No matter what the temperatures are outside, our dogs and cats love when we take the time to play with them.  Of course, for me, when it is really hot I don’t want to exert too much energy so I like to get toys I can throw for our dogs to bring back and toys that get our cat’s curiosity so they want to play.

My dog’s favorite toys are the Kyjen Egg Babies plush toy that comes in several different animal styles such as alligator, duck, dinosaur, platypus, & sea turtle to name a few.

You see they have 3 “eggs” inside of them which are plush egg looking toys with a squeaker plus the Egg Babies come with 2 additional eggs for replacements.  Somehow all the dogs know that there are “eggs” inside of the bigger toy and they love to get them out.  We’ll stuff the “eggs” back inside the toy which starts the process all over again.

A really quirky toy for our cats is the Savvy Tabby Skittery Spiders.  They are small toys about 2 ½” long with a pull cord on the end of them.  You just pull that cord and the spiders vibrate and move which, of course with a cat, definitely gets their attention.  They are just funny looking little toys with these sparkly string-like legs that attract the cat’s attention, also.  You will be able to sit there and pull the cord time after time while the cat tries to figure it out.

In case you really don’t want to exert much energy, you just can’t go wrong with the Laser Exercise Beam for dogs & cats.  This toy has a red beam and an LED white light that can be used as a flashlight plus it is attached to a key chain so you can keep it handy at all times. There is a hilarious video of my store manager playing the laser game with his bulldog. You can see the laser beam video on the store’s website.

You push the button down and a red dot appears on whatever object you are pointing toward and then the fun begins.  Our cat, Tommy, and my employee’s dog, Ellie, go nuts trying to catch the red dot.  Your pet will run and run and jump up and down to catch it and you can be comfortable in your chair the whole time if you want!

Now you have some great toys to purchase for your dogs & cats which are fun not only for your pet but also for you!

It is always fun to reminisce about the different dogs & cats I have had in my life.  When I was young, my family took in a beagle that was found near a country club & we later adopted a cocker spaniel from neighbors who were moving away and couldn’t take him with them.

As a young adult I chose schnauzer and sheltie puppies. A lab/retriever mix became a Christmas present for my children. Then there was a procession of 5 shih tzu pups (not at one time!) with the last one being our daughter’s little Meisha who did not like living in the big city.  There have been 15 cats in a variety of black & white, tabby and blue Russian.

There are those of you who have had more pets in your lives or possibly less, but the love and care of our pets are pretty consistent.  We want to make sure they have their shots and heartworm pills.  The right food is high on our list for creating a healthy body & coat for our pets.  Who doesn’t love to get the endless supply of toys along with the crate or bed so they can be comfortable!

Those are the easier and fun things to do for our pets but then we have the more difficult part of pet ownership to deal with.  I’m specifically speaking about dealing with the “accidents” our pets leave on the floor!

Whether the pet is in the process of being potty trained, has an “accident” due to some stress, an older pet that has trouble controlling themselves, or just some odd reason a well behaved pet starts acting out, we all struggle with the cleanup and getting the odor out of the carpet.  Every time I saw a new product for just this purpose, I quickly purchased it and just as quickly was disappointed in the inability to get the smell out.

Through the years I have struggled with this issue and at one time just wanted to have wood floors throughout the house.  But my husband only wanted carpet in the bedroom.  Of course, that is where our 3 small dogs and 1 cat like to hang out with us, so if there is a problem, it generally happens there.

You’re in trouble?

When one of my vendors was talking to me about a new product, all she said was “You’re in trouble”.  I gave her a quizzical look because I didn’t think I had done anything for her to say that.  She pulled out a purple spray bottle and that is exactly what it said on it — Ur’ N Trouble!

She went on to tell me about this great new product for cleaning up “accidents” by our pets and I gave her that look of doubt.  I did not want to try a new product because I didn’t have much hope in it actually working.  She assured me this was a different product. I said “sure, why not”.

I am so glad I did!  Honestly, it smells good itself and it works to get the smell of urine, throw up and “poop” out of the carpet.  I simply get some paper towels and soak up all that I can, spray with Ur N Trouble and let sit for 5 minutes.  Then I pat the spot with the paper towels again & that only smells like Ur’ N Trouble’s good smell.  Finally, a product that does what it says!

You know there is nothing more embarrassing than to have friends over to your house and the smell that meets them at the door is ‘ode d’urine’.  No matter how many candles you have burning or air fresheners you have been spraying, there is still that underlying odor that just won’t go away.

Leave this embarrassment in your past and go confidently into the future with Ur’ N Trouble.  Go get that new puppy or kitten you have been putting off adopting or buying; don’t dread the strife that causes stress in your pet’s life that makes them lose control;  concentrate on the positive attributes of your pet because you now know you have help in keeping your home odor and stain free.

While dog breath is the number one odor complaint, smells emanate from pets’ skin and fur just as often and unpleasantly.  I know a lot of folks don’t put a lot of thought into the shampoos they use on pets.

A good shampoo should have a low pH level and be made primarily from natural ingredients.  Whatever the formula, it should lather up and rinse easily and never bring the animal to tears.  While the shampoo should clean the dog thoroughly, it should not dissolve the natural oils that keep the skin from drying and prevent the dog from developing allergies and other dermatological problems.

If you are using your own shampoo on your pets, you should stop!  I know economically that might seem to be a smart move but it could be harmful for your pet.  Typically, human shampoo has a higher pH level that can irritate the dog’s skin.  A bottle of dog shampoo should last for several months, as veterinarians generally recommend dogs be bathed no more than once every three or four weeks.

Wonderful Naturals Shampoos

There is a line of “Naturals” shampoos which are all plant-based.  They contain NO drying soaps, or alcohol and NO coat-stripping detergents.  Each of the line of shampoos has a pleasing fresh scent.  The products are 100% biodegradable and the container is 100% recyclable.  Plus they are made in the USA!  Now that is an amazing line of shampoos for sure.

You can start with the Extra Gentle Puppy Shampoo which is actually for puppies and kittens.   Most time we are so unsure of the product to use on our new puppy or kitten but you can use this with confidence knowing it will be gentle enough for their skin & eyes yet it will clean effectively.  The other 4 shampoos in this line for adult animals (dogs, cats, rabbits & ferrets) will meet a variety of needs.

Our little shih tzu, Meisha, has a lot of allergies.  The Oatmeal Shampoo, which relieves itchy, scaly, sensitive skin caused by allergies to food, grass, flea bites and other environmental allergens, has been ideal for her.  She has allergies to the environment just like people do; dust, grasses, weeds, etc.  Her skin becomes bright red when she is beginning an outbreak.  I wash her with this shampoo and it calms her and her skin so she is comfortable again and so am I!

Another shampoo for itchy, allergy type skins is the Tar & Aloe Medicated Shampoo which is a medicated – solubilized coal tar and natural aloe vera — to soothe itchy, inflamed skin due to hot spots, seborrhea and non-specific dermatitis.

For those dogs that encounter the skunk or just has a foul odor, use the Patented Deodorizing Shampoo.  It uses a proprietary active ingredient Ordenone which encapsulates and eliminates foul odors, including skunk spray on coat.  This one should be in your Dog First Aid Kit!

And last but not least is the 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo which is an enriched protein & cream conditioner with coconut and lanol extracts plus shea tree butter.  Now who wouldn’t want to spoil their dog with that one!!! Like humans, every dog has their own unique skin and hair type that requires a product to get them clean and stay healthy.

Use a shampoo low in pH to protect the natural oils of your loving pet and if there are other issues involved, you have more options with this line of Naturals Durvet Shampoos.

A beautiful lawn is something I really enjoy.  There is a process involved with that, believe you me, with the weed control, fertilizing and watering.  It’s worth it to me to be outside and enjoy the green grass while I play with our dogs.  Now here is the dilemma…dogs have to go to the bathroom in the grass.

We love our dogs and we love our beautiful lawn.  What do you do with the effects on the pretty green grass when your dogs do their “business”?  Actually there are a few things that work well to keep on loving your pets and having pretty green grass.

Let’s stay “natural” and clean with bio degradable dog bags to pick up any mess that your dogs leave.  You get to keep a clean lawn, you continue to help the landfills with the bio degradable bag and there are no spots in the lawn from the residue.  Check this for being pro-active for our environment and keeping your grass looking great!

You may ask, however, what about other neighbors who aren’t quite as conscientious as you are and your yard becomes the toilet of the neighborhood dogs?  The damage has been done to the grass before you realize it and there is a bare spot.  A really great quick fix is an all in one dog spot repair kit for either sun or shady areas.  You can just shake it out and water it in.

The Pennington Seed All-In-One Dog Spot Repair Kit really does work because the seed is coated with a protection against fungus and disease along with having improved water penetration. Now, you can check this as a problem solved!

The urine stains on the grass are another issue.  The best I have found is a dog treat that is specially formulated for lawn protection called Healthy Baker Lawn Protection Dog Treats.  They are natural treats with added vitamins and dl-methionine and are oven baked.  No soy, sugar or artificial flavors & colors are added.  Having one dog with a lot of allergies, I really look for this type of product for her.

I always believe you can accomplish all that you want with your pets & your home with just a little added effort.

Any time of year can be the perfect time to travel with your dog either for business or pleasure. You plot your route, make your reservations, check the sites to see, and pack your bags. Then you remember you forgot your best friend who is sitting there, tail wagging, just waiting to see what you are doing next!

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be an arduous task but there are some things you want to consider when you take them along.

1. Check hotels to make sure that a dog is acceptable to stay there.
2. Take a copy of the vet records for your dog plus dog tags for identification and proof of rabies whenever you travel with your dog.  A current picture is helpful if the dog gets away.
3. A car harness or car seat is a great item to keep your dog safe while traveling in the car. It buckles into the car seat belt holder and allows the dog to sit up or lay down during the drive.
4. Have a cargo organizer close by containing their favorite toys, treats, water bottle, blanket, etc. This you can pick up and move into the hotel/motel room when you get there to keep your dog’s belongings organized.
5. Have a travel water bottle for yourself and your dog. Your dog can go without eating for several hours but will need to be able to drink water occasionally. An easy way to provide that is with a portable water bottle for pets that is leak proof and spill proof.
6. Poop bags to keep the areas where you stop clean.  It is always nice to stop at a rest area with your dog and not have to worry about stepping in poo yourself!
7. Floor pee pads for the hotel room “just in case”.  You may have a dog that has never gone to the bathroom inside but what if there has been another dog in that room and the temptation is too great!

Your “best friend” gives you unconditional love anytime of the day or night. They love to be with you wherever you go so make it a point to get prepared for your next trip with your dog so that you both can make some terrific memories together.

So you want a great looking dog jacket for your favorite pet?  Before you pull out your credit card, consider these three mistakes that I see customers making.

Mistake #1 – Buying For the Wrong Purpose. Do you want a fashionable jacket that is just for show? Do you want a jacket for protection from the weather? Do you want a jacket that contains reflective stripes for safety? There are many to choose from and knowing whether you want something for show or snow is critical.

Mistake #2 – Not Checking the Care Instructions for the Jacket. Remember, this is a dog jacket and will need to be laundered. Does it need to be dry cleaned? Does it need to be hand washed? Can it be washed in the washing machine and then hung to dry? Look at the expense of care that is required and time expended in that care to determine which best suits your needs.

Mistake #3 – Buying the Wrong Size. This can be the most important aspect in the selection process. Some jackets will show sizes with the average dog type for that size. Others will have neck, length and girth measurements with additional tips for the “non-average” size dog. Be sure to check if the seller has a return policy if the jacket does not fit.

Rolling T Stores carries a wide variety of dog jackets which do not have to be dry cleaned. All jackets can be returned if the jacket does not fit. You can find our jackets at http://rollingtstores.com/dog-clothes.

Any time of year can be the perfect time to travel with your dog either for business or pleasure. You plot your route, make your reservations, check the sites to see, and pack your bags. Then you remember you forgot your best friend who is sitting there, tail wagging, just waiting to see what you are doing next!

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be an arduous task but there are some things you want to consider when you take them along.

1. Check hotels to make sure that a dog is acceptable to stay there. Most hotels have a policy whether it is accepting dogs, requiring a deposit for dogs or not allowing dogs at all. It is best to check online or call ahead to make sure there are no surprises when you arrive.  If you have a collapsible dog crate that your dog is use to, it helps to take it on the trip for them to sleep in the hotel room.

2. Take a copy of the vet records for your dog plus dog tags for identification and proof of rabies whenever you travel with your dog.  A current picture is helpful if the dog gets away.

3. A car harness is a great item to keep your dog safe while traveling in the car. It buckles into the car seat belt holder and allows the dog to sit up or lay down during the drive. Have a cargo organizer close by containing their favorite toys, treats, water bottle, blanket, etc. This you can pick up and move into the hotel/motel room when you get there to keep your dog’s belongings organized,.

4. Have a travel water bottle for yourself and your dog. Your dog can go without eating for several hours but will need to be able to drink water occasionally. An easy way to provide that is with a portable water bottle for pets that is leak proof and spill proof.

5. Walking harness & leash for stops along the way.  A sturdy leash and harness will keep your dog safe in strange places by keeping them close to you.  A dog can get spooked by other animals, traffic noises and people so be prepared.

6. Poop bags to keep the areas where you stop clean.  It is always nice to stop at a rest area with your dog and not have to worry about stepping in poo yourself!  The hotel/motel where you stay is another important place to use the poop bags so that they don’t have other customers complaining about the mess and then the hotel discontinues the approved pet policy.

7. Floor pee pads for the hotel room “just in case”.  You may have a dog that has never gone to the bathroom inside but what if there has been another dog in that room and the temptation is too great!  You may also have a dog that is trained to the pee pads and they can be a wonderful convenience if your dog needs a potty break before you are ready.

Your “best friend” gives you unconditional love anytime of the day or night. They love to be with you wherever you go so make it a point to get prepared for your next trip with your dog so that you both can make some terrific memories together.  Plan today for traveling with your dog and you won’t be disappointed.

In regard to traveling with pets, this collapsible dog crate helps your pet to feel safe and secure in their new surroundings.  Whether you go to your in-laws or camping, this crate will become your dog’s home away from home.  When you train a new puppy to a dog cage or crate as to where they sleep, it becomes like a safe haven or den where they feel secure.

This crate comes in Pink Camo or Green Camo.  There are 4 pockets, 2 on each side.  On 3 sides the window coverings roll up over mesh windows so your dog can see out.  The mesh door will roll up and is secured with velcro.  This comes with a matching carrying case that has 2 pockets and a handy shoulder strape.  There are 4 stakes to stake the corners of the crate if you are outside.  There is a faux sheep skin pad inside that is washable.   The outside material is like a tent and can be sponge cleaned.

Dimensions: (Pink Camo) measures  24”L x 18”W x 21”H
Medium: (Pink Camo & Green Camo) measures 31”L x 21”W x 26”H
Large: (Green Camo)  measures  38”L x 26”W x 29”H    
X-Large: (Green Camo) measures 42”L x 29”W x 34”H

You can find this at Rolling T Stores.

On a personal note, my husband & I keep our 2 Shih Tzus in our bedroom, where the doggie door to the outside is located, while we are at work so they cannot get to the rest of the house.  We have used a couple of cheap plastic pet gates that never seem to work well or last.

With my business, I have the opportunity to view several dog gates and compare prices and product styles.  This is the best dog gate around.  It is so easy to install, no tools required, and easy to change from opening to opening.  If you love to take your dogs in your car on trips, this can easily be taken with you.

It is a metal security latch gate which opens easily with one hand in both directions.  A stopper mechanism allows the gate to be propped open at a 90-degree angle for easy walk through access.

Overall dimensions are 30-35 1/2″ wide x 29″ high x 2″ deep.  The slats are only 2″ wide so a child can’t get their head stuck.  There are also extensions that add 5 1/2″ to the width of the gate and up to 3 extensions can be added to each gate.

Listen and watch the video demonstration to see just how easy and great this gate is:

If you would like to check out more on this gate, go to Rolling T Stores.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

	Just Arrived! 10 Minutes from arrival to install thx to your UTube! Wow! 5-Star!	Buyer: rowesbuds1980 ( 2378)	Dec-23-08 19:06
	DOG PET BABY PRESSURE MOUNTED GATE WHITE WIDE