The World According to Merlin

Facebook Fan Page!

2009-10-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

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!

Merlin's Bark Products Video!

2009-04-20T15:00:00.007-04:00

Horses in Need!!

2009-04-14T09:12:00.007-04:00

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.

*******************

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."

The White House Pup!

2009-04-13T09:29:00.004-04:00

Congratulations Bo on your new home!

To Corgis With Love!

2009-04-04T11:54:00.003-04:00

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

3-Bowl Elevated Feeders!

2009-03-31T15:24:00.004-04:00

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!

Kibble Dancing!

2009-03-25T15:17:00.001-04:00

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

Attention Pittsburgh Petland Customers!

2009-03-21T19:24:00.003-04:00

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.

Petland Faces Class Action Lawsuit!

2009-03-17T16:03:00.003-04:00

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.

How to Talk Like a Corgi!

2009-02-27T15:10:00.001-05:00

I just love this YouTube video

Calling All Foo-Foo Pups and Kitties!

2009-02-19T15:13:00.003-05:00

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!

How to Measure Your Pet for an Elevated Dog Bowl Feeder

2009-02-17T10:39:00.006-05:00

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!

Stump is Best in Show!

2009-02-12T08:35:00.004-05:00

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.

Dogs Rescued from North Carolina Puppy Mill

2009-02-09T15:48:00.002-05:00

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.

Smiling Dogs!

2009-01-26T13:59:00.003-05:00

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

I'll be barking to you later!

Change a Pet's Life Day January 24th

2009-01-14T10:00:00.005-05:00

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.

New Items!

2009-01-10T19:02:00.004-05:00

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!

Preparing your Pet for Winter!

2009-01-05T13:07:00.005-05:00

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!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T12:00:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year From Merlin's Bark Products!

My Favorite Post of 2008

2008-12-30T19:53:00.006-05:00

It sure has been a busy year for Merlin's Bark Products. Things sure have been moving fast for the company and I don't want to brag, but I think Merlin's Bark Products may become one of those Fortune 500 companies you read about in the papers within a couple of years.

Anyhow, while I was reflecting on the past year, I realized that my company wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for Etsy providing us (and a couple hundred thousand others) with a great place to setup shop and sell all of our wonderful handmade (and vintage) items online.

Also, you would say that we also got our "big break" from Etsy too. Back before Merlin's Bark Products even had our first Etsy sale one of the co-founders (Jared) interviewed me for a feature story on Etsy.

So in celebration of the end of 2008, I decided to rerun my blog post on my Etsy Spotlight interview.

My Fresh Shop interview with Jared was published today! I am so excited about it that my little bunny butt has been shaking in a frenzy for awhile now. I reprinted the whole article below, but feel free to check out the article and all the nice comments people have been leaving me about my shop on Etsy's Web site.

*******

Fresh Shops: Merlin's Bark Products
Story by jared

Published on July 31, 2008 in Spotlight

Recently, I was clicking through Pounce Undiscovered with my right hand while rubbing my dog’s head with my left. I saw this great (well-crafted and simply designed) elevated dog feeder (in red-stained chestnut) by Merlin's Bark Products, and I ah-ha’ed aloud.

I love finding good woodwork on Etsy. This shop couples creative carpentry with a design sensibility that’s driven by deep compassion for animals.

So far, merlinsbarkproducts features an assortment of feeders and little wooden homes for an array of animals, such as bluebirds, bats, butterflies, flying squirrels…and of course, dogs.

I put a few questions to the creators behind merlinsbarkproducts, Sherry and Jerry:

There is a great beauty and variety of wood in your items. What are some of the benefits to using sustainably harvested or recycled wood?

It is very important to me that we use wood that comes from trees that are managed and farmed in ways that ensure the protection of the environment and other natural resources. Also, I would hate to think that I was contributing to the removal of old growth trees. I know that a lot of different animals depend on those trees for housing. Also, you can find a lot of beauty in old recycled wood. We get a lot of our recycled wood from a local building material recycling center. I am hoping to use some of their old barn wood for owl house I have in mind.

The designs of your animal homes seem strangely inviting...

I love to lay outside in my yard and watch all the different animals run around. When I’m watching them, I start to think about what type of houses and feeding station they would need.

One of my favorite products is our condominium for flying squirrels. It is just amazing! It is over 3-feet tall and has four floors. I came up with the design after watching our own flying squirrels and wondering what type of house they would need if our old pine tree didn’t exist anymore. I did a little research and came up with a house that any flying squirrel would be proud to call home.

I also realized the need for Purple Martin houses when a whole colony of them decided to move into our gutters this spring. I did a little research trying to figure out why they moved in and found out that Purple Martins are the only birds that totally depend on humans for housing. So now we will be adding Purple Martin houses to our product line.

Your blog details a very interesting story about how you turned an idea into a real company. Can you talk about some of the challenges you faced and how you resolved them?

One of the biggest challenges was figuring out what type of products I wanted to concentrate on. At first I was thinking about making products for animals and humans, but I have found myself concentrating more on products geared toward animals.

Though, humans benefit from our products too. Whether it is from installing a bat house and having Mother Nature’s little pest control experts take the place of using poisonous insecticide, or being entertained by song birds eating out of a feeder, the enjoyment our of products can be shared by animals and humans.

Our product line continues to evolve. I love receiving feedback and suggestions from customers. Recently we had people ask us about elevated cat bowl feeders. I had never thought making those before, but now we will be adding elevated cat bowl feeders to our product line. I also continue to do research on animal husbandry to see what other types of products we should be offering.

You are a member of the Abandoned Wild Babies Animal Resuce (AWBAR), who also keeps an Etsy shop. How does being a member of such a compassionate organization affect your role as a shop owner?

Since I’ve joined, I’ve been helping to spread the word about AWBAR through my blog and also on forums. I recently donated one of our dual feeders (a feeder that can be used by both birds and squirrels) to the AWBAR Etsy store. I can’t wait for it to sell. All of the proceeds from the sale will go directly to support the care of the baby animals at AWBAR.

******

I'll be barking to you later!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T11:48:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas from Merlin's Bark Products!

Animal Shelters Need Help!

2008-12-22T13:44:00.008-05:00

You don't have to be the CEO of a company to know that the economy hasn't been doing that well lately. Every time you turn on the news you see another report of massive layoffs and the rising foreclosure and unemployment rates. One of the innocent (and sometimes forgotten) victims of the current crises are family pets. Animal shelters all over the country have seen a huge increase of once beloved pets being dropped off because their owners can no longer afford to care for them properly or they have lost their home to foreclosure. When I read this story in the local paper this morning I decided that as the CEO of Merlin's Bark Products I need to be doing more to help out my fellow canine (and feline) in this time of need.

Maybe you will decide to help out too....

Animal shelters feeling pinch, too
Monday, December 22, 2008
By Kathy Samudovsky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Animal Friends in Ohio Township is among local shelters in need of donations of anything from food to toys.
It's a pretty safe bet that animals in most local shelters won't find a permanent home for the holidays.

Not because Christmas is just three days away.

Rather, the economic recession has led to a rising number of pet surrenders and, at the same time, dwindling donations.

People who have lost their jobs or homes due to foreclosures are unable to afford food and medical care for the family pet, said Gretchen Fieser, director of public relations for the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. Many are having to surrender their pet to a shelter or, worse, abandon it, she said.

Charitable contributions are difficult for them, too.

"When people are stressed financially, they're not as giving because they're worried -- understandably so -- about their own existence. So it's kind of a double whammy for us: You have more animals coming into the shelter and less [donations] from the public to help support it."

To increase awareness of their needs, shelters have been promoting "Wish Lists" of in-kind gifts they'd like to receive, such as supplies, resources, time and equipment. These lists are typically available on their Web sites or via phone contact.

Animal rescue, rehabilitation and fostering organizations have wish lists, too. Their all-volunteer staff members often must pay for expenses out-of-pocket.

Shelters rely on donations from compassionate individuals and corporations to help maintain operations and keep the animals safe, healthy and happy.

There are no government funds available for animal shelters; only for animal control.

The Washington Area Humane Society reported a 25 percent increase in surrendered or abandoned pets since the same time last year. "We're even getting a lot of animals that were adopted through us, returned to us or dropped off. People can't afford them anymore," said manager Lorie Schooley.

Jolene Miklas, director of communications for Animal Friends, the no-kill shelter in Ohio Township, said the agency's Chow Wagon, which provides pet food to local food banks and pantries, has seen a 60 percent increase in demand since December 2007. Pet food donations are urgently needed.

If you're an animal lover but strapped for cash, you can still help.

Many wish list items are inexpensive -- as in less than $5. Buying one toy will cure boredom and stress for multiple cats or dogs. And if 20 people send a $10 gift card, that's $200 of store credit.

Do you knit? Consider knitting cage pads or large-dog sweaters. Like to organize? Coordinate a pet food drive. You can also foster animals in your home; volunteer as a handyman, dog walker or cat cuddler. Or, if you live in or near Washington, Pa., donate use of a heated barn. (The Washington Area Humane Society has a few unhappy, "cage-crazed" cats that need more space. To help, call 724-222-PETS.)

Finally, consider a tax-deductible donation to a shelter, or rescue or fostering group, or a specialized fund such as the Animal Care & Assistance Fund. The nonprofit fund, an extension of the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Ohio Township, was started in October. It was designed as a one-time benefit for referred pet owners whose financial situation makes them unable to provide veterinary care for treatable yet life-threatening conditions. For details, visit www.animalcarefund.org

Doctor Recommended: Elevated Dog Bowls

2008-12-18T10:11:00.012-05:00

How would you like to have to eat hunched over a bowl? Or how about trying to get a drink of water all hunched over? If your pet doesn't eat out of an elevated bowl, that is what your pup (or cat) is doing everyday. Not only is it uncomfortable to do, but it is also harder on the digestive system. By using a raised/elevated feeder, which is designed to provide food and water at the correct height, you can help prevent and alleviate any problems. That is why Merlin's Bark Products has its own line of elevated dog bowl feeders and also elevated cat bowl feeders.

Veterinarians actually recommend raised bowl feeders for dogs and cats since they help alleviate problems the pets might have with arthritis, neck and back problems, and also with digestion problems like megaesophagus and other conditions that make swallowing painful and difficult. Since elevated feeders are sit up higher, everything goes down the throat a little easier.

Elevated bowls also help keep pets eating areas cleaner. They help keep the food and water in the bowls and not dribbling all over the floor. Have you ever noticed pups "dripping" water all over the floor whenever they lift up their head up after taking a drink? Using an elevated bowl can helped stop the "lake" from forming around a pup's water bowl when they are getting a drink. A lot of pets like to play with their food and water dishes too and having raised bowls stop pets from doing that.

Elevated dishes don't just benefit members of the animal kingdom, they also benefit pet owners since they no longer have to bend over as far to pick up their pet's food and water dishes. Sounds like a win/win situation to me!

I'll be barking to you later!

The Biden Puppy!

2008-12-14T19:21:00.003-05:00

Did you hear the exciting news? Vice President-elect Joe Biden will be moving to Washington D.C. with a German Shepherd puppy! Check out this CNN news story about the lucky little puppy:

Biden beats Obama in puppy race

(CNN) – While the country is fixated on what kind of dog President-elect Barack Obama’s family will get when they move into the White House, his Vice President-elect Joe Biden quietly picked out a puppy of his own last week.

Biden’s wife, Jill, promised the future VP a dog if he and Obama got elected. Biden found the as-yet-unnamed pup, a three-month old male German Shepherd, in a breeder’s kennel in southeastern Pennsylvania, the area’s Daily Local News reports.

Biden revealed his wife’s pledge on Election Day, telling reporters flying with him to Chicago that she had first promised him a dog if he was elected president, and when his primary bid failed, if he was elected vice president. Mrs. Biden even taped pictures of dogs on the seatback in front of Biden on the plane, according to the report.

“I’ve always had a big dog my whole life, even the time I was a kid. I’ve had German Shepherds and Great Danes and Labs and Golden Retrievers,” Biden said on November 4. “So with Barack inquiring about would I be willing to get vetted, Jill said, ‘I’ll make you a deal: if you get the vice presidency and get elected, you can get a dog.’

“I know what kind I want, I don’t know what kind I’m going to get yet,” he added before reiterating that the ticket hadn’t won yet.

Biden spokeswoman Elizabeth Alexander said the vice president-elect had owned three German shepherds in his life, “so he’s familiar with the breed and its personality.”

“He’s excited to bring it home when it gets a little older and has promised that his grandchildren can name it after the New Year,” Alexander said.

Biden was reportedly accompanied to breeder Linda Brown’s kennel by New Castle County Police K-9 coordinator Mark Tobin, who will train the puppy for the next six weeks before delivering it to the Bidens when they move into the vice presidential residence in January.
Brown told Delaware’s News Journal that the puppy is “the pick of the litter.”

Tobin added, “He’s well-tempered, people-friendly and social…It’s just a happy-go-lucky puppy.”

Elevated Bowls for X-mas!

2008-12-08T16:17:00.009-05:00

It is time to get your orders in for Merlin's Bark Products' elevated dog bowls, cat bowls, or any of our other great handmade pet products if you wish to have them under your tree in time for Christmas. If you are interested in doing a custom order make sure you get your order in by this Friday (December 12th) so we can start production and ship it out to you in time for the holidays.

3-Inch High Elevated Cat Bowl

6" High Elevated Dog Bowl

Items are going fast, so make sure you get your orders in soon. I'll be barking to you later!

The Magic Sleigh!

2008-12-03T20:06:00.019-05:00

I am so excited about my Christmas tree this year! Thanks to The Magic Sleigh the tree is full of beautiful corgis! The Magic Sleigh sells the most wonderful handmade porcelain dogs, cat, angels, unicorns, and other fantasy figurine ornaments and sculptures.

Here are a couple of the awesome corgi ornaments that are proudly hanging on my tree this year:

Not only does The Magic Sleigh make the most wonderful corgis in the world. But her store is also full of other wonderful pet ornaments too - but for obvious reasons I find that the corgi ornaments are my favorites.

So check out The Magic Sleigh and find the perfect ornament for your tree too.

I'll be barking to you later!

Gingerbread Dog Treats Recipe!

2008-12-01T09:00:00.005-05:00

Recently, one of Merlin's Bark Products workers whipped up a couple batches of doggy cookies for a charity event. The cookies are totally irresistible and I felt that it was my doggy duty to share this delicious recipe with everyone so other pups can enjoy the cookies too.

Gingerbread Dog Treats
Ingredients:
1 cup molasses
4 tablespoons honey
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
6 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger or one tsp. of dried powder ginger

Directions:
Combine the molasses, honey, water, and oil in a medium bowl. In another large bowl mix the flour, the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Combine well. Divide this dough in four sections and roll each piece into a ball, wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 – 5 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Put the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll dough out into 1/4 “ thickness. Cut dough with a cookie cutter into gingerbread men or other fun shapes. Bake 10 – 15 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned around the edges and firm.

Carob Frosting
Ingredients:
Carob chips
Vegetable/Canola oil.

Put about 1/4 (or less) of a cup of carob chips in a small cup/bowl. Drizzle a little of the oil on top (just a tad) and mix it to make sure all of the chips are lightly coated with the oil. Microwave for around 30-45 seconds. Stir the chips and it should form a frosting like paste. If the chips are not melted enough you might want to microwave it again for a couple of seconds. Carob chips will burn if you overcook them. After the chips are in a frosting like state you can just frost the cookies.

I'll be barking to you later!

MBP's 4-Day Gobble Gobble Sale!

2008-11-28T11:18:00.021-05:00

As the CEO of Merlin's Bark Products I am pleased to announce that I have taken an additional 10% off the original purchase price of all of my in stock items from November 28th thru December 1st! That means all of our:

elevated dog bowls,

elevated cat bowls,

pet toy boxes,

and birdhouses, bird feeders, and squirrel feeders can now be purchased for 10% less. Sounds like a great deal to me!

I'll be barking to you later!

Yappy Happy Pups for the Holidays!

2008-11-26T09:01:00.012-05:00

Recently, I blogged that I would be barking about some of my top Etsy gift recommendations for pets, pet lovers, and pet owners for this holiday season. The first item I would like to bark about is this custom made indoor doghouse from YappyHappy

Made for the smaller pup (up to 15lbs), this doghouse can even be ordered with a battery operated chandelier ready to switch on and off. Talk about living the pampered life!

Don't think you have time to get a custom order done and under the tree by the holidays? Never fear, YappyHappy has a mini Starbarks house for your small yapper ready to go out the door upon order!

While I might be a tad over the weight limit for either one of these houses, I think they would make the perfect gift for some lucky pup this holiday season. YappyHappy also has custom dog tags, pet mats, and other cool items available too - so take a couple minutes and check out their shop. You might just find that "must have" gift item for this holiday season.

Well, I need to get back to planning Merlin's Bark Products 1st after Thanksgiving Day sale. I'll be barking to you later!

Happy Dog Reunion Story!

2008-11-24T18:55:00.005-05:00

I just had to share with everyone this wonderful story from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette about a pup lost for 5 long years finding his way home. You can also check out the video of the heartwarming family reunion. It sure is going to be a great Thanksgiving this year for Tootsie!

Toot-toot Tootsie, don't cry: Dog found after 5 years
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
By Tracie Mauriello, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
Andrew Rush/Post-Gazette

HARRISBURG -- Tootsie, the adventuresome dachshund who went missing more than five years ago, is back home in Pleasantville, N.J.

Tootsie was found two weeks ago wandering around Wilkinsburg, 350 miles away from where he went missing in 2003. He was taken to the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania and was traced back to his owners using information on a microchip implanted under the skin on the back of his neck.

"Donde estaba?" -- Where have you been? -- his owner Elda Arguello said yesterday as she wrapped Tootsie in her scarf outside a television studio in Harrisburg -- the halfway point between Pleasantville and Wilkinsburg. Tifanie Tibero of the rescue league delivered Tootsie to her there. The dog was shivering from the cold but appeared content in Mrs. Arguello's arms.

"He was my baby. Now he's coming home," she said, grinning.

The family believes the dog had been taken from their gated yard.

"I looked for him for many, many days," said Mrs. Arguello, 53, who brought two of her five children -- Edna Colon, 18, and Daniel Colon Jr., 16 -- with her to pick up Tootsie yesterday.

So much time had passed that when the rescue league sent her a letter several days ago she hadn't remembered losing a dog.

Daniel did, though.

"I said, 'What about Tootsie?,' " Daniel remembered. "I just put that out there, but I didn't really think they could have really found her 5 1/2 years later."

Edna remembered he had an extra toe on one of his back paws. When the shelter said the dog found in Wilkinsburg did, too, she knew it was the same 6-month-old puppy she had when she was 13.

"He got longer," Edna said.

"He's got [some] gray hair now," her brother remarked.

The shelter used a scanner on Tootsie to find a similar microchip that the family had a veterinarian place in the dachshund's neck when he was a puppy. Information gleaned from the chip was run through a national database.

"Without a microchip, the reunion would have been completely, unequivocally and undeniably impossible," said Janice Barnard, the rescue league's director of special programs.

The family is keenly aware of that.

"Now we're going to put another one in the other dog we have back home, just in case," Daniel said.

The microchips have been in use since 1989 and cost between $20 and $100, depending on whether they are inserted at shelters or veterinary clinics. They are useful in reuniting owners of dogs and cats, such as George, a brown short-haired feline who was returned earlier this month to his owner in California after 13 years.

Tootsie's whereabouts for the last five years remain a mystery, although it is clear he has been well-fed and cared for, Ms. Tibero said.

"We have no idea where Tootsie has been or what he's been up to ... but he obviously needed to get back to the right place," she said. "I'm just glad to be able to carry out the rescue league's mission of reuniting lost pets and their owners ... It's something that very rarely, if ever, happens. It's a one-in-a-million kind of thing."

Turkey Day Sale!

2008-11-19T19:31:00.011-05:00

I'm so excited that my little bunny butt can't stop shaking! Merlin's Bark Products is preparing for their very first after Thanksgiving sale extravaganza! I haven't worked out all the final details yet, but Merlin's Bark Products will be offering a discount on all our in stock items! That is very exciting news if you ask me. Make sure you check back in a couple of days for more details. Also, I will be blogging during the next couple of weeks on some totally awesome holiday gifts (like the elevated dog bowl pictured below) that you should be buying on Etsy.

I'll be barking to you later!

Networking!

2008-11-16T18:18:00.008-05:00

Being the CEO of a major corporation isn't that much different than being the CEO of an up and coming company like Merlin's Bark Products. No matter what the size of the business it is very important that the CEO gets out there and spends some serious time networking. One of the ways a CEO can do some networking is by particapating in charity orgazinations - like Etsy for Animals which I am a member of - and by joining other social organizations. Recently I joined MyCorgi.com and Dogster hoping to meet some like minded CEO pups and also spread the word about MBP's awesome elevated dog bowls, pet toy boxes and elevated cat bowls. Sure networking is a tough job, but I'm just the CEO pup to do the job. Well, I guess I better get busy networking - I got a lot of butt sniffing to do.

I'll be barking to you later!

Etsy Corgi Favorites!

2008-11-12T16:09:00.006-05:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
merlinsbarkproducts.etsy.com

Corgi Creek Crossing

2008-11-09T16:10:00.010-05:00

Check out this cool video my employees took of me at Merlin's Bark Products 1st company retreat last weekend:

I'll be barking to you later!

Elevated Cat Bowl Feeders!

2008-11-06T12:02:00.021-05:00

Sure, I'm not a huge fan of cats, but I think that they should have cool products just like us pups - which is why Merlin's Bark Products also offers a full line of elevated cat bowls in a number of paint colors and stains. Now the littlest pup (or kitty) in the world will be able to feel larger than life eating out of their own elevated feeder made especially for them. Measuring 3 inches in height, these extra small elevated bowls are the perfect height for kitties and also those teeny tiny pups like chihuahuas, malteses, pekingeses, and dachshunds.

3-Inch Tall 1-Pint Elevated Cat Bowl Feeder (Painted - Antique Green)

3-Inch Tall 1-Pint Raised Cat Bowl Feeder (Stained - Dark Walnut)

3-Inch Tall 3-Bowl 1-Pint Elevated Cat Bowl Feeder (Painted - Creamy White)

3-Inch Tall 1-Pint Raised Cat Bowl Feeder (Painted - Granite)

I am very happy that Merlin's Bark Products is able to offer elevated feeders to cats and pups of all sizes. I'll be barking to you later!

Custom Made 3-Bowl Elevated Dog Feeders!

2008-11-04T12:27:00.018-05:00

Got multiple pups? Why not let them eat in style out of a beautiful elevated dog bowl feeder stained the color of your choice. Merlin's Bark Products is now offering 12" high custom multiple bowl feeders for purchase! Measuring 12 inches high it will be perfect fit for the large sized pups. Constructed in a Shaker table style, and stained whatever color you choose to go with your kitchen, the look will be completed with three 2 quart stainless steel dog bowls (with your choice of either plain bowls or bowls with an embossed puppy paw motif).

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

Did you know that elevated feeders are a great thing for a pup 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. 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!

My Trip to Ohiopyle!!

2008-10-30T21:29:00.015-04:00

Since my employees have been working extra hard lately on finishing a custom order for a 12" 3-bowl elevated dog feeder (which they finished early this morning) I thought it would be a great idea if Merlin's Bark Products went on a "company retreat" at Ohioplye. I had read a lot about CEO's taking their employees out on fun adventure trips to thank their employees for a job well done and I thought my employees deserved that kind of recognition too.

Anyhow, check out these awesome pictures from Merlin's Bark Products first ever company retreat:

Me and Merln's Bark Products' CFO/Business Manager/Product Finisher (i.e. my mom)

Me and Merlin's Bark Products' Carpenter Union (i.e. my dad)

Me enjoying the nice cool river water

Me on Ferncliff Natural Trail getting ready to look at the falls

Cucumber Falls

My employees thought it would be funny if I got my picture taken with the trail sign

I'll be barking to you later!

Size Does Matter!

2008-10-14T13:25:00.015-04:00

If you have stopped by Merlin's Bark Products Etsy shop lately you would have noticed that I have updated and changed around our shop sections. Now instead of having all of our elevated dog (and cat) bowls jumbled up all together in one section - all of the raised feeders have been separated into their own shop sections according to height size. So now if you are looking for a particular size for your pup, you will easily be able to see all our current selections by a click on a link.

Here's what our new shop sections look like and an example of the type of products you will find

* Extra Small Elevated Cat (and Dog) Bowl Feeders (feeders under 3" high)

* Small Elevated Dog (and Cat) Bowl Feeders (feeders under 6" high)

* Medium Elevated Dog Bowl Feeders (feeders 6" high)

* Large Elevated Dog Bowl Feeders (feeders 12" high)

* Extra Large Elevated Dog Bowl Feeders (feeders 18" high)

I hope these changes make shopping at Merlin's Bark Products Etsy store a little easier. I am constantly adding new products so make sure you "shop on by" every once-in-awhile and check out all the latest additions to our product line.

I'll be barking to you later!

Etsy Pets and Pet Lovers Gift Guide (Part 3)

2008-10-09T15:45:00.010-04:00

Merlin's Bark Products has made Etsy's Pets & Pet Lovers Gift Guide for a third time! A couple of our items have been listed in the gift guide previously, and the last item to be selected for the guide was purchased a couple weeks ago so we haven't had an item in the guide for a little while. Anyhow, another one of our items has been chosen for the gift guide. This time it is one of our elevated/raised dog bowl feeders! This is the first time that one of our elevated dog bowls has made the guide. Check it out right there in the 3rd row, 4th column.

I'll be barking to you later!

2008 Dad's Pittsburgh Pet Expo!

2008-10-07T15:37:00.010-04:00

This weekend is Dad's Pittsburgh Pet Expo and it is the place for pups and their owners to go for a little fun and excitement!

Dates: October 11 & 12
Times: Saturday 10am – 6pm & Sunday 11am – 5pm
Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Activities: Frisbee dogs, Hot Dog Pig Races, Puppy Playground/Noah's Bark, Ultimate Air Dogs, Ask the Vet, and lots more!

There will be over 90 exhibitors of all kinds there too. Vendors like Lucky Paws Resort (which I hear is a fabulous pet resort), United Against Puppy Mills (which is a very important organization working to stop puppy mills), Wags n' Wiggles Barkery (who by the way sells some of the most delicious treats I have ever munched on - I highly recommend their Tail Waggin Twists), and everything else that you can think of in between. It is one of my business goals to be able to add Merlin's Bark Products to that list of vendors next year.

So check out the show this weekend and make sure that you take your pup with you. Pet participation is encouraged as long as the pup is one a leash.

I'll be barking to you later!

Measuring for an Elevated Feeder!

2008-10-05T20:27:00.009-04:00

Upcoming Animal Friends Events!

2008-10-01T21:03:00.008-04:00

Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 5 at Noon | Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center | 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Come help us celebrate the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, birds and the environment. Bring your four-footed angel and join us for cookies and coffee in the gazebo as we honor all of our pets with a special blessing. There is no cost to attend the blessing. For everyone’s safety, dogs must be on a leash and cats, rabbits and exotics must be in carriers!

Cookies and Coffee with Our Friends from the Aviary
Monday, October 6 at 2:00 pm | Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center | 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Pittsburgh is the home of the National Aviary and an astounding menagerie of our feathered friends. Enjoy cookies and coffee as we welcome Erin Estell, Manager of Interactive Experiences and Animal Promotion and learn about our feathered guests. Tuition is $5. Call 412.847.7035 to register.

Itchy and Scratchy!

2008-09-25T15:13:00.007-04:00

Well, I don't need a calendar to tell me that fall has arrived. I have my allergies to tell me that. I get so itchy and scratchy this time of year and it sure can make me one miserable pup! Being a "low ridder" pup makes it even extra hard on me since my belly brushes against a lot of the weeds and grasses.

Anyhow, I came across this great article from Doctors Foster and Smith and thought that it would be a good idea to share it with other pups who might be suffering from allergy problems too. So check out the article below and see if maybe all of your itching and scratching being caused by allergies.

*****************

Types of Allergies That Affect Pets
There are four types of allergies that can affect your pet. Allergies caused by things your pet inhales are termed airborne allergies. Common sources are pollens, molds, and dust mites. Allergies that result from flea-bites are referred to as flea allergies or flea-bite dermatitis. Certain allergies occur from items your pet ingests, and are typically called food allergies. Contact allergies are caused by something your pet comes in direct contact with, such as carpet fibers, plastics, and other things. Contact allergies (plastics, carpet fibers, detergents) are far less common than inhalant allergy and flea allergy dermatitis in pets.

Contact Dermatitis
Less common allergies include contact dermatitis, which include allergy to carpets, cleaners, or plastic. These allergies may cause:

* Red itchy bumps or blisters on sparsely-haired areas of the skin and those exposed to the allergen such as the belly, feet, or muzzle
* Intense scratching
* Hair loss (in chronic conditions)

Food Allergies
Food allergies account for about 10% of all allergies in dogs and cats. Food allergies may show up concurrently with allergies to pollen, dust, etc. Symptoms include:

* Itching, especially face, feet, trunk, limbs and anal area
* Ear problems, often yeast-related
* Skin infections that respond to antibiotics, but then recur as soon as the antibiotic therapy ceases

Occasionally, dogs with true food allergies may have increased bowel movements and soft stool. Food allergies should not be confused with food intolerances, which are not true allergies, and generally cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Watching your pet go through the misery of allergy symptoms can be miserable in itself. If you suspect your pet has allergies, visit your veterinarian. The type of allergy and severity of the symptoms will determine how your veterinarian decides to treat them.

*****************

Well, I am off to get a bath in oatmeal and tea leaf shampoo - I'll be barking to you later!

The Hundred Acres Manor!

2008-09-23T13:00:00.006-04:00

In the mood for some fright? Want to be part of a fundraiser to help homeless animals AND children at the same time? Well, have I got the event for you. Hundred Acres Manor opens up this weekend in South Park and you can get a good fright and support a great cause all at the same time! Check out this press release from Animal Friends' event calendar.

*****************

Hundred Acres Manor: The Site for Fright
September 26 - November 1 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm (open till 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) Hundred Acres Drive on the site of what used to be Sully's Pool and Phantoms in the Park in South Park, PA 15129

Since 2003, Hundred Acres Manor in South Park been scaring people as part of a fundraiser to support Animal Friends and Homeless Children’s Education Fund. For the fifth year of this reign of terror, the region’s largest haunted attraction has many surprises in store for you:

* Massacre Mansion, the main home on the Hundred Acres Manor estate. (Check in is anytime, check out is never!)
Valleyview Hospital: A serene center of healing, hope, and torture. Dont bother with the call button, someone will be along shortly to finish you off.

* Fearscapes Factory: Is your mind prepared to handle the worst possible things you can imagine? Hold on to your soul, and embrace the darkness...

* The MAZE: The lost souls of Hundred Acres Manor roam this endless labyrinth. Dont bother asking for directions.
Click here to purchase tickets.

*****************

I'll be barking to you later!

Puppy Mills Awareness Day!

2008-09-18T11:33:00.008-04:00

Did you know that this Saturday is a day of protest against puppy mills across the county? Check out the news story below for more information.

*****************
Activists to fight puppy mills with awareness day protests
USA Today

Puppy mill opponents are taking it to the streets this weekend.

Grassroots puppy mill protests and events are planned Saturday across the country, from Northville, Mich., where about 50 people are expected to parade through town to raise awareness and distribute information about puppy mills, to Fresno County, Calif., where volunteers will gather at Sierra Vista Mall "to publicize the atrocities of puppy mills," says organizer Joyce Brandon.

"It's a topic that needs a lot of public-awareness-building," says Natalie Femino, a mental health counselor who is organizing a food, music and puppy mill information-sharing event at Salem (Mass.) Common, her first-ever venture into activism.

Puppy mills — large, inhumanely run breeding operations that sell puppies to some pet stores and online — have for years been in the crosshairs of animal welfare groups. Breeding stock, they say, are kept in tiny cages, fed subsistence diets and given no medical care, exercise or socialization; then the animals are killed when they no longer produce large litters. The puppies, they say, are often sick when sold, or genetic issues soon emerge.

Now the efforts of the large animal welfare groups, such as the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Best Friends Animal Society and others that have pushed for legislation and rescued thousands of puppy mill animals in the last year, are being joined by individuals initiating local events.

South Bend, Ind.'s annual Mutt March in St. Patrick's County Park to benefit a no-kill shelter will have a significant anti-puppy-mill component this year, says event chairwoman Linda Candler.

In Medfield, Mass., Medfield Animal Shelter volunteers are planning several hours of events, including a visit by "puppy mill survivors who have been adopted" and a dog talent show, says organizer Judy Ambrose.

The biggest event — with 600 to 1,000 participants expected — will be held in tiny Dutch Village in the middle of Lancaster County, Pa., which experts say is ground zero for puppy millers. Organizer Carol Araneo-Mayer says people are flying in from all over the country to bring awareness — for the fifth straight year — to the matter of the number of farms in the pastoral surroundings where "dogs are being treated like a commodity."

Although many in the trenches are distressed with what they see as the slow pace of real results against puppy mills, there are hopeful signs, says Stephanie Shain, director of the HSUS puppy mill campaign. "We saw two states, Virginia and Louisiana, pass landmark legislation this year by putting a cap on the number of dogs who can be kept for breeding, and saw critical federal laws enacted barring the import of puppies from foreign puppy mills."

And the hope, says ASPCA's Cori Menkin, is that through organized and grassroots events, "the desire to push for stronger laws to protect these animals will become contagious."
*****************

Check with your local ASPCA to see if there will be a protest event in your area. I'll be barking to you later!

Etsy Pets and Pet Lovers Gift Guide (Part 2)

2008-09-16T12:17:00.010-04:00

Merlin's Bark Products has made Etsy's Pets & Pet Lovers Gift Guide for a second time! One of our items had been listed in the gift guide previously, and that item was purchased last month so we haven't had an item in the guide for awhile. Anyhow, another one of our elevated/raised cat bowl feeders has made the gift guide! This time it is one of our 3-bowl feeders. Check it out right there in the 1st row, 2nd column.

I'll be barking to you later!

Pet Food Recall!

2008-09-14T21:14:00.009-04:00

I really hope that every pup has already heard about this very important pet food recall, but I thought since it is such a very important topic that I would post this article from WebMD Health News. Make sure you check out the FDA's web site to see if your pup's food has been recalled.

"Salmonella Risk Prompts Pet Food Recall: Possible Contamination of Mars Petcare Products Could Pose Risk to People and Pets

Sept. 15, 2008 -- Mars Petcare is recalling pet food products manufactured at its Everson, Pa., facility because of a potential salmonella contamination. In addition to being dangerous for pets, the pet food could sicken people who handle the food.

Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. If you think you may have been exposed, look for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.

On rare occasions, salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. The FDA urges people with these symptoms who have come into contact with the pet products to contact a health care provider.

Some animals may have similar symptoms, but others may have minimal or no symptoms. Whether or not they have signs, they could infect other animals and humans.

Many pet food brands are produced at the plant, including several varieties of Pedigree and a number of flavors of Special Kitty Gourmet. A complete list of brands is posted on the FDA web site.

Mars Petcare stopped production at the Everson facility July 29 after learning of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two isolated cases of people infected with salmonella. The company is now implementing a voluntary recall of all products produced at the facility between Feb. 18 and July 29; only the U.S. is affected."

Please make sure you pass long this recall info to other pups and their owners. I'll be barking to you later!

EFA Birthday Celebration!

2008-09-11T14:35:00.004-04:00

Starting September 15th Esty for Animals kicks off their 1st birthday celebration. Many EFA member shops are participating in the big celebration by accepting a coupon for 20% off any entire purchase (one whole order, excluding shipping) in their store. Check out EFA's Web site for more information on the celebration and for the 20% off coupon.

Merlin's Bark Products will not be participating in the big coupon birthday celebration, but I definitely be doing some serious shopping in some of the participating stores!

I'll be barking to you later!

Big Pup Elevated Dog Bowl Feeder!

2008-09-09T12:44:00.019-04:00

Got an extra-large pup in your life? Does your big baby eat from their bowl by laying on the floor? If so, it sounds like your big boy (or girl) needs an elevated dog bowl that is made just for them. That is why Merlin's Bark Products has its own line of elevated dog bowl feeders specially designed for the extra large pups. Measuring 18 inches high, our feeders are a must have for those Clifford, Marmaduke, Howard Huge sized pups.

Not only is an elevated dog bowl holder easier for your pup to eat out of, but it is also easier on the digestive system. By using a raised/elevated feeder, which is designed to provide food and water at the correct height, you can help prevent and alleviate any problems your pup might have digesting food and water.

Veterinarians actually recommend raised bowl feeders for dogs and cats since they help alleviate problems the pets might have with arthritis, neck and back problems, and also with digestion problems like megaesophagus and other conditions that make swallowing painful and difficult. Since elevated feeders are sit up higher, everything goes down the throat a little easier.

Elevated bowls also help keep pets eating areas cleaner. They help keep the food and water in the bowls and not dripping all over the floor. They also prevent pups from moving their dishes all over the floor and having little mishaps with their bowls by overturning them.

Make sure you checkout Merlin's Bark Products line of elevated dog bowl feeders specially designed for those extra large pups in your life.

I'll be barking to you later!

Sewickley Show Report!

2008-09-07T20:50:00.009-04:00

Many thanks to everyone who stopped by Merlin's Bark Products booth yesterday at the 18th Annual Sewickley Harvest Festival. Being the busy CEO that I am, I couldn't get away from the office to attend the show myself, but I did send two of my favorite employees to run the show for me. I was there in spirit though! Anyhow, my employees reported back to me that the show was fantastic, the crowd was wonderful, and most importantly - the weather held up for the entire day! Not only was it a record setting day in sales for Merlin's Bark Products, but we also received a ton of positive feedback from festival goers on our elevated dog bowls (and also the cat bowls) product line. My little bunny butt is all in a twitter over the show and I can't wait for us to attend the show next year!

Check out these pictures from the show:

I'll be barking to you later!

Sewickley Harvest Festival

2008-09-04T16:33:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to remind everyone that Merlin's Bark Products will be exhibiting at the 18th Annual Sewickley Harvest Festival this Saturday. Make sure you drop by our booth and see us!

Pittsburgh Pups - Last Splash of Summer!

2008-09-02T12:17:00.004-04:00

This Saturday is Animals Friends' Last Splash of Summer event at Sandcastle Waterpark in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, I wont be able to attend this year since Merlin's Bark Products will be exhibiting at the 18th Annual Sewickley Harvest Festival that same day.

Here's the information on the puppy Sandcastle event that I got off of Animal Friends' Web site:

*******

Animal Friends' Last Splash of Summer
Saturday, September 6 from 10:00 am - Noon | Sandcastle Water Park

Call now so you don’t miss Animal Friends’ fourth annual Last Splash event—the ultimate canine pool party! Each year before the pools are drained for the summer, Sandcastle Water Park throws open its gates and, for one day only, opens the wave pool to dogs for Animal Friends’ Last Splash of Summer event. Whether your dog fancies a string bikini or prefers to skinny dip, this is a highly-anticipated and fun event for pooches and their people. Hot dogs will find cool relief splashing around in the pool and feasting on chicken-flavored snow cones. Enjoy fun games, raffles, auctions, a canine bathing suit contest! Space is limited, and this event always sells out in advance. Admission is $20 per dog (humans are free) and all proceeds benefit Animal Friends. Call 412.847.7035 to register. Dogs must be non-aggressive, over four months of age, current on shots and wearing an identification tag. Owners must accompany their dogs at all times and keep dogs leashed while outside of the pool. The swimming fun is exclusively for the canine crowd; humans are permitted in the pool only up to their knees. Animal Friends strongly recommends that all canine guests be spayed or neutered. If your dog is “in heat,” please leave her at home.

*******

If you are unable to take your pup to the Sandcastle event this year, why don't you swing on by the Sewickley Harvest Festival and stop by our booth. I'll be barking to you later!

My Interview with Unique!

2008-08-28T08:17:00.021-04:00

Since I have become the CEO of Merlin's Bark Products I've had to pleasure of meeting a lot of other corporate types. Through my work with Etsy for Animals and AWBAR, I've gotten to know other CEO animals and the people who love them. I thought it would be a great idea if I started showcasing some of these other entrepreneurial CEOs and help spread the word about their products and what they do.

For my second interview, I decided to go with an animal lover who has three Etsy stores: Unique Treat Dog Bones, Unique Garden, and Unique Xpression. Unique's Etsy shops offer a large variety of items from everything from doggie treats, jewelery, decorations, body and bath products and more! Unique is also a fellow member of EFA. Here's her interview:

So Unique, tell me a little bit about yourself and and your three Etsy stores and what exactly it is about them that makes them so darn unique?

I am a RN and Mother of five boys. Two are two-legged and three are four-legged. I have been crafting and gardening all of my life, and selling some of those crafts for about 35 years. I truly enjoy experimenting with natures ingredients, brewing recipes that benefits us while preserving the earth, as well as finding new ways to use found things.

I have been making my own bath and body products, with help from my garden for about 11 years now, under the label Unique Garden Essences. All of my ingredients, even the rarely used fragrance oils, are entirely natural, botanical or vegetable, and from renewable sources. I don't use chemicals, artificial preservatives, petroleum or oil refinery products. I grow all the herbs & flowers used in my recipes, unless I snag them from my friends' gardens. I really enjoy taking my finished products and creating an unique gift presentation with them. I often hand-paint my own gift-boxes, as well as design baskets and other unique containers. I am proud that my products are as good for you as they are for the environment, and that they are as useful as they are beautiful!

Recently I started a blog to share information about aromatherapy, essential oils, and herbal treatments. I have listed many recipes for skin care that you can whip up in your own kitchen! Check it out at http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com/. Hopefully it will provide a foundation with which you can build a love affair of your own with natural, holistic, health and skin care.

In my Unique Xpression shop, I offer one of a kind sterling silver, gemstone and Zwarovski crystal pieces, as well as costume jewelry, ornaments, wreaths, scrap book pages, bird houses, and various other crafts. Very few artists can offer such an eclectic assortment of crafts and jewelry, but this is just the me that I have always been! I did not set out to open an on-line shop, rather, I found a place that I could offer what I have designing and crafting for so many years now.

Last year I began making all natural dog treats for my three dogs, my Mother's three dogs, and my Grams dog. They were such a hit that I made some extra to take to a show and yet another "thing that I do" was added to my list. Of course it was not that easily done. I have spent many hours reading, researching and speaking with my veterinarian about dog health and nutrition requirements. I have always loved my dogs, but I definitely learned things that I never knew. So this enterprise has been good for all of us and most of all, it is fun to do! At Unique Treat Dog Bones, I never use any sugar or artificial preservatives. All my ingredients are human grade, fresh when available, and organic. But MOST importantly, to my boys anyway, all my recipes are taste tested and certified paw-licking good by Dallas, Lucky & Gizmo.

As you know, I am a HUGE fan of your dog treats. They are addictive and remind me of that old advertisement campaign about potato chips and not being able to eat just one. How do you come up with all your recipes?

Experimentation. When I first began making them for our dogs I used some recipes I found in books for organic/natural and people food cooking for dogs. But then I began using my imagination and adapting the recipes to other tid bits of information that I had, or ingredients that were in season, or just something that inspired me. It is fun to experiment and the dogs are ALWAYS up to taste testing! With seven dogs at my beck-and-call, I know I have a hit when I can please them all at once!

I hear that you have a couple of puppy assistants that help you out in your test kitchen. Even though I am the CEO of my very own company I wish I could get a job as one of your pup assistants. Your pups must have the best job in the world. Tell me a little bit about your little helpers and how they came into their jobs.

Let's just say that they landed in the right spot at the right time. Dallas is the head honcho of our little group. He is about ten-years old, and is a chow, shepherd, lab mix, that was once loved very much, but then lost his owner. After he was placed in a group home (of sorts) for a while, he was found by someone who could not keep him either, so he made his way to my family and quickly became a part of us. His spotted tongue is very unique, and is always eager to test any homemade creation.

Then we have Lucky who is about 8-years old. Lucky is a Corgi that was hit by a car while running the neighborhood. My Mother took care of him and hunted for his owner to no avail. Then she brought him to Thanksgiving dinner at my home, where he met my Son, Jared, and that as they say was that. I have temporary custody of Lucky while Jared is in college now, but Lucky is Jared's guy, and never leaves his side when Jared is home.

Which leaves Gizmo, my 3.3lb., 5 yr old Yorkie, who THINKS he is the head honcho. Gizmo is the sire of one of my Mom's pups and is the offspring of another of her's. He rules the roost (when Dallas allows him too) and is the pickiest of my eaters. If Gizmo eats it, I know it is good!

While these three are my full time and official taste testers, many times we will also have my Mothers' and Grandmothers' dogs, Misty, Fiesty, Twinkles and JoJo try out new recipes too. (The first 3 are Yorkies and JoJo is a Shitzpoo) I would only have Twinkles and JoJo try them, as they are VERY finicky eaters, but Dallas says that that is not nice or fair, so he insists that they all get to try everything that any one of them gets!

You are a member of Team Esty for Animals with me. Which is an awesome group that raises more for different animal charities. Are you a member of any other Esty teams or organizations? How had joining an Etsy Team helped you grow as a business owner?

Yes, besides EFA, I also belong to the BBEST, Organic and Great Circle street teams. Since I am fairly new to Etsy and the teams, I am not really sure that I can answer how I have grown as business owner, but I have most certainly met some wonderful people by joining these groups. Etsy is a huge market place, and these groups make the Etsy experience more personal while allowing for some moral support and social networking with people that you something in common with. Then of course with EFA, there is the added benefit of knowing that you are helping to make a difference.

Thanks for being my second interview Unique. I really enjoyed talking to you. Is there anything else you would like to add?

As a matter of fact, yes there is. I would like to tell everyone that the month of September is the one year anniversary of the EFA street team, and as such, many, many shops will be offering a 20% off sales coupons in honor of the celebration. So visit the EFA Web site to read all about it and to download your coupon, then have fun shopping!

Sewickley Harvest Festival!

2008-08-24T20:58:00.004-04:00

I have been a really busy CEO corgi pup lately and I almost forgot to share with everyone the exciting news about Merlin's Bark Products being exhibitors at the 18th Annual Sewickley Harvest Festival next month. And since I know that every pup and their owners would love to go the festival and drop by our booth - I figured that I should help spread the word on the festival. Here's some information about the event:

*******

Sewickley Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 6, 2008 (18th annual) - 10AM to 5PM
Annual festival held along Broad Street in Sewickley PA (Allegheny County PA.)
More than 100 vendor booths with a variety of items and information including crafts, artists, demonstrations, rummage sale, farmer's market, flea market, children's activities, food, music and more.

*******

I'll be barking to you later!

Dangerous Dog Toy Alert!

2008-08-21T18:52:00.008-04:00

Since this is such an important story that needs to be told and spread throughout the pet and pet lover world - I want to direct everyone to another puppy's blog so you can become aware of this dangerous toy that might be lurking around your house. Please read The Chai Story and make sure this does not happen to your beloved pet or to someone else's.

Bark in the Park!

2008-08-19T12:00:00.005-04:00

It is time for the annual Animal Friend's Bark in the Park for the Pittsburgh area! North Park will be hosting this fun event for pups and their owners this weekend. Check out this media release from Animal Friends about the event:

“Staycation with Animal Friends at the Bark in the Park Beach Vacation!”

Pack up the family, grab the sunscreen -- and don’t forget the dog! -- when Animal Friends’ Bark in the Park presents the beach vacation many families missed this summer!

Don’t worry about high gas prices, airline delays, or lining up a pet-sitter -- Animal Friends is bringing the beach to North Park! Join lead sponsors Del Monte Pet Products and Animal Friends for Bark in the Park on Sunday, August 24 from 9am-1pm at North Park’s South Ridge Loop.

WDVE’s comedian extraordinaire Jimmy Krenn will head up the pledge walk and beach party. Walk in honor or in memory of a beloved pet on the 1.5-mile humane hike and head back to the party for tons of fun.

* Splash through the Blue Lagoon, featuring canine-friendly wading pools.
* Pamper your pooch at our Island Spa, featuring free nail trims and massages.
* Shake your shorts at a concert by local rock band Morningside.
* Run through the agility course.
* Hit the boardwalk to visit pet-friendly vendors.
* Have fun in the sun with games for pets and children.
* Say cheese in a vacation photo.
* Stay for lunch and enjoy a variety of tasty treats!

Bring your family, bring your pooch, or just bring yourself, and vacation with Animal Friends on August 24!

You can register online Registration is $25 per human, with dogs and kids 15 and under admitted free, and includes a t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for additional pledges. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. The pledge walk and activities begin at 10:00am. Hawaiian shirts are welcome!

This vital fundraiser benefits the homeless animals and compassionate programming at Animal Friends.

I hope you can make it to the annual Bark in the Park on Sunday at North Park’s South Ridge Loop! Remember you can either register online or at the event.

I'll be barking to you later!

International Homeless Animals Day!

2008-08-14T16:09:00.006-04:00

Did you know that this Saturday is International Homeless Animals Day? Here is some information about this very important event from the The International Society for Animal Rights Web site:

"SAR began National Homeless Animals’ Day and Candlelight Vigils to publicize dog and cat overpopulation in its overwhelming magnitude, to increase public awareness of the millions of dogs and cats killed in shelters annually for lack of homes and to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals. From modest beginnings in 1992, National Homeless Animals’ Day and Candlelight Vigils, commemorated on the third Saturday of August each year, have grown enormously in both number and content. Animal Rights/Welfare organizations, as well as individuals from around the world have taken part in the event to increase public awareness of this issue.

Now, because of the ever-growing, successful international participation in National Homeless Animals’ Day by foreign animal protection organizations, ISAR will in the future formally acknowledge this global participation by officially entitling our crusade 'International Homeless Animals’ Day.'

As a part of this Day, many governors and mayors sign proclamations written by ISAR. These declarations urge people to act responsibly by having their companion animals spayed or neutered to help curb pet overpopulation, ultimately putting an end to the killing of healthy but homeless animals."

There are many Candlelight Vigils scheduled around the world this year and all of the homeless animals sure could use your help. Please consider either attending one of the Candlelight Vigils or donating to your local animals shelter.

I'll be barking to you later!

Doctor Recommended: Elevated Dog Feeders!

2008-08-12T12:00:00.014-04:00

How would you like to have to eat hunched over a bowl? Or how about trying to get a drink of water all hunched over? If your pet doesn't eat out of an elevated bowl, that is what your pup (or cat) is doing everyday. Not only is it uncomfortable to do, but it is also harder on the digestive system. By using an elevated feeder, which is designed to provide food and water at the correct height, you can help prevent and alleviate any problems. That is why Merlin's Bark Products has its own line of elevated dog bowl feeders and also elevated cat bowl feeders. Veterinarians actually recommend raised bowl feeders for dogs and cats since they help alleviate problems the pets might have with arthritis, neck and back problems, and also with digestion problems likemegaesophagus and other conditions that make swallowing painful and difficult. Since elevated feeders are sit up higher, everything goes down the throat a little easier.

Elevated bowls also help keep pets eating areas cleaner. They help keep the food and water in the bowls and not dribbling all over the floor. Have you ever noticed pups "dripping" water all over the floor whenever they lift up their head up after taking a drink? Dripping water all over the floor was a problem for me even though I am a short-legged corgi. Using an elevated bowl has helped stop the "lake" from forming around my water bowl when I am getting a drink. Now the water usually just drips back into the bowl whenever I'm done getting a drink. I have heard that a lot of pets like to play with their food and water dishes too and having raised bowls stop pets from doing that.

Elevated dishes don't just benefit members of the animal kingdom, they also benefit pet owners since they no longer have to bend over as far to pick up their pet's food and water dishes. Sounds like a win/win situation to me!

I'll be barking to you later!

My YouTube Page!

2008-08-07T13:33:00.010-04:00

Being the business minded corporate pup that I am, I am always looking for new ways to reach out to potential customers. You already know about my Etsy store where I market and sell all of Merlin's Bark Products' goods. And obviously if you are reading this, you are well aware of my blog where I detail all of the important corporate goings on and talk about my life as a CEO pup. You also probably know about my Flickr page where I download pictures of our latest products and other important pictures of my life. But did you know that I also recently got my own YouTube channel? That's right, I have my own YouTube channel now. I'm hoping to post some commercial type videos for Merlin's Bark Products on there soon. In the meantime though, I have posted a couple videos that my employees took recently at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Just check out this super cute video that was taken of one of the new baby African elephants attempting to play with one of the zookeepers.

Make sure you check out my YouTube channel to see some of the other videos from the zoo that I have posted. In the meantime, I'll be barking to you later!

Gorillas in our Mist!

2008-08-05T12:20:00.007-04:00

Did you see the news today? Researchers have found more than 100,000 Western lowland gorillas living in a swap in the Congo! Check out this news story about the newly found gorilla tribe that was on CNN today.

Sorry I didn't post on Sunday, but I've been really busy CEO'ing Merlin's Bark Products lately. We were exhibitors at the Johnny Angel and the Halos Car Cruise & Concert on Sunday and I just submitted our application to be exhibitors at the 18th Sewickley Harvest Festival on September 6th. Sales have started to pick-up in our Esty Store too. Needless to say, I have been a really busy pup lately! Actually, I better get going 'cause I need to get another one of our elevated/raised dog bowl feeders ready to ship out tomorrow.

I'll be barking to you later!

My Fresh Shops Interview!!

2008-07-31T14:04:00.010-04:00

My Fresh Shop interview with Jared was published today! I am so excited about it that my little bunny butt has been shaking in a frenzy for awhile now. I reprinted the whole article below, but feel free to check out the article and all the nice comments people have been leaving me about my shop on Etsy's Web site.

*******

Fresh Shops: Merlin's Bark Products
Story by jared

Published on July 31, 2008 in Spotlight

Recently, I was clicking through Pounce Undiscovered with my right hand while rubbing my dog’s head with my left. I saw this great (well-crafted and simply designed) elevated dog feeder (in red-stained chestnut) by Merlin's Bark Products, and I ah-ha’ed aloud.

I love finding good woodwork on Etsy. This shop couples creative carpentry with a design sensibility that’s driven by deep compassion for animals.

So far, merlinsbarkproducts features an assortment of feeders and little wooden homes for an array of animals, such as bluebirds, bats, butterflies, flying squirrels…and of course, dogs.

I put a few questions to the creators behind merlinsbarkproducts, Sherry and Jerry:

There is a great beauty and variety of wood in your items. What are some of the benefits to using sustainably harvested or recycled wood?

It is very important to me that we use wood that comes from trees that are managed and farmed in ways that ensure the protection of the environment and other natural resources. Also, I would hate to think that I was contributing to the removal of old growth trees. I know that a lot of different animals depend on those trees for housing. Also, you can find a lot of beauty in old recycled wood. We get a lot of our recycled wood from a local building material recycling center. I am hoping to use some of their old barn wood for owl house I have in mind.

The designs of your animal homes seem strangely inviting...

I love to lay outside in my yard and watch all the different animals run around. When I’m watching them, I start to think about what type of houses and feeding station they would need.

One of my favorite products is our condominium for flying squirrels. It is just amazing! It is over 3-feet tall and has four floors. I came up with the design after watching our own flying squirrels and wondering what type of house they would need if our old pine tree didn’t exist anymore. I did a little research and came up with a house that any flying squirrel would be proud to call home.

I also realized the need for Purple Martin houses when a whole colony of them decided to move into our gutters this spring. I did a little research trying to figure out why they moved in and found out that Purple Martins are the only birds that totally depend on humans for housing. So now we will be adding Purple Martin houses to our product line.

Your blog details a very interesting story about how you turned an idea into a real company. Can you talk about some of the challenges you faced and how you resolved them?

One of the biggest challenges was figuring out what type of products I wanted to concentrate on. At first I was thinking about making products for animals and humans, but I have found myself concentrating more on products geared toward animals.

Though, humans benefit from our products too. Whether it is from installing a bat house and having Mother Nature’s little pest control experts take the place of using poisonous insecticide, or being entertained by song birds eating out of a feeder, the enjoyment our of products can be shared by animals and humans.

Our product line continues to evolve. I love receiving feedback and suggestions from customers. Recently we had people ask us about elevated cat bowl feeders. I had never thought making those before, but now we will be adding elevated cat bowl feeders to our product line. I also continue to do research on animal husbandry to see what other types of products we should be offering.

You are a member of the Abandoned Wild Babies Animal Resuce (AWBAR), who also keeps an Etsy shop. How does being a member of such a compassionate organization affect your role as a shop owner?

Since I’ve joined, I’ve been helping to spread the word about AWBAR through my blog and also on forums. I recently donated one of our dual feeders (a feeder that can be used by both birds and squirrels) to the AWBAR Etsy store. I can’t wait for it to sell. All of the proceeds from the sale will go directly to support the care of the baby animals at AWBAR.

******

I'll be barking to you later!

Environmentally Friendly Gift Guide

2008-07-29T08:33:00.008-04:00

After stumbling across one of our items in Etsy's Pet & Pet Lovers Gift Guide the other day, I figured that I should check out the other gift guides to see if we were included in any of those too. Well, this morning I was checking out Etsy's Environmentally Friendly Gift Guide and low-and-behold there was one of our Trexed-Out Duel Feeders listed in the gift guide. Check it out, it is the first item in the very first row.

I'll be barking to you later!

Pittsburgh Zoo Baby Elephant #2!

2008-07-27T12:57:00.006-04:00

Say "Hello" to African elephant baby #2! Early Friday morning, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium announced that their long awaited second baby African elephant finally decided to make her grand appearance in the world. After a record setting 688 day pregnancy, I bet mommy Moja was estatic about the arrival too! And just like her half-sister, she's become the center of attention and another media darling. Soon after her birth the zoo issued the following news release:

"The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium's elephant staff is seeing double these days! Moja, the Zoo's second pregnant elephant has given birth. After just 20 minutes of labor, Moja delivered her baby at 5:30 a.m. Friday, July 25. This is the second baby elephant birth for the Zoo this month. On July 9, Savanna gave birth to a baby girl, Angelina. Moja set a record for the longest pregnancy on record for an African elephant, being pregnant 688 days. The new elephant calf weighs 247 pounds. The first 30 days are the most critical for the new baby, but she is nursing and bonding very well with her mother. The baby will not be on exhibit for several days but visitors can see first baby Angelina and the rest of the elephant"

Check out this Post-Gazette article detailing her birth early Friday morning. On Saturday, the Post-Gazette ran another story detailing the 1-day old pachyderm's progress.

And the sweetest thing ever about of this latest birth is this video that the Pittsburgh Zoo posted on YouTube soon after her birth. I am sure you will enjoy watching the video! And while you are at it, you might enjoy watching the zoo's other videos too. I know I did!

I'll be barking to you later!

Pet & Pet Lovers Gift Guide!

2008-07-24T14:53:00.012-04:00

Merlin's Bark Products made Etsy's Pet & Pet Lovers Gift Guide! One of our newly listed elevated/raised cat bowl feeders is right there in the 5th row, 2nd column.

I'll be barking to you later!

Elevated Cat Bowls!

2008-07-22T15:16:00.007-04:00

My tailless bunny butt is just shaking with pride over the latest addition to our product line ... the elevated cat bowl feeder! Sure, I'm not a huge fan of cats, but I think that should have cool products just like us pups. I love the color of this elevated feeder too. It reminds me of that old nursery rhyme about the owl and the pussy-cat going to sea in the little pea green boat. Ahyhow, there are a lot more elevated cat feeders heading on their way to our Etsy store. There are also a couple more elevated dog bowl feeders headed that way too. Make sure you check out the shop every so often to see the latest and greatest additions to our products line.

I'll be barking to you later!

Annual Vet Check-up!

2008-07-20T21:47:00.007-04:00

I got my annual wellness checkup with the vet yesterday. Even though going to see the vet is probably one of my least favorite things to do, it is very important that pups get to see their doctors at least once a year for their booster shots and for a physical. I am happy to report that my doctor said that I was in top physical condition and "looking good." Not only that, but the doctor gave me extra coodles for losing those pesky five extra pounds I had gained last year. It was hard work losing those extra five pounds, but if I can do it so can other food loving hounds like myself. I replaced a lot of my high calorie treats with low fat options and stepped up my exercise routine. Plus, it also helps that since I have been appointed the CEO of Merlin's Bark Products, I haven't had a lot of extra time to sit around and obsess about food. I'm always busy running from one important corporate meeting to another and coming up with new and exciting products to add to my Etsy store.

Speaking of new products, I have a new and exciting product that I need to add to my store. I'll be barking to you later!

Interview with Pigatopia Studio's!

2008-07-17T14:38:00.033-04:00

Toy Boxes for Pups!

2008-07-15T13:56:00.020-04:00

Check out my latest product. An awesome toy box for pups! Granted it is much smaller than my personal toy box (my toy box is about the size of a UHaul truck), but I think it will be perfect for size for other pups who don't have quite the toy collection that I have. Anyhow, I just listed it in my Etsy store last night so make sure you check it out and let me know what you think.

Speaking of our Etsy store , I am currently working on our elevated cat bowl feeders. Hopefully we will have some listed in the store by next week. I'll be barking to you later!

Newest arrival at the Zoo!

2008-07-13T15:44:00.008-04:00

Did you hear the exciting news? A new baby girl African elephant was born at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium last week! She's just about the sweetest (and biggest) baby I have ever seen. Check out this Post-Gazette article detailing her birth last Wednesday. On Friday, the Post-Gazette ran another story detailing the 2-day old pachyderm's progress. She's become quite the media darling as you can tell. And just this morning the zoo issued the following news release:

"The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium's new baby girl elephant has a new name and she is going out into the elephant yard. "The baby's name is Angelina, chosen by a special donor," says Dr. Barbara Baker, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Angelina will be out on exhibit everyday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. "We are excited for our visitors to have the opportunity to see her," says Dr.Baker. "But she is still young and we do have to be protective of her especially because she has very sensitive skin and we don't want her to get sunburned." Angelina's schedule will be dependent upon weather or if she is acting unusual for some reason. Her schedule will also be affected when the Zoo's second female elephant, Moja, has her baby. Moja is due any day now. Visitors can call the Zoo to check on Angelina's schedule. Visitors also can see Angelina through the large viewing windows at the Elephant Family Room where she is spending time with her family. "The family bonding is going very well," says Dr. Baker. "We are extremely proud of Angelina's older brother, Callee. At first he wasn't sure he liked having a little sister, but he likes her now. He gently touches her and he stands beside her to make sure she is ok." Angelina is 37 inches tall, but keepers have not had a chance to weigh her yet. That will be done within the next couple of days."

Little Angelina is one lucky elephant. Not only is she the center of attention, but the zoo is expecting another little pachyderm playmate for her any day now. I will keep you posted on the 2nd baby's arrival. In the meantime, check out all the different videos that the Zoo has up on their Web site. I'll be barking to you later!

Elevated Dog & Cat Bowl Feeder!

2008-07-10T12:26:00.017-04:00

Take a gander at our newest elevated feeder! Isn't it just about the cutest thing you have ever seen - well, besides me of course. Now even the tiniest pup will feel larger than life eating out of our beautifully stained elevated feeder. Measuring just 4 1/2" in height, and weighing in at just 2 1/2 pounds, it will be perfect fit for the littlest of critters. Constructed in a Shaker table style, and stained a beautiful dark walnut, the look is completed with two 1-pint stainless steel bowls. I know that the feeder will be great for the tiny pups, but I also think that it would work for kitties too. I tried to ask my neighbor cats (Max and Jacks) if they thought it was a good height for them, but they just ran away from me when I tried to chase after them and ask them what they thought. I guess something must have gotten lost in the dog-to-cat translation. Or maybe I shouldn't have been running at them full-tilt and snarling at the same time.

Anyhow, what do you think? Do you think that a 4 1/2" high feeder is the right size for cats? I am really interested to know what you think. I'll be barking to you later!

New for July!

2008-07-08T12:08:00.007-04:00

So far July is off to a rip-roaring start for Merlin's Bark Products. July 1st we finally celebrated our first Etsy sale. Our country style 2-quart elevated dog bowl feeder (that's a picture of it over on the side) was bought for a lucky pup living in California. I sure hope the pup loves it! I also just finished up a custom order for one of our pet toy box. Not only have I been busy filling orders, but I have also been busy giving interviews. Yep, that's right, me, Merlin the CEO of Merlin's Bark Products, was interview! Not only was I interviewed, but I was interviewed by one of Etsy's co-founders! He thought that a feature store on me would be great for an upcoming issue of Etsy's online newspaper, the Storque. I can't wait until it is published!

I've also busy creating new and exciting products to list in our Etsy store and getting ready for some upcoming craft shows that we will be exhibiting at. As you can tell, I have been a pretty busy pup!

Speaking of being busy, I need to be getting back to work. I'll be barking to you later!

Etsy for Animals

2008-07-03T12:01:00.007-04:00

A couple weeks ago I told you about one of the Etsy street teams that I had recently joined (Team AWBAR). Well, I am also a proud member of Etsy for Animals. EFA is a group of artists and craftspeople on Etsy who love and help animals. Many of the members (there are currently over 500 members) donate a portion of their sales to animal rescues/charities and some donated some of their handcrafted items to EFA's Etsy store. Just today, Etsy featured a great article about the organization. Make sure you check it out.

I'll be barking to you later!

Firework Safety Tips 4 Pets!

2008-07-01T12:17:00.009-04:00

Since the 4th of July is in a couple of days, I thought that I should share some helpful tips with everyone so we can keep pups and kitties sage during this very frightening and dangerous time for many animals. Since animals have very sensitive hearing, they can find the noise from fireworks very scary. I know I sure do. My large corgi ears can detect even the smallest firecracker going off miles away. July 5th is usually the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. Pups have been known to escape from homes, dig under fences, break collars, and even chew through their leashes. Some have been found miles from their homes, confused, scared, and exhausted. Their worried owners flood the local animal shelters with calls and visits hoping to find their beloved missing pet.

So let's keep everyone safe this year with these helpful tips that I found on the Web.

* Make certain your pet has a good strong collar with current license tags, in the event it escapes. Consider having a microchip implanted into your pet for accurate identification.
* Never let off fireworks near animals.
* Keep your pets at home when you go to watch a fireworks display.
* Make sure all pets are comfortable indoors, in a secure area with the curtains closed.
* Leave the television or radio on to camouflage the noise of the fireworks.
* If your pet has displayed extreme sensitivity to fireworks in the past, consider talking with your veterinarian about the availability of a mild sedative to help keep your pet calm.
* If you remain home with your animal don’t reinforce its behavior by offering sympathy, instead divert its attention by playing a game or stroking the animal.
* Leave a scared cat alone. Don’t try to force a cat from its hiding place. The cat will come out when it feels safe.
* Be your pet’s best friend; help them with their fears.

I hope these tips help keep pups and kitties safe and happy during the upcoming noisy holiday.

I'll be barking to you later!

Flying Squirrels!

2008-06-29T18:03:00.006-04:00

I am so excited! I have been waiting for the perfect time to unveil our Flying Squirrel Penthouse in the Sky in our Etsy store and tomorrow is going to be the big release date. Here's a picture of it looks like when it is all closed up. As you can tell from the picture it is HUGE! Standing a whomping 42" tall it will be a true penthouse in the sky for a whole colony of lucky flying squirrels. Being a true penthouse, it has has four separate floors and two entry holes. It doesn't come with a hot tub or a Jacuzzi, but I guess the squirrels could have those installed at a later time.

You probably remember me blogging about the colony of flying squirrels that live in our big old pine tree. They are my all time favorite animals out in my yard. I came up with the idea of the of our Flying Squirrel Penthouse in the Sky when I started to wonder where our flying squirrels would live if something happened to our old pine tree. I did a little research and found a lot of really interesting facts about flying squirrels. Did you know that flying squirrels only nest in large old growth trees? They are also the most social of all the squirrels. They do not hibernate during the cold winter months, but instead will nest together in large colonies to keep warm. Northern flying squirrels will form a colony of about ten individuals. Southern flying squirrels will form nesting colonies of 15-20 individuals. A record 50 southern flying squirrel were found in one colony alone! That sure is a lot of squirrels! Since the flying squirrels will nest in such large colonies during the winter, I thought it would be awesome if they had a big beautiful house where they all could safely live together. Make sure you check it out in our Etsy shop to get a good look at the inside of the house.

I'll be barking to you later.

Take a Pup to Work Day!

2008-06-26T15:15:00.009-04:00

Friday is Take Your Dog to Work Day and I have been trying to figure out if that means I get to bring a pup to work with me too. What an opportunity that would be for some pup! Getting to go to work with me, Merlin the head honcho of Merlin's Bark Products, would be any pup's dream. They could get an up close look at what goes on in the day-to-day operations of running a company. I bet that there are a million pups out there that would love to have the opportunity to come to work with me. Gee, I wish I had thought of it sooner. I might have been able to put together some program where inspiring pups have could applied to come to work with me for the day and get a nose-to-nose encounter with the business world.

Oh well, maybe next year. Though, it does also give me an idea about getting an intern next summer. It sure would be nice to have a young pup to do all the business fetching and retrieving for me.

I'll be barking to you later!

Pups Needing Homes!

2008-06-24T15:41:00.011-04:00

I've decided to add a new feature to my blog. One that I think is very important too. I've decided to start featuring pups (and kitties) that are sweet and loving, but need someone to love them and to give them good homes.

So sit back and let me introduce you to some pups that are in need of good homes in the Pittsburgh area.

PRECIOUS
"Please meet Ms. Precious! We love the wiggle in her walk and the spring in her step! This little lady is everything a bully breed should be -- affectionate, loyal, engaging and bit of a clown! Precious is about five and came to us when her owner could no longer care for her. She is medium sized dog, but is a little bit overweight for her short, low to the ground frame. Precious passed her temperament tests with flying colors and can go home with many families. Precious wants to meet you today! She may even be wearing her favorite fluffy scarf that keeps her warm in this cold weather." - Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania

SAM
"Happy-go-lucky Sam is such a character. He is about 7 years old and came to us after his owner fell ill. A guy like Sam isn't too fond of shelter life, as he's an outside dog who loves exploring and playing with his toys. He definitely has that Hound nose with the lovable Lab qualities all mixed in. Sam is a terrific example of a healthy, settled adult dog looking for his forever home. Quite a sweetie too!

If you can't adopt Sam but would still like to help him, please post the following flyer on PGH area bulletin boards where you work and shop. Sam appreciates the help!" - Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania

I'll be barking to you later!

Hot Weather Tips!

2008-06-22T17:06:00.010-04:00

Friday marked the first official day of summer and I thought I should share some important hot weather safety tips for pups. Did you know that pups and kitties can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn? By following these simple precautions from the ASPCA, pups can enjoy the summer and also stay happy and healthy.

*A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Pet owners are urged to have a heartworm test performed if their dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. If parasites bug your animal companions, ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

*Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle -- the results could be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

*Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

*The best time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

*Street Smarts: When temperatures are very high, don't let your dog stand on hot asphalt. His or her body could heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during extremely hot times to a minimum.

*A day at the beach is a no-no, unless pet owners can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for their pets. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

*Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring dogs or cats inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

*Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs, such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

*When walking a dog, steer clear of areas that may been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals.

*Pet owners should be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from vehicles. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call a veterinarian immediately if there are signs of poisoning.

*Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a 1-inch length is a possibility with some breeds, but should never be shaved down to the skin because it robs dogs of protection from the sun. Cats should be brushed often.

*Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to pets if it is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

*Having a backyard barbecue? Always keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets' reach.

*Pet owners should make sure there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in their homes because animals can fall or jump out of them.

*Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

I'll be barking to you later!

What's New!

2008-06-19T12:26:00.024-04:00

Some pups on the steet have been asking me about what Merlin's Bark Products been up to lately. And if we have any new and exciting products coming up soon. Well, I am happy to report that we have been busy adding to our elevated dog feeder line of products and we are also working on toy boxes for kitty cats too. Oh, and then there are the pet toy boxes that I have been working on too. Hopefully, I will have a toy box completed and ready to list on Etsy soon. I feel like I should warn you though, the toy boxes are going to be really cute!

Speaking of really cute products, I have come across a lot of cute stuff on Etsy lately. Just look at this adorable hand knitted shaggy brown puppy dog from Barking Dog Design (LOVE the shop name too). It is so darn cute that I just want to snuggle with it! Barking Dog Designs also the sweetest little stuffed baby lamb that I have ever seen. You should check out Barking Dog Design's shop if you are in the mood for something cute and snuggly! And trust me, I know cute and snuggly when I see it. Just look at me!

I'll be barking to you later!

AWBAR!

2008-06-17T16:33:00.007-04:00

I am so excited! I just joined a new Etsy team - Team AWBAR. Never heard of AWBAR? Well, it stands for Abandoned Wild Babies Animal Rescue and is a place in Lockport, Illinois that rehabilitates baby ducks, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, rabbits, small birds, and other small critters. That's some of their newly aquired babies bunnies in the picture. They sure are cute! Love the big ears!

Anyhow, AWBAR survives solely on private donations so they need all the help they can get. Currently they are raising money not only to take care of all their little critters, but they are also trying to establish themselves as a not-for-profit organization. AWBAR has their own Etsy shop which is filled with wonderful items that have been donated by team members. I am planning on donating something very soon to their shop so hopefully you will see one of our items listed in there soon. In the meantime, make sure you check out their shop and see if there is anything that you just have to have. And the best part is that 100% of the sales proceeds goes directly to helping the little orphaned babies! So not only do you get a great gift, but your purchase will help in the raising of those cute babies bunnies pictured.

Well, I am off to do a little shopping in AWBAR's Etsy shop. I'll be barking to you later!

Falcon Update!

2008-06-15T06:38:00.008-04:00

I am sure that many of you recall me blogging about the peregrine falcons in the Pittsburgh area last month. Well, I have some more good news to share about my falcon friends. The National Aviary and Pennsylvania Game Commission recently announced that they have identified two additional peregrine falcon nests in the Pittsburgh area! Not only that, but the game commission has confirmed that a pair of falcons have established a "natural nest" on a cliff in Union County. This is only the third wild nest that peregrines have successfully established in Pennsylvania in over 50 years. While it is sad that it nest in Northumberland is only the third wild nest in 50-years, it is great to see that they are making a comeback. I can only hope that the falcons keep on flying high and growing in numbers! Check out this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article for more information on the report.

I'll be barking to you later!

I Made It!

2008-06-12T13:16:00.004-04:00

In case you haven't heard, Merlin's Bark Products will be exhibitors at I Made It! this Sunday at the Schenley Plaza in Oakland. And I am very happy to report that this time I have made sure that we have a supply of bat houses in our booth!

Since everyone probably would love to stop by the market (and drop by our booth and pick up a bat house), I figured that I should help spread the word about it. Here's some information I got off of I Made It!'s Web site.

**************************

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Dream Store Media have joined forces again to bring a new level of originality to the Pittsburgh Creative Scene. On JUNE 1st and JUNE 15th Schenley Plaza will be transformed into the city's largest and most diverse market. The event combines the McCarren Park pool parties in NYC and West Hollywood Flea Markets in California allowing Pittsburgh trend-setters to spend a day in the sun at Schenley Plaza. Live DJ's Headlined by DJ Nugget will provide fun music for vendors and strolling patrons.

Patrons will have the chance to update their art collections and closets with original pieces from students and artists from Pittsburgh's extraordinary homegrown talent. Sundae Market will feature vendors from I made it! Market, which is a regularly occurring, nomadic Marketplace in Pittsburgh that provides the opportunity for artists and crafters to establish their businesses and enjoy low barriers for bringing their wares to market in order to create successful businesses. I Made It! and it's vendors are partners in this project and they make a positive impact in the community we share.

***************************
I'll be barking to you later!

Bat Houses!

2008-06-10T12:09:00.011-04:00

I am so excited! Yesterday, I listed Merlin's Bark Products first bat house in our Etsy shop. As you can tell, I am pretty excited that we finally are able to offer bat houses to our customers. We had so many people inquire about our line of bat houses during Rachel's Sustainable Feast that I knew it I had to make bat houses a top priority for us.

Did you know that a single brown bat can catch and eat hundreds of bugs in just one hour? Not only do bats like to munch on mosquitoes, but they also like to eat bugs that can damage crops. I guess that you could say that bats are Mother Nature's little pest control experts! Did you also know that bat houses need to be built specifically for the areas they are suppose to be installed in? Bat house built for the northeast shouldn't be used in the south and vice-versa. There is quite a science behind bat house building. Not only that, but there also is a science behind installing bat houses too. Bat houses should face in a south/southeastern direction where they can absorb most of the morning sunlight. They should also be installed at least 15-20 feet above ground (the higher, the better) in a place where they will get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. And because bat houses need so much sunlight, they should be installed in an open area. Who knew that bats were so picky!

Speaking of being picky, I need to go check on some other products that we are working on and make sure that they measure up to my "nose seal" of approval. I'll be barking to you later!

Creeking!

2008-06-08T11:46:00.008-04:00

It has been really hot in the Burgh the last couple of days. It has been over 90! In case you didn't realize it, wearing a fur coat when it is 90 out can make a pup pretty miserable. That is why today I decide that it was time to take a break from CEO'ing and go creeking! Never heard of "creeking?" Well, it is the greatest thing in the world and I highly recommend it to other pups. All you need to go creeking is a nice stream or creek (whichever happens to be handy) and you just wander around in it for a bit. It really is a nice way for a pup to cool-off and refresh himself. I've noticed that some pups like to splash around and play in the creek, but I am more reserved type of pup and think just standing around in the water is good enough. One can't be to careful around water you know. As wise pups always say "Safety first!"

I'll be barking to you later!

Doggie Bowls!

2008-06-05T11:09:00.006-04:00

One of my favorite things in the world are dog bowls. I love all kinds of dog bowls. It doesn't matter to me if it is a ceramic bowl or stainless steel bowl, just as long as it holds food (and water). Actually, it isn't so much the bowl themselves that I love so much, but what usually gets put in them. There is nothing like the sound of kibble hitting the bottom of my food bowl to get my bunny-butt running to the kitchen. Technically, it doesn't matter to me if it is a bowl or plate - just as long as it contains food. And the type of food doesn't really matter either. Just as long as it isn't lettuce. I hate lettuce. Lettuce only tastes good until you lick all of the salad dressing off of it.

Sorry, I got a little sidetracked there. Anyhow, I've been busy adding some of Merlin's Bark Products elevated dog bowl feeders to our Etsy store. 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 pups too. They can help ease problems a pup might have with digestion and also help the older pups that have problems with arthritis. How great is that!

All this talk about bowls and feeders has made me hungry. I'm off to find a snack. I'll be barking to you later!

Beastly Abodes!

2008-06-03T12:03:00.013-04:00

If you haven't checked in on Merlin's Bark Products Etsy shop lately you will be surprised (hopefully pleasantly) by all of the wonderful products that I have added to our store. I added a variety of different products (bird houses and feeders, squirrel condos, and elevated dog bowls) for all my furry and feathered friends. Not only have I been busy adding merchandise to our Etsy shop, but I've also been hard at work coming up with new items for us to work on. Just yesterday I finished constructing our first bat house! I am very excited about it too. A lot of people ask about our bat house line during the Rachel's Sustainable Feast, and I made sure that bat houses were priority number one on our To Do list. Right now the bat house is at our paint shop waiting to be finished up and I'll be adding it to our Etsy store as soon as it is ready to be revealed. Don't worry, additional bat houses are in the works too - so there will be enough to go around for everyone!

I also have other products in the works too. During the next couple of weeks we will also be working on purple martin houses, elevated dog bowls for the smallest of pups, and watering stations for the largest of pups. I can't believe I am going to say this, but we will also be working on elevated cat bowls! I never thought I would see the day when I would be designing products for cats. As far as I've been able to figure it out, cat are only good for one thing - chasing! But I guess that even they need watering and feeding stations too...

Speaking of cats (and chasing them) I better be off to see if Max and Jacks are slinking around my yard. I'll be barking to you later!

My New Collar!

2008-06-01T15:07:00.011-04:00

Check out my new collar! Since a pup has got to look sharp when he's out there wheeling-and-dealing in the business world, I figured that it was time that I upgrade my imagine a bit. Sure I probably could have gone with a Rolex watch, but I'm more of a collar type of pup. Luckily for me one day I happen upon Sew Crazy Dog Lady and her Etsy shop. She created a custom collar for me that is really going to make those other pups during business meetings stop and take notice. Not only did I get to pick the fabric (it is the zig-zag pattern incase you are interest), but I also got to picked out what kind of hardware I wanted to go with it! With my new collar around my neck I am sure to be the sharpest dressed pup at my next business meeting. It is like a Rolex for the neck!

Well, I am off to a business meeting to show off my new collar to everyone. I'll be barking to you later!

Butterfly Houses 4 Sale!

2008-05-29T08:18:00.012-04:00

If you have checked in on our Etsy shop lately, you would have noticed that I have been busy adding some of our product line into the shop. A couple of the latest items I have add are some of our butterfly houses. Right now we have two butterfly houses listed. We have a bright and sunny Yellow and Green Butterfly House, and also a red, white and blue Patriotic Butterfly House. I must say that either one would be an inviting home for any butterflies fluttering around your yard.

I have also added a bunch of bird feeders and bird houses to our Etsy shop too. I still have a lot of products left to list, so make sure you keep on checking back to see our latest additions.

I'll be barking to you later!

Squirrel Condo!

2008-05-27T08:14:00.012-04:00

It is time to start adding some of the products that we have been working on for the last couple of months to our Etsy store. Just yesterday I listed one of our squirrel condos in our store. It is just what every squirrel in the world dreams about - having their own condominium! This lovely home has been constructed out of cedar. The rough side of the cedar is facing out to give the condo a more rugged looked. The bottom of the condo has been lined with wire mesh to help the squirrels clean out their home the natural way with debris and waste falling out of the bottom. The top is hinged in order to assist you with any of the larger cleaning jobs that the squirrels might need some help with. The inside of the box has been etched to help the little baby squirrels learn how to climb and assist them in their travels and out of the box. Any squirrel would be proud to call this one their home!

I should be heading back out to the shop now. I'll be barking to you later!

Rachel's Feast Report!

2008-05-25T21:06:00.007-04:00

Today was Merlin's Bark Products grand debut to the public at the 2nd Annual Rachel's Sustainable Feast. Unfortunately I wasn't able to break away from the office and join my workers at the feast, but I made sure that they reported back to me everything that went on. Here's the report I got back:

************
"What a perfect day for the event! The weather was spectacular. The setting was idyllic. And the crowd was full of some of the nicest people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting! We received a lot of positive feedback and suggestions from all of the people who stopped by our booth. We must have had about two dozen people stop by and ask about bat houses! It was a great experience and we are so glad that we were able to be a part of it."
************

I would like to give a bark-out to China Millman from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for including us in her wonderful preview story about the feast. Another bark-out goes to Tim Sweet and Fiona Fisher for inviting us to the event. Many thanks are in order for all of you!

And also, many thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth. And if you were one of the many who asked about our bat houses - I promise that we will be starting production right away.

I'll be barking to you later!

Final Countdown!

2008-05-22T08:21:00.007-04:00

Only two more days left until Merlin's Bark Products big debut at the 2nd Annual Rachel’s Sustainable Feast being held this Sunday. So much left to do and not much time left to do it in. And I must say that I have just been working my little bunny-butt off getting things ready for the feast!

I never really realized it, but a lot of work goes into getting ready for a show. There was a tent to buy, table cloths to get, a banner to have made, seller aprons to find - the list is almost endless! Since I know that there are a lot of other pups out there getting ready for upcoming craft/art shows, I thought it would be helpful if I posted a checklist of items that they should take along with them.

Merlin's Quick List of Craft/Art Show Necessaries:
*Tent
*Table cloths
*Banner with business name
*Tables (if not already supplied)
*Weights for tent
*Chairs
*Flyers and/or business cards
*Aprons for money/credit card slips
*Sales book
*Calculator
*ProPay account
*Knuckle-buster
*Credit card slips
*Credit card sign
*Cash for change
*Pens
*Paper
*Markers
*Scissors
*Stapler
*Extra price tags
*Shopping bags (nice paper ones with a handle)
*Display racks
*Snacks and drinks
*A camera to take pictures of your setup!

I am sure there are a number of other items that I am forgetting about right now, but these are just some of the bare basics that pups should take along with them. Feel free to add a comment of any other items that I might have forgotten about.

I'll be barking to you later!

Bird Cakes!

2008-05-20T08:14:00.009-04:00

Now before you get the wrong idea, I am not talking about making cakes (or pies) out of birds. I am talking about making cakes for birds! Since Merlin's Bark Products is adding pine cone feeders to our product line, I thought it would be nice to also offer a line of vegan suet cakes too. Our Sweet Birdie Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies are made with a good helping of extra crunchy peanut butter, whole wheat yellow corn meal, vegetable shortening, flour, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and other types of seeds. I am not sure how they taste, but they sure smell sinfully delicious!

Speaking of birds, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has a great story in their newspaper today on the peregrine falcon family living on top of the Gulf Tower downtown. The picture of the baby chicks mommy is amazing! She sure is big and beautiful. Good luck to her and her new babies. May they live long and fly fast!

I'll be barking to you later!

Pine Cone Feeders!

2008-05-18T16:45:00.010-04:00

While on vacation at the Outer Banks earlier this month, I stumbled upon some pretty awesome pine cones while hiking. They were huge! As soon as I saw them I thought to myself that I needed to figure out a way for Merlin's Bark Products to use the pine cones. After giving it some thought, I think I came up with a nifty idea for them. Just yesterday I starting using them to make some Seedy Peanut Butter Pine Cone Feeders. Okay, truth be told, I wasn't the one making the pine cone feeders. Even though I am the CEO, I am not allowed to get into the peanut butter. Something about my fur getting all sticky with peanut butter and how disgusting that would be. Oh, and something about the fact that the peanut butter probably would somehow be diverted into my tummy and not onto the pine cones....

Anyhow, the pine cones are being transformed into tasty treats for the birds and squirrels. They are getting a nice slathering of extra crunchy peanut and then are being rolled in sunflower, cracked corn, and other types of bird feed. We hung one of the pine cone feeders on our oak tree last night as a tester. And I must say that the birds seemed to be very pleased with the end result. I sure wouldn't have minded getting a lick or two on the pine cone myself!

Our Seedy Peanut Butter Pine Cone Feeders will be one of the many products Merlin's Bark Products will have available for sale at the 2nd Annual Rachel’s Sustainable Feast next Sunday. I hope everyone plans on stopping by our tent and checking out our products. Until then, I'll be barking to you later!

Deck Dog!

2008-05-15T08:27:00.011-04:00

Deck Dog. That was the new nickname I earned while vacationing in the Outer Banks last week. I quickly became a Deck Dog Master in no time at all. I developed the ability to lounge on a deck (any deck) for hours on end. It didn't matter if it was the 2nd floor deck, the 3rd floor deck, or the deck around the pool - if there was a deck I was lounging on it. Heck, I even lounged around the carport a couple of times too! I thought about getting a deck installed at home, but I realized that it would probably seriously interfere with my CEO'ing abilities. I would probably just lounge on the deck all day long and not even give a second thought to Merlin's Bark Products. You don't even have to be a CEO to know that lounging all day would not be good for business. Oh well, a pup can dream.

I'll be barking to you later!

Back to Work!

2008-05-13T08:20:00.009-04:00

Now that I have been back from vacation for a couple of days, I have to get back to CEO'ing. Though I am really tempted to extend my vacation for a little bit longer, I realize that I have to get back to work preparing for Merlin's Bark Products exhibit at the 2nd Annual Rachel’s Sustainable Feast on Sunday, May 25th. So much to do in so little time!

Before I get start CEO'ing this morning (and since I know that everyone is dying to hear about my vacation) I'll share one of my vacation adventure stories with you. As you can tell from the picture I was lucky and found all kinds of nifty things on the beach. While everyone else was looking for seashells and sand dollars, I was using my extra sensitive puppy nose to find the most interesting things that washed up on the beach. I was really excited about this fish skeleton I found. I actually tried to take it back to the beach house with me a couple of times, but nobody else seemed to think that was a good idea. I didn't see what the problem was. I mean, I get to chew on other kinds of bones all of the time and this one looked extra special. It was even lightly salted with the ocean water! At least I got a picture of me with my prized fish. And, I did get to nibble on it a couple times before getting dragged away from it....

Oh well, back to work for me. I'll be barking to you later!

Back From Vacation!

2008-05-11T21:19:00.007-04:00

I just got back from vacationing on the Outer Banks late yesterday afternoon - and I think I need another vacation to recuperate from my vacation! Vacation was wonderful though. I didn't think I would be able to do it, but I was actually able to forget about CEOing for a bit and relax. Sure it was hard, but after chasing a couple pelicans down the beach all of my stress just seemed to fly away along with the birds. I have lots of pictures I will share with you and things to report, but for right now I think I am just going to take a nice long nap.

I'll be barking to you later!

OBX or Bust!

2008-05-01T12:17:00.009-04:00

Since I've was appointed the CEO of Merlin's Bark Products a couple months ago I've done nothing but work my little bunny butt off day and night. And it is time for a much-deserved vacation at the beach! I will be heading off to the Outer Banks early Saturday morning with my family and our friends the Baileys (Mara, Jody, Lili, and Mat) for a week of fun in the sun. I know you all will miss my words of wisdom while I am gone, but be rest assured that I will be back with even better business insights. There is nothing like chasing a couple flocks of pelicans to help a pup clear his mind and help him make those hard business decisions that I am faced with. I will have to practice some of my doga exercises on the beach too.

I hate to bark and run, but I haven't even started packing for the trip yet! Not to meantion that I haven't even had to chance to decided what chews and toys I should take with me. I would like to take them all, but if I do that then there wont be any more room in car left for me.

I'll be barking to you later!

Rachel's Sustainable Feast

2008-04-29T12:15:00.010-04:00

On my last post I was sharing with everyone the exciting news about Merlin's Bark Products being invited to be exhibitors at the 2nd Annual Rachel's Sustainable Feast (which why I haven't been able to add any of our new creations to Merlin's Bark Products Etsy shop). Since everyone probably would love to go the festival (and drop by our booth), I figured that I should help spread the word on Rachel's Sustainable Feast. Here's some information I got off of The Rachel Carson Homstead Web site. I hope you find the information useful!

**************************
Rachel's Sustainable Feast
May 25 Rain or Shine; Noon to 5:00 p.m. – Bring your appetite for great local food and your love of the region to the 2nd annual Rachel's Sustainable Feast at the Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale, PA. The best of Pittsburgh's chefs committed to buying locally, more local farmers' markets, and as many of the region's great environment, conservation and fair-trade organizations and vendors as we can squeeze into the block party. The event is held in celebration of Rachel Carson's birthday (May 27) and helps connect people to all the great things going on in Pittsburgh's backyard.

This year we're challenging people to travel to the event in as sustainable a method as possible - walk, bike, paddle, bus, carpool, use alternative fuel. A guest celebrity will be giving out special prizes for the most innovative modes of travel. More details to come.

Organizing partners include big Burrito Restaurant Group, Parkhurst Dining Services, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Slow Food Pittsburgh and Whole Foods Market.

****************************

I'll be barking to you later!

New Products

2008-04-24T08:17:00.007-04:00

I’ve had some pups inquiring lately on when I will be adding new products to Merlin’s Bark Products Etsy shop. They had participated in my online vote for butterfly house colors weeks ago and have been waiting to see the end results in our Etsy store. Well, I would like to reassure everyone that all of the employees at Merlin’s Bark Products have been as busy as Santa’s elves at Christmas time for the past three weeks. We have created a number of butterfly houses, birdhouses, bird feeders, and even some elevated dog bowls. Unfortunately, though, I decided that it wasn’t possible for us to add any of our new products to our Etsy store until June. I know it is very frustrating, but it was one of those tough CEO decisions that I had to make. I am very excited though about the fantastic reason why we wont be able to list any of our new items.

A couple weeks ago, Merlin’s Bark Products was invited to be an exhibitor at the 2nd Annual Rachel’s Sustainable Feast. I have never been so excited about being invited to something my whole life! Well, not counting being invited to cookouts, picnics, and vacations at the beach. Anyhow, everything that my little elves have been creating for the past couple of weeks will finally be revealed to the public at Rachel’s Sustainable Feast. I hope to see everyone there on May 25th!

I’ll be barking to you later!

Earth Day

2008-04-22T08:13:00.005-04:00

Since today is Earth Day, I thought that I would share with you some helpful tips on what you can do to help make Mother Earth a better place.

* Replace (3) frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs – reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds a year
* Car pool, use public transportation or drive a fuel efficient car – reduce your carbon footprint by 1 pound for every mile you do not drive
* Keep your tires properly inflated and get better gas mileage – reduce your carbon footprint another 20 pounds for each gallon of gas saved
* Change your car's air filter regularly
* Run your dishwasher only when it’s full
* Make sure your printer paper is 100% post consumer recycled
* Move your heater thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the
summer – reduce your carbon footprint by 2,000 pounds
* Keep your water heater insulated and the thermostat no higher than 120°F
* Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended
* Take shorter showers because showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs
* Use a low-flow showerhead because less water means less energy to heat the water – reduce your carbon footprint 350 pounds a year
* Use cold water to wash your clothes – reduce your carbon footprint by 500 pounds a year
* Buy locally and reduce the amount of energy required to drive your products to your store
* Buy products with less packaging and recycle paper, plastic and glass – reduce your garbage by 10% and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by 1,200 pounds a year
* Plant a tree because trees suck up carbon dioxide and make clean air for us to breath
* Buy energy efficient appliances
* Weatherize and insulate your home, and consider double pane windows
* Turn off what you’re not using and even unplug electronics you’re not using – reduce your carbon footprint by thousands of pounds a year
* Buy organic food because the chemicals used in modern agriculture pollute the water supply, and require energy to produce

Now get outside and plant a tree. I'll be barking to you later!

8-Years Old!

2008-04-17T13:17:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is my 8th birthday! I can’t believe it. It seems just like yesterday that I was an impressionable young pup running around the yard without a care in the world. Now I am the big CEO of Merlin’s Bark Products and I am faced with making major business decisions every day. I sure have come a long way since my younger puppy days of chewing on table legs, ripping the fabric off of a couch and loveseat, peeing on newspapers, putting everything that I found in my mouth, being carried everywhere – ah, those were the days! I will post some of my baby pictures this weekend so you can see just what an adorably cute pup I was. Not that I am not still adorably cute mind you…

Anyhow, I think my parents are planning a huge birthday celebration for me tomorrow. I overheard them talking about having to purchase a tent for an event. They tried to make it seem like it was for the 2nd Annual Rachel’s Sustainable Feast – which Merlin’s Bark Products has been invited to be an exhibitor at – but I think they were just saying that ‘cause I walked into the room. I hope there will be cake and ice cream. I just love cake and ice cream!

I hope to see you all at my party! I'll be barking to you later!