Don’t have one? Pick up a waterproof plastic box, and stock it with these essentials:
1. Vital Stats — Write down your dog’s name, breed, and date of birth; any medical conditions and allergies he has; and any medications he’s taking (including doses). If he’s been micro-chipped, jot down the number. Also include your home address and phone number; your vet’s name and phone number; and your emergency vet clinic’s phone number. Include this information in your kit. It is a good idea to put it in a zip lock bag.

I have our dog Guinness’ information in this handy book. Not only is it good in an emergency kit. It helps when he has to be boarded or if we travel. These booklets are airline approved.

2. Important Records — Make photocopies of important health records, including vaccinations, and seal them in a plastic bag inside your kit.

3. Basic Supplies — Fill the rest of your kit with alcohol wipes, gauze, cotton balls, nonstick bandages, hydrogen peroxide, scissors, adhesive tape, cotton swabs, tweezers, an eyedropper, hand sanitizer or soap, a digital thermometer, a pair of latex gloves, and a tube of both topical first-aid cream and antibiotic ointment.

A wide range of first aid kits are available at Brown Dog Treasures. There are specialized kits for small dogs, large dogs, active dogs, field kits for hunting dogs as well as a feline kit for our beloved kitties!

Also, look into taking a pet first-aid class. After all, learning how to handle accidents is the best way to help your dog stay safe.

Here are some resources:

• American Red Cross of Greater NY
• Long Island Rescue Services
• Austin Pets First Aid
• Canine First Aid
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Canine First Aid Training

As many of you may already know our specialty web site Fenway Dog opened early this year. Shortly after pitcher and catchers reported to spring training down in Ft Meyers, we added a fan page. It included some video footage of the Red Sox nation in Ft. Meyers, as well as some links related to travel, restaurants, sports bars and other fan centered information.

We also decided to make our 2004 and 2007 World Series Champion Commemorative Dog Tees available at tremendous markdowns (before they are all gone), along with some video replays of the greatest moments in Red Sox history.

That’s when all heck broke loose! We were so overwhelmed with the demand for Red Sox dog items that we promply ran out of inventory!  With Opening Day upon us that was just not acceptable!

I am happy to say that Fenway Dog (and Brown Dog Treasures where all items in our catalogue are available) are completely stocked with everything a Sox fan (and their dog) could want for the coming season.

Stop by and visit and Yankee fans…don’t get mad your blog and fan pages are on the way.

Have you ever heard of the “applehead” Chihuahua’s? The applehead chihuahua is another “breed type” based on a diseased characteristic. Want to find out more? Read her post…

Back in January the BBC aired an expose on the cruelty that can be involved in breeding that “best in breed” show dog. I must say I am startled at the accusations.

For instance did you know that 1/3 of all  Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (a truly beautiful breed that I have always admired) suffers  from a condition called Syringomyelia? This is a condition caused by the brain being too large for the skull cavity. Apparently these dogs are bred to have a certain size head to qualify for competition!

Did you know that the ridge on the back of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is actuallya mild form of spina bifida? Puppies that are not born with this ridge (in other words healthy puppies) are “culled”.  When I read the word “culled” I was shocked. As a gardener I know culling to mean thinning out seedlings by pulling and discarding them so that the stronger seedlings can grow. I shudder to think what that means to these breeders.

I have long enjoyed watching dog shows and admiring the different breeds, but after hearing about some of these breeding practices, I am not so sure that I will participate anymore.

If you want to read more about the BBC special and the resulting changes that will take place within the British Kennel Club here is the link to the full article.

Here are some highlights of the proposed changes in breed standards:

Bulldog- less of a jowl, no upturn on the nose and the front legs would no longer be wider than the rear legs. (The upturned nose is thought to case severe breathing problems and the wide front legs cause mobility problems and painful conditions as the dog ages.)

Shar Pei- will loose many thick folds of skin on the head, chest and legs. (The folds of skin cause severe skin reactions and fungal infection.)

Pekingese- longer muzzles. (I was revealed that the 2003 Champion Pekingese had to be sat on an ice pillow during the photo shoot. The muzzle is so flattened that the dog is unable to breathe well enough to control its body temperature properly. Despite this fact the dog has sired 18 litters, after all this is champion show stock!)

As an owner of an AKC registered dog, I am really disturbed. I would like to hear from other dog owners and responsible breeders to hear what they have to say.

It has come to my attention recently that there are countless numbers of older dogs in our shelters that have little or no hope of adoption. The “lucky ones” in no kill shelters will live out the remainder of their lives in a shelter. No matter how caring the shelter staff is it can not take the place of having the comfort of home and humans to care for them. Many spend their last days lonely and frightened. The majority of senior dogs residing in kill shelters are truly on death row.

How do so many seniors end up in this situation? It is not always because of carelessness or disregard of their human caregivers. Some animals have elderly owners who have passed away or have become too ill to care for them.

Yet others are literally discarded by their owners because they decided they didn’t have enough time for them, have children with allergies, or have a new spouse or boyfriend that dislikes the dog. In more recent times foreclosures and other serious financial problems are causing people to abandon their senior animals, many who now need daily medication or other care the owners perceive as too costly.

Now I didn’t write this article to bring everyone down! I want to let you know that there are wonderful dogs out there just waiting for you. Most of us think in terms of a puppy or young dog when we think of adoption. I just wanted my readers to stop and think for a moment on how wonderful it might be to bring a senior dog into your life.

The first benefit that comes to my mind when considering adoption of a senior dog is the fact that they are already house trained. Good news for you and your new carpeting! But I ran across this article by the Senior Dog Project. It is available as a downloadable pdf file entitled the Top 10 Reasons for Adopting a Senior Dog.

And just remember…one of the best ways to help a senior dog is to call your local kill shelter and ask them if they have any senior dogs available. Many shelters don’t even bother to put them up for adoption.
Have any of you adopted a senior dog? Please tell us your story.

More resources:

• Top 10 Most Important Tips for Keeping Your Older Dog Healthy
• Old Dog Haven
• Senior Dog Rescue
• The Sactuary for Senior Dogs

Stump, a 10 year old Sussex Spaniel took Westminster! In Westminster’s 133 year history, Stump is the oldest dog ever to have claimed the “Best in Show” title.

Stump’s story is one of the greatest come-back stories of all time! Stump retired from the show ring in 2004 at the age of five after having won “Best in Sporting Group” at Westminster.

Shortly after he was stricken with a mysteriuos illness. He began wasting away and his body systems began to fail.  He was near death when he was finally arrived at the vetrinary hospital at Texas A&M. After 19 days, and near death, it was discovered that he had a rare bacterial infection.

During his long recovery, no thought was ever given to his returning to the show ring. Not only did Stump make a complete and total recovery, he showed a vitality and spirit that few dogs his age are capable of.

Five days before the show, expert handler, Scott Sommer thought that Stump might enjoy one last walk on the green carpet at the Garden. I for one, am truly greatful that Stump made his appearance!

You see, this morning I woke up to face yet another birthday. I must admit that I was feeling that my “Best in Show” days were suely all behind me. But then I though of Stump. I stretched my old bones and took my 11 year old Guinness for a walk. I think we both held our heads a little higher and walked a little more briskly today. May our “Best in Show” days are still ahead of us!

Here is how the give away works:

Just purchase $25 or more of your favorite team merchandise and you will automatically receive a free gift of your choice. (While supplies last!)

• A $25 Yankees purchase will qualify you for your choice of a bandanna, a cap or a 10″ plush toy.
• A $25 Red Sox purchase will qualify you for a bandanna, a cap or a 10″ plush toy.
• A $25 Cubs purchase will qualify you for a bandanna, a cap or a 10″ plush toy.
• A $25 Braves purchase will qualify you for a free bandanna or cap.
• A $25 Cardinals purchase will qualify you for a free bandanna, cap or 10″ plush toy.
• A $25 Dodgers purchase will qualify you for a free bandanna or cap.
• A $25 Giants purchase will qualify you for a free bandanna.
• A $25 Indians purchase will qualify you for a free bandanna.
• A $25 Mets purchase will qualify you for a free bandanna, cap or 10″ plush toy.
• A $25 Tigers purchase will qualify you for a free bandanna.
• A $25 White Sox purchase will qualify you for a free bandanna.

After making a qualifying purchase between now and April 1st, you will receive an email giving you a choice of product and size.

Okay, that’s the scoop. Now go shopping!

1. 1. Never let your dog off leash in snow or ice, especially during a snow storm. While it might seem like a fun thing to do, keep in mind that dogs can loose their scent quite easily in the cold and snow. If they wander a bit too far, they may not be able to find their way back.

2. Make sure to thoroughly wash your dogs paws, legs and underbelly after coming in from the snow or sleet. Salt, de-icing chemicals and antifreeze is often mixed in with the snow and slush. Your dog may then lick his paws and become sickened or worse. Not to mention bringing those chemical into your home is not a good thing for you either!

3. Check your dog’s paw pads for ice balls. These can become embedded and are quite painful until they melt.

4. Never shave your dog down in winter! Infact I can never understand why people would shave thier dog in any weather!

5. Never let your dog out after a bath unless he is completely dry. I wait several hours before letting my dog out after a bath. I also try to avoid bathing at all on the coldest of days.

6. If you own a short-haired breed please consider getting him a coat or sweater. Many breeds are sensitive to the cold and winter outerwear is a must!

7. NEVER leave your dog alone in the car during winter. Although many people are aware of the dangers of dogs overheating in a locked vehicle during the summer months, they fail to realize that an unheated car quickly becomes a refrigerator in winter.

8. Please keep in mind that puppies and senior dogs are often more at risk than others dogs during the cold weather. Puppies, just like babies may be unable to regulate their body temperatures as well as a mature dog. Most senior dogs like senior humans suffer from osteoarthritis and the cold weather can really increase discomfort.

9. If you and your dog are very active in cold weather and enjoy outside activities make sure to increase your dog’s protein intake during the winter months. Extra protein intake is essential for keeping your dog’s coat thick and healthy, His best protection from the cold.

10. Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep, off the cold floors and away from drafts. A cozy dog bed or soft blanket would be best.

Cats often do not like their usual routine disrupted in any way. That includes holiday guests and their children! If your cat is not one to socialize, don’t force it upon them on the holiday. Many kitties are quite happy sitting out the holiday in a quiet room.

Another danger for cats during the holidays is accidentally being let out by company or overnight guests. Make sure your guest’s know the rules and do not leave doors open.

And just like with dogs, rich holiday food can be harmful to your cat. Stick to the usual fare and perhaps add a little extra of something that you know your cat likes and tolerates well. Make sure your guests know that they should not feed your cat table scraps. Be particularly careful with chocolate.

For both cats and dogs—DO NOT give them turkey bones! These splinter and can cause severe damage to your pet. As dogs and cats have often been known to raid the garbage be particularly careful with the disposal of the turkey carcass.

Visit the Brown Dog Treasures Cat Department!

Ever since our Vote Obama ‘08 shirts sold out we have been getting daily requests for a new Obama shirt. I am so glad we were able to make this shirt available to you this quickly!

Show your support for our new President-Elect Barack Obama with these new T-shirts  and Hoodies. Enjoy!