Cat Trees and Pet Supplies

Getting that picture perfect shot of your dog isn’t easy, even for the professionals.  Since so many pet owners are having professional photographers take pictures of their dogs, we decided to ask an expert how to make the shoot a success.  Here’s what photographer Martina Miller had to say when asked:

• Exercise your dog before the photo shoot.  When you arrive, walk around the block a few times to help settle them down.  The new environment can be quite exciting for your dog, but the exercise can help tone that excitement down a little.
•  Bring a favorite toy or bone.  This can be used to get their attention and hopefully get them to look in the direction needed for a particular shot.
• If your dog sleeps in a pet bed, bring it.  If your dog calms down enough, he may lay in it because it’s familiar to him.  This could be the perfect opportunity for some great pictures, not to mention the bed makes it a little more personal.
• If possible, try to do the photo shoot on location, in their environment.  They may be more cooperative if they are in familiar surroundings.

Martina adds, “Pets are unpredictable.  I have hired trained movie animals, and they are just as hard to photograph.  You have to be very flexible and work with them.  One photo shoot that stands out was for a shoe company.  They wanted a Great Dane to wear a pair of shoes for the ad.  The photo shoot took 3 days!  Not to mention, the dog kept jumping on me and knocking me over.  I was black and blue by the time we got a shot that would work!  You just have to be patient, and work around them.” 

To view some of the animals Martina has photographed, or to see all of her work, please visit her facebook page.

If you’re looking for a pet bed for your cat, or even a small dog, look no further than the cat cuddler pet bed.  These beds are pure comfort. I really wish they made one big enough for humans.  They are made of an orthopedic grade foam structure, which provides for cushion and, I’ll say it again, pure comfort. 

The foam reminds me of memory foam mattresses that you find on sleep number beds, but with sides to make it even more cozy.  There are a variety of colors to choose from, so you can easily match your decor.  Your cat will absolutely love curling up in one of these!

Recently, I visited a company that allows it’s employees to bring their dogs to work with them.  Everyone seemed to absolutely love it.  The dogs wander around the office freely.  They have food and water dishes near their parent’s desks, and pet beds to nap in when they get tired.  There are even a couple balls floating around that the occasional passer by will pick up and throw for one of the dogs.  The dogs were loving it, morale was up in the office, moods were high, and according to a sales associate, production was up.  Why do pets have such a positive impact on us in the workplace?

• Emotional support – Dogs are very loyal animals.  They stick by your side trough thick and thin.  And they love you unconditionally.  Petting your dog actually reduces stress and lowers your blood pressure, which can be very beneficial throughout a stressful work day.
• Less worrying – Many pet owner’s worry about their dogs every day.  They’re either worried that they are alone all day, stuck in the house, or that they are locked in a crate for 8 or more hours.  If your pet is with you at work, you won’t worry what he’s doing or where he’s at.
• Save money – If you send your dog to doggie daycare, a babysitter, or a kennel during the day, odds are you have to pay a pretty penny for it.  Bringing them to work with you is free, so you can save quite a bit!

One absolutely, wonderful thought is that being able to bring dogs to work will increase pet adoption rates at shelters.  Why?  Many people admit that they would get a dog, if they didn’t have to leave them locked up in a cage for 8 hours. 

Of course, some of the companies that do allow pets in the workplace do have some rules for you to follow. 

• Your dog must not be aggressive in any way – you don’t want your dog biting anyone, or making them uncomfortable.
• Your dog must not bark nonstop – this could be very distracting and affect production levels.
• Your dog must not drool excessively – Drool doesn’t hurt anyone, but it can be very messy and unsanitary.

If you happen to work for a company that allows dogs in the workplace, let us know the pros and cons.

More and more pet owners are sending their dogs to Doggie Daycare while they are at work.  They figure, if you’re not going to leave your children home alone all day, why do it to your dog?  Since most pet owners consider their dog their child, it makes sense.

At doggie daycare, your dog gets to run around and play with other dogs.  He’ll get exercise, plenty of attention, and learn socialization skills.  If he gets tired, he can nap.  If your dog takes any medication, or has special dietary needs, the daycare will accommodate those needs.   So you see, it’s almost exactly like a children’s daycare!  However, when checking into doggie daycare online, I found that some have added extras specific to dogs.

At Doggie Daycare Center in Columbus, OH, they have a salon & spa for pooches!  They offer full grooming services for all breeds.  What’s a full grooming service?  A cut, bath, conditioning treatment, blow dry, brush out, and nail trim.  They also offer “sleepovers”.  If you are going to be out of town, your dog can sleepover and have round the clock care in a safe, familiar environment.  You just have to send with his food, any medicine he may need, favorite toys, and possibly his dog bed, blanket or a towel.  Of course, for this service they ask that your dog has already attended one day of daycare, and must pass their interview.  (All dogs must pass a behavior assessment before enrolling to ensure each dog is people/dog friendly and is not protective of water, toys or space. )
If you’re interested in finding a doggie daycare near you, check with your vet or a local pet store.  Chances are there’s one nearby.  You will most likely have to fill out an application, and your dog will need to pass an “interview” (as explained above), but your dog will definitely benefit from doggie daycare.

The dispute over whether or not dogs “need” their own dog bed is a never-ending topic.  Does your dog absolutely need their own dog bed?  Probably not, especially if we’re talking about a puppy in it’s chewing stages.  The bed will just be ripped to shreds and strewn all over the house.  As they mature, you may want to get them their own dog bed just to keep them off your furniture.  Or you may get one just for fun, to pamper your pooch.  But if you have an older or disabled dog, a dog bed may very well be a necessity.

As dogs get older, they start to slow down.  It takes them longer to climb up stairs, and to get up off the floor from a lying position.  Depending on the breed, size, and sex of your pooch, they may also be prone to hip dysplasia and/or arthritis.  In these cases, you should look into an orthopedic pet bed.

When looking for a good orthopedic pet bed, look for padding that is at least 3″ thick.  Thicker padding will help ease your dog’s aches and pains while they sleep, and being up off the floor will make standing up easier for them.  Also, keep in mind the size and weight of your dog, and where you plan to put the pet bed.  Make sure to get a pet bed they can stretch out on and sleep comfortably.  Aging for dogs is very similar to that of humans.  You can’t stop the aging process, but you can find ways to avoid the pain and still enjoy life!

Our dogs are like our children, so naturally they are on our Christmas shopping lists.  There are numerous gift ideas out there for dogs, but their own dog bed seems to be one of the most popular.  With the weather turning colder, and the holiday season upon us, a nice, warm, cozy dog bed is the perfect gift.

Dog beds come in a large variety of sizes, shapes, colors, materials, etc.  To choose one that’s right for your dog, there are many things to consider:

• What size is your dog?  Some dog beds are specifically made for smaller, “purse” dogs.  Make sure you check dimensions before buying.
• Is your dog older or disabled?  An orthopedic pet bed should be at the top of your list.
• Does your dog have any allergies?  Like humans, dogs can have allergies.  Make sure you know what the bed is made of, and filled with, before buying.
• Does your dog like to sleep curled up, or sprawled out?  This can change the size and/or shape you need to look for.
• Where are you putting the dog bed?  How much room do you have, and what shape do you need?
• Are you trying to match decor in your house?  Choose a dog bed that comes in the style and color you need to match your existing decor.

It may take your dog a little while to get used to their new bed.  Put a favorite toy, bone, or blanket in it for security.  Eventually, they’ll make it their own.

According to the ASPCA pet statistics, approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year.  Caring for animals is an expensive business. It also requires a great deal of time, space, and involvement, and these things are not always available for every animal.

Many Animal Shelters are usually privately funded and can do with all the help they can get from the local community. If there is an Animal Shelter in your area, you can consider making a donation or, if they allow it, volunteering your time.  Check with the shelter to see what items they are in need of most. 

For the most part, most shelters need:

• Financial Support- as stated above, it’s a very expensive business
• Litter and litter boxes
• Break-away cat collars and dog collars
• Food-Many of the animals dropped off or found are malnourished and in need of a good meal. 
• Flea treatments
• Toys and Treats- the best way to socialize rescue animals is through play.
• Cleaning supplies (Bleach, towels, trash bags, newspapers,plastic bags, laundry detergent,etc)
• Pet houses, pet beds, and pet cages and crates- If an animal needs to be confined due to an illness then a pet cage or crate is necessary. Pet carriers are also high in demand.
• stand alone scratching posts
• and of course, people willing to adopt

Anything you can do is a big help.  New shelters are going up every day, but they’re filling up immediately and need all the help they can get.

Give your pets somewhere warm and comfortable to relax this holiday season.  Since cats and dogs sleep up to 14 hours a day, they will appreciate their own cozy pet bed.  Sure, they would prefer to sleep right next to you in your bed, but this is not always feasible or practical. Your pet needs a spot to retreat, and relax, somewhere soft and comfortable to call his own.

Pet beds come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.  Once you’ve chosen a size, think about how your pet sleeps.  Does he curl up?  Sprawl out?  This can help you decide what shape of pet bed to buy.   Then, decide which room you want to put the bed in.  Choose a color to match your decour.  Smaller dogs can even use a cat cuddler!

Make this Christmas memorable for your pets, and get them their own cozy pet bed!

• Since food and water bowls are on display all the time, use bowls that work with the colors in the room and coordinate with a placemat.
• Dog and cat toys usually end up scattered all over the backyard and in the house.  Try an indoor plastic bin with a lid to keep them all in 1 place.  You can store balls and outside toys in a drawstring bag and hang the bag, next to their leash, on a hook near the door for easy access.
• Keep your furniture hair-free by getting your pets a pet bed.  There are many different sizes and shapes to fit in any room.  You can even match your decor.
• Place an oversized ridged mat beneath your cats litterbox to help trap loose litter.

These simple “Spring Cleaning” ideas will help spruce up your home and de-clutter small spaces.

When you’re shopping for a new pet bed, there are a couple of tips and pointers to remember. Most importantly, always keep your pet in mind. Determine how big they are going to get and purchase a bed that will fit the maximum size. If you purchase a bed that will just fit a kitten or a young cat, they’re sure to soon grow out of it. Your pet’s comfort is paramount, so pet beds must fit the pet properly.

Also make sure the bed is easy to wash. Especially if your pet is an outdoor animal, they can drag in all kinds of dirt and leaves, which will end up on the pet bed. Find a machine washable version if possible. And if your pet has any kind of medical issue, ensure that the pet bed accommodates. Older dogs, in particular, have a tendency to suffer from arthritis, and their bed should be comfortable enough to offer relief from any resulting symptoms.