Archive | December, 2010

In the Presence of Presents

29 Dec

First I would like to thank everyone who commented on my blog to wish me a Merry Christmas. The humans and I are just coming around from the post-holiday stupor and over-eating (though I still attest that I did not eat that piece of bacon my gramp just happened to drop on the floor when I was walking by; it just disappeared!) so I haven’t been being a very attentive blog-dog. But here I am and ready to share the wonderful spoils the humans and Santa Paws left for me under the Christmas tree.

My very first Christmas gift came from my lovely not-related aunt Angelica. She has always been worried that I would catch a chill from how cold my humans keep our apartment. So, to make sure I stay toasty warm, especially when I have to make the tail-freezing pee runs during the very cold Maine winters, Angelica made me a hooded snow suit! It’s fleecy, warm, and features owls, one of my mom’s favorite creatures (after me and the kitties of course). Thank goodness I got the snow suit too as it came in quite handy during the snow storm we experienced over the weekend. It has made going outside in the cold much more bearable.

The second set of gifts came from Santa Paws (who I think shops at The Loyal Biscuit) and my mom. Santa Paws must have been paying attention when I made my Wooftastic Gift Guide as he bought me the Chilly Dog Monkey Sweater I’ve had my pretty little puppy eyes on. It’s thick, warm, and oh so adorable! The Santa Paws squeaky was given to me by my mom who made it for me. She also gave one to my buddy Leo. It’s quite fun to chew on, though I wish he had parts I could chew off. I guess my mom made sure that wouldn’t happen when she made him.

I also got a couple of bags of treats from my aunty, Gram and Gramp, as well as a really yummy can of Merrick’s Venison Holiday Stew to have as a special holiday dinner. My nanny said something about paying for me to have a bath at the Biscuit which would be my gift. I kind of hope she’s kidding, but since it made my mom happy, I may just have to accept it with a tail-wag.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season as well! I’m slightly sad that it is over, but really I’ve been too busy playing with, wearing and eating my presents to really think about it.

Happy tail wags!

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Merry Christmas!

25 Dec

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Twas the Night Before Christmas..

24 Dec

(This is a repost from last Christmas because it was just so nice of my mom to write for me, I had to post it again!)

Twas the night before Christmas, when sleep did at last win.

Not a creature was stirring, not even Gracie Lynn.

Our stockings were hung down the staircase with care,

In hopes that Santa Paws soon would be there.

Harry was nestled all snug in Nan’s bed

While visions of catnip toys danced in his head.

Mom in her pj’s and me in mine too

Had just drifted off as the winter snow blew.

When out on the street there arose such a clatter

I leaped from the bed to see what was the matter.

Quick to the window I ran with great speed

But not to wake mom, I tried with great heed.

The streetlights did cast a pretty white glow

On all of the glittering and shiny new snow.

When what to my bright puppy eyes should appear

But an itty bitty sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old human, who flew without pause.

I knew in a moment it must be Santa Paws.

Much faster than greyhounds his reindeer they came,

He whistled and shouted and called them by name!

I would tell you what he shouted as he did fly

But as hard as I could, and I really did try,

I could not hear what Santa Paws yelled out

But something about Blitzen I knew without doubt.

The reindeer flew fast as the winter snowflakes fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So down to the frozen lawn the reindeer flew,

With a sleigh full of dog treats and Santa Paws too.

And then, in a shuffle, I heard at the door

Santa Paw’s boots on the porch’s wood floor.

As I trotted to the hall and was looking around

Into my home Santa Paws came with a bound.

He was dressed in red from his head to his toes

Never before had I seen such bright clothes.

There was a sack of dog treats slung on his back

I started to wish Santa would give me a snack.

His eyes how they twinkled, his face how merry!

I wished to lick his nose that was red like a berry.

His cheeks were lit up in a cheery sweet smile.

I wanted him to stay and pet me awhile.

A pair of small glasses were perched on his nose

Made me wonder how they don’t fog up when it snows.

Especially when Santa Paws is at the North Pole

Deciding who gets presents and who gets coal.

He was chubby and plump, the man likes his treats

My tummy growled thinking of all of those sweets.

A wink of his eye and a pat on the head

Soon gave me to know there was nothing to dread.

He said not a word, but went quick to his work

Filling all of the stockings, he turned with a jerk.

He gave me a Snook that was tied with a bow

And then out the door he went into the snow.

He jumped into his sleigh, to his deer gave a shout

And away they all flew to continue their route.

But I heard him exclaim before he flew out of sight:

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!”

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Gift Bites

23 Dec

One of my favorite parts of any holiday is giving away goodies to all my friends and family. By now, a lot of my friends have been receiving my Christmas card either by mail or by email (if you check the blog on Christmas Day you’ll see the photo I sent out). I also like to hand deliver homemade treats to all my doggy friends who live near me. This year I chose a really yummy treat called Butternut Drops from The Honest Kitchen cookbook, Made out of Love (which, if you don’t have a copy already, I highly suggest you pick one up because it’s filled with amazing recipes for dogs, cats, and some that humans can eat as well!). The recipe, which you can also find on The Honest Kitchen’s website, goes as follows:

1 cup butternut squash (though you could also use pumpkin or sweet potato)

1 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal

1/4 cup cranberries (we used dried cranberries)

1 tsp nutritional yeast (if you’re having a hard time finding nutritional yeast, check your local co-op or whole foods type grocer)

1 tbsp honey

Boil and mash the butternut squash. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture (around 1 tsp or so), roll into balls, and place on a buttered cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before allowing your dog to nosh away.

I was able to taste a few of these lovely delicacies and all I have to say is that it’s going to be very hard to part with all of them.

Do you make goodies for any of your doggy friends?

Happy tail wags!

 

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Happy Holidays to the HSKC

21 Dec

Remember way back in April when my mom and my not-related aunt Angelica pledged 25% of the sales from all their denim toys (like my mom’s squeaky stars) to the Humane Society of Knox County? Well today, Angelica and my mom made good on their promise and made their first donation to the HSKC! Perfect timing too as it’s the holiday season and it’s always nice to give to charities during this time of the year.

So far, the amount raised through the denim sales from The Smiling Frog Pets was $65! That’s a lot of sold denim balls and stars (and a lot of happy pets who received those fun toys). Angelica also made a little care package of small squeaky toys, dog treats, and a few cans of kitty food for the shelter animals. I also think both humans enjoyed some cuddle time with the pups and cats who are searching for their forever homes. It’s was nice of them do that, and I’m totally okay with sharing my mom for a little bit as long as she doesn’t bring any new siblings home.

Happy tail wags!

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Pru’s Wooftastic Gift Guide: Collars, Leashes, and Tags, oh my!

17 Dec

This is the final part of my gift guide list and it’s all about collars, leashes, and cute tags. Oddly enough, these lists really have turned into showing the world what I want for Christmas. I hope Santa Paws is paying attention.

One of my absolute favorite places to shop for collars is The Mod Dog on Etsy. They make the cutest season collars like this one called Baby it’s Cold Outside.

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One of my all time favorite collars, The Sugar Snap Pea collar I’m often seen wearing, comes from the Mod Dog! Each collar is handmade and can be customized to fit specific specifications including the type of hardware, color webbing, or if the collar is to be a martingale, buckle-release, or chain martingale.

Another collar that I’ve been kind of drooling over is Up Country’s Snowman Dog Collar.Each Up Country product, including their matching leashes, are hand-sewn in the United States. They also donate products regularly to area shelters as well as sponsor a veterinary clinic in their town.

Of course no collar is complete without a leash! One of the classiest leashes around is the Hyde Leash from Best in Park.

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The Hyde Leash is made from natural jute strapping and beautiful leather strapping and trim. This beautiful leash is neutral enough that it can go with pretty much anything.

The best thing to go with a leash and a collar would be a great tag. There are no better tags on the market today than those made by blanketID.

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I have waxed poetic about the pawesome blanketIDs before, but it’s always nice to have a refresher. BlanketIDs offer a unique form of protection as each tag comes with a code that links to a personal profile you fill out about your pet. If your pet were to be found by his or herself, the findee would just have to enter the code into the blanketID site to find your contact info, your pet’s specific needs if any, and what ever else you choose to include. Plus, if you report your pet missing on the site, an alert email with your pets photo and your contact information goes out to all SPCAs, animal hospitals, shelters, and other blanketID members in your area.

Finally, what dog doesn’t like a little bling? I know I do! That’s why I absolutely adore the Cupcake Cutie Charm from Eco-Pup.

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This may just be the cutest charm I have ever seen. Plus it’s nickel and lead-free which is probably good if your dog decides it really looks good enough to nibble on.

Again, if I left out any absolutely spectacular items, please leave a comment.

Happy tail wags!

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Pru’s Wooftastic Gift Guide: Toys

16 Dec

For me, Christmas is never complete until I get a new toy to play with. Even though I already have a full toy box full of squeakies, stuffies, and a stray cow tail or two, I really can never have enough toys. Here’s my list of great toys that Santa Paws better be carrying in his sack of goodies.

Obviously I can’t make a list about dog toys without mentioning my mom’s pawesome reindeer squeakies from The Smiling Frog Pets. Made from polar fleece, felt, and stuffed with poly fil, this reindeer is one of my favorite toys that my mom makes. The public seems to agree as it is her personal best seller.

Next on the list is Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff Snowball.

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This bouncy ball is a great toy for those pups that really like to take their aggression by chewing up helpless toys. It’s even ranked a 5 out of 5 Chompers on Planet Dog’s “Chew-o-meter.” What’s even neater, for humans at least, is that the Snowball has a minty flavor and smell which may help to combat any smelly dog breath. I would prefer chicken flavor, but I guess that’s just me.

I was introduced to this next toy on my friend Cate’ blog, Under the Blanket.

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These 100% wool felt Peppermint toys are made by a company with one of the cutest names around, Lollycadoodle. All of Lollycadoodle’s toys are hand made by artisans in Nepal using hand-dyed New Zealand wool. The best part is that these toys are completely biodegradable.

Some toys aren’t just for chewing on or tossing around. In fact, there are some really great toys out there that can provide a dog with mental stimulation usually in the form of puzzles. One of my favorite of these puzzle toys (which I’m quite eager to get my paws on someday) is the Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado.

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The idea behind the Dog Tornado is that you hide yummy treats inside the little bone shaped impressions and then rotate the top to hide the treat. Your dog will then have to work out how to move the toy around to get the treat. It’s a great way to exercise a dog’s mental capabilities, something as important as daily physical activity.

If there are any great toys that I should have included, please leave a comment.

Happy tail wags!

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Pru’s Wooftastic Gift Guide: Treats

14 Dec

It was incredibly hard for me to keep from drooling while making this list. Food is almost as important to me as making sure the humans find the absolutely perfect spot to itch me. My belly is the thing that often makes my decisions for me, so obviously I’ve sampled my fair share of goodies. After much diligent and exhaustive research, I have compiled a perfect list of treats that any pup would be delighted to have in their stocking.

First up, Zukes’ Z-Filets in Premium Chicken. Made from chicken sourced in the United States, rice flour, maple syrup, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, the Z-Filets are perfect for any size dog as they can be easily torn into smaller pieces. I very rarely get a full piece, much to my displeasure. The Z-Filets come in two other flavors as well; Basted Beef and Prime Venison. The chicken just happens to be my favorite as I will do anything for a little nibble of chicken.

Some of the best treats that I’ve had are those made through freeze-drying. One specific freeze-dried treat that I just can’t get enough of are the Etta Says! Freeze Dried Lamb Liver.

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These liver treats just have one ingredient, lamb liver. That’s it! So they’re perfect if you’re looking for a treat for your pup that doesn’t have any extra ingredients. And they are just melt on your tongue delicious to boot!

Another single ingredient treat that will make your dog’s tail wag is The Honest Kitchen’s Wishes.

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As I’ve written about before, Wishes are dehydrated Haddock filets sourced from Iceland. What’s great about Wishes is that they aren’t just dog-only (though in this house they are), cats can enjoy them too!

The last, but certainly and in no way least of the treats on my gift guide are Biscuit by Lambchops’ Choppers.

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Choppers are the perfect treats for those pups who have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies. They are made fresh to order and are heat sealed to keep in that just from the oven freshness. When I tried my first ever Chopper, I almost had to fight it out of my mom’s hand as its smell was so tantalizing she almost took a bite.

All this gift idea listing thing is making me a wee bit peckish. Again, if I left any really pawesome treats out of my list, please leave your suggestion in the comments.

Happy tail wags!

Update: The wonderful Annette and Biscuits by Lambchop’s official Spokes-dog Starlet have extended a 10% off coupon code to all my readers! All you have to do is enter “Prudence10” at checkout. This offer is good until the end of the month. Thanks Biscuits by Lampchop’s crew!

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Pru’s Wooftastic Gift Guide: Clothes

13 Dec

It’s that time of the year again. Time to drag a living tree inside, time the watch the humans drive themselves crazy with running here and there to this party and that, and time for presents! Presents are very, very important, especially to those selfish little dogs like me. I have already submitted my list (okay, more like a book) to Santa Paws featuring all my most wanted items. Obviously I have to share my “Prudence Approved” gifts with my friends in hopes they get inspired to buy for their own pups, but since there are so many, I will be splitting the list up into different sections. Today it’s one of my all time favorite things (now I sound like that Oprah human); CLOTHES!

First up, Eco-Pup Dog Clothing. You have read my many written praises about Eco-Pup, so obviously they made my gift guide. My top pick? The Gift Hoodie of course!

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Made of organic cotton velour, the Gift Hoodie features a really adorable embroidered snowflake along the body and the sleeve. I am quite partial to the chocolate color, but the lavender is equally appealing. My second favorite Eco-Pup item that I have yet to add to my ever expanding wardrobe is the City Coat. It is incredibly chic!

Something I have been urging my mom to buy me for Christmas is a Chilly Dog Sweater. Ever since sniffing out the Aloha Sweater at The Loyal Biscuit, I have been quite infatuated with their adorable sweaters. My favorite one, and what I’ve been asking for from both the humans and Santa Paws, is the Monkey Hoodie.

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The Monkey Hoodie is just cheeky enough to be adorable, but not too adorable to be sickening. Plus I just love the fact that there are ears on the hood! All of the Chilly Dog Sweaters are made from mostly free-range sheep wool that is chemical free, natural dyes, and are completely hand-knit.

If you haven’t yet noticed, I’m a girl dog and tend to like things that edge to the girlier side of things. Something that completely fits that bill is the Pup’s Pinafore from Anthropologie.


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This sweater dress is frilly, but it’s hardy enough to keep a pup warm on a chilly day. The Pup’s Pinafore would also make the perfect Christmas dress for some lucky pup.

Last but certainly not least is all the cl0thing at my mom and not-related aunt Angelica’s shop The Smiling Frog Pets.

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Angelica and my mom spend a lot of time making sure their products are sturdily made and they try to upcycle as many materials as possible. Plus there clothes are just so darn adorable. I’m lucky enough to usually get the prototype of most of my mom’s made-to-order items (Leo get’s his mom’s), but sometimes there are one-of-a-kind items that I really wish I could have. While the shipping date for international items has passed, the US shipping date is the 18th, so there is still time to order.

Hope this helped spur up some ideas. If I missed any great dog clothing items that really should have been in this post, please leave a comment. Stay tuned tomorrow for my yummy treats gift guide!

Happy tail wags!

 

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The Truth About Poinsettia

9 Dec

It’s definitely that time of the year again when the humans bedeck the halls with all things Christmas baubles and, for some weird reason, a tree (like from outside). More often than not those of us with fur and four-legs aren’t allowed to play or nibble on this fascinating trinkets as they are “dangerous,” “so bad,” “no don’t touch that!” It’s quite frustrating especially when I was really just going in for a sniff! But there’s one rather popular holiday decoration that has seemed to have gotten a rather bad rap, especially with cats. It has often been said that poinsettias are incredibly toxic when ingested by cats or dogs.  While it’s true that we pets are apt to chew on plants that we should and that there are, in fact, plants that can really harm us, poinsettias aren’t all that bad. They aren’t exactly as harmless as grass, but if nibbled upon, they only cause mild irritation to the stomach, like indigestion, or skin if your pet comes in direct contact with the plant’s sap. The same can be said for American mistletoe which also has quite a bad reputation. It is often confused with English mistletoe which is the toxic one of the two. If a cat or dog were to eat American mistletoe leaves or the berries, they may get some tummy troubles but will not be deathly poisoned.

There are other seasonal plants that should be paid far more attention to that don’t seem to get the hype that poinsettia do. Those would be lilies, Christmas cacti, and English or Christmas holly. While holly and cacti aren’t deathly toxic, they can still cause really miserable intestinal upset and diarrhea when ingested. Lilies on the other hand are incredibly toxic, especially to cats, and have been known to cause kidney failure.

So this year when you deck your pet-friendly halls, don’t be as quick to pass by the poinsettia. They are quite pretty after all.

Source: Pet Poison Helpline

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