I just wanted to write a quick post and wish you all a happy Howl-o-ween. And, to reveal my costume because I have decided to become a “tricky treator.”
I'm a punk rock ballerina!
I’ll post more tomorrow about my fun adventure with Leo and the rest of my Howl-o-ween night.
Have a safe night and happy tails wags!
Fall brings a lot of things. Cooler air, falling leaves (which are really fun to chase. Really, try it!), apples, sweaters, Howl-o-ween, and, my personal favorite, sweet potato!
YUM!
When I was a pup, I had some belly problems that resulted in a really stinky smell that would make all of my human friends quickly leave the room. Humans must be really sensitive because my dog friends and I were never really bothered by it. But, my mom made a special trip to The Loyal Biscuit to consult with Lauren about my smelly problem. Lauren suggested I be fed a roasted sweet potato with my lunch and dinner because it’s packed with this thing called “fiber” that is good for tummy trouble.
I’m really happy Lauren suggested this because sweet potato is yummy! Sometimes I even get this awesome treat called a Snook which are dried rings of sweet potato on a rope. I love to chew the rings off the rope and then use to rope to play tug with my mom. So not only is it a nutritious snack, but it’s also a fun toy! 
Pumpkin can also be used in place of sweet potato if your pup has the tummy rumbles, but remember to only feed straight potato. So if you buy a can of it make sure there is no additional seasoning, like pumpkin pie filling.
Happy, yummy tail wags.
Howl-o-ween is on Friday and I am very excited. This is going to be my second Howl-o-ween. Last year was such a blast so I have high expectations for this year. My first costume was a what my mom called a “ladybug.” This year I’m hoping for something cooler because I’m much cuter than a “ladybug”. So, I’m ready, but the question is, are you and your pup?
There are a few safety issues to keep in mind on the big spooky night. The first thing to be aware of are any decorations that can be dangerous. Things like lit candles (like in the carved pumpkins) can be bad if they are in an area where an overly happy tail can knock them over. Keep those out of reach of swishy tails or curious paws.
Another thing to keep out of reach is the candy passed out to the “tricky treaters.” “Tricky treaters” are humans that wear really funny clothes and sometimes things on their faces. They knock on the door, yell “tricky treat” and expect to be given a treat! I at least have to do some sort of trick, like sit, before I’m given a treat. Usually we pass out either chocolate or sugary candies. Chocolate is poisonous to pups and the candy wrappers from the candies can be swallowed and stuck in a pup’s throat.
The “tricky treaters” may not necessarily be dangerous, but they could very well stress your pooch out. I remember last year, some of those “tricky treaters” had these scary things on their faces that made me very scared. I barked really loud at them to try and scare them away, but they didn’t leave until they got their candy. So all of the activity and noise could really upset a dog. If your pooch appears stressed, you may want to put them in a quiet room or their crate if they have one.
If you’re dressing your pooch up, feel free to send me a photo and a little bit about your pup and their costume and I’ll post it on my blog! Send it to dear.pru.1@gmail.com
I hope you and your fur babies have a fun and safe Howl-o-ween. 
Happy tail wags!
I have a few things to apologize for today. The first being the fact that I have ignored my blog for the past couple of days. Halloween is fast approaching and my mom has been busy preparing for a party and getting costumes ready, so she hasn’t had too many opportunities to take me on blog worthy adventures.
The other thing I must apologize for is my previous statements about fruits and vegetables. Even though I have made my views on the subject very loud and clear, my mom was still on a mission to find a fruit or veggie that I liked. The other day, my mom was eating a slice of apple pie and a piece of cooked apple fell and I immediately gobbled it up because that’s kind of what dogs do. And I like it! So, I am sorry fruits and veggies, my hatred for you seem to have come too soon.
Yum!
Now, I am not suggesting for you humans to share your apple pie with your pooches. While sugar might be tasty, as well as the other ingredients, they aren’t the best thing for your pooch. Try slicing an apple into pieces (make sure you core it first because apple seeds are poisonous to pups) and giving them to your pup. I don’t like uncooked apples, so my mom lets me have organic, unsweetened applesauce. It’s my new favorite treat! Plus there are a whole bunch of benefits like vitamin C, fatty acids for a shiny coat, and it’s a good source of fiber (for pups like me who have poop problems).
A few things to note: Apples contain natural sugars, so give it to your pup sparingly. We wouldn’t want them to become overweight. If your pup has kidney problems, apples may not be the best treat because of the calcium and phosphorus.
Happy yummy tail wags!
The temperature outside has been dropping rapidly in the past few days. This evening, it even started snowing a little bit. Since I’m over a year old, the cold is old hat for me and my mom, but some of you pups and parents may need some pointers on cold weather care.
One of the biggest dangers is the temperature and wind chill. The biting chill can be deadly for a pup (or cats) if they are left outside without proper care. The best place for any fur baby is inside the home, but some humans choose to keep their pups outside some of the time. If that is the case, a dry, draft-free shelter should be provided preferably big enough to allow space for the pooch to sit and lie comfortably, but small enough so that their body heat is contained. The floor should be raised and covered with straw or shavings. Also, outdoor pups need more food during the cold because they use more energy trying to keep warm. And their water bowl shouldn’t be metal (their tongues might stick) and checked regularly to keep it fresh and unfrozen.
Because I don’t have a toasty second coat of hair, I can get cold easily. My mom keeps me toasty in a variety of sweaters and in the harshest of weather she bundles me in my RuffWear K-9 Overcoat. If you take your pup out and he or she shivers, it may be wise to invest in a sweater or hoodie.
RuffWear K-9 Overcoat
In search of warmth, some small animals take shelter under the hoods of cars if the engine is still warm. Knocking on the hood will scare any animal away so they don’t get injured.
Something else that can cause injury are the various chemicals that are used during the cold months. Antifreeze, the green goop my nanny put in her car, is especially deadly but has a sweet taste so it attracts pups and cats. Wipe up spills and always store it out of reach and in a safe container. Salt and other things used to melt ice can irritate a pooch’s pads. After a walk, wipe your pup’s paws down with a damp towel or use booties like Pawz Disposable Rubber Dog Boots.
Hope these tips were helpful.
Happy tail wags!
There seems to be confusion with some humans about animals that are in shelters. Some people think that they are damaged in some way, not the “pick of the litter” as it may be. A new organization called the Shelter Pet Project is trying to get rid of the bad image. These are the two public service announcements they have released.
Hopefully this campaign will show people that shelter animals are good too.
Happy tail wags.
On one of Angelica’s visits, she brought my mom a sewing machine (whatever that is) and is letting her borrow it for awhile. I didn’t think it was anything special. Sure it smelled like Leo and some cats, but I couldn’t play with it and it definitely is not edible. So I have just been ignoring it. Well, until yesterday that is. See, my mom started fiddling with it and it was making all these noises, and it was just way to interesting to ignore. After about an hour or so, she came over to my perch on her bed and put something on me. She had made me a brand new shirt!
Isn't it cute?
I think I look really nifty and no other pup is going to have the same exact thing. That is always so embarrassing when you go somewhere and another pooch is wearing the same sweater as you are. 
I can’t wait to see what else my mom is going to whip up!
Happy tail wags!
I have quite a collection of toys in my toy box. Each one is special and I try to play with each evenly, but I must admit I have my favorites. So, I decided to talk a little bit about each of my favorite toys.
The first has already been featured once on my blog. His name is Mr. Oinky.
Oinky
He was a gift from Posh Puppy Boutique after a contest my mom won. I love him because he has tons of squeakers that squawk when I bite them. He’s also really good to shake around and throw at my nanny when she is watching the talking box they call t.v.
There is also Hippo and Elephant. 
Hippo is in need of a little time with the surgeon (my mom) because I seem to have been a little hard on his nose.
Then there is Ducky.
Quack!
He was a toy left at my house by the little human child my mom use to watch. Okay, fine, he wasn’t left, I stole him and hid him. Now he is mine and I really, really like him. He’s not like any of my other toys. When I bite him, he makes a quacking noise. Plus he’s really easy to throw around.
But, my absolute favorite toy I have is Boo Boo Monkey.
He was a gift from my aunty, and has always been by my side. He’s had to go through a couple of surgeries, especially when I ripped off Boo Boo’s eyes and when his chest was ripped open after a fun game of tug with my mom.
I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at my toys.
Happy tail wags!
My mom alerted me to a giveaway on a blog that is also doing double duty of spreading the word about a dog named Reese (the link contains photos of Reese that may be upsetting) who experienced horrible abuse. She needs her forever home, and hopefully all this attention will reach someone who wants to adopt her. So, if you want to help, click here, or if you would like to submit an application to adopt Reese, visit the Cumberland County SPCA site.
Happy tail wags.
Some of you humans think it’s awfully weird when pups wear clothing. While it’s true that some articles of clothing (like my pretty white dress) are more of a fashion statement, there are some times when doggies need to be clothed. Some pups, like me, don’t have a double coat of fur (like labs) to keep us warm when the weather turns cold. My mom always makes sure, once it gets colder, that I am either wearing a sweater, my Romy and Jacob P.I.N.K. parka, or for the really cold Maine winters, my Ruff Wear coat. But, there always seemed to be times throughout the night that I would get uncovered and start shivering from the cold. So I was very excited to learn that my mom’s friend Angelica had made her pup Leo a pair of pajamas that didn’t quite fit. She came over for a visit the other day, pajamas in tow (as well as Leo). And they fit!
I look good in pink.
Now all I need are some slippers and Boo Boo Monkey and I’m ready for bed!
Thank you Angelica! (You can find some fun jewelry and some clothing items that Angelica sells for humans when you click here.
Happy tail wags!
