How to Train your Cat to Walk on a Leash

Most cats I know do not like getting into their carrier. They also yowl and cry and thrash at the mere sight of a harness. Most cats don't like to walk on a leash. But most cats are not Maui.

I recently met Maui at an adoption event. His cage was right next to where I was selling books, and he seemed to be curious about everything around him. He caught the eye of Erin, who was there to find a companion for herself and her 15 year old mixed breed dog, Merlin. Maui was one of the lucky ones. He found his forever home! Not only does he adore his new companions, but he also gets to explore the big, wide outdoors with them. They all take daily trips to a nearby park where Maui can safely climb trees and stalk squirrels. Such fun!

Maui took to being transported in a backpack and walking on a leash easily. Here's some of Erin's tips how you can train your cat to do the same.

1. Gather treats you know your cat loves, and rank them from mildly exciting to mind-blowing! Treats may be food, toys, praise, etc.

2. Put the harness on your cat and immediately offer the lowest value reward. Leave the harness on for just a few minutes, then take it off. Repeat several more times over the next few hours.

3. The next day, leave the harness on a little longer. Reward. Repeat.

4. If you can get your cat to play or eat a meal with the harness on, that's great! It took Maui about a week to get to this point.

5. Now, to go outside, start with taking your cat outside for a super short time. Offer one of the higher value treats. Return inside before your cat is stressed.

6. Slowly build up the length of time, as long as your cat is enjoying the adventure.

Be sure you have the proper fitting equipment for your outings.
This is the cat backpack/carrier Erin uses.

Here is the cat harness and leash Maui likes.

I hope this helps you have some fun adventures with your cat, and helps your cat enjoy some safe and stimulating time exploring outdoors.

Note: We were not compensated in any way by recommending these products. Opinions expressed here are 100% my own (and Erin and Maui's!).

Most cats I know do not like getting into their carrier. They also yowl and cry and thrash at the mere sight of a harness. Most cats don't like to walk on a leash. But most cats are not Maui.

I recently met Maui at an adoption event. His cage was right next to where I was selling books, and he seemed to be curious about everything around him. He caught the eye of Erin, who was there to find a companion for herself and her 15 year old mixed breed dog, Merlin. Maui was one of the lucky ones. He found his forever home! Not only does he adore his new companions, but he also gets to explore the big, wide outdoors with them. They all take daily trips to a nearby park where Maui can safely climb trees and stalk squirrels. Such fun!

Maui took to being transported in a backpack and walking on a leash easily. Here's some of Erin's tips how you can train your cat to do the same.

1. Gather treats you know your cat loves, and rank them from mildly exciting to mind-blowing! Treats may be food, toys, praise, etc.

2. Put the harness on your cat and immediately offer the lowest value reward. Leave the harness on for just a few minutes, then take it off. Repeat several more times over the next few hours.

3. The next day, leave the harness on a little longer. Reward. Repeat.

4. If you can get your cat to play or eat a meal with the harness on, that's great! It took Maui about a week to get to this point.

5. Now, to go outside, start with taking your cat outside for a super short time. Offer one of the higher value treats. Return inside before your cat is stressed.

6. Slowly build up the length of time, as long as your cat is enjoying the adventure.

Be sure you have the proper fitting equipment for your outings.
This is the cat backpack/carrier Erin uses.

Here is the cat harness and leash Maui likes.

I hope this helps you have some fun adventures with your cat, and helps your cat enjoy some safe and stimulating time exploring outdoors.

Note: We were not compensated in any way by recommending these products. Opinions expressed here are 100% my own (and Erin and Maui's!).

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Tha Ultimate Book on the Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip

Wouldn't a road trip be that much more fun with your faithful friend along? I think so! That's why I'm so excited to tell you about this new book by my good friends at Go Pet Friendly.

Petey and Ernest are packing their suitcase for a trip.

The Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip takes you on a 15,000 mile journey across the country to visit a popular site in each state. The best part about the book is that Amy Burkert not only wrote about the destinations--she and her husband and two dogs traveled the entire distance and road-tested everything first.

Ernest wishes he was at the beach too.

Some of the sites you'll explore are:
Carmel's Dog Beach (California)
The Grand Canyon (Arizona)
San Antonio Riverwalk (Texas)
Monumet Rocks (Kansas)
Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia)
Central Park (New York)
Acadia National Park (Maine)

Trip planning together.

Each chapter has help for planning your trip, suggestions on where to stay and eat, and most importantly rules you need to know to keep your pet safe and happy. I think you'll love this book.  Take the best vacation ever...with your best friend ever.

We're ready!

Check out The Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip at Go Pet Friendly. And then...make that trip you've been dreaming about a reality.

 

Wouldn't a road trip be that much more fun with your faithful friend along? I think so! That's why I'm so excited to tell you about this new book by my good friends at Go Pet Friendly.

Petey and Ernest are packing their suitcase for a trip.

The Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip takes you on a 15,000 mile journey across the country to visit a popular site in each state. The best part about the book is that Amy Burkert not only wrote about the destinations--she and her husband and two dogs traveled the entire distance and road-tested everything first.

Ernest wishes he was at the beach too.

Some of the sites you'll explore are:
Carmel's Dog Beach (California)
The Grand Canyon (Arizona)
San Antonio Riverwalk (Texas)
Monumet Rocks (Kansas)
Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia)
Central Park (New York)
Acadia National Park (Maine)

Trip planning together.

Each chapter has help for planning your trip, suggestions on where to stay and eat, and most importantly rules you need to know to keep your pet safe and happy. I think you'll love this book.  Take the best vacation ever...with your best friend ever.

We're ready!

Check out The Ultimate Pet Friendly Road Trip at Go Pet Friendly. And then...make that trip you've been dreaming about a reality.

 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Ernest Meets the Man, and Unconditional Love

One night last week we walked our golden retrievers past two kids riding their bikes on the other side of the street. A man stood on his porch watching over them. The little girl saw us and ran up to her dad and asked if she could pat the dogs.

"You have to ask their owners," he replied.

 We don't know very many people in our neighborhood. It's a small city, and people tend to stick to themselves. Everyone is busy and has their own problems, it seems. The most time we get to interact with the neighbors is when we are walking the dogs. We've gotten to know other dog lovers, and we also have learned who is afraid of dogs so we try to respectfully keep the dogs in close when we pass by.

The girl just looked, so I stopped. "Would you like to meet Petey and Ernest?" I asked. She nodded. My husband and I crossed over. The girl's brother stopped riding and came over too. They were a little hesitant, but soon they were happily patting the dogs and giggling as Petey wiggled and kissed them.

The man stayed on his porch for a while. Then something seemed to draw him over. At the same time something drew Ernest to him. Ernest is a therapy dog, and I've often noticed him sense when someone needs him. The man came right for him. Ernest sat still while the man patted his head, then his neck. The man told us how he had sole custody of the kids and I thought how difficult that must be, as the man was a bit older. He started telling us how much he missed his German Shepherd, Silver, named after the Lone Ranger's horse. The more he patted Ernest, the more he opened up. Ernest leaned into the man gently, and the man sunk to the ground, and tears began to flow. Whatever emotions he was holding inside him came out as Ernest poured out his love. At last the man struggled back up to his feet and gave Ernest one last hug. "God bless you," he said.

We all left feeling a bit better. Ernest is always on the job and always ready to offer his unconditional love.

One night last week we walked our golden retrievers past two kids riding their bikes on the other side of the street. A man stood on his porch watching over them. The little girl saw us and ran up to her dad and asked if she could pat the dogs.

"You have to ask their owners," he replied.

 We don't know very many people in our neighborhood. It's a small city, and people tend to stick to themselves. Everyone is busy and has their own problems, it seems. The most time we get to interact with the neighbors is when we are walking the dogs. We've gotten to know other dog lovers, and we also have learned who is afraid of dogs so we try to respectfully keep the dogs in close when we pass by.

The girl just looked, so I stopped. "Would you like to meet Petey and Ernest?" I asked. She nodded. My husband and I crossed over. The girl's brother stopped riding and came over too. They were a little hesitant, but soon they were happily patting the dogs and giggling as Petey wiggled and kissed them.

The man stayed on his porch for a while. Then something seemed to draw him over. At the same time something drew Ernest to him. Ernest is a therapy dog, and I've often noticed him sense when someone needs him. The man came right for him. Ernest sat still while the man patted his head, then his neck. The man told us how he had sole custody of the kids and I thought how difficult that must be, as the man was a bit older. He started telling us how much he missed his German Shepherd, Silver, named after the Lone Ranger's horse. The more he patted Ernest, the more he opened up. Ernest leaned into the man gently, and the man sunk to the ground, and tears began to flow. Whatever emotions he was holding inside him came out as Ernest poured out his love. At last the man struggled back up to his feet and gave Ernest one last hug. "God bless you," he said.

We all left feeling a bit better. Ernest is always on the job and always ready to offer his unconditional love.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

No more fleas and ticks! Petey's Seresto collar review #ChewyInfluencer

Let's see, Petey's at the door. What has he come home with?

  Seresto...seresto....seresto...


Petey! Not the garden!

Seresto...seresto...seresto  

 Oh, Petey!

Yup, Petey's digging up flowers and bringing home who-knows-what again! Whatever Petey brings home with him, though, it shouldn't be fleas and ticks, right? So we tried out this Seresto collar from Chewy.com. All we had to do was put it on once, and it provides eight months of flea and tick protection. That's great, because we were always forgetting to apply our dog's topical treatment every month. If we missed just once, that's all it took to get those pesky bugs biting. We love that we can put this collar on the dogs and know they'll be protected month after month.

My dogs have had Lyme disease before and I haven't found alternate methods of tick control that have worked for me. Seresto is a good choice for those who opt to use a chemical treatment because the ingredients are released slowly in low concentrations from the collar to the dog. Active ingredients are Flumethrin and Imidacloprid. Best of all we've had no problem with fleas and ticks that cause discomfort and spread disease to our dogs.

So whenever Petey plays in the back yard or at the park, I know he may be naughty and come home with a few things he shouldn't...but he won't be coming home with fleas and ticks.

Seresto...seresto....seresto 


OH Petey! Not the neighbor's bikini!

Full Disclosure: We are #ChewyInfluencers. We were provided one Seresto collar in exchange for our honest review. This in now way influenced our decision. Opinions here are 100% my own.

Let's see, Petey's at the door. What has he come home with?

  Seresto...seresto....seresto...


Petey! Not the garden!

Seresto...seresto...seresto  

 Oh, Petey!

Yup, Petey's digging up flowers and bringing home who-knows-what again! Whatever Petey brings home with him, though, it shouldn't be fleas and ticks, right? So we tried out this Seresto collar from Chewy.com. All we had to do was put it on once, and it provides eight months of flea and tick protection. That's great, because we were always forgetting to apply our dog's topical treatment every month. If we missed just once, that's all it took to get those pesky bugs biting. We love that we can put this collar on the dogs and know they'll be protected month after month.

My dogs have had Lyme disease before and I haven't found alternate methods of tick control that have worked for me. Seresto is a good choice for those who opt to use a chemical treatment because the ingredients are released slowly in low concentrations from the collar to the dog. Active ingredients are Flumethrin and Imidacloprid. Best of all we've had no problem with fleas and ticks that cause discomfort and spread disease to our dogs.

So whenever Petey plays in the back yard or at the park, I know he may be naughty and come home with a few things he shouldn't...but he won't be coming home with fleas and ticks.

Seresto...seresto....seresto 


OH Petey! Not the neighbor's bikini!

Full Disclosure: We are #ChewyInfluencers. We were provided one Seresto collar in exchange for our honest review. This in now way influenced our decision. Opinions here are 100% my own.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

How to Have a Dog-Friendly Vacation this Labor Day Weekend

With Labor Day weekend approaching, there's still time this summer to enjoy a great getaway or family vacation. And if the family includes a dog (or two or more!), it's easier than ever before to take them along--pet friendly businesses are more and more common. Your getaway just requires planning, flexibility, and quite possibly a sense of humor. Here are a few tips to bark your way.

We didn't forget to pack Petey!

Where are we going to stay?

If you plan on camping, or staying with friends or family who love dogs, great! Otherwise you'll need to find a pet-friendly hotel. We recently took our two golden retrievers, Ernest and Petey, along on a getaway to Vermont. The hotel was "pet-friendly" and indeed the staff seemed happy to welcome our dogs. But the pet-friendly rooms were tiny. There was only enough space to walk around the sides of the bed, and no seating area or place for the dogs to stretch out. It made for a very uncomfortable weekend. So when you book, ask about the size of the rooms, especially if you have larger dogs. Also some pet-friendly hotels simply "allow" pets while others really roll out the red carpet by providing doggy beds, bowls, and goodie bags. Some even offer amenities such as gourmet dog meals and dog parks. We love Go Pet Friendly as a great resource to search for hotels (and restaurants, and things to do on vacation too.)

Our room proved a bit small for Ernest, Petey (and a visiting friend!)

 Here are some other considerations:
1. Does the hotel have a dog-relief area with poo bags and conveniently-located waste receptacle?
The hotel we stayed at had a fair amount of grounds for walking the dog, but they were full of pricker bushes. Every time we went out, the dogs returned covered in burrs. Other pet-friendly hotels offer only a narrow strip of grass to walk your dog, or are surrounded by busy roads and parking lots. On the other hand, once we visited a hotel with beautiful grounds, plenty of room to exercise, and wooded hiking paths next door. Check reviews and look at photos (try Google Earth to get a great view of the surroundings) to evaluate the outdoor space.

2. Can you leave your dog in the room?
Most hotels we've visited don't allow you to leave your pet unattended in the room.
This is a concern for instances when you want to go out to an event, fancy dinner, shopping, or museum where your dog is not allowed. One option is to take your pet to a doggy day care, or hire a reputable pet sitter to sit in the room with your pets. If the hotel does allow you to leave your pet, be sure to put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign when you leave. If you're worried your dog might bark, here are some techniques that can help:
- Take your dog for a long walk and make sure he is really tired before you leave him.
- Turn on the TV to distract him from barking every time he hears someone open a door or walk down the hall.
- Play the CD "Through a Dog's Ear". You wouldn't believe how many times I recommend this, but I do because I love it. I don't know why, but it works. Our dogs calm down immediately whenever we put it on.
- Give your dog a Kong or new toy to entertain him while you're out.
Also, most hotels don't allow pets on the furniture. I'm pretty sure 90% of the dogs break this rule. Bringing along a large sheet or blanket to cover the bed and other furniture helps protect hotel property.

Where can we eat?

Dining out with pets can be a challenge. Here are some options we've tried:
1. Visit pet-friendly restaurants.
Many cafes and casual dining spots allow pets on their patio. Some even bring out a bowl of water for your dog. We try to choose the most out of the way spot to sit. Usually the dogs nap under the table. They almost always spill the water bowl.

Sharing something to chew on.

2. Take a picnic.
We buy fresh foods at a grocery store or whole foods market, find a nice scenic location, spread out a blanket, and enjoy.

3. Go through the drive-thru.
You will likely be limited to fast food, but in a pinch it works.

4. Order pizza in your room.
Or, stock your room fridge with convenient meals, sandwiches and fruit.

4. Patronize your hotel's restaurant.
Most hotels allow you to leave your pets in the room while you're on premises. On our recent trip, we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast in the lobby each morning, and had dinner in the more upscale restaurant, knowing that our tired, well-exercised dogs were contentedly resting close enough by to intervene if it turned out there should be a problem. (The first couple times we ducked out and listened outside the door to make sure we didn't hear any barking.) Selecting a hotel with a decent restaurant took a lot of stress out of our trip.

What are we going to do?

Your schedule won't be as free as if you were traveling without pets, but hey, you've got your best friends along with you so it's worth it, right?

Checking out the Whale Tails in South Burlington, VT.

A great hike in Shelburne Bay, VT.

 1. Parks, hiking, and swimming-
Outdoor activities are the easiest in which to include your dog. Just be sure you know the rules and restrictions for where you visit. Are dogs allowed? Must they be leashed? Are certain areas restricted?

2. Shopping and Activities-
Some pedestrian malls, such as Church Street Marketplace in Burlington VT, are pet friendly. The Vermont Country Store (in Weston and Rockingham VT) allows dogs inside, with signs reminding shoppers NOT to leave their dogs in the car. If you want to take a tour at Ben and Jerry's factory (Waterbury, VT), you can bring your dog on the premises (but they're not allowed on the actual tour). Wherever you stay, you may be surprised at the businesses that allow dogs.

3. Little known gems.
Ask a local for advice. Helpful residents walking their dogs may offer the best suggestions. We asked an employee at a pet food warehouse for a place to take the dogs in the water and were directed to a little out of the way swimming hole that was just right for our needs.



Have a fun vacation and a happy Labor Day Weekend!

With Labor Day weekend approaching, there's still time this summer to enjoy a great getaway or family vacation. And if the family includes a dog (or two or more!), it's easier than ever before to take them along--pet friendly businesses are more and more common. Your getaway just requires planning, flexibility, and quite possibly a sense of humor. Here are a few tips to bark your way.

We didn't forget to pack Petey!

Where are we going to stay?

If you plan on camping, or staying with friends or family who love dogs, great! Otherwise you'll need to find a pet-friendly hotel. We recently took our two golden retrievers, Ernest and Petey, along on a getaway to Vermont. The hotel was "pet-friendly" and indeed the staff seemed happy to welcome our dogs. But the pet-friendly rooms were tiny. There was only enough space to walk around the sides of the bed, and no seating area or place for the dogs to stretch out. It made for a very uncomfortable weekend. So when you book, ask about the size of the rooms, especially if you have larger dogs. Also some pet-friendly hotels simply "allow" pets while others really roll out the red carpet by providing doggy beds, bowls, and goodie bags. Some even offer amenities such as gourmet dog meals and dog parks. We love Go Pet Friendly as a great resource to search for hotels (and restaurants, and things to do on vacation too.)

Our room proved a bit small for Ernest, Petey (and a visiting friend!)

 Here are some other considerations:
1. Does the hotel have a dog-relief area with poo bags and conveniently-located waste receptacle?
The hotel we stayed at had a fair amount of grounds for walking the dog, but they were full of pricker bushes. Every time we went out, the dogs returned covered in burrs. Other pet-friendly hotels offer only a narrow strip of grass to walk your dog, or are surrounded by busy roads and parking lots. On the other hand, once we visited a hotel with beautiful grounds, plenty of room to exercise, and wooded hiking paths next door. Check reviews and look at photos (try Google Earth to get a great view of the surroundings) to evaluate the outdoor space.

2. Can you leave your dog in the room?
Most hotels we've visited don't allow you to leave your pet unattended in the room.
This is a concern for instances when you want to go out to an event, fancy dinner, shopping, or museum where your dog is not allowed. One option is to take your pet to a doggy day care, or hire a reputable pet sitter to sit in the room with your pets. If the hotel does allow you to leave your pet, be sure to put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign when you leave. If you're worried your dog might bark, here are some techniques that can help:
- Take your dog for a long walk and make sure he is really tired before you leave him.
- Turn on the TV to distract him from barking every time he hears someone open a door or walk down the hall.
- Play the CD "Through a Dog's Ear". You wouldn't believe how many times I recommend this, but I do because I love it. I don't know why, but it works. Our dogs calm down immediately whenever we put it on.
- Give your dog a Kong or new toy to entertain him while you're out.
Also, most hotels don't allow pets on the furniture. I'm pretty sure 90% of the dogs break this rule. Bringing along a large sheet or blanket to cover the bed and other furniture helps protect hotel property.

Where can we eat?

Dining out with pets can be a challenge. Here are some options we've tried:
1. Visit pet-friendly restaurants.
Many cafes and casual dining spots allow pets on their patio. Some even bring out a bowl of water for your dog. We try to choose the most out of the way spot to sit. Usually the dogs nap under the table. They almost always spill the water bowl.

Sharing something to chew on.

2. Take a picnic.
We buy fresh foods at a grocery store or whole foods market, find a nice scenic location, spread out a blanket, and enjoy.

3. Go through the drive-thru.
You will likely be limited to fast food, but in a pinch it works.

4. Order pizza in your room.
Or, stock your room fridge with convenient meals, sandwiches and fruit.

4. Patronize your hotel's restaurant.
Most hotels allow you to leave your pets in the room while you're on premises. On our recent trip, we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast in the lobby each morning, and had dinner in the more upscale restaurant, knowing that our tired, well-exercised dogs were contentedly resting close enough by to intervene if it turned out there should be a problem. (The first couple times we ducked out and listened outside the door to make sure we didn't hear any barking.) Selecting a hotel with a decent restaurant took a lot of stress out of our trip.

What are we going to do?

Your schedule won't be as free as if you were traveling without pets, but hey, you've got your best friends along with you so it's worth it, right?

Checking out the Whale Tails in South Burlington, VT.

A great hike in Shelburne Bay, VT.

 1. Parks, hiking, and swimming-
Outdoor activities are the easiest in which to include your dog. Just be sure you know the rules and restrictions for where you visit. Are dogs allowed? Must they be leashed? Are certain areas restricted?

2. Shopping and Activities-
Some pedestrian malls, such as Church Street Marketplace in Burlington VT, are pet friendly. The Vermont Country Store (in Weston and Rockingham VT) allows dogs inside, with signs reminding shoppers NOT to leave their dogs in the car. If you want to take a tour at Ben and Jerry's factory (Waterbury, VT), you can bring your dog on the premises (but they're not allowed on the actual tour). Wherever you stay, you may be surprised at the businesses that allow dogs.

3. Little known gems.
Ask a local for advice. Helpful residents walking their dogs may offer the best suggestions. We asked an employee at a pet food warehouse for a place to take the dogs in the water and were directed to a little out of the way swimming hole that was just right for our needs.



Have a fun vacation and a happy Labor Day Weekend!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chewy Pharmacy delivers! #ChewyInfluencer

 Dr. Ike answers your questions about Chewy Pharmacy

Dr. Ike is in.

Hi, Dr. Ike here to tell you about a new service offered by Chewy.com. Did you know that there is a new way to get those all-important medications you need to put the wag back in your tail? It's Chewy Pharmacy. As #ChewyInfluencers, we got to try it out. And it's so easy! Any questions?

Q- What medications are available through Chewy Pharmacy?
 

 

Ike: If you can bark it, they probably have it. There are hundreds of medications--heartworm medication, flea and tick treatments, pain medication, allergy relief, ear and eye care, wound treatment, and medication for many other health conditions. We ordered Interceptor heartworm treatment for Ernest and Petey.

Q- How do I order?

Chewy Pharmacy rocks!

 Ike: First, go to Chewy Pharmacy and fill out a brief profile for your pet. We entered Ernest and Petey's names, breeds, ages and weights, and our veterinarian's name and phone number. Then we found the medication we needed and added it to our cart.


Q- Do I need a prescription?

Ike: Yes you still need a prescription for your medication. You can either mail it to Chewy, or have Chewy contact your veterinarian for you.

Q- How long will I have to wait?

Mail call!!

 Ike: Our order was processed the same day, and shipped by Fed Ex the next day. We received it just 4 days after we ordered.
 
Q- Are there any downsides?

Ike: The only negative we saw was that the bubble envelope didn't fully protect the box of medication we ordered, and the blister packs were smooshed. However the medication remained intact, and it didn't effect their quality at all.

A little smooshed in the envelope, but the tablets were not damaged.

So there you have it, from Dr. Ike. Chewy Pharmacy is a great option for your pets' health care needs. Best of all, order their medication along with their food (and Ernest and Petey suggest adding a few treats and a toy or two!) and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

Have you tried Chewy Pharmacy? Do you have any more questions for Dr. Ike?

FULL DISCLOSURE: As Chewy Influencers, we were provided with one 6-pack of Interceptor chewables through Chewy Pharmacy in exchange for our honest review. This in no way influenced our review. Opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

 Dr. Ike answers your questions about Chewy Pharmacy

Dr. Ike is in.

Hi, Dr. Ike here to tell you about a new service offered by Chewy.com. Did you know that there is a new way to get those all-important medications you need to put the wag back in your tail? It's Chewy Pharmacy. As #ChewyInfluencers, we got to try it out. And it's so easy! Any questions?

Q- What medications are available through Chewy Pharmacy?
 

 

Ike: If you can bark it, they probably have it. There are hundreds of medications--heartworm medication, flea and tick treatments, pain medication, allergy relief, ear and eye care, wound treatment, and medication for many other health conditions. We ordered Interceptor heartworm treatment for Ernest and Petey.

Q- How do I order?

Chewy Pharmacy rocks!

 Ike: First, go to Chewy Pharmacy and fill out a brief profile for your pet. We entered Ernest and Petey's names, breeds, ages and weights, and our veterinarian's name and phone number. Then we found the medication we needed and added it to our cart.


Q- Do I need a prescription?

Ike: Yes you still need a prescription for your medication. You can either mail it to Chewy, or have Chewy contact your veterinarian for you.

Q- How long will I have to wait?

Mail call!!

 Ike: Our order was processed the same day, and shipped by Fed Ex the next day. We received it just 4 days after we ordered.
 
Q- Are there any downsides?

Ike: The only negative we saw was that the bubble envelope didn't fully protect the box of medication we ordered, and the blister packs were smooshed. However the medication remained intact, and it didn't effect their quality at all.

A little smooshed in the envelope, but the tablets were not damaged.

So there you have it, from Dr. Ike. Chewy Pharmacy is a great option for your pets' health care needs. Best of all, order their medication along with their food (and Ernest and Petey suggest adding a few treats and a toy or two!) and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

Have you tried Chewy Pharmacy? Do you have any more questions for Dr. Ike?

FULL DISCLOSURE: As Chewy Influencers, we were provided with one 6-pack of Interceptor chewables through Chewy Pharmacy in exchange for our honest review. This in no way influenced our review. Opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Book Review and GIVEAWAY: God Needed a Puppy

Sometimes, the dog dies.

That's the sad truth, in real life and in books.

It's never easy to deal with, no matter what. But this lovely and beautifully-illustrated  new book, God Needed a Puppy, is one way to help bring comfort to kids (and adults) who have lost a pet.
 

Ernest and Petey check out the book under the lilac bush, where some of their friends lay to rest.

  Today we welcome Emmy Award-winning journalist and author John Gray to talk about his book. (PLUS we're giving away a copy of God Needed a Puppy at the end!)

 The Writer's Dog: Welcome John, and thank you for joining us today. God Needed a Puppy is a children's book dealing with pet loss. What inspired you to write this book?

John Gray: After the death of my 6-month-old puppy I couldn't shake the grief and anger. He was so young, it just didn't seem fair. I thought to myself, this must be how kids feel when they lose a pet. So that's why I wrote it. To help myself and children.

Author John Gray with Samuel.

 TWD: How does this book help children who have lost a pet? What do they need to hear?

JG: The book tells a child who lost a pet three things. First, your pet was special. So special he or she may be needed for a special mission in heaven. Second, you will see your pet again someday so this is not goodbye forever. And third, I tell them to keep their eyes open because God has a way of sending another pet down to us when the time is right. Parents have told me that a child who previously could not stop crying read my book and it really helped.

TWD: My favorite line from your book is, "Saying goodbye to a beloved pet does not mean saying goodbye forever." I believe we will see our pets again in heaven. But what do you say to kids who are unsure if pets go to heaven? 

JG: I tell them listen, there is either a heaven or there is not. I choose, like most people, to believe there is something beyond this life on earth. And if there is a heaven it would not be heaven if our pets weren't there. So it's only logical we will see them again.

TWD: You're a television journalist--how was the experience of writing a book different for you?

JG: Journalism is easy compared to writing a book of fiction. With journalism you just gather facts and put them in order that makes sense. With a book you have to come up with characters and a story and then figure out a proper ending. The ending is always the hardest part.

TWD: You're also a dog lover. Tell us about the dogs in your life!

JG: I currently have three dogs. Sebastian the oldest German Shepherd. Like the child in the book, he came to me unexpectedly after the loss of my puppy. I wasn't ready for him but there he was in my life. I also have Winston, another German Shepherd who is full of love. He's from the same parents as Samuel, the puppy I lost, and has his sweet disposition. And then there is Keller. He is a blind and deaf Australian Shepherd who was abandoned as a puppy. We found each other when I was doing volunteer work at the animal shelter and I had to take him home. He is a wonderful dog and has a big heart in his fur. He is the inspiration for my next book, Keller's Heart.

Thank you John Gray for sharing your thoughts with us today. Part of the proceeds from the sales of this book will be donated to animal shelters across the country.
For more information visit www.paracletepress.com.

Enter here for your chance to win a copy of God Needed a Puppy.
a Rafflecopter giveaway




Full Disclosure: We were given one copy of this book to review and one to giveaway. This in no way influenced my opinions. Opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

 

Sometimes, the dog dies.

That's the sad truth, in real life and in books.

It's never easy to deal with, no matter what. But this lovely and beautifully-illustrated  new book, God Needed a Puppy, is one way to help bring comfort to kids (and adults) who have lost a pet.
 

Ernest and Petey check out the book under the lilac bush, where some of their friends lay to rest.

  Today we welcome Emmy Award-winning journalist and author John Gray to talk about his book. (PLUS we're giving away a copy of God Needed a Puppy at the end!)

 The Writer's Dog: Welcome John, and thank you for joining us today. God Needed a Puppy is a children's book dealing with pet loss. What inspired you to write this book?

John Gray: After the death of my 6-month-old puppy I couldn't shake the grief and anger. He was so young, it just didn't seem fair. I thought to myself, this must be how kids feel when they lose a pet. So that's why I wrote it. To help myself and children.

Author John Gray with Samuel.

 TWD: How does this book help children who have lost a pet? What do they need to hear?

JG: The book tells a child who lost a pet three things. First, your pet was special. So special he or she may be needed for a special mission in heaven. Second, you will see your pet again someday so this is not goodbye forever. And third, I tell them to keep their eyes open because God has a way of sending another pet down to us when the time is right. Parents have told me that a child who previously could not stop crying read my book and it really helped.

TWD: My favorite line from your book is, "Saying goodbye to a beloved pet does not mean saying goodbye forever." I believe we will see our pets again in heaven. But what do you say to kids who are unsure if pets go to heaven? 

JG: I tell them listen, there is either a heaven or there is not. I choose, like most people, to believe there is something beyond this life on earth. And if there is a heaven it would not be heaven if our pets weren't there. So it's only logical we will see them again.

TWD: You're a television journalist--how was the experience of writing a book different for you?

JG: Journalism is easy compared to writing a book of fiction. With journalism you just gather facts and put them in order that makes sense. With a book you have to come up with characters and a story and then figure out a proper ending. The ending is always the hardest part.

TWD: You're also a dog lover. Tell us about the dogs in your life!

JG: I currently have three dogs. Sebastian the oldest German Shepherd. Like the child in the book, he came to me unexpectedly after the loss of my puppy. I wasn't ready for him but there he was in my life. I also have Winston, another German Shepherd who is full of love. He's from the same parents as Samuel, the puppy I lost, and has his sweet disposition. And then there is Keller. He is a blind and deaf Australian Shepherd who was abandoned as a puppy. We found each other when I was doing volunteer work at the animal shelter and I had to take him home. He is a wonderful dog and has a big heart in his fur. He is the inspiration for my next book, Keller's Heart.

Thank you John Gray for sharing your thoughts with us today. Part of the proceeds from the sales of this book will be donated to animal shelters across the country.
For more information visit www.paracletepress.com.

Enter here for your chance to win a copy of God Needed a Puppy.
a Rafflecopter giveaway




Full Disclosure: We were given one copy of this book to review and one to giveaway. This in no way influenced my opinions. Opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

 

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