Sunday, February 26, 2012

Drop It!

Hey Everyone, it’s me, Zeva!

Our friend Jim Helems and Jake came in to visit us at the Laurel Mountain Basket Co Studios the other day. Jim is a dog trainer and Jake is one of his Aussies. Jim and Jake teach lots of things including Pet Health and First Aid.

I was really surprised to learn that the ASPCA Poison Control Center received over 167,000 calls last year. That’s a lot of calls about pets getting into things that can make them very sick and even make them die. The most common calls were about pets that got into over-the-counter and prescription medicines. There are so many things around every house that are poison. Much of the stuff used to clean the house or take care of the car are poisonous. Antifreeze is really, really bad. I don’t know from experience but it’s supposed to taste sweet so dogs and cats don’t know it is bad.

Lots of household plants like Aloe and Jade and garden plants like many type of holly are very bad for dogs. We have Aloe and Jade in our house and Mom makes sure they are way out of my reach like on top of the refrigerator.

People food can be bad for pets. I know I’m not supposed to beg but I love pizza. I only get the crust, if I get anything at all, because onions and garlic are two people foods that are very bad for dogs.

Even if your humans are careful and keep all the bad poison stuff on high shelves or in cabinets, curious or bored pets can get into lots of trouble. I learned from The Preventive Vet that Mom’s purse has lots of things in it that can make me sick, like aspirin and sugarless gum with stuff called Xylitol in it. So Moms, don’t hang your purses over the back of a chair or on a door knob where we can get to them.


If you know of other stuff that is bad for us, I'd like to know cuz I want to have my house be as dog safe as we can make it.

And remember, when your human says "drop it!" you need to let go of whatever is in your mouth because it could be very bad for you.


Until next time, be safe

Your friend,

Zeva

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Gingerbread Whoofie Pies

I love my job! Like it says on my business card, I am the Product Tester for the Pet Division of Laurel Mountain Basket Co. On Saturday our friend Nancy from Cozy Home Cookies (and more) had a booth at a crafts fair in our building.  She asked me to taste test her newest dog treat, Gingerbread Whoofie Pies. 
OMG!  Delicious!  The gingerbread was soft and not too sweet and the cream cheese filling was heavenly!  Definitely worth a five paws rating.  I could have eaten the whole box in one sitting but we put one of the Whoofie Pies in the fridge and I got to sample a little piece every day to test for freshness.  I know they are supposed to be healthy but it's hard to believe healthy tastes this good.
If you live in Western Mass and want to try the Gingerbread Whoofie Pies or any of the other home made pet treats from Cozy Home Cookies, you can usually find Nancy at the Greenfield Farmers' Market or you can contact me and I'll send you her email address.
Nancy also makes the cat blankets we put into our Cat Napping Gift Baskets.
We're expecting an order of dog toys any day now from Angelica of The Smiling Pets.  She embroiders sayings on her hand made dog toys.  I'm thinking of having her embroider my name on all of the toys but Mom says that would not be nice since the toys aren't all mine.  We are buying them to add to our expanding line of pet gift baskets.   Angelica is from Maine which makes her extra special.  We like working with New England crafters.
I am constantly sniffing out great new products of our pet gift baskets so if you have any ideas, let me know.
Your Friend (a/k/a Designer and Product Tester)
Zeva

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Best In Show

Hi Everyone,
Are you ready for the greatest sporting event of the year?  No, not the Super Bowl, that's over with, to the disappointment of many New England fans.  It's the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and it starts on Monday, February 13th.  I've got my favorite cow's knuckle bone and seat on the couch all set.
Established in 1877 the Westminster is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs and it is the second longest continuously held sporting event in the United States, the longest running being the Kentucky Derby.
Although the whole show is amazing to watch, I am most interested in the Sporting Group and the Herding Group competitions since I am part Labrador Retriever and part Border Collie. Like lots of people I am  interested in learning more about my ancestry.
Did you know that the Labrador has a "kind" expression and an outgoing temperament?  We are great assistance and therapy dogs as well as search and rescue dogs.  Labs are one of most popular breeds.
Border Collies are great at herding because of the our intensity, energy and agility.  Border Collies rock in obedience and agility competitions.  We love to please but can get into lots of trouble when we get bored. So if you have a Border Collie they need lots of chew toys.  If you don't know what kind or where to get them, ask me and I can tell you.
Being a Lab and Border Collie mix I think I would be an awesome therapy dog.  Mom is going to let me go to therapy dog school but she says we are going to wait a couple of months.  She says we need to get some more basic training down first.  I get too distracted and excited and forget to listen.
The winners in the Westminster show get silver trophies. I guess trophies are nice but I think most dogs would rather get something like my Best In Show! gift basket.
Do you have a favorite group that you like to watch?  Let me know and I'll make sure I tune in to watch.
Good Luck to all of the competitors! You're all champions!
Your Friend,
 Zeva