Welcoming the New Year 2012!

So here we are staring the New Year in its face. I feel 2012 will be a good year, filled of new projects and witnessing some success of old ones. I look forward to all the possibilities that another year brings! I have the usual resolutions, like lose a few pounds, exercise more, eat better food and partake in random acts of kindness. These may all be standard for most folks, unless you believe in the Mayan calendar then just party like its 1999!

Ozzie has a few New Years resolutions of his own. He will try to eat only the best food for his own personal diet and stay away from pizza crust and Moo Goo Gai Pan! More exercise like activity is on the agenda for him as well but who is to say that hopping up on the couch is not exercise! Of course he is resolute in taking more power naps to sharpen his canine brain. He happens to be working on that right now!

We hope that you all find some resolutions that you can keep like Ozzie and have a healthy, happy wonderful New Year!

Here is an insightful article on 13 New Year's resolutions for dog owners from Dogster.com

Sit Ozzie ...Please!

Ozzie is still recovering from the holidays! We had friends and family over and tons of food. Uncle Freddie held back a bit and didn't feed Ozzie any banana cream pie this time! We also had a canine guest this year. My brother's girlfriend, Bonnie, brought along her miniature Australian Shepherd, Rosie. She is a very intelligent dog and understands a whole slew of commands! Bonnie trains and shows dogs with Rosie being her pride and joy! Ozzie was friendly towards Rosie but didn't seem too impressed by her litany of tricks.

After all Ozzie does know "sit" and "paw" but didn't care to show off.

This is how it goes, the difference between a mini Aussie Shepherd and an English Bulldog following commands:

"Roll over Rosie!"

"Here you go, was that good enough? I will do it again if you want!"

"Roll over Ozzie!"

"What? Roll over? Let me think about that and get back to you. I don't normally do that unless I have just finished my nap. My people will call your people."

You gotta love that bulldog attitude!

Finally Friday and the Eve of the Eve

Time is a wasting as I still have loose ends in my shopping to tie up! This holiday scene comes and goes so fast! Ozzie is anticipating more goodies to eat though I have to keep a better eye on him. He seems to dabble in foods that he shouldn't at holiday gatherings.

We attempted to get Ozzie to pose by the Christmas tree but he really wasn't happy about it. I think he thought he looked like a court jester in his Christmas collar but I like it!

Well I better get a move on the day, Santa will be here before you know it!

Ozzie and I would like to wish you all a joyous Christmas and Hanukkah and a healthy, happy New Year!

Down Wind Wednesday

At your own risk!

I think Ozzie is feeling a bit better today. Though I feel the chicken and rice diet along with the Pepcid has created a new problem. Ozzie is a bit constipated and has really awful gas. Not that having gas is unusual for bulldogs. They are prolific producers of farts. This bout of gas is exceptional and constant.

Perhaps a little fiber will help. I will try giving Ozzie some canned pumpkin later on. (Not the one for pie filling but the plain pumpkin puree.) In the meantime we have a lot of holiday candles that have some wonderful scents. Perhaps they will mask the noxious fumes coming from Oz's bulldog butt!

In the meanwhile check out this Youtube video of one doggie who knocks over the family Christmas tree. Bet he ends up with coal in his stocking after this fiasco!

http://youtu.be/cDMwO6axHag

Seasonal Tummy Woes for the Oz

The holiday season has kicked off with a bang or should I say with a yak! "Yak" as in throwing up! Ozzie was apparently the victim of some" not meant for dogs" holiday food or a good ole stomach virus since last night!

Poor Oz, I didn't even realize he was sick last night. When I took him out in the morning I saw the evidence in the yard. When I got back inside the "evidence" was also on my rug. A couple of hours later he was looking to go outside again and just as I let him out he threw up all over the deck!

I called the vet and they told me to bring him right in. Ozzie was not a happy camper to say the least when I tried to get him in the car to go to the vets! When we there Dr Tracey examined him, feeling his gut and listening to his heart. All seemed right on that front but she recommended giving him some fluids under his skin ( subcutaneously) to aid in re-hydrating him and some meds for his stomach. When the 2 vet technicians came in with needle in hand Ozzie made a dash for underneath the examining table. They tried to get him to cooperate but he was having no part of getting stuck! Then they decided to take him in the back where they do all the testing since it's an open space. Maybe he wouldn't feel so cornered.

They came back 10 minutes later, successful, and Ozzie had a big water hump between his shoulders. Dr Tracey also warned me if I found him vomiting and retching away and nothing being produced that it could be signs of bloat. That is a potentially serious problem where the stomach actually twists and could become fatal if not treated right away! (Bulldogs are predisposed to this) She then told me to keep an eye on him and gave us some Pepcid for him to take at home and call her in the morning.

The Oz was sure glad to get out of there and when we arrived home he nibbled on grass for 40 minutes in the yard! He is sleeping right now ( thank goodness ) and he will be getting white rice and boiled chicken for dinner!

So as the lesson of the day goes, watch your dog around holiday parties and make sure they aren't sneaking snicker doodles on the sly.

Finally Friday and Ain't Gonna Wear It!

It's already the 16th and I still have a lot of Christmas shopping still staring me in the face. I don't know what happens to me when I get into a mall. My head empties of any thoughts of presents for friends and family and I end up shopping for myself. Not very productive for the holidays I know!

We are planning to go into the city this weekend and see the tree at Rockefeller Center and all the other holiday sights that make New York City such a magical place during the Christmas season! I look forward to it every year and hopefully it's not too cold, though you just have to dress for warmth not fashion! ( Always challenging for us ladies somehow!) I can hear my husband say now "Why didn't you wear your thermal underwear underneath that?" "Because a cami looks a lot nicer!" Ah, Venus versus Mars!

I tried again this year to get Ozzie to wear his Santa hat, but no luck. I was sneaking up on him as he was napping when he peeked out and freaked out! He must smell it as soon as I take it out from the attic!

Oh well, here is hoping you get all your shopping done and have some holiday fun this weekend!

Lunch Break

I am on the outside looking in. I see you making lunch, don't think you can shut me out from begging and drooling at your feet. Let me in, let me in! Arf!

Safe and Jolly for the Holidays

Ho ho ho! give me bulliesticks!

Ho ho and ring-a-ling and all that kind of holiday stuff. I am sure I will be dashing through the mall again today to get a handle on my Christmas shopping. Ozzie will be doing his usual napping and keeping an eye on things while I am out.

Just a few safety tips for your pets during the holidays ahead. Other than the usual foods that are no no's , chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts etc. there are decorations and plants that present hazards to your pooch. Poinsettia, Mistletoe and Holly can cause indigestion, nausea and diarrhea just for starters. Do yourself a favor and get the fake version if you must have them.

The water in the Christmas tree can cause digestion upset since the tree can contain fertilizers and stagnant tree water can harbor all types of bacteria. ( I know my cat use to love drinking the tree water for some reason!)

Also keep all the glass ornaments up high on O Tannenbaum, since rough little bulldogs have the tendency to plough by and knock all the bottom decorations off. We don't need shattered glass around! Below is a helpful link to holiday hazards for pups that you can refer to.

Well I am off to shop. Wish me luck Oz. Oz...? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Holiday Hazards for Pets

Finally Friday and a Shopping We Will Go!

I am desperately trying to jump start my Christmas shopping which is sorely behind schedule. I haven't ordered a thing yet except a 2012 bulldog calendar (see below) for my husband! I went to the Christmas Tree Shop yesterday and was able to get a few small items, though after spending 27.00 there I am not sure what the heck I bought! Its the kind of place that if you don't have a specific agenda for you end up just grabbing everything that appeals because its so cheap! I did manage to get Ozzie a bone shaped stuffed toy. He had one of them last year that he use to rest his head on until he got crazy one day and ripped it up! They are only 4.99 there and I caved in and gave it to him yesterday. Oh well, maybe I should put it away and give it back on Christmas day?!

I am trying to find a few gifts that may be good fun for the doggies that have been nice not naughty this year. Check out some of the items that I posted pictures of and see links below to shop for them and other items! I will be suggesting more gift ideas during the 15 days, 15 hours and 52 minutes left until Christmas. ( but who's counting?!)

Have a great weekend and also Happy Hanukkah to all who are celebrating!

2012 Calendar Southern California Bulldog Rescue

Sushi Squeaker Dog Toy Set

The Animal Rescue Site - Last Day of Free Shipping

L L Bean -They have wonderful beds and supplies for dogs and the shipping is free!

A interesting item for your pup to gnaw on, Antlers check it out!

A Clean Start

There is a particular bulldog I know that is smelling a bit better these days. That bulldog would be Ozzie after his much needed bath. We went back to Petsmart this time. They are a little bit cheaper than the local groomer and I thought with the money I saved I could get Ozzie a toy or treat of some kind. Of course as usual once we were there he had to be dragged into the back where the bathing takes place. I felt bad after I laughed at the bulldog butt that was holding onto the tile floor for dear life as he was lead to the door. It was a funny looking sight but I am sure not too funny to the Oz.

When I returned a couple of hours later he was beaming. All nicely coifed he didn't want to leave the groomer, Judy's side. She said it must of been the California massage that he received. Hey who wouldn't want to go after that?! We had to lure him out of the groomers room with a biscuit. From there he marched directly to check out clerk where he knew there were more treats to be had. Who wouldn't leave there until he received his fair share of biscuits. If Ozzie could reach the register he would probably get a job there no problem!

Today Ozzie is just going to rest and take it easy after his ordeal at the groomers. Hey it's not easy on a guy to have to be groomed and massaged all day long!

Santa and Ozzie

Ozzie had his picture taken with Santa on Saturday. A Visit with Santa Paws was held at the animal hospital where Ozzie goes to see Dr. Tracey. There were many other dogs there all waiting to have their turn to sit with the man with the white beard!

Ozzie seemed less than thrilled. I think he thought he was there to get a shot or something rather than just to have his picture taken. I told Ozzie this was his big opportunity to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas, though I think I heard him say he wanted "nice homes for all animals without one and peace on earth ...oops and don't forget a dozen bully sticks!"

Finally Friday and Lets Get Shopping!

So we are in full swing for the Christmas season! The tree is lit in Rockefeller Center and the race is on for completing ones holiday shopping. I have found Christmas cards with English Bulldog puppies on the front that are ador-a-bull. They were only $5.00 for a box of 18 cards at Target! Such a buy! Now if I could only write them out and mail them!

Ozzie seems to have no sense of urgency in getting anything done for the holidays. He just spends his spare time laying around instead of shopping or wrapping gifts. At least on Saturday he is getting his picture taken with Santa. I wish he had his bath before then but we couldn't make his appointment until Tuesday. Hopefully Santa won't mind a stinky bulldog too much!

Here is hoping you all have a chance to visit with Santa this weekend like the Oz!

The New and Improved Bulldog?

There was an article about English Bulldogs in a recent edition of the New York Times. It discussed the breeds pitfalls and how there is an effort underway to bring about serious changes in the bulldog. They do have a plethora of health problems ranging from respiratory to skin infections to eye ailments etc etc! I am all for improving the genetics of the breed. It would make for a healthier dog and would result in less suffering for the animal and its owner. Some say it would take away the cuteness factor. I don't think so, as long as they have the same loving temperament I could live with the physical changes.

Ozzie has commented that he feels he is a perfect specimen of a bulldog. Perhaps in Ozzie's world he is but just talk to his vet and my checking account. They will give you a different opinion!

Don't worry Oz we love you just the way you are!

Can the Bulldog be Saved?

Cyber Bulldog Monday

With the Thanksgiving holiday behind us we are back to routine! With that brings the excitement of the Christmas season. It was so warm this weekend we put up our Christmas lights so to avoid doing it next week when the weather reverts back to its normal cold self!

Ozzie enjoyed the weather that enabled him to sit on the front porch and bathe in the sun's warmth. Everybody that walked by stop to pet him and he just gobbled up all the attention! (Pardon the turkey pun!)

Speaking of the Christmas season, today is Cyber Monday. The day when many folks get great deals online and put a dent in their holiday shopping. Not a bad idea to sit at home and press a few buttons to buy presents versus trying to find a parking spot at the mall that doesn't require a two mile hike to the entrance! I am still not sure who wants what and I really have to get with the program and become a motivated shopper!

Here are a few sites to do some shopping for our furry friends. Hope you all get some great deals without ever changing out of your pajamas today! Unless you are at work, then it would be a good idea to get dressed!

http://www.fetchdog.com

http://www.barkingdeals.com/

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com

http://www.coolbluedog.com/

Finally Black Friday

Ozzie is snoring away this morning, still sleeping off his turkey hangover I suppose! He was fed tempting holiday morsels from guests yesterday and mostly from Uncle Freddie, so today I think its back to dog food exclusively!

Today is the infamous Black Friday where people lose their minds and wait on endless lines in the middle of the night freezing their fannies off. Well there is no useless gadget, flat screen TV or toy that I need to have that much, so I will just stay in today and clean up after yesterday's festivities. I plan to do most of my shopping online if possible so this way I don't have to fight the crowds at the mall. Ozzie has yet to give me his Christmas wish list for 2011, but I suspect there will be the usual requests of bullie sticks and nylabones. I have attached a site that has great deals for dogs and offers free shipping, its Barking Deals.com. I think I will shop there today from the comfort of my laptop!

The town Christmas Parade is tonight and it will culminate with the lightening of the Christmas tree down by the circle. I was going ask Ozzie if he wanted to go but parades are not his thing. He rather stay put and watch them on TV!

Good luck for those venturing out to the malls and enjoy your long weekend.

http://www.barkingdeals.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Count down to T-Day! I suspect a lot of folks have last minute rushing around to either get ready for Thanksgiving dinner or travel to grandma's house. I tried to get Ozzie into the holiday spirit with a turkey hat I bought from the Christmas Store but he really wasn't digging it at all! "Give me the real stuff, not some dumb turkey hat!" he protested.

Speaking of protesting I really am not happy with the idea of stores opening up on Thanksgiving evening. It takes away from the sprit of the holiday. Thanksgiving is not about shopping for cheap gadgets and gotta have toys, its about celebrating gratitude for what we have and the friends and family that join us on that day. Once again, corporate America has cheapened the meaning of the holidays. Though I suppose there are those people who validate their philosophy and will line up out there at midnight when the doors open to get that great deal, whatever it may be!

Please remember to watch your pets and make sure that Uncle Billy doesn't feed them anything he shouldn't and also to think of those animals in shelters and make a donation to those who really are in need.

Below is link from the ASPCA giving you safety tips for your pets during the Thanksgiving holiday, and from Ozzie and our family to yours...Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Bull Dog Therapy

I usually post on Mondays but I came down with a lousy cold and was somewhat incapacitated yesterday. I went to the doctor who confirmed that my throat was a rosy red and told me to buy some over the counter medication. For a thirty dollar copay I wish I had gotten a little more help than that! I went home after the doctors and decided to lay down for a little while. As soon as I got on the couch, Ozzie decided to join me. There we snoozed away and when I got up I must say I felt a little better. I will contribute it to bulldog therapy.

I have got to get going and finish my shopping for Thursday. I have 20 people coming over for Thanksgiving dinner and haven't done much. Off to the grocery store to get my fresh turkey!

Finally Friday and So Long Regis!

I am very distracted this morning because I am watching Regis's final day on "Live with Regis and Kelly". He has been a morning staple in this household for many years as I assume many others across America. Ozzie is usually taking his morning nap by 9:00 AM most times so he misses the show altogether. Anyway it's sad to see him go and I am not sure if Kelly sans Regis will be something I would want to tune in to every morning. (Besides I was more a Kathy Lee Gifford fan!) Good luck Regis. thanks for all the memories and enjoy your "Second Act"!

Anyway that being said I have to get shopping and ready the house for Thanksgiving next week. We are having roughly 20 people coming which means one big turkey! Ozzie will be taking his spot under the dining room table waiting patiently for the fallout! I am also getting a package together for the boy scouts who are collecting for the food pantry in town which has gotten very low on provisions lately. For the holidays we need to keep in mind to donate or give our time to those not as fortunate as ourselves. That includes our furry friends too. Animal shelters are in great need right now, so any donations monetary or supplies are very much appreciated!

Have a super weekend all!

P.S. Sorry about the picture placement. Blogger is not allowing me to move or delete the photos or maybe its me?

Eat or not to Eat!

Please don't eat the daisies!

Since the holidays are on the horizon and we are going to have all sorts of goodies in the pantry I thought it may be a good time to review all things food that are not good for our doggies.

I know Ozzie likes to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables (variety is the spice of life!) but there are some things that fall in this category that are no-no's. You most likely know of the dangers of grapes and raisins, they can be toxic to your dog and onions and garlic can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. ( Onion being the bigger offender of the two.)

As far as turkey goes, never give cooked bones from a turkey to your pet, they can splinter and cause severe damage to their intestinal track. As far as that yummy crispy skin from the bird do not be tempted to offer that because that causes acute pancreatitis and at the very least will upset his tummy!

I have attached a link that gives a list of items to avoid. In the meanwhile I have to a make more Thanksgiving meatballs for Oz since his Grandpa finished off his for lunch the other day!

http://www.risingwoods.org/OURFAMILY/THEDOGS/knowntoxicfoodsfordogs.htm

Thanksgiving Treat for Your Pup

"Yummo!"

Happy Monday all! I wanted to share a recipe I tried out on the Oz this weekend, Thanksgiving meatballs . It's for the holidays or any day for that fact. It's quick and easy and requires a few simple ingredients.

1 pound of ground turkey

1 egg, beaten

handful of dried cranberries

1 slice of whole wheat bread

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a cookie sheet lined with foil and spread a little olive oil on the foil so the meatballs won't stick. Mix together the turkey with the cranberries. Take the bread and moisten it in the beaten egg, ( you may want to add a little water to stretch the egg) then break it up and add to the turkey mix along with the remaining egg. Make meatballs at your desired size. Arrange them on the cookie sheet and bake them in the oven for about 20 - 25 minutes.

Once they are cooled serve them to your favorite pooch. It's a great way for them to enjoy a little taste of Thanksgiving. Ozzie gives them two paws up!

P.S. to this post:

One thing I may add to this recipe. After storing in a container, carefully label it. Example; "Fidos Meatballs". If not someone may come along like Ozzie's Grandpa and eat them for lunch. Sorry Oz!

Finally Friday and Happy Veterans Day!

Another week has flown by and here we are. We have no particular plans for the weekend which is sometimes a good thing (like Martha would say) Maybe I will finally get to making those Pumpkin doggie cookies!

The leaves are at their peak here and with the windy brisk weather of today they are taking flight! Many neighborhood trees have suffered damage from the freak snow storm the other week, so their display is not as dazzling as it would be with missing branches and all!

Ozzie and I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to all who have served this great country! Not to be forgotten on this day are the dogs that courageously served in the armed forces. They too have made the sacrifice and along side their human counterparts and have served bravely over the years. If you want to read about dogs in the military check out The United States War Dog Association.

In the meantime Ozzie has prepared a little speech for this special day, take it away Oz!

Ahem...On this Veteran's Day let us remember the service of our veterans and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free!

Very nice Oz! Everyone have a great weekend!

Catch That Labrador!

Phew! What a very exciting morning in the neighborhood! I had noticed a lot of commotion outside in front of our house as I sat at my desk. I then saw kids chasing after something down the street. It was a big brown lab galloping along Cleveland Ave! As the kids left for school the dog made his mad escape out the front door! I went outside to see what I could do. With doggie treat in hand I made my way towards the wily young pup. I approached him slowly and he ran to me. Yikes this dog was big at least 90 pounds and jumped up at me in uncontrollable, slobbering puppy like enthusiasm! I managed to hang onto his collar as a neighbor of mine lured him with her unwilling beagle who was just trying to do his business. He followed her for several steps than took off in the other direction towards the Boulevard! I ran home to get my car keys to follow the runaway pooch. As I circled the block I saw the kids and they pointed down the block. I went to the main street hoping not to find a doggy disaster when I saw a police car. I pulled up to him and excitedly told him about the wandering Lab. Then I noticed him sitting in the back seat of the car. The cop was way ahead of me and was on his way to return him to his owner.

When I get back to the house, Ozzie was comfortably snoring away enjoying his morning nap on the couch. I knew what Ozzie was thinking, "Dumb a-- dog!" I have to agree!

Messy Monday and Poo on my Shoe

Ozzie went visiting this weekend to see his buddies Harley and Tank. It's been a while since he has been there, ( last summer?) and I think Harley may have forgotten about him and was a little leery of the Oz. Let's face it, if you never see any other dogs other than your Labradoodle brother and all of a sudden this flat faced dog built like a fire hydrant shows up at your door it can be kind of frightening. Especially if you are only a 12 pound Pomeranian-Chihuahua. Ozzie just wanted to play so he chased Harley around who was not liking it one bit! Tank stepped in to bark at Ozzie to stop like the good big brother he is. They seemed to work things out in their own canine fashion and the boys were all "chillin" together at the end of the evening.

I found out the leaves on the ground in our yard make the perfect camouflage for poop! It becomes a game of sorts where you are challenged to find the hidden kabobs. I definitely lost the game the other day when I thought I knew the exact location of Ozzie's morning constitutional. I walked back into the garage and found a very unpleasant surprise on the bottom of my shoe! Perhaps this is a game all dog owners are playing at the moment. Inspiration to keep up with cleaning the yard of dog doo I suppose. Though I swore I heard Ozzie snickering when I discovered the mess on my shoe! Watch were you step and have a great day!

Finally Friday and Turn it Back!

Ozzie is looking forward to a relaxing weekend, (what weekend is not relaxing?). The weather this time around should be wonderful! No snowstorms in our forecast! The Northeast is still recovering from last Saturday's storm which brought down thousands of branches and trees along with that many electrical wires! Some folks still patiently wait for their power to be restored while power companies work around the clock to get things back to normal. Most people have furnaces that require electric to operate them so that means no heat for them as well! We were lucky and only experienced a momentary dimming of our power.

I want to mention a story that has been in the news this week about contaminated pet food that may be making pet owners sick. Not that they decided to eat kibble alongside Fido but the handling of the food and then touching ones mouth could transmit salmonella. The FDA announced they would be testing dog and cat food, along with feed for rodents, reptiles, fish and birds. Testing samples will be collected from major retail and wholesale pet food companies, including, but not limited to, PetCo, PetSmart, Walmart and Target.

Now what can you do in the meantime to keep your family safe? First of all the salmonella does not affect your pet so don't worry on that count it's only cross contamination that occurs in handling the pet food that affects humans. Here are some tips to help ensure you avoid this scenario all together.

Tips when purchasing food

Buy packaged pig ears, avoid bulk bins

Do not buy food with damaged packaging

Store pet foods in cool dry place under 80 degrees

Save original packing material for label and date codes

Avoid raw food diets

How to avoid illness

Prepare pet food away from human prep or bathroom areas

Wash hands after feeding pets

Discourage at risk individuals from preparing pet food (small children, elderly, immunocompromised)

Disinfect pet bowls regularly

Ozzie wants to rent a movie this weekend and he is thinking of Turner and Hooch which is a pretty good choice. I haven't seen it in a long time and Ozzie will probably like it, though I have a feeling he has seen it before. Whatever movie you watch over the weekend, enjoy and don't forget to turn back your clocks one hour Saturday night before you go to bed!

King of the Couch

This is the usual routine for us here at the Ozzie residence. I take the couch cushions off so I can get in there with the vacuum and clean up the piles of dog hair left behind from our favorite canine. Ozzie in much anticipation to get back on his beloved couch cannot wait and sits there, sans cushions! In the process of this he leaves more hair behind for me to pick up! Thanks Oz!

P.S. For those of you wondering what Ozzie wore for Halloween, it wasn't much. With the snow and all I just didn't feel in the mood and neither did Ozzie. He ended up wearing a dog-bone patterned bandana and anxiously answered the door each time the kids rang for trick-or-treat. The kids were so thrilled that a bulldog answered the door and supervised the candy being doled out that it didn't matter much what he wore!

Happy Howl-o-Ween!

We are starting off our day with snow covered ground and freezing temps. No it's not Christmas time but Halloween! Who would of thought we would get 5 inches of snow the weekend before Halloween? The trees have barely changed color and now they have been assaulted by wind and snow, the likes of mid-January! Many trees in our neighborhood have broken branches from the weight of the snow on the leafed limbs! That has also resulted in power outages all over. We were lucky enough to of been spared unlike some of our neighbors who have no power until at least Wednesday of this week!

I wonder how this will affect the trick or treaters later on this afternoon? It's suppose to be in the 50's today so it shouldn't be cold. Just a strange juxtaposition to see costumed kids against a snowy back ground! I am just going to throw Ozzie's pirate cape on him and say he is Prince of the Bulldogs, since he looks so regal in it! I am not sure Oz will cooperate at this point but it's my best shot. As far as dressing up your pet it's probably not recommended unless your doggie is a real diva and enjoys it. I think most dogs are like Ozzie and rather go au natural!

Have a great fun filled Halloween!

Here are some safety tips below from the Humane Society for our pets.

• Keep pets safely inside, away from trick-or-treaters and other Halloween activities to ensure they don't become frightened or feel threatened at the sight of noisy, costumed children
• Cats, especially black ones, may be the target of pranksters. Black cat owners are advised to keep their cats safely indoors during the Halloween season
• Frequently opened doors provide a perfect opportunity for escape, which can go unnoticed during all the commotion. Consider keeping your cat in a separate room with the door closed. For dogs, preventing access to the door can be as simple as keeping them attached to a leash, putting them in crates or confining them to another room with baby gates. Be sure all pets wear collars with ID tags in case of accidental escape. Of course, microchipping your pet is the best way to ensure your pet's return should he escape
• Keep candy out of your pet's reach. Candy can be harmful to pets and chocolate is toxic and potentially life-threatening to cats, dogs and ferrets
• Keep pets away from decorations. Flames in jack-o-lanterns and candles can quickly singe, burn or set fire to a pet's fur. Pets can become tangled in hanging decorations like streamers and can choke on some decorations if they chew on them
• Resist the urge to put your furry friend in a costume. Most pets dislike the confinement of costumes and masks. A printed bandanna or fun collar can be just as cute and often more comfortable for your pet
• Don't bring the family dog along for trick-or-treating. Dogs may become difficult to handle during the noise and confusion of the festivities. A lost dog bite will quickly end your Halloween fun

Finally Friday and Let it Snow?

Yup the weather forecast is calling for rain changing to snow on Saturday with a possible 1 - 3 inch accumulation in the NYC metropolitan area. Up north in Sussex County NJ where our friends, Terri and Dan and their doggies Tank and Harley live, they are predicting 4-8 inches of the white stuff! When was the last time it snowed before Halloween. Can't say I recall that happening .....ever! So much for global warming!

It certainly ruins plans we had for Saturday night. We always go into the city the Saturday night before Halloween to take our own spooky ghost tour of historic and infamously haunted sites. We usually end up at some point at McSorley's the oldest bar in the city. Believe me it looks it too! The bartenders are a bunch of characters that dress up for Halloween and serve beer three fisted at a time to tables. The walls are covered with memorbilia from over the years and the foot railing at the bar has Houdini's handcuffs attached to it. Yes the place certainly has a haunted quality about it. Well we may have to hunker down Saturday night and watch the snow fall while watching a scary movie or two instead!

I am sure Ozzie will be surprised by the snow. I anticipate it won't hang around long since Sunday will be sunny and in the 50's but enough for Ozzie to make it yellow in spots! Still working on Ozzie's costume idea for Monday. I like my son's idea of dressing Oz as a gangster and calling him Al Cabone, but I am not that creative and can't sew a stitch so it's not going to happen! Though the visual is amusing!

Well here is hoping you all have better weather than due us here in the northeast this weekend!

Smile and Say Cheese...Then Eat It!

Cheese! Ok I said it, now give me some Provolone!

I found what I believe is to be a good deal on Barking Deals.com. It's for Flavor Tek Dental Spray for dogs. It's all natural and not only does it give your pup better smelling breath, it helps combat tartar and keeps gums healthy. ( So they say! ) It's on sale for 13.99 for a 4 oz spray bottle, regularly 39.99 with free shipping. The offer is good for only 4 days so if your interested you best get shopping. I am going to try the product on Ozzie and report the results. Brushing his teeth is challenging at best and he is not the most cooperative dog when it comes to brushing. He constantly is trying to eat the dog toothpaste, usually chicken flavored, as if it was some pate appetizer I am serving him. Not that I will stop the brushing but this spray may make my life easier and Ozzie's breath fresher!

Flea is a Crowd - Mike Rowe, Chuck and a Flea

Ozzie and I have been invited by Norvartis Animal Health to check out their latest product for flea and heartworm protection, Sentinel Flavor tabs.

Even though the cooler weather has arrived there are still fleas that lurk outdoors and we must continue to give our dogs protection against the nasty buggers. Not only do they make our pets miserable but they invade our homes, hiding in bedding, carpets, furniture and even the floorboards of your home. Following are some revolting flea facts:

• Adult fleas represent just 5% of the flea festation-the other 95% are the egss, maggot like larve and pupae hiding in your home. (Yuck)
• A female flea can lay 50 eggs every day-as many as 2000 eggs in her two to three month life cycle. (busy little fleas aren't they?)
• Larvae are repelled by light and burrow into the carpet, fabric, cracks and crevices (Ewwh)

Sentinel has enlisted the nations most experienced authority on dirty situations, Mike Rowe the host of The Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs" to lead the campaign to educate the public about fleas. Mike is experienced with all things messy is no stranger to bugs. "I've been biten by just about evey parasite on the planet." he said. "Bed bugs, lice, ticks, leaches...I even had a tapeworm for a while."

Mike has made a series of videos for the campaign with his best friend Chuck, a Burmese Mountain dog who gives us advice on flea and tick control. Chuck by the way talks and is 6 feet tall but you will see for yourself! Ozzie finds the videos amusing but thinks that Mike's dog Chuck is too much of a neat freak.

Sentinel Flavor Tabs are only available through your vet and your dog must be tested for heartworm before medication is administered.