Friday, October 30, 2009

Facebook Fan Page!

We have moved! Merlin's Bark Products has created a Facebook fan page where you can now go to find out more information on our products and Etsy store, find links to important pet care information, view cute pictures of Merlin and our furry customers with their feeders, and also submit your own pictures of your pet with their MBP's feeder. We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Horses in Need!!

Animal advocates in New York are seeking donations to care for the malnourished horses found last week at Center Brook Farm. Please consider donating to the care of the horses - or if possible - even adopt one.



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Shocking cruelty case finds 177 horses mistreated at N.Y. farm
USA Today
April 14, 2009

CLIMAX, N.Y. — Just Wonderful was no longer able to live up to his name.

The Thoroughbred was several hundred pounds underweight, grotesquely exposing his tailbone. His winter coat had given way to patches of exposed skin, evidence of a bacterial skin infection known as "rain rot." He was infested with lice.

Just Wonderful was hardly alone in his misery. Stall after stall at Center Brook Farm was filled with one horse after another, one in more horrifying condition than the next. All 177 of them would appear to serve as evidence in the case in which prominent breeder Ernie Paragallo is charged with 22 counts of cruelty to animals.

"It's hide stretched on skeleton," said Charlene Marchand, chairperson of the board of directors of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, in showing Houston Station as he stood in the afternoon sun on Monday.

Jerry Bilinski, a veterinarian who is part of an effort he hopes will bring national attention to the importance of horse rescue operations, estimated that most of the Thoroughbreds had been living primarily off their own flesh for months.

Houston Station was so malnourished his spinal column was exposed. Bilinski parted some of the gray hair on the horse's dull coat to show lice scurrying. "When you part the hairs, they run," he said. "He's full of them."

Houston Station stood still, barely showing signs of life. "If you didn't eat for a month," Bilinski said, "you'd be quieter."

One horse was euthanized Thursday when numerous maladies kept him from solid footing. Veterinarians determined that he could not be saved.

The grisly conditions were discovered Wednesday when authorities raided the farm. Ronald Perez, an investigator for the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA, was among them. He said they were shocked by what they found at a farm about 20 miles south of Albany, N.Y.

"I've been doing this for 12 years. I've seen some grim things," Perez said. "But not of this magnitude."

Paragallo, 51, who does not live at the farm, was arrested after he was questioned following the raid. Perez said Paragallo, who was not accompanied by an attorney, repeatedly said he had not managed the facility properly but did not intend harm.

Paragallo could not be reached to comment. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has banned him from further involvement with Thoroughbred racing in the state.

Rescuers are straining to meet the needs of the horses. Columbia-Greene, which has an annual budget of $500,000 that will be severely strained by this emergency, is seeking donations through its website.

Paragallo agreed to transfer ownership of 66 horses to make them available for adoption once they are nursed back to health. The courts might decide the fate of the others.

Marchand prays for a good outcome. "I trust that God is going to help us," she said, "because we need all the help we can to get these horses placed safely."

Monday, April 13, 2009

Saturday, April 4, 2009

To Corgis With Love!

A wonderful tribute video to corgis that I found ...

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

3-Bowl Elevated Feeders!

Got multiple pups? Why not let them eat in style out of one of Merlin's Bark Products custom made three bowl elevated dog bowl feeders. Three bowl feeders are must haves for multiple pup homes and for those lucky pups that need multiple bowls to hold their water, wet food, and dry food. Since our elevated feeders are custom made, they are always made to the perfect height and can be stained (or painted) the perfect color to go with any kitchen.


This elevated dog bowl feeder pictured was a custom order created for a customer and stained in traditional cherry. Check out Merlin's Bark Products selection of available paint (and stain) colors to find the perfect match for your home.


Did you know that elevated feeders are a great thing for a pup (or kitty) to have. Not only do they look nicer than just a plain old bowl setting on the floor, but elevated feeders are very beneficial for pets too. Does your pet eat too fast or cough and gag when eating? Giving them an elevated feeder to eat out of is the most common solution. Veterinarians recommend elevated feeders because they help ease digestion problems, and are easier for pets that have problems with arthritis, neck or back problems to eat out of. Also, using raised feeding bowls help provide pet owners with a more hygienic and cleaner house. How great is that!

Interest in doing a customer order? Just ask. Custom orders are always welcomed!

I'll be barking to you later!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Kibble Dancing!

Now this is one silly corgi. Someone needs to tell Sparky that he is suppose to eat the food not dance with it!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Attention Pittsburgh Petland Customers!

Local Petland customers ponder puppy mill suit
Saturday, March 21, 2009
By L.A. Johnson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


Kay McQuigg is looking into joining a federal lawsuit that claims Petland Inc. sold dogs bred at puppy mills to customers.

She's doing it for Murphy, her family's beloved 2Â 1/2-year-old lhasa apso-poodle mix, which died Monday, a week after liver shunt surgery. Murphy's medical care, including six surgeries for genetic bone and liver problems, cost more than $5,000.

"It's the principle, not the money," said Mrs. McQuigg, of Wilkins. "It's just heartbreaking for my kids to have to deal with this."

On Monday, six Arizona plaintiffs who purchased puppies from various Petland stores between 2005 and 2008 filed the federal lawsuit and are seeking class-action status. Patrick Howard, an attorney with the Philadelphia law firm of Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky, said that anyone who purchased a puppy at Petland since Nov. 20, 2004, could be part of the suit.

Petland, based in Chillicothe, Ohio, doesn't purchase puppies from puppy mills, company spokeswoman Lacey Clever said.

But Mrs. McQuigg wonders whether Murphy was the product of a puppy mill. Since the lawsuit became public, she and others who have purchased puppies with health problems from local Petland stores have contacted the Post-Gazette.

She bought the 3 1/2-month-old Murphy from the Monroeville Petland store in October 2006. He had "kennel cough" when they brought him home, but antibiotics eventually cleared that up.

Then, she noticed Murphy's front legs shook a bit. The vet told her it probably was just a sign of a nervous puppy. So, she didn't worry too much about it. In May or June 2007, Mrs. McQuigg noticed a definite problem.

"Lhasas are bowlegged anyway, but he was severely bowlegged and could not hold up his body weight," she said. "If he stood for 10 or 20 seconds, he had to adjust his leg or lay down because it was going to give out."

A return trip to the vet led to a referral to an orthopedic specialist. A bone in Murphy's leg hadn't completely developed.

"The corrective surgery was to break his leg, de-rotate his wrist and use a bone plate and screws to keep it in place," she said.

There were setbacks. He developed infections. The screws had to be removed, but the bones healed and Murphy looked beautiful, she said. Then, they discovered the problem with his liver, and he underwent corrective surgery March 9.

"He wouldn't stop having seizures after the surgery," she said yesterday, trying to hold back tears. "My children [ages 11 and 15] had to go in and say goodbye."

Mrs. McQuigg approached Petland with a letter from her vet about Murphy's orthopedic problems in August 2007, telling them the surgeon believed the condition was genetic. Petland sympathized but initially said it couldn't refund her $750 because there was no evidence it was a genetic problem.

"Every puppy when it leaves is healthy to our knowledge," said Clay Slivko, owner of the Monroeville Petland. "If something happens down the road, our warranty kicks in up to the price of the puppy."

In Pennsylvania, people can return a dog to a seller within 10 days if the puppy proves to be a poor health risk, he said. Customers can request a refund and return the puppy or try to get money back for reasonable veterinary care.

"The seller also can require the puppy see its veterinarian to confirm it's a poor health risk," he said.

State law requires a 30-day warranty on dogs for any congenital or hereditary health problem -- something due to breeding -- for example, a joint problem or heart condition. Petland takes that further, extending the warranty on congenital or hereditary problems to three years from purchase, he said.

Mrs. McQuigg showed Petland a second letter, one from her main veterinarian in October 2007, stating Murphy's problems were genetic, and Petland refunded her $750.
"When there is an issue with a puppy, any sort of issue, that doesn't mean that puppy is from a puppy mill," Mr. Slivko said. "You're always going to have a percentage of animals that have issues, just like people."

In the past, Mrs. McQuigg had purchased a dog from a breeder and said she had been warned about buying dogs from pet stores.

"This one time, we decided to do it," she said. "I should have known better."

The American Kennel Club Web site recommends people buy puppies from responsible and well-respected breeders.

"Screen the breeder," the site states. "Ask to see at least one of the parents [the dam or sire] of your puppy."

The AKC also suggests potential buyers ask what possible health problems a dog may develop, how large it will grow, how old it will be before it acts like an adult dog, how protective it will be and how much exercise it will need.

Responsible sellers also should question buyers.

If a seller "doesn't show any interest in the life the dog will lead after it leaves his or her premises, you may want to look elsewhere," the AKC says.

For more information about breeders and rescue organizations, visit
www.AKC.org.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Petland Faces Class Action Lawsuit!

Checkout this great news story from the Humane Society. It is positive news stories like this that make my little bunny butt twitter with excitement!! 

Petland Faces Class Action Lawsuit for Peddling Unhealthy Puppy Mill Dogs in at Least 20 States


PHOENIX — Members of The Humane Society of the United States and other consumers filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Petland, Inc. and the Hunte Corporation are conspiring to sell unhealthy puppy mill puppies to unsuspecting consumers in numerous states. Petland is the nation's largest chain of pet stores that sells puppy mill dogs and Hunte is one of the country's largest distributors of factory-produced puppies.

The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Phoenix late Monday, alleges that Petland and Hunte violated federal law and numerous state consumer protection laws by misleading thousands of consumers across the country into believing that the puppies sold in Petland stores are healthy and come from high-quality breeders. Many of the puppies sold by Petland come either directly from puppy mills or puppy brokers such as Hunte, which operates as a middleman between the mills and Petland's retail stores.

"Unscrupulous dog dealers like Petland and Hunte reap massive profits by pushing unhealthy puppies on well-intentioned dog-lovers who would never knowingly buy a puppy mill dog," said Jonathan Lovvorn, vice president & chief counsel for Animal Protection Litigation at The HSUS. "Families often bear the great expense of veterinary treatment for sick and unhealthy dogs, or the terrible anguish of losing a beloved family pet. This industry has been systematically lying to consumers for years about the source of the dogs they sell, and it's long past time for a reckoning."

The class action lawsuit is the result of many months of investigative and legal research, and comes after an eight-month investigation into Petland stores by The HSUS that demonstrated a direct link between multiple Petland stores and unscrupulous puppy mills. Numerous other reports have also surfaced of Petland's allegedly deceptive sales practices, including the marketing and sale of puppies with life-threatening genetic defects and highly contagious parasitic and viral infections.

The 34-page complaint includes numerous examples of sick or dying puppies that Petland sold, including:

* Mainerd, a Boston terrier, was diagnosed with a congenital spinal condition. Some of her vertebrae have not formed completely while others have fused together causing tissue to grow underneath along with possible nerve damage. Mainerd is now receiving steroid treatments for her ailments and may require expensive surgery.

* Minchy, a miniature pinscher, was sold by Petland at 10 weeks old. He was immediately diagnosed with coccidian, an intestinal parasite that causes diarrhea and weight loss. Minchy was also diagnosed with an inherited disorder, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which will ultimately lead to permanent blindness.

* Tucker was sold at 4 months old. The bloodhound puppy experienced severe separation anxiety and various health problems before developing orbital cancer at only 7 months of age.

* Patrick, a Pomeranian puppy, was sold at 3 months old. He suffered from diarrhea and vomiting shortly after arriving at his new home. At 11 months old, Patrick was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, dual luxating patellas, which will require expensive surgery on both of his knees to correct.

Puppy mills are mass breeding operations where the health of dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits. The dogs are often kept in wire cages, stacked on top of each other, with no exercise, socialization, veterinary care, or loving human interaction. They are treated not like family pets, but like a cash crop. Petland denies it supports these substandard breeding facilities, and claims to follow "Humane Care Guidelines" developed in conjunction with the USDA. However, USDA recently informed HSUS in writing that it has no record of any such guidelines.

The class plaintiffs are being represented in the case by Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky, PC; Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, LLC; Garen Meguerian, Esq. and lawyers in The HSUS's Animal Protection Litigation section. The suit requests a jury trial on behalf of the consumer class plaintiffs, and seeks reimbursement of the puppies' purchase price along with compensation for all related monetary damages for the class members.

To learn more about puppy mills, visit
humanesociety.org/stoppuppymills.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Calling All Foo-Foo Pups and Kitties!


I am tickled pink with this latest product from Merlin's Bark Products ! This pink elevated feeder is for all of those cute little foo-foo girly pups and kitties who wear ribbons in their hair and are their mommy's and daddy's sweet little princesses. Measuring just 3" in height, it will be perfect fit for all of the tiny spoiled little girly fur-babies out there. This cute-as-can-be look of the feeder is topped off with two 1-pint stainless steel bowls that sets it off like a crown on top.


Got a bigger foo-foo girly pup and need a larger feeder? Not to worry, this color will be available in all the different sizes we offer in our Etsy store. If we don't currently have the size and color you desire in stock - just ask for a custom order and I'll have my workers create one just for your pet.


Did you know that elevated feeders are a great thing for a pup (or kitty) to have. Not only do they look nicer than just a plain old bowl setting on the floor, but elevated feeders are very beneficial for pets too. Does your pet eat too fast or cough and gag when eating? Giving them an elevated feeder to eat out of is the most common solution. Veterinarians recommend elevated feeders because they help ease digestion problems, and are easier for pets that have problems with arthritis, neck or back problems to eat out of. Also, using raised feeding bowls help provide pet owners with a more hygienic and cleaner house. How great is that!

I'll be barking to you later!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

How to Measure Your Pet for an Elevated Dog Bowl Feeder

Since so many pups (and their parents) have been asking me about Merlin's Bark Products line of elevated dog (and cat) bowl feeders and how to figure out what size would be perfect for them - I figured it would be helpful if I included that info in my blog.

So here's some guidelines to help inquiring pups that want to know:

#1 The feeder's height. The usual guideline to find the perfect feeder height is six inches below the pup's withers (i.e. front shoulders). Another broader guideline is that the feeder's height be between 4 to 10 inches below the withers. For example, if you got a tiny pup and six inches seem like a lot, four inches or less should do.

#2 The bowl capacity. My general thought is that the bigger the bowl the better! I know that a lot of pups would agree with me on that, but I also realize that a lot of owners would disagree. So I have included some bowl size measurements below so you can get a good idea of what size the bowls are that we use:

1-pint bowl: inside measures - 4 1/2" wide x 2" deep (holds 2 cups)
1-quart bowl: inside measures - 5 1/2” wide x 2 1/2” deep (holds 4 cups)
2-quart bowl: inside measures - 7 1/4” wide x 3” deep (holds 8 cups)
3-quart bowl: inside measures - 8 3/4" wide x 3 1/2" deep (holds 12 cups)

Once you have figured out what size feeder and bowl would be perfect for your pup - all that is left for you to do is stop by my Etsy store, and pick our which color you like best. So measure your pup and stop by Merlin's Bark Products to find that perfect feeder for your pup (or kitty).

I'll be barking to you later!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Stump is Best in Show!


Best in Show: Stump, 10, stuns at Westminster Dog Show
By Kelly Whiteside, USA TODAY
Tuesday, Febuary 10, 2009

The 10-year-old Sussex spaniel became the oldest Westminster winner in history and the first of his breed to win the silver cup. In one of the most stunning results in recent Westminster history, Stump came out of retirement to win his first show in four years. Owner-handler Scott Sommer decided last Wednesday to bring Stump to the big show, just for fun.

Needless to say, there was no pressure or expectations. "This was like going for a walk with my pet," Sommer said.

Stump won the Sporting Group in 2004; the next year he nearly died after a serious ailment. "His insides stopped working," Sommer said. Stump spent 19 days with veterinarians at Texas A&M, who saved his life. "A miracle," Sommer said. He could have been talking about both feats.

There was no preparation other than a walk around Sommer's Houston driveway, quite different from the green carpet and bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

Judge Sari Tietjen didn't know who Stump was or his age when she pointed to him. "I just couldn't say no to him," Tietjen said. "He is in fabulous shape."

As for Sommer? "To bring a dog into the Garden who hasn't been showing, he was a little insane," Tietjen said. In 2001, Sommer won Best in Show with J.R., a Bichon Frise, and the two champs are buddies.

When Stump plodded around the ring, the Garden crowd erupted. He celebrated his victory by standing on his back legs and the crowd loved him even more. By winning the prestigious show, Stump proved you can teach an old dog new tricks.

His next one? No more comebacks. "He really is retired this time," Sommer said.

With floppy ears and a slow gait, the golden-red Stump beat out a sparkling final field. Sommer guided him past a giant schnauzer that was the nation's top show dog, a favored Brussels griffon, a Scottish deerhound named Tiger Woods, a standard poodle with 94 best in show wins, a Scottish terrier and a puli.

Nearly 2,500 dogs were entered at Westminster. Last year's champion, a beagle named Uno, was perhaps the most popular winner ever.

But with a bounce in his step, Stump is sure to win over plenty of people while he reigns for a year and gets extra playtime with his green Grinch toy.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Dogs Rescued from North Carolina Puppy Mill

Dogs Rescued from North Carolina Puppy Mill
The Humane Society of the United States - Press Release
February 6, 2009



GOLDSBORO, N.C. ― Approximately 300 dogs were rescued in an early-morning raid at a Wayne County puppy mill. The Humane Society of the United States partnered with Wayne County Animal Control to bring an end to the suffering of these neglected animals.

"This rescue mission is the culmination of a year-long investigation into Thornton's Kennels," said Justin Scally, director of the Department of Animal Control for Wayne County. "I can finally rest easy knowing that these animals are no longer living in constant confinement."

The HSUS and Wayne County Animal Control were joined on this operation by volunteers from United Animal Nations, who are overseeing the temporary shelter of the rescued animals. Much-needed supplies are being provided by PetSmart Charities®, which sent its Emergency Relief Waggin' Vehicle® full of donated goods such as wire crates, dog food and medical supplies.

"These animals were denied basic veterinary care and socialization. This terrible cruelty could have been avoided if North Carolina had laws addressing the worst abuses in puppy mills," said Amanda Arrington, North Carolina state director for The HSUS. "We are calling on state lawmakers to crack down on puppy mill cruelty by mandating licenses and inspection for large-scale breeders."

The HSUS put together a response team of nearly 20 staff and volunteers within days of receiving the call for help from Wayne County Animal Control. The HSUS' specially designed animal transport vehicle was used to comfortably carry all of the animals to an emergency shelter.

When rescuers arrived at the property they were greeted by a gruesome scene. The dogs, mainly Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzus and Chihuahuas, were suffering from serious medical ailments and housed in filthy conditions. Many of the dogs were emaciated, had untreated lacerations, severely matted fur and serious skin and eye infections. They were being housed in unheated cages inside unventilated barns and outhouses. It was obvious that many of these animals had never known life outside their wire cages.

Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding operations that mass produce puppies in factory style settings for sale at pet stores, directly to unsuspecting customers, and over the Internet.

Rescuers are working swiftly to remove all of the animals and transport them to a nearby emergency shelter set up by The HSUS and UAN. Once at the shelter the dogs are being checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care. They will remain in the custody of Wayne County Animal Control pending final custody decisions.

"These dogs have may need extensive rehabilitation, but they are already beginning to warm up to their temporary caretakers. I believe they are on their way to leading new lives as loving family pets," said Janell Matthies, UAN emergency services manager.

Residents of North Carolina interested in taking action for animals can sign up for the upcoming Humane Lobby Day, which The HSUS will host on Feb. 12 in Raleigh. Local advocates will gather at the Capitol to lobby for animal welfare legislation – including a puppy mill bill.

High-quality video and still images will be available upon request. Video opportunities and interviews will be available at the emergency shelter, which is set up at the Wayne County Regional Fairgrounds.

Facts About Puppy Mills

* Approximately one-third of the nation's 9,000 independent pet stores sell puppies.
* The HSUS estimates that 2 to 4 million puppy mill puppies are sold each year in the U.S.
* Puppy mill puppies often have health problems, genetic defects and behavioral issues.
* Documented puppy mill conditions include over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor food and shelter, crowded cages and lack of socialization.
* Dogs kept for breeding in puppy mills suffer for years in continual confinement. They are bred as often as possible and then destroyed or discarded once they can no longer produce puppies.
* Pet stores and puppy mills use attractive websites to hide the truth and to dupe the public into thinking that they are dealing with a reputable breeder.
* Reputable breeders never sell puppies over the Internet or through a pet store and will insist on meeting the family who will be purchasing the dog.
* Puppy mills contribute to the pet overpopulation problem which results in millions of unwanted dogs euthanized at shelters every year.

For more information, go to humanesociety.org/stoppuppymills.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Smiling Dogs!


Check it out! I made The Bark's online Smiling Dogs collection for January 26th 2009

I'll be barking to you later!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Change a Pet's Life Day January 24th

One day, 3,000 adoptions from pet shelters, no fees
By Sharon L. Peters, Special for USA TODAY


They're pulling out all the stops next week — including giving pets to some adopters at no charge — in a nationwide effort to boost the number of shelter animals that find new homes.

Three hundred shelters across the USA are holding Change a Pet's Life Day on Jan. 24, aimed at focusing attention on shelters and rescue groups and enticing potential adopters. Fees for the first 10 adoptions at each participating shelter will be paid for by Topeka-based Hill's Pet Nutrition, which organized the event.

Adoption fees generally range anywhere from $25 to $300, depending on the shelter, species, pet's age and whether it's purebred.

The 300 shelters are promoting the event on their websites, on Craigslist and in their local media. On a national level, longtime animal lover Kyra Sedgwick, star of The Closer, is carrying the Change a Pet's Life banner during appearances the next few days. "I hope people will at least consider the possibility of getting a shelter pet," says Sedgwick, whose family has a rescued cat and dog.

In addition to reimbursing shelters for the 3,000 pets the adopters won't have to pay for, Hill's is providing free Science Diet pet food and a training/information DVD to all adopters and launching a toll-free number to answer new-pet-owner questions.

The notion of essentially giving away animals to adopters is a controversial one in shelter circles. There are concerns that people who don't pay for pets put less value on the animals; plus, adoption fees are vital income to cover sterilizations and vaccinations, as well as to tend to sometimes significant health problems.

Also, especially in this economy, there's worry that people who cannot afford to take on more expense will be moved by the notion of saving an animal if it doesn't require any money upfront, and they will not be able to keep the pet long-term or pay for medical care.

"The shelters will be using their normal screening processes" on Jan. 24, Donlin says, to filter out inappropriate adopters, and the emphasis won't be on getting as many animals as possible out the door but on making solid adoption matches. "And we're underwriting the cost of the first 10 adoptions" to ensure the effort does not create a financial hardship on participating shelters.

The hope is that all the attention will not only mobilize people who have been considering getting a pet, but also prompt people who have not been inclined to visit a shelter to do so. "There are great animals in shelters," Donlin says, and "this is part of a broader effort to make sure people know that."

Kim Janzen of the Kansas Humane Society in Wichita says her shelter has held free adoption days regularly in which sponsors pay the fees. Some people who adopt a shelter animal may be less than financially stable, she acknowledges, "but I want those people to get their pet here. … If they get it here, we know it's healthy and spayed or neutered and vaccinated."

The Wichita shelter, which has a 52% euthanasia rate (down from nearly 80% in 2003), usually would adopt out about 40 pets on a winter Saturday, Janzen says. But on Change a Pet's Life Day, she's hoping for at least 80.

James Bias of the SPCA of Texas in Dallas, another participating shelter, which adopts out 9,000 animals a year, says "nine out of 10 people don't find the perfect match the first time they visit us." He expects Jan. 24 to be no different. "Our shelter is full of really sweet, healthy, well-behaved animals," and he hopes the event will prompt new visitors who eventually, if not next week, will return to find a pet.

The list of the 300 participating shelters can be found at feedingisbelieving.com.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

New Items!

I am proud to reveal this new elevated cat bowl feeder from Merlin's Bark Products:



This creamy white Cool Cat Cafe it will be perfect for the feline in your life. With three bowls to choice from, your kitty can enjoy dry food, wet food, and water at the same time. Your kitty will also be happy to get their paws (and claws) on this beautiful antique green elevated/raised cat bowl holder. Built out of pine, and measuring 3 1/4" in height, it will be perfect fit for the kitty in your life. Constructed out of recycled oak table legs and pine, the look is completed with three 1-pint stainless steel bowls. The stainless steel bowls are dishwasher safe so they will be easy to keep shiny and sparkly clean. This raised cat bowl holder is sure to look great on any kitchen floor.

Did you know that elevated feeders are a great thing for a pup (or kitty) to have. Not only do they look nicer than just a plain old bowl setting on the floor, but elevated feeders are very beneficial for pets too. Does your pet eat too fast or cough and gag when eating? Giving them an elevated feeder to eat out of is the most common solution. Veterinarians recommend elevated feeders because they help ease digestion problems, and are easier for pets that have problems with arthritis, neck or back problems to eat out of. Also, using raised feeding bowls help provide pet owners with a more hygienic and cleaner house. How great is that!

I'll be barking to you later!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Preparing your Pet for Winter!

Winter officially arrived a couple weeks ago and I want to make sure that other pups (and kitties) start off the new year on the right paw. I did some searching around the Web and found some really helpful tips from the Humane Society on how to make sure that pets are protected during the cold winter months. So check out the guideline below and make sure that you are doing all you can to start 2009 off in the right direction for your pet.


Protect Your Pet from Winter's Woes

In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. The Humane Society of the United States urges pet owners to take extra precautions this winter to ensure the safety of their companion animals.

"Animals rely solely on their human caregivers for safety and comfort — especially during the winter months," said Stephanie Shain, director of companion animal outreach for The HSUS. "Our pets are particularly vulnerable during this frigid season, and with just a few extra precautions you can help make sure that they stay safe and healthy."

Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines.

* Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

* No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

* Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

* Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

* The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.

* Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.

Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time.

Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.


I'll be barking to you later!