Polka Dot Pup on Twitter

Polka Dot Pup is on Twitter!

Follow our pet correspondent Vixen as she partakes in her daily routines. What's more fun than living a dogs life?

Check out all the fun at http://twitter.com/PolkaDotPup.

Halloween for Pets - Costumes and Shindigs

Alright all you Halloween hounds out there still searching for the perfect pup-friendly costume, Polka Dot Pup has compiled a ghoulish list of gear sure to impress at any pet costume parade or shindig.

Speaking of shindigs, pet costume parties and parades are popping up all over the place. Know about a pet-friendly Halloween event in your area? We want to hear about it! Send the event information to polkadotpupblog@aol.com. Please submit your events no later than October 29 so that we can get them posted in time for Halloween.

Pet 'Net Adoption Event - Celebrating Pet Adoption Across the Nation

In today's society, too many pets are waiting helplessly in shelters to be adopted. The Humane Society of The United States (HSUS) estimates that 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. This October, the Pet 'Net Adoption Event is helping to spread the word about adoption in hopes to reduce these numbers. Isn't it about time you considered adoption?

Adopting a pet is a big step but well worth it. You've made the decision to walk into your local shelter and pick out your new best friend for the next 10-15+ years. If only adoption were so easy. Here are a few tips to help you on your way to adopting the perfect pet for you and your family!

One key thing to keep in mind when considering adopting a pet is that they are a full time job. They become part of the family and like children, require lots of attention and love. They are not cheap either. On top of food and everyday essentials, it is really hard to resist all the cute pet products out there on the market. Don't forget about training which helps pets to be better mannered and increases the bond between owner and pet. I mention these topics not to scare potential adopters, but to bring a realization to what it takes to raise a health happy pet.

We've made it past the basics, now it's time to think about what breed or mix would work best in your home. Do some research into what types of dogs or cats are out there and what which might work best for you. Consider size (large dog or small dog), temperament (extremely hyper or mellow), coat (in case of allergies), how well certain breeds do with other animals and people, what does your living situation permit (do you live in an apartment or travel frequently), these are all items that can affect your future pet-human relationship. Check out your local shelter or adoption center and sit down with the staff and ask lots of questions. Don't forget to take your time, this is a big decision.


Meet one of Vixen's very best friend's, Abby. Abby was adopted from a North Carolina shelter.

So you've made your decision, you found your perfect companion and are ready to take him/her home. Now what? Make sure to pet proof your home, pickup anything your new pet might get into. Stock up on pet essentials like an ID tag, collar and leash, a bowl for water and food, dog bed and crate, brush for coat and teeth and tons of toys of course! Set some boundaries, this will help your pet learn the rules around the house. Get to know your pet, figure out their behaviors and habits and help correct and reward them.

One of the most enjoyable steps to adopting a pet is just going out and having fun. The bond you share with your pet is so special. My heart goes out to all of the pets in shelters waiting to find their own family. Help make a difference in a pet's life and they will return the favor with lifelong love and friendship.


To learn more about the Pet 'Net Adoption Event, go to Petside.com.

For more tips on pet adoption and adoption shelters in your area, please visit the sites below:
Petfinder.com
AdoptaPet.com
Dogster.com
Pedigree - Adopt a Dog
Pet Adoption Portal
American Kennel Club - Breed Rescue
The Humane Society of The United States
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

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.

Fall Pet Events

My favorite time of the year is upon us. The leaves are changing, there is a slight chill in the air....it's the perfect time to get out there with your pets and enjoy what the season has to offer!

Check out some of the hair raising events coming up in Polka Dot Pup's neck of the woods -












Wag N' Walk
September 27, 2008, 8:00AM
Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065
Phone:(805) 579-8047
Event Details: Wag N' Walk is an annual fundraising event and insures quality care for the animals throughout the year. Join and "walk" for a dog or cat! For more information about this event, please visit http://www.arvsimi.org/events.htm








Bark for the Cure
October 4, 2008, 8:00am-2:00pm
Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (866)789-3737
Event Details: Bark for the Cure is a series of 5K events taking place across the country to raise money and awareness for canine cancer research. The first leg of the event, Bark for the Cure Los Angeles, kicks off with a 5K Fun Run/Walk and continues with a Canine Celebration immediately following. Dogs and dog lovers who would like to take part in the run/walk can register at BarkfortheCure.com. To participate, adults are asked to donate $15 per adult and $1 for dogs. Children can join for free. Admission is free for those not in the 5k but wish to participate the canine celebration following the 5k.


6th annual BARK IN COMMUNITY PARK
October 5, 2008, 10:30 am - 3 pm
1021 Havard Way, EL Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Phone:916-358-3575
Event Details: Dog demonstrations, dog vendors, rescue groups, prizes and lots of dog-gone fun! Hosted by El Dorado Hills Recreation Dept, just east of Folsom, CA. For more info call Janet at 916-358-3575


PAWED's Furry Friends Walk & Geocache
October 5, 2008, 9 AM to 2 PM
El Dorado Hills Blvd. & St. Andrews Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95682
Phone:530-677-2476
Event Details: Participate in the 1 or 2 mile walk around the park for PAWEDs (People for Animal Welfare in El Dorado County) Furry Friends Walk & Geocache. Registration begins at 9 AM and the walk begins at 10 AM ($15/person or $25/family, or preregister online at www.pawedpets.org). Funds raised will benefit the PAWEDs Mobile Spay/Neuter & Disaster Response Clinc, the only one in El Dorado County. Immediately following the walk is the EDH CSD's Bark in Community Park, a fun filled FREE event for the entire family which runs from 10:30-3 PM.












4th Annual Nuts for Mutts - The Walk
October 19, 2008, Starts 8:30 AM
Shepard Stadium, Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA
Phone:661-255-0097
Event Details: Dog lovers and their best friends will unite when the 4th Annual Nuts for Mutts - The Walk returns to Shepard Stadium at Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills on Sunday, October 19. This fun-filled family event features a 5K walk-a-thon through the rolling hills of Pierce College, overlooking the San Fernando Valley. Route highlights will include "pawzstations" with plenty of water, food and fun for pets of all kinds and their human partners as they walk to benefit nonprofit animal rescue group, New Leash on Life. A pre-walk breakfast will greet the walkers when registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and a post-walk award ceremony will immediately follow, where the top fundraiser will be awarded a cruise to the Caribbean for two. Attendees will also enjoy live music and a dog-friendly fair. Funds raised from Nuts for Mutts - The Walk will help support New Leash on Life's education, rehabilitation and adoption programs, including Lend a Paw. The Lend a Paw program rescues and trains homeless animals as Social/Therapy dogs to enhance the lives of people in need, visiting hospitals and care centers to offer healing, love and acceptance. To register and start signing up your walk sponsors, visit www.nutsformutts.org or call (661) 255-0097.


For more pet friendly events in and around California and the US, please visit DogFriendly.com. Do you know of an event in your area? We want to hear about it, please send the event information 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

Pets On The Tube - Rescue Dog Rock

Two little pups named LuLu and Lolly are making a lot of noise but in a good way with their world's first doggy rock music video! Created to call attention to the amazing work the Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) has been doing to reunite pets and humans after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, it's a sure hit with all the dogs out there (and humans like it too!)

To learn more about LuLu and Lolly, visit luluandlolly.com