

Spend the day celebrating your furry friends and remember the number of animals that help our society every day. Say thank you to your puppy pal with a game of fetch, a tasty dog treat or maybe just a big hug.

For more information on National Dog Day, visit http://www.nationaldogday.com/.

This National Dog Day, give the gift of adoption. Click here for helpful adoption tips and links.

Pet-Friendly Valentine's Day Guide

Valentine's Day has gone to the dogs and who better deserving of being lavished with gifts (other than yourself of course!) than your always loving, constant companion pup. Check out a list of Valentine-inspired pet-friendly gift ideas to help you spread the puppy love.

Pet-Friendly Valentine's Day Events -

• This Valentine's Day, Show Your Love at Petco. Come get a photo taken of your pet and receive a Valentine for that someone special. All pets welcome Saturday, February 14 11am-2pm.

Pet-Friendly Gift Ideas -

See more of my Valentine's Day - Doggie Style list at ThisNext.

Celebrating Dog! - Dogs Rule Day 10-11-08

They fetch the paper, wake you up in the morning with licks, can play catch for hours on end, they are your four legged friend, your buddy, your dog! So here's to all the amazing dogs out there, it's about time they got their own holiday. On October 11, 2008 help celebrate the first ever Dogs Rule Day, an international holiday for dogs developed by Pedigree.

Can't wait to get in on the dog loving fun? Check out Dogsrule.com where you can upload your favorite photos and videos of you and your pet, join the official Dogs Rule Day Facebook and learn how you can help spread the word.

Here are a few ways Polka Dot Pup plans to celebrate:
1. Take a nice long walk or visit our local dog park for a game of fetch.
2. Offer up some extra belly rubs.
3. Visit our local pet store for a special treat of our pets choice.
4. Take some time off for an all dog day where its all about our pets.
5. Adopt a pet or volunteer at a shelter to help any pups in need.

Go to Dogsrule.com to discover 101 more ways to celebrate Dogs Rule Day.


Once the parties die down, we want to hear how you celebrated! Send your stories and pics to polkadotpupblog@aol.com.

POLKA DOT PRODUCT PICK - The Pooch IQ Test

Product Review:
The Pooch IQ Test

What you Get:

• 1 Pooch IQ Testing Booklet with 15 Exercises, Scoring Key, and Detailed IQ Explanations
• 1 Extra Tuff Rubber Cone Toy
• 1 5-Piece Plush Dog Puzzle
• 1 Big & Furry Squeaky Bone
• 1 Super-Bouncy Ball
• 1 Hide-a-Treat Testing Toy
• 1 Midnight Black Face Mask
• 3 Colorful Plastic Pup-Cups

Is your dog the head of the pack or the dunce of the litter? The Pooch IQ Test puts your pets intelligence level to the test with some hair raising exercises. Did someone say pup quiz?

When Vixen and I received our Pooch IQ Test in the mail, we were presently surprised to find a carry bag filled with goodies! We eagerly pulled out the Testing Booklet and began our 15 exercises that tested Vixen on her Learning for experience, Short-term memory, Persistence, Ability to see similarities, Problem-Solving skills, Reasoning skills, Instinctive intelligence and Obedience intelligence. Each exercise includes easy to follow descriptions, steps to follow, materials and scoring instructions. After you've made it through all 15 quizzes and all the scoring is complete, you tally up your pups points and check out their IQ description. Although it was a few days process, Vixen made it through with flying colors! So what was Vixen's final score? It looks like we have our very own Polka Dot Pup "Top of the Class" on our hands. She scored a 141 out of 150!

I love the fact that this kit came with so many cool toys that Vixen can use over and over, she particular loves the purple bone plush squeaker toy! Do be aware though that you may not make it through all of the quizzes in one sitting, some of the exercises are quicker to test than others and a few require extra materials than what is provided. The one reason I really "dig" this product is you really get a chance to play with your dog and learn more about them. No matter what their score, each pup deserves an A+ in my book.


To learn more about Pooch IQ, visit http://www.poochiq.com/

Dog Mom's Mother's Day Guide

Celebrate the Dog Mom in your life on May 11th because Dog Mom's are some of the best around!

Ever wonder what pets love the most about their Dog Mom's? Polka Dot Pups very own doggie correspondent Vixen did a puppy poll for the results.

Dog Moms.....
1. Feed our bellies with the very best din din
2. Are the queens of cuddles
3. Can't resist giving treats or purchasing cute pet toys
4. Turn all the heads at the dog park
5. Love going on dog friendly adventures
6. Always provide the latest gossip in our dog talks
7. Can never stay mad no matter what
8. Always have endless amounts of kisses
9. Make great pillows
10. Love us unconditionally

So cheers to all the amazing dog mom's out there!

See more of my Dog Mom's Mother's Day Guide list at ThisNext.

Dogs In the News

Dog Saved by Marine Gets Permanent Home

Having a brother who served in the Army, I have always considered the men and women in the armed forces as hero's. A recent story circulating in the news really shows another side of what is going on in Iraq and how our troops are not only trying to protect people but also animals.

Marine Maj. Brian Dennis, stationed along the Syria-Iraq border, befriended a male German shepherd-border collie mix while on patrol whom he named "Nubs" after learning that someone had cut the dogs ears.

Constant runs-ins between the two created a deep bound which only deepened when Dennis found Nubbs near death and helped him recover. Military policy does not allow pets in war zones so Dennis decided to send the pup to his home base in San Diego. With the help of his Iraq interpreter and family and friends, he raised $3,500 to get the dog from Amman, Jordon to San Diego where colleagues will be watching over and training Nubs until Dennis's safe return.

This is such an inspiring story about how these two found each other in the middle of a war zone.
Get the Full Story Here


Have an inspiring pet story that you would like the world to hear about? Share it with Polka Dot Pup and it maybe featured in our "Dogs in the News" segment.

Dog Gone New Years Resolutions

2008 has arrived, a perfect time to dig up those resolutions that were forgotten over the past year. What better opportunity to create some pet friendly resolutions that you and your pet will enjoy together? I could think of a few for myself and my pup (take longer walks, head out to the dog park more often).

TRIPSwithPETS.com, an online guide for pet travelers and their people, polled visitors to their website about what their top New Year’s pet resolutions would be. Check out what other pet owners are resolving to do in 2008:

10. No Table Scraps: Our four-legged friends won’t be happy about this one. No more people food from the table or placed in the pet bowl, and no more plate licking either.

9. Nail Trims: Keeping pets nails trimmed properly can be a real challenge but 2008 will be a year of fewer toe nails clicking on floors.

8. Disaster Preparedness: It doesn't matter what part of the country you live in., we can all be affected by disasters. Putting together a pet disaster plan and survival kit is the plan for many pet parents in 2008.

7. Brushing Teeth: It’s recommended that you clean your pet’s teeth at least once a week, but not many pet parents do this. Looks like it’s on the “list” now.

6. Healthy Treats: Looks like many of our furry friends will be saying goodbye to processed treats. Many pet parents plan on “treating” their pets to more natural and organic treats.

5. Sit, Stay, Down: Pet obedience and training ranks high in the top pet resolutions for the year. A well behaved pet is also a less stressed pet.

4. Car Safety: We’re very pleased about this one. Pet parents plan to invest in their pet’s safety in 2008. They plan to better secure their pets when traveling by car by using a pet car seat, pet safety belt, travel carrier, or pet barrier.

3. More Road Trips: Whether it’s a trip to Grandma’s house, a visit to the pet store, or a vacation to Hilton Head – pet parent’s resolve to do more of them with their pets.

2. More Bonding Activities: Pet parents have vowed to include their pets in shopping trips, dinners at pet friendly restaurants, and other pet friendly places.

1. More Exercise: Whether it’s walks, runs, fetch, or hikes. Getting Fido and Fluffy moving is the top New Year’s pet resolution.


Check out http://www.tripswithpets.com for other great pet polls as well as dog travel accommodations and resources.

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!

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

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....

___________________________________________________________________

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.
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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

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