How does a dog drink water?

Miscellaneous Links

Natural Resources Defense Council: Harmful Pet Products FAQ
Great information on pesticides in flea products. I've dealt with flea products for years and never knew this! Unfortunately, this knowledge doesn't make me feel any better about them. Quite the opposite, actually.

G r e e n o p i a: Critter Care
Greenopia is a cool environmental resource site I heard about earlier today, and I was delighted to see they have a section on pets.
Let me know if you would like to discuss any of their suggestions in person. I have years of experience with this stuff!

City Farmer: Pet Waste Composting
First off, City Farmer is an awesome source of gardening and environmental information. They are Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture, based in Vancouver, BC, and they rock! I can easily spend hours at their website. And to make things even better, they have a whole page dedicated to pet waste composting. Some may be familiar with Doggie Dooleys, here you can learn how to make your own. Check it out!

Pet Waste Products and Management
Following up the DIY pet waste composter, here are some products already out there, as well as 100% biodegradeable pick-up bags.

Car Safety

Some people love their little dogs so much, they have them ride on their laps while driving. And while they very well may be superb drivers, there's no accounting for other cars on the road. All it would have to take is one person not paying attention, rear-end the car, and that beloved little dog would be crushed between the driver and the steering wheel. A little dog that would fit there in the first place, would be too small to survive such an accident.

The safest place for your beloved little friend is in a secured carrier, or in his/her own seat with a safety harness that is secured to a seat belt. There are harnesses made for such use. These harnesses have a wide section across the chest, nothing binding around the neck, and sometimes come with latches that fit right into your seat belt attachment.

If it's important for your dog to see out the window, there are raised dog car seats that are secured to the car seat, and are very safe. There is a leash to attach to the dog--be sure to attach it to a safety harness and NOT a collar.

Puppy Mills: What You Should Know

If you are unaware of Puppy Mills and what goes on in them, and you missed Oprah's special with Lisa Ling uncovering just that, please go to her website and visit all the links and educate yourself on the horrible happenings. Even here in Seattle, there are stores that sell puppies from puppy mills.

Click here for more info on puppy mills:

What's so great about Pumpkin?

It tastes good and brings great relief to your pooch suffering from diarrhea!

When your dog (or cat) is suffering from diarrhea, add some organic pureed pumpkin to their food. This will help stabilize their bowels.

Pureed pumpkin is good for balancing the bowels in both directions, whether it be diarrhea or constipation.

For big dogs I usually give them approximately one tablespoon with each meal, and go from there. Cats and little dogs maybe a teaspoon.

Does your furry friend suffer from chronic constipation? Consider adding a regular dose of freshly ground organic flax seeds. Start with a small amount (1/4 tsp) and work your way up until you find what works best with you pet. Best to discuss with your vet first if the constipation is caused by a medical issue.

Introducing Kait's Calling

Kait is a young aspiring (and very inspiring!) artist, currently attending the Art Institute of Seattle, who does wonderful portraits of dogs in her free time.



Most of her portraits are very traditional, but with both of our loves of art, I told her to forego tradition and have fun with it, when she did a great protrait of Mephisto! Here is what became of that:

Mephisto
(pastels and water color on 11"x17" board)

The photo I supplied her with:


Visit Kait's website, Kait's Calling to see more of her work!

Lily drinking from the tub faucet

Just the cutest thing!

Best Tip Ever!

(and not just because this was my own idea!)

Do you have a dog that has trouble slipping on hard wood floors?

Don't spend tons of money on expensive dog shoes. Get yourself human toddler socks with the no-slip grips on the bottom! They are lighter and less bulky than dog shoes, thus making them much more comfortable and less awkward for you dog to wear, and they are cheap!!!

If I owned a pet supply store, I would definitely carry theses!