Pedigree make the First score at the Superbowl - Visit their site on 2/1!!

Pedigree will be airing a commercial during first quarter promoting the company's website Pedigree.com. Consumers can see additional ads & videos ending with their tagline "Maybe you should get a dog". These commercials will feature unusual pets and pet lovers.

What is behind their ad's? "We want to communicate our love of dogs and the quality of our food," said John Anton, marketing director for the Pedigree brand. "How do we make sure everybody in America knows? The Super Bowl is the platform."

What's amazing:
Pedigree dog food said its Super Bowl campaign will also help feed and find new homes for some of the 4 million dogs in shelters nationwide. Pedigree always donates money to shelters from each bag of dog food sold, but for the Super Bowl every visitor who watches one of the videos on their website Pedigree will donate one meal for a dog at a shelter.

I love that their company is so supportive of the local shelters. It's truly inspirational.

Do you know how to protect your pet while traveling in your car?

My aunt was talking to me the other day and mentioned that my cousin was talking to the vet about traveling with your dog and the precautions that you should take if you're ever in a car accident.

If your dog is loose:

• It can get hurt
• It can attack an EMT when they come to get you

or

• They may run off & get lost

My cousin now sets her pup on a sturdy suede box with a dog bed liner on it high enough that he can see out the window and then harness clips it to the seat of the car like a seat belt.

I've found these great dog seat belts by Ruff Rider that attach to your seat belt, and can also act as a regular harness for walking during driving breaks. They even have amazing videos to show you have to fit & strap in your dog!

Dogs have an Innate Sense of Fairness according to study

One of the newer studies that I've read touched on the subject of dogs understanding fairness. If one dog gets a reward for a trick, and another dog that's watching does not - they may refuse to do the trick for you next time. In a sense they are saying 'he got a sausage - why don't I?', however when both received the sausage everything was super.

Researchers tried to give the dogs different grades of treats, like bread instead of sausage, but food was food which didn't effect the outcome. Clive Wynne, an associate professor in the psychology department of the University of Florida says there is "no doubt in my mind that dogs are very, very sensitive to what people are doing and are very smart."

My Take: Didn't we know this from watching our own dogs? You can never just give a treat to one when the other is watching. Thoughts? ;)

Funny Dog Video of the Week

I'm starting a new section in my blog, because we all need to laugh. Each week I'll post a video of a dog or many dogs doing something funny. We all know that our pooches have a sense of humor, and don't seem to be embarrassed about much. If you have something hilarious send it to me & I'll post it!

Lou Gehrig's Disease is linked to Dog Disease

I know that I've been posting more studies & research lately than products, but there are so many studies going on with man's best friend lately! As I was poking around the internet I bumped into a news release from Science Daily about Lou Gehrigs Disease being linked to dog disease.

I was incredibly fascinated, because in the beginning of January 2009 an amazing person that I know passed away from Lou Gehrigs (or ALS), and he was far too young and too amazing to have to struggle with such a disease.

The study that Science Daily reported was conducted by the University of Missouri and the Broad Institute. As a result of linking these diseases together through the same mutation found in humans & dogs researchers can now use dogs as animal models to help identify therapeutic interventions for finding a cure for ALS.

This mutation is more common in German Shepherds, Cardigan, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Chesepeake Bay Retrievers and Boxers. There are no treatments that slow the progression of ALS, and I hope that the through this research we find a cure that will eventually protect humans & our best friends from having to go through the struggle of the disease.

Pedigree Pairs up with Hotel for Dogs to Support Local Shelters

If you didn't see Hotel for Dogs this weekend I urge you to go! Pedigree is making a donation for every ticket purchased, up to $250,000. Pedigree believes that all dogs deserve a loving home.

Straight from their press release: Through no fault of their own, more than four million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescues each year and nearly half of those canines never find a place to call home, a trend that the PEDIGREE(R) Brand and "Hotel for Dogs" together hope to help reverse by rallying dog lovers nationwide.

Sounds like a great cause, our family dog is from a shelter and I can't imagine his story before he came into a loving home. When we first got him he was afraid of everything, and as the years have passed he's grown into a loving amazing dog. It feels wonderful to rescue a dog.

January 24th is Change a Pet's Life Day! Even if you can't adopt on the 24th, adopt later

It seems as though pets are being abandoned in serious record numbers because of the current economy. Shelters are always overcrowded in a good economy or bad, but the numbers have really jumped recently.

On the 24th of January Change a Pets Life & Adopt! Hill's Pet Nutrition is hoping to promote the adoption of millions of homeless animals. Hills will be paying for the first 10 adoptions in selected shelters, and will be giving free Science Diet food to the owners. Kyra Sedgwick from The Closer will also be raising awareness & promoting pet adoption with Hill's.

As Dog Food is Still Being Recalled, What Can You do to Keep Your Pet Healthy?

While browsing the other day I came across and article that gives tips on a Healthy Start to 2009 by Julia Szabo for your pets. Another dog food brand was recalled this month, it is recommended to look for a brand of food that contains no chemical preservatives, artificial colors, or by-products. Julia says "Pets should not live by packaged food alone, so make an effort this year to customize their kibble for optimal wellness. For healthy skin and coat, sprinkle a few drops of olive or flaxseed oil and you'll soon notice a reduction in the amount of shedded hairs and dander at home."

When it comes to treats try giving them soft & chewy treats instead of carb filled biscuits which will have them packing on the pounds, as it often does for humans. There are many other fresh foods that are OK for your dogs in small portions, like carrots, lettuce, peas, and more. Every dogs digestion seems to be a little different, which is something to keep in mind if you are changing your dogs diet.

Remember to Keep Your Dogs Protected During the Cold Months

January can be the coldest month in the upper Midwest. Some days you don't want to go outdoors & you'd rather just be wrapped up in a blanket for the entire day. However, your dogs still need exercise during those days that can reach temperatures below zero, and for days like that I really recommend dog booties. My dog Rico is in his older years, living with my parents in North Dakota. He has somewhat adjusted to the minor temperature change, but as he ages the weather can be really hard on him. The ice & snow stick to the pads of his feet, and without booties the snow can obstruct blood flow to his toes. At first he was bothered by the booties, but eventually he learned to love them during the winter months.

While searching for some cute new booties for Rico I stumbled upon the Dug Boots shown to the right. They are made out of a weatherized ultra suede which is great for these freezing winter months.

Quick Note: Pet Product Trend for 2009

According to Small Business Trends people will continue to spend spend spend on their pets as the population ages & pets take the place of children at home; but in 2009 the majority of pet parents will be focusing on purchasing quality necessities, such as food, leashes, and bedding.

As our country continues to battle a recession do you think that their trends predictions sound accurate?

Ellen's Line of Pet Products Prep for QVC

As you may or may not know, Ellen purchased all natural pet food company named HALO, Purely for Pets in the spring of 2008.

She wrote in her 'about me' introduction "One of the things I really believe is that if you're going to have pets you should treat them like you'd treat yourself. I don't mean you should treat them to new shoes or a fancy car – I'm talking about the basics; a nice bed, fun toys and good food."

I agree!


Ellen will by live presenting her products on January 17th, 2009 from 3-4 PM E.T.

What do we know about our dogs sleep patterns?

Much like Humans, dogs have similar sleeping patterns at first. Within a few minutes they enter REM, rolling their eyes, moving their legs, and while this is happening their brain activity is similar to humans. Dogs have dreams!

Puppies spend more time in REM sleep than adult dogs because the are processing large quantities of new 'data' from exploring, learning, and understanding their new world.

When doing my research for the LoveBaRKLee dog beds I fond that dogs will not sleep just anywhere. In the wild, dogs sleep in dens or places where they feel secluded or safe and your dog may seek out a sheltered place in your home, such as under the table or in their kennel. You may notice your dog circling and/or pawing at their sleeping place before he settles. This is so they can make a comfortable, den-like depression in which to sleep, and this reason is why LoveBaRKLee created the Bury Blanket. Both of our dogs love to paw and circle before snuggling into their slumber.

Jammie Time

I loved these little dog pajamas that I found while browsing online. I honestly had no idea that dog pajamas existed until I came across them and then I noticed how many varieties there were. They are everywhere!

One question: These have to open area if your dog has to go to the bathroom? I'm on the hunt to find a more functional pair - stay tuned!

The First Pooch is Narrowed Down to Two Breeds

It's been announced that President-elect Barack Obama has narrowed down their family choice of The First Dog to two breeds: a Labradoodle as pictured on the left, and a Portuguese Water Dog.

(Photo is from the NY Times)

As a person who strongly supports rescuing animals, I was incredibly excited to hear that they have decided to search for either dog in shelters across America.

The Portuguese Water Dog is described on AKC's website as "An athletic, active breed, the Portuguese Water Dog requires daily vigorous exercise. He is very intelligent and responds well to obedience training. His profuse coat is hypoallergenic, but requires regular maintenance."

The Labradoodle isn't a pure-bred dog but rather a cross between a Labrador Retriever & Poodle. I've found Labs to be incredibly loving, and great family dogs. While I have never met a Poodle in person, I hear that they are incredibly good natured.

Depending on the chosen breed I'm sure it will become a new trend across the country. Dalmatians were everywhere after the Disney movie, teeny Chihuahua's are popular after Paris Hilton made them her accessory. Which breed do you think they'll go with? Do you think they'll increase in popularity with people searching for new dogs?

Do you bring your dog to work? I think most places should let you

I'm reading more and more articles about offices becoming dog friendly. I think it's a fabulous idea. Dogs need to socialize, and dogs also help people socialize with each other. Often people in a normal park don't partake in conversation with other people that are enjoying the scenery, but in a dog park everyone knows they have something in common and conversation is everywhere.

Recently I read about Jennifer Fearing, an economist who has written a guide to creating a dog friendly office. She was involved in a survey where the vast majority of participants ended up working more hours and being more productive because they weren't worrying about their dogs.

Who wouldn't want to work in an environment were moral was high, and recruitment was higher?

Stylish & Functional Dog Collars

I love these Bark+Biscuit dog collars & leads. They are made in Minnesota, like LoveBaRKLee dog beds, by Alisha. Alisha has a Great Dane and had struggled to find cute collars for him in the past. She noticed that as he grew & grew, the collar selection for him didn't grow.

She has an adorable selection of styles, with the newest style being "chocolate" as seen on Gator to the left. Gator is my friend Jen's cute Labrador pup who was the happy model for the new line.

Your Dog is the Star (As they should be) for These Dog Treats

While I was browsing for unique dog products I came across A Dog's Life dog treats. I loved the idea that you can upload your favorite dog photo to their website and in around two weeks your order arrives in all it's custom glory! As you may or may not know I love custom dog products versus the everyday hum drum.


Not only does A Dog's Life give you the opportunity to customize your treats, but they also have a very high quality product. They are 100% natural with no corn, wheat or soy and they also come in 'doggy delicious' flavors like double cheeseburger, bacon & cheddar, steak frites & sweet potato.