Park Avenue Chihuahua

Love Comes In All Forms....

2012-03-01T17:43:00.000-05:00

This is an older story but still a beautiful one. This two-week old little piglet (the runt) was found abandoned, cold and almost dead on a farm in Germany. The farm owner found her in the woods all alone after her mother abandoned her. The farm owner brought her home and introduced her to a female Rhodesian Ridgeback who had recently given birth to a litter of puppies. The dog instantly fell in love with the piglet and started nursing her back to health. They both still live on the farm and are happy and healthy. This is proof that love can break through all barriers. It doesn't have to make sense. :-)

To read the full story click here.

via

Sunday Smiles

2012-02-19T07:08:00.003-05:00

via

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T06:20:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! Don't forget about your puppy dogs (and/or other fur babies) this Valentine's Day. Long walks, car rides, doggie massages, snuggle time, toys and treats are a great way to show your love. :-)

Another great way to spread the love is by donating money or time to animal shelters and animal charities. They so desperately need it!

I know I will be spreading the love to my sweet puppy dogs today. I always find ways to give as much love to them as they give to me -- beautiful sweet endless puppy love!

Hugs and kisses to you all,

What Love Looks Like...

2012-02-09T23:41:00.000-05:00

Photo Source - via

I came across this picture on the internet and it touched my heart. What a beautiful picture. This is truly what love looks like! :-)

Tiny Chihuahua Shows Talent For Herding Sheep

2012-01-18T16:44:00.002-05:00

This video is so cute! Nancy, the Chihuahua has quite the talent. Watch this cute little girl do her thing...herding sheep that is. Enjoy! :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T12:37:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T05:26:00.001-05:00

The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew wishes you and your family a Happy and Prosperous New Year! :-)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T03:10:00.001-05:00

The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew wishes you and your family a very Merry Christmas! :-)

Sunday Smiles

2011-12-18T12:55:00.000-05:00

via

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T22:40:00.000-05:00

Sunday Smiles

2011-11-27T00:03:00.000-05:00

Stalker Kitty. Enjoy! :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T05:09:00.000-05:00

The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! :-)

Sunday Smiles

2011-11-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday Everyone! Enjoy! :-)

Precious Moment.......

2011-11-01T10:38:00.001-04:00

Thought I would share a special moment with you all. Today, I loaded my iPod with Christmas music. I start listening to Christmas music as early as possible. One of my favorite songs is 100,000 Angels. If you haven’t heard it before then you are in for a treat. It makes me cry (in a good way) every time I hear it.

So here I am, listening to this song and crying. My little Chihuahua, Patti Marie comes up to me and starts kissing the tears away from my eyes. How precious is that? She has done this before when I have been upset. She will always kiss the tears away and make me feel better. So if anyone is ever in doubt that there are angels among us all you have to do is look no further than your own home.

Angels are indeed all around us masquerading as other things. Those other things just might have furry bodies and four legs. I, for one, am always surrounded by love filled angels. How blessed I truly am. :o)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.019-04:00

The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew would like to wish

everyone an enchanting, safe and Happy Howl'o'ween!

Happy Birthday D'Angelo & Macy Gray

2011-10-14T08:44:00.037-04:00

Happy Birthday D'Angelo and Macy Gray! My how times flies. I rescued D'Angelo 6 years ago today. He was a year old which makes him 7 years old today. My husband rescued Macy Gray over 8 years ago in October so we created a duel birthday for them both. Macy is believed to be 13 years old. She still looks and acts like a puppy. I can't imagine life without my sweet babies. They are truly the loves of my life. Happy Birthday D'Angelo and Macy Gray! Mommy loves you both soooooo very much! :-)

Mommy's precious little man!

Sweet Macy Gray!

Puppy Rescued From Crack In Yard

2011-09-27T04:54:00.002-04:00

This is insane! Who would have ever thought something like this could happen? Thank God this sweet little puppy was saved and is okay. Yay! :-)

Sunday Smiles

2011-09-25T05:02:00.005-04:00

Happy Sunday! This video is hilarious! The other dog passes gas - the Weimaraner sniffs it and makes a funny face. Priceless! Enjoy. :-)

Cold Stunned Sea Turtles Saved!

2011-09-22T04:47:00.005-04:00

Awwwww! This makes me all warm and fuzzy inside! I love sea turtles. Did you know that they are endangered? They are very much so.

Want to learn more about sea turtle rescue? Click here and here for more info. :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

9/11 Remembrance

2011-09-11T18:57:00.002-04:00

Today marks the 10th anniversary of one of America's greatest tragedies. The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew would like to take a moment to recognize the many families who suffered loss due to the tragedies of 9/11 and give a special recognition and thanks to the men, women and service dogs who risked their lives to help save victims of the World Trade Center attacks. May we all find a quiet moment for peace and remembrance today.

All pics from slideshow are via.

Sunday Smiles

2011-08-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday! Having a ruff day and need a little pick me up? I found a great site that will do just that. It's called Animals with Stuffed Animals. The pictures on this site are just too cute for words. New pictures are added everyday -- all day long. Here are some of my favorites....enjoy! :-)

All pics are via

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T06:17:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Patti Marie!

2011-08-14T07:47:00.001-04:00

The sweetest dog in the entire world --Patti Marie.

I can't believe my little girl is 12 years old today. My how time flies when you're having fun! I remember back when I first got her -- she was a 1/2 pound and fit into the palm of my hand. It was love at first sight. She has been my loyal companion through all the highs and lows of my life. Happy 12th Birthday Patti Marie! Mommy loves you soooooooooo very much! :-)


Patti's beautiful smile!

Patti - 4 months old. What a cutie pie! :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T00:32:00.000-04:00

Who's Your Daddy?

2011-07-28T20:42:00.001-04:00

via

Have a mix breed dog? Ever wonder exactly what's the genetic makeup of your dog? I have two mix breeds (mutts) and look at them all the time and wonder. They have some really cool DNA Breed Tests out on the market today. Some brands have more breeds included in their DNA tests than other so research them carefully.

I found a great test that a friend of mine used on her dog and it came back with great accuracy. It made me even more curious about mine. I am going to use the Wisdom Panel DNA Test. It has the most breeds available out of all the DNA kits out there right now - over 185 to be exact. The kit has super simple instructions, arrived quickly and is very easy to use (per my friend).

Once you send the test off, you will receive an email in just a few days to let you know they have received the samples. In less than three weeks, you will receive another email to let you know that they have completed the processing and your pooch(es) breed report will available online via PDF. Super easy!

Wisdom Panel is running a special right now on their breed tests which you can purchase online for only $69.99. Plus, if you use the coupon code INSIGHTS10 (all caps or it won't work) then you'll get another $10 off so the test is only $59.99. What a great deal!

Wisdom Panel has other Canine DNA Tests available too. To check them out click here. If you don't want to wait to get your DNA test Petsmart sells the tests as well. They cost a little more money and only have a 170 breed database but you can get it quick.

Curious now as to what type of mixed breed you may have? Click here to play a fun, quick online game to guess what your dog's breed(s) might be.

Finding out what type of dog you have won't only satisfy your curiosity. It will also help you in determining what kinds of genetic disorders (if any) to watch out for. It will also help you tailor training, exercise and nutritional programs to your dog's specific needs.

I am going to test our little Sadie and Macy Gray soon. I'll post the results once I've run the tests and got the results back. Can't wait! :-)

Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July (Independence Day)

2011-07-04T13:26:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July Everyone! Today we will all be celebrating our independence by way of cookouts, gatherings and fireworks -- an American tradition indeed! However, not all will be celebrating today. Many pets (especially dogs) are extremely frightened of fireworks. They will do just about anything to escape the deafening sounds that they will hear tonight.

Did you know that more animals are lost on the 4th of July than any other day of the year due to the loud noises from fireworks? If you have animals that stay outside, please bring them in tonight. Put them in a bathroom or crate with a radio or television near by to help drown out the loud noises. Also, place an article of your clothing that you have been wearing (still has your scent on it) in with your pet. This will also help relax them.

Here are a few quick tips to keep your pets safe tonight.....

1. Do NOT take your pet with you to see the fireworks. Be kind -- leave them at home where they will feel safer.

2. Keep your pet inside tonight in a safe secure place in your home. Please don't keep your pet in the garage. The acoustics of the garage will magnify the sounds of the fireworks and frighten your pet.

3. Make sure your pets have their collars and tags on tonight. Also, if your pet is microchipped then please make sure that the information in their online profile is correct and up-to-date with a recent picture of them.

4. Do NOT leave your pet outside in the yard or chained up. Pets can severely injury or kill themselves by trying to get away from the loud noises. There is also the fear that they will dig under or jump the fence to escape.

5. Bring your pets inside and put them in a cool, quiet bedroom or crate. For added comfort you may turn on a fan and a television (or radio) to a channel that has a calm program on (like HGTV, Disney, Discovery Channel, etc) or a music channel like Jazz. The voices from the television will help calm your pet down and make them think someone is there with them. I have heard of big dogs eating through walls, tearing through closed pet doors and jumping through windows to escape the loud noises.

If you are home with your pet then keep them close to you to make them feel safe.

6. Leave a blanket or piece of clothing (t-shirt, robe, etc) that has your scent on it with your pet. Your scent will help soothe your pet.

7. If you find a lost pet, please take it to your local animal shelter immediately. Most likely, a frantic owner is looking for their beloved pet and they will be able to be reunited quicker. You may also want post flyers in your neighborhood letting everyone know that you took the "found" pet to your local shelter.

Have fun, be safe and don't forget to protect your pets from loud firework sounds tonight! :-)

Sunday Smiles

2011-07-03T04:47:00.005-04:00

Happy Sunday Everyone! This video is hilarious! The kitty gets caught barking like a dog. The funniest part is that once kitty realizes its been caught it starts meowing again like "Oops, didn't know anyone was listening." Too funny. Enjoy! :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T21:13:00.001-04:00

Sunday Smiles

2011-06-12T12:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday Everyone! This is precious! :-)

Dogs Can't Always Swim.......

2011-05-25T16:48:00.000-04:00

Summer is near, which means fun in the water for you but not necessarily for your pet. Did you know that more than 170,000 dogs, cats and other small animals drown every year? Most people don't realize that while the majority of animals can swim, they can't necessarily get out by themselves!

Many pet owners try to protect their pet by training them to swim to the pool steps to get out of the water. This works fine in a daylight, non-threatening environment, but at night or if panicked, a dog will panic and forget it's "landmark." Animals can't see the steps for the very simple reason that they are under the water.

Pet drownings are preventable! To help prevent such senseless accidents, install a ramp in your pool, to your boat or floating dock. A lightweight, durable and easily installed ramp, such as a Skamper Ramp, will ensure your pooch or kitty can easily exit the water. To learn more about Skamper Ramp's and how they can save animals lives then click here.

Stop Animal Drowning! Install a ramp today. Skamper Ramp's cost from $65 - $99. It could be the best money you ever spend. :-)

Sunday Smiles - Talking Dog

2011-05-22T15:54:00.000-04:00

This is hilarious! Enjoy! :-)

What To Do If Your Pet Was Stolen!

2011-05-09T18:55:00.000-04:00

via

We all worry about this from time to time and we should. Over 2 million pets are stolen each year. You hear the horror stories about people stealing pets all the time. I can only imagine how sad and scary a situation it must be. What's even worse than that is that stolen pets are sometimes used as bait dogs in dog fights, experiments in laboratories, food for certain cultures or just plain tortured. It's horrifying and it's a crime. Here are a few tips on keeping your pet safe....

1. Make sure you have your pet microchipped even if they stay in the house all the time (like cats). You never know when someone might accidentally let them out.

2. Don't leave your pet outside in your yard unattended while you are at home and especially when you are not at home. Stay out there with them as they enjoy the yard. You can get some fresh air too.

3. Don't leave your pet in a vehicle unattended.

4. Don't let people you don't know or don't know well watch your pet or walk your dog.

5. Make sure you keep up-to-date photos and written descriptions of your pet just in case of an emergency.

6. Beware of strangers in your neighborhood. Report an unusual or suspicious behavior to the Police and/or Animal Control immediately. Make sure you write down the license plate numbers of suspicious vehicles that you see. However, word of caution -- don't be too obvious that you are doing it.

7. Don't talk to strangers about the value, bloodlines, training or special abilities of your pet.

8. If a stranger approaches you about buying or breeding your pet, tell him the pet has been spayed or neutered (even if it hasn't). Write down the person's name, address (if you can get it) and license plate number. Make sure you keep a close eye on your pet afterwards!

9. Spay or Neuter your pets. This will make them less inclined to wander and eliminates any resale value for breeding purposes.

If you suspect that your pet has been stolen then click here and here for instructions on what to do. Remember, time is of the essence so don't delay. Act quickly!

Leaving Pets In HOT Vehicles = DEATH!

2011-05-03T05:44:00.009-04:00

Via My Dog Is Cool!

I was so upset the other day. I parked next to someone that left their two Boston Terriers in their vehicle on a warm day so they could go into Petsmart. Yes, I said Petsmart! You know, the store that not only allows pets but welcomes them. They left their dogs in their vehicle for over 20 minutes with only a small crack in two windows. This is NOT adequate ventilation for air to flow through your vehicle. I went inside and had the license plate called over the intercom. When the vehicle owners didn't respond I called the police. The dogs were overheating so bad that they were about to pass out. The people finally showed up and said the typical line, "We were only in the store for 5 minutes." Ugh! That pisses me off so bad. I have seen dogs die in vehicles before and until now (a new law has been passed in South Carolina and other states) you couldn't do anything about it or the police would put you in jail for opening up someone else's vehicle to save their animal. Needless to say, I gave them a good stern talk about the dangers and gave their dog's some water. I don't like having to talk to people about this but if it saves just one animal then it is worth it.

I continue to see this happen over and over again and I just DON'T get it! Intelligent people, ignorant people and just plain stupid people do this. The problem is that they just don't think....think about anyone else but themselves. Can you tell that this really upsets me?! Sometimes, I think that there might be good intentions there. People want to bring their animal along because they love car rides. They think that they will only be in a store "for just a second" and then they wind up leaving their pet in a car for longer than anticipated.

Here's a tip - If your pet's love car rides then make a special trip and take them for one. Drive slow and crack the windows so they can feel the air on their faces. The car ride doesn't have to take long - just a trip up the road and back. Your pet's will be so happy and you won't have to worry about leaving them in a hot car and killing them.

When the temperature outside is over 55 - 60 degrees....don't leave your pet in a vehicle! The vehicle (even on a cool cloudy day) can heat up very fast. Just think about it this way. Think about a very large glass cake cover. You then place this large glass cake cover on asphalt in the hot sun and then place yourself in it. Within minutes (sometimes seconds) the area within the large glass cover starts to rapidly heat up and the air in the glass cover gets hot and dry. It gets harder for you to breathe the longer you are in there. Next comes heat exhaustion and then you feel like you are going to pass out. Then comes heat stroke and after that comes death! Yes, DEATH!

Obviously, I am very sensitive and passionate about this subject. So many people say they love their animals but they don't act like it. I did a blog post last summer about this very important subject. Click here to read it. It just may save your pet's life!

via

Monday Musing

2011-05-02T14:26:00.001-04:00

via

Happy Monday! This is too cute not to share. Believe in Yourself! :-)

Happy Earth Day! Reduce. Reuse. Rewoof.

2011-04-22T15:32:00.000-04:00

via Google Images

In honor of Earth Day, here are some ways you can help the environment and reduce the carbon footprint of you and your beloved fur family.

1. Recycle - Recycle used blankets, towels, sheets, pillows, etc and donate them to your local animal shelter. You wouldn't believe the need that your shelter has for these items. Don't forget to wash all the items first. The best way is to use "free and gentle" laundry detergent and fabric softener sheets to ensure that the animals don't have an allergic reaction to the detergent used for cleaning.

Also, make sure you recycle your pet's food cans and bags. Opt for buying larger bags of dog food when you can to reduce packaging materials used. A great thing to buy is an air tight food container to keep your pet's food fresh.

2. Scoop the Poop - Clean up your dog's poop with biodegradable poop bags instead of plastic bags from the grocery store. Curious why you should clean up your dog's poop? Click here to learn more.

For the kitty, go for Eco-friendly cat litters, avoiding brands with mined minerals.

via

3. Reduce - Don't Shop. Adopt. When searching for your next pet, opt to adopt. There countless numbers of homeless pets looking for a loving home. You'll save money, resources - and a life.

Also, don't forget to spay and neuter your pets to reduce the unwanted animal population. Many shelters and rescues offer reduced-cost spay and neuter certificates if the cost is keeping you from fixing your pet during these hard economic times. Call your local shelter or Humane Society to see if they can help you reduce the number of unwanted animals and keep your pets healthier.

4. Reuse - Cut down on paper products—clean up with rags or recycled paper towels.

5. Water - Give your pet filtered tap water instead of bottled or tap water to drink. If you must use bottled water then be sure to recycle the containers that you use. Why use filtered water instead of tap water? Click here to learn more. A great filter to use is PUR.

6. Grooming - Go Green! Use earth-friendly pet shampoos and grooming products whenever possible.

7. Living Green - There are lots of great Eco-friendly dog and cat products out there (leashes, collars, toys, cleaning products, treats, etc). You can find some great ones here, here and here.

8. Garden Delights - If you have space, consider growing your own garden for you and your pets. Have a small space? Then consider a container garden. Pets love vegetables. Some great one you can feed your pets are carrots, lettuce and green beans. Before using insecticides, research mulching and other gardening practices that can help reduce the amount of insecticides and herbicides you might need.

Today is a day to appreciate the Earth and all it's wonderfulness. It's also a day to learn and act to help keep it a safe place for all living things, including your beloved animal friends. Let's all do our part today and everyday to help protect and preserve this beautiful place we call home - Mother Earth.

via

The Battle Inside

2011-04-20T14:03:00.000-04:00

Monday Musing

2011-04-11T14:09:00.000-04:00

via

Monday Musing

2011-04-04T06:59:00.001-04:00

via

New Look

2011-03-30T05:38:00.018-04:00

via

The Park Avenue Chihuahua Blog got a facelift! Do you like it? Love to hear your feedback. :-)

Sweet Dreams....

2011-03-29T12:53:00.005-04:00

All beds via Dog-Milk.

Book Review - Animals In Spirit

2011-03-28T12:46:00.025-04:00

I just finished reading this amazing book - Animals In Spirit by Penelope Smith. It is by far, my favorite book about our relationships and connections with animals. This book will help explain why our beloved animal friends are here -- their purpose, why they choose us, what they can teach us, how they guide us and what happens after the death of your beloved animal.

I have believed in reincarnation ever since I was a little girl. This book resonated with me. Instinctively, I already knew so much of what Penelope was saying in this book. I have always had a special bond with animals. Somehow, we can communicate with each other on a very deep level. I don't know if it is telepathically or if I can just read their body language perfectly. Coincidently, my birthday is on St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day (Oct. 4th) - the patron saint of animals.

If you have a deep love for animals and are curious to learn more about their purpose in our lives then Animals In Spirit is a must read. Happy Reading! :-)

"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." - Edward Hoagland

A Garden's Delight

2011-03-24T13:33:00.000-04:00

Spring is here and it's time to start thinking about your garden. Want to add a little flair to your outdoor space this year? I have the cutest thing in mind....a topiary in the shape of your favorite pooch. I am going to purchase one in the shape of a Chihuahua. Bet you wouldn't have guessed that, huh? ;-)

There are so many cute ones to choose from. You can have one standing, sitting or dress up your topiary like the picture above. The possibilities are endless! Click here and here to find your favorite dog breed.

Sitting Chihuahua Topiary

Standing Chihuahua Topiary

Happy Spring Everyone! :-)

Happy St. Patti's Day!!!

2011-03-17T10:44:00.001-04:00

Our Little Saint Patti Marie! :-)

Wishing everyone a

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May the luck be with you today and always!

The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew

Unconditional Love.....

2011-03-16T22:50:00.000-04:00

This is an older story but a beautiful one. If there is only one thing to take from this story....love has no boundaries! Enjoy! :-)

Sunday Smiles - Smart Dog

2011-03-06T06:39:00.004-05:00

This video is hilarious. Very smart dog indeed! Enjoy. :-)

Do I Go Home Today?

2011-03-04T05:01:00.007-05:00

Photo Source: www.sablogzone.com

Below is a beautiful but sad poem about the life of so many animals that are taken to animal shelters. I beg of everyone looking for a pet to remember the following things......

1. Pets are not impulse buys. They are not a pair of shoes or an outfit that you can return because you changed your mind.

2. Animals have feelings - they feel pain, sorrow, reject, stress and hopelessness.

3. You should ALWAYS review your lifestyle before you consider getting a pet. If you work all the time, travel a lot or go out on the town a lot, have children or a spouse that might hurt the animal, are allergic or don't like cat or dog hair in your home then please DON'T get an animal.

4. Dogs are not lawn ornaments - if you are thinking about getting a dog but want to keep them outside all the time then don't get a dog. Dogs are pack animals. They need human companionship. Also, dogs can die from being in too cold or too hot weather.

5. If you don't have enough money to take care of your pet properly (vet bills, spay/neuter, food, grooming, pet sitter and other necessities) then please don't get an animal.

Pets are a privilege - a gift from God. They are not something to acquire today and dispose of whenever the novelty or newness wears off. Animals get stressed out just like humans do. They are severely affected when people drop them off at shelters and dispose of them like day old trash. Next time you are thinking of getting a pet, please give it a lot of thought and careful consideration. It isn't just about you.

Do I Go Home Today?

By Sandi Thompson

My family brought me home cradled in their arms. They cuddled me and smiled at me, and said I was full of charm.

They played with me and laughed with me, they showered me with toys. I sure do love my family especially the girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats. They even let me sleep with them all snuggled in the sheets.

I used to go for walks, often several times a day. They even fought to hold my leash, I'm very proud to say.

These are things I'll never forget a cherished memory. I now live in a shelter without my family.

They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe. But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.

The kids and I would grab a rag for hours we would tug. So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bathroom rug.

They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside. This I did not understand although I tried and tried.

The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time. I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely, in the back yard on a chain. I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the shelter but were embarrassed to say why. They said I caused an allergy, and then, kissed me goodbye.

If I'd only had some classes, as a little pup I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left," I heard the worker say. Does this mean a second chance? Do I go home today?

A little something about me......

2011-03-02T04:57:00.004-05:00

Photo Source: Anne Keenan Higgins

I am known as the "dog lady" - well sort of. I am not crazy or anything like that. I just LOVE dogs and love surrounding myself around them. It makes me happy and is a great stress reliever. Understanding dogs comes naturally to me. It's like we have our own language. In a perfect world, that is what I would do for a living - just be with puppy dogs all the time. Maybe I should start my own pet sitting service. :-)

My husband and I spoil our dogs rotten and I can honestly say we have the sweetest dogs in the whole world. Did I mention that we have 4 of them? Seems like a lot but they are very small. It wasn't our intention to have 4 dogs, it just happened that way. Three of them are rescues that we just couldn't turn away. So we are a happy family of 6...us and our 4 fur babies.

Just because we spoil our dogs doesn't mean that they are brats. We are the pack leaders (most days). They are very well behaved and I truly think that my little Chihuahua, D'Angelo has mastered the English Language. He understands....I'm just saying! :-)

If you haven't ever experienced the joys of total loyalty and unconditional love that a puppy dog can bring you then you are truly missing out. Puppy kisses are magical. :-)

The Loved Dog

2011-02-28T06:42:00.002-05:00


Photo Source: www.tamargeller.com

I purchased the book The Loved Dog for myself this past Christmas and just got around to reading it. Wow! This is one of the best "dog" training books I have ever read. Tamar pours out her heart about her life, her love of all creatures and how the intense pain from her childhood made her what she is today -- an advocate for innocent animals.

This book isn't just about dogs, it's about life and how precious it is. It's about being kind to others and living a life full of love and compassion. I couldn't put the book down. I laughed, I cried and I rejoiced. Tamar is a beautiful person - inside and out. If you love dogs and want to train them with love and compassion then this is definitely the book for you. A must read for sure! :-)

Here's an excerpt from her book - The Loved Dog (Chap. 21 - Celebrate!):

“....Although we have gained a great deal of awareness about being kind and respectful to animals, there are plenty of people who still abuse, choke and beat up their animals and call it training. Please join me in becoming a dog advocate and spread the word that abuse is unnecessary and unacceptable. It was once considered rude and disruptive to interfere when someone was hitting a child in public. “Turn the other way,” was the commonly accepted custom. “It’s none of your business.”....”As a society, we have come to accept that abuse against children is absolutely our business, even if it’s conducted in the name of “discipline.” It should be the same with animals, too. We must all do whatever we can to end abusive dog training and to speak up for all living creatures who cannot speak up for themselves – whether they are homeless or living next door. Please interfere. Tell your friends, family and acquaintances that they can choose a different way; a loving way to coach and play train their dogs. If we turn a blind eye to abuse, we are participating in it ourselves.”

Want to learn more about Tamar Geller and all the wonderful things she does then click here.

Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did! :-)

Brush Those Toofies!

2011-02-26T16:34:00.013-05:00

Our Sadie's Pearly Whites

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. So many people don't realize the importance of dental health in animals. There are so many other factors that come into play besides bad breath. Dental disease can cause many illnesses in dogs like heart and kidney disease. As bacteria moves from the mouth, it travels to other vital organs in the body and causes damage. Most pet owners have no idea that dental disease may be the root cause of health problems in their pets. They take their pets to the vet and treat them for various aliments not realizing that the bacteria from their pets mouth is the culprit. Periodontal disease is harmful and painful. It causes tooth rot, abscesses, bad breath and swollen painful gums.


Photo Source: www.togetherwithdogs.com

When pet owners think of things that they can do to keep their beloved pets healthy they think of exercise, yearly shots, regular vet visits, grooming and nutritious food. They rarely (if at all) think of brushing their pets teeth. "Brush my dogs teeth -- WHAT? They don't need their teeth brushed. Their food and/or treats do that." Well that is not necessarily the case.

What if we didn't brush our teeth for let's say....a day, a week or our entire lives. Gross? Yes, very. If we don't brush our teeth then we start having bad breath. If we continue to not brush then that bacteria starts to travel through our bodies contaminating our organs and causing major health problems. It is the same with our pets. They too need their "toofies" brushed on a regular basis. Brushing every day is great. If you don't have time brush their teeth everyday then you can give them special treats like Greenies, Dentastix, Twistix, etc. They are great snacks that will help reduce plaque and tartar on your pets teeth. However, it does not take the place of regular brushing and dental cleanings at your vet.

Something very important to remember -- you can't use human toothpaste on your dog. Human toothpaste contains harmful ingredients to animals, is not edible and can't be swallowed. Your dog will most definitely swallow whatever you use to clean his/her teeth. You can purchase specific toothpaste just for your pet that is edible. Pet Toothpaste comes in many different flavors. Try to find one that your dog likes; your dog will be more likely to let you brush his/her teeth. A nice beef or chicken brushing will be a tasty treat for your dog.

If you haven't brushed your dogs teeth before it will be a little awkward for the both of you. To start, try putting a little dab of toothpaste on the tip of your finger and let your dog sniff and lick it. The yummy taste should entice your dog enough to let you stick your finger in its mouth. In the beginning, you may want to use your (freshly washed) finger to brush your dog's teeth. Just put a little bit of pet toothpaste on your finger or a fresh piece of gauze, lift their gums in the area your are working in and rub your fingers over your dog's teeth. Make sure that you touch every tooth (front side of the tooth). Pay special attention to the molars and premolars (side and back teeth). These teeth usually build up tartar and plaque faster than the other teeth. Once your dog is comfortable with the process then you can start introducing a pet toothbrush. They come is different sizes and shapes, so find the one that works best for your pet. Smaller pets will need smaller brushes since they have small mouths. If your dog or cat won't let you use a toothbrush then you can use a dental wipe product like this. It is better to use an alternative method like fresh gauze or wipes than to not brush their teeth at all. You have to find what works best for you and your pet.

Still unsure about how to brush your pet's teeth or know if you are doing it right. Here is a great video to watch on how to brush your pet's teeth....

You will need to make sure this is an enjoyable experience for your pet. A pet won't be as reluctant to allow you to brush their teeth if you make it fun. Make sure you praise your pet during the process. You can even start out by giving your pet their favorite treat. Let them know that they are a "good boy or girl" and pet/stroke them during the process. Afterward, you can give them lots of reassurance by praise, kisses or a good pet massage. This will help them associate the activity in a positive manner. :-)

Most people also think that because they take their pet to get their teeth cleaned at their vets office that they don't need to brush their teeth daily. This couldn't be further from the truth. Tartar and plaque build up starts immediately after the cleaning. You also endanger your pet's life every time they are put under anesthesia. Some pet's, like two of my own, can no longer go under anesthesia because other health problems put them at too big a risk. Regular brushing will also reduce the amount of vet dental cleanings your pet will need. The more you keep the tartar and plague off their teeth the less build up will occur. This is why brushing your pet's teeth is so important.

Let's be honest - most of us don't brush our pets teeth on a regular basis (if at all). We either don't have or make the time to do it or don't realize the importance of it. I have been guilty of this in the past as well. Life gets busy. You come home from work tired, have to make dinner and take care of your family. Some days you are lucky if you can take your dog for a walk. Believe me, I know. However, each day is a new chance to make changes -- important changes for you and your pet. Start a new ritual of brushing your pet's teeth at bedtime. Start getting ready for bed a few minutes early and brush their teeth right before or after yours. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and stick with it. We all want our beloved pets to live longer, healthier lives and brushing their teeth will help tremendously with that. To some like me, your pets are your children (fur babies) and to others valued members of your family. So let's treat them like such and keep those pearly whites -- white. :-)

Photo Source: www.cherrybrook.com

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

2011-02-14T05:07:00.002-05:00

Can Dogs Love? A True Story

2011-02-09T15:03:00.003-05:00

Photo Source: www.moderndogmagazine.com

I love my subscription to Modern Dog Magazine! They have some of the best content of any dog magazine out there. Not only do you get the print magazine but you get the online version too. I came across a story in their current issue that touched me so deeply.....Can Dogs Love? A True Story.

To read this amazing story click here. Dog lover's such as myself already know the answer to this question. ;-)

Sunday Smiles

2011-01-16T22:28:00.001-05:00

This is a tribute to the kittens that we fostered for almost 7 months from birth. They were quite comical and very entertaining to say the least. We are so happy that we found loving homes for all six of them. It is so nice to get back to our peaceful and quiet home with our 4 puppy dogs. ;-)

Does this video remind you of any kitties that you might know? Enjoy!

Oh Gee....Little Ole Me?!

2011-01-10T21:31:00.002-05:00

Thanks bunches to Kiersten over at The Type A Housewife Blog for honoring me with the Stylish Blogger Award! Wow, my first award (blushing). Yay! :-) Kiersten is new to blogging but you wouldn't know it. Her posts are funny, interesting and fabulous! She has definitely got it going on. Go check out her amazing blog and follow her. You won't be sorry you did.

Since I have two blogs and Kiersten was so sweet to honor me with awards on both blogs, I decided to create 7 new things about myself on this blog so it wasn't redundant. If you'd like to learn more about me then check out my other blog - Another Domestic Diva.

Here are the rules to getting this award:

Thank and link back to the person who awarded you the award.
Share 7 things about yourself.
Award 15 other bloggers.
Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.

7 Things About Myself

I am adopted.

I was adopted when I was 1 year old. My brother (we are blood related) and I were lucky enough to stay together. My mom (adopted) couldn’t have children. We were a 2 for 1 special. Haha! We were on sale! :-D

I am fascinated by Labyrinth’s

Morgan Freeman’s soothing voice could bring about World Peace.

If I ever have a child I will play classical music and recordings of Morgan Freeman’s voice while he or she is still in the womb. I believe they both bring thoughts of peace and tranquility.

My favorite flower is the Cattleya Orchid

I am mesmerized by the Bermuda Triangle Mystery, Worm Holes and Black Holes (as they relate to science and space).

A sincere SMILE is one of the most beautiful things on earth to me.

I believe in the power of LOVE!

15 Bloggers I Would Like to Award

33 Shades of Green

The Girl in the Kate Spade Mittens

Pretty Random Thoughts

Through The Eyes of Tweedles

Chi’s and the City

Fun with Nancy

I Still Want More Puppies

Minnie and Mack’s Daily Digest

Please go check out these blogs when you get a chance. They are awesome! :-)

Sunday Smiles

2011-01-09T06:07:00.003-05:00

This funny dog video was too cute not to share. Happy Sunday Everyone! :-)

Sunday Smiles

2011-01-02T05:00:00.007-05:00

Who Brought The Cat? Haha! Happy Sunday Everyone! :-)

Want to Blog Hop? Check these out today! :-)

Happy New Year!!!!!

2011-01-01T00:01:00.022-05:00

Hi everyone! The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year! May your new year be filled with love, laughter and prosperity! :-)

A Great Book....

2010-12-28T20:07:00.001-05:00

I have always been a very open minded person. I don't put myself in a box believing only what the masses believe to be true. I believe that if you want to find the answers you will search for them and make a sound decision on what you feel is right...what you know in your heart to be true.

I have always wondered what happens to us when when pass away and leave this earth. I have also thought about it for the beloved animals that I have had over my lifetime. This curiosity had led me to read a ton of books (you can find my favorites in my "complete profile" on my blog) on the subject.

I bought myself a great present for Christmas....this book...Animals and the Afterlife. It is a compelling read for anyone who has loved and lost a beloved animal.

Hope you find it as interesting a read as I did. :-)

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." - Will Rogers

P.S. I am reading other books on the same subject and will comment about them when I am finished.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew would like to wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas! :-)

Sledding Anyone?

2010-12-23T16:11:00.000-05:00

These dogs are hilarious and having a ball. Too cute not to share. Enjoy! :-)

Sunday Smiles

2010-12-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

Patti Marie Yawning

Today is a cold and rainy Sunday in South Carolina but it is sunny in our home. I am snuggled up with my four-(4) puppy dogs in a warm bed watching Disney movies. What a great day!

Wishing everyone a warm and cozy Sunday! :-)

The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew

Winners of the Pet Holiday Giveaways!!!! :-)

2010-12-13T11:40:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone! Wow, I had fun tallying up all the winners for my Pet Holiday Giveaways. Below is a list of the winners.

I will contact the winners via their most recent blog post or email address (if it's on your blog/profile). Please e-mail me your address or the address you would like your prize(s) to be mailed to. I will ship all prizes out by tomorrow so you will receive it before Christmas (if I have your address). :-)

Prize # 1 - (The Who's Your Doggie Frame)

Winner is Megan!

Prize # 2 - (Ceramic Bone Shaped Pet Bowl, Edible Pet Holiday Card & Gingerbread Man Stuffed Dog Toy Combo).

Winner is Chi's and the City (Nadine, Chewy & Lilibell)

Prize # 3 - ($10 Petsmart Gift Card)

Winner is Lesli

* Note: Nadine over at Chi's & the City mentioned that if she won the gift card she would donate it to Noah's Arks Rescue . I was so touched by her thoughfulness and generosity that I will donate $ 10 to her's and my favorite rescue Noah's Arks Rescue in honor of her and her pups. Thanks for your kindness Nadine. :-)

Prize # 4 - (Dog Collar - winner will choose 1 out of 4 styles)

Winner is Lindsay *(Lindsay, I don't have any way of contacting you to let you know you won. Please email me at the link above or direct msg me on Twitter by Dec. 22nd to claim your prize. I can't tell who you are on Twitter. Thx!)

Prize # 5 - (One Faux Pearl Pet Necklace - winner will choose 1 out of 3 styles)

Winner is Frenchy

Prize # 6 - (Pink Skull with Rhinestone Eyes Pet Charm - 4 to giveaway)

~~No entries = No Winners :-(~~ (Update 4 winners!!!)

*Note: I will do a second chance offer for the 4 charms. If anyone is interested then please leave me a comment on this blog post by 8 pm tonight. After that the giveaway will be closed. The charms are super cute in person.

Follow-up @ 11:35 pm EST: I did the drawing for the 4 Pink Skull Charms. It was easy, 4 entries = 4 winners. Woo hoo! :-)

The winners are listed below. Each winner will receive one-(1) Pink Skull w/ Rhinestone Eyes Charm.

1. Lesli
2. Dog's Mom
3. Minnie and Mack
4. Lori & Gus

Yay! I will ship out all prizes tomorrow. New winners, please email me (listed on today's blog post) your address. Thanks! :-)

Prize # 7 - (Ganz Female Pet Charms - 3 to giveaway)

"It's Not Easy Being Queen" Charm - Winner is Dog's Mom

"Her Majesty" Charm - Winner is Michelle Underwood

"Princess Crown w/Ring" Charm - Winner is Michelle Underwood

Prize # 8 - (Male Pet Charms - 3 to giveaway)

"Ganz Dog House" Charm - Winner is Dog's Mom

"Paw Print" Charm - Winner is Mr. Pip

"Bow Tie" Charm - Winner is Michelle Underwood

Thanks so much to everyone that participated. Hope you all enjoy your gifts. Don't forget to send me your address so I can ship out your giveaways. Happy PAWLIDAY'S! :-)

Holiday Pet Blog Hop & GIVEAWAYS (Dec. 4th-12th)!!!

2010-12-04T00:48:00.016-05:00

Welcome to the

Park Avenue Chihuahua

Holiday Pet Blog Hop – GIVEAWAY(S)

Happy Pawlidays Everyone! As Christmas nears, I wanted to spread a little cheer and do something special for my fellow bloggers and followers...a Holiday Giveaway! All items listed below have been purchased by me.

This giveaway begins on Saturday, December 4^th and ends on Sunday, December 12^th@ 11:59 pm. The winners will be chosen on Monday, December 13^th and notified via a comment on your most recent blog post. A list of all the winners will be posted on my blog on Monday, December 13^th.

Don’t forget to:

* Grab the “Park Avenue Chihuahua Holiday Pet Hop” Button from my side bar.

* Put the button on your blog or your most recent post so others know to participate and comment.
* Read Entry Rules for Giveaways (below)

* Spread the word and get others to join in.

* Sign in below for the blog hop.

* Find new friends from the blog hop and let them know where you found them from.

The winners of this giveaway will receive the following items:

1. Dog Picture Frame “Who’s Your Doggie” (Value $ 18)

2. Ceramic Bone Shaped Pet Bowl, Edible Pet Holiday Card & Gingerbread Man Stuffed Dog Toy Combo.
a. The winner will receive all 3 items listed above. (Value $14)

3. $10 Petsmart Gift Card (Value $10)

4. One Dog Collar (1 winner)
a. (1 out of 4 choices – Red Glitter Collar, Green Glitter Collar, Faux Fur Jaguar Collar or Camouflage Collar). (Value $ 8)
b. Each collar comes in Size Small (9 ¼” – 12 ¾") or Size Medium (11 ¼” – 15”) except the Jaguar Collar (only comes in size medium)

5. One Faux Pearl Pet Necklace (1 out of 3 choices – White Pearls, Pink Pearls or Gray Pearls) - (1 winner)
a. Total length of faux pearls and ribbon is 33 inches. (Value $ 8)

6. Pink Skull with Rhinestone Eyes Pet Charm
a. Have 4 to giveaway = 4 winners (Value $ 5 each)

7. Ganz Pet Charms for girls - (1 of each - “It’s Not Easy Being Queen”, “Her Majesty” or “Princess Crown w/Ring”).
a. Have 3 to giveaway = 3 winners. (Value $ 5 each)

8. Pet Charms for boys – (1 of each – “Ganz – Dog House”, “Paw Print” or “Bow Tie”).
a. Have 3 to giveaway = 3 winners. (Value $ 5 each)

Mandatory Entry:

1. Follow my blog (Park Avenue Chihuahua) and leave a comment on what item or items you would like to be entered in to win. You can choose to be a part of each giveaway (all) or specific giveaways. Please specify. :-)

Note: For items with multiple choices (i.e. – collars and/or charms) then let me know which item is your favorite. If you win that giveaway then I will send you the item of your choice from that particular giveaway.

Bonus Entries:

Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/iliveformydogs and tweet this giveaway.

Note: If your Twitter account is a different title than your blog then please direct message me your blog name via Twitter so I can keep a count.

2. Sign in below for the blog hop.

Thanks and Happy Blog Hopping! :-)

For All The Animal Rescuers Out There....

2010-12-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

This is such a beautiful quote and one of my favorites.

"I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. "God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?" God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. I have done something," He replied. "I created you." ~ The Animals' Savior by Jim Willis

Animal Rescuers have such wonderful, beautiful souls. Thanks to all who open their hearts and homes to help animals in need. :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T05:00:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone! The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew would like to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! :-)

Dog Saved by Firefighters

2010-11-23T05:24:00.001-05:00

God Bless Firefighters! I don't think we say it enough. Firefighters are amazing people that risk so much for all of us. It is easy to forget all they do until we need them. Well, I am here to give a BIG thanks to all the wonderful firefighters of the world for saving so many lives.

I saw the video below on Life With Dogs Blog and had to re-post it. It is amazing!!! :-)

The dramatic raw footage of a dog rescue will make your heart soar. Firefighters performed rescue breathing on a dog that was found unconscious/unresponsive in a house fire. The dog was found at the back door in the kitchen, pulled from the building with minor burns and initially had a respiratory rate of 40+. Firefighters performed rescue breathing for approximately 12 minutes and as you can see, the dog survived. The owner was not home at the time so firefighters decided to bring the dog back to the firehouse for dinner and water.

Watch closely and as the puppy dog is revived she starts wagging her tail. So completely precious!

While I watched the video I was reminded of something. I did a post back in August of this year about Pet Oxygen Masks. If you haven't read that post click here to see it. These Pet Oxygen Masks are wonderful tools for firefighters to have on their trucks.

If you are thinking of a charity this holiday season to give to, please consider donating a set of Pet Oxygen Masks to your local fire station or another fire station in need. All fire stations and emergency response vehicles should be equipped with these wonderful life saving devices. :-)

Sunday Smiles

2010-11-21T07:47:00.002-05:00

To all of those wonderfully crazy pooches out there...we love you just the way you are! :-)

Lulu Products by Anne Keenan Higgins

2010-11-19T15:15:00.003-05:00

As the holidays approach, I am sure everyone is trying to decide what cards you'd like to send out and what gifts you'd like to purchase for friends and family. Well, look no more.

I'd like to introduce to you my favorite artist/illustrator of all times....Anne Keenan Higgins. I recently had the pleasure of connecting with the artist herself via e-mail. She is so sweet and completely humble which makes me love her that much more! :-)

I am IN LOVE with Lulu products by Anne Keenan Higgins. I can't get enough of her stuff. She offers anything from stationary, note cards, holiday cards, greeting cards, invitations, calendars, ornaments, checks and so much more. The Lulu products are fun, feminine and completely fabulous.

Lulu is a character that she created years ago. In Anne's illustrations you will see Lulu with her pooch or kitty traveling all over the world on her many adventures or just relaxing at home.

Anne recently created a new character called " Fiona." Fiona has the same whimsy charm as Lulu but with her fab style inspired by Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn. Anne decided to use Fiona for her 2011 desk calendars. If you would like to view or purchase one then click here.

Anne has also created products for weddings, new baby, moving, birthday parties, etc. To view a few of her items then click here.The great thing is that Anne doesn't just decorate the front of the cards. She also has artwork inside the cards and on the back (see Birthday Vespa Card below for details). She even decorates most of the envelopes with cute stripes, etc....so you get a lot for your money.

Below are a few (well more than just a few ;-) of my favorites from Anne Keenan Higgins. You can check out some websites that sell these fabulous products by clicking here, here, here, here and here too! Enjoy! :-)

Chihuahua Notes (other dog breeds are available here)

Holiday Dogs

Lulu Shopping Break Notes

Lulu Swinging Notes

Lulu in Mini Notes

Party Dog

Lulu Village Notes

Lulu Yellow Dots Notes

Lulu Home Notes

These are graphics for cute t-shirts you can purchase in boutiques.


Lulu Holiday Pups

Lulu 5th Avenue Notes

Lulu Birthday Vespa Greeting Card

Inside of Lulu Vespa Greeting Card


Lulu Dog Walking Notes


Lulu Christmas Presents

Obviously, I am a huge fan of Anne Keenan Higgins products and can't get enough of her stuff. There are so many more of her designs that I couldn't put on my blog (or it would be a mile long). I hope you love her illustrations as much as I do. Happy Shopping! :-)

Foods and Plants Toxic To Dogs

2010-11-16T17:37:00.001-05:00

Photo Source: www.entirelypets.com/toxicfoods

As the holidays get closer I thought it would be a good idea for all of us to brush up on what foods can be toxic to our beloved pets. Most of us seasoned pet owners are aware of some basic foods that are harmful to our pets. However, the lists are growing as more people are feeding their dogs homemade foods due to pet food contamination, pesticides, antibiotics in meats, etc. Some have decided to go organic or just use food from their kitchen so they know what their pooch is eating.

It is also very tempting to want to slip a "little of this" or "a little of that" to your pooch at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. You see those beautiful, sad eyes staring at you and your will power is gone. I know, I have done it before myself. You think..."oh, just this little bit won't hurt." Well, I am here to say it will. Below is a list of foods that are poisonous to your fur baby. The list is by no means complete but it will give you a good start on what you CAN'T give your pooch.

Items (and reasons) To Avoid

Alcoholic Beverages - can cause intoxication, coma, and death.

Apple (skin, seeds, stems and leaves) – flesh of ripe apples doesn’t pose a problem for pets. However, apple stems, leaves and seeds contain substances known as cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a lack of oxygen in the blood, decreased heart rate, respiratory congestion, seizures, coma, and if large amounts are ingested, can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Avocado - the leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources - can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

Cat food - generally too high in protein and fats.

Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other caffeine - contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and be toxic to the heart and nervous systems.

Citrus oil extracts - can cause vomiting.

Fat trimmings - can cause pancreatitis.

Fish (raw, canned or cooked) - if fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Grapes, raisins and currants - contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

Hops (found in beer as well) - unknown compound causes panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures, and death.

Human vitamin supplements containing iron - can damage the lining of the digestive system and are toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.

Macadamia nuts – contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.

Milk and other dairy products - some adult dogs and cats may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products.

Moldy or spoiled food, garbage - can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.

Mushrooms - can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.

Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked or powder) - contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.

Persimmons Seeds - can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.

Pits from peaches and plums - can cause obstruction of the digestive tract.

Raw eggs - contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Raw meat - may contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Rhubarb leaves - contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.

Salt - if eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.

String – (Although this is not a food it is used often to wrap meats while cooking and when discarded after cooking can be in reach of your pets.) String can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body" and can be deadly.

Sugary foods - can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

Table scraps (in large amounts) - table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet.

Fat - should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.

Yeast dough - can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Xylitol (artificial sweetener) - can cause very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can result in vomiting, weakness and collapse. In high doses can cause liver failure.

Don't forget to keep in mind that some food you make may have certain ingredients that are harmful to your pet (i.e. - mashed potatoes that have garlic and onion powder/salt in them). When in doubt - leave it out! :-)

The best thing to do is to have healthy doggie snacks available for your pooch so when he/she begs then you can give them a yummy dog biscuit, carrot stick, fresh green bean or favorite dog treat.

With Christmas around the corner, we must think about toxic plants too. The Poinsettia plant is toxic to dogs. For an expanded list of toxic plants then click here.

For a few sites that go into further detail of toxic foods click here, here and here too. Hopefully this information will help ensure that we all have a fun, safe and yummy holiday season.

Sunday Smiles

2010-11-14T07:14:00.003-05:00

I saw this video clip on America's Funniest Home Video's last week and almost fell off the couch I was laughing so hard. Yes, I am easily entertained. ;-) The funniest thing about it is that this dog's leg seems to have a mind of its own and the dog is clueless. It is hysterical.....enjoy! :-D

"Puppy Massage" - Canine Massage Therapy

2010-11-13T00:43:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone! Well, I am BACK from the living dead. Seriously, I haven't been that sick and for that long in a very long time. I am almost back to feeling 100% again. I have really missed blogging and reading others blogs too. I miss all my online fur friends. :-)

On to the "puppy massages". I use the word "puppy" a lot when describing puppy dogs. I just love the word. Who couldn't? It's fun and describes vast ages of dogs that will forever have that beautiful innocent playful spirit of a puppy (even if their bodies can't keep up anymore).

As dogs get older their bodies ache just like ours do. Even younger dogs can play too hard and become stiff and sore. One great way to alleviate pain, soreness and stiffness is canine massage therapy. Some people look at me funny when I mention it but think about it. Who doesn't love a great massage? I know I do. I love going to the spa (as a very special treat) and getting a massage. It relaxes me, takes away all my tension and rejuvenates me. It does that for your pets too. Massage is not limited to humans. It is great for dogs, cats, horses, pet birds, etc.

The benefits of canine massage therapy are wonderful. Click here and here to see some wonderful sites that go into great detail about Pet Massage Therapy. Some of the benefits are:

1. Relaxes and Calms Your Pooch.

2. Improves Blood Circulation.

3. Soothes Aching Muscles.

4. Increases Their Immune System.

5. Flushes Out Toxins In The Body.

6. Releases Stress and Tension.

7. Restores Flexibility and Aids Injuries.

8. Promotes Longevity and Overall Health.

9. Strengthens Your Bond and Builds Trust.

I love giving my pooches some puppy massage. The great thing about it is that you can do it anywhere, anytime and for as little or as long as you like. I usually do it when I am watching tv and the pups are chilling on the couch with me. I will either sit them up or let them lay down....whatever is more comfortable for them. I'll start by gently massaging their neck and work my way down their back (don't massage directly on the spine as it could hurt your pooch). Then I massage their front and back legs, feet, chest, ears and head. Be very careful around their head because it is a very sensitive spot. Many dogs (especially Chihuahua's) have soft spots on their heads and too much pressure can seriously hurt your pooch. When in doubt don't do it. Expert Village has some great video's on You Tube that go into detail about how to massage each body part on your pooch. Just type in "dog massage" on the You Tube Search Box and you will see so many by them that will pop up.

I have been giving my puppy dogs massages for as long as I can remember. All of our dogs are 6 years or older and two of them are way into their senior years (11 & 12 years old). It helps them so much and increases their mobility as well. I know that I am doing it right when my pups close their eyes, relax completely and have big smiles on their faces.

So if you'd like to pamper your pooch then give them a puppy massage (as I like to call it). It is a great bonding tool for you and your beloved animal and it will benefit them tremendously. They will definitely enjoy it and will return the favor ten fold with love and loyalty.

This post is linked to:

Happy HOWL'O'WEEN!!!!

2010-10-31T17:58:00.002-04:00

Who's a cute little baby punkin? Patti Marie that's "whoooo"! :-)

Hi everyone! Well, I am still sick. I found out that I have walking pneumonia and whooping cough. What the heck? I knew I felt like I was dying. Well, I am feeling a little better than the last week but not 100% yet. I had to do a post on Halloween though.

Unfortunately, we won't be going all out like we usually do tonight. We love decorating our home like a haunted house with fog machines, graveyards, spooky decorations and this really cool cemetery archway with a grim reaper and all. The kids of the neighborhood love it and we love seeing smiles on the kids faces. Our pups have a great time too! Oh, they just bark up a storm and are so proud of themselves for protecting the house. :-)

We would like to wish all of you an enchantingly fun and safe Halloween! :-)

Sick As A Dog!

2010-10-26T16:47:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! Sorry, I haven't been blogging much lately. I caught some kind of cold/flu/something really bad early last week and have been in bed feeling half dead and very sick! I haven't felt this bad in a really long time. :-(

Hopefully, I will start feeling better soon and will be able to return to the blogging world. Until then, please say some prayers that I feel better soon. My sweet pups have been so wonderful. They are so loyal and have been by my side the entire time taking care of me. Now that is love! :-)

~ Tina

One Word For You....Pitiful!

2010-10-19T14:02:00.008-04:00


Pitiful Sadie wif a "boo-boo" on her paw!

Here's our sweet little Sadie (a.k.a. - Say Say) with a gimpy paw. Poor little thing. She did something to it the day before yesterday which caused her skin between her paw to split. Then to make matters worse she licked it to death and now has irritated her skin above her paw. If anyone has ever split their skin between their toes or fingers then you know how bad it hurts. Ouch!

Every time I would put medicine on it she'd lick it right off. She would do the whole "I pretending I don't see u momma" thing. She's a terrier so she is stubborn like a little mule. I threatened her with an E-Collar last night and she started bucking like a bronco. Gesh Sadie, c'mon! So I gave in, gave her some pain medicine and we all went to bed.

This morning she started the whole "I'm so pitiful. See me limping. Yes, I will still lick off any medicine you put on my paw even if I know it will delay healing" look. So I did what any good mommy would do....I held her down, put medicine on the paw and wrapped it up like a Christmas present. Needless to say, she was not amused. She then proceeded (with her eyes) to tell me that she would be demanding more cookies for all her troubles. What a little character. She could be a Hollywood doggie for sure! Well, we have been to the fabulous Beverly Hills Mutt Club. BOL! :-)

This post is linked to:

Awesome Halloween Artists Blogs....

2010-10-18T22:31:00.002-04:00

You can buy this from Cat & Fiddle http://bit.ly/a5np4t

Okay, I know the first part of my post doesn't have anything to do with pooches but I just had to spread the word about these totally (and I mean totally) awesome blogs. Each person's blog is an artist who hand makes all of their work. They all have one thing in common.....it is all about Halloween. These artists have "mad skills" for sure. I love it all! :-)


http://theholidayqueen.blogspot.com/

http://www.catandfiddlefolk.blogspot.com/

http://ehagemporium.blogspot.com/

I love Halloween and not in a creepy way. I love decorating the house and yard in cute festive things. I love getting the pups involved with cute outfits. I also set up a window seat where my fur babies have a bird's eye view of all the trick-or-treater's so they can feel like they are a part of it all too!

I don't dare just let them loose in the house while I open the front door numerous times to pass out candy. Not that our pups would try to run away...they wouldn't dream of it. It is the children I worry about. Two years ago, a few children ran in our house uninvited and busted through the baby gate (which I put up for safety) letting loose a dog we were fostering - who got out and almost got hit by a car. Over 45 minutes later, my husband returns safely with Sydney (the foster dog). He told me that he was almost hit by a car trying to catch her. Gesh!

Since then I put our pups in my husband office (which faces the front yard) and open a window (or just the blinds) for all of them to see out of...much safer. His office has french doors which opens into the foyer so they can still see me as well.

It is so important for us to keep our fur babies safe. They don't know any better. Click here for some great tips for a Pet-Safe Halloween from Home Again! :-)

Sunday Smiles

2010-10-17T17:14:00.000-04:00


Sadie says "Where's My Honey Pot?"

Happy Sunday everyone! As we get closer to Halloween Sadie is getting more and more excited. She loves trying on her Halloween costumes. Can't you tell? BOL! :-D

We hope that you had a wonderful weekend and that you have an amazing week to come! :-)

Waggy Tails and Puppy Kisses,

The Park Avenue Chihuahua Crew

Blog The Change for Noah's Arks Rescue!

2010-10-15T23:21:00.003-04:00

I wrote this very special "Blog The Change" post about a rescue that is near and dear to my heart - Noah's Arks Rescue. They are an animal rescue organization that I follow and support that is made up of volunteers (no paid staff at all). They are an AMAZING group of people who are Guardian Angels to those animals in need (most which are extreme abuse cases).

Jendar, a 4mth old puppy so sick they couldn't tell she was a dog.

Noah's Arks Animal Rescue is a group of individuals working to end the senseless killing of innocent animals in shelters across the country, They supply emergency medical and surgical care to abused animals. They are not a shelter. The only animals they foster are the ones in their surgical program. They focus on animals that depend on Noah's Arks Rescue to fight for their right to life. Please consider donating to this great cause and help those who cannot help themselves.

Chuck - appeared to have been dragged behind a car.

If you are considering a companion animal, please contact Noah's Arks Rescue. If you cannot adopt but would like to help, consider becoming a foster parent or make a donation. All donations (100%) go toward saving the life of an animal that has been abused or severely neglected.

Noah's Arks Rescue is 100% funded by your donations. Without generous people, they could not help all the animals they do. They are the last ray of hope for the animals they rescue. Noah's Arks Rescue takes in those that society has forgotten. All of the donations go to this cause. They are volunteers and do not take any funds for their service. Their reward is seen in the eyes of the animals they help. Please, help them, by donating and/or spreading the word about this awesome rescue organization. All donations are tax deductible.

To learn more about them, to donate or help their cause then click here.

I'll finish with one of my favorite quotes in the whole world...."Be The Change You Wish To See In the World." - Gandhi

This post is linked to and in honor of:

Click on any blog from the link list below to see what other bloggers' passionately wrote about as their favorite cause. Let's spread the word about Be The Change (Blog The Change). There are some great causes out there! :-)

Blog The Change for Be The Change

Happy Birthday D'Angelo and Macy Gray!!!!

2010-10-14T16:32:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday or shall I say "Happy Rescue Day" to my beloved fur babies! Five years ago today, I got D'Angelo from the Greenville Humane Society. He is such a precious, funny, loyal and sweet little baby boy. I can't imagine life without him.

Alex rescued Macy on the streets from near death over 9 years ago. Since he can't remember the exact date in October that he got her we have decided to combine their birthday's (ahem, rescue days) to the same day.

They have brought such happiness and love into our lives. I have always felt that they rescued us instead of the other way around. Life would be so dull and empty without them. Today has been a day of fun and frolic. We had a great time at the beautiful park downtown. This afternoon mommy will make some doggie (hypoallergenic) birthday cake and then all the pups will open presents. Yay!

I love doing things that make our pooches happy and joyful. I don't know if I could ever give them as much joy as they give me but I am sure going to try. :-)

Happy Birthday my sweet babies! Mommy loves you!

Sunday Smiles

2010-10-10T08:24:00.014-04:00

Happy Sunday everyone! Even though my Chihuahua's aren't the shaky, nervous kind, I've always gotten a kick out of this cartoon. Chihuahua (and many small dog) owners can definitely relate. :-)

If you like the cartoon and want to see more then click here to purchase Gary Larson's Far Side Gallery 5 book.

Photo Source: LeChatNoirBoutique.com

A Great Time at the Blessing of the Animals Service

2010-10-07T19:19:00.000-04:00

Alex and I took our pups to the Blessing of the Animals service at St. Andrews Episcopal Church on Sunday, Oct. 3rd. We had the most awesome time (as we do every year). Past years have been a bit chaotic getting all the pups in the vehicle, driving downtown for the service and trying to watch all 4 of them while they get so excited around all the other animals but it is so very worth it. Our fur babies love it! :-)

Our pups were on their best behavior this year. It helped that we got there early and let them run around first so they could get used to everything.

Father Trey was wonderful and lead a great service. All the animals waited patiently as he made his way around, blessing each and every one of them. I loved seeing all the other animals and the smiles on their and their pet parents faces.

Here are some pics of our fur babies getting blessed....

Momma holding D'Angelo and Patti in the stroller - getting petted before the blessing.

D'Angelo and Patti been blessed.

Daddy, Macy and Sadie. Macy being blessed while Sadie waits patiently.

Sadie being blessed. She is such a ham....she eats up the attention. :-)

Here are some pics of the event and other animals getting blessed.....

Sadie getting some love from a little girl. Both of them are too cute! :-)

Sadie working the room. She is very social.

Happy Friday!

2010-10-01T13:12:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone! Happy first day of October! :-) I have to say that October is my favorite month of the year. Not only is it because it is my birthday month but because I am in love with Fall. The crisp cool weather, the gorgeous changing of the leaves, crackling fires in our fireplace, apple cider and mulling spice and fall festivities are some of my favorite things.

I couldn't wait until Halloween to share this adorable picture of our Sadie. Warm fall wishes to everyone! :-)

This post is linked to:

Dog Is Good

2010-09-29T14:23:00.002-04:00

Photo Source: www.dogisgood.com

I found this website from a dog magazine (Modern Dog) that I subscribe to. The name of the company is Dog Is Good. They have some of the cutest stuff!

They have clothing, hats, sleep wear, greeting cards, water bottles, mugs, stickers and so much more. Their logo couldn't be any cuter...DIG (Dog Is Good).

To check out their site click here. Become a Facebook fan of theirs and use coupon code: FB#1FAN and save 10% off your first order! :-)

Here are some of my favorite things (click on photo caption link to go to that product on their site)....

Dog Is Good - Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Tee


Dog Is Good - Caribbean Blue Fitted Tee

Dog Is Good - Pink Fitted Tee

Dog Is Good - Bolo Bling Tank Top

Dog Is Good - Bolo Patch Pink Hat

Dog Is Good - Bling Black Fitted Tee

Dog Is Good - Bolo Bling Red Long Sleeved Fitted Tee

Dog Is Good - Basic Bolo Sticker

Dog Is Good - Thank You Note Cards

Dog Is Good - Holiday Cards

Dog Is Good - Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Greeting Card

The Blessing of the Animals

2010-09-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

Photo Source: www.smallangelstucson.org

I grew up going to an Episcopal Church. A memorable event that I cherished was the Blessing of the Animals. I thought it was the coolest thing. My mom and I would pack up all of our animals (dog, kitties, birds, turtles, mice, etc.) and would take them to the church where they would be blessed. The service was outside on the church lawn when the weather was nice and inside when it was raining. I would watch with joy as each precious creature was blessed by the priest.

For those who have not attended an Episcopal, Catholic or Anglican Church you might not be familiar with St. Francis or the Blessing of the Animals service. The wonderful thing is that you do not have to be of any particular faith to participate in the ceremonies. All are welcome to the churches to participate in having their beloved animals blessed. It is truly a non-denominational event that is focused on the love of the animals.

Although I have not been an active member of the Episcopal Church for many years I still participate in the Blessing of the Animals which is performed each year on October 4th (my birthday - extra bonus :-) to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology. It is a special birthday present to myself to spend that day focusing on what brings complete joy and pure love into my life - my beloved animals or as I usually call them "my precious fur babies." They are my gift. A gift of love. A gift that God gives me each and everyday that I am blessed to share my life with them.

There are many churches throughout the country that participate and celebrate the Blessing of the Animals. To find a list in your area then click here or do an online search for an Episcopal Church in your area and call them to see if they will have a Blessing of the Animals service and what date/time the service will be. If you live in the Greenville, SC area below are the churches in the area that will have the Blessing of the Animals service this year.

Christ Church Episcopal - service held on Oct. 4th @ 5:45 pm (in courtyard near fountain)
10 North Church Street
Greenville, SC 29601

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church - service held on Oct. 3rd @ 4:30 pm (in the courtyard)
1002 South Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601

The Anglican Church of St. George the Martyr - service held on Oct. 2nd @ 9am
427 Batesville Road
Simpsonville, SC 29681

If you don't have a service in your area you can still say a St. Francis, Blessing of the Animals prayer(s) and blessing(s) over your beloved pets. Click here to see a few.

Here is a great video to show you what to expect at a Blessing of the Animals service. It is Pawsitively Funtastic! :-)

A Dog's Body Language

2010-09-20T12:23:00.005-04:00

Photo Source: moderndogmagazine.com

Ever wonder what is a dog's mood when you first meet it? Is it excited, playful, distressed, fearful or aggressive? Knowing how to read a dog's body language is crucial. You will know if you can approach it or not.

Modern Dog Magazine (one of my favorite dog related magazine's) did an article on "How to Read Your Dog's Body Language". To view the article click here.

Also, if you'd like more info about Modern Dog Magazine then click here. They have great articles and info about all things related to dogs.

Pedigree: Write A Post, Help A Dog. You can help too!

2010-09-16T14:24:00.002-04:00


The Pedigree Adoption Drive "Because every dog deserves a healthy and happy life."

Looking for a way to help a homeless dog? If you have a blog of any kind, simply write a post to help a dog from now through September 19 and Pedigree will donate a 20-pound bag of food to an animal shelter.

It's that simple.

Just include the bullets listed here, and add the direct link to your blog post to To Dogs With Love Blog Hop. Click here to add your blog post so we can all see how big an impact we are making!

* Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.

* This year the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a "Fan" or "Likes" the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.

* Special for BlogPaws West: For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive through September 19, PEDIGREE will donate a bag of its new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It's simple: Write a post, help a dog.

* Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, September 19, the Pedigree BlogPaws bloggers will host a Blog Hop to help raise awareness for the "Write a post, help a dog" effort.

Tell as many of your blogger friends as you can, so we can help even more dogs. And if you don't have a blog, please tweet about this using the hashtag #dogsrule, re-tweet this post, or share on Facebook to help spread the word even further!

Don't think you will have time to do a blog post before September 19th? Then just copy and paste my blog post and just insert it into your blog. It only takes a few minutes and these simple efforts will help feed countless dogs.

Let's see how many bags we can collect!

Dogs Rule!

Sunday Smiles

2010-09-12T18:15:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone! D'Angelo (a.k.a. - Baby D) would like to wish everyone a Happy Sunday. Keep smiling! :-D

Sometimes You Just Need A Good Cry

2010-09-11T08:02:00.012-04:00

I saw this video on You Tube the other day and my heart went out to these people. How so very hard it is to lose a beloved pet. What is even worse is to feel the guilt of some how thinking it is your fault or that you could have prevented it (which these people couldn't have done). It was not their fault at all. Things just happen sometimes that you can't prevent or explain.

I did a blog about Fire Safety (Pet Oxygen Masks) in August. One can't stress safety enough when precious lives are at stake. Each year, before the winter season, have your chimney's and furnaces checked and cleaned if necessary. Why should you clean your chimney you ask? Well, creosote (residue of the wood you burn) builds up in your chimney and can catch on fire resulting in a flue fire. These can be very dangerous and are easily avoided by keeping your chimney clean. To learn more about how often and why you should clean your chimney click here.

One other thing to remember is to never ever, ever, ever leave candles burning unattended for any reason. I used to be a Property Manager of an apartment community and I saw numerous cases where people were severely hurt (and almost died) from leaving candles burning. Entire apartment buildings burned down to the ground from one single candle. A man and his 7 month old baby were barely saved from a fire that another neighbor caused (by accident). I saw pet parents screaming in shear terror wondering if their pets got out safely and were rescued from the burning flames. I started using the battery powered flameless candles and I LOVE them. I splurge on the really good quality ones (Raz Imports brand) because the cheap ones don't illuminate as well. In this case, spend the extra money on the good quality ones.

Do a checklist in your home of potential fire hazards, write them down and do what is needed to make them safe. Here are a few that come to mind right now:
1. Change batteries in your smoke detectors on a regular basis.
2. Clean your dryer screen after every load you dry (so many people forget to do this).
3. Also clean your dryer vents once a month with a dyer vent cleaning tool and have a professional clean the vent and hoses once a year.
4. Make sure your light bulbs in your electrical fixtures are the right wattage. Make sure you do not go over the maximum wattage listed.
5. Have your HVAC checked and serviced at least once a year (this also helps with energy conservation).
6. Have your fireplace chimney cleaned once a year (if needed)
7. Use battery powered flameless candles instead of the real ones.

If you have a home alarm system, they have new things out that will help detect fires and carbon monoxide in the home and prevent unnecessary damage and death. They cost a little extra money up front but are well worth the investment.

Sherry was kind enough to share her love and her pain to make us aware of fire hazards in the home. This video is a beautiful tribute to her beloved pet and best friend Rusty. Watch it with a box of tissues.

Post linked to:

Be Worthy Of Such Devotion

2010-09-10T07:17:00.002-04:00

This is one of my favorite quotes and is so true. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." ~ Author Unknown.

I leave you all with this...Love Your Dog. Love your dog everyday as if it were your last. You never know when it might be.

A Book You Won't Be Able To Put Down

2010-09-09T07:04:00.005-04:00

A year ago, a friend of mine loaned me this book to read. She said, "You will love it Tina. You being a dog lover will love it. I couldn't put it down Tina." So, I waited for my turn to read the book. Before last year and before reading this book I had kind of lost touch with my love of books. Life takes over and before you know it your busy day has ended and it's time for bed. No time for reading...too busy with other things.

Once the book was in my possession, I sat on it for about 2 weeks. It sat on my nightstand night after night calling to me "Pick me up Tina. Read me. You won't be sorry." Every night I had an excuse why I couldn't read this book. It was only after I realized that I borrowed this book from my friend and that she probably was waiting to get it back to loan it to another friend that I needed to read it soon.

I picked this book up to read on an overcast day, thinking it was a great day to stay in. I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up. Now, I am not the fastest (or slowest) reader but I was so into the book that I finished it in one day (one very long day ;-).

If you love a great book and you love dogs then please read The Art Of Racing In The Rain.

Even after reading this book a year ago, it still resonates with me. I still think of the story from time to time. I think it is because of the hope that we will all be reincarnated one day (in one way shape or form) and that this life is not all there is. I look at my puppy dogs and wonder....then I just smile! :-)

The Most Beautiful Love Story

2010-09-08T22:28:00.005-04:00

We signed up for Netflix years ago and we love it. Last Christmas, I got my husband a Roku device which will let you watch Netflix movies, shows, etc instantly on your television. I use the device more than he does. ;-) I am always scouting out new movies and old movies to watch. Recently, I have really gotten into documentaries. I came across one the other day that I had to add to the "Watch Instantly Queue." I sat down tonight to watch it for the first time. The documentary is called My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story.

It was the most beautiful love story I have ever seen. I laughed, I cried (tears of joy & sorrow) and connected with these people more than I ever have watching a film. The common bond that brings all of us strangers together to laugh, love and play....four simple letters....DOGS! How blessed we are to have them in our lives.

If you haven't seen this film yet then I highly recommend watching it. It is beautiful beyond belief. You can rent it on Netflix, watch it on the Netflix Instant Queue or buy it (which I will do) so you can watch it over and over again.

A quote from the film, "What a joy and a miracle it is to be able to spend time with a life form representing pure love" by Livingston Taylor.

I hope you all, my fellow dog lovers, will enjoy this film as much as I did. :-)

Dog Art Comes In Many Forms

2010-09-07T22:48:00.001-04:00

I've said it before, I am a sucker for fun and whimsical dog stuff. I don't have a ton of it in my house but I do have a collection of fun dog stuff sporadically placed around the house. I saw this adorable wooden plaque when I was in TJ Maxx the other day (I love that place)! I chuckled out loud when I saw it in the store. No words are needed to describe it.....

Some of the cutest dog collars EVER!

2010-09-03T12:30:00.006-04:00

Pecan Pie Puppies - Fall 2010 Collection "Olive the Owl"

A friend of mine makes some of the cutest dog collars that I have ever seen. The name of her business is Pecan Pie Puppies (like the name is not totally adorable all by itself). She has an Esty Shop where she sells all of her collars. The best thing about it is that all the proceeds help finance her ongoing dog rescue efforts. Yes, she rescues dogs too. She is an amazing person! :-)

The collars that she handcrafts aren't just for girls (as so many others usually are). She also creates totally adorable collars for the little furry men in your life. You can check out her store here. Don't forget to also check out her blog here.

Here are some of my favorite collars that she has handcrafted......

Red Dahlia Dog Collar

Waggin' Watermelon Dog Collar

Starfish Dog Collar


Seersucker Dog Collar

Darling Dogwood Dog Collar

Crazy Crab Dog Collar

Puppy Dogs Need Friends Too!

2010-08-30T00:46:00.011-04:00

Our pups are little social butterflies. When we go for walks (a few times a day) they are always making new friends (dogs and people). In fact, I think my little D'Angelo has more friends than I do. The kids in our neighborhood run to see our dogs. Our pups eat up the attention and beg for more.

On one of these walks, our pups met a new friend named Chocolate (pronounced cho-co-LA-tay). Chocolate is one of the cutest little Chihuahua's I have ever seen. He instantly took to D'Angelo like they were long lost soul mates that have reconnected again. They are so cute together and love each other so much.

Little Chocolate (cho-co-LA-tay). He is D'Angelo's Best Friend!

Chocolate lives one street over from us and visits us frequently (as I work from home now). Choco loves D'Angelo so much that he sneaks out of his house every chance he gets to come over and see Baby D. I'll find him in our front yard or sitting on our front porch waiting for us to let him in.

Now, these two boys love each other more than two males should but I don't care. So what that D'Angelo's bisexual and his favorite color is hot pink. ;-) I love my little man just the way he is and wouldn't change him for anything in the world. He loves the ladies, he loves the men, he loves them all.....He's my Loverboy!

Chocolate is over our house so much now that he is like family to us. I am now Auntie Tina to him. :-)

Here are some cute pics of one of D'Angelo and Choco's play dates. Sweet babies.....


D'Angelo and Chocolate just starting to explore the backyard - side by side.

Woo hoo! Let's play chase! :-)


What's over here by this peach tree? We must check it out...still side by side.


Still exploring the back yard....together. Check out the look on D'Angelo's face (smiling ear to ear)!

Oh, we think we are tired now. Let's go inside and rest. Let us in mommy. :-)

Socialization is very important for dogs. It keeps them happy, healthy and well-rounded! So, schedule a play date with your dog's furry friend. Dogs need friends too! :-)

Five Paws for the Barkery Bistro

2010-08-23T13:06:00.003-04:00

I love doggie bistro's. I don't think there are enough around. So when I find a great one I like to let others know about it. The Barkery Bistro is located in downtown Greenville, SC on Main Street.

It is the cutest little shop for pets that I have ever seen. The shop owner's dogs (Bentley and Duncan) are a daily fixture and greet you with puppy dog kisses when you walk in.

The warm and inviting decor sucks you right in. Their bakery display counter will make your pets mouth water. Yes, your pets are always allowed and even encouraged to visit with you.

They have some of the cutest and most unique items for pets around (dogs and cats). It is truly an awesome place!

If you don't live in Greenville, SC and still want to experience it, you can. They have an online store. Click here for their website.

Here are just a few items that your doggies will bark with excitement for....

Puppy Crack - Sometimes Addiction is Not a Bad Thing!

Ceramic Dog Bowls

Bowser Beer - Beefy Brown Ale and Cock-a-Doodle Brew (No Alcohol)!

Dog Bone Crystal Collars

Doggie Ceramic Treat Jar

Sunday Smiles

2010-08-22T12:54:00.014-04:00

Happy Sunday everyone! For anyone who has a dog (and has been fed from the table one time or another) will get a kick out of this! I laughed so hard watching this! Enjoy! :-D

This post is linked to: