Tag Archives: buy now

Peaceable Kingdom Essentials

8 Sep

One of the things I appreciate about having a human who is very active in my health and wellness, is that she’s not quick to throw unnecessary medication at something that could very well be taken care of in a more natural and a possible more pleasant manner. While there is always a time and place where pharmaceuticals are appropriate, I believe that pets, not to mention humans, are often overly medicated. Because of this philosophy, I was really excited when I was asked to try out a few products from Peaceable Kingdom Essentials, a company specializing in herbal remedies for pets, as well as herbal teas for humans.

Started in 2010 by Cindy Wenger, an animal communicator and certified herbalist, Peaceable Kingdom Essentials prides itself in their 100% USDA Certified Organic and earth friendly pet products. Each batch of their tinctures are made, by human-hand, in small batches instead of mass produced in large amounts. The herbs used are never sprayed or irradiated. Peaceable Kingdom Essentials sells tinctures to help ease problems from incontinence to boosting a dog’s immunity. They also have other products including catnip, brewer’s yeast, and flea repellent powder.

The first product I got to try was an external spray called Reliever Achiever. Reliever Achiever can be used to help soothe and heal minor skin problems such as hot spots, irritations, and abrasions. Now, my mom has recently been using coconut oil on my skin itchies, but there are some times when she just doesn’t feel like scooping out the coconut goop and getting it all over herself and I. This spray has been great for those lazy days. All you do is shake it up and spritz it on your dog’s itchy skin. You can also spray it on you hand and rub it onto the itchy spots (sometimes the spray bottle can’t reach all the itchy spots, like the ones on the belly). Obviously it’s hard for me to verbalize to my human whether or not a product is working for me, but there was a decreased amount of itching and scratching on the spots that had been sprayed. And, in an act of itchy desperation, my mom even sprayed the Reliever Achiever on a very irritating bug bite. It took the itchiness away within a few minutes! She also likes the fact that the spray has a pleasing orange smell (due to the sweet orange essential oil), though I’d rather smell like a dog and not fruit.

I was also sent a one of the internal tinctures called Paws a Moment. Paws a Moment is used to help calm easily stressed and high anxiety animals through the use of herbs such as Valerian root, skullcap, passionflower, and more. It seems to me like Cindy has been reading my blog as I often write about my issues with pooch anxiety. As the rule of thumb with herbal remedies is two weeks on, one week off, I’m slowly working at getting the Paws a Moment into my system. My mom, however, has seen a marked calmness in my demeanor. In fact, yesterday, during a trip to TJ Maxx, I was calm and comfortable enough to greet a human I have never met before with a kiss, something that I have always been too anxious to do.

If you are interested in seeing what Peaceable Kingdom Essentials has to offer, please check out their website. There is also a very informative bit of information on the page about the tinctures that talks about everything from appropriate dosage to things to keep in mind when using an herbal remedy. And, as always, it may be a good idea to discuss the use of herbal tinctures with your pet’s vet if you have any concerns.

Happy tail wags!

(FTC disclosure: I was sent both samples free from Peaceable Kingdom Essentials and their PR company for the purpose of review. No other compensation was involved).

Crack the Coconut

17 Aug

A few posts ago, I discussed the large case of the itchies I’ve been experiencing lately due to fleas (thankfully we finally seem to have the flew problem under control; bite on wood). One of the things I mentioned in the post was the suggestion by Aubrey at The Animal House to use coconut oil both topically and in my food. Ever since then, I’ve been getting coconut rub downs on my extra itchy spots as well as a small spoonful in my lunch, and let me tell you, not only do I smell a little tropical, but my itchiness has diminished to almost being completely gone. So what gives? Why is the coconut such a magical seed (yep, that’s right, a coconut is actually a seed!)?

The oil of a coconut contains fatty acids, the most important being lauric acid. Not only are these fatty acids a quick burning source of energy, but, lauric acid in particular, are similar to the fat found in breast milk that has been shown to strengthen the immune system. The reason coconut oil works so well when applied to the skin is because the lauric acid is anti-bacterial as well as anti-viral and anti-fungal, so it’s perfect for rubbing on small cuts and abrasions. Plus, it’s perfectly safe for your dog to lick. In fact, when eaten, coconut oil can help maintain a healthy metabolism as well as the cardiovascular system. And, just like omega-3 fatty acids, it can make a dogs coat and skin glossy and healthy. It has even been known to clear up skin conditions your dog may have like contact dermatitis, eczema, and flea allergies (like me). As if that’s not enough, coconut oil can also (when given regularly) reduce the risk of your dog getting diabetes as it regulates and balances insulin levels, reduce weight in an obese dog (when given with a reduced diet), prevent and treat yeast infections, help the mobility issues of dogs suffering from arthritis, and can even be used a toothpaste for those of us pooches suffering from human-dreaded doggy breath. Seriously, this little nut does it all!

The coconut oil my mom has been using on me is produced by a company called The Wholistic Pet.

(photo source)

It’s 100% certified organic, non-GMO, unrefined, and made from fresh coconuts. It’s so yummy, my mom has to restrain me from licking it right out of the container every time she opens it. As a word to those who have never used coconut oil before, when we first opened the container, it was completely liquid (most likely from sitting in the car). The second time we opened it, the oil had solidified. That’s completely normal! The oil will liquify at 76°F. Below that, it is solid. Typically, if I’m going to have some rubbed on my itchy spots, my mom will just scoop a little on her hand and let it soften, or, if it’s for my food, she’ll just scoop it right into my bowl. As you can also cook with coconut oil, my mom is anxious to try it in a few recipes for me.

If anyone else has tried coconut oil for their pets, or even themselves, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Happy tail wags!

Source: The Honest Kitchen, The Wholistic Pet, Dogster

The Animal House

10 Aug

Even though the humans have been so very, very busy with the move to GG’s and Gramp’s, they have somehow found the time to take a few day trips. On one of these occasions, it was decided that not only could I come along, but that we were going to visit a pet supply store called The Animal House.

(photo source)

A few months ago, my mom was able to visit The Animal House, but didn’t have me along at the time. I was incredibly excited that I would get to come along this time around, especially since I had been talking to Aubrey, the co-owner, a lot on my facebook page. So not only would I be able to sniff out a new pet store, but also meet one of my facebook friends!

Anyway, The Animal House was established in 2005 in Damariscotta, Maine. As their website states, The Animal House understands “that your cat or dog is much more than just a pet, they are a cherished member of the family.” All the products that they carry reflect that philosophy. You will not find a single junky or unhealthy ingredient in the foods and treats that are found on the shelves of The Animal House. Nor will you walk out of the store empty handed! The shelves are so full of so many different products, you could spend hours just looking at the different types of food, let alone all the treats, toys, supplements, clothes, shampoos, and beds. The Animal House and their knowledgeable staff also dedicate a lot of their time to help animals in need. In fact, the store acts as a satellite adoption center for the Humane Society of Knox County and they often hold adoption events for rescue organizations like the Maine Greyhound Placement Service (one of the reasons I visited The Animal House, but that’s for another post!).  There is so much more to The Animal House that it may just take me a week to get it all down in a single post. The Animal House is more than just a store. They offer grooming, nutritional help, and online store, and there is sometimes even an in house vet that takes appointments. It was definitely worth a long, tedious drive in the car to visit Aubrey and The Animal House! It will probably be awhile before I will make another trip, but I’ll be crossing my paws that it happens sooner than later.

If you’re ever in the Damariscotta area of Maine, you’ll definitely want to check The Animal House out!

Happy tail wags!

 

Joss & Main

16 Jul

I would like to see a paw raised for all of you that don’t like to save money. I have a feeling there would be very few, if any. Even I, a dog who has her own walking wallet that I kindly refer to as “mom,” like to save if it means being able to get more stuff (I just love stuff! Especially if it’s edible). On my romps around the internet searching for pawesome stuff to share about here, I’ve noticed there are a lot of those “exclusive” websites that are invite only. These invitees are able to receive massive discounts on designer items. Sadly, I haven’t seen to many of these exclusive sites that cater to the four-legged and furry crowd; until Joss & Main that is

Joss & Main is the place to find unique items for the home for upwards of 70% off the regular price. Of course, it’s not 100% pet stuff, but they often host sales of pet items like beds, cat towers, collars, and more. In fact, tomorrow is the start of the Bowser pet products sale. Bowser is a company that sells quality pet furniture, collars, and even raised feeders.

The Bowser Eco+ Orbit Bed

Bowser Collar

 And for those of you looking for the kittier side of things, July 31st is the start of the Kittypod(makers of some adorable kitty furniture) sale.

Kittypod Geodome

 (photo source)

So how do you get in on these pawesome deals? I have an exclusive invite just for my readers! All you have to do is click here. Now, for full disclosure, for every human who clicks that link, signs up, and then makes their initial purchase, my mom (remember, she’s my walking wallet), will receive a $15 credit. You too can receive credit if you invite your friends with your own personal link (see the Joss & Main site for more details).

If any of you make good on any of these deals, I would love to see photos on my facebook of your dogs or kitties enjoying their new steals and deals.

Happy tail wags!

Fishing

8 Jun

It looks like this week may become a week of reviews as I have another fun product that I get to share with all my friends (I mean you guys, silly!). This time around, it’s a really pawesome chew toy sent to my by my friends Salina and Baby Patches of Nip and Bones. This cute fish, called the Rope Chew Fish Dog Toy is probably one of the neatest chewable toys I have. It is made out of cotton rope that is 100% azo-free (azo is a compound sometimes found in dyes that are potentially carcinogenic) and machine washable. Because the fish is made out of rope, it becomes almost like floss when chewed. In fact, the toy is made to fray after while to not only lead to more flossing action, but to also show that your pooch has been using it.

My mom was a little bit hesitant about me getting the toy (I sometimes have a habit of trying to eat string. I blame my cat-brother Harry; he does it too), but was reassured that the toy is so well made that the rope most likely will not come off the toy. The fish is actually quite heavy and thick, which lends itself to putting up with a lot of abuse from my teeth. Though the humans are less than impressed with I attempt to throw it across the room or at them.

I’ve had this fish ever since my birthday and have been chomping on it rather regularly and it looks almost exactly as it did out of the package. It frustrates me a little, as I quite enjoy eviscerating my toys, but my mom is incredibly impressed. I have a feeling this fish is going to be around a long time for me to chew on.

Thanks again to Nip and Bones for the lovely present! If you’d like to purchase the Rope Fish, make sure you check out the Nip and Bones shop.

Happy tail wags!

(FTC Disclosure:  I was sent the Rope Fish for free by Nip and Bones for the purpose of writing a review. No other compensation was given for this review)

Let There Be Cake

6 Jun

If you’ve been a reader of my blog for awhile, it comes as no surprise that I love food. Eating is one of my favorite things up there with walks, chew toys, and running on the beach. So when I got an offer to try a cake mix from the online dog bakery supply store, K9 Cakery, it made me so tail-waggingly happy. I also wanted the chance to showcase K9 Cakery because a lot of my human friends are in the dog treat making business, and every dog knows that you can’t make dog treats without things like dog-themed cookie cutters. So K9 Cakery could become a useful place for them to shop!

Anyway, I was sent one of their homemade sugar, gluten, wheat, corn, and soy free cake mixes for my mom to make for me. And could you believe, the mix I received was the Savory Chicken Doggie Cake Mix. Chicken is only one of my favorite foods! I had to have mom bake it up for me right away. She had to improves for the frosting, so she used some Greek yogurt and a few Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits and a Bocce’s Bakery (I’m going to do a review of Bocce’s Bakery soon!) cookie for decoration.  The cake was super simple (or at least seemed that way to me. My mom assured me it was) to make. There were only a few ingredients to add to the mix so it wasn’t incredibly complicated.

Unfortunately for me, it had already been decided that I would not be enjoying this delicious smelling (it honestly smelled like roasted chicken) cake all by myself. Which is how I found myself at The Loyal Biscuit with the two shop dogs Chuck and Fenway, trying hard not to drool as my mom cut the cake. Fenway decided that one piece of cake wasn’t enough for her, so she gobbled her piece as well as Chuck’s and mine (so obviously she liked it!). She even ate them so fast that my mom didn’t even have time to snap a photo (though I think all the giggling she was doing didn’t help either). Thankfully, Chuck and I each got another piece and Fenway was sent back to her bed. Chuck was equally as enthused about his piece of cake and gobbled it down. I, on the other hand, am too much of a lady to gobble. So I took my time licking off all the yogurt and then taking dainty bites until every crumb was gone. It was so very delicious we even got seconds!

If you’re feeling like you want to start your own doggy cake or treat making business, or if you just want to whip your dogs up some healthy and delicious treats, you’ll definitely want to check out all that K9 Cakery has to offer!

Happy tail wags!

You’re Invited to Dinner

1 Jun

I’ve often wanted to document the steps to my dinner preparation, but since I can’t verbalize in a language that you humans can understand, I decided to let my mom take the reins on this one. So, for your viewing pleasure, here is the step-by-step process of how my mom prepares my The Honest Kitchen food.

Happy tail wags!

Moo

26 May

I like to consider myself a professional blogging dog. I mean, it’s not every day that you humans meet a pooch like me who not only writes, but also has a facebook page and a twitter account (both of which you can go to by clicking the new buttons my mom made for me on the right side of this page). So it’s often embarrassing when I’m out doing bloggly duties and my mom winds up having to write down my url for inquiring humans on some scrap piece of paper. Where is the professionalism in that?

Thankfully, after some begging and willingness to forgo extra treat purchases for awhile, my mom finally decided to order me some snazzy business cards from MOO.

Front

Back

The reason we chose MOO was due to their deal of 50 business cards for only the cost of shipping, the only catch is that they have a tiny advertisement on the front of your card. If you reorder for the full price, that advertisement is no longer added. Not only was my mom able to upload a custom image for the front of the card (one of my favorite pictures of me!), but she was also able to add in any information she wanted on the back, as well as choose the type of paper it was printed on. All of my cards are printed on their “green” paper which is 100% recycled and recyclable as well as produced using wind power and free of harsh chemicals. You can also upload more than one image for the front of your cards.

I have to say I am quite happy with my business cards. I feel much more professional! I can’t wait to start handing them out.

Happy tail wags!

Who Doesn’t Love Presents?

17 May

Presents are wonderful. They make me so happy, and every time I use or wear or eat or think about my presents, that happiness continues on. Last week my birthday left me so brimming with cheer, my butt is still wagging. One of the sweetest gifts I received came from my friend Claudia and her three sweet pups who are behind Schnauzer-tude. Claudia make a donation in my name to the Humane Society of Knox County, my favorite animal shelter. Though I do like having gifts, I know that some of the best are ones that help other animals.

I also received a lovely package from Nip and Bones. Inside contained a present from my mom, an interactive treat toy called the Busy Buddy Twist ‘n’ Treat toy, and a couple of surprises from Salina and the every fluffy Baby Patches. I will talk about one of the surprises in another post because I want to do a whole review about it, but I can say I got a sample of these really tasty treats from Pawduke and an antler dog chew! From my mom I was given a bag of freeze-dried venison snacks from Nature’s Variety, a bag of treats from Zukes, and a yummy bone to chew on; all purchased from the Loyal Biscuit.The Busy Buddy has been a really fun toy to play with. You just unscrew the pieces, fill it with treats, screw the pieces back together and let your dog figure out how to get the treats out. It’s been fun to roll it around the living room with my nose. And the Pawduke treats work with the Busy Buddy perfectly! I was actually confused when I was first given one of the Pawduke treats because they are almost perfectly sphere. I thought it was a mini ball! My mom had to break one into pieces for me to realize I could eat it.

Of course, no birthday is complete without a special outfit made just for me by Angelica and Leo. My favorite part about this shirt is that it is made from one of my aunt’s old tank-tops, so it still smells like her. What you can’t see from the photo though (I was being a difficult model) is that the back has frilly little ruffles along the butt and a pocket! Each are lined with lace like the tall collar. It’s a very unique shirt, I have none like it in my wardrobe. I’m so happy to have it!

I’m also so very happy to have so many loving family members and friends who help make not only each birthday, but every day a wonderful event. My life would probably be very dull without you all, so thank you from the top, bottom, and middle of my sweet puppy heart.

Happy tail wags!

Max & Ruffy’s

2 May

By now my loyal readers know that something I love possibly more than running on the beach is featuring (and eating) unique and healthy dog treats. That’s why, after a polite request from my secretary (aka my mom), I was absolutely tail-waggingly thrilled to receive a package of treats from a wonderful company called Max & Ruffy’s. The thing that really drew me to Max & Ruffy’s (besides their unusually adorable product names like “The Kelp Highway” or “Molasses Explosion 1919″) was their philosophy: uncompromised nutrition + uncompromised quality + compassion for all living beings. This philosophy is seen in every one of the products that the creators of Max & Ruffy’s, Beth and Kelly, make. All of their treats, from the “Five-Star Blueberry” to the “Powerhouse” are 100% organic, hand-baked, non-outsourced, made from human-grade ingredients, and contain no animal products so they are vegan. As Beth and Kelly are vegan themselves, it was only natural for them to create a treat that was nutritious for their pups, but also reduced “suffering to other beings and the environment.” What’s more, the packaging for the treats (which you can see in the above photo) is eco-friendly due to the 100% biodegradable and compostable inner bag to the paperboard box that is printed in soy-ink. They even have grain-free and wheat-free treats for dogs who may have allergies to those ingredients. Not to shabby!

Max & Ruffy’s has a line of six treats that contain ingredients to benefit the well being of your dog. Even the “W.P. Pizza” treat, which smells like the oh-so-heavenly, but not very health conscious pizza the humans like to eat, is chock full of antioxidants. And what’s also pawesome about these treats is that they come in two sizes; “original” and “mini bites” for smaller pooches like me (though my mouth is definitely big enough to handle an “original” sized treat). As I was gifted big boxes of the “W.P. Pizza,” and “Mother Quinoa’s Pumpkin Patch” as well as sample pouches of the other flavors, I’ve been able to taste test them all. I’ve really enjoyed the “W.P. Pizza” and the “Five-Star Blueberry,” but in all honesty, they are all incredibly delicious. Since they are on the hard and crunchy side, like most cookie-like treats, I don’t think we will be using these much for training (except maybe the “mini bites”) so I definitely see these as more of a in-between-meals snack kind of treat (those are truly my favorite kinds of treats). And because the ingredients are so healthy, my mom doesn’t have to feel guilty about sneaking me a few more than I should have.

If you would like to purchase Max & Ruffy’s treats, you can shop in their online store, or check out their store locator for information on what stores carry their treats (Krazy for Pets just happens to be one of the online retailers!).

Happy tail wags!

(FTC Disclosure: I was sent free samples of Max & Ruffy’s treats per request for the sole purpose of writing a review. I did not nor will not receive monetary compensation nor any other form of compensation for my review.)

Source: Max & Ruffy’s

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