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.

New iPhone App for Dog Owners - DogiDuty

Nowadays there are iPhone apps for almost anything. Lucky for us pet owners, a new pet-friendly app is now available to help organize our busy lives.

Check out DogiDuty (http://www.dogiduty.com/). This iPhone application allows you to keep your dog walker, spouse or whoever is watching your pet up-to-date with important doggie duties such as if your dog has been fed, if they have taken their walk and other important pup information. All the recipient needs is a regular email account to receive your reports.

This little puppy has it all! Keep an endless list of dogs you duty, displays owner name and pet names, easy to send out reports to family members or your whole list of clients, currently track three pets per owner and it even works with built in iphone address book for easy sending.

DogiDuty is available at the iPhone App Store - http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=308790835&mt=8

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 - Ashley & Co. Designer Jewelry for Pet Lovers

Ashley & Co. Designer Jewelry for Pet Lovers
Product Review by Becca Plummer


At Polka Dot Pup, our objective is to scan the Internet for anything and everything pet. One of our toughest challenges is locating quality products perfect for every pet lover. Lucky for us we sniffed out Ashley & Co. whose designer jewelry proves to be top breed.

Wrapped in a small black box with paw ribbon accent, Vixen and I unwrapped a Sterling Silver Pet Collar Charm and matching Paw Print Tag Bracelet from the Ashley & Co. Amanda Collection. Vixen, whom many may call a tomboy dog, was delighted to be dolled up with a little bit of collar bling. The 5/8 inch large pet collar charm was the perfect size for a larger dog and the teardrop lobster clasp allowed for easy attachment to her collar. I was equally excited about the matching Paw Print Bracelet. The cable chain bracelet with charm was light weight and offers a simplistic design that allows you to wear the piece as an accessory to almost any outfit. The jewelry duo is a huge hit when Vixen and I hit the dog park, a definite great gift idea for any pet lover or pet in the family.

Ashley & Co. designer Vanessa Wensing is a veterinarian turned jewelry designer who designs her jewelry collections after animals that have touched her life and the lives of people around her. Her designs have a simple, elegant flare and are crafted from precious metals. One of the greatest gifts of purchasing one of the Ashley & Co. pieces is a portion of the proceeds will go towards benefiting nonprofits supporting animals in need.


To learn more about Ashley & Co. Jewelry, please visit www.ashleyandco.com

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.

Pets On The Tube - Greatest American Dog

Barking mad could be the description for some of the cast on the new reality pet show Greatest American Dog. I caught my first glimpse of the pup friendly show that features dog and owner teams living and competing together in the chance to win a $250,000 cash prize and the title of GREATEST AMERICAN DOG.

The competitions maybe a little wacky (does passing an agility test really make your pet the Greatest American Dog and having an actual dog house the owners have to stay in?) but the full of personality pets leave you wanting more. A few personal favorites right off the bat, Tillman the Bulldog from Oxnard CA and Elvis the Russell Terrier from New York City.

To check out Greatest American Dog, tune into CBS on Thursdays, 8pm et/pt or visit their website at CBS.com. You can also meet the dogs at Dogster.com.

Do you love the show, have a team you are pulling for? We would love to hear about it! Send us your feedback at 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.

PETS IN THE NEWS - Dog and Sheep Unlikely Pair

They say opposites attract! This unlikely duo have been hitting headlines all around town and I just can't get enough.

Maggie the dog and Daisy the sheep took their relationship on the road and were spotted wandering near a freeway off-ramp in Granada Hills CA where a kindhearted passer by stopped and gave them a lift. The twosome have now been reunited with their owners and their heart warming tale has touched the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. Hey Animal Planet, how about a Maggie and Daisy reality series??




To check out more about this unlikely duo, check out the Dailynews.com

Valentine's Day - Doggie Style

Valentine's Day is 3 days away!

Us here at Polka Dot Pup have been gearing up for this love inspired holiday because whether single or taken, there is always a special someone to celebrate. Someone who is always there for you, gives you all the attention you desire and more and always brings you gifts such as a slobbery squeaky toy or tennis ball. If this sounds like your significant other than you might want to rethink that relationship....I'm taking about your favorite four legged friend, your constant canine company of course!

Whether you are the ultimate pet lover ready to deck your dog out on V-Day or you thought it might be fun to pick up a little something for your pet, I have put a list together of some of Polka Dot Pup's favorite Valentine's Day finds. From chocolate covered strawberry squeaky toys to pet friendly chocolates, there is a pup perfect Valentine's Day gift idea for everyone....

With Love,

Polka Dot Pup

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

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.

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

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

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.

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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